I recently re-modelled our kitchenette, which is in the lower level of our “raised ranch”. Our house was built in the mid 70s, was definity dated, but also in need of new components such as a sink, cooktop, dishwasher, etc. We use the kitchenette mainly for entertaining, and canning tomatoes in the fall. I built the cabinets in my shop from Plain Sawn Cherry MDF, and finished them with Valspar Conversion Varnish. One of the design issues I wanted to change was traffic flow. The space is very limited (galley sized) 6′-8″ X 13′-0″, and it was basically a one person space. I am including in my 5 pictures a before photo and it is very obvious the flow issue. Counter space is always at a premium in a kitchen, so I made certain to create more by eliminating a so called “bar”, on one side and extend the counter on the other side. There was also a shallow counter at the sliding window which I also eliminated. One other issue I wanted to correct was when cooking down tomatoes, splatter happens. So I ordered and installed custom made quilted stainless steel wall splashes. Not only is this functional, but it also looks great. I installed an engineered hickory hardwood floor, and built the sub-strate from an article I read in Fine Homebuilding issue number 169. The existing sub-strate was similar to the one in the article, only not quite as solid. I put the new engineered floor on the whole downstairs level which is approximately 1200 square feet. I used engineered flooring because the concrete slab is at grade and in some areas below grade. The expanded polystyrene insulation is great because it breathes, and does not allow any wood to come in contact with the concrete. Creates a very “warm” floor.