Award-Winning Kitchen Design: What We Can Learn from a Grand Prize Remodel
When a kitchen design earns three national awards in a single year, it’s worth taking a closer look. The Grand Prize winner from the Remodeling Design Awards — created by Krista Agapito — offers a masterclass in transforming a historic space without altering a single wall. This inspiring project reflects how smart finishes, creative appliance integration, and spatial reorientation can revolutionize any kitchen. At Ram Remodeling in Bloomington, MN, we apply similar principles to help our clients achieve award-worthy results with personal flair.
1. The Challenge: Honoring History While Modernizing Function
Set in a 1920s Mediterranean-style home in Winter Park, Florida, this kitchen had been poorly updated in the 1990s. The homeowners wanted a space that honored the original architecture, but also supported modern living and entertaining.
No structural walls were moved. Instead, the design transformation focused entirely on:
Finish selections
Repositioning appliances
Custom cabinetry and paneling
Integrated storage
The result: a functional kitchen that feels dramatically larger while blending seamlessly with the historic aesthetic of the home.
2. Key Features of the Award-Winning Remodel
This kitchen is a masterclass in thoughtful, non-invasive design. Some standout strategies include:
Hidden microwave and trash bins in base cabinetry
A dishwasher paneled to match cabinetry, creating visual continuity
Strategic appliance placement to improve prep flow
A bar seating area reimagined for better social interaction
Fact:
In remodeling projects where no walls are removed, orientation and finish changes alone can improve perceived space by over 30%, according to design efficiency research from the NKBA.
3. Finish Selection as a Game-Changer
Krista’s design choices — from cabinet color to tile and hardware — reflect a deep respect for the home’s Mediterranean roots. She embraced warm tones, natural textures, and soft lighting that feel both elegant and timeless.
You don’t need to change your footprint to change the feel of your space. We often recommend:
Paneled appliances to create cohesion
Light-reflective materials to brighten without new lighting
Natural wood cabinetry to ground the space in warmth
Integrated design zones for entertaining, storage, and cooking
To explore more remodels that balance beauty with layout efficiency, click here.
4. Awards that Reflect Excellence
This project didn’t just win one award — it won three:
Kitchen Grand Prize – Remodeling Design Awards
National Award – Chrysalis Design Contest
Gold Award – Master Design Contest
What made it special? Respect for the home’s history, combined with modern usability and a designer who truly listened to the homeowners’ goals.
Excellence That’s Personal, Since the 1970s
At Ram Remodeling, we’ve been helping homeowners create spaces that win hearts — and occasionally awards — since the 1970s. As a family-owned business in Bloomington, MN, we pride ourselves on listening carefully, building thoughtfully, and delivering results that reflect your lifestyle, values, and personal style. Every kitchen deserves to feel like a winner.
FAQs
Can I dramatically improve my kitchen without moving walls?
Absolutely. Smart finishes, layout tweaks, and storage improvements can completely transform the look and feel of your space.
What are paneled appliances?
These are appliances (like dishwashers or fridges) that have custom cabinet fronts to match the surrounding cabinetry for a seamless look.
How do I preserve the character of a historic home during remodeling?
Work with designers who specialize in restoration-forward techniques — honoring architectural details while improving function.
Are national design awards a sign of a good remodeler?
They often reflect industry recognition of excellence, but great results come from clear communication and thoughtful craftsmanship.
Is a bar seating area still trendy?
Yes. Bar seating is great for casual dining, entertaining, and maximizing counter utility in open-plan kitchens.
Conclusion
Award-winning design isn’t about lavish budgets or massive overhauls — it’s about understanding the space, respecting its essence, and elevating it with intention. Whether you want to honor tradition, embrace the contemporary, or mix both, Ram Remodeling is here to help you create a kitchen that feels grand in every sense.