In the dining room, the cord of a pendant lamp retracts so that during parties guests—even really tall ones—can move freely about the room without bumping their heads. Likewise, the fixture lowers to illuminate more intimate sit-down meals.

Instead of heavy, claustrophobia-inducing drapes, Lauren and Eric opted for simple bamboo shades stained to echo the wood floor.

Leave the walk-in larders to big estates. Another built-in, painted white to match the molding, holds dining and entertaining essentials—which makes setting the table a snap. Pushed against the wall, this table transforms into an ample buffet for casual dinners. With all its leaves in place, it stretches to seat 10.