The kitchen is often thought of as the heart of the home where everyone loves to gather. Keep family and guests out of the cooking area by adding a stylish and functional beverage center. Whether entertaining guests, hosting a dinner party or simply trying to run through the family’s morning routine, a beverage center can enhance the functionality of the space.

one: Bar, by Beck/Allen Cabinetry. Photography by Alise O’Brien.

two: Anne Marie Design Studio.

After 70 years as a worldwide leader in commercial refrigeration, True Manufacturing is warming up to residential consumers in a big way. The O’Fallon-based company, which manufactures locally and sells commercial refrigerators and freezers to over 95 countries, now is being welcomed into private homes worldwide.

Flying into Seattle was just the beginning of a decompressing vacation. Looking for a little getaway from the demands of everyday life, I was about to find out what the state of Washington had to offer beyond the cosmopolitan city of Seattle and her fabulous wineries.

After finding the perfect place to call home, Nick and Olga Mandis quickly realized that their nonfunctional kitchen would need to undergo a floor-to-ceiling renovation to echo the welcoming warmth and historic beauty of their Mediterranean heritage. The cozy 195-square-foot entertaining space now brings the growing family together and boasts exquisite detail inspired by the couple’s Greek roots.

For our January/February kitchen issue, we asked local design professionals if subway tile in the kitchen is a classic or a craze. Here’s what they had to say

Elevate the style and seating availability in a room with an accent chair. Meant to complement the existing furnishings, accent chairs come in a variety of designs.

17th C. French upholstered wing chair, available at Restoration Hardware.

Phidias chair, available at Savvy Surrounding Style.

Becket chair, available at Dau Neu.

Singular armchair in terracotta, available at Savvy Surrounding Style.