Design: A reader's dream-come-true kitchen

Wantagh resident Daniela Tobie's dream kitchen evolved out of necessity -- her 11-year-old son, Lenny III, uses a wheelchair, and there was not enough room.

Daniela, 44, a homemaker, and her husband, Lenny Jr., 45, a New York City police sergeant, knocked down walls to enlarge the space, and before they knew it, they were installing cherry cabinets, a center island, granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances and the backsplash of their dreams -- a 24-by-24-inch pattern of handmade ceramic tiles.

And there were other goodies they added, says Daniela, like a pot filler and a mantel hood above the stove.

Not only can son Lenny now move about the kitchen with ease, but he can join siblings Dylan, 10, and Gia, 4, baking, making homemade pasta and scrapbooking with Mom. The center island is the perfect height for the wheelchair.

In total, the Tobies spent about $100,000. "We hired professionals to do everything," says Daniela.

"My dream kitchen was to make my children part of it. It has all the amenities I want for my children -- and for me, too. This is everything I ever wanted. We've been through a lot. We lost a baby, too. Even though it took a bit of money, I wanted this once and for all," says Daniela.