Design integrity is a term that designers use to describe continuity in a project. In a kitchen, it means that design elements follow a single style or color scheme, determined by the focal appliance, countertop material or cabinet style. To maintain integrity, the focal point should lend its shape and color to accents, such as door handles, breakfast-bar shapes and coordinating paint tones.

When a Portlock couple approached Homeworks Construction Inc. to remodel their home's kitchen, they already had a focal point in mind: Viking appliances. Marshall Hickox, of Homeworks Construction, says that Viking appliances are often asked for by name. The commercial-grade appliances are designed to fit into residential specifications. The homeowners' only remaining decision was between Viking's strong-looking Professional Series or the curvy Designer Series. The soft, stylish curves won out.

Al Lum, of Viking Range, says, "Viking is the only high-end appliance manufacturer that provides a full line of appliances, so all the kitchen appliances will coordinate. The Designer Series was conceived five years ago to create a more contemporary, softer look than the Professional Series. It includes everything from refrigeration to ventilation to cooking appliances."

Not only does the Designer Series create a modern, sophisticated kitchen, it also offers high-tech features for family-style kitchens, says Hickox. The homeowners chose four main appliances to make their new kitchen highly functional.

The Designer Series refrigerator, a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer that is built into the cabinetry, has all the bells and whistles. Separately adjustable meat and produce drawers keep food in these compartments at optimal moisture and temperature levels. Electronic controls maintain temperature within 1 degree of the setting. A multi-channel airflow system brings clean air in and sucks stale air out to keep the refrigerator at its freshest.

The Designer Series wall oven includes the TruConvect Convection Cooking system. This system is a Viking exclusive that uses air circulation over a hidden bake element to evenly bake dishes in an extra-large-capacity oven. The wall microwave features 13 sensor settings and keeps food warm longer after cooking than traditional microwaves. The dishwasher is sound insulated for whisper-quiet after-dinner cleanup.

The only departure from the Designer Series is the Professional Series cooktop. "Because we chose a cooktop rather than a range, we wanted to beef it up," says Hickox. To do this, they installed a continuous metal grate that provides a large cooking area. Added features of this cooktop are sealed gas burners, which allow for precise temperature control and easy cleanup.

With the appliances in place, the rest of the kitchen came together. "We wanted everything to tie in nicely. We used the Viking elements simply, without overstating the stainless steel and curves," says Hickox. For example, Homeworks Construction framed the Shaker-style cabinets with rounded molding. The cabinets' stainless steel handles also have a slight bow to mimic the curvature of the Viking handles.

Another example is the breakfast bar, which features a long curve of Wild West green granite. Flecks of silver and grey accent the green granite. A round, stainless steel post holds up the bar.

Now that the remodeling is finished, the design integrity is apparent. "It is the continuity factor that brings it all together," Lum says.

GK SUPPLIERS

Architect/Designer/Contractor: Homeworks Construction Inc. Bar top: Wild West green granite, from Bella Pietra, A Natural Stone Design Center Cabinetry: Wellborn, from Homeworks Construction Inc. Cooktop: Viking Professional Series, 36," gas 6-burner, from Viking Range Dishwasher: Viking Designer Series, 24," Premium, Viking Range Disposal: Insinkerator, from Ferguson Faucet: Grohe Lady Lux Plus, stainless steel, from Ferguson Lower Countertop: Nova Gold limestone honed, from Bella Pietra, A Natural Stone Design Center Microwave: Viking Designer Series, from Viking Range Oven: Viking Designer Series, 30," from Viking Range Pot Rack: Viking, from Viking Range Refrigerator/Freezer: Viking Designer Series, 42," side-by-side, from Viking Range Vent: Viking Designer Series, from Viking Range Wet Bar: Wild West green granite, from Bella Pietra, A Natural Stone Design Center Wine chiller: GE Profile, from Servco Home and Appliance Showroom