With issues of global warming, increased use of green products, and an overall trend of environmentally-friendly thinking taking over, two Arizona homeowners decided to spruce up their space with the earth in mind.

Designer Adrienne Gamba's first step in marrying modern design with traditional adobe architecture was to apply a color palette of bold, warm tones with cool green accents. Step two -- integrate environmentally-safe products into the space.

To cover the satillo tile floor -- and avoid landfill waste -- Gamba poured colored concrete in the kitchen, as well as in the home's remaining rooms. Working her way up, Richlite -- or pressed recycled paper -- was used to cover the back splash and replace the old counter tops. Because of the absence of a dining room, Gamba removed the half wall in the kitchen and installed a yellow dining bar constructed from 3-form, also made of recycled paper.

The hood over the stove was removed to allow for skylights, as well as maximize the space for upper storage and cabinetry. Alder, a wood local to Tucson, was used throughout the kitchen. To give the space an updated look without forsaking functionality, a rail system with movable partitions, also made from recycled paper, was installed to serve as cabinet doors.

Gamba continued the bright, cheerful palett...

What was the inspiration for this makeover?

Modern Country -- a simple kitchen with expressive materials and detailed in functionality for today's lifestyle.

What type of vibe did the homeowners envision in this space?

This is an active kitchen! The mood is meant to be casual with the focus on family entertaining and intimate weekend breakfasts with a view of the ocean through the windows.

How difficult was it to incorporate all elements of a high-end, functioning kitchen in a galley space?

We worked magic to place the items in a way that married form and function. At the very beginning we discussed that the downfall of most modern kitchens is the over abundance of cabinetry with a complete lack of focus on aesthetics and style! It was eye opening for our clients, who understood perfectly after a few visual references. We promised to incorporate the majority of their must haves -- extra counter space, wall ovens, electric cooktop, a large sink and easily maintained finishes -- while delivering solid design that infused the kitchen with a spirited representation of their personal style. The result was as revealing about them as it was concealing of all the items hidden behind doors.

What type of flooring was used and what were the additional must-haves?

We used cork flooring from Expanko and custom palm wood beams made of Plyboo. The 'must-haves' were extra counter space, abundant cabinet space with roll outs and easy access, wall ovens, electric cooktop, a large sink and easily maintained finishes.

What space-saving techniques were used...

When homeowners in Saddle River, NJ decided to sell their 10,000 sq ft home they offered its use as a show-house to benefit the Cancer Research Center at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey.

With only four weeks until the opening, Diane Paparo and Associates took on the 25' x 60' kitchen and breakfast area. Her mission: to transform the dark and traditional space into a colorful and contemporary gathering place.

To brighten the existing dark green countertops the backsplash was concealed with slightly mirrored silk glass to reflect light. The dark bronze cabinet handles were replaced with chrome to match the brushed stainless appearance of the backsplash. To break up the base cabinets, countertop, and wall cabinets, and to reflect light from the opposite wall's six windows, Paparo covered the larger backsplash with a wavy lime lacquered panel.

Seeking to add contrast to the room and break up the large blocks of wooden cabinetry, Paparo covered the pantry doors with three custom-made curvaceous cream lacquered panels. The walls of the butler's pantry, located to the left of the panels and lined with dark cabinetry, were highlighted with high sheen pistachio Venetian plaster.

Adding character and warmth through color, the walls were covered with tangerine paint and hand-stenciled with seafoam green luster stone. The wall opposite the pantry holds the kitchen's high-end stove, range, and hood, and is accented with a seafoam green painting.

The exterior wall of the kitchen houses six full-length windows overlooking the pool and landscape, bathing the breakfast area in natural light. A cream sofa lines the window for additional seating. At the center lies a wool and silk area rug beneath the Luna table from ...