The Story Behind the Moroccan Dream Kitchen
When Randy first met with the clients, their existing kitchen felt uninspired. They wanted something completely different — a space that would energize their family and become a room they genuinely loved spending time in.
They were mostly happy with the existing floor plan and initially hoped to keep the soffits in place to control costs. Randy recommended removing them so the cabinetry could extend higher, emphasizing the ceiling height and making the entire kitchen feel more open.
After reviewing an estimated price range, the clients took some time to consider the project.
A Collaborative Design Process
About six months later, they reached out again.
After speaking with several other kitchen specialists, the clients felt frustrated that each designer seemed more interested in imposing their own vision than understanding what the homeowners actually wanted.
That became the foundation of the project.
Using the clients’ sketches and inspiration images as a starting point, Randy and the homeowners worked together to develop what would become the Moroccan Dream Kitchen.
The soffits were ultimately removed, while several custom elements were introduced, including curved bench seating at the end of the island to accommodate a five-foot-radius steel table, exposed paper towel storage, and a dry bar with integrated wine storage.
Inspired by Morocco
Much of the kitchen’s decorative language was influenced by Randy’s travels through Morocco.
During those travels, he photographed architectural details, arches, carvings, and artifacts that later became reference material for the project. Those images were translated into CAD drawings and physical samples, then refined until the final designs were approved.
Both antique and synthetic carvings were incorporated throughout the cabinetry, creating a layered, collected appearance while helping manage costs.
Custom-turned feet were added to the furniture-style kick areas, along with split turnings beneath crown projections for additional depth and detail.
Crafted by Hand
Computerized fabrication was considered, but because so many individual components were unique, it ultimately wasn’t the most efficient approach.
Much of the curved work was shaped by hand, with machinery used only where it supported the craftsmanship rather than replacing it.
The result was a highly customized kitchen whose detailing could not have been achieved through a standardized production process.
Layers of Color and Finish
The clients were closely involved in selecting the kitchen’s palette and finishes.
Perimeter cabinetry received a painted finish with glaze, subtle crackle, and distressed detailing. The island and dry bar were given a heavier distressed treatment, including crackle and peel effects that revealed a darker undercoat beneath the surface.
The clients also selected the stone countertops, flooring, backsplash, seeded glass, and lighting, allowing the room to come together as a complete and deeply personal environment.
A Dream Realized
When the client walked into the completed kitchen for the first time, her reaction said everything.
Overcome with emotion, she said:
“Oh my God, dreams can come true. This is so much more than we expected.”
For Randy, that moment captured what makes the work meaningful.
Beyond the satisfaction of craftsmanship and creative expression, projects like the Moroccan Dream Kitchen are about helping clients realize a vision and creating spaces that are not only beautiful, but genuinely loved and lived in.