There’s a reason why everyone ends up in the kitchen during a party—it’s the heart of a home. Whether contemporary or country, that perfect Aspen retreat calls for a kitchen that marries style and function. These two properties, each with a distinct design, perfectly balance inspiration and entertainment.
Interior designer: Chris Powell, Studio 133 Interior Design
Most outstanding feature: Feature-loaded kitchen, separate catering kitchen and pantry, sitting area with fi replace, outdoor patio with summer kitchen provisions, second-to-none views
Party pleaser: An open floor plan lets space flow freely from room to room. It also allows conversion with stand-alone, formal areas within seconds in a way that doesn’t compromise their function.
Can’t live without: Separate catering kitchen
Most bang for your buck: Stone countertops, new plumbing, professionallooking appliances and new cabinets
The 411: 151 Nighthawk Lane. Chuck Frias, Frias Properties of Aspen, 970-429-2411; nighthawkaspen.com
Interior designer: Ana Ferrara
Most outstanding features: Windows on three sides and two Dutch doors, all with forest and mountain views
Party pleaser: Open floor plan with stepaway sitting area
Can’t live without: The custom built-in hutch, which replaces overhead cabinets; efficient center island with knife block, baking storage and spice storage
When renovating a kitchen for resale, most bang for your buck: New appliances
The 411: 983 Moore Dr. Chris Flynn, Aspen Associates Realty Group LLC, 970-618-5267; aa-rg.com
