A well-functioning family home needs formal and informal spaces. This renovation ensured it had both. Formal spaces feature elegant dark oak flooring and are more traditionally segregated unto themselves. But we opened up the kitchen, breakfast area and family room to each other, creating more relaxed flow, then deployed blonder wide-plank oak flooring throughout to lighten the mood. The kitchen was totally redesigned with white cabinetry and subway tile, Cristallo Quartzite counters, a custom steel hood with industrial-style antique brass bands and rivets, and blue accents that tie it to other spaces. Formal and informal areas remain distinct, but of a piece thanks to the consistent palette.