“By adding such hidden features as Aristokraft’s large drawer banks, roll trays and roll-out wastebasket, I was able to increase the storage necessary for each area of the kitchen. Stacking the wall cabinets and placing cabinets back to back in the island doubled storage space while allowing for decorative elements such as glass doors,” explains Peterson.

“The glass cabinetry and open shelving modernized the kitchen and gave it a touch of elegance,” she adds.

Peterson also installed crown molding, undercabinet molding and decorative ends that enhanced the refined country appearance the builder wanted.

One challenge Peterson faced was to create a work triangle using the “L” shaped walls. Her solution was to design an angled refrigerator wall and anchor the sink cabinet frame on the diagonal. This frames the ends of the kitchen, as well as supports the large island, which serves as an extra work area and space for entertaining.

“The contrast of the light-colored tops in the main cabinet area and the dark granite island top draw the eye around the kitchen,” notes Peterson.

The designer also installed a natural wood floor provided by her firm that picked up the fawn color of the cabinets. “The builder used wide painted trim and maple doors matching the cabinets to continue the refined country style throughout the home,” she adds.

FOUND IN TRANSITION

Together, Noelle Trotter, principal of Trotter Design Group, High Point, NC, and Lisa Homiak, former design center manager of D.R. Horton Design Center in Charlotte, NC, created a transitional, entry-level kitchen that boasts sophistication and packs a heavy functional punch. Their efforts won the Entry-Level Home category.

“We really feel it is a great example of ‘less is more,’ and [shows] that everyone can have the kitchen of their dreams – no matter what the space may hold!” believes Demi Clark, marketing director for D.R. Horton. She also worked on the project.

“What makes it stand out, to us, is the fact that in a smaller town home, we can still have a spacious kitchen. The kitchen itself is in a two-story space – which meant we needed 42" cabinets and a deep, dark color to stand out against the vast living room it faces, and create a dramatic look,” she says.

To that end, the design team chose Aristokraft’s Manchester Cherry cabinetry in Cognac finish. More contemporary hardware in brushed nickel finish the cabinets, which blend nicely with the dark granite countertops.