When Dr. Richard and Judy Baise built their two-story Southern-traditional Beneva Oaks home in 1984, Cook's Custom Cabinetry designed and installed the kitchen. That was four young grandchildren ago. Recently, responding to their expanded family and growing entertaining needs, the couple asked owner Ron Cook and his wife/business partner, Margaret, to whip up a bigger, more luxurious kitchen.

The designers doubled the kitchen, added a walk-in pantry, wine room with custom wrought-iron swing doors, and mud room from the garage entrance, as well as giving the homeowners both a breakfast area and a spacious, informal dining section. Both overlook a brick patio and lush walled courtyard garden.

"Judy wanted unobstructed views from the kitchen to the family room and to the outside, so there are no hanging cabinets over the islands and no range hood," he continues. "The vent system automatically rises from the back of the stove when needed. We also included two sinks in separate prep areas, refrigerator drawers, better ceiling and counter lighting and even added a desk area. This kitchen is big, but every inch of it gets used every day."

Turkish area rugs help define spaces, add warmth to the glazed Mexican-tiled floor and reinforce the color scheme.

The solid cherry Barcelona cabinetry by WoodMode has a mellow finish and raised panel design. Corbels, turned legs and cabinet carving add a French profile.

Seeded glass cabinet doors lend a vintage look and give the homeowners space to display family antiques and objects collected on their travels.

The Ethan Allen table expands to seat 20 and harmonizes with the home's traditional-eclectic furniture.

Granite countertops, called Uranda Gold, are from Brazil; the polished surface treatment was added in a specialty workshop in Wisconsin.

Interior designers encourage the use of fine art in the kitchen as a way to incorporate graciousness and color.

Two smaller chandeliers are better than one large one to enhance lighting and provide a necessary sense of balance when the table is extended to its full length.