The most significant architectural component of the remodel was the addition of a wall to create a pantry and office area for Charlie. “We designed an arch crowned with a neoclassical medallion that creates a bit of grandeur and reinforces the traditional European sensibility of the space,” says Kollias. “For structural stability, we designed the cabinets [that bracket the doorway] with crossbars on every door.” Charlie uses those glass-door cabinets to display ceramic serving pieces.

The Levines’ collection of jigsaw puzzles inspired the most interesting piece of cabinetry. Frederick designed a tall, arch-topped alder cabinet, stained terra-cotta, with storage for the puzzles and a hidden table. “It is itself a disguised puzzle piece,” notes Frederick. “When closed, it looks like a traditional piece of furniture. But it has a gateleg that swings out and supports the top, which folds down to become a work surface. The side panels are hidden doors for storage.” Actually, there is a visual hint as to the purpose of the cabinet. Cut into the upper corner brackets of the cupboard are metal puzzle shapes.

Kollias got in on the fun as well. She designed what appears to be a built-in window seat next to the puzzle cabinet. Actually it is set on six casters. “It rolls up to the table of the cabinet so that a number of people can sit around and work on puzzles together,” explains the designer. “The bench functions like a piece of furniture and is finished all the way around.”

Kollias also designed a pair of built-in beds for the Levines’ two shih tzus, Teddy and Daisy—one on each side of the archway that separates the kitchen and the office/pantry.

“The dogs absolutely had their say in the design of the kitchen,” says Charlie. “Their little kitchen caves are beautifully defined with bone-shaped cutouts and cushions that match those of the chairs.”

And getting one’s way—dog or homeowner—was the whole point of this remodel.