Discover the winners of the Homes & Gardens kitchen and bathroom awards

The Homes & Gardens Design Awards recognize exceptional product designs that introduce character and sophistication to interior schemes. These annual awards highlight items, from prominent statement pieces to subtle accents, that are both contemporary and enduring in their appeal. This year's awards encompass a wide array of categories, celebrating innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability across various home furnishings and decor. In the rug categories, 'Lithic' by A RUM FELLOW was honored as the Best Rug Collection. Inspired by British landforms, this collection features designs that mimic weathered stone, evoking the wild landscape through ethically handcrafted rugs made from Tibetan wool, New Zealand wool, cactus fiber, and silk. These rugs are STEP and GoodWeave-certified, emphasizing their ethical production. The Best Rug Design award went to 'Acres' by Pelican House x Lucy Williams Home, a flatweave, handwoven from 100% New Zealand wool, reflecting the English countryside's pastoral beauty. For outdoor and sustainable rugs, 'Aster' by Weaver Green was recognized for transforming 100% recycled plastic bottles into wool-like fibers, creating ultra-durable yet authentic-looking kilims. The Best Runner Design was awarded to 'Skye' by Bombay Sprout x Laura Stephens, crafted by fourth-generation weavers in India from hand-harvested jute, a biodegradable and recyclable material. For flooring, 'Chicopee' by Unnatural Flooring won for its herringbone weave, combining sisal's rustic charm with synthetic yarn's practicality, making it water-resistant, UV-stable, and suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Furniture awards included 'Bill's carver' by Studio HÁM for Best Chair, inspired by early English antiques and made from oak with a woven seagrass seat. 'Lomada' by Isabel & Co received Best Desk for its custom-made design from solid oak, upholstered in various fabrics. The Best Sofa award was given to 'Dajo' by Porta Romana, noted for its retro aesthetics, modern craftsmanship, deep seat, elegant curves, and polished beech plinth. 'The Nautilus' by Astrid Houssin Interiors won Best Stool, offering decorative versatility with bespoke RAL colors and hand-painted finishes. 'The Bedroom collection' by Sims Hilditch x George Smith secured Best Furniture Collaboration, drawing inspiration from the Cotswolds' rolling hills. NiX by Nicola Harding's 'Shipshape chest of drawers in Sage Green' was recognized for Best Storage, featuring FSC-certified solid oak, a bold painted finish, and distinctive vertical handles. 'The Artesian' by Collection Seven won Best Bed for its customisable design, featuring poplar burl veneer posts and a luxurious upholstered base and headboard. 'Tides' by Brogan Cox x NAT MAKS was celebrated for Best Use of Colour for a Product, with marbled ink designs inspired by coastal life. Lighting categories saw several winners: 'Campanilla pendant light' by Birdie Fortescue for Best Affordable Design, offering handcrafted quality and timeless elegance. 'Insulator AB pendant' by Novocastrian won Best Fixed Ceiling Light, inspired by train journeys and made from machined brass and pressed glass. 'Thelma lantern' by Jamb received Best Pendant Light, blending historical craftsmanship with contemporary elegance. 'Bloomsbury' by Max Rollitt was named Best Table Light, honoring the Bloomsbury Group's artistic legacy with hand-turned and painted designs. 'Copper Coast rechargeable accent light' by Visual Comfort & Co x Waterford earned Best Portable Light, combining crystal craftsmanship with lighting expertise. 'Simone' by Hector Finch won Best Wall Light, drawing design cues from the Vienna Secession movement. Other notable winners include 'Bedding in Eva Belle by Liberty' by Coco & Wolf for Best Bed Linen, featuring a traditional ditsy floral print. 'Galia' by Porta Romana was awarded Best Mirror for its organic ceramic shape and customisable glazes. 'Anemone candle' by Grove England received Best Home Fragrance, combining chamomile, jasmine, and neroli with warming notes. Natasha Hulse's 'Bespoke design' won Best Headboard for its intricate, hand-painted, and embroidered artistic creations. 'The Palaces Collection' by The Soho Lighting Company x Historic Royal Palaces was recognized for Best Accessories Collaboration, drawing on historical patterns and crafted from solid brass. Rowen & Wren won Best Product Made in the UK for its commitment to British craftsmanship and sustainability. For outdoor accessories, 'Lampshade parasol in Double Cream' by Plia Parasols won for its fade-proof fabric and bullion fringe. 'Chatterley' by Francis Sultana for David Gill Gallery received Best Outdoor Collection for its sculptural, patinated bronze pieces inspired by the British landscape. Finally, 'Diamond Majesty mattress topper' by Vispring won Best Sustainable Design for its use of nature's finest materials and commitment to environmental responsibility. #HomesAndGardens #DesignAwards #InteriorDesign #ProductDesign #HomeDecor #SustainableDesign #Craftsmanship #LuxuryFurnishings #LightingDesign

This article highlights the top nine kitchen designs from thousands of projects published by Dwell throughout 2020, showcasing exceptional innovation in culinary spaces. These designs were nominated for the 2020 Dwell Design Awards, with voting open until December 16th. Each featured kitchen demonstrates a unique approach to style, functionality, and integration within its respective home. The first kitchen, located in a boxy Los Angeles bungalow, features steel-framed French doors leading from a side garden into a high-ceilinged, open-plan space. This area seamlessly combines a chef's kitchen with living and dining areas, characterized by a brass-clad kitchen island. The second example is a timeworn midcentury home in Connecticut, which received a moody makeover. This kitchen incorporates rich black soapstone counters wrapping black-matte IKEA cabinets, with appliances hidden behind cabinet fronts to create a recessed aesthetic. Storage extends under windows and along the dining area, complemented by Craigslist finds for the table and chairs, and custom powder-coated hardware matching the cabinet color. In Portland, a 1930s Tudor home boasts an irresistibly quirky kitchen. The design draws inspiration from nautical casework, reflecting the homeowners' past experience living on a boat, emphasizing a considered, exacting, and utilitarian approach to cabinetry. A Bondi Beach home presents a raw yet refined kitchen, where plaster and tile harmoniously interact with brick and steel, defining the space with sharp contrasts. Further afield, a curved holiday home nestled on a spectacular clifftop in New Zealand features a kitchen that opens to a covered courtyard with a fireplace, creating a cozy semi-outdoor living area year-round. The interior colors are inspired by the surrounding landscape, with the kitchen island clad in solid timber fluting of iroko and a granite top whose green-blue-brown hues echo the nearby Tutakaka harbor. An architect's South African digs borrow the stripped-down look of parking garages, offering a kitchen that is part of an open-plan lounge and dining zone. Natural light floods in through an extra-tall blue front door, and dynamic floor patterning and a concrete ceiling grid unite the various functional areas. The kitchen cabinetry utilizes lightweight plywood, and a blue-and-gray chevron floor connects the ground floor living spaces, with ambient lighting tucked into the concrete ceiling coffering. Another entry details how a couple built their forever home in less than six months, featuring a light-filled kitchen with MadeMeasure leather pulls, Maximum Australia Porcelain Panel countertops in Bright Onyx, and IE Francis leather pendants over a Victorian Ash island bench. A terra-cotta backsplash serves as a unifying element for the home's color palette. Finally, a traditional facade hides a dream home with emerald green accents in its kitchen. Modern green cabinetry provides a bright contrast to the home’s historic shell, with custom triangular brass pulls echoing other brass accents. The island top is Marmoleum, and the wall counter is stainless steel, matching the Bertazzoni range. The last kitchen is found in an English home with a barrel-vaulted brick addition, which creates an unexpectedly airy feel. The warm textures of the exterior continue inside, with exposed brick walls and poured-in-place concrete arches under the sink mirroring the arched doorways and barrel-vaulted ceilings. This addition uses local, handmade brick to seamlessly integrate with the existing Victorian terrace house, while also introducing a distinctive arched, load-bearing roof. #kitchenDesign #dwellDesignAwards #homeRenovation #interiorInnovation #modernKitchens #architecturalDesign #homeDecor #culinarySpaces #designTrends

The 2021 National Kitchen & Bath Association Design Awards highlight outstanding design projects from the NKBA’s Minnesota Chapter, along with editor’s choice awards. The competition is divided into several categories, recognizing excellence in kitchen and bathroom design across various sizes and styles, as well as other rooms. In the Large Kitchen category, first place went to Danielle Lardani of Studio M Kitchen & Bath for her “Family Farmhouse” project. This design focused on improving functionality for a young family by incorporating floating shelves, larder-style cabinets, and removing a wall to create clear sightlines to the living room. Farmhouse aesthetics were integrated through mixed metal elements, shaker doors, and a shiplap range hood, resulting in a warm and inviting space. Second place was awarded to Kate Roos and Evangeline Fitzpatrick of Kate Roos Design LLC for “Baking With A View,” a kitchen designed for an artist and baker that prioritized both a functional workspace and a family oasis. Dedicated task stations, wider windows for lake views, and blue accents were key features. Mary Maney of Crystal Kitchen + Bath secured third place. The Medium Kitchen category saw Kate Roos and Evangeline Fitzpatrick take first place again with “Additions to the Kitchen.” This project transformed a turn-of-the-century kitchen for a family of four by moving the back entryway, repurposing an exterior back porch and butler’s pantry to create space for a walnut island, and adding a light-hued birch hutch. Tricia Tidemann of Sawhill Kitchens earned second place for “Modern & Metallic,” a downtown loft kitchen designed as a display space for an art collection, featuring metallic and ribbed tiles, rusted rock countertops, and open shelving. Mary Maney received third place in this category as well. For Small Kitchens, Lynn D. Monson and Sandy J. Monson of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen won first place for “Cape Cod, Reimagined.” This project preserved the charm of a 1938 Cape Cod home while adding modern functionality. A wall removal and reconfigured cabinet layout maximized storage and natural light, with white shelving, light oak floors, and sea-green base cabinets creating a seamless transition to the dining room. Jolynn Johnson of Crystal Kitchen + Bath took second place for “Radiant & Red,” a dual-purpose kitchen and entertaining space featuring a bar-height island, custom pantry with wine storage, and a striking red stripe motif inspired by the owner’s Swiss heritage. The design incorporated high-gloss black wood and waterfall-edge countertops. In the Large Bathroom category, Tracy Hains, Calie Pierce, and Stefanie Cohoe of Che Bella Interiors won first place for “Lovely on the Lake.” This design transformed a functionally flawed bathroom into a modern space with lakeside charm. Key features included a new vanity for storage, a half-wall for privacy in the shower, and a colorful feature wall balanced by textural tiles. Kailee Klevan of Beyond Kitchens secured second place for “Stay-At-Home Spa,” which involved removing a large bathtub to create a more practical area, adding rift-sawn oak vanity cabinets, extra drawer storage, recessed medicine cabinets, and a separate tub and shower system. Lisa Pope of Partners 4, Design placed third. The Medium Bath category had a tie for first place. Kate Roos and Evangeline Fitzpatrick received an award for “Making Vintage New,” a project that updated a Victorian-era bathroom by incorporating modern elements like new cabinets, a vanity, gray marble flooring, subway tile, and deep blue walls while retaining vintage charm. Kaitlyn Stokes of Crystal Kitchen + Bath also took first place for “Class & Consistency,” designing a bathroom that matched the home’s overall aesthetic, featuring a recessed storage cabinet and a pocket door for improved flow. The Small Bathroom category's first place was awarded to Lynn D. Monson and Sandy J. Monson for “Blue Beauty,” transforming a dated 1980s bathroom into a dual-purpose powder room and guest bathroom with bold color, a low-profile shower base, comfort-height toilet, and an ocean blue onyx stone panel. In the Powder Bath category, Nicole Sirek of Partners 4, Design won first place for “Pretty in Purple,” a design focused on functionality and storage for clients with a young grandson, incorporating an asymmetrical floating vanity with purple panels, a herringbone limestone floor, and crystal knobs. Jolynn Johnson received second place for “Swiss Escape,” a unique powder room in a car condo featuring a mural of a mountainside and train as a nod to the clients’ Swiss heritage. Nicole Sirek also earned third place. “Other Rooms” recognized Megan Dent of Michels Homes with first place for “Old English Classic,” an addition that expanded a kitchen and back entryway while maintaining the home’s original Old English aesthetic. Megan Dent also tied for second place with “A New Place For a New Phase,” a whole-home remodeling project focusing on a stone-clad bar area in a suburban home’s lower level. Tammy Johnson of Lampert Lumber tied for second place with “The Floor Plan Flip,” which reconfigured a 1974 Cape Cod-style home to create a large open wet bar in the former kitchen space. Evangeline Fitzpatrick placed third. Editor’s Choice Awards included “Most Dramatic Transformation: Kitchen” by Mary Maney, which resolved a cramped kitchen layout by adopting a U-shaped design, adding a pantry cabinet, and installing a sloping range hood. Lisa Pope won “Most Dramatic Transformation: Bathroom” for transforming a master bathroom into a spa-like retreat with a reworked floor plan, double vanity, freestanding tub, heated floors, and steam shower, all consistent with the home’s Craftsman style. #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesignAwards #NKBAAwards #MinnesotaDesign #DesignTrends #RemodelingProjects

The 2025 Sunset Western Home & Design Awards celebrate exceptional kitchen design, recognizing five designers for their innovative, functional, and aesthetically pleasing culinary spaces. These awards highlight how kitchens serve as the heart of the home, not just for cooking but also for working and entertaining. Heidi Caillier Design, based in Washington, was honored for the "Best Moody, Low-Light Kitchens." Caillier, an expert in pattern mixing and unique details, excels in designing kitchens with limited natural light. Instead of attempting to brighten these spaces, she embraces their inherent moodiness, utilizing rich Old World colors, distinctive marbles, and strategic directional lighting such as sconces and pendants. Her experience from her time in San Francisco, where such challenges are common, has honed her ability to transform these spaces into captivating, functional areas through elaborate millwork, rare Italian tiles, and antique carved marble sinks. Audrey Scheck Design, operating out of Austin, Texas, received recognition for the "Best Western Kitchen." Scheck's signature style incorporates fieldstone, shiplap, and classic hardware, which are integral to creating timeless kitchen designs. Her work, including a notable project in West Lake Hills, consistently achieves an earthy and grounded feel without resorting to an overly rustic or 'country' aesthetic. This approach ensures her designs possess a lasting appeal that transcends fleeting trends. For the "Best Outside-the-Box Kitchen," Mandy Cheng Design, an L.A.-based designer, was celebrated for her bold and playful approach. Cheng challenges the conventional notion of kitchens as sterile, purely functional spaces, advocating for them to be as vibrant and enjoyable as any other room in the home. Despite specializing in full-house remodels and acknowledging the common preference for white quartz counters and steel appliances, she actively encourages clients to explore more creative and temporary design elements to infuse personality and fun into their culinary environments. Heliotrope Architects, based in Seattle, earned the award for "Best Masterful, Minimal Kitchen." The firm is known for its midcentury-inspired simplicity, meticulously avoiding superfluous details and wasted gestures in their projects, which span residential, retail, and restaurant designs across the Pacific Northwest. Heliotrope's kitchens are exemplary in their restraint and seamless flow, prioritizing low, under-counter storage to maintain unobstructed views. Their designs frequently incorporate materials like concrete, brick, and stone, yet manage to achieve a warm and inviting atmosphere. A key feature of their work is the integration of indoor-outdoor spaces through expansive windows and sliding glass doors, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior environments. Finally, Ali Henrie Design, from Utah, was recognized for the "Best Classic Kitchen." Henrie specializes in creating generous, light-filled spaces that exude comfort and invite people to relax. Her kitchens particularly showcase her meticulous attention to detail and a focus on coziness. Key elements of her design philosophy include ample custom cabinetry, abundant seating options, and a soothing palette of soft neutral colors, such as cloud gray and celadon green. These choices contribute to minimizing visual clutter and fostering a serene, organized kitchen atmosphere. #KitchenDesign #HomeAwards #InteriorDesign #WesternDesign #ArchitecturalExcellence #HeidiCaillier #AudreyScheck #MandyCheng #HeliotropeArchitects #AliHenrieDesign

This article presents the winners of the first annual Hudson Valley Home Design Awards in 2025, showcasing innovative and inspiring projects from regional interior design professionals across several categories. Each featured project highlights specific design challenges, homeowner visions, and creative solutions implemented by the respective firms. The 'Kitchen' award goes to Jennifer Lynn Interiors in Kingston for a Hyde Park project. The homeowners desired an open, inviting, and functional space for daily living and entertaining. The transformation involved taking the space down to the studs, extending the island to accommodate four chairs, adding an entertainment buffet, improving ventilation, and incorporating thoughtful storage solutions like open shelving and reconfigured cabinetry. The design drew inspiration from the clients' existing butcher block island, which was integrated into floating shelves and a unique floating round table at the island's end. The overall aesthetic blends farmhouse charm with a California-cool style, resulting in a timeless and personalized kitchen. For 'Outdoor Living Space,' Jacobschang Architecture in New York won for a Hastings-on-Hudson property. This project maximized broad views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades. Due to the sloped terrain, the pool and pool cabana were strategically placed alongside the house, creating a direct connection between indoor and outdoor living areas oriented towards the river views. The design integrated the foundations of an original 1920s house, using these existing walls to support the cabana roof and provide privacy from the street. The contrast between the historic stone walls and the new wood cladding created a unique material presence. Nancy Mah Design in Pawling received the 'Great Room' award for a Pawling residence. The homeowners sought a minimalist, nature-inspired retreat for relaxation and entertaining, emphasizing natural light and showcasing the surrounding scenery. The design focused on creating a calm and restorative environment through sustainable practices, Scandinavian minimalism, and passive solar heating and cooling principles. The use of natural materials, expansive windows, and architectural details established a harmonious balance, with warm lighting and pops of color in furniture and art enhancing the elegance and connection to nature. The 'Primary Bath' award went to DW Design & Décor in Croton-on-Hudson for an Ossining project. The goal was to transform a dark, outdated primary bathroom into a bright, airy, and tranquil space. The design incorporated a larger shower area and a standalone soaking tub, which was angled to optimize space and functionality. A sophisticated black, white, and gray palette formed the foundation, complemented by a custom vanity with hidden storage and tailored top-down/bottom-up fabric shades for privacy and views. Subtle hues from window treatments and artwork added warmth to the monochromatic scheme. Finally, Garrison Foundry in Garrison received two awards: 'Child’s Bedroom' and 'Mudroom.' For the child's bedroom in Cold Spring, the design focused on functionality and personal expression. A window seat with storage was built to utilize existing architectural features, and the child's personality was incorporated through a vibrant magenta paint and bow-inspired drawer pulls. The project demonstrated how simple choices like wallpaper and paint can reflect individuality. The 'Mudroom' project, also in Cold Spring, was a collaboration aiming to infuse character into a home with good bones but lacking personal touches. Inspired by Scandinavian and Shaker design, the mudroom was made open and functional, featuring a soft green hue and tumbled limestone floor to provide warmth and classic charm, setting the aesthetic tone for the rest of the home. #HomeDesignAwards #HudsonValleyDesign #InteriorDesign #KitchenDesign #OutdoorLiving #GreatRoom #BathroomRenovation #ChildrensBedroom #MudroomDesign

The 2019 National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Design Awards, presented by Midwest Home, showcase exceptional design projects in various categories including large kitchens, medium kitchens, small kitchens, large bathrooms, small bathrooms, powder bathrooms, budget-friendly projects, other rooms, artisan materials, and showrooms. The awards feature winning projects from NKBA’s Minnesota Chapter, along with editor's choice selections, highlighting innovative and aesthetically pleasing renovations across different home areas. In the Large Kitchen category, Mingle, LLC secured first place for 'True to Tradition,' which redefined a kitchen's classic aesthetic by relocating the cooktop, extending cabinets to the ceiling, and straightening the island to improve functionality and flow. Crystal Kitchen + Bath earned second place for 'Modern Warmth,' a project driven by a mid-century dining set, maximizing storage with frameless cabinets in high-gloss white and walnut, and incorporating a dramatic cabinet bridge. Third place went to Crystal Kitchen + Bath for 'Classic Cottage,' transforming a 1935 Cape Cod kitchen by removing walls and leveling ceilings to create a bright, cohesive space with extensive storage and a new gas fireplace. The Medium Kitchen category saw Mingle, LLC take first place for 'Mid-Century Modernized,' a renovation of a 1950s rambler that embraced mid-century design with elegant walnut cabinets and innovative storage solutions like a walk-in pantry. Crystal Kitchen + Bath's 'Color Pop' received second place, enlarging a tight kitchen and dining area by removing a wall and adding vibrant red accents. Crystal Kitchen + Bath also placed third with 'Traditional Charm,' which opened up a 1920s kitchen by replacing radiators, removing a booth, and repositioning appliances to create a more functional and brighter space. For Small Kitchens, Mingle, LLC won first place for 'Woodland Industry,' transforming a 1960s kitchen with reclaimed barn wood, honed quartz, and industrial finishes. Dorig Designs, LLC, Crystal Kitchen + Bath, and Kate Roos Design, LLC all tied for second place. Dorig Designs' 'White Out' blended SoCal beach vibes into an 1895 Victorian kitchen, while Crystal Kitchen + Bath's 'Clean Sweep' completely refreshed a 100-year-old farmhouse kitchen with new storage and a breakfast bar. Kate Roos Design's 'Craftsman Creativity' updated a 1920s Craftsman kitchen for a large family, focusing on practical storage and period details. Partners 4 Design received third place for 'A Kitchen Rekindled,' which brightened a narrow condo kitchen by replacing a large soffit and adding strategic lighting and open shelving. In the Large Bathroom category, Liz Schupanitz Designs, LLC won first place and Editors’ Choice for 'Pretty in Pink,' a luxurious remodel inspired by an old-world hotel, featuring Italian Rose Portogallo marble and an Art Deco aesthetic. Mingle, LLC's 'Rambler Respite' earned second place, a retirement-focused remodel of a 1950s rambler bathroom with increased vanity length and a relocated toilet for a larger shower. Beyond Kitchens' 'Dots and Florals' secured third place, bringing fresh simplicity to a 1907 home's bathroom with a black-and-white palette and a large, functional shower. Small Bathroom awards included Ispiri, LLC in first place for 'Music Box Bath,' which blended existing 1880s features with contemporary luxuries like in-floor heating and Swarovski sconces. Kate Roos Design, LLC received second place for 'Lighten Up,' transforming a cramped 1961 bathroom with a pocket door and repurposing a hall closet for storage. i.d. interior design's 'Classic Character' took third place, capturing space from an adjacent closet to create a larger shower and built-in vanity in a century-old house. Powder Bathroom winners included i.d. interior design in first place for 'Traditional Utility,' which restored a historical home's powder room with period-appropriate wallpaper and fixtures. Mingle, LLC's 'Modestly Mod' earned second place, contemporizing a 1950s rambler powder room with natural materials and minimal layout changes. Partners 4 Design's 'Riverfront Minimalism' received third place, elevating a condo powder room with a half wall of large-format tile and sculptural bird sconces. The Budget Project category recognized Dorig Designs, LLC for 'Beach Vibes' in first place, transforming an 1895 Victorian kitchen with lighter colors and open shelving. i.d. interior design's 'Condo Kitchen Redo' placed second, maximizing custom cabinetry and storage in a condo kitchen within budget. Mary Lynch Design's 'History Renewed' took third, opening up a cramped historic kitchen by extending hardwood floors and using budget-friendly materials. In the Other Rooms category, Ispiri, LLC won first place for 'Fireside Coastal Retreat,' reconfiguring a lake home's family room to create a new stone fireplace and built-ins. Crystal Kitchen + Bath's 'Mudroom Makeover' received second place, adding a functional drop-off zone to a 1920s home with geometric tile and shiplap. Bear Trap Design's 'Rocky Mountain Appeal' secured third place, warming up a lodge-like great room with a barn beam mantle and massive stone wall. Finally, in Artisan Materials, Ispiri, LLC took second place for 'Urban Vibe,' adding a floor-to-ceiling metal panel fireplace surround in a showroom, creating a striking contrast with adjacent wood features. Partners 4 Design won third place in the Showrooms category for 'Design Inspiration,' an updated showroom highlighting modern kitchen concepts and cost-effective solutions. #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesignAwards #MidCenturyModern #TraditionalDesign #SmallSpaceSolutions #BudgetFriendlyDesign #DesignInspiration

The 2022 Design Awards recognized two projects as tied winners in the Best Mudroom or Laundry Room category. These projects, designed by Nathan Taylor of Obelisk Home and Haden Long of Ellecor Design, focused on creating highly functional spaces that seamlessly blend contemporary aesthetics with classic styles. Both designers aimed to elevate these typically utilitarian areas into integral parts of their respective homes, emphasizing both design impact and usability. Nathan Taylor's winning project, for a new construction family home, involved an L-shaped laundry room that also served as a high-traffic thoroughfare from the garage to the kitchen. The homeowner's primary request was for the space to feel like "just another room in my house," necessitating a design that mirrored the home's overall "contemporary meets traditional" style. Taylor achieved this by using custom-finished white oak cabinets in the same color as the adjacent kitchen cabinetry, ensuring continuity. High-end elements such as quartz countertops, brushed gold hardware, and custom-printed marble floor tiles were incorporated to add a luxurious touch. The backsplash featured a beveled black subway tile in a herringbone pattern, offering a modern twist on a traditional material. Instead of traditional can lights, a lighted rod was installed over the countertop, providing both illumination and additional hanging space. The room also included a built-in desk for productivity and custom lockers and cubbies for each family member, complete with shelves, drawers, hanging space, and individual outlets for charging electronics. Haden Long's winning design for Ellecor Design focused on a from-scratch laundry room as part of a larger new construction project, prioritizing "function, function, function." The client, a business owner and professional organizer, sought a multi-functional space with abundant and smartly designed storage, including a dedicated area for dogs. Long integrated farmhouse-style elements that connected the laundry room to the rest of the home, such as white overhead cabinets complemented by custom-stained oak lower cabinets, penny round floor tiles, and quartz countertops with subtle gray and gold veining. Creative solutions for pet integration included sliding doors under a peninsula for the dogs. Storage innovations included pullout drawers beneath the sink for hidden trash, an inset pocket for paper towels to keep countertops clutter-free, and another pullout drawer for laundry next to the washer and dryer. A floor-to-ceiling cabinet with pullouts near the patio door housed appliances, cleaning supplies, and a charging station for a vacuum, ensuring every item had a designated place. A unique colorful dog wallpaper was chosen to incorporate the pets' theme and add a vibrant touch. Both winning projects demonstrate a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to integrating functional needs with sophisticated design. They showcase how laundry rooms and mudrooms can transcend their traditional roles to become beautiful, efficient, and well-integrated spaces within a home, catering to the specific needs and aesthetic preferences of the homeowners. The designers successfully combined practical storage solutions with high-quality materials and thoughtful stylistic choices, resulting in award-winning designs that are both elegant and highly practical. #DesignAwards #MudroomDesign #LaundryRoomDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ContemporaryStyle #TraditionalStyle #FunctionalDesign #StorageSolutions

This article highlights the winning bathroom design by Denise Wright of DKW Designs in the 417 Home Design Awards 2020. The homeowners, residing on a large piece of land with natural views, sought to integrate the outdoors into their master bathroom while maintaining privacy and luxurious amenities. The initial concept involved an outdoor shower, but concerns about privacy led to a shift towards bringing the natural environment indoors. Wright's design for this serene bathroom drew inspiration from a beachside resort, aiming to create a private getaway within the home. Every detail was carefully chosen to evoke the essence of the sea, from the blue and tan tones of the countertops to the capiz shells on the chandelier, fostering a bright and breezy atmosphere akin to an ocean retreat. A prominent feature in achieving this peaceful ambiance is a floating wall located in the center of the room. This wall, designed around iridescent glass mosaic tiles, incorporates ocean and sand colors and cleverly conceals a glass-enclosed shower behind it. A large tub at the base of this wall features a waterfall faucet, mimicking the sound of ocean waves, further enhancing the tranquil environment. To address the homeowners' varying preferences for privacy, remote shades were installed. These shades offer flexibility, allowing for expansive outdoor views when fully open, partial closure for privacy while still enjoying the scenery, or complete closure for maximum seclusion. The bathroom also includes distinct "his and hers" elements, such as one vanity equipped with a makeup counter and another featuring a coffee bar. The home's modern timber frame, with exposed beams on the bathroom ceiling, contributes to the overall open and airy feel. Additionally, the bathroom is furnished with luxury amenities, including a towel warmer, heated flooring, a plush area rug, and iridescent accessories, transforming the space into an at-home spa experience. The design successfully blends the desire for an outdoor connection with the need for privacy and sophisticated comfort. #Decor #Design #DesignAwards #HomeDesign #BathroomDesign #LuxuryBathroom #InteriorDesign #DKWDesigns

The 2024 Domino Good Design Awards highlight innovative bed and bath products, challenging the perception that these categories have exhausted their potential for novelty. This year's selections showcase advancements ranging from sustainable materials to functional design with an aesthetic appeal. The awarded products demonstrate a continued drive for improvement in comfort, style, and environmental responsibility within home furnishings and fixtures. Among the bedding selections, the Repose Heavyweight Bed Cover by Cultiver x Colin King stands out for its specific draping quality, contributing to a revival of 1950s bedding trends. The Kirsikankukka Duvet Cover by Tekla x Artek features a unique pattern inspired by Finnish designer Aino Aalto, blending Scandinavian design with historical influences. For luxurious comfort, the Summit Supima Sheet Set by Boll & Branch is recognized for its exceptionally soft and cooling American-grown cotton, noted for its sateen and percale qualities. Addressing sustainability, Lola & Veranda's Modern Solids Bedding Bundle introduces a zero-waste model, allowing customers to return used sheets for repurposing, donation, or resale. Pillow designs also see a refresh with the Begonia Pillow Cover by Rhode + West Elm, which combines vibrant patterns and colors, moving beyond traditional ruffled designs. In bath accessories, the Bubble Shower Curtain by Quiet Town offers a distinctive, artistic element inspired by the Palais Bulles, allowing for creative layering and adding personality to a bathroom space. Faucet innovation is presented by Kallista's 002 Sink Faucet, which integrates natural stone options like Carrara marble, zebra jasper, or rose quartz into its handles, elevating the fixture to a design statement. Practical yet stylish solutions include Good Time's Magnetic Bar Holder, which facilitates quick drying of bar soaps and shampoos through a magnetic system, making it suitable for renters. Shower experiences are enhanced by the Universal Flush Mount Cube by Waterworks x Gachot, a collaboration that reimagines the showerhead as a sculptural, flush-mounted centerpiece with a geometric shape inspired by tailored fashion. Finally, the article highlights significant progress in accessible design with The Grab Bar by Remsen. This product, made of nickel with a fluted texture, combines secure grip functionality with an aesthetically pleasing design, demonstrating that accessible home features can be both practical and visually appealing. These award-winning products collectively represent a blend of innovation, design excellence, and thoughtful consideration for user experience and environmental impact in the bed and bath categories. #GoodDesignAwards #BedAndBath #HomeDecor #ProductInnovation #SustainableDesign #LuxuryBedding #BathroomFixtures #AccessibleDesign #TextileDesign

The article showcases a curated selection of kitchen and bathroom products designed to balance aesthetic form with practical function. It highlights innovative solutions for modern home interiors, focusing on appliances, surfaces, and finishing touches that enhance both visual appeal and utility in these essential spaces. Each featured product offers unique characteristics, catering to contemporary design preferences and functional requirements. First, the Enova cooktop from Fulgor Milano is presented as a minimalist induction cooktop characterized by its intuitive control panel and elegant glass construction. Available in Australia, this Italian-designed appliance allows for customizable finishes on its dashboard and dials, combining high-tech functionality with sophisticated design suitable for modern kitchens. Next, the versatility of Corian solid surface is demonstrated through its application in a striking bathroom at La Casa Curvilínea by Dan Van Architects and Doherty Building Group. The material is used to create a singular, curving benchtop with an integrated washplane, contributing to a visually calm and cohesive bathroom environment. This highlights Corian's ability to create seamless and elegant surfaces. The Santos vanity from Timberline is introduced as an elegant, coastal-inspired piece. This vanity features curved ends, countertop basins, and a distinctive fluted profile, offering a soft and sophisticated look. It is designed for those who prioritize both aesthetic appeal and practical storage solutions in their bathroom spaces. Following this, the Raster tile collection from Earp Bros draws inspiration from the Bauhaus movement, celebrating the visual appeal of simple, repeated geometric forms. The collection includes four tile profiles—grids and lines, in small and large sizes—available in eight shades. These tiles can be arranged in ordered, yet playful patterns, with contrasting grout used to accentuate their geometric effect, making them suitable for various interior applications, including kitchens and bathrooms. Finally, Evaanna Handles are featured, created by Budapest-born designer Eva Anna Gulasci. Her brand specializes in organic-shaped handles, knobs, and hooks made from brass, produced using traditional metalsmithing techniques. These pieces are designed to be both visually appealing and tactile, adding a refined, jewellery-like touch to home interiors. Collectively, these products represent a thoughtful selection aimed at helping individuals achieve a harmonious blend of style and practicality in their kitchen and bathroom designs. Each item contributes to creating spaces that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and reflective of contemporary design trends. #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #ProductShowcase #HomeInteriors #ModernAppliances #SolidSurfaces #VanityUnits #TileDesign #ArchitecturalHardware

This blog post highlights the winning bathroom project in the Best Bathroom 2023 category of the 417 Magazine Design Awards. The primary objective of this project was to elevate a home's powder bathroom to align with the refined design aesthetic of the rest of a recently remodeled home. This transformation was achieved without altering the existing layout or expanding the square footage of the space. Nathan Taylor, principal designer and owner at Obelisk Home, spearheaded the project, emphasizing that even a small powder bathroom, a crucial guest-facing area, should not be an afterthought. The design incorporated a blend of existing and new elements to achieve its sophisticated outcome. The pre-existing wainscoting was revitalized with a fresh application of warm, putty-hued paint, meticulously color-matched to the newly installed patterned wallpaper. This combination, alongside marble flooring, successfully modernized the 1990s powder bath, bringing its aesthetic up to par with the rest of the renovated residence. A key functional improvement involved replacing the original pedestal sink with a vanity featuring open storage. This change not only enhanced the room's utility but also contributed to a more open and spacious feel, all without any structural modifications. Designing within the constraints of a small bathroom presented specific challenges, requiring creative solutions from Taylor and his team. One such challenge involved sourcing design elements that complemented each other without being overtly matchy-matchy. Taylor achieved this by selecting items from various manufacturers that shared a common design thread. For instance, the gold ball-and-chain frame of the mirror subtly echoed the gold spheres on the vanity's pulls. Practical challenges also arose, such as fitting the vanity through the bathroom door with minimal clearance. Another instance required modifying a chandelier by half an inch to ensure the door could open unimpeded. The chosen chandelier, with its pleated fabric shade, was appreciated for imparting a historical and elegant feel to the space. The overall design successfully integrates accessories and patterns to create a timelessly elegant environment that maintains a touch of whimsy. A watercolor portrait of a deer and neutral animal print wallpaper exemplify this blend of classic and playful elements. Taylor's signature approach of mixing metals is evident in the interplay of gold and nickel finishes found in the vanity, faucet, mirror, and light fixture. This departure from traditional matching metals adds a contemporary and sophisticated layer to the design. The overarching concept was to establish a tone-on-tone color scheme, subtly enhanced by the reflective qualities of gold accents. #BestBathroom #HomeDesign #PowderRoom #InteriorDesign #Renovation #DesignAwards #NathanTaylor #ObeliskHome #SmallSpaceDesign

The article explores current and emerging trends in kitchen and bathroom design, highlighting a shift towards more personalized, bold, and luxurious spaces. In kitchens, a significant trend is the move away from all-white aesthetics to darker, moodier palettes. This involves incorporating dark appliances, fixtures, and countertops, often balanced with contrasting wood tones or paint. Dramatic tile backsplashes with dark colors, prints, or metallics are also gaining popularity, offering a high-end yet cozy feel when paired with dark cabinetry. Designers emphasize using visual inspiration from platforms like Instagram to encourage creative personalization rather than direct replication. Another notable kitchen trend is the resurgence and evolution of secondary food preparation spaces. While the term “butler’s pantry” is becoming less common, concepts like "scullery," "working kitchen," or "serving pantry" are prevalent. These spaces serve as dedicated areas for messier cooking tasks, keeping the primary, often showstopping, kitchen pristine for entertaining and family life. This trend aligns with a slight shift away from overly open-concept floor plans, offering a connected yet visually separated cooking area. Some high-end projects even feature multiple prep spaces, including a show kitchen, a scullery, and a catering kitchen. Hardware and fixtures are also undergoing a transformation, with gold, rather than traditional brass, becoming a popular choice. Gold is perceived as offering a warm, classy, and rich aesthetic. Regarding tiling, while classic white subway tile is still present, there's a growing inclination towards unique options. Tiles are now being used as a "pop of personality" through varied colors, shapes, and installation patterns. Creative laying techniques, such as stacked patterns or combinations of glossy and matte finishes, are favored. Handmade or handmade-look tiles, particularly those with uneven edges and tactile surfaces like zellige from Morocco, are gaining traction for their artisanal feel. The article also highlights a desire for warmth and comfort in kitchen design, moving away from minimalist, clutter-free aesthetics. This includes incorporating comfortable seating, plants, cookbooks, and decorative saltshakers. The aim is to make the kitchen feel more like a living room, achieved through warm off-white tones, layered lighting, warm wood, and textural finishes. Kitchen islands are evolving to be more furniture-like, sometimes designed with legs to integrate seamlessly into a soft luxury aesthetic. Lighting is also becoming softer, with a move towards sconces, under-cabinet lighting, and focused wall lighting, and the expectation of interior cabinet lighting becoming standard. Bathroom design is mirroring some kitchen trends, with a willingness to experiment with darker, more intense colors and materials, particularly in smaller spaces like powder rooms. Black sinks, fixtures, stone, and walnut are popular for creating dramatic looks. While black bathrooms are seen as a luxe move by some, the article suggests that bolder choices extend to dark blues, reds, and a broader array of colors for plumbing fixtures, drawing inspiration from 1950s and 60s palettes. Tiling trends in bathrooms include the concept of "wet rooms" where entire bathrooms or significant portions are tiled up to the ceiling, offering durability, ease of cleaning, and a sleek, contemporary look that makes spaces appear larger. Tile wainscoting is also mentioned as a way to achieve waterproofing with a nod to the cottagecore aesthetic.

The Ideal Home team annually celebrates outstanding bathroom designs and innovative products through its Bathroom Awards. These awards highlight stylish and functional solutions, focusing on both aesthetics and practicality for modern living. The 2024 awards feature various categories, ranging from complete bathroom ranges to individual fixtures and sustainable innovations, all meticulously judged by Ideal Home's editorial experts. Among the distinguished winners, Clearwater Interiors received the Bathroom of the Year award for its AW23 Bathroom Collection. This collection impressed the judges with its sleek, ergonomic designs that offer a spa-like experience at home, alongside a strong emphasis on ecological credentials and sustainability. The judges recognized it for creating a luxurious yet environmentally conscious retreat. In the classic bathroom category, Symphony's Amalfi fitted bathroom range was honored for its enduring appeal. Its Shaker-style doors offer a homely and warm feel, suitable for family bathrooms. The range was noted for its matt finish, which provides a modern twist to traditional design, especially when paired with contemporary hardware like brushed brass handles. Butler & Rose's Darcy range was also highly commended in this category. Utopia’s Qube range secured the Best Modern Bathroom Range award for its contemporary storage solutions and on-trend color palette. Judges praised its versatility, offering both wall-hung and freestanding options that maximize space. A clever matt finish helps minimize fingerprint marks, ensuring a consistently clean and polished look. Bagnodesign's Monroe countertop basin was celebrated for its Best Use of Color. Available in eight shades, including an elegant green, and multiple metallic finishes, this basin serves as a striking focal point. Its design evokes a Mediterranean aesthetic, adding a touch of escapism to any bathroom space. Multipanel's The Tile Collection was recognized as the Best Bathroom Surface. This product offers the aesthetic of tiles with the ease of panels, simplifying installation by eliminating the need for grouting and making cleaning effortless. Cullifords Calacatta Viola Marble also received a high commendation for its quality. Perrin & Rowe's Armstrong Collection won Best Bathroom Tap for its elegant and timeless design. The collection offers a wide selection of finishes, allowing for seamless integration into various design schemes. Bagnodesign and Crosswater Folie were also acknowledged with high commendations. For Best Basin, BC Designs’ Copper Verdigris Basin stood out. Its unique copper finish adds personality and color, transforming ordinary spaces into vibrant ones. The basin's natural patina is expected to enhance with age, aligning with current bathroom trends. RAK Ceramics was also highly commended. JTP’s Lumen showerhead won the Best Showerhead award for its modern, spotlight-like design and variety of finishes, including Brushed Brass, Black, and Bronze. This showerhead provides a concentrated, spa-like jet, elevating the showering experience. Lakes Showering Spaces’ Wave collection was named Best Shower Enclosure. This range combines versatility with an eye-catching design, making it suitable for small bathrooms without sacrificing style. The brass finish of the Wave corner enclosure was particularly highlighted for its luxurious appeal. Clearwater Interiors also received a high commendation for its Halo shower tray and Bardo walk-in shower panel. Wickes earned the Bathroom Retailer of the Year award for its comprehensive offerings and excellent planning services. Their free design consultations and wide product selection simplify the renovation process for customers. Drench was also highly commended in this category. Ca' Pietra's Reform Composite Stone tiles were awarded Best Bathroom Tiles. Made from 60% recycled stone, these classic brick-style tiles come in various colors and can be laid in different patterns, adding depth and a handmade aesthetic reminiscent of Mediterranean landscapes. The 'One Small Step' award for Sustainability went to Neat for its eco-friendly cleaning products. Neat offers dilutable refills for reusable stainless steel bottles, significantly reducing single-use plastic waste. Suri was also highly commended for its sustainable efforts. Triton's ENVi Electric Shower was honored with the Genius Bathroom Innovation award. This smart shower features a sleek digital display and allows for personalized user profiles with cost consumption breakdowns, encouraging mindful water usage, particularly beneficial for families. #IdealHomeAwards #BathroomDesign #InteriorInnovation #EcoFriendlyBath #LuxuryBathrooms #HomeRenovation #ModernBathroom #ClassicBathroom #SustainableDesign

Kitchens are consistently highlighted as a pivotal selling point in real estate, particularly on the reality renovation show "The Block," where the kitchen reveal is always a significant event. The intense pressure on contestants to deliver innovative and impressive kitchens is evident in their use of features such as butler's pantries, large island benches, and advanced appliances, all aimed at captivating potential buyers. Over the years, several kitchens from "The Block" have stood out for their design and functionality. In 2023, Kyle and Leslie's kitchen earned praise for its curved elements and rich textures, embodying a modern take on 1960s aesthetics, though their butler's pantry was deemed undersized. Dylan and Jenny's sage green kitchen in 2022 charmed judges with its unique textures and a strong sense of personality, character, and soul. Kirsty and Jesse's Hamptons-style kitchen in 2021 achieved an almost perfect score. It was celebrated for its harmonious blend of country, Hamptons, and contemporary styles, featuring deep navy cabinetry, a ceramic farmhouse sink, and gingham wallpaper in the butler's pantry, perfectly suiting their home's overall design. Daniel and Jade from 2020 won kitchen week with their last-minute redesign, showcasing a curved Christian Cole island bench with fluted timber details that referenced 1930s design. Kylie and Brad's kitchen in 2024, despite their usual divisive black-on-black palette, secured their first win. Judges were impressed by its scale, high-end finishes, and clever FurnSpin cabinets, describing it as "Tom Ford enough." Andy and Deb from 2019 demonstrated strategic design by repositioning their void to maximize natural light, creating a kitchen that felt significantly more spacious and was lauded as one of the best on the show. Norm and Jess's 2018 kitchen was admired for its thick marble benchtop, soft stone-grey shaker-style cabinetry, and a double-entry butler's pantry that enhanced flow and space, complemented by soaring ceilings. In 2017, Josh and Elyse took a risk by reorienting their kitchen island, which improved the connection to the living and dining areas. Despite a minor issue with a gas stove not meeting code, the kitchen maintained a sense of "hygge" through its textured finishes. Karlie and Will's dark and moody kitchen in 2016 earned a perfect score and helped them win the season, validating the judges' view that black was the new white for kitchens and highlighting the impact of kitchen design on home sales. Finally, Josh and Jenna's 2013 kitchen, featuring a floor-to-ceiling indoor green wall, an expansive marble island, and sheer window coverings, set a high standard for future contestants, securing a well-deserved win. #TheBlock #KitchenDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #KitchenTrends #AustralianDesign #HomeImprovement #DesignCompetition

The 2025 Westchester Home Design Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in home design across Westchester County, highlighting various categories such as Use of New Trend, Dining Room, Basement, Home Office, Children’s Bedroom, Small Space, Powder Room, Whole Home Design, Specialty Room, Closet and Organizational Space, Butler’s Pantry, Mudroom, Modern Kitchen, Outdoor Living Space, Modern Bath, Living Space, Traditional Bath, Use of Pattern, Entry Hall, Primary Bedroom, Traditional Kitchen, and Use of Color. Katherine Gold Design was recognized for the "Use of New Trend" with a primary bedroom featuring wood drenching, incorporating fluted walnut paneled ceilings to create a warm, deep, and timeless aesthetic, blending vintage and contemporary elements. FIELDHOUSE, led by Megan Albert, won in the "Dining Room" category for a design that integrated natural surroundings through subtle, timeless mural wallpaper and functional furniture for a young family. Indigo Z Home, under Mary Brendler, won for "Basement" design, transforming a space into a sophisticated wine cellar and cigar lounge with climate-controlled cabinets, iron accents, and a rich chocolate brown palette complemented by luxurious seating. Curated Nest, with Erin Coren and Lina Galvão, received awards for their "Home Office" and "Children’s Bedroom" designs. The home office, described as farmhouse chic, offers privacy with custom arched French doors, blending traditional and modern elements, and providing multifunctional seating in neutral tones. The children’s bedroom features a cozy twin bed with custom drapery, integrated storage, and a desk that doubles as a vanity, all in a seafoam green palette with warm rattan and caning accents. Rachel Gray Interiors was honored in the "Small Space" category for converting an unfinished attic into a vibrant, versatile bonus room for guests and teens, using a blue and white palette with yellow accents and functional storage benches. Malka Helft of Think Chic Interiors designed a "Powder Room" with rich, layered details, dark saturated colors, a Phillip Jeffries wallpaper, and a custom quartzite sink. Lulu Home, by Alana Irwin and Cami Luppino, earned recognition for "Whole Home Design" and "Entry Hall" projects. Their whole home design in Rye showcased a modern luxury new build with seamless architectural precision, custom woodwork, specialty marbles, and custom furnishings. The entry hall design included a custom rug from India, a smoky glass chandelier, and an oak wood statement wall. Lynn Biase of Lynn Biase Design transformed a sunroom into a year-round retreat, winning in the "Specialty Room" category. The design incorporated new flooring, a refaced fireplace, a custom bar, and wine storage, using earthy colors and deep green velvet sofas. For "Closet and Organizational Space," Ruth Riemer of Riemer Kitchens & Fine Cabinetry and Jacqueline Touby of Jacqueline Touby Designs created a seamless entertaining bar with Tambora Manaslu doors and integrated lighting, while Susan Murray of California Closets designed a 100-square-foot high-functioning closet with leather countertops, high-gloss finishes, and bronze glass display doors. Rachel Gray Interiors also won for "Butler’s Pantry," designing a space that bridges the kitchen and dining room with a blue quartzite slab, navy cabinets, and hammered unlacquered brass hardware. JWH Design & Cabinetry's Jennifer Howard and Manor + Woods' Kerry Jacobs received an award for "Mudroom" design, creating an efficient space with custom cabinetry and ample storage. The "Modern Kitchen" award went to Veronica Campbell of DEANE, Inc. and Alana Irwin and Cami Luppino of Lulu Home for transforming a dark kitchen into a bright, open space with bleached white oak floors, mixed door styles, and a custom stainless-steel hood. Scott Hirshson of Hirshson Architecture + Design was recognized for "Outdoor Living Space" with a resort-style design featuring a sleek pool, a covered area with a gas fire pit, and an outdoor kitchen. Mary Brendler of Indigo Z Home also won for "Modern Bath," creating a spa-like retreat with concrete elements, fluted dolomite tile, blue marble, and custom white oak accents. Justine Wolman of Justine Wolman Interiors designed a "Living Space" that is warm and refined, featuring a custom built-in bar, an olive mohair sofa, and a mix of textures and tones. Alisberg Parker's Susan Alisberg and Ed Parker received an award for "Traditional Bath," converting a cramped bathroom into a serene space with a palette of light colors, Azul Celest marble flooring, and custom white oak cabinets. Katherine Gold Design also won for "Use of Pattern" with a dining room transformed by Farrow & Ball's Lotus wall covering, a geometric wool rug, and a striking Cynara chandelier. Leon Berry of Leon Berry Interiors designed a "Primary Bedroom" as a tranquil retreat with layered neutrals, clean lines, and subtle organic textures. Lastly, Scott Hirshson won for "Traditional Kitchen" with a design featuring painted and walnut cabinetry, brass hardware, and marble countertops, while OE Innis of Innis Interiors won for "Use of Color" with a transitional space using soft peach tones, grasscloth wallpaper, and contrasting blue printed wallpaper in the adjacent bedroom. #HomeDesignAwards #InteriorDesign #WestchesterCounty #LuxuryHomes #ResidentialDesign #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #OutdoorLiving #SpacePlanning

The "Design Awards 2013: best of the rest" article highlights a curated selection of innovative and influential designs across various categories, reflecting the top trends and notable reissues of the year. The first trend identified is the "puzzle-like" design, characterized by random patterns, asymmetric forms, and modern marquetry. This approach updates traditional inlay and overlay techniques by integrating diverse materials such as stone, wood, leather, acrylic, and ceramic, resulting in freestyle, decorative geometry. Examples include Patricia Urquiola's 'Azulej' tiles for Mutina, which blend ancient majolica with digital-print glazing to create mixed aesthetic patterns; Massimo Morozzi's 'Bois de Rose' cabinet for Edra, featuring random rosewood veneers and piano pedal-operated doors; and Urquiola's 'Fishbone' coffee table for Moroso, utilizing Alycrite to mimic natural materials in a herringbone pattern with a glossy finish. Additionally, Form Us With Love's 'Slab' vases for Cosentino/Silestone demonstrate the versatility of quartz compound beyond conventional surfaces, forming heavyweight, puzzle-like arrangements. The article also features significant reissues that have made a comeback. These include Ferdinand Kramer's 1951 'Calvert' coffee table, now produced by E15 in oak, walnut veneer, or colored lacquer, originally designed for flat-pack export. Giò Ponti's tableware, based on his 1951 sketches and manufactured by Sambonet, includes asymmetric 'Conca' flatware and a unique two-bowl centerpiece. Arne Jacobsen's 1939 'Mayor' sofa, conceived for Søllerød City Hall, is reissued by &Tradition; with a solid oak frame and Kvadrat upholstery. Le Corbusier's 'Projecteur 365' light, initially designed in 1954 and inspired by industrial lamps, is now produced by Nemo Cassina in various models. Further categories include "Best Reinvention," recognizing Muriel Grateau's revitalized gallery in Paris, showcasing her color-drenched ceramics, glassware, linen, jewelry, and new silverware and watch ranges in a newly whitewashed space. "Best Use of Material" highlights Chanel Fine Jewellery's 'Clair-obscur' ring, which ingeniously combines diamonds with industrial titanium, inspired by Gabrielle Chanel's original design philosophy and the celestial discovery of titanium. The "Best Plant Shop" award goes to Qusamura in Hiroshima, founded by Kohei Oda, which specializes in pairing unusual cacti with distinctive pottery, treating these botanical forms as sculptures for the home. Minotti's 2012 furniture collection is lauded as the "Best Collection," epitomizing a blend of innovation and continuity with detailed craftsmanship, luxurious materials, and mid-century and Scandinavian influences, featuring pieces like the 'Evans' table and 'Brice' coffee table, and adaptations for compact living spaces. "Best Future Vision" recognizes Cartier's 'ID Two' concept watch, a non-commercial prototype with a transparent ceramic case and vacuum-sealed interior, signaling future technological and aesthetic advancements in watchmaking. The "Best Finishing Touch" category covers beauty essentials, including Comme des Garçons' 'Amazingreen' Eau de Parfum, Chantecaille's 'High Definition Perfecting Powder', Matylda Krzykowski's 'Borste & Horne' brushes, and Shu Uemura Art of Hair's 'Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil'. Other notable mentions include the "Best Lab," the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia by Saucier + Perrotte Architects and Hughes Condon Marler Architects, praised for its tree-inspired design and engaging spaces. "Best Comfort Food" highlights Jacob's Pickles in New York for its Southern soul food and East Coast pickle culture, and Häagen-Dazs' 'Ice Moons' designed by Doshi Levien. "Best Cover-up" showcases innovative outerwear from Herno, Sealup, CP Company, and Hancock, emphasizing technical fabrics and sharp silhouettes. "Best Bottom Drawer" features Nosigner's 'Cartesia' chest of drawers for MSY, a corner-fitting piece with trapezoid drawers opening in two directions. "Best Loo" recognizes Roca's 'In-Tank Meridian' toilet with a hidden cistern and CEA's 'Hydroplate' water jet cleaner. "Best Fixer-Upper" celebrates Jaime Hayón's redesign of Le Sergent Recruteur restaurant in Paris. "Best Bag" is awarded to Piquadro's 'Coleos' backpack for its extensive compartmentalization and thoughtful features. "Best Winter Retreat" goes to The Alpina Gstaad in Switzerland, a luxury hotel blending reclaimed timber and natural materials, with a Six Senses Spa and Japanese restaurant Megu. "Best Building Sites" features OMA's Shenzhen Stock Exchange in China, a symbol of economic power with a floating podium, and Paulo Mendes da Rocha and Metro Arquitetos' Cais das Artes in Brazil, an arts complex elevated above a plaza. Finally, "Best Getaway" highlights Casa Till in Chile by WMR Arquitectos, a remote, Spartan, yet stylish retreat with breathtaking sea views, constructed with local materials and labor. The article also mentions Trevor Paglen's 'The Last Pictures' project as "Best Mission," sending etched photographs into space to document human history for extraterrestrial audiences, and Daikanyama T-Site in Tokyo by Klein Dytham and Kenya Hara as "Best Bookshop," a vast complex designed to appeal to a broad demographic with an extensive collection of books, music, and a unique lounge bar. #DesignAwards #InteriorDesign #ProductDesign #Architecture #LuxuryGoods #Fashion #Beauty #Travel #FoodAndDrink

Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson, hosts of HGTV's "Married to Real Estate" and winners of "Rock the Block," are known for their expertise in real estate and home renovation, particularly emphasizing the importance of an impressive kitchen in property sales. This blog post compiles a list of the 10 most fan-favored kitchen makeovers from their show, based on audience reactions, views, and comments across platforms like YouTube and Instagram. The tenth spot features a transformation of an outdated country home kitchen. A young couple's first home, initially featuring a monotonous all-white kitchen with old appliances, was dramatically altered by tearing down a dividing wall. This created an unobstructed L-shaped layout. The renovation included new cabinetry, pendant lights, a porcelain island, black stone countertops, and white cabinet doors for a tuxedo look. Stainless steel appliances were installed, and a breakfast table and dry bar were added, significantly enhancing functionality and aesthetic appeal. Coming in at number nine is a luxurious aqua smoke kitchen designed for a bungalow with a complex layout. The original kitchen, dining room, and living room were poorly arranged, accessible only through bedrooms, and featured an awkwardly placed metal stove. Egypt and Mike resolved the spatial flow issues and introduced an elegant design with an aqua smoke hue, sophisticated hardware, clean white countertops contrasting deep-colored cabinets, and vertical tiled backsplashes, along with new and properly positioned appliances. The renovation added more lighting, storage, and work surface, transforming a problematic space into a highly functional and visually appealing kitchen. The eighth renovation on the list addresses a half-finished project, turning it into a dream ranch-style kitchen. A couple seeking a ranch-style home found a property with a restaurant-sized kitchen left in mid-renovation, characterized by doorless cabinets and old fixtures. The team removed a long wall separating the kitchen from the living and dining areas, creating an open space. Light-toned cabinets, hanging lamps, and a custom-built breakfast nook were introduced. A large five-seater kitchen island with a bright white countertop became a central feature, impressing the ecstatic owners. Number seven highlights a kitchen with a unique coconut shell tile island. After inheriting his childhood home, Gregory aimed to convert it into a short-term rental. The house, however, was in a state of partial demolition due to his late father's unfinished renovation, leaving the kitchen with exposed wall studs and structural problems. Egypt and Mike completed the renovation, installing light wood floors, white cabinets, and gray stone counters. The standout feature was a waterfall island with a distinctive coconut shell tile siding, personally installed by Egypt to add a boho touch, which garnered significant fan appreciation. The sixth most popular kitchen makeover involved removing a fireplace to create a stunning open-concept kitchen. A young couple’s cottage bungalow had a spatially challenged kitchen with a cramped layout and a fireplace dividing it from the living room. Despite some viewers' fondness for the fireplace, its removal created a much more spacious interior. The renovation included new floors, cabinets, and a sumptuous all-white kitchen design with open wood block shelves and stylish matte black hardware, marking it as one of the show’s most transformative projects. The fifth spot features a picturesque farmhouse kitchen for an expecting couple. The clients, looking to start a farm, found a property with suitable land but a house requiring extensive refurbishment. The existing kitchen was deemed too small, lacking an island, light, and storage. Egypt suggested relocating the kitchen to an adjacent, enormous hall, creating a new space from scratch. This involved installing new pine wood floors, warm green-painted cabinets, a kitchen island with a quartz countertop and brass faucet sink, and two pendant lights suspended from ceiling wood beams to brighten the work area. Fourth on the list is a daring green and white kitchen created by transforming a sunroom. A family transitioning from renters to homeowners needed to adjust the floor plan of their chosen house to meet their room requirements, which included converting a sunroom into a new kitchen. This bold undertaking involved removing a stone fireplace and using a prominent green shade, initially met with client reluctance. The team successfully combined the green with white stone countertops, white cabinet doors, polished golden hardware, and open wood laminate shelving. This episode is the show’s most viewed and liked on YouTube, despite some fan criticism regarding the color choice. Coming in at number three is a classy off-white kitchen designed for a young family with dogs. Moving back to Atlanta, a couple with a new baby and three dogs found a property whose style, particularly the kitchen’s tight layout and dark wood cabinets, needed updating. The original kitchen had a 90s aesthetic with white laminate countertops and matching appliances. Mike proposed moving a wall section to expand the kitchen and dining area, necessitating the installation of a large steel beam and a skylight for natural light. Egypt convinced the owners to use an off-white Collingwood shade for new cabinets and orchestrated a mixed hardware look with brass handles and a black gooseneck faucet. A notable addition was a dedicated drinking and feeding station for their dogs. The second-best kitchen renovation features a gorgeous makeover of a mid-century kitchen. First-time buyers seeking a mid-century home wanted a more modern interior for their otherwise well-maintained property. The vintage kitchen, with its existing fixtures, was completely redesigned. The renovation involved donating the old cabinets and installing custom-built replacements. All elements, including paint, backsplash, flooring, appliances, and lighting, were replaced, and a large island with double-sided storage was added, impressing both clients and viewers. The top spot is awarded to a modern kitchen that exceeded the high expectations of first-time buyers. This young couple sought a modern, spacious kitchen, but the house they found, while having a good-sized kitchen, felt claustrophobic to them due to its lack of brightness and modernity. Mike and his team removed a wall section to open up the space, creating room for a larger, six-seater waterfall island with gray stone countertops. The design featured a symmetrical wall layout with wood-style cabinets, fluted wall panels, glassy gold hardware, and a range hood adorned by a recessed semi-circular wall arch. Egypt also added a bench to an existing bay window. This project received widespread acclaim from clients and fans, with numerous compliments and significant engagement on social media platforms. The ranking methodology involved selecting episodes with substantial kitchen changes and then assessing them based on positive reactions and comments on social media, specifically YouTube and Instagram. The volume and expressiveness of comments, including mentions of specific design features and execution, were key factors, with negative feedback also being considered. #KitchenRenovations #HomeDesign #HGTV #MarriedToRealEstate #InteriorDesign #KitchenMakeover #RealEstate #HomeImprovement #DesignTrends