2019 Master Design Awards: Kitchen Less Than $75,000

The 41st annual Master Design Awards highlight creative solutions in the construction of extraordinary projects.

authors Kyle Clapham | September 16, 2019

GOLD

Innovative Construction Inc.
Atlanta, Ga.
innovateatlanta.com

Project name: Kitchen Upgrade for a Busy Family
Project location: Roswell, Ga.
Square footage: 162
Project cost: $72,000

 

An outdated kitchen with limited space and storage could not be expanded, so the floor plan had to be considered in a new design. Although the footprint did not change, moving the refrigerator and oven created a better flow for meal preparation. The bulkiness of the refrigerator diminished when built into the cabinet design, and the space gained opened up room for a tall pantry cabinet.

The custom blue pantry cabinet features small appliance storage, glassware and a custom pullout wood butcher block countertop that can be used as a buffet for entertaining. Along with the light-colored cabinetry, countertops and backsplash tile, this “big blue” cabinet gives a brighter feel to the kitchen and emerged as the “wow factor” in an open redesign necessary for a bustling family.

Products installed

Paint/stain: Benjamin Moore
Sink faucet: American Standard
Range: Wolf
Refrigerator: Sub-Zero
Microwave: Whirlpool
Microwave drawer: Sharp
Hood liner: Tradewind

Photos: Anastasia Alkema Photography

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SILVER

Cummings Architects
Ipswich, Mass.
cummingsarchitects.com

Builder: Windhill Builders, LLC
Project name: Respectful Renovation
Project location: Ipswich, Mass.
Square footage before: 170
Square footage after: 313
Project cost: $74,500

 

The classic Georgian-style home had been through a series of remodels and additions over the past three centuries. Some of the changes made over the years detracted from the original elements of the house. The family came to the company to ask for new windows, more storage, and a bigger, more functional, kitchen that better matched the feel of the historic New England home.

The company wanted to use natural feeling materials like wood and granite for the surfaces in the kitchen since it was an old home. The plaster intentionally is left rough. The trim is painted darker than the walls, as was a traditional technique from the 1700s. The original timber frame is left exposed with the posts in the island. These elements make for a respectful renovation of an old house.

Products installed

Cabinetry: Omega
Countertop: Natural Granite
Faucets: Delta
Range: Bertazzoni

Photos: Eric Roth Photography

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BRONZE

Normandy Remodeling
Hinsdale, Ill.
normandyremodeling.com

Project name: City Scape Kitchen
Project location: Chicago, Ill.
Square footage: 108
Project cost: $71,571

 

The high-rise condominium kitchen in the heart of Chicago was in need of an update. The project was for a couple of empty nesters that relocated from Kentucky. They purchased the condo because of its fabulous location, knowing the kitchen would need an update to fit their lifestyle. The finishes were dark and outdated, and there was an obtrusive mirrored backsplash encompassing the space. The existing cabinets were hung too high, making it difficult to reach what was in them.

Although the company was confined to the condo’s existing footprint, it was able to extend the kitchen out 2 feet by removing a portion of the existing wall. The extra room allowed for a peninsula with seating for quick meals, and a beverage fridge for entertaining guests. To create a better working triangle, the company closed the doorway and shifted the refrigerator down. The clients enjoy cooking together, so by changing the layout it allowed for more than one person to cook at the same time.

Products installed

Cabinetry: Private Label
Countertop: Zodiaq
Sink: Blanco
Faucet: Brizo

Photos: Normandy Remodeling