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
