We’re thrilled to share that our Westlake Dr project was named a 2024 Regional Winner by NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) in the category of Residential Kitchen Design, $100,000 to $250,000!

This recognition means a lot to us—not just because of the honor, but because it celebrates a space that was truly transformed to better fit the way our clients live. Let’s take a closer look at how it all came together.

But first – a big thank you to Q Construction Solutions for bringing this project to life with such care and precision.

THE CHALLENGE: A Cramped Kitchen and Disconnected Spaces

The original layout posed several functional challenges. A wall enclosing the stairs from the garage created an awkward cubby in the kitchen, eating up valuable square footage. A narrow galley space off to the side squeezed in the pantry, washer/dryer, and water heater, leaving little room to move—or function comfortably.

The homeowners also wanted to modernize the staircase in the living room with new balusters, treads, and risers to better reflect their style. Since this staircase sits just outside the kitchen, it made sense to carry the same design details across both areas, ensuring a cohesive feel throughout.

THE DEMO PLAN

THE VISION: Intentional Zones and Clear Wayfinding

The transformation began with a big-picture question: How can we make this home function better, not just look better?

We started by redefining the stair placement, which was key to unlocking the rest of the floor plan. By reorienting the staircase from the garage and removing the wall that once enclosed it, we immediately gained both physical space and visual clarity. This move allowed us to define distinct work zones—one for kitchen activity, and another for utility functions like laundry and storage.

• Zone 1: The Kitchen as a Functional Hub
  With the staircase reworked, we were able to shift the kitchen along one wall, opening space for a large island that encourages gathering and multitasking. This centralized zone supports prep, cooking, and casual dining, with ample storage and thoughtful circulation paths that allow more than one person to use the kitchen comfortably.
• Zone 2: Utility, Streamlined and Separate
  We grouped the pantry, washer/dryer, and relocated water heater into a more compact and efficient layout, pulling utility needs out of the kitchen flow. This separation improves functionality without requiring a full relocation—and helps the kitchen feel less crowded and more intentional.

Throughout the design, we focused on wayfinding—making sure movement through the space feels natural and intuitive. The result is a layout that not only looks cohesive, but also supports how the homeowners actually live, move, and use their home every day.

THE NEW FLOOR PLAN

A UNIFIED LOOK: Stairs and Style

Layering texture and tone
From soft blue shaker-style cabinets and oil-rubbed bronze hardware to warm wood tambour details and organic finishes throughout, every material was selected to strike a balance between sophistication and warmth.

Creating visual continuity
We removed the enclosing walls around both staircases and replaced them with sleek, minimalist steel railings that trace the natural curves of the stairs. The mirrored design approach creates a cohesive visual link between the kitchen and main living area.

THE RESULT: A Home That Lives Better

This remodel was all about making smart, meaningful changes that enhanced how the space feels and functions. By opening things up, maximizing storage, and creating cohesion between rooms, the result is a home that’s better for everyday life—and a beautiful setting for entertaining.

We’re honored that this thoughtful transformation was recognized by NARI—and even more honored to have helped our clients bring their vision to life.

Photography by Avery Nicole Photography