In the kitchen, built-ins abound — a built-in wine rack, built-in swivel shelf for a television, built-in desk and shelf. A so-called "appliance garage" slides down to hide the appliances one usually leaves on the counter.

Popular interpretations of Eurostyle cabinetry — including high-gloss lacquer, laminates with wood trim and, in the last five years, black or white appliances and granite countertops — have become integral to the package. Hidden bonuses: slide-out shelves, built-out sink fronts, under-sink baskets, slots for utensils, appliance "garages," built-in spice racks, rollout lazy Susans and pantries.

Across from the sink wall, Fliss sacrificed a countertop to put in a pull-out pantry and a broom closet. Opposite the door leading to the dining room, a pull-out counter replaces the space sacrificed to the pantry and broom closet. Above that pull-out space is a drawer and a tambour door obscuring water is called an appliance garage — a place on the countertop to store all those electrical appliances when not in use.