Kitchen Encounters DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Our focus is on Mark White, owner of Kitchen Encounters in Annapolis, Maryland. This kitchen design also took first place for the large kitchen category in the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s annual design competition. HF: How would you describe your design style? MW: I’d describe it as eclectic and ‘reflective’- I like a variety of styles; contemporary, transitional, and some traditional. It all depends on the space you are in and the surroundings of the home. My designs are a reflection of my clients’ tastes and desires, and often the result of collaboration with interior designers. HF: Where do you get your design inspiration? MW: When I listen to my clients, I am usually inspired to come up with solutions to their project challenges; some inspiration comes from architecture, other from designers or nature. Every client and situation is unique in its own way. A big part of the interactive design process is to learn about our clients outside of what their immediate needs are, and try to incorporate a feature particular to them; showcasing their grandmothers tea pot collection, creating a space for their beloved pets, leaving space for their antique hutch, anything that is special to the homeowner. HF: What were the main requests from your client for this project? MW: The client’s already had a large, open kitchen, but the style was traditional. The biggest change they wanted was to make the space more modern, while keeping it open for family and entertaining; lots of appliances, counter space and storage – good flow and access to everything. HF: Were there any big design challenges you had to overcome? MW: Some challenges included moving the pantry door to be more accessible to the main work area and creating a functional food prep area in such a large kitchen without requiring too much walking. HF: What are your favorite things about this space? MW: My favorite things include the accent lighting built in around all the cabinets; the pantry door that matches the cabinets; the elevated fireplace and wine/bare area. HF: How did Hubbardton Forge lighting and that design get picked for this project? MW: We had a very talented interior designer, Sharon Kleinman of Transitions, working with the homeowners on tile, countertop, hardware and lighting selections. Mark’s Project Features: CIRQUE CHANDELIERS & BRINDILLE PENDANT Save Save Save