Transforming Tradition: Award-Winning Kitchen Renovation in a 1910 Prairie-Style Home

Discover How Thoughtful Design Solutions Blend Modern Convenience with Historic Charm

Last month, we had the incredible opportunity to attend the prestigious Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, where the brightest minds in design gathered to celebrate the industry's most innovative and creative projects. The NKBA KBIS Kitchen & Bath Design Awards are among the most prestigious honors in the design industry, recognizing excellence in kitchen and bath innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship. Hosted annually at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), these awards celebrate the best in residential design, showcasing outstanding projects from talented professionals across North America.

Amongst a competitive field of over 700 submissions nationwide, we were awarded Third Place in the Small Kitchens (Under 300 Square Feet) category! This recognition from the NKBA KBIS Kitchen & Bath Design Awards is a career-defining moment for William Adams Design and a testament to our team’s passion, hard work, and commitment to excellence. We are humbled by this recognition and the opportunity it provides us to showcase our designs. These awards honor individual achievements and set the stage for the latest innovations and standards in the luxury design space. 

The Challenge of Renovating a 1910 Prairie-Style Kitchen

A 1910 Prairie-style home in Evanston, Illinois, the homeowners were committed to preserving the historic integrity of their forever home while incorporating modern conveniences. The project presented several architectural constraints and design challenges. One of the primary challenges was working within the home's existing footprint. This included a tight corner and limited walkway space, requiring innovative layout solutions. Additionally, the cabinetry needed to seamlessly blend with the existing millwork while being both low-maintenance and modern.

The homeowners' passion for cooking was crucial in the design process. They fell in love with cooking together and wanted a kitchen to support their culinary routines. This meant carefully considering appliance placement, ensuring an intuitive and highly functional layout. Their vision also included a warm and welcoming space that aligned with the organic materials and craftsmanship of the original Prairie-style home. 

We employed thoughtful design strategies to overcome these challenges and fulfill the homeowners’ vision.

Balancing Modern Functionality with Heritage

Approaching this project required a balance between creative vision and practical functionality, ensuring the design respected the home’s architectural roots while meeting the homeowners' modern lifestyle needs.

Innovative Layout Strategies for Small Spaces

To ensure the collaborative and inviting cooking environment the couple desired, we prioritized a generous work surface, allowing both homeowners to enjoy cooking together comfortably and efficiently, and a well-thought-out layout to optimize movement and functionality. We established an efficient workflow by carefully arranging cabinetry and appliances, even in a tight corner with a limited walkway. The placement of the separate refrigerator column and freezer drawers was strategically chosen based on the homeowners' cooking habits, ensuring a seamless and practical experience. 

Bespoke Material Selections for a Unique Aesthetic

Respecting the Prairie-style heritage, we meticulously selected materials and finishes that complemented the original architecture while introducing modern elements. Curated materials created a layered visual experience that is as functional as beautiful. 

The cabinetry features custom rift-cut white oak that has been stained to match the home’s existing millwork, ensuring a seamless aesthetic integration. Handcrafted details like hammered brass hardware and textured leather wet bar fronts add warmth, texture, and a bespoke touch that enhances the historical integrity of the space. Additionally, a high-pressure laminated hood with faux-metal accents introduces a refined yet industrial character, expertly overcoming construction challenges with its precision-cut mitered joints.

Celebrating Design Excellence

At the heart of this achievement was problem-solving, ensuring that every element—from layout to material selection—aligned with both the home’s history and the homeowners’ lifestyle. This award is not just a reflection of a single designer’s vision but of the teamwork between our firm, skilled craftsmen, and our clients, whose partnership was key in bringing this project to life. It was a seamless blend of innovation, craftsmanship, and collaboration. Integrating modern functionality within a historic home’s constraints showcased technical expertise and design ingenuity.

Awards like the NKBA KBIS Design Awards serve as a reminder of the power of thoughtful design and its ability to transform spaces in meaningful ways. Recognition on this level is an inspiration not just for designers but for homeowners who seek to create spaces that blend beauty, functionality, and personal storytelling.

For those considering a kitchen remodel, working with a professional who understands your vision and your space's unique challenges can make all the difference. A well-designed kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it’s the heart of a home, a space that fosters connection, creativity, and lasting memories. We would love to collaborate with you on how a kitchen remodel can elevate your home and lifestyle!