This project earned the 1997 Contractor of the Year Award for Residential Kitchen under $30,000. This spacious kitchen wasn’t so bad to begin with. But the clients wanted to add more elegance throughout the area. They wanted to increase the overall lighting as well as create more countertop space that would be efficient, yet ornate. The clients chose Kitchen Aid appliances, purchasing a new downdraft stovetop, microwave, and refrigerator with cherry wood panels to match the existing cabinetry. We removed four flourescent tube lights over the center island and installed recess downlights throughout the kitchen. The center island was functional, but not as attractive as the clients wanted, nor as large as they wanted. We widened the island by approximately six inches and lengthened it at one end with 18" of open shelving for display items. In one corner of the kitchen, the microwave originally abutted to the corner cabinet. The clients were unable to fully open the cabinet door next to the microwave door. We relocated the microwave down next to the refrigerator and then created shelving above the microwave for display use. We replaced the light colored formica desk top, the center island, and the butler’s pantry counter top with Uba Tuba slab marble. Above the desk, we fabricated and installed a display shelf. By starting with a kitchen that was already in good condition, we were able to upgrade to a truly grand experience. Photo by Omar Salinas, Hi-Tech Photo Kitchen designed by Gail P. Bruner, CKD, CBD, Janus II Designs, NKBA Certified Kitchen Designer; NKBA Certified Bath Designer; Certified in Interior Design in the State of Virginia.   info@hebinc.com www.hebinc.com Home Equity Builders, Inc. • 1146-D Walker Road • Great Falls, Virginia 22066 phone: (703) 759-2530, fax: (703) 759-5415 ©2002 Home Equity Builders, Inc.