Finished and unfinished kitchen: Energy efficient recessed cans - 3 zones, right, rear, and left; island pendant light; small halogen bulbs in Viking range hood - very functional kitchen layout into zones as described in "The Owner-Builder's Handbook"

Finished kitchen

Pull/roll out shelving in island and all base cabinets.  Kitchen design maximizes views out two directions so there are only hanging cabinets on one wall/fridge area.

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Counter top height is custom 38"high and 34" deep + window sill depth of 18" for plenty of work space.  Notice counter top and sill heights are the same to maximize the open feel and views.

In progress before appliances and before epoxy sealant on concrete;  Bees' wax sealants may also be used, but are porous so bacteria can build.  Epoxy prevents coffee, red wine, and other stains and is a sanitary surface.

After 2 coats of lime plaster on kitchen walls, American Clay wall finish was applied in 2 coats. 

Mexican Talevera tile for island in a custom pattern planned on graph paper to scale.

German brand Blanco sink and faucet -well made and functional; sink is 12" deep, + 2" counter top depth so big pots fit under spigot with no problem.

A view to the backyard/garden from kitchen sink area.  The chef always has a nice view.

Garbage and compost bins below vegetable chopping area.  The chef doesn't let her knives touch the concrete - maple cutting boards are used for chopping.

Bottle drawer pull out to immediate left of range top for practical use.

Spice drawer insert/pullout to immediate right of range top and below baking preparation area.

Forms in place for concrete counter tops - no appliances in yet - a rough kitchen.

Pencil rebar for concrete counter tops - Rob Pogoda (husband) doing the installation.

We hired ZERO help to build our entire home.

Rob hand troweling the wet concrete.  We used a mix, but added our own colorant: left over American Clay wall color added to concrete mix to make an off-white, natural stone appearance - 2-3 tablespoons per mix.