"Adjacent to the kitchen is a comfortable place to relax. The kitchen occupies one end of this room; the rest is devoted to family space, shown here. It has several seating areas:

• A banquette and table provide space for casual meals or homework.
• A soft orange corduroy sectional sofa injects color. "It balances the darker earth tones used in the kitchen with a natural playfulness," Fredman says. (The island's barstools and other seats pick up the color, too.) Add the fireplace and built-in television complemented by practical built-in cabinetry, and the room becomes an inviting space in which the rest of the family can keep the cook (or cooks) company.

Banquette Table: Designed by Susan Fredman & Associates, made by Legacy Woodwork; Sofa: Robert Allen Madison Sectional as designed by Susan Fredman & Associates; Sofa Fabric: Robert Allen, Pennington; Sofa Large Pillow Fabric: Robert Allen, Star Search; Sofa Accent Pillow: Primo Interiors; Sofa Accent Fabrics: Robert Allen, Trimmel; Coffee Table: CAI-Chicago, Aged Teak, Capinas X Bench; Rug: Oscar Osberian, India Gabbeg; Window Treatments: Primo Interiors; Drapery Fabric: Robert Allen, Baraboo; Drapery Banding: Robert Allen, Acorn Comfort Suede; Drapery Hardware: Brimar, Signature Series, Grey Stone; Woven Shades: Roseland Draperies; Tika Jars: Primitive, Red and Orange; Accessories: Susan Fredman's At Home With Nature; Barstools and Desk Chair: Susan Fredman & Associates; Other Accessories: CAI-Chicago