BEST OVERALL KITCHEN DESIGN
Dacor would like to congratulate Siri Evju, CKD, CBD, of Siri Designs in Oslo, Norway, for her winning kitchen design in the 2009 NKBA Design Competition. Evju took the top prize in the "Best Overall Kitchen" category for her transformation of a large contemporary '80s-style kitchen into a hard-working yet warm teak retreat.
This kitchen renovation for a newly married couple in Oregon was part of a full house remodel. The couple loved the "bones" of their new home, but the modern '80s-style did not mesh with their desire for a warm, inviting space that would allow them to showcase their collection of Asian antiques. "Neither the style nor the floor plan worked," said Evju. "The house needed an overhaul in terms of functionality as well as aesthetics."
To allow for better overall flow in the kitchen, Evju knew that walls would have to come down. She relocated the entrance to the dining room, allowing the cooking area to be placed along a new back wall, which created a delightful backdrop for this state-of-the-art design. She also removed a large partition wall that previously blocked the view to the family room. However, the challenge here was that this wall contained two load-bearing posts. Unable to be moved, these posts needed to be worked into the new design. So Evju took these lemons and made lemonade in the form of a custom buffet. This showpiece incorporates the load-bearing posts while acting as a focal-point in the room as well as a wonderful gathering spot for family and friends. Evju added a shelf for displaying a beloved artwork and strategically positioned lighting overhead to cast a warm glow over this now-favorite piece of furniture in the home.
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The homeowners were very involved in the entire remodeling process. Admittedly, they had to put trust in Evju when it came to certain elements, such as the artistic copper inlay she suggested as part of the granite backsplash. But when it came to the kitchen appliances, the howeowners knew exactly what they wanted.
They chose the Dacor Epicure 36" Cooktop, Epicure 30" Discovery Wall Oven, Microwave and Warming Drawer. They previously owned Dacor appliances and were not willing to compromise when it came to their dream kitchen remodel. "They loved the look of the Dacor appliances," remembers Evju. "They were very picky about every aspect of the design, and the appliance choices were no exception. They love to entertain, so they needed appliances that not only looked great, but would perform at an exceptional level."
The professional styling of the stainless steel appliances creates a wonderful contrast against the grain-matched teak cabinets and black granite countertops. And the center island of the same materials, along with its convenient sink, is the perfect spot for quick meals, meal prep and lingering on weekend mornings over coffee.
Upon completion of the remodel in the summer of 2008, Evju had succeeded in creating a modern yet timeless kitchen design that works flawlessly with the homeowners' style and existing collection of Asian antiques. "It was a real process," said Evju of the design. "In the end, the homeowners loved it."
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