2026 NARI Regional ROTY Winner – Residential Kitchen $150,000–$200,000

We’re proud to share that this kitchen remodel in Mendham, NJ has been recognized as a 2026 NARI Regional Remodeler of the Year (ROTY) Award Winner for Residential Kitchen $150,000–$200,000, Region 1: Northeast. This award celebrates excellence in craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and the successful transformation of a space tailored to how homeowners truly live.

Project Overview: The Canterbury Kitchen

Location: Mendham, NJ
Scope: Full kitchen remodel with structural, cabinetry, electrical, and plumbing updates

The goal of this kitchen renovation was to create a bright, welcoming space that feels both timeless and functional for everyday living. The homeowners wanted improved flow, better natural light, and a design that respected the home’s character while updating it for modern use.

Design Approach: Bright, Balanced, and Timeless

The redesigned layout highlights a large bay window as a central focal point, framing outdoor views and allowing natural light to flood the space. Soft white perimeter cabinetry creates an airy foundation, while a warm, wood-toned island adds depth, contrast, and a natural gathering place.

Elegant quartzite countertops, a classic tile backsplash, and preserved ornate chandeliers bring subtle detail and charm without overwhelming the design. Every finish was selected to feel appropriate to the home while supporting daily functionality.

Layout Improvements & Functional Enhancements

This remodel significantly improved day-to-day usability. By removing the angled wall behind the cooktop, the kitchen now feels open, intuitive, and easy to navigate. The expanded island supports food prep, serving, and casual seating, making it the functional anchor of the room.

The new floor plan prioritizes real-life use, with appliances repositioned to improve workflow and reduce congestion. Multiple users can now cook, clean, and gather comfortably, making the kitchen better suited for both everyday routines and entertaining.

Overcoming Design & Construction Challenges

One of the primary challenges was preserving the homeowners’ existing tumbled marble travertine flooring, which added warmth and character to the space. Because the original island had been installed on top of the flooring, uncovered areas required additional tile that was no longer readily available. After extensive sourcing, matching material was found in limited sizes and carefully integrated to blend seamlessly with the original floor.

Another key decision involved the bay window grille above the sink. While the homeowners initially hesitated to remove it, a trial removal revealed how dramatically it improved light and visibility. Once removed, the unobstructed view became one of the clients’ favorite features in the finished kitchen.

Materials, Craftsmanship & Custom Details

• Custom Showplace Cabinetry, including stacked uppers and integrated storage accessories
  
  
• Quartzite countertops, fabricated and installed with precision and clean seams
  
  
• Classic tile backsplash with subtle texture
  
  
• Preserved chandeliers, relocated to complement the new layout
  
  
• New crown molding, base molding, and trim matched to the home’s original style
  
  

The craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from perfectly aligned cabinetry and trim to the seamless integration of new materials with existing architectural elements.

Systems Upgrades for Modern Living

Behind the scenes, the kitchen received extensive updates to support the new layout and appliances:

• New electrical circuits, GFCI outlets, recessed and under-cabinet lighting
  
  
• Updated plumbing lines for appliances and fixtures
  
  
• Venting and mechanical upgrades to meet current codes
  
  
• Careful coordination across trades to ensure efficiency and safety
  
  

These improvements ensure the kitchen not only looks beautiful but performs exceptionally well for years to come.

About NARI and the ROTY Awards

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the premier professional association representing the remodeling industry nationwide. Dedicated to advancing professionalism and fostering consumer confidence, NARI members adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and uphold the highest standards of quality and integrity, ensuring Remodeling Done Right™.

Through industry education, resources, and peer networking, NARI equips remodeling professionals to deliver exceptional results for homeowners. The Remodeler of the Year (ROTY) Awards recognize the best remodeling projects across the country, honoring excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, and project execution.

This Mendham, NJ kitchen remodel’s recognition as a 2026 Regional ROTY Winner reflects NARI’s commitment to celebrating projects that exemplify thoughtful design, superior craftsmanship, and lasting value for homeowners.

To learn more about NARI or find a trusted NARI professional, visit remodelingdoneright.nari.org or nari.org, or call 847-298-9200.

Why This Kitchen Won a NARI ROTY Award

This project earned the 2026 NARI Regional ROTY Award for its thoughtful balance of design, functionality, craftsmanship, and problem-solving. The judges recognized the team’s ability to enhance the home’s character while delivering a modern, highly functional kitchen tailored to the homeowners’ needs.

A Kitchen Designed for Everyday Life

The finished kitchen feels bright, connected, and welcoming, a space designed for gathering, cooking, and daily living. By combining classic details with smart planning and modern infrastructure, this Mendham kitchen remodel stands as a timeless example of thoughtful residential design. Ready to have your home remodeled by a 2026 Remodeler of the Year? Contact our office at (973) 386-0707.