Technical Merit Award

Homeowners’ Request: The homeowners wished to retain the home’s grand tropical theme in their kitchen and emphasize the home’s character. As regular hosts of small, intimate dinner parties, they needed a space designed to impress.

Designer’s Challenge: The designer was retained to develop a workable kitchen design that was functional and attractive. Creating a harmonious blending between the kitchen and the rest of the home was a must.

Designer’s Solution: Carol Ann vonHake selected lauhala as a natural material for the ceiling, to complement the bamboo flooring. The ceiling is further accented with solid-color beams to match the cherrywood cabinets. Architectural details, such as crown molding and a vaulted ceiling, add elegance. The island’s countertops are at three different heights. The lowest has cozy, drop-down seating for five. A raised bar, curved at one end of the island, is ideal for drinks and pupus. A standard-height countertop also provides a working space with a 36-inch Viking continuous grate cooktop flanked by a spice drawer and pullout pantry. The view was very special, so a large sliding window was chosen, though it limits wall cabinet space. Recessed can lighting glows from soffits. Three pendant lights provide direct lighting for the island, which is a welcome spot and socialization area.