BEFORE & AFTER From Mediterranean to Modern This kitchen remodel was guided by both fiscal and family goals THE OWNERS OF THIS BAL HARBOUR, FLA., home opted to invest in a renovation of their 1990s Mediterranean-style house to ensure not only its market valuation would be competitive but so it would also maintain its worth in terms of the changing lifestyle of the occupants. Th e homeowners' decision aligns with a behavioral profi le that is outlined in the National Housing Survey conducted by mortgage fi nancer Fannie Mae. While the primary reason people are staying in their current residence longer than intended is a favorable mortgage rate, the survey identifi es other equally important factors that have contributed to this trend. Th ese reasons are driven more by emotions than money. " I like the home/ location " and " My job and my family are located here " and " Th ere are not many homes for sale that I like " are the most popular sentiments cited in the study. OUT WITH THE OLD Working out of the Italkraft showroom in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami, designer Candace Matlock embraced the program for the kitchen remodel. In addition to updating the style of the space, she would 46 / MARCH-APRIL 2024 ABOVE To better integrate the round-top windows into the 400-square-foot kitchen, the walls surrounding them were faux fi nished to match the stone used on the backsplashes and counters. RIGHT A forced expression of the house's Mediterranean style, the old kitchen relied on vaguely historicist cabinets and fl oor tile that emulated time-worn pavers. By LESLIE CLAGETT