META 2004 Award Winner ñ Residential Kitchen $30,000

META 2004 Award Winner – Residential Kitchen $30,000 - $60,000

Award Entry Description:
The primary goal of this remodel was to improve the layout of the kitchen and provide a better family gathering area.
o The kitchen was cramped with insufficient counter space and had a poorly placed passthrough to the adjacent den area.
o The wall between the kitchen and the den reduced both areas to small spaces with little cohesiveness.
o The small breakfast area opposite the kitchen was not an inviting space.
o The microwave was located on a shelf in the breakfast area because there was not enough space for it in the kitchen.
o The customers were anxious to keep the project within their budget, and were prepared to do some of the work themselves.
Discussions with the customers led to a plan which combined the breakfast area and the formal dining area by removing the non-load bearing wall between them and added a wall to convert the breakfast area into a 77 square foot “study”. The removal of the wall between the kitchen and den created a 431 square foot (28 1/4’ x 14 1/4’) great-room with an island. An existing 4í x 8í recessed fluorescent light well was covered with drywall.

The dramatic difference with the original wall removed is apparent when viewing the before (left) view and the after views. A common family area was created with room for multiple cooks and guests.

After the photo shoot, I was offered an incredibly delicious lunch made from left-overs,
so can attest that the kitchen promotes culinary excellence!


Two views of work center, which includes the island with an electric grill, and the cooktop with adjacent microwave. Layout made island a natural gathering place.

Key Design features
• An efficient primary work triangle includes two cooking surfaces: a 30î conventional cooktop with hood, and an electric downdraft cooktop located on the island.
• Generous storage includes roll-out shelves, corner lazy susan and a file drawer.
• The small microwave was placed on an open shelf to the left of the cooktop.
• In the new kitchen area, recessed fluorescent ceiling lighting was combined with under cabinet halogen lighting to provide several lighting levels. The den area received dimmable incandescent lights on two circuits for variable lighting effects. Switches for both zones are accessible at all area entrances. The islandís lighting is controlled from the island.
• The new study wall was set back 32î to provide cabinetry for the double oven, a large pantry with roll-out shelves, and a small counter for the telephone and a file drawer without intruding into the visual space of the larger room. A pocket door entry to the study also maximizes space.
• The study has become a family favorite used as a quiet place for homework and private discussions.


Before and after of kitchen. Removal of non-load bearing wall blended the kitchen and den, making a spacious family gathering place and efficient kitchen.


Before and after of area opposite kitchen. What was once a dark narrow breakfast area became a small study with a concealed door, and cabinets with a double oven plus copious storage for the cook. Small base on end provides phone station and a file drawer, next to large pantry with roll-out shelves.