Clutter-free zone

So when it came time to bring their '70s-something kitchen into the modern world, they set one big requirement: It had to be clutter-free.

In fact, they set an even higher standard: They didn't want a place that made it easy to keep clutter to a minimum; they wanted a kitchen that controlled clutter.

Sound like a pie-in-the-sky wish? Nozick and Dobzewitz opted for the a-la-mode version — and got it: clutter controlled, a light and bright kitchen with an open design that allows them to enjoy a spectacular view of the Tucson valley and the serenity of their quiet backyard.

Nozick is chief operating officer and chief technical officer for R.F. Nozick and Associates, which she founded in 1996. It validates software in the blood-banking industry. Dobzewitz is purchasing supervisor for Shop Natural, a natural foods warehouse on South Toole Avenue. They bought the 1973 West Side house five years ago "in spite of the kitchen."

"Actually," Nozick said, "we were embarrassed by the kitchen."

It was dark with only two lights — one overhead and one on the fan. The cabinets were all dark and all veneer. The countertops were Mexican tile but a plain off-white with an outline of terra cotta around the off-white wall. Color came from the harvest gold (remember that joyful hue?) cooktop stove. And, oh yes, there was a low popcorn ceiling.

Physically, the kitchen was U-shaped, separated from the dining area by the stove/counter arm that was open except for the overhead cabinets.

Regardless of how they tried to keep things put away, the counters always were cluttered, Nozick said. There just was no place to put all the things that go with everyday life.

The two lived with their frustrations and dissatisfaction for four years, but they spent that time collecting ideas for what they wanted their kitchen to look like. They even researched all the little details — sinks, stove hoods, backsplashes, tile, faucets, appliances and countertops — locally and on the Internet.

Then they took their ideas to designer Mark Decker, who translated them to working plans, adding some details of his own until, finally, they were ready to begin construction.

Nozick and Dobzewitz picked Peter Zorilla, president of Tamarron Homes, to handle their kitchen redo.

Zorilla's wasn't the least expensive of the bids Nozick and Dobzewitz received, but he had everything in writing, including a list of anticipated costs and a payment schedule. What's more, he lived up to the contract, completing everything in the time stipulated.

The interesting thing about Nozick and Dobzewitz's kitchen is the use of custom and stock cabinetry. The custom work doesn't match the stock cabinets in color or style, and yet all blend, creating a warm ambience in a kitchen that is at once cozy and sophisticated. Other don't-match-but-who-cares features include the use of terra cotta red and cobalt Mexican tiles on the perimeter countertops and golden-hued granite on the new island.

In large part, this successful blending of styles and design features is due to the fact that Decker and Zorilla were open to design ideas from Nozick and Dobzewitz.

When the homeowners nixed the cabinets flanking the stove that Decker had planned, he worked with them to come up with an acceptable alternative — custom cabinets from Home on the Range. The pine cabinets have saguaro ribs for the doors' center panels and plate racks in the lower space. A built-in sideboard on the far side of the kitchen — in what was the dining area — uses the same style cabinetry, finished with a blue wash. Open shelves at both ends of the center island are of the same finish and style.

Corner cabinets on either side of the copper farmhouse sink provide a convenient home for small appliances, while the island offers storage for large items and seldom-used kitchenware.

And that's how the new kitchen conquers Nozick and Dobzewitz's cluttering inclinations. The open shelving, appliance garages, dish racks and additional cabinetry added in the island and old dining area provide all the storage needed for the minutiae of daily life that end up in a kitchen.

It was worth every dime of the more than $60,000 they spent on renovations.

» Robin Nozick offers advice for others planning a home renovation:

• Make certain the bid you accept has every detail spelled out, including a list of anticipated costs and payment schedule.

• Research all the special items you plan — sinks, stove hoods, countertops — and comparison shop locally and online. Sometimes the prices are better at local outlets; sometimes you can get great deals online.

• The big key: Don't pay for everything up front. In fact, if the contractor wants the money before he does the work, it may be a signal for the homeowner to be wary.