Special Events

The 2003 Readers Choice Award

For the first time, consumers had the opportunity to participate in the selection of an award-winning project in conjunction with the annual Wisconsin Remodeler of the Year Awards. Sponsored by the Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council, the competition allowed association members to submit entries in various categories to gain recognition for projects that they had completed during the year.

Working with M Magazines, formerly Milwaukee Lifestyle Magazines, Milwaukee/NARI was pleased to display the entries in the various kitchen categories and wanted you to select your favorite kitchen renovation. The project receiving the most votes was presented with a Lifestyle Magazines "Reader's Choice" Award at the association's award dinner on Friday, January 16, 2004.

A "before" and "after" photo, with a brief description, provides the details of these projects.

The 2003 "Readers Choice" Award was presented to Cream City Construction. Congragulations!

Click on thumb nails for larger photo!

Bartelt-Filo Design*Build*Remodel

Before After

The goal of this remodeling project in Shorewood was to restore the arts and crafts style found in the rest of the home. This was accomplished by creating a new layout that greatly enhanced movement within the room The renovated kitchen now serves as an entertainment area that features an island with a food preparation sink and ample counter space. The natural woodwork matches the look of the rest of the home, and the new seating area doubles as storage space.

B & E General Contractors

Before After

The owners of this Fox Point home desired to create cohesiveness with the rest of their home plus have their kitchen become a free-flowing cooking, entertaining, and dining haven. The new, larger space has more natural illumination with an assortment of window, spotlight, and skylight treatments, concealed storage systems, rerouted mechanical systems hidden by an artistic ceiling pattern, and stylish materials, including stainless steel, granite, glass block, and smooth wood.

Blau Kitchen & Bath

Before After

The remodeling objectives for this 1920s home in Milwaukee's historical district included a design to accommodate small or large gatherings, efficient storage, and display areas. Additional space was obtained by using the butler's panty, mudroom, and pantry, which allowed for the creation of a large island divided for cooking and entertaining. A variety of new appliances, including a cook top with drawers, were added, while a three-wide arch top casement window enhanced the rooms natural light. Lighted glass front cabinets provide an area to display collectibles while brown granite counters complement the cabinetry. The Tuscany-looking floor and backsplash create a subtle contrast to the rest of the room.

Callen Construction

Before After

The owners of this Cape Cod home in Wauwatosa hoped to gain an updated and stylish new kitchen, but the available kitchen space could not be increased. The primary focus was to address the range area that had no existing cabinetry around it and was both an inconvenience and a safety hazard. New cabinetry that ran to the ceiling created a more elegant line. Three upper and two base cabinets were added around the range providing a balance between the two sides of the kitchen, as well as much additional countertop space. Other amenities, such as roll-out trays and a corner Lazy Susan, made base storage areas much more convenient as well.

Callen Construction

Before After

The owner's of this Greenfield home had many concerns regarding their kitchen, including little workspace, no wall space for cabinets, poor traffic pattern, and bad lighting. A wall was removed and a door and appliances were relocated. The island was enlarged and turned to provide ample landing and prep area for the work centers while increasing kitchen cabinet storage. The space was enhanced to have an abundance of light, with 10 recessed lights on zones with dimmers. Other amenities include cabinets finished with conversion varnish, countertops in silestone, ceramic tile backsplash, wood floors, and a maple-cutting block in the island.

Carmel Builders

Before After

This 1970's ranch home in Hartland required more space and light, making it a true "cook's kitchen." After completely gutting the space and removing a half wall, ample counter and work space was created. A skylight, recessed ceiling fixtures, and under cabinet lighting were added, while custom cabinetry surrounding the new appliances provide a "built-in" look. The sink was relocated and the new panty is more functional.

Cream City Construction

Before After

This Spanish-style Milwaukee home originally built in the 1920s needed a larger kitchen with an expanded eating space and modern appliances. The new design required the removal of the pantry, relocating appliances, and reconfiguring the countertops. Faux-finished, custom-beaded cabinetry was added, as was cast-iron farm sink with a period-style faucet. A Mexican terra cotta tile floor was added, while the walls were finished in patterned Spanish stucco to match the original look.

Fiber-Tech Specialists & Remodelers

Before After

The owners of this Bayside ranch home wanted to transform the outdated country style kitchen into a contemporary haven in which to relax and entertain. The new kitchen offers a warm, spacious environment, more countertop work surfaces, a larger eating area, featuring a drop-down table-top, new appliances, a cooktop/workspace island, a high density vinyl floor, and additional storage, including a large pantry.

S.J. Janis Company

Before After

The objective of this project was to develop an older farm house feel for this Brookfield home. The entire room was gutted and five feet was added to the rear of the space, as well as to the dinette. The cabinets are painted and the upper units are staggered, while the island, providing a large workstation, serves as a buffer between the kitchen and dinette. The additional space allowed for a 48" custom floor to ceiling pantry and a wine captain.

Kitchens by Design

Before After

The owners of this Milwaukee home needed more storage space, additional counter and food preparation space, and an enhanced eating area. A closet, soffits, and a 24" wide wall were removed, while new pantry cabinets and custom cherry cabinets, with detailed cabinet molding, were added. New tile backsplash was installed throughout the new space, while a new window was installed behind the kitchen sink. New flooring was installed, the fireplace was resurfaced, and new appliances added.

Carl Krueger Construction

Before After

With a small grease fire in the kitchen providing the incentive to remodel, the owners of this Franklin home were looking update the kitchen to make it brighter and more user friendly. A thorough cleaning to eliminate remnants of the fire preceded the installation of new cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Wood laminate floor was installed, as was vinyl flooring in the laundry room. Doors were cleaned and stained, walls painted, new thresholds were added, and all electrical outlets were updated.

E. Miller & Associates

Before After

The kitchen is this Whitefish Bay home was completely razed, as the dining area in the room was removed, with a breakfast room added in its place. The new space features recycled glass countertops with glass tile bask splash, stainless appliances, inset flat panel cabinetry, and table legs on the end of the peninsula.

RCI - Remodeling Center Inc.

Before After

The goal of remodeling the kitchen in this Colonial home in Brookfield was to create a large open space in which to entertain while being convenient to the rest of the home. The homeowners desired, and now have, a large island with a raised snack bar, two sinks, a ceramic tile floor, and natural stone countertops. The modified floor plan now has the room to be open to the adjacent family room, hearth room, and dining room.