Technical Merit Award

Homeowners’ Request: The homeowners wanted 1) their kitchen to be open and accommodate entertaining; 2) a main sink overlooking the lanai and pool, and a prep sink facing the family room; 3) additional storage and countertop space; and 4) minimal stainless steel.

Designer’s Challenge: The kitchen had no views to the outdoors and was walled off from the rest of the house. Three entrances limited the space and created a layout with no clear focus.

Designer’s Solution: Chuck Siebenthal closed off two entries into the kitchen and expanded the entrance from the dining room. This opened up the kitchen, created a more functional space for cabinets and countertops, and let natural light spill in. A long countertop creates bar space for casual breakfasts or for guests to sit in and chat with the cook. The cooking area was selected as the kitchen’s focal point, since it’s visible from the home’s entryway. A black slide-in range with a vented stainless-steel hood was placed in the center of the U-shape kitchen. Red oak Shaker cabinet doors enhance the existing flooring, while grey porcelain tiles define the kitchen floor. Black granite for the countertops accents the black appliances. A pass-through window provides views and functions as a shelf for serving food.