Best of Show – Kitchen – NKBA Interior Design Awards 2013
First Place – Small Kitchens, NKBA Interior Design Awards 2013
Objectives • New open concept design • Better working layout for two people • Make the front entry feel larger
Design Challenges • Side door and stair • Front entry was crowded and small • Kitchen was small “U”
Design Solutions • Removed wall between kitchen and living room • Reduced depth of front entry closet to 24" • Removed top of wall beside basement stairs • Create built-in table nook with opening to dining room • Change kitchen lay-out to classic galley design
Special Features • Used two-sided glass uppers for visual transparency • Suspend cabinets below table area for cat feeding-station • Simple, but stunning glass tile “connect” both sides of the kitchen by completely cladding the window wall • Microwave, built below countertop • Hardwood from living and dining room added to kitchen • Extend slate floor to make “larger” entry
We cannot be more pleased with our Design First kitchen. At first we tried to figure out a remodel ourselves but gave up trying to incorporate an island into our small space. Design First developed a creative plan to get the feel and functionality we wanted. The resulting kitchen is absolutely stunning and is complimented by everyone who walks in the door. It is now the focal point of our home and a joy to be in. It is also the winner of two design awards – amazing given the stiff competition from million-dollar homes, which ours is not. (A bonus when we go to sell.) The biggest surprise, however, was the cost competitive cabinetry. We priced Design First’s custom cabinets against Home Depot's, and were shocked to discover that the pricing for an equivalent design was nearly the same. Every once in a while you get more than you pay for.
