An expansive, family style kitchen was not part of the interior plan of the 1760 Pennsylvania farmhouse that Jerry Bertiger and Carin Carlson bought several years ago, but that was the type of space they wanted. "We realized that for us, the best kind of kitchen was one where the guests would be with us, having their hors d’oeuvres while we cook." We added an addition, which was created by Peter Cardomone, owner and designer of Blue Bell Kitchens.

The new room has a casual farmhouse flavor that blends seamlessly with the older parts of the house. Its emotional center is an 18^th century style fireplace that lies just steps away from the efficient food preparation area.

"People love our kitchen," says Bertiger, "and the compliment we hear most is that it doesn’t look like an addition. It looks like it has always been here." This timeless warmth is a big draw for family and friends, who enjoy both the sociable atmosphere and Bertiger’s matchless meals. Their families are scattered all over the country and they often converge on the farmhouse for the holidays. Much of the time is spent in the kitchen.