Plaza Towers Kitchen of the Year

Written by Kim Mays, content strategist for Monogram

Reflective of the luxury high-rise Plaza Towers’ own architecture, this kitchen redesign in Buckhead, Georgia by Mark Williams Design Associates blends mid-century modern with 21^st century amenities. What began as a galley-style kitchen is now an open, inviting space that’s 100 percent functional as a kitchen, yet welcomes guests as a comfortable entertaining area. Designer Niki Papadopoulos filled us in on the details—including its Monogram appliances—that made this Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles magazine 2019 Kitchen of the Year winner such a success for all involved.

Photo courtesy of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles (Styling by Yvonne Orchard; Photography by David Christensen)

The original parquet floors throughout most of the rooms is similar in color to the kitchen cabinetry; a choice consciously made during the early room-design phase. The Monogram built-in, custom panel refrigerator is clad in the same wood as the cabinets, allowing it to fade into the cabinet-lined walls of the contemporary room. This, along with its concealed appliances, allows the room to feel like an extension of the whole condo and not just a kitchen.

The muted, honey tone of the wood cabinets sets a warm backdrop for the antique brass Eclat chandelier by Jean de Merry—which inspired the rest of the room. Its brass spikes provide an explosion of warm light; it’s an eye-catching element indicative of mid-century design. Many other finishes in the kitchen are also brass in relation to this focal point.

In keeping with the sleek lines and geometric designs of mid-century style, the modern white subway tile backsplash was stacked, creating graphical pattern that lies stark against the organic wood grain of the cabinets. The flooring also contrasts with the wood with its black porcelain tiles that contain gray and white veins to mimic marble, while offering years of durability and ease of care.

Papadopoulos’ favorite element of the kitchen is the waterfall-edge island, which houses the cooking area on the backside. The lower end of the white marble island spills into the open room as a table, providing plenty of comfy seating. Said Papadopoulos, “the giant island… just begs you to sit and linger once dinner is over.”

Though the homeowner didn’t cook much, Papadopoulos said it was important to keep the appliances multi-functional, which included the addition of a Monogram Advantium oven, which the owner loves. “Advantium really appealed to him. [It] was a perfect fit … he uses it all the time,” said Papadopoulos. “We love the tailored nature of Monogram Appliances and how they are able to adapt seamlessly into any of our designs, contemporary or traditional. They are functional, easy to use, good looking, and have outstanding performance,” she added.

We are just as thrilled as Papadopoulos and Mark Williams over this kitchen renovation being named “Kitchen of the Year.” Having a part in this gorgeously designed, award-winning kitchen sets the tone for an exciting 2019.