The "Kitchen Office" is the communications center of the house.

Here, Norm creates a desk with file storage, a shelved, wall-hung cabinet for display and books, a place to conceal lighting, a computer/TV/phone area, a series of pigeon holes for organizing the small stuff, and a cork board for pinning up messages.

Norm is able to isolate the office somewhat from other activity in the kitchen by using a pair of clever wing walls that visually separate the space and provide easy access to the electronic wiring, vital in keeping a busy family connected.

"There's a lot happening on this island," jokes Norm. And he means it. Clad in panels of beautiful reclaimed heart pine, this one features a butcher block top, a drawer-mounted microwave, tray storage, and a carefully engineered pull-out drawer for trash or recyclables.

This beautiful and highly functional centerpiece, with two massive turned legs also done in the old pine, is no mere cabinet - it's a statement where old values and new realities fit very well indeed

Let there be no mistake - the small wet bar is a distinct change of pace from the other elements in the dream kitchen. While it has a place near the other units, it is separated from them, allowing Norm to change materials from painted wood surfaces to natural cherry.

With its related yet distinct style, the bar features a small copper sink, natural cherry paneled walls, a cherry countertop, a wine cooler, and plenty of mirrored surfaces, glass shelves, and concealed lights to add elegance to the space.

Most impressive are the twin glass-paneled doors Norm builds from scratch.

Often the weak link in home shop built kitchens is getting a professional finish that looks good and stands up to the wear and tear. Norm teams up with his painter as he sprays on two smooth undercoats followed by a brushed-on finish coat that looks great and should wear well.

Norm begins the process of installing his cabinets. He carefully surveys the existing space, analyzes the conditions, creates a level reference line, and sets the cabinets to floor and wall. Sharing all the tips and techniques learned over many years, Norm puts the cabinets together with the precision and accuracy we've come to expect from this master.

Then, with every appliance installed, every surface polished and prepped, the lights hung, the floor polished, and the stone counters revealed, Norm is able to stand back and enjoy the satisfaction of having created a masterpiece. The Dream Kitchen is finished and open for business.

In the beginning of The New Yankee Workshop there was the Adirondack Chair (Season 2), a classic design updated by Norm. It became one of the most popular projects he ever did. Later, Norm added an Adirondack Love Seat (Season 14) to his collection, using improved methods and materials. Now, in celebration of the show's twentieth anniversary, Norm builds a chair, a table, and a footrest to complete the set.

To add to the fun, Norm invites a friend to build one of these classic chairs alongside the master.