A Kitchen for Life

Create a kitchen that works beautifully today—and evolves gracefully for years to come—with this inspiring and practical book on kitchen design from Sarah Robertson, founder of Studio Dearborn.

“A well-designed kitchen should feel effortless … at once elegant, hardworking, and organized … and flow seamlessly into the rest of the home.”—from the introduction

The best kitchens aren't built around trends—they're built around the people who use them. For Sarah Robertson, beautiful kitchens begin with thoughtful questions: How do you cook? How do you gather? What do you reach for every day? Whether you're an avid cook, an enthusiastic host, or simply hoping mornings run a little more smoothly, the best design decisions grow out of real life—not someone else's inspiration board.

The book invites readers inside the thoughtful design process behind every Studio Dearborn kitchen. From planning the layout and organizing storage to selecting cabinetry, appliances, lighting, millwork, hardware, paint, and finishes, Sarah explains how each decision builds on the next to create a kitchen that feels intuitive, personal, and designed to age gracefully.

Featuring more than 150 photographs of Studio Dearborn kitchens, original illustrations, floor plans, and practical guidance, A Kitchen for Life combines the inspiration of a beautiful design book with the clarity of a professional design workshop. Sarah also opens the doors to her own home, sharing how her award-winning kitchen evolved over a decade and why the best kitchens continue to grow along with the families who live in them.

Whether you're planning a full renovation, refreshing an existing space, or simply dreaming about what's possible, A Kitchen for Life will help you create a kitchen that reflects who you are, supports everyday life, and welcomes the people you love for years to come.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs