Marta Layton Wins Chrysalis Award for Residential Interior—Under $150,000

Congratulations again to our fearless leader, Marta Layton.

Our very own Marta Layton didn’t become a certified kitchen and bath designer to win awards. Her greatest honor has always been the happy looks on her clients’ faces when she helps them achieve the space of their dreams.

That said, a few awards here and there from industry peers are a nice touch—and additional proof that she is in a class by herself.

The latest addition to Marta’s trophy case is a Chrysalis Award for residential interior projects—under $150,000. Since 1993, the Chrysalis Awards have recognized the nation’s finest remodeling projects, showcasing the professional excellence of the residential and commercial remodeling industries. It also marks the second time in eight months that she’s been recognized for a top honor. In October, the DFW chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association recognized her with the prestigious Best Contemporary Kitchen—Large award. She has also won five Contractor of the Year awards throughout her decorated career.

As for the latest honor, it was to recognize her for a recent $125,000 project where the clients sought a refreshed kitchen, bathroom, and living space as well as a home that would function seamlessly for their needs. A few of the challenges they faced included:

  • A load-bearing wall that confined the family to the kitchen, rendering the formal living area largely unused

  • A small kitchen footprint with limited storage, thus leaving the space feeling cramped

  • Basic, entry-level appliances and insufficient outlets, which restricted both cooking and entertaining

  • A small, outdated bathroom lacking storage, resulting in a cluttered and confined environment

No More Guessing Games

A key factor in the homeowners’ decision to work with Marta was her expertise in 3D rendering. They’d had bad experiences with remodeling in the past and were worried that it would be more of the same if they couldn’t envision what they were getting ahead of time. They struggled to picture a redesigned kitchen and open living space without the load-bearing wall. That’s the beauty of 3D renderings: it’s a clear and tangible vision that eliminates uncertainty and instills confidence in the design process.

Kitchen Rendering
Bathroom Render

Using 3D renderings, she demonstrated to the homeowners how reimagining the bathroom and closet layout could significantly enhance storage capacity. She did the same for every other space in the home, and the redesigned floor plan thoughtfully addressed every pain point while transforming the space into a more functional and inviting home. This included removing the load-bearing wall, opening the living area, and creating a seamless, connected space for the family to enjoy and gather. The reimagined kitchen layout allowed for expanded cabinetry, including floor-to-ceiling storage in a newly added pantry. By removing the wall between the bathroom and closet, they gained extra cabinetry and storage and introduced a sense of order and elegance to the bathroom.

Sunday Morning Kitchen and Bath - New large granite island in kitchen remodel
The kitchen now features a stunning marbled White Galaxy granite countertop, perfectly complemented by a white crackle brick backsplash and richly stained birch cabinet doors. At first, the couple found it challenging to visualize the ideal color palette for the space, but they were captivated by the pairing of natural wood and stone accents. The light wood floor finish beautifully balances the darker wood cabinetry and the marbled countertop, creating a cohesive and inviting aesthetic.
Sunday Morning Kitchen and Bath - Newly renovated bright bathroom

In the hallway bathroom, crisp white shaker cabinets, subway tile, and a marbled countertop brighten the space, while a mosaic shower accent tile adds a sophisticated touch of texture and visual intrigue.

Sunday Morning Kitchen and Bath - Open living room and kitchen space renovation

The open floor plan fosters a sense of connection, transforming the home into a bright, airy environment. With its expanded layout, the space now provides ample room for the family to gather and entertain, combining functionality with a welcoming atmosphere.

Not only was the homeowner ecstatic, but the transformation and hidden details turned quite a few heads for the folks at Chrysalis. Just a few additional features not previously mentioned include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
  • Adjustable shelving in the pantry for customizable space options

  • A pull-out spice drawer, double trash insert, and a Lazy Susan in the kitchen to maximize efficiency

  • A discreet appliance garage keeps countertops clutter-free

  • Large upper cabinets extending to the ceiling provide additional storage while enhancing the room’s verticality

  • Sleek, tab-pull cabinets along the backs of both the island and peninsula seamlessly blend practicality with streamlined design

  • The cabinet above the toilet was extended to the ceiling, and a recessed medicine cabinet was seamlessly integrated into the design

  • Strategically incorporating outlets along the back wall and on both sides of the kitchen island

  • A double oven beneath the island alongside the cooktop and an integrated under-counter microwave

  • A spacious kitchen island became the centerpiece of the design—a multifunctional hub for family gatherings and entertaining, embodying the warmth and connection that make the kitchen the true heart of the home

Design Solutions for Every Space.

Call Sunday Morning Kitchen and Bath Today!

Our expertise truly shines when a project calls for reimagining the whole home. Homeowners often turn to us when their vision seems too ambitious and is beyond their imagination—especially when structural changes and engineering are required. Whether you’re removing a load-bearing wall to expand your kitchen, transforming three or more bathrooms with a cohesive, high-end design, or ensuring your living room flows seamlessly with the rest of your remodeled spaces, our team is committed to delivering a finished home that enhances functionality and adds unrivaled elegance.

Bring Award-Winning Design Into Your Home

Our team at Sunday Morning Kitchen and Bath brings vision, strategy, and craftsmanship to every corner of your home. Let’s reimagine your space with smart solutions, stunning finishes, and a team you can trust every step of the way.