First-Time Homeowner Chosen as Winner of the Merillat® Cabinetry $30,000 Kitchen Makeover Contest

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Kitchen enthusiasts from across the country entered the Merillat® cabinetry Works Like a Dream kitchen makeover contest, for a chance to transform their dysfunctional kitchen into a Merillat kitchen that works like a dream. Thousands entered for a chance to win the $30,000 kitchen makeover and in the end, Zack Kaefring of Denver, was named the winner.

Entrants were required to submit a photo of their current kitchen and a brief explanation of why they deserved to win the Grand Prize. As part of their submissions, they were also asked to custom design their dream kitchens with the Merillat Step-by-Step Kitchen planner.

About the winner

As a newly minted homeowner who purchased a charming but outdated Craftsman abode, Kaefring started his extensive remodeling project immediately after moving in. Even though he quickly fell in love with the house he knew the remodeling work was, according to Kaefring, "not for the faint of heart, but I saw the hidden beauty under the wallpaper that adorned every wall, ceilings and a door or two!"

Kaefring's thorough description of the impractical and outdated kitchen really stood out among the entries. In his submission, he highlighted features such as the one-wall cabinet, one functional base cabinet, two outlets and carpet that needs daily vacuuming; it's no wonder he "was desperate" for a new kitchen. With only three rooms left in the house to remodel, and the kitchen being the most expensive undertaking, Kaefring was thrilled to win the $30,000 makeover.

"When we entertain we always end up congregating in the kitchen and we look around and say 'why are we in here?'" explained Kaefring. "It will be nice to have a space that's enjoyable to be in."

For his dream kitchen, Kaefring plans to create a space that's clean and classic with white cabinets and quartz countertops. And while he's thrilled to have a beautiful new kitchen, what he's most excited about are the updated and efficient organizational features. "Cooking is our number one priority in the kitchen so we can't wait for the added function we know we'll have." His must-have organizational features are the pull-out spice rack, roll-out trays and the pull-out wastebasket.

In addition to the $30,000 kitchen makeover, Kaefring also received $1,500 in Curtis Stone products and a $3,000 Open House party to show off his new kitchen. For more on the progress of Kaefring's $30,000 kitchen makeover, visit the Merillat website, join the Merillat Facebook page and visit the Round Table Blog, Twitter and YouTube.

Editor's Note:
For photos and more information, visit MerillatPressRoom.com

About Merillat. A dash of function. A pinch of innovation. Merillat cabinetry offers smart storage solutions and functional design to help make prepping, cooking and entertaining in the kitchen easier. Just ask Merillat spokesperson, renowned chef Curtis Stone – someone who knows the importance of a well-designed kitchen. To learn more about the many beautiful and intelligent cabinetry options from Merillat, along with kitchen tips and recipes from Curtis, visit Merillat.com.

SOURCE Merillat