Jamie Padgett
Richard T. Anuszkiewicz’s passion for the craft that would become his career dates back to childhood.
In middle school, when his friends were clamoring for PlayStation consoles, Anuszkiewicz was pleading for the newest drafting software. He went on to graduate from Virginia Tech’s interior design program.
“I was pretty lucky,” he says. “That program is accredited by the National Association of Kitchen and Bath Design. I got involved as a student member. When I attended my first KBIS show, it was an aha moment for me in my career.”
Anuszkiewicz moved from Annapolis, Maryland, to Music City to open Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio, set to debut this spring as a part of the Nashville Design Collective. The company, which originated in Atlanta, offers award-winning cabinetry, millwork and more, filling a void in Music City’s high-end market.
“I could not be more excited to bring this new kitchen and bath segment to Nashville and to be a part of something greater,” he says. “There are people building this wonderful design community and being a part of that is something that is so exciting to me.”
And now he’s not just attending those trade shows, he’s showcasing his own work. Anuszkiewicz recently concepted a booth for the 2020 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) for luxe kitchen appliance powerhouse Monogram.
The space showcased Monogram’s luxury appliances, utilizing work from local design talent Modern Remains and fellow NDC tenant Textures.
“Richard was excellent at sharing his vision and helping me understand exactly what the parameters were,” says Andrew Denny, founder of Textures. “We were able to design the perfect options that met his needs both aesthetically and technically.
For the booth, Anuszkiewicz set out to feature forward-thinking products, designing full environments.
“This year we had a 4,000-square-foot showcase comprised of three primary kitchens and two auxiliary spaces,” Anuszkiewicz says. “The exciting thing for me is that I have worked closely with the brand over the last few years to create a new look and feel.”
The large-scale booth featured a fully integrated butler’s pantry, inspired by architectural black iron windows, and a VIP dining area. There were also two deluxe kitchens: the minimalist and the statement gallery.
“For me, the kitchen conceptually has evolved,” Anuszkiewicz says. “It was strictly utilitarian space, but now it is so much more than that. It is our living room, and so these spaces need to reflect that dynamic.”
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Highlights from the statement kitchen include a stunning starburst veneer refrigeration armoire with bespoke leather handles and a library wall bookcase with integrated floating wall ovens.
“This seemed to be a big conversation piece in the sense of innovation,” Anuszkiewicz says. “I really wanted to showcase the ovens like art in a bookcase.”
The integrated banquette served as the main showpiece of the kitchen island.
“I was really trying to promote this idea of putting the phones down, putting the electronics away, sitting down, relaxing, enjoying good conversation around the kitchen table,” Anuszkiewicz added. “I think that’s something that we need to be mindful of.”
Hermès tableware graced the dining table, and all of the cabinetry showcased a red interior, a signature of Anuszkiewicz’s work.
The minimalist kitchen took inspiration from furniture in a dining room setting, showcasing Monogram’s take on simplicity. The centerpiece of this kitchen was the Parson’s table, which featured both gas and induction cooking elements. Constructed of stainless steel, inlay brass and hand-planed walnut, it looked like a piece of fine furniture. There was also a brass refrigerator, a staple of Anuszkiewicz’s work, which had custom-stitched leather handles. Anuszkiewicz teamed with Textures Nashville on the flooring.
“We had two different floors that ran throughout, a whitewashed walnut wood and a hand-planed white oak that was textured and stained in a very chocolate, ebony color,” he says. “I really loved the high contrast of the two different floors.”
Textures’ Denny was equally pleased with the outcome.
“Seeing Richard’s incredible talent come to life and how the flooring interacted with his design vision was a life giving,” he says. “The spaces were so perfectly balanced, progressive and timeless. Pure perfection.”
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The space wasn’t just beautiful; it was functional. The contemporary French bistro kitchen featured a live demonstration by Chef Brian Malarkey of Top Chef fame.
“It was intended to feel very moody and romantic and have a landscape and a French quality to it,” Anuszkiewicz says. “One of the biggest showcases in that kitchen that seemed to get the most attention was a dual refrigerator set that I did custom panels on.”
The canvas and brass riveted bistro doors were made from recycled canvas material from old army tents. Anuszkiewicz partnered with Le Creuset, utilizing their revered cookware to enhance the room. It made for a powerful aesthetic that inspired even Anuszkiewicz’s closest collaborators.
“I was blown away by the beauty of the overall design and products featured,” says Evan Millard, Principal Designer at Modern Remains. “I can remember stepping back after drapes were hung, surfaces polished, and each vignette staged—each area of the booth was designed with intentionality and in a way that truly reflected the vision and craftsmanship of the Monogram brand. I know guests visiting KBIS walked away inspired by ways they could incorporate many elements, if not all, in their personal home.”