2026 NARI Regional RotY Award – Residential Kitchen Under $50,000
Build – 7 Days
“The kitchen is where we spend a lot of our time… it’s the place that brings us all together.”
For this busy, multi-generational family, the kitchen isn’t just where meals are cooked—it’s where life happens. Parents balance work and family, grandparents share cooking duties, and the kids gather around the island after school.
But their old kitchen couldn’t keep up. It was dark, crowded, and disconnected from the rest of the home. What they needed was a bright, functional, and modern kitchen that supported their daily rhythm and made family life easier.
“It was really dark and kind of gloomy… We spent so much time here, but it never felt inviting.”
– Taina
These weren’t small inconveniences — they were daily frustrations that interrupted the flow of family life.
Homeowner Goals:
“The waterfall was high on the list — probably number one.”
– Taina
From the start, this project was about precision. Every cut, cabinet modification, and material choice served a purpose — to create a kitchen that looked intentional and felt cohesive.
Design & Engineering Highlights
“We had an idea of what we wanted, but you definitely exceeded our expectations with the vision.”
– Taina
“The stove sits flush with the countertop—it looks like a professional chef’s kitchen.”
– Taina
Material & Color Choices:
The old, dark kitchen gave way to a space that now feels alive.
“It’s like a completely different kitchen—light, bright, and so much more open.”
– Taina
The extended island is now the center of everything: homework, morning coffee, work calls, and family dinners. The oversized sink fits every pot and pan, and cleanup takes a fraction of the time.
“Sometimes I even enjoy just sitting here and working… it’s almost like a café feel.”
This remodel didn’t just change how the kitchen looks—it changed how it’s used. The space now invites connection, comfort, and calm, exactly as the family envisioned.
“I love my sink… if I could take a bath in it, I would.”
“It was really dark and kind of gloomy… We spent so much time here, but it never felt inviting.”
– Taina
This project proves that with smart design and craftsmanship, you can achieve dramatic transformation without a full gut remodel.
By reimagining existing cabinetry, aligning form with function, and investing where it mattered most, the result is a kitchen that looks custom-built — and feels like home.
The heart of the home now beats brighter, connecting generations through everyday moments.
