The NKBA Professional Design Competition is the industry’s premier showcase for creativity in kitchen and bath. By Dianne M. Pogoda

 

A blend of fantasy and function, forward-thinking design and respect for historic architectural character, and the highest standards of execution are well represented in the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 2019 Professional Design Competition, whose winners were revealed this week at KBIS.

Regardless of whether the designs were created for a “sky’s the limit” luxury project using the highest-end products and materials, a post-disaster renovation, or clever concepts constrained by space or budget, the winners all met the needs of their clients with a clear aesthetic vision and unique design solutions.

A showcase for the best work of NKBA members, the entries for this year’s competition were scored on graphic and presentation standards, creativity, safety and ergonomics, elements and principles of design, and design planning.

The panel of judges included six kitchen and bath design experts, each of whom is an NKBA certified or certified master designer. The association thanks the judges for lending their time and expertise in selecting this year’s winners:

  • Bob Borson, AIA, LEEP AP, Architect Malone Maxwell Borson Architects
  • Deborah von Donop, NCIDQ, LEED,Interior Designer, Blogger
  • Christine Dreith, CMKBD, Home Improvements Group Inc.
  • Geeta Kewalramani, CKD, CBD, AiiD, Principal, Kimaya Designs
  • Veronika Miller, CEO, Modenus
  • Kathryn Given, Senior Design and Market Editor, Luxe Interiors + Design

The 2019 Design Competition Awards were generously sponsored by Monogram, The Home Depot and 2020.

The Professional Design Competition is open to NKBA members and will begin accepting entries for next year’s awards in the spring. Winners will be presented at KBIS on Jan. 20, 2020. Visit www.NKBA.org for details and an application packet.

 

LARGE LUXURY BATH

 

First Place: Sandra Diaz-Velasco   —  WINNER, OVERALL BATH

EOLO A&I Design, Miami

Spa-like Elegance

Sandra Diaz-Velasco changed the layout of this master bedroom and bath to improve flow and function and take advantage of natural light. She adjusted ceiling heights, specified a freestanding sculptural tub and mixed warm, rich wood with white to infuse the space with a sense of drama and luxury.

PHOTOGRAPHY: EUGENIO WILMAN, EMOTION WORKS

CUSTOM CABINETRY: SANANDRES CONSTRUCTION

SINKS: ALAPE

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: GRAFF

TOILET: KOHLER “VEIL”

FREESTANDING TUB: MTI “JULIET”

WHIRLPOOL: DURAVIT JACUZZI

STONE FLOORS AND WALLS: NATURALI STONE

LIGHTING: AXO LIGHT AND HUDSON VALLEY

Second Place: Paul Bentham and Lauren Levant

Lauren Levant Interior, Pittsburgh

Urban Zen

Paul Bentham and Lauren Levant created a clean, sophisticated space that maximized storage and light in this bathroom. The designers used concrete and concrete-look materials to balance the warm wood of the vanity and ceiling, creating a soothing Asian vibe.

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVE BRYCE, DAVE BRYCE PHOTOGRAPHY

CABINETRY: QCCI

TOILET: TOTO

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: GRAFF

FLOORING: PORCELANOSA

LIGHTING: HUBBARDTON FORGE & TECH LIGHTING

SHOWER ENCLOSURE: REX GLASS & MIRROR

OTHER: ROBERN MEDICINE CABINETS, TOP KNOBS HARDWARE

 

 

Third Place: Janik Lemary

Astro Design Centre, Ottawa, Ontario

The Nordic Light

Janik Lemary took inspiration from the natural beauty and spas of Scandinavia, creating a serene master bath for her clients. Solid chestnut planks, Canadian soapstone and reclaimed bricks added subtle surface interest and were softened with natural linen/burlap draperies, offering understated opulence to this retreat.

PHOTOGRAPHY: JUSTIN VAN LEEUWEN, JVL PHOTO

TUB, TOILET AND SINKS: DURAVIT

CABINETRY: ASTER OAC VANITIES

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: HANSGROHE “AXOR” COLLECTION

 

SMALL BATH

First Place: Lora Weaver

Inexteriors Design, Sammamish, Wash.

Rustic Beauty

Lora Weaver married subtle nautical influences and rustic textures in this lake house bathroom. An espresso-stained vanity, glazed in black, highlights the knots in the wood, while a porthole-inspired mirror and a two-toned bronze and matte black light fixture add character to the waterside vibe.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CAMERON ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

CABINETRY: CANYON CREEK

COUNTERTOPS: PENTAL SURVACES

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: DELTA

FLOORING: S’TILE

SINKS: FRANKE

TILE: CEPAC

TOILET: KOHLER

Second Place: Nowell Vincent, CKBD

Nowell Vincent Interiors, Fort Collins, Colo.

Farmhouse with a Twist

A home rooted in the farmhouse style was updated with Moroccan-style tile shapes and vivid colors, along with a splash of Art Deco geometric forms. Nowell Vincent specified floating shelves, Mediterranean blue cabinets, gold and bronze accents to lend a fresh, playful atmosphere.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS REILMANN

COUNTERTOPS: GREYROCK CONCRETE

FAUCETS AND TOILET: KOHLER

LIGHTING: VISUAL COMFORT

SHOWER ENCLOSURE: ABRAXIS

TILES: DALTILE, CLAZZIO OCS MOSAIC

WINDOWS: ANDERSON

FEATURES: SHLUTER LINEAR DRAIN, RYAN BALDWIN CUSTOM FURNITURE FLOATING SHELVES

 

Third Place: Ariana Adireh

Ariana Designs, Bellevue, Wash.

Easy European

Ariana Adireh was challenged to redesign a small bath for living in place. She succeeded in rearranging the space for easy wheelchair mobility without sacrificing style. Accessible, open shelving provides storage within easy reach, while stylish grab bars, a fold-down wood shower seat and hand-held shower fixtures are functional without looking institutional.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ARIANA ADIREH

COUNTERTOPS: WILLIAMSBURG BUTCHER BLOCK CO.

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: HANSGROHE, NEWPORT BRASS, GRAFF, MOEN, INVISIA

FLOORING: PRODESO, PENTAL SURFACES

LIGHTING: NORA LIGHTING, GOLDEN LIGHTING

SINKS: LACAVA

TILE: OLIMPIA TILE AND STONE, LATICRETE, GARDEN STATE TILE

TOILET: TOTO

 

POWDER ROOM

First Place: Janik Lemary

Astro Design Centre, Ottawa, Ontario

Black Drama

Janik Lemary took a dark, dramatic approach to this powder room, with black shiplap on the walls leading up to a black painted ceiling. The white oak wide-plank floor and a suspended light marble counter are the only light touches, and a large loft-style window with black dividers finishes the look.

PHOTOGRAPHY: JUSTIN VAN LEEUWEN, JVL PHOTO

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: WATERMARK TITANIUM

FLOORING: ANTIQUE IMPRESESIONS

LIGHTING: VISUAL COMFORT

SINK: ALAPE

TOILET: LAUFIN

WINDOW: CUSTOM KOLBE

 

 

Second Place: Lori Carroll & Alexander M. Burch

Lori Carroll and Associates, Tucson, Ariz.

Textured Charm

Lori Carroll and Alexander Burch transformed a powder room from basic blah into an ethereal retreat. Thin porcelain wall panels in various sizes imitated the look of distressed copper. The designers matched existing travertine flooring, floated a custom curved vanity with a shelf below, and specified architectural lighting to create a calm oasis.

PHOTOGRAPHY: JON MANCUSO, JON MANCUSO PHOTOGRAPHY

CABINETRY, CUSTOM MIRROR AND COUNTERTOPS: STONE RIVER STUDIOS

FAUCET, TOILET, SINK: KOHLER

TILE: DALTILE

LIGHTING: FIESTA ELECTRIC

 

 

Third Place: Sandra Diaz-Velasco

EOLO A+I Design, Miami

Guy Style

Sandra Diaz-Velasco achieved a masculine vibe with a clean, modern palette of black and white, edgy details and rugged yet sleek materials. A backlit full-wall mirror and high-contrast colors make the space appear larger, and natural stone adds to the elegant, contemporary design.

PHOTOGRAPHY: EUGENIO WILMAN, EMOTION WORKS

FAUCET AND SINK: PORCELANOSA

FLOORING AND TILE: NATURALISTONE

TOILET: DURAVIT

SMART TECHNOLOGY: LEGRAND WIFI WAVE SWITCH AND POP-UP OUTLETS

LARGE BUDGET-FRIENDLY BATH

Winner: Negar Reihani

Space Harmony, Vancouver, British Columbia

Master in Marble

Despite being unable to expand the footprint of an outdated master bath, Negar Reihani improved the storage and functionality with design solutions including a trough sink with two faucets and hidden storage behind mirrored doors. White Statuario marble walls complement custom bleached oak cabinets to complete the sleek renovation.

PHOTOGRAPHY: COLIN PERRY OF AVENUE 23 MEDIA

COUNTERTOPS: VICOSTONE

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: GROHE

LIGHTING: FINE ART LIGHTING

SINKS: WEST STYLE

TOILET: KOHLER

 

LARGE BUDGET-FRIENDLY KITCHEN

Winner: Dvira Ovadia

Dvira Interiors, Toronto

Family-Friendly Function

Dvira Ovadia designed multiple work zones with plenty of storage and style, all within a modest budget. She combined standard white cabinets with strategically placed walnut accents to create focal points, and splurged on marble for the island while using engineered stone on perimeter countertops to create a clean, contemporary space.

PHOTOGRAPHY: VALERIE WILCOX

COOKTOP: WOLF

DISHWASHER: MIELE

MICROWAVE, WALL OVENS, REFRIGERATORS: THERMADOR

VENTILATION: VENT-A-HOOD

CABINETRY: CHOOKA KITCHENS

COUNTERTOPS: CAESARSTONE AND NATURAL CALACATTA MARBLE

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: RUBINET

LIGHTING: UNION LOGHTING

SINKS: BLANCO

BACKSPLASH: CAESARSTONE

WINDOWS: WINDOW CITY

 

LARGE LUXURY KITCHEN

First Place: Philip Nikolich

Advanced Woodwork, Palm Desert, Calif.;

Co-designer/developer: Mark McClure, McClure Homes, Palm Desert

Gray Scale

The light gray, high-gloss lacquered cabinets create an elegant sophistication in this space Philip Nikolich designed for entertaining. To incorporate indoor and outdoor elements, he used a retracting window wall that disappears to showcase golf-course views. Gray and white quartzite and quartz countertops are balanced by a warm wood-plank ceiling with soffit lighting and subtle pendants.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANGIE AGOSTINO, AGOSTINO CREATIVE

DISHWASHER: ASKO

MICROWAVE AND WALL OVENS, VENTILATION: WOLF

REFRIGERATORS: SUB-ZERO

CABINETRY: ADVANCED WOODWORK

COUNTERTOPS: NATURAL QUARTZITE (LA DOLCE VITA), PENTAL QUARTZ

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: BRISO

FLOORING: MONOCIBEC

LIGHTING: WAC LITGHTING

SINKS: KOHLER



Second Place: Ashley Gossett

The Cabinet Gallery at H2 Builders, Bluffton, S.C.

Ashley Gossett’s clients wanted a sophisticated yet edgy take on traditional South Carolina Lowcountry in their stylish open plan. She specified luxe appliances — 10 — in several functional zones, including a working kitchen and serving/entertaining area. Custom shaker cabinetry and waterfall-edge counters mix with reclaimed barn wood and a dramatic hood to blend modern and traditional elements.

PHOTOGRAPHY: KRISZTIAN LONYAI

DISHWASHER: ASKO

GARBAGE DISPOSER: INSINKERATOR

MICROWAVE, WALL OVENS, WARMING DRAWER, BUILT-IN COFFEE STATION: WOLF

VENTILATION: RANGECRAFT

REFRIGERATORS, ICE MAKER: SUB-ZERO

CABINETRY: ROSEWOOD INDUSTRIES

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: BRIZO

COUNTERTOPS: CAMBRIA

FLOORING: RECLAIMED DESIGN WORKS (MATERIAL), JOHN GRIFFITH’S HARDWOOD FLOORING (LABOR)

LIGHTING: ARTERIORS

SINKS: KOHLER

CEILING: TIMBERSTONE ENTERPRISES

CABINET HARDWARE: DESIGN GALLERIA/MATTHEW QUINN COLLECTION

 

 

Third Place: Leslie Norton, LEED

SieMatic Kitchen Interior Design, Charleston, S.C.

Rewriting History

When her clients purchased a historic house, Leslie Norton was charged with incorporating contemporary elements while respecting the home’s character. She created three zones in the long kitchen, contrasting dramatic black cabinets and counters in matte and gloss finishes with a monochromatic light-tint floor and ceiling.

PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVEN STEINHAUSER, STEVEN STEINHAUSER PHOTOGRAPHY

CABINETRY: SIEMATIC

COUNTERTOPS: SILESTONE, GRANITE

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: CALIFORNIA FAUCETS

COOKTOP, WALL AND STEAM OVENS, VENTILATION, REFRIGERATOR, WINE COLUMNS: THERMADOR

WINE DISPENSING STTION: DACOR

DISHWASHERS: BOSCH

GARBAGE DISPOSER: INSINKERATOR

MICROWAVE DRAWER: SHARP

SINKS AND ACCESSORIES: GALLEY WORKSTATION

LIGHTING: LUCEPLAN, NANTUCKET LIGHTSHOP

TILE: ARTISTIC TILE

EXISTING FLOORING REFINISHED BY ELEGANT FLOORS

SMART TECHNOLOGY: LEVITON

 

MEDIUM KITCHEN

First Place: Sarah Robertson —  WINNER, OVERALL KITCHEN

Studio Dearborn, Mamaroneck, N.Y.

On the Grid

To renovate her own kitchen in this 1920s craftsman home, Sarah Robertson created an open plan while respecting the quaint vibe of the original architecture. She infused linear, industrial style (blackened steel and patinated brass), with elements of mid-century and farmhouse, wood countertops and grid windows. The real hidden treasure is the abundant custom storage, utilizing every inch of space.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM KANE MACCHIA AND TIM LENZ

CABINETRY: SCHROCKS OF WALNUT CREEK

COUNTERTOPS: GRANITE

DISHWASHER: ASKO APPLIANCES

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: WATERMARK AND NEWPORT BRASS, TAPMASTER FOOT PEDAL FOR FAUCET

GARBAGE DISPOSER: INSINKERATOR;

LIGHTING: MOLLY O’SHEA RYAN

MICROWAVE OVEN: GE PROFILE

RANGE: THERMADOR

REFRIGERATOR: SUB-ZERO

SINKS: VIGO

TILE: AKDO

VENTILATION: FUTURO FUTURO

WATER DELIVERY SYSTEM: PURE WATERS

WINDOWS: LEPAGE



Second Place: David Heide, AIA, & Mark Nelson, AIA

David Heide Design Studio, Minneapolis

Reconstruction Era

A fire and subsequent water damage required massive reconstruction in a 1920s-era home, leaving a blank slate for David Heide and Mark Nelson. They swapped the kitchen and family room, unifying the spaces and improving flow, and kept true to the home’s Mediterranean aesthetic with rich wood, tile, a warm palette and decorative ironwork.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUSAN GILMORE, SUSAN GILMORE PHOTOGRAPHY

DISHWASHER: MIELE

MICROWAVE: GE

RANGE: VIKING

VENTILATION: WOLF

CABINETRY: FROST CABINETS

LIGHTING: SOUTHERN LIGHTS

SINKS: ELKAY (UNDERMOUNT), KOHLER (STAINLESS)

TILE: MISSION TILE WEST

IRONWORK: LIVE OAK IRONWORKS

IRON PULLS: BUSHERE & SON IRON STUDIO

 

 

Third Place: Negar Reihani

Space Harmony, Vancouver, British Columbia

Blue Spruce

Negar Reihani transformed a dark, outdated condo kitchen by reworking a wall to stretch the space and maximize mountain and ocean views through full-height windows. She echoed the theme with a spectacular blue and white custom backsplash and balanced the blue and the view with light gray cabinets and dark quartz counters.

PHOTOGRAPHY: COLIN PERRY, AVENUE 23 MEDIA

APPLIANCES: MIELE

CABINETRY: SPACE HARMONY CUSTOM

COUNTERTOPS: CAMRRIA QUARTZ

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: KOHLER

FLOORING: KENTWOOD ENGINEERED WOOD

SINK: KINDRED GRANITE

BACKSPLASH: CUSTOM WALLPAPER ON PVC UNDER GLASS

 

SMALL KITCHEN

First Place: Martin de Sousa

Hideaway Interiors, Toronto

Study in Contrasts

A client’s desire for full-height cabinetry to maximize storage led Martin de Sousa to use contrasting door styles (white panel and wood-grain slab) and different cabinet depths to reduce the kitchen’s visual scale. The designer provided additional seating and storage in the bay window bench, and achieved a clean, contemporary look with Caesarstone backsplash, countertop and waterfall.

PHOTOGRAPHY: VINCENT LIONS PHOTOGRAPHY

CABINETS: CUSTOM

COUNTERTOPS: CAESARSTONE

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: RUBINET

SINKS: FRANKE

RANGE, DISHWASHER: MIELE

REFRIGERATOR: LIEBHERR

WINE FRIDGE: MARVEL

MICROWAVE: PANASONIC

VENTILITATION: FABER

 

 

Second Place: Madeleine Sloback

Madeleine Design Group, Vancouver, British Columbia

Naturally Modern

Madeleine Sloback’s clients wanted more storage and a modern look for their compact kitchen. The designer removed walls to improve flow and create an open plan, mixed white slab doors (no pulls) on uppers with sleek, light wood for the floor, refrigerator panels and lower cabinets, punctuated by black pulls, a black accent self and faucet.

PHOTOGRAPHY: AMANDA OSTER

CABINETRY: PARALLEL MILLWORK

COUNTERTOPSL CORIAN

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: ALT PROGETTO AQUA

DISHWASHER: BOSCH

RANGE: SAMSUNG

SINKS: KRAUS

REFRIGERATOR: FISHER & PAYKEL

VENTILATION: AEG

FLOORING: METROPOLITAN FLOORING, KENTWOOD

LIGHTING: LIGHTOLIER, CB2, DIFFUSION LIGHTING

TILE: JULIAN TILE

Third Place: Martin de Sousa

Binns Kitchen + Bath, Toronto

Urbane Sprawl

Expanding and opening this condo kitchen to the rest of the living space, Martin de Sousa changed the layout from galley to L-shape, creating a sleek, sophisticated space. Velvet gray cabinets, stone-look quartz counters and rustic wood laminate keep the look contemporary yet natural, with graphic tile, black hardware and faucet adding polish.

PHOTOGRAPHY: VINCENT LIONS PHOTOGRAPHY

APPLIANCES: MIELE

SINK: FRANKE

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: RUBINET

COUNTERTOPS: CAESARSTONE

CABINETRY: FENIX

 

Living In Place

Winner: Megan Saison, AKBD

M Studio Interior Design, San Diego

Serenity Now

Megan Saison created a serene, blue spa-like setting with a mix of earthy tones and textures for an active couple thinking of the future.Maximizing the space, she combined showering and bathing areas into one open wet-room with minor structural changes for zero-barrier access, and raised custom sink vanities to accommodate the tall clients.

PHOTOGRAPHY: GAIL OWENS PHOTOGRAPHY

CABINETRY: BELLMONT CABINETS

COUNTERTOP: ARIZONA TILE

WALL TILE: PORCELANOSA, OCEANSIDE GLASS

FLOOR TILE: ARIZONA TILE, ISLAND STONE

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: BRIZO, INFINITY DRAIN

SINK: LAUFEN

TUB: HYDRO SYSTEMS

ACCESSORIES: KOHLER, KARTNERS

LIGHTING: GEORGE KOVACS, MAXIM LIGHTING INTERNATIONAL

 

CLAY LYON BUILDER REMODELER

Winner: Rosella Gonzalez

Jackson Design & Remodeling, San Diego

Master Luxe

Rosella Gonzalez was inspired by the ocean in this master bath transformation that also has elements of mid-century and rustic design. She replaced a tub with a large shower, and used a dramatic combination of patterned tiles, textures and surfaces to make the design statement. An elongated shower window offers an ocean view in this relaxing retreat.

PHOTOGRAPHY: JACKSON DESIGN & REMODELING/PREVIEWFIRST.COM

CABINETS/VANITY/FLOATING SHELVES: DEWILS, RESTORATION HARDWARE

COUNTERTOPS: SILESTONE BY COSENTINO

FAUCETS/FITTINGS, SINKS, MIRRORS: KOHLER

FLOORING AND TILE: BDG

LIGHTING: WEST ELM

TOILET: AMERICAN STANDARD

WINDOWS: JELD-WEN

  

CLAY LYON BUILDER REMODELER

Winner: Lauren Levant

Lauren Levant Interior, Pittsburgh

Colorful Cooking

Lauren Levant capitalized on dramatic views, both interior and exterior, in this renovation for a restauranteur. Featuring multiple cooking zones, dramatic, sleek dark cabinetry and plank flooring are offset by a white marble-look waterfall surface on the island that’s repeated on the soffit over the range. Fun pendant lights add a splash of color.

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVE BRYCE, DAVE BRYCE PHOTOGRAPHY

CABINETRY: CRYSTAL CABINETRY

COUNTERTOPS: COSENTINO DEKTON, SILESTONE

DISHWASHER: MIELE

SINKS: MOEN, BLANCO

GARBAGE DISPOSER: INSINKERATOR

MICROWAVE OVEN: JENNAIR

REFRIGERATORS/BEVERAGE CENTER: SUB-ZERO

RANGE: WOLF

VENTILATION: BROAN, BEST

FAUCETS/FITTINGS: DELTA

LIGHTING: HUBBARDTON FORGE, TROY LIGHTING

HARDWARE: TOP KNOBS

WINDOWS: PELLA