Award Winner: 2010 NKBA Design Competition

It was a classic problem: The homeowners’ 30-year-old townhouse kitchen was completely closed off from the dining area and rest of the home. “It was in need of an overall remodel to give it the elegant look the client was looking for,” says designer Judy Dawson, CKD, of DESiGNER Kitchens & Baths.

“The homeowners like to cook and entertain,” Dawson says, “so, they were looking for an open and inviting kitchen layout that would give them space to work in, with updated fixtures and equipment.” There was just one catch: They didn’t want to see the cooktop from the dining area once the space was opened. “Quite a design challenge in a kitchen with a small footprint,” Dawson says.

After knocking down the walls that enclosed the space, the first finish choice for the kitchen, a beautiful, rich wood floor, kicked off the project. From there, it was determined that all the other finishes should complement the tones and strong character of the floor. Dawson and the homeowners chose natural cherry-wood cabinetry, Labradorite Blue Australe polished granite for the countertops and small, sparkling honey-hue tiles for the backsplash.

Dawson borrowed space for the cooking area from a small adjacent room that was once used as a laundry room. Available plumbing made the process easier for Dawson to add a prep sink, a cooktop, a vent hood, ovens, a warming drawer, some cleverly designed counter space and storage. 
In the visible area of the kitchen, Dawson incorporated storage to maximize space in every accessible area for the homeowner’s extensive collections of china, glassware, and other odds and ends. Full-extension drawers, roll-out shelves, a spice pull-out and corner cabinet make the most of the tight space.

Custom cabinetry and a wine fridge were placed below the breakfast counter bar on the dining side of the kitchen. The round cylinder at the end of the counter adds a final touch of dramatic detail and also functions as a message center, with an interior Lazy Susan for mail and keys. Lastly, a backlit acrylic art display sits atop the cylinder to finish it off.

The result is a beautiful, efficient space that is apparent from the first time guests enter the home.