Small Space, Big Function

All her life, Madge Whistler wanted a big house in the suburbs. That is, until she got one. The 4,000-square-foot home couldn't make up for the isolation she felt living far away from the city, so she packed up and bought a tiny condo in the heart of Austin. She and her designer, Jerri Kunz, transformed the bland condo into an elegant and efficient open space, complete with double-duty furniture and an elaborate home automation system. Whistler has mastered the art of saving space, as well as effort!

There's a lot more than meets the eye in this kitchen. To downplay the large size of the island, it's topped with a piece of black granite.