Stauffer Design Co. wins 417 Design Awards for Best Kitchen of 2022

I alllmost didn’t enter the Highland House into the 417 Design Awards. It was a very busy month finishing the "#therecanbeonlyonehighlandhouse project and I didn’t think I’d have the project completed in time to enter the competition. It turns out the project wrapped up just a few days before the deadline to enter. I had just had the Highland House professionally photographed and thought I’d throw my name in the hat to win.

I knew by entering into the 417 Design Awards, I would be running against some pretty stiff competition; designers that have been around much longer than I have, designers that have won countless other awards, and who have projects under their belts that every designer would be ga-ga over. I knew too that I had something different to show. I’d designed the Highland House with materials and finishes that I felt were outside of the norm, and I was ok with the risk that was involved by daring to be different. I made selections that I was confident would stand out against the mainstream shaker and stand up against even the most detailed custom kitchen.

When Shawn, at Favrstone, came to template the backsplash and perimeter of the kitchen, we discussed running the countertop all the way to the bottom of the custom range hood. We measured it out and he packed up to go and then I said, “Wait…I actually have a different idea that I’d like to show you.” Then when I told him I’d love to do the backsplash only about half high and top it with a shelf he was like, “WOW! I’ve never done that!” For me, that was all it took for me to know that I, me, had to do it! If you tell me something hasn’t been done, you can guarantee I will volunteer to be the first. It’s part of my brand. It’s who I am in life.

at Stauffer Design Company …

and in life, we value showing up as exactly who we are. We aren’t looking to keep up with the Joneses or to be a carbon copy of someone else. Part of that is first clearing away the ‘noise’ of who we aren’t, what we don’t love, and what doesn’t make us joyful. We bring this process to every project as we get to know our clients and help them edit out what won’t give them the transformative results they’re looking for and put in only the ones that will enhance life as they know it.

I also had to take a big leap of faith with the style of cabinetry I designed. If you pay attention to more famous designers than little ole me, you will have seen the paneled front cabinetry before (I didn’t invent it), but I knew the safest option was a shaker door. Paint it white and the entire Ozarks would beg for more, but that wasn’t at all what I wanted for this space (or any other space for that matter). I always say texture is my favorite color and texture was what this home thirsted for. The rest of the home is crisp and white, clean and modern, but this kitchen had to stand out. I chose custom white oak cabinetry with a nickel gap panel on the doors. Even for me, I was a little anxious for them to arrive, but when they did, I knew I’d made the right choice. Every oakey grain is as beautiful as the one next to it. The grooves in the panels enhance that gorgeous texture and I hate to brag, but I can’t imagine there being a more approachable, layered, and homey kitchen than this one.

Stauffer Design Co. wins 417 Design Awards for Best Kitchen of 2022

As you’ll always find in the aesthetic at Stauffer Design Co., I wanted to incorporate a mix of eras and styles to elevate the feeling of comfort to one that also felt updated, lived in, and unique. The details were not skimped on in this kitchen. The custom cabinetry looks even more bespoke and charming with the addition of decorative furniture legs. By having the granite countertops leathered instead of honed or polished, we chose leathered granite countertops over polished or honed, for a softer appearance and the uniquely pleasing tactile experience of being able to feel the stone’s natural contours. It’s like it’s moving beneath your fingers! The built-in granite shelf tops the backsplash behind the range providing both function and visual interest. We used aged brass and hand-rubbed black light fixtures for an added layer of timeless charm like a unique play on the old farmhouse lights. While clean-lined and relatively simple in design, the custom-built plaster range hood brings an almost sculptural element into the space.

Stauffer Design Co. wins 417 Design Awards for Best Kitchen of 2022

This was an exciting kitchen to design and watch come to life. A special thank you to the trades professionals who pulled through on this job; Sam Carter Construction, Elton Botard (Cabinetry), Favrstone, Wilson and Sons Flooring, and all the others that showed up and delivered the most beautiful work. Thank you to the friends that supported me—all of you, especially to Kate Bauer, Stephanie Jernigan, Tara Caudle, and Tina Evans for showing up in ways that you probably shouldn’t have (lol). Thank you to Brandon Alms Photography for making the spaces in this remodel even more beautiful than I thought possible. My husband who was underpaid for his contribution, and Janet Parsons for the promotion and speedy sale of this property. Not only was this project a wonderful addition to my portfolio, but also a great opportunity to build my professional rolodex for projects that I work on in the future with clients.

At Stauffer Design Company …

We believe in infusing every space we design with a strong sense of personality by using one-of-a-kind items and special finds infuse a room with heart and soul.

interested in working with us?

or learn more about our services here.

Learn more about the Highland House Project and more from the Stauffer Design Co. Blog