When Caryn Bortniker designed her first kitchen, while renovating and building her own house in 1995, she wasn't just looking for a place to put her stuff. She was looking for a kitchen that said something; that married feeling and function, a room that really felt and acted like the center of the house.

Soon after she finished her house, friends began to enlist Caryn's help on their projects and she decided to turn her passion and talent into a reality - training with a notable designer and builder and designing for a renowned retail kitchen showroom for several years. This training period turned out to be a pivotal time as Caryn honed her own style as a designer and began to focus on an area of design that too often seemed to start with the color of the cabinetry.

In 2007, Caryn launched Caryn Bortniker Design in Westport, CT. seeing a need in the marketplace for a streamlined kitchen design process; one Focused on providing a true collaboration between designer and client, Caryn begins by considering how a design will best integrate with a family's lifestyle and home, paying close attention to the materials, products and finishes that will be most effective for each project. Soon after launching her firm, it was a natural to add bath and built-in cabinetry design to her offerings.

Providing full service design and management for kitchens, baths and cabinetry, from concept to completion, Caryn Bortniker Design is known for efficient project management and long-time relationships with artisans and master craftsmen. The scope of work can range from new construction or full renovation to a simple powder room re-fit. Caryn's completed projects in Manhattan, Fairfield and Westchester Counties and Martha's Vineyard resonate with her signature sensibility, streamlined design and, always, her unexpected touch.