The Oscar of the kitchen industry

Just home from the awards ceremony and three days stay at the Encore Resort in Las Vegas where we won First Place in the Small Kitchen Catagory with "Julie's Kitchen"  (see former blog) and First Place in the Large Open Plan Kitchen Catagory of the NKBA 2011 Design Contest for our Log Cabin project. But the Oscar moment was winning the Best of the Best Kitchen Award and $15,000. check for the Defiance Log Cabin kitchen project.  That is quite an honor, as the National Kitchen & Bath Association reported over 500 entries in this years' contest. We partnered with interior designer, Emily Castle ASID, on the interior spaces of the home that includes not only the aformentioned kitchen but also a knock your socks off Master Bathroom Suite, Guest Suite with morning kitchen and other bathrooms.

The windows (above) overlook the Missouri River valley bluffs and the historic log cabin can be seen in the far background with what was the outside wall now left exposed inside the kitchen.

Hidden storage under the barstool support accesses a rollaround serving cart.

The Butler's Pantry (above), is located adjacent to the original log cabin dining room. It serves as a beverage center with coffee maker, refrigeration drawers, icemaker, sink, glass door wine cooler and glass, cup and liquor storage.

 "Branches in the Wind" - the name I have given to the seven consecutive custom leaded glass doors on the three sided buffet builtin.  Working with a very talented local glass artist, we conceived the idea of naturalistic leading with copper burnishing that holds the handcut swirled glass inserts creating a beautiful room divider with hidden appliance storage below.

The island prep sink (left) with Kohler's " Karbon" articulating faucet and "Stages" sink. At right, Franke's stainless steel apronfront sink serves as the main cleanup sink.  The countertops are honed Typhoon Green granite and solid walnut, the French range in chocolate brown is by La Canche' and we had the custom hood built in living copper.



A waterfalled countertop pictureframes the dead space mini drawers

Details...

Kelly & Brian's Kitchen

One of the nice things about being in business for a long time is that we have had the opportunity to do two or more homes for the same client.  And then again, it can be challenging when a client loves what you did ten years ago, and wants the same thing for their new home.  I'm not wired that way- I want every project to be unique; every project to have something we've never done before. This is just that kind of project.

The new kitchen's enormous double level island and five foot wide fully integrated refrigerator & freezer is enclosed in a  bonnet topped distressed pine armoire.




Accessable rangetop in new kitchen

    What makes this client unique is that he is the main cook and also uses a wheelchair.  With alot of trust and the encouragement of his wife, we created a fresh look for this family's new home while recycling the best of the best elements from their old one.



The old kitchen- cover of Winter 2000-01 issue

The new kitchen has wall ovens allowing us to put two large drawers for utensils and spices conveniently below. We detailed them to appear like mini bins. The cabinetry and countertop colors are the same but the hood was changed to more informal styling with simlper brackets and beadboard.

The biggest change in the new space is the enlarged island end with knotty cherry cabinetry and solid wood countertop that functions as his prep space and has kids' drawers for games and project materials.

For him: this lower worktop has an accessable recess on the other side

By the family entrance from the garage is a message center, kid's cubbies with storage bench, coat and backpack hooks divided for each child. A food pantry is conveniently located here also.

 

Family computer desk and home electronics center.

The best part of the space is that it doesn't scream accessable; which would be helpful for resale... but  I hope they give it at least another ten years.