Some remodeling customers are uncertain about the best way to change the look of their space, and turn to us at Kitchen Magic for guidance; other homeowners already have a clear idea of what they want, and ask us to make their vision a reality. The latter was very much the case in a recent remodeling project we completed in Milford, New Jersey. The home had been designed by the homeowner, who was clearly accustomed to creating and implementing an artistic vision for their living space. By the time Kitchen Magic arrived on the scene, the homeowner already had clear ideas about the colors and materials that would go into creating the look of their new kitchen. Cabinet refacing was the perfect solution for staying within budget, yet still having the kitchen they had always dreamed of. Building on the Existing Decor is Key The sleek, black appliances already in place demanded a bold complement, and the rich, deep hue of Cordovan on Cherry stain fit the bill perfectly. The arched cabinet doors add a classic touch of elegance, but one that blends seamlessly with the modern feel of the other design elements. The clean lines and chrome finish of the cabinet hardware serve to unite the vivid cherry cabinetry with the gray toned counters and backsplash. That backsplash, a custom design envisioned by the homeowner, brings both unity and contrast to the entire space. The splashes of lighter values brighten the deep red tones of the cabinets, keeping the room from feeling too dark. The use of texture and varied tonal values create a unique piece that adds dimension to the kitchen's personality and reflects the creative energy of the homeowners. The luxury of the deep cherry-red cabinets and the sleekly modern lines of the furnishings create a timeless and bold back drop for the counters, and only one stone perfectly fits that bill: granite! The black Uba Tuba granite countertops chosen by the homeowners have the visual weight and richness to pair with the Cordovan on Cherry, and the marbling of lighter and darker values echo of the custom-designed backsplash over the range, completing the new design. Taken together, the effect of the homeowners' choices create a striking, elegant, and almost decadent feel without any heavy or dark characters. The sleek lines and organic look created by the arched cabinet doors give the room a sense of grace and motion that is entirely appropriate to the homeowners' aesthetic, given their fondness for the adventure of hot-air ballooning and active life style. David Glasofer