Bronze Award – Mission Woods Ct, Franklin
Every kitchen tells a story. This one’s tale began decades ago, when honey oak cabinets and dark granite countertops were the height of sophistication. The kitchen even had glass-doored wall cabinets perched above the island—a bright idea in its day, but one that eventually aged into something less “airy showcase” and more “visual roadblock.” Add in an arched wall that cut the space off from the family room, and the result was a kitchen that felt more like a cubicle than the social hub it was meant to be.
For this couple, the push for change started with a simple desire: new appliances. Not just any appliances, but the kind that turn everyday cooking into an event—induction cooktop, double ovens, a warming drawer, and more. But like a domino effect, these upgrades required more space, more light, and ultimately, a new layout.
Making Room to Breathe
The first order of business? Tear down the barriers. Out went the island cabinets and the arched wall openings, instantly connecting the kitchen to the rest of the home. With the partitions gone, natural sightlines opened up, and suddenly the kitchen wasn’t an island in isolation—it was part of the party.
Center Stage: The Island
The new kitchen now revolves around a grand center island, a multipurpose command center large enough for meal prep, family breakfasts, or an impromptu buffet line during dinner parties.
- Integrated outlets for laptops, mixers, and chargers
- Pull-out baking center
- Spice storage with dividers
- Waste / recycle cabinet
Appliance Heaven
All the new appliances found smart homes in the design. The freestanding electric range was swapped for an induction cooktop, crowned with a custom black copper hood featuring hammered detailing—a sculptural focal point as much as a workhorse.
- Induction cooktop with custom black copper hood
- Double ovens
- Microwave
- Warming drawer placed at optimal height
These are grouped in tall cabinetry—conveniently within reach yet out of the busy prep zone. The warming drawer quickly became a daily favorite.
Storage, Simplified
Storage was never lacking in the old kitchen, but now it’s purposeful.
- Shallow pantry replaces a clunky planning desk
- Wide drawers with tailored inserts for knives and cutlery
- Scooped drawer under cooktop for baking sheets and silicone mats
- Pull-out spice rack for favorites and essentials
Organization is now built into the bones of the cabinetry.
A Fresh Look
The design balances warmth and refinement. Cherry base cabinets contrast with soft white uppers, while existing oak floors were sanded and stained darker for depth. White Calacatta quartz countertops with subtle gray and slate blue veining add lightness, and smoky blue-gray tile accents plus beloved blue glass knobs personalize the space. Layered lighting—from recessed LEDs to under-cabinet strips to dual chandeliers—makes the whole room sparkle.
The Big Reveal
What was once a dark, closed-in kitchen is now a luxurious open-concept space tailored for both entertaining and daily life. The blend of warm wood, crisp quartz, and the striking black copper hood creates a kitchen that feels both elegant and inviting. Most importantly, it reflects the owners themselves: practical, stylish, and ready to welcome guests with open arms—and maybe a tray from that perfectly placed warming drawer.
