A dark, cramped kitchen cut off from the main living and dining spaces, was opened up by removing a wall and raising the ceiling height over the dining area.   A slim profile gas fireplace warmed up a formerly bare wall.  A custom sized table was brought in to host frequent dinners with family and friends, and the large island invites guests to interact with the chefs.  The dining room pendants were discovered by the clients while traveling abroad, and now play a starring role.  When illuminated, they appear to be champagne-colored, but are silver when the lights are off.  The dimensional porcelain tile behind the range was the inspiration for the entire design, and is easy to clean and looks fantastic.  A new hood that vents to the outside of the building replaced a smaller, older hood that vented directly into the room.