Ellin Rosenthal makes breakfast in the long kitchen of her house on January 21, 2008, which won the 2006 Architect's Choice Award. The doors on the right open up completely along one side of the backyard, taking the kitchen into the outdoors. Her husband, Ron Faleide, behind her, is also the architect of the Washington Park house. Layered colors of stain on the custom mahogany cabinets resulted in a rich red tone with lots of depth that brings out the flame pattern of the grain. Generous pantry space eliminates the need for upper cabinets ñ the result is a more open, airy kitchen. The countertops are stainless steel and white plastic laminate. (ELLEN JASKOL/ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS)