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CLIFTON, VA — When clients are brave enough to make bold design decisions, the end result can be a win-win for everyone, even the designer. Such was the case with Sandra Brannock, who was commissioned to trans- form this kitchen, multi-purpose laundry/ mudroom/pantry and powder room into more functional spaces with unique aesthetics. "You can learn a lot when a client pushes you and allows you go somewhere where many don't want to go," says the owner and CPA, AKBD, Expert Kitchen Designs, in Amissville, VA, who created the spaces in collaboration with Brannock Enterprises and RKC Engineering. "It's hard to find clients who are brave enough to make bold leaps, especially in the DC area where people tend to be a bit more conservative with design. But this client was willing to make decisions that made this white kitchen anything but a cookie-cutter, white kitchen." DESIGN INSPIRATION Aesthetically, the heart of the design builds upon inspiration taken from an antique beam the clients had purchased on a whim, as well as a collection of copper mugs the homeowner wanted to display. Brannock was also asked to incorporate ledgestone and at least one element that satisfied an industrial vibe. "At our first meeting, she brought me downstairs to show me a beam that she and her husband had fallen in love with," she says. "We hadn't even designed anything yet, but she knew she wanted to incorporate that beam somehow." Unfortunately, it was too warped and misshapen to use – "things need to be straight in a kitchen!" says Brannock. But the designer did use it as inspiration, ultimately finding a reclaimed beam at Shenandoah Furniture Gallery that was incorporated as an accent for the ventilation hood. Reclaimed wood also served as inspiration for additional wood pieces Brannock peppered throughout the kitchen, including floating shelves – which showcase those beloved copper mugs – sliding cabi- net doors beneath the cooktop and a unique wood island countertop, all of which were also sourced from Shenandoah Furniture Gallery. Building upon her client's copper mug collection, Brannock brought additional copper elements into the space, such as the copper faucet and sink as well as the pendants that hover above the island. Mixing the 'warm' metal with 'cool' stainless steel, as found in the appliances, as well as with Brushed Satin Nickel cabinetry hardware, proved to be one of those bold design moves Brannock indicates pushed the design envelope. "I admit that I was hesitant," says the de- signer, "but she liked the idea and it proved to be the right move!" Bold Decisions Drive Kitchen Design BY KIM BERNDTSON A brave client gives the designer the ability to create a white kitchen that is anything but cookie-cutter. MULTI-TIERED ISLAND Showcases a unique top where Antique Oak wood floats over engineered quartz STEEL BEAMS Fulfill a wish for an industrial element, as well as provide needed support COPPER MUG COLLECTION AND RECLAIMED BEAM Serve as inspiration, driving design decisions for material choices for multiple spaces Photos: June Stanich Photography 58 Kitchen & Bath Design News • January 2018 PROJECT CASE STUDY SPOTLIGHT ON CREATIVE, PROBLEM-SOLVING KITCHENS AND BATHS Continued