When Donna Venegas bought her 1960s-era house, the original kitchen was cramped, closed off, painted bright yellow, and steeped in “Formica fabulousness,” says Venegas, who lives in the Newton home with her husband, Steve Kenniston. Now, however, along one wall of the family room addition, a spacious wet bar also acts as a buffet, providing storage for glassware and serving pieces as well as counter space.

Because the couple are avid cooks and frequent hosts, the kitchen needed an easy flow. The wall ovens are located next to the refrigerator, and to make the area feel fluid and balanced, Venegas clad the surrounding cabinetry in stainless steel.

Instead of an island, the kitchen has a movable table with stools that can tuck underneath and out of the way.