Deseray Mann, who graduated in May from Front Range Community College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Interior Design, won first place in kitchen design in the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 2017 Student Design Competition.
Jennifer Allen, also an FRCC Interior Design student, won third place for her kitchen design.
The assignment was “Smart Design for Active Seniors,” a remodel of a kitchen with a dining nook and master bathroom for a retired couple in their 70s who recently downsized and moved into the single-story home. While still active, the couple wanted the space to be one in which they could “age in place,” so the aspiring designers followed the principles of universal design to accommodate current and future needs, regardless of physical abilities.
The assignment was for real clients who will use Mann’s design for their remodel.
The focal point of Mann’s design is a soaring chimney-like element over an arched cut-out surrounding the stovetop, rising to the 15-foot ceiling. She used split-face ledger stone in cream and brown tones to complement the rest of the color scheme.
“I like to pick a central idea and build around that,” Mann said. “It makes the whole space cohesive.”
The dining nook is a one end of the space, which is approximately 21 feet long, with a U-shaped working area, anchored by the stonework over the stove.
“The color palette makes a connection with the surroundings without overwhelming the space,” Mann explained. “It was a challenge to blend all the color combinations to find a happy balance between the lighter table and the rich brown and red hues in the cabinetry, but we tied it together with the lighter stone and tile selections.”
Mann works as a kitchen and bath designer with Springhaus Interiors in Timnath. She received a $2,500 scholarship award and hotel accommodations and entry to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in January 2018. Her design will be featured in NKBA Magazine.
Allen received a $1,000 scholarship and hotel accommodations and entry to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. Her design also will be featured in NKBA Magazine.
More than 200 students from 26 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada submitted entries for the competition. Waypoint Living Spaces, a custom cabinet brand and division of American Woodmark, sponsored the competition.
About Front Range Community College
FRCC offers nearly 100 degree and certificate programs from locations in Boulder County, Larimer County, Westminster, and Brighton, and online. FRCC is a member of the Colorado Community College System.
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, serving 138,000 students annually at 13 colleges and 39 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities.
