Before they moved into their 1894 Glen Ridge, New Jersey, home several years ago, the Blank family had put up with a kitchen so small it barely qualified as a room. “Only two of us could ever be in there at once,” says Megan, “usually Ryan doing the cooking, and me following him and clearing away the mess!” When they redid the kitchen in their new place, they were after roominess and functionality, though they didn’t want a space that took itself too seriously. Working with designer Diana Weinstein, the couple snagged about 100 square feet from a laundry room that got kicked upstairs. They put in an enormous island and two sinks — one for prep, the other for cleaning — then amped things up with cornflower blue (Blue Heron by Benjamin Moore) on the cabinets and a very awesome floor. Ryan got elbow room galore for making his homemade pizzas … and everyone can dig in at once.

Flooring

This digitally printed wood tile from Mirth Studio is based on an old quilting pattern called tumbling blocks. Are those zigzags? Rows of raised squares? You decide!

Island

Megan calls the custom island, a spectacular 11-1/2 feet long, “our second home." An elevated base makes it graceful. On Sunday mornings, the family gathers here for a pancakes-and-jazz tradition.

Backsplash

Pratt & Larson ceramic tile is doubly practical: It brightens the space, and the large 5-inch-by-10-inch rectangles easily wipe clean — hooray for less grout overall.

Open Shelving

Megan and Ryan keep everyday glasses and dishes within reach on walnut shelves that match the island.