PHOTO BY ERIN KELLY

Heather Wildman, the co-founder of Wildman Chalmers Design, purchased her turn-of-the-century Sewickley home in 2005 and quickly began tackling its many projects.

As she moved from room to room, painting and updating, she largely ignored the kitchen. It functioned, and she kind of liked its retro vibe. Besides, she had a growing family and business to worry about.

“After almost 20 years, I finally decided it was time,” Wildman says.

PHOTO BY ERIN KELLY

The wait was worth it, both for her family, who love the updated space, and for this year’s Best of Design judges, who declared Wildman’s cozy-cottage-meets-contemporary-cool result this year’s Best Renovated Kitchen for 2025.

“The use of a small space is incredible,” says Judge Katie Savakis, a project designer at Vocon’s Cleveland office. “I love the balance of Old-World stone with the modern, European-style cabinetry. It all works really seamlessly together.”

Before she could tackle that design, Wildman had to deal with the awkward layout. The kitchen provided the only (extremely narrow) access to the back door; there also was a bay window that looked out to the garage, rather than the backyard’s dazzling Japanese maple.

PHOTO BY ERIN KELLY

The space’s new configuration, which included a small addition and floor-to-ceiling windows, provides the family a clear view of the yard from the dining area. Working with Jeff Blough and LeAnn Willittes on the project, Wildman also made the most of the kitchen’s narrow footprint with clever touches.

A large wall, once covered in plaster, now showcases the stonework that hid beneath it, adding a few inches to the space. A long island sports an overhang and stool on the end — rather than along the side, where it would take up more real estate. And the home’s once-enclosed back staircase now provides an alternate route to the kitchen.

PHOTO BY ERIN KELLY

But it is the marriage of old and new that makes the design a winner. The dust-free, white oak cabinets and minimalist hardware provide a contrast to the traditional limestone floors and green-veined marble countertops and backsplash. The lighting is provided by brass surface-mount and silver-plate wall sconces, all controlled by button switches.

“This kitchen could be in Europe, or it could be in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — you would never know,” adds Savakis.

Read more Best of Design Winners 2025.

Vendors:

Architecture: Wildman Chalmers Design
Interior Design: Heather Wildman, Wildman Chalmers Design
Contractor: Scott F. Fetterolf Builders
Doors & Window: Pella Windows & Doors
Tile: Architectural Clay
Countertops: Primo Marble 
Cabinetry: Custom design by Wildman Chalmers Design
Hardware: Rowen & Wren
Appliances: Miele
Fixtures: Waterworks
Lighting: Antique Sconces from Francis Nowak
Flooring: Architectural Clay Products
Countertops: Primo Marble
Windows & Doors: Marvin Windows