GOLD
Pristine Penthouse
Sandra Diaz-Velasco
Eolo A+I Design
Miami, FL
This two-story penthouse project in Miami, Florida was all about presenting a “wow” factor, and designer Sandra Diaz-Velasco of Eolo A+I Design did not disappoint. Velasco, who teamed with Sanandres Construction to reconfigure the entire space, set out to design a kitchen, living room and dining room area that would work seamlessly for entertaining.
The open layout of the 810-sq.-ft. social space showcases a clean, modern design that acts as the ideal backdrop to the double-height view of Biscayne Bay. Diaz-Velasco faced a range of challenges, including low ceilings due to an outdated air conditioning system, and architecture that posed odd shapes and angles to the interior spaces. Working with the expanse of windows, which provided an abundance of natural light, and large dining area were also a challenge, as their large scale was out of balance with the low ceilings and shape of the main kitchen.
To begin, the designer chose surface-mounted LED lighting for the kitchen to provide non-invasive, energy-saving lighting. The back wall of the kitchen features Satyrium wood veneer cabinets by Ornare Miami, contrasting with the shine of white-paneled refrigeration units, including a Sub-Zero 24″ refrigerator column and 18″ freezer, as well as a Thermador wine cooler. Integrated into the wood cabinets are a 400 Series single oven, a Speed Microwave and a 400 Series warming drawer, all from Gaggenau.
On the opposite wall, Satyrium base cabinets are topped with Compac’s Absolute Blanc quartz countertops with green stone veneer backsplash from Marble of the World. The area also includes a Franke sink and faucet, undercounter ice maker from True Refrigeration and ADA 24″ dishwasher from Bosch.
The peninsula, which provides an open view to the dining space, features a Thermador 36″ Masterpiece Silver Mirrored Cooktop, paired with the Gloss range hood from Best, illuminated by Edge Lighting’s tape light.
Custom contemporary furniture and pieces were created to work with the odd angles of the original architecture, taking advantage of the square footage to create an open, navigable space.
SILVER
Modern Farmhouse
Heidi Piron
Heidi Piron Design & Cabinetry
Chatham, NJ
The Modern Farmhouse style was kicked up to a whole new level with this kitchen design by Heidi Piron of Heidi Piron Design & Cabinetry. While the home was a new build, the concept presented by Doug Wright of Douglas C. Wright Architects was renovated barn. Piron was brought in to design a highly functional kitchen for an avid baker and her husband, who wanted the 233-sq.-ft. space to be the heart and soul of the home.
The designer created a focal point by placing a Wolf 48″ Dual Fuel Range and Amore Monarch custom hood in brushed stainless in front of the window. Across from the island, a Sub-Zero 30″ Integrated Column Refrigerator and 30″ Integrated Column Freezer flank the doorway.
Opposite the range, a second work zone acts as the beverage area, but also includes the third oven the homeowner requested. Appliances featured here include a Wolf Convection Steam Oven and Transitional Microwave Drawer, Miele Whole Bean Coffee System and paneled Marvel 24″ undercounter refrigerator. Also included is a Blanco secondary sink with Waterstone Fulton prep faucet.
Bridging the two zones is an island that includes a Rohl stainless steel apron sink and professional grade Modern Kitchen Pull Out/Pull Down faucet, as well as a Waterstone Parche Hot Only Filtration Faucet. A Miele integrated dishwasher and seating for four provides greater efficiency.
The boldest choice was the cabinetry – Premier Custom Built’s Vintage Door and Drawer. The design featured uniform, 4″-wide planks, which meant each cabinet had to be designed in multiples of 4″.
To meld the concepts of modern and farmhouse, the designer combined rustic finishes with modern metals, such as the plank cabinetry with Integrated Lisbon Pulls in polished nickel, and hot rolled steel on glass cabinetry in the beverage zone. SantaMargherita Leathered Grey countertops provide a warm contrast against the rustic-look Mosaic House Elise white backsplash tiles.
BRONZE
White Wows
Julie Evans
JEI Design
Austin, TX
Designed for family gatherings as well as entertaining on a large scale, this white kitchen, designed by Julie Evans of JEI Design, is anything but ordinary. Evans transformed this expansive, 655-sq.-ft. kitchen space into a modern social hub that reflects beauty and efficiency in its design.
The unmistakable focal point of this space is the Bardiglio marble. Once it was selected for the countertops, it was decided it would also be used behind the cooktop on the rear wall – book-matching it for maximum effect. It acts as a striking backdrop for the Gaggenau cooktop and Broan exhaust hood.
To give the room a clean, modern appearance and let the marble take center stage, Evans chose custom contemporary Honea cabinetry in a white gloss finish. Cabinets abound in the space, providing ample storage for daily-use items and entertaining pieces. Stainless steel ovens and a microwave from Gaggenau enhance the modern vibe, and a paneled Gaggenau refrigerator, freezer and dishwasher blend seamlessly with the cabinetry.
The island, also topped with Bardiglio marble, features cabinetry finished in a complementary rich gray tone and a Blanco sink paired with a Dornbracht faucet. Stunning Waldorf chandeliers from Arteriors that mimic starbursts illuminate the island.
The kitchen space also features a walk-in pantry and a bar area. The bar features dark wood cabinets, black countertops and a marble linear backsplash tile. A prep sink and faucet, dishwasher and KitchenAid undercounter refrigerator are also incorporated into the space.