THE CAPITOL DESIGN BLOG

Capitol Design has recently joined the NKBA and the local Austin chapter.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association that promotes the professionalism of the kitchen and bath industry. Established in 1963 as a network of kitchen dealers, it has grown into the premier association of distributors, retailers, remodelers, manufacturers, fabricators, installers, designers, and other professionals. The NKBA’s certification program emphasizes continuing education and career development and includes designers and professionals in all segments of the kitchen and bath industry. The NKBA has become a valuable resource for both professionals and consumers.

Capitol Design is delighted to announce they have joined the ASID as an industry partner in the Texas region.

This newly remodeled kitchen is being enjoyed by a delightful family in West Rim Estates, a beautiful neighborhood along Westlake Drive in Austin. Initially, the homeowner was thinking of just a “facelift” by refacing the existing cabinetry and changing the countertops. However, after an initial consultation and discussing the family’s needs, they decided to entirely replace the cabinetry and change the layout to better suit their busy lifestyle.

The custom wall and base cabinets are frameless, painted white, with a recessed panel door. Built slightly deeper than standard, at 14″ deep, the wall cabinets allow for greater flexibility and larger plates to be stored.

The large, two-level island is constructed of walnut with an inset, recessed panel door to match an existing table and mantle in the adjoining room. The deep walnut finish is a perfect contrast to the bright white cabinets. The island has two Thermador dishwashers for quick clean up after entertaining. The raised counter allows comfortable seating for three.

Undercounter LED lighting and concealed outlets keep the glass tile backsplash uncluttered, and LED lighting in the upper cabinets makes an artsy space for display.

The Ivory Wave quartz countertop from Hanstone works harmoniously with both the white and walnut cabinets, and the bright metallic fleck in the stone is enhanced by the stainless steel Thermador appliances which include a 48″ built-in refrigerator, a steam oven, a convection oven, a 36″ gas range top and a drawer microwave. The stainless steel chimney hood not only adds pizzazz but removes heat and cooking odors to the outside, as well.

There once were two families with kitchens in shambles,
one family was smart the other one gambled.

Both families decided the kitchens must go,
they did their research and started out slow.

One family choose  blue with yellow accents,
the other thought white with stainless made sense.

They purchased new products, no plastic or cheap tin,
let’s do it right the first time, not over again.

Now it was time to hire a GC,
one family saw value, the other his fee.

He is professional, dependable the one family said,
he’s too high, said the other, and went and hired Fred.

Six months have passed since the projects began,
one family eats in their new kitchen, the other from cans.

You see, Fred was much cheaper, how hard could it be,
it only takes a few days on HGTV.

The kitchen’s half done, and that half is all wrong,
the family hired another GC, because Fred is long gone.

I’ll make the story’s moral as simple as I can,
choose the time tested method, not the flash in the pan.

Capitol Design was recently awarded, Best Washington/Baltimore Condominium Conversion Community, by Delta Associates for their design work on the Somerset House building in the DuPont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC.  This was the 18th annual awards competition sponsored by Delta Associates to recognize excellence in design and construction of apartments and condominiums in the Metro DC area.

Capitol Design was responsible for the floor plans,  and kitchen and bath designs of the eighty-four unit, eleven story building. The renovation was done by The Tenacity Group, a Maryland based development company.

The “H” shaped, Somerset House was built in 1917 and designed by the famous Washington, DC architect, Harry Wardman. The building was completely renovated and updated for the 21st Century. Located on 16th street, the Somerset House is just 11 blocks from the White House.