Knickerbocker Group Designer Wins Grand Prize

Elaine Murdoch, CMKBD (Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer) won the grand prize — Best Overall Design — in the Maine Chapter National Kitchen and Bath Association design contest in late November. The award-winning kitchen design was part of a major renovation project in northern Maine completed by the Knickerbocker Group.

An entire wing of the 1930s-era Tudor Revival home was converted to form a large, modern kitchen and gathering area for a family of eleven. Other amenities included a mudroom, laundry, two bathrooms and a new bedroom, all done in keeping with the original Tudor styling.

“This is one of the most interesting projects I have ever worked on. The existing structure had a wealth of spectacular detail,” said Murdoch. “Intricate carving, stained glass, metalwork and art tile provided rich source material for generating new ideas.”

Additionally, the clients brought enthusiasm and a commitment to retain the same level of quality and artistry throughout, that was extremely inspiring.

“The imaginative homeowners had playful requests: a custom newel post with a humorously fat acorn finial, a small child hideaway under the stairs concealed behind a bookcase door, a huge multi-drawer cabinet for all kinds of treasures,” said Murdoch.

Every member of this large and active family participates in cooking, and the room is essentially three kitchens in one. There is the main preparation area, a tableware storage and cleanup station, and a secondary kitchen that sees activity throughout the day for breakfast, lunches and snacks. Truly a family affair!

To learn more about the project, click here to read the Brambletye project story on our website.