When you glance at a beautifully finished kitchen, what you don't see is the true essence of kitchen design. You miss out on witnessing an old kitchen getting a fresh start. That's why we've initiated this series of Before and After transformations. These posts aim to give you an insider's view into the kitchen design process.
This week, we're speaking with Wael Bakr, a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD), about a recent kitchen makeover he completed for a client.
Wael Bakr: A Designer Who Listens
Wael Bakr isn't just a great designer because he knows what looks good; he's exceptional because he knows how to listen. He listens to the homeowner's needs and the unique demands of their house. "Kitchens," Bakr explains, "aren't designed in isolation." To him, kitchens are part of a larger ecosystem deeply connected to the rest of the home. He doesn't see himself as the sole creator of the kitchen. Instead, it's a collaborative effort between him, the homeowner, and the house itself.
Case Study: The White Kitchen Transformation
We asked Bakr to share an example showcasing his ability to balance all these intricate elements—house, kitchen, homeowner, and designer. He pointed us toward his work on the White Kitchen.
It's a perfect case study. It clearly illustrates his approach, his skill in designing a kitchen that fits harmoniously within its surroundings while enhancing the home's overall usability, rather than merely serving as an attractive cover.
Bakr shares that early in the project, he focused on how he could integrate the kitchen seamlessly into the house.
"The house had a blend of styles," Bakr recalls. "There wasn't a single unifying design aesthetic, so the kitchen had to fit within that context."
Moreover, the existing kitchen lacked functionality. The homeowners were tired of its dull appearance and desired something more vibrant and personalized (the original kitchen was likely chosen from a catalog).
And thus...
What once was this:
Transformed into this:
And this:
What once was this:
Transformed into this:
Bakr says the kitchen he designed mirrors the rest of the house. It was crafted to blend in naturally yet remain striking and functional.
"All the moldings," Bakr notes, "are designed to merge different eras and aesthetics." Not strictly Arts and Crafts, Rococo, or modern, but timeless.
Where Beauty Meets Functionality
Bakr is a practical designer who prioritizes both beauty and utility. The White Kitchen reflects this dual focus. The couple wanted to host more gatherings at home, so Bakr ensured there was ample counter space and allowed multiple users in the kitchen simultaneously.
"A kitchen," Bakr emphasizes, "is meant to be used, not just admired." Instead of focusing solely on appearance, Bakr believes a kitchen designed around functionality will be equally stunning and far more practical.
With Bakr, it's evident—he’s creating your kitchen, not his. His skills and knowledge serve as tools to craft your dream kitchen. He acts as the bridge between your vision and the enduring principles of design, summoning exactly what you need.
Judging by the images above, he’s done an impressive job.
Are you considering transforming your home?
There's still more to explore in this series! Stay tuned for future updates on how designers can breathe new life into spaces.
Round Belt Pulleys,Window Treatments,Nylon Pulley Wheels,Pulley Wheels Roller
Hun Yuan Ya Lian Wan Jia Dian Zi Shang Wu You Xian Ze Ren Gong Si , https://www.ylwjastragalus.com