Tracey Scalzo, CMKBD of EuroTech Cabinetry, Inc. has been awarded First Place in the Small Kitchen Category of the 2012 NKBA Design Competition. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) announced the winners of the 2012 NKBA Design Competition on April 24 at Chicago’s McCormick Place during the 2012 Kitchen& Bath Industry Show (KBIS). The competition drew almost 500 entries from across the U.S. and Canada. Scalzo’s entry also garnered the "Best Before and After" award for the "traditional-eclectic" remodel of a kitchen in the 100 Central Building in Sarasota.

Scalzo, a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) has garnered a number of national awards over her 22 years with Eurotech Cabinetry, but says this one is particularly sweet. "I promised her that Eurotech would install the best kitchen she’s ever had", says Scalzo, of her client, "and I’m pleased to say that we delivered. She says she just couldn’t be happier".





This kitchen also won HGTV's 2012 "People's Pick" for Best kitchen.
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While many might have been satisfied with the "before" kitchen, the condo’s owner had a dramatically different aesthetic in mind. And she likes to cook! Frustrated after spending time with other firms that couldn’t grasp her vision, the client was delighted when Scalzo quickly arrived at solutions to several problems. Due to the small size of the kitchen, optimization of storage was essential, as was the incorporation of high quality, performance appliances. The kitchen opens onto a formal living room, so of course it had to look fabulous.





The workflow of the space was transformed by the rearrangement and addition of appliances. By removing a return wall and borrowing just a few inches from the adjacent foyer allowed the insertion of a stacked microwave, oven and warming drawer. Fully integrating the refrigerator minimizes its visual impact. Where there was once a marginally functional micro/hood, a stunning faux stone hood commands attention over the induction cooktop. All of the cabinets are fully accessorized with pull-outs, a "magic corner", peg-board dish drawers, sliding towel bar and drawer dividers making use of every last inch of storage space. HVAC requirements and sprinkler system precluded significant changes to existing soffits, so the ceiling recess was dressed up with paint, crown moulding and cove lighting. Banquette seating nestled up to the half wall behind the sink allows for comfortable dining while freeing up precious floorspace in the Grand Room.





With no natural light of it’s own, the kitchen features layers of light from the blown glass pendant to the rope lighting behind the toe mould permitting several levels of illumination; from well-lit food prep to subtle ambient lighting.

According to Scalzo , "There is nothing subtle or understated in the client’s tastes, but she enjoys a surprisingly casual lifestyle". Distinctly modern conveniences such as a TV niche and built-in coffeemaker are tucked behind a newly configure angled wall divider so they are unseen from the adjacent living room.





Scalzo says her client deserves a lot of credit for her finish selections and commitment to only the finest products and accoutrements. The custom copper-foiled mullions on the glass-fronted wall cabinetry echo other copper details and provide a focal point as crystal and glass sparkles beneath the puck lighting. Multiple hand-carved mouldings, stone splash with copper tile inserts, and a fabulous stainless and copper basket-weave apron front sink are just a few of the opulent details featured while the distressed finishes of cabinetry, hand-scraped wood floors and chiseled edges on the limestone countertops lean away from stuffiness and add welcoming, touchable textures to the mix. The entire kitchen space looks right at home among the eclectic mix of antiques in the adjacent spaces.










Objectives

• Achieve aesthetic of casual opulence

• Incorporate performance appliances

• Add television

Design Challenges

• Limited footprint

• Fixed plumbing and HVAC locations

• Accommodate collection of decorative stemware, cookware, etc.

• Provide pantry storage w/ minimal available wall space

• Dark finishes desired in an iInterior location with little natural light

Design Solutions

• Annexed minimal space from adjacent foyer

• Utilized integrated appliances to minimize functional appearance

• Used recirculating ventilator in decorative hood

• TV niche and coffee maker recessed to increase functional space and decrease visual impact

• Banquette seating

• Extensive use of cabinet storage accessories: roll-outs, drawer dividers and pegboards, "magic corner", narrow pull-outs, etc.

• Layers of energy-efficient, dimmable lighting and light-reflecting limestone counters

Special Features

• Multiple decorative mouldings and onlays

• Copper foiled mullions on illuminated wall cabinets feature crystal and glass collection

• Complementary worn and textured finishes

Read the article at The Sarasota Herald Tribune - http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20120504/ARTICLE/120509794