NKBA Kitchen Competition Project

Since my Interior Design program is accredited by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), an entire class is devoted to learning about kitchen and bath design. As a major project in the class, the NKBA student competition for the kitchen was used as a project in the class with modifications to fit our semester schedule. Although I did not enter this project into the actual competition, I gained valuable skills and experience, particularly working with AutoCAD. I learned the necessity of paying extreme attention to details. I also learned value of inspiration, allowing it to guide the design process. So far the kitchen and bath class has been one of my favorites and I could see myself going into this specialty.

For this project, we were required to design a kitchen with certain client requests and construction restrictions as presented for the NKBA Student Design Competition. A contemporary style, high-end appliances, and luxurious materials were the focus. There was a steep learning curve for this project because it was one of the first time I extensively used AutoCAD. It was also challenging, in a good way, to design with the building’s construction. It required product research and creative solutions. I found these restrictions expanded rather than inhibited my creativity due to the guidance that they gave.

My design concept for the project is as follows along with some gorgeous inspiration photos:

The Fletcher’s new kitchen is inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House. Throughout the space, elements from his design will be incorporated with sleek, high tech appliances and luxurious materials to make this kitchen the perfect space for entertaining and impressing guests. Continuous, clean lines of the cabinets and countertops will establish this kitchen’s strong horizontality. Vertical columns, inspired by those of the Farnsworth House, will add contrast. Polished, smooth materials accented by rough elements will also add contrast. A neutral palette will be the backdrop to the spectacular view and the Fletcher’s sculpture and glass collections.

Here is the kitchen solution, which is a summary of my design executed, with the floor plan and a couple elevations drafted:

The Fletcher’s kitchen emphasizes entertaining and focuses on the view as well as Thomas and Margaret’s art collections. Only high-end brands such as Sub-Zero and Wolf are used in the space. Warming drawers along with a microwave drawer add efficiency for the caterers. There is plenty of counter space for preparation and cleanup. Two dishwashers (one of which is a Hobart commercial dishwasher), a food waste disposal at the main sink, Dornbract’s Profi spray, and trash/recycling space under the sink enhance the kitchen’s functionality.

Rectilinear forms in the cabinets combined with the continuous line of the countertops create a sleek, contemporary look. Those lines are repeated throughout the space in the sophisticated shape of the Dornbracht’s LOT faucet, the custom stainless steel drawer pulls, and the island.

The island is an area of multiple functions. As an extension of the bar, it houses the refrigerated wine storage, and refrigerator/freezer drawers that store ice and drink garnishes. Since it is the focal point of the kitchen, the island displays the Fletcher’s glass collection and top shelf liquor on glass shelves lighted by a dramatic Bocci pendant light fixture. It is also the space where Thomas and Margaret can sit down for breakfast and enjoy their stunning view.

Luxurious materials, such as polished green onyx, are used throughout the space for sophistication and interest. Lacquered ivory cabinets with linear hardware are the foundation to the kitchen’s contemporary look. Stainless steel pilasters echo the columns of the same material in the island, and add contrast to the textural travertine backsplash.

The floor plan.

An elevation.

Elevations of the island.