Self-guided Tour on October 18 Showcases 10 Designer Kitchens to Benefit Michael Hoefflin Foundation

The Central Coast and Valleys chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is hosting their fourth annual Tour of Kitchens on Sunday, October 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Tour of Kitchens showcases homes both large and small created by local experts like Woodward Kitchen & Bath (designers of "The French Connection," everybody's favorite French Country kitchen look is represented in a brand-new Sand Canyon home.), Dannick Designs, American Fine Finishing (designers of "Special Treats," a newer Sand Canyon equestrian home featuring the best of the best.) and Kathy's Kitchen & Bath Design.

There is definitely something for everyone to see. "Whether your taste is traditional, contemporary or something in between," says Pam Di Valerio, chair of this year's tour. Many bathrooms will be on display and most homes have an adjoining family room with unique solutions for entertainment centers, as well.

"The best part about attending our show is you will see architectural styles that are likely to be similar to your home. We have some older homes in Happy Valley and Saugus, Northbridge and the Summit areas where they were updated from the basic oak and white tile kitchens to very personalized existences. We have three brand-new homes in Sand Canyon that will knock your socks off with their opulence, but we also have smaller homes with equally impressive storage solutions," she continues.

The tour will also feature a Home & Family Boutique with arts and crafts vendors at the Westfield mall.

Located in Saugus, "Home Run" created by Kathy's Kitchen & Bath Design (645-2104) is one of the smallest on the tour, but it is chock-full of storage ideas. Extra appliances, comfortable dining space for five and storage areas for both formal china a

"Time for a Change" was created by Dannick Designs (775-7430). A time warp from the Summit area was recently given a complete "great-room" treatment. The new kitchen has an efficient island, breakfast nook with a view to the outdoors and a contempora

Tickets can be purchased online and are $20 for advance sales and $25 on the day of the tour; www.nkbaccv.org