Judges’ Special Recognition Award & Technical Merit Award

Homeowners’ Request: The homeowners, California natives, love contemporary details with crisp, clean lines and light, airy colors. They wanted a kitchen that was attractive, workable and functional for cooking three meals a day. Durability was also important, because their young daughter likes to bang on doors and is notorious for leaving the refrigerator door open.

Designer’s Challenge: The kitchen was a new construction project, an addition onto an existing farmhouse. Not only did the designer need to create a desirable layout for the homeowners, vonHake was also responsible for supplying cabinetry, countertops, appliances, flooring and lighting, as well as overseeing the installation details.

Designer’s Solution: Carol Ann vonHake found that a galley-style kitchen best suited the space; the layout carries one’s eye through to the wonderful Upcountry view. With no neighbors in sight, the homeowners opted to forego window treatments, resulting in clean, unadulterated views of the pasture and ocean.

The color palette consists of soft watercolors: Jurassic green granite countertops complement a Magellan green Zodiaq desktop and glossy, sage glass tile, which is used as a backsplash behind the gas cooktop. Natural cherry veneer covers the doors and drawers. The veneer matches well with the wall color—warm, neutral oatmeal—and the solid wood flooring.

By specifying a vaulted ceiling, the space gained height and better air flow through the garden window, located behind the sink. This 48-inch, pop-out window is an ideal spot for an indoor herb garden, providing both function and aesthetics.

Many modern conveniences were included, such as soft-close cabinets and drawers, a concealed dishwasher, dimmable undercabinet lighting, recycle bins, pullout storage, rollout shelving, a spice drawer and message board.