Kitchen Design Concepts Wins Top NARI Award for Fun, Functional Midcentury Modern Bath

For close to 20 years, Kitchen Design Concepts have been making dream kitchens a reality. But don’t let the name fool you. The Dallas-based design company is equally adept at transforming outdated bathrooms into luxury retreats.

Look no further than the list of National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) 2023 award winners. Kitchen Design Concepts’ recent renovation of a midcentury modern primary bath took home the top prize for North Texas Contractor of the Year (CotY) Residential Bathroom over $100,000.

The property, located in Lake Highlands, was purchased several years ago and has since been updated with midcentury design elements. The bathroom required a more extensive remodel. A lengthy wish list included adding floor space to the shower, reconfiguring the toilet area, eliminating the tub, and converting to a tankless water heater.

“The spatial layout was very important in this project, and the first thing addressed during the design consultation,” said Rebecca Sutton, Kitchen Design Concepts Residential Designer. 

“Previously, the bathroom had narrow walk paths, an unused tub on carpet, a zero-privacy commode, and a closet with no door.”

“We added square footage by eliminating a hall closet then completely reconfigured the space by ‘flipping’ the vanities and cabinet storage and doubled the shower in size. With the tub gone, the commode was moved to the adjacent wall, with a frosted glass partition to gain privacy from the bathroom entry,” Sutton added.

In keeping with the home’s midcentury modern vibe, design elements included floating wood-toned shaker cabinetry and bright blue accent tile. There are also touches of Scandinavian design — think clean lines, ample light, and practical storage solutions.

“This year’s submissions were outstanding, making the job of our esteemed judges very difficult,” said Tracy Wright, Senior Director of Member Engagement and Governance at NARI. “The judging panel representing industry experts, selected winners based on problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, and degree of difficulty.”

5 ways to incorporate iconic elements of MCM style into your bathroom.

1. Statement-Making Wallpaper. From optically illusive geometrics to colorful groovy curves, there’s no shortage of covet-worthy wall covering designs.

2. Retro Lighting. Top picks include modern pendants, retro-style sconces, and Sputnik chandeliers. Newer versions of 1950s and 60s design combine style and functionality with forward-thinking features like eco-friendly LEDs and integrated dimmers.

3. Creative Tile. Geometric patterns, terrazzo, and subway tiles are MCM mainstays. Try using different tiles for the walls and the floor to make your space more interesting and more modern.

4. Natural Wood Vanities. Floating vanities or vanities with thin, tapered legs are design staples. Opt for clean lines and minimal ornamentation. Bonus: Lifting a vanity off the floor creates the illusion of more space.

5. MCM-Inspired Accents. Asymmetrical and geometric mirrors break up otherwise simple lines. Green plants provide an airy, indoor-outdoor feel. Finish the look with fun, funky linens.