Designer Profile: Rich Coulton

A Medallion kitchen that balances bold style with thoughtful function

What was your inspiration for this design?

Some customers don’t really have a clear vision for their kitchen remodel, but this client brought a lot of inspirational photos with her! She was interested in two-tone drawers, white painted cabinets, and natural wood accents; she also knew right away that they wanted inset cabinets. It’s a high-end house on the water, so Platinum really fit that aesthetic.

Did you face any design challenges?

My customer knew she wanted two large wine coolers—108” of refrigeration appliances—so we made that the focal point. I also had to work around an existing fireplace and tie that seamlessly into the kitchen design. Luckily, we were able to move some windows, so I had free range to line everything up and make it work. I also worked closely with the contractor, and he gave the design his blessing right away.

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How have you approached designing in this unprecedented time?

It’s important to be upfront with customers. Overall, customers have reasonable expectations right now. People are receptive to the fact that it can take time to get cabinetry with supply chain shortages.

Why did you choose Medallion?

Platinum is easy to work with, and I know I can complete a project relatively quickly. When I do custom quotes, you get back to us quickly and my quotes are accepted. With other manufacturers, sometimes I wait a week to hear back, only to be told, “No.” I can almost always accomplish what I want to do even without custom quoting, too. Plus, I can use Medallion and your sister brands through the whole home. For this client, I also used Medallion Bath Silhouettes for the powder room vanity and Design-Craft cabinets for another bathroom.

Left: Eagle Rock drawer fronts on Sea Salt Classic cabinetry. Right: Rich’s function-first approach ensured a thoughtful kitchen layout.

"Using the two-tone drawer fronts was fun, most people are not that adventurous."

What are your favorite things about this design?

Using the two-tone drawer fronts was fun, most people are not that adventurous. I like that it’s a multi-function space, and also how the fireplace is all integrated into the kitchen without looking like miles of cabinetry. We decided to set it back, which definitely blends the two spaces together.

What advice would you give to new designers?

Listen to your customers, take your time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. I start with the big things, like appliance locations, especially with the monster refrigerators in this design. I also cook a lot so I think about how I would move in a kitchen and where I would want things. I’ve been designing for fourteen years, and I’ve learned to always go for function first.