Natural Home’s Kitchen of the Year Kitchen Bliss
(Page 2 of 2)
September/October 2003
By Jennifer Wilson
Two unusual accents give this kitchen the mark of the Eichlers’ earthy sensibilities. The “door of truth” (an opening constructed to show the straw inside the walls) was crafted by friend and local woodworker Matt Kirby, whose whimsical artwork seems straight from a medieval fairytale. Kirby created a maple and cherry frame and carved Veritas—Latin for “truth”—over the lintel. The little door leading into the straw is set into the wall like a piece of art.
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Another friend and local artist, Laura Ramberg, created a lively tile mural that started as a sink backsplash and expanded to cover portions of two walls, including the area behind the stove. To depict prairie life in the kitchen, Ramberg handcrafted tiles with plants, leaves, bark, frogs, and a hawk’s feather.
A separate project—tiling the kitchen counters—elicits some words to the wise from Monika. Eager to do some of the work, the couple laid the tile themselves, later regretting their decision because they’re all too conscious of the uneven spots around the edges. “Even though it saved us money in the short term, it will probably cost us more to get it fixed,” says Monika.
Aside from the counters, though, the couple wouldn’t change a thing about their kitchen. They believe that’s because they took time to plan and dream. “Before creating your kitchen, think about what you would like to see and feel around you as you sit at the counter or cut up your veggies,” advises Monika.
The Eichlers especially love the kitchen’s maple island, which has become the room’s touchstone and sometimes even the center of family life. “You can sit at the island while someone is preparing a meal, look onto the beautiful prairie landscape, and still be an integral part of the cooking experience close by,” says Monika. “We often use the counter instead of the dining room table to eat our famous Sunday morning brunches. It feels much cozier to eat in our kitchen. I wouldn’t describe it as stunning. Rather, perfectly blissful.”
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