Divine Design: Bringing midcentury modern up to date

THE PROBLEM Midcentury modern kitchen had awkward layout, tiny oven, antiquated fridge.

THE SOLUTION Dropkick the kitchen into the current decade by opening up the cramped space.

HOW IT HAPPENED • Knocked down walls to open kitchen up to living, dining areas.

• Added windows and glass doors for full view of the back yard.

• Sectioned the space into a kitchen and dining area that flow into each other, blend into adjacent living room.

• Created a flow of white quartz kitchen counters, zebrawood cabinetry and windows along back wall.

• Maximized outdoor view by using few upper cabinets; put appliances below the counters, including the microwave.

• Constructed bar with marble counter, cabinetry, wine fridge and coffeemaker.

BEST TRICK Delineated the double-duty kitchen island: Used black marble surface in food-prep/cooking area of island; designed the other half for eating and entertaining with a higher white quartz countertop and funky bar stools.

Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service. Interior decorator Candice Olson hosts "Divine Design" Saturdays at 7 p.m. on HGTV. Resource guide at www.divinedesign.tv. See episode #1512.