2026 Interior Design (Living Space) Winner: Water’s Edge
This kitchen renovation is a refined exercise in restraint, demonstrating how clarity and proportion can redefine a space. The original kitchen, though spacious, felt visually cluttered due to ornate detailing and competing materials. The redesign simplifies and elevates the architecture, allowing each element to serve a clear purpose. Muted green cabinetry recedes into the background, creating a calm foundation, while exposed ceiling beams introduce rhythm and define volume. Rather than relying on a single large island, the layout features two sculptural forms that improve circulation and establish distinct zones for preparation and gathering.
A disciplined material palette — wood, stone and subtle accents — creates cohesion and visual balance. A full-height stone backsplash anchors the room without overpowering it, while integrated lighting reinforces scale and warmth.
What the judges said: A transformation that brings great change but remains in the spirit of the original architecture.
Amanda Raymond
Studio Sage Interiors in New London
603-526-2121
studiosageinteriors.com
