Kitchen more than $100,000

Gold

Jane Page Design Group, Houston, Tex.

Additional refrigeration, storage and lighting were top items on the owners’ wish list in this kitchen remodel. The family wanted to replace its 30-inch-wide refrigerator with a 60-inch refrigerator/freezer and a full height wine cooler. The pantry wall was reworked, incorporating some dead space and allowing the walk-in pantry and the larger refrigerator/freezer to occupy one wall.  By strategically balancing light and dark finishes with various levels of lighting, the space became functional and suitable for entertaining. Recessed lighting was added in the glass-front cabinets, low-voltage lights mounted in the display areas above the refrigerator/freezer, and under-cabinet lighting installed.

Gold

Glen Alspaugh Co., Saint Louis, Mo.

The owners of a 1950s ranch wanted to update their 1980s kitchen to something that was more contemporary and efficient. The work triangle was reconfigured to accommodate traffic patterns and a covered porch was annexed as a breakfast room to provide space for the changes. A combination of stainless steel and black roast walnut cabinetry create drama, and a striking mosaic glass tile backsplash establishes the cooking area as the kitchen’s focal point. Frosted glass with light-diffusion properties similar to stainless steel was used in framed inserts to break up the tall pantry cabinets.

Silver

Charco Construction, San Diego, Calif.

The goal was to transform a ranch-style home into a chic, yet comfortable and contemporary, family home. The kitchen had a cramped feel with low ceilings and a U-shaped configuration. Dated wood wall paneling, wallpaper, linoleum flooring and scalloped trim details were eliminated in favor of design elements that would make the home more contemporary. The existing layout was reorganized and current finishes were chosen to make the kitchen harmonious with the whole-house remodel that took place simultaneously.

Bronze

Normandy Builders, Hinsdale, Ill.

Having lived in the home for 30 years, the empty nesters of this upscale home in a Chicago suburb decided to create the kitchen of their dreams. The new kitchen did not require major reconfiguration, however. The dooways remained as they were and minor revisions to the placement of element of the work triangle accomplished many of the homeowner’s goals. The greatest change to the functionality of the room came from relocating the refrigerator and the double oven. Opposite the wall of tall appliances, a built-in banquette and custom curved table saved much-needed space.