2025 Chrysalis Award Winner –
Residential Interior Under $150,000

From Cramped to Cohesive

A Full-Home Interior Remodel That Redefined Functionality and Flow

Sunday Morning Kitchen and Bath is proud to announce that founder and lead designer Marta Layton, CKBD, UDCP has been awarded the 2025 Chrysalis Award for Residential Interior – Under $150,000, one of the most prestigious honors in the remodeling industry. The winning project—a transformative renovation in North Texas—reimagined the home’s kitchen, bathroom, and living area, turning a dated and dysfunctional layout into an open, elegant, and highly functional space for modern family life.

This project, completed for approximately $125,000, exemplifies Marta’s unique approach: deeply collaborative design, realistic 3D renderings, premium materials, and seamless integration of space, style, and storage.

About the Chrysalis Awards

Recognized for Remodeling Excellence Nationwide

For over 30 years, the Chrysalis Awards have celebrated the best in home remodeling across the country. Judged by editors of national publications like Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, and Woman’s Day Home Makeovers, these awards honor projects that excel in design, material use, functionality, and integration.
Sunday Morning Kitchen and Bath - New large granite island in kitchen remodel

Project Overview

Location: Dallas–Fort Worth Area Project

Year: 2024 Final

Cost: $125,000

Award Category: Residential Interior – Under $150,000

This family came to us after an underwhelming renovation with another firm. Their home felt dark, confined, and cluttered—with a load-bearing wall closing off the living area, a cramped kitchen with basic appliances, and a small bathroom lacking storage. They needed a transformation—not just in looks, but in how the home functioned.

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Design Solutions & Highlights

Open Floor Plan with Purpose

By removing the central load-bearing wall, Marta reconnected the kitchen and formal living room into one expansive space. The result is a unified layout that promotes everyday functionality, effortless entertaining, and better family connection.

Kitchen Built for Real Life

A marbled White Galaxy granite island anchors the new kitchen, surrounded by richly stained birch cabinets, modern stainless appliances, and a white crackle brick backsplash. Clever upgrades include:

  • Floor-to-ceiling pantry with adjustable shelving

  • Pull-out spice drawer, Lazy Susan, and double trash insert

  • Tab-pull cabinetry behind the island for sleek, hidden storage

  • Discreet appliance garage to maintain a clean, modern look

  • Undercounter microwave and double oven built into the island

  • Strategically placed outlets—including along the island sides—for seamless functionality

Before

After

Bathroom That Works (and Wows)

The hallway bath was restructured by removing a wall between it and a nearby closet—unlocking space for:

  • Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry

  • Extended counter with added drawers

  • A recessed medicine cabinet

  • Ceiling-height cabinet above the toilet

  • Bright white shaker cabinetry, subway tile, and marbled counters

  • A mosaic tile accent in the shower for texture and visual contrast

Before

After

3D Renderings Built Trust

The homeowners had previously struggled with poor design communication. Marta’s detailed 3D renderings eliminated uncertainty and gave them the confidence to move forward with a design that truly fit their vision—long before the first hammer swung.

Client Testimonial

"Marta is a rare gem! We spent a few months trying to find a designer. Even paid one and it did not go well. When we found Marta we were very worried we were going to have another bad experience but she has been the complete opposite! She has thought of things we never would have thought about. Knows exactly who we need to meet. Gave us a ton of advice on our remodel. Came up with designs that never even occurred to us. She goes out of her way to make sure you are happy. I cannot imagine going through this process with anyone else. Our house is going to be amazing and it is all because of the vision of Marta. She has natural talent for design and the know how for a perfect design. Using 3D rendering to show you exactly how it is going to look. She brought the colors we thought we would like but challenged us with a few that we would have never choose and they look amazing together. Technical know how plus natural talent makes her a rare package. Icing on the cake she is a pleasure to work with and helps you navigate selections at other show rooms. I love her confidence in her design and her knowledge of the products. I would say in many cases she knows more than the people on the showroom floors!"
Laney McCandless
Portrait of Marta Layton, the talented and experienced owner of Sunday Morning Kitchens, showcasing her expertise in kitchen design and remodeling.

This is Marta’s second major award in just eight months, having also won Best Contemporary Kitchen – Large from the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s DFW chapter. With five Contractor of the Year awards under her belt, she continues to raise the bar for personalized, high-impact design.

Inspired? Let’s Create Your Dream Space

Experience Award-Winning Design

From kitchens and bathrooms to full-home makeovers, Sunday Morning Kitchen and Bath is here to guide you every step of the way—blending expert planning, elevated design, and stress-free collaboration.

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