It's no wonder Richard and Paula Dobrow's family calls their kitchen's new angled bay their "cozy corner." This "sun-catcher" addition has a woodsy view, radiant-heat flooring, and sink-in seating, making it a favorite after-school stop for children Rachel and Luke.

Instead of adding a room, John and Barbara Emmet stretched their ranch kitchen with bump-outs at the back and front of the house. Now, with a dramatic hood and plenty of seating, the oversize island is the family "hearth"—a favorite spot for Meghan and Erik to chat with their mother Barbara.