A Guide to the Best of Southern California : DESIGN : Kitchen Helper

“Ninety-five percent of all kitchens built look beautiful, but you can’t cook in them,” says Don Silvers, chef-turned-kitchen designer. According to Silvers, undersized counters and appliances limit menus, create more work and force people to use their ovens. In response, Silvers traded spatula for drafting pen.

Among his trademarks are separate sinks for preparation and cleanup, and extra counter space. Clients are involved throughout the design process, from watching him cook in his own gourmet kitchen to completing a cooking survey to shopping with Silvers for appliances, cabinetry, counters and flooring. To celebrate a new kitchen, the designer helps cater a dinner party for eight to 12 guests.

Silvers loves beautiful spaces, but his mission goes beyond the aesthetic: “I don’t stint the ambience, but my priorities are construction, flow patterns and appliances. I make sure that form follows function.”

Kitchens by Design. By appointment only. (213) 934-4761.