Challenge: To make an outdated kitchen functional for entertaining and family life. A 3-foot-wide addition eased the circulation path, increased the workspace, and allowed room for a bar-height island. Custom cabinets in a warm metallic pewter help to unify the surfaces. Judges appreciated: the room’s understated quality and linen limestone backsplash set in a stack-bond pattern.

Location: Seattle
Designer:  Stuart Silk Architects Ltd., Seattle, Wash.
Contractor:  Geoff Osler, Seattle

See list of all 2008 RDA winners.