Classy Kitchens

These winning kitchens are shining examples of originality, use of space and eye-catching detail.

Text: Emily Schnitzler

January 2009

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English Elegance

Platinum Winner, More Than 350 Sq. Ft.

THE VISION
The homeowner's desire for this kitchen, part of a new construction project, was to make the space look as if the house had been there for many years. She enlisted Gegg Design to create a space defined by an arched window echoed in the cabinet doors with authentic European reproduction hardware to create a room with an English flair. The dark gray-blue paint accents a neutral perimeter palette.

WINNING DETAILS
White concrete countertops were color-matched to the limestone tile backsplash. Furniture-like pieces, including the refrigerator, which resembles a considerable armoire for pantry storage, contribute to the Old English feel. The hood with a Tudor-style paneled arch and custom-made brackets serves as a focal point for this stunning space that accommodates several cooks and is perfect for entertaining.

JUDGES' COMMENTS
A tremendous amount of detail went into this kitchen, and it shows. This room is a stellar representation of mixing colors and woods. The homeowner's input is evident, and her desire for an old, English-looking kitchen in a new home was fulfilled with perfection. The arches were integrated beautifully; they pull the kitchen together. Wide planks of hickory create an island with a provincial feel.

A Touch of Nostalgia

Gold Winner, More Than 350 Sq. Ft.

THE VISION
Situated in a historic home, this eco-minded kitchen was remodeled by Sedoria to reconfigure the once closed-off galley kitchen and orient a new space that would embrace the breakfast area. Taking inspiration from a family room with distressed honey pine cabinetry and a boulder-rock fireplace, the designer cohesively carried the warmth of these sustainable materials throughout the kitchen.

WINNING DETAILS
A bed of smooth river rock weaves from the entry to the family room and throughout the kitchen, disguising a heated floor system. The kitchen features an oversized pass-through that allows natural light to filter into the room and onto the additional seating near the sink. The focal point of the space is a family hutch designed around a leaded-glass transom salvaged from the owner's childhood home.

JUDGES' COMMENTS
The uniqueness of this space lies in the clever unification of individual spaces: the breakfast room, entertaining area and food preparation station. This nostalgic kitchen is multifunctional and intimate; it's detailed yet simplistic. The designer addressed every inch of this kitchen from the ceiling beams – embraced and integrated into the room – to the heated, eco-friendly river rock floor.

Classic Kitchen

Platinum Winner, 250 – 350 Sq. Ft.

THE VISION
This remodeled kitchen in a historic city home blends a small staff kitchen, walk-in pantry and butler's pantry in this guest-welcoming space. The homeowner hired brooksBerry to overcome the oddities of old house construction and create symmetrical focal points from each of the three doorways. The original stained glass window was the design inspiration for the outstanding space.

WINNING DETAILS
A Sub-Zero wine cooler is situated behind a circular chopping block/wine-corking table with a mirrored crown pot rack hanging from an intricate tin ceiling. The space integrates superb additional storage punctuated by clerestory cabinet doors. An arched doorway leading into the breakfast room lends grandness to the light-filled space with molding inspired by the home's original built-in woodwork.

JUDGES' COMMENTS
For a city house, the material selection was excellent. The design is unique to the room itself. Integrating radiators is tough to do but very well done in this space. People often forget about ceilings, but here, high ceilings were planned to bring in one extra texture that tones down the wood and makes a statement of its own. We love the detail at the toe kick, which is achieved seamlessly.

Sleek Surfaces

Gold Winner, 250 – 350 Sq. Ft.

THE VISION
Seeking a modern kitchen with a large, open, comfortable layout for cooking and entertaining, Derek Centorbi of Centorbi Custom Cabinetry used unique materials – a painted frosted glass backsplash, granite island top and high-gloss, exotic Anigre wood cabinets – to define a warm, contemporary space. With ample storage, the result is a functional, sleek design warmed with a rich palette.

WINNING DETAILS
A space with optimal flow was achieved with multiple work surfaces, including a center island for food prep, copious perimeter counter space and a glass bar-height counter perfect for serving guests. Highlighted by surrounding cabinets, a striking hood was positioned centrally to act as a focal point within the kitchen's unique, symmetrical design. Artistic pendant lighting adds a splash of color.

JUDGES' COMMENTS
The backdrop of glass encircling the space makes this sleek kitchen unique. The polyester shine is reentering the design scene, and the floating glass top gives the kitchen an urban feel. The designer has applied the exotic wood completely by the vertical grain match, which can be seen from drawer to drawer and drawer to door. The black trim adds a fantastic finishing touch to the room.

All in the Details

Platinum Winner, Less Than 250 Sq. Ft.

THE VISION
Transformed by Marc Christian Fine Cabinetry, this kitchen features extensive architectural detailing with painted cabinets in a subtle alabaster hue. Isaboor Brown granite countertops add a warm note to the cool finishes. Carved corbels, Gothic mullions, raised panel arches, flutes and turn posts were used to achieve this delicate look in the homeowners' one-of-a-kind dream kitchen.

WINNING DETAILS
More cook-friendly, the new kitchen layout accommodates professional-style appliances, as well as a beverage center with an under-counter wine cooler and ice maker for easy entertaining. Handsome Gothic mullioned doors serve as elegant storage for glassware. The custom wood hood, carved acanthus crown molding and tumbled stone backsplash make this a truly exceptional kitchen.

JUDGES' COMMENTS
A great use of space, this kitchen is incredibly functional, and given the size of the room, the designers did a wonderful job of opening up the space with a vaulted ceiling and skylight. The use of the heavy stacked molding lends the feeling of a large kitchen in a small space. Touches of black accent the room's soft palette and bring warmth and sophistication to this well thought-out space.

Comfortable Contemporary

Gold Winner, Less Than 250 Sq. Ft.

THE VISION
This kitchen remodel by Cutter's Custom Kitchens and Baths was the result of a flood that devastated this 30-year-old condominium. With a few requests from the homeowner that included the installation of a small wine captain and a place to sit while watching television, Cutter's designed a kitchen that is both beautiful and functional for enjoying morning coffee or a glass of wine.

WINNING DETAILS
Simple slab cabinet doors in a book-matched cherry, natural maple flooring and dramatic Giallo Argeento granite work to create a cohesive look. A blend of black, copper, rose copper and stainless steel glass mosaic tiles make up the backsplash, lending an Art Deco feel to the space. Installing tambour units on a previously blank wall provided space for the wine captain at the end of the counter.

JUDGES' COMMENTS
This clean-lined kitchen employs an efficient use of space. The one-inch inlaid cherry border is a detail that helps achieve a contemporary look in this narrow room. A transparent table opens up the space, and the backsplash gives texture to the cabinetry. This kitchen illustrates that condos can be glamorous, as the choice of materials – the glitzy tiles, stainless steel and glass – are tasteful for the space.