The annual Parenthesis Kitchen Walk , which showcases ten kitchens in Oak Park/River Forest, is always a great source of inspiration. This year, as I was editing a story about ditching islands for kitchen tables for a more social space, I saw a large kitchen with both island and table. I also loved the white-fabric-shaded pendants in this kitchen, designed by Jean Stoffer, as well as the dramatic, mod tile behind the stove. In the kitchen designed by Rebekah Zaveloff of Kitchen Lab, custom chalkboard fronts were made for the refrigerator—a testament to the kid-friendly nature of this kitchen. The subway tile with dark grout, granite counters, and farm sink are classics. The tour benefits the Parenthesis Family Center. Look for it next spring.

—JAN PARR