This once dated, 1950s kitchen was a small, cramped warren of rooms.

A few years ago a fire destroyed part of the home, and so the owners embarked on an ambitious program to open up the kitchen and add new seating, storage and light for a complete updating.

Ash Taupe was a classic choice, a color that goes well with a home that requires modern appliances but does not want to be starkly modern. The traditional, the comfortable and the familiar were the goal for this remodeling.

Wide plank floors in a lighter wood color bring a contemporary rusticity to the space, while granite countertops, in two shades, add character and solidity to the design. Easy to maintain glass tile blends in well with the taupe cabinets.