The right details were also key to the winning designs. Clever storage tucked into niches, paneled appliances that deliver a more cohesive look and exceptional cabinets, lighting and hardware were among the elements that elevated the leading entries.

The best of design is what is being celebrated in the 33 spaces that have been named winners of the 2021 Kitchen & Bath Design Awards. Over 200 projects were judged in 11 categories: Best Kitchen Over $225,000; Best Kitchen $150,000-$225,000; Best Kitchen $75,000-$150,000; Best Kitchen Under $75,000; Best Specialty Kitchen; Best Master Bath Over $100,000; Best Master Bath $50,000-$100,000; Best Master Bath Under $50,000; Best Powder Room; Best Showroom, and Best Specialty Project.

The prestigious judging panel for the awards included:

• Peter Cardamone, Bluebell Kitchens, Wayne, PA
• Laura Giampaolo, Nu-Way Kitchen & Bath, Utica, MI
• Laurie Haefele, Haefele Design, Santa Monica, CA
• Sarah Kahn Turner, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath,
  Chevy Chase, MD
• Linda Larisch, CMKBD, DESIGNfirst Builders, Itasca, IL
• Doug Walter, CMKBD, Doug Walter Architects, Denver, CO
• Each of the projects was evaluated on multiple points, including: aesthetic appeal, functionality of the space, attention to detail, handling of unusual situations, originality, selection of colors and finishes, and overall impression. The judges also provided design feedback to all of the entrants.

The judging panel was pleased to see a departure from the ever-popular white and gray cabinets. “I actually loved the moody, dark, really dramatic kitchens, and the winners were the ones that had the dark and moody feel in contrast to the light,” stated Haefele. She noted the added use of natural woods, “which have a lot of warmth. Black kitchens have been around for a while, but integrating the lighter wood makes them less stark and more warm.”

“There was a ton of black mixed with naturals,” concurred Giampaolo, along with stone features. “It was very organic, with a lot of warm tones.”

“We saw a lot of moody tones, darker woods, the use of metals and metal paints,” added Kahn Turner. She noted that, while there were still several classic light and bright kitchens, the painted finishes were grays and mushroom tones – a softer, wispy palette.

Walter said that, while white is not dead, there were many shades of off white included. “Darker colors were very popular this year – dark green, navy in particular, and black,” he observed.

Larisch also noted additional combinations going on beyond the dark and light cabinets. “We saw mixtures of gloss and matte finishes, different pops of color, large windows with dark interiors, and different styles for hoods,” she offered.

But, she continued, “I just kept saying ‘less is more.’ Some designers tried to mix too many materials together and they just didn’t pull it off, versus other mixed materials that blended and seemed timeless.”

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

While Cardamone advocated for taking chances with design to stand out from the pack, he also stressed the importance of keeping things streamlined. “There’s a tendency to crowd an element like a tall refrigerator or place a wall oven next to a cooktop, with a hood squished in there. Instead, you should
let everything have room to breathe,” he stated.

“I’m excited to see people really embracing and stretching some of the cabinetry away from hoods and other things,” noted Kahn Turner. “Windows also give rooms a little more breathing space.” She notes the best designs “don’t try to cram as much cabinetry as possible into a small space, which can sometimes feel disjointed and a little heavy.”

Giampaolo agreed, noting that a few of the designs came across as forced, “like they were trying so hard to use the freestanding tub in the bath when there was no room for it. The designs that came off the best may not have had the most materials in them, but they were done correctly. They were sized, they were comfortable,” she explained.

IN THE DETAILS

“What separates a good project from a great project is attention to detail,” Walter stressed. He added that, sometimes, the judging between first and second place is so close, and what can make the difference is some small details. He was especially impressed by the dramatic hoods he saw, and the clever use of the sixth wall – the ceiling.

“I think we saw the cream rise to the top in the subtle details – the fit and finish,” concurred Kahn Turner. “Designers need to pay attention to the little things, such as pulling a cabinet panel forward so that it flushes out with the door, making sure that you have clearances, that your cabinets aren’t too spindly looking and narrow.”

The kitchens that stood out to Giampaolo were those that paid attention to unique details – finding usable space in otherwise unusable areas. “Some of the concepts with the hidden wine cubbies were amazing,” she offered.

“The ones that were outstanding were the ones that were unique and cohesive. They used textured walls. They used hidden storage units. They delivered multi-use designs, blending with the room next to it, making an entire space that you could eat, you could entertain, you could work, you could cook, you could do homework,” she added.

Haefele noted that, when first looking at an image, she knew instinctively when she liked it. “It’s when you really get into the details of the design that you can see why you liked it, that it’s so well thought out,” she reported.

Larisch stressed that the details need to be well thought out to make them work within the design, however. “The details need to make sense. You don’t want ones that are just randomly thrown in or had no thought process behind them,” she remarked. “You also need to take care of the details throughout the space and not miss an area. Every single part of that kitchen or bath should work cohesively through each turn.”

On pages 48-73, KBDN shares expanded coverage of the winning projects in the sixth annual competition. For more photos of this year’s winners, as well as insights from the panel of judges, visit www.KitchenBathDesign.com.

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After graduating with a degree in Interior Design from Radford University, Anna Graham accepted a position with a design/build company where she sold, designed and managed kitchen and bathroom remodels. Recognizing the need for innovation and fresh perspectives in the industry, in 2018, Graham founded Anna Graham Interiors in Odenton, MD with the aim of bringing unique and revolutionary ideas to the field. 

In 2020, Graham’s achievements were acknowledged when she was honored with a Forty under 40 award by Professional Remodeler magazine. This accolade highlighted her contributions to the remodeling industry, emphasizing her ability to challenge conventional norms and bring fresh perspectives to the table. 

This year, she was recognized as one of the “Thirty under 30” emerging leaders by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Also in 2023, Graham was selected to be part of the inaugural Designer Council by Moen – a group of only 13 designers from across the country. This prestigious appointment showcases Graham’s influence and expertise, as she actively contributes to shaping the style and design of future products.

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Growing up with a father who loved Modernism, Angela Garvin, founder and principal interior designer at Interior Alchemy in Portland, OR, fiercely rejects kitchen designs that offer form without function. After noticing that interesting kitchen ideas being explored in Europe were not as prevalent in the U.S., Garvin set out to build a modern kitchen and bath showroom that would reward its guests for seeking new solutions to make life better. 

As someone who values her design community, a driving concept behind Garvin’s showroom was to create a space where creatives could casually mingle and share ideas at happy hour, collaborate on their latest projects and develop lasting friendships. So it was imperative that her showroom offer local craft beer on tap, a DJ booth and a disco ball!

Garvin is an active member of the local chapters of both the Interior Design Society and the National Kitchen and Bath Association. In 2022, she served as a Kitchen and Bathroom Design Judge for the Interior Design Society Designer of the Year Awards. In 2019, she began teaching Kitchen and Bath Design at Heritage School of Interior Design where she still teaches today, both inspiring and guiding the next generation of designers to turn their ideas into reality.

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Through his commitment to driving positive change within the design- build industry and creating value for businesses and clients alike, Erick Fadayko has become a guiding force for businesses seeking to enhance and systematize their processes. Throughout his career, Fadayko has leveraged his experience in the technology and software development field to create cutting-edge custom tools, aiming to revolutionize the way architects, designers, builders and homeowners access products, document specifications, and request pricing and labor quotes in an automated manner.

As a co-owner of JL Coates Interior Design Studio in Scottsdale, AZ, Fadayko has played a pivotal role in steering the company to success. His career has provided him with invaluable insights into how industry professionals operate, allowing him to understand the industry’s challenges firsthand. Fadayko’s innovative mindset has led him to create cutting-edge solutions tailored to the specific needs of design professionals and homeowners. His deep understanding of technology and software development has been instrumental in crafting solutions that optimize workflows and enhance efficiency.  

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With his core focus on accessible design and remodeling, Jared Chevraux, exec. v.p., JTEK Solutions Group in North Canton, OH, has set out to break the status quo of what accessibility looks like in the home. His success in this niche has led him to share his experience on several moderated panels and speaking engagements at VGM’s Heartland Conference. He has also contributed to articles in Qualified Remodeler and HME Business magazines and is a contributing author with a series of articles for Special Needs Living Magazine.

In 2018, Chevraux was selected as a Forty Under 40 Winner in Professional Remodeler magazine. After he designed and managed the construction of JTEK’s Home Access Design Studio, the National Kitchen & Bath Association awarded him the Best Innovative Showroom award at the 2021 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. 

This year, Jared was asked to work with VGM Live At Home as a consultant to help other business owners improve their approach to accessible bathroom design, construction and remodeling.

Chevraux teaches Home Modification as a Fieldwork Instructor for Walsh University’s Graduate OT program. He also serves as Board President for The Golden Key School for Exceptional Children in Canton, OH, specializing in early intervention and education for K-8 students on the autism spectrum.

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Aimee Brown, CMKBD, has extensive kitchen and bath background experience, starting with an interior design degree from Central Michigan University. After moving to Chicago and working at a flagship luxury plumbing and tile showroom in the Merchandise Mart for eight years, she ventured off and started her own kitchen and bath design firm. Presently, Brown is a design and sales consultant at Newmyer Distinctive Remodeling in southeast Michigan, where she works closely with homeowners, tradespeople and vendors to solidify designs and layouts, coordinate purchased material and consult for mid- to high-end residential kitchen and bath remodeling installations.

Brown is certified through the National Kitchen and Bath Association as a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer. This designation requires that she maintains a high level of continuing education and experience in the kitchen and bath industry. She has been a winner of various design competitions and has been a judge for several national and local NKBA design competitions. Brown is also on the executive council of the Michigan State NKBA Chapter, currently serving as president for its 600+ members.

She is passionate about designing dynamic kitchen and bath spaces that homeowners can be proud of for life. From the initial consultation to the finished project photographs, she understands the lasting client relationships that can develop from a positive construction experience.

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When Anne Capozzi, CKD, CAPS, CLIPP joined her family cabinet shop in the early 1990s, she was a pioneer in the industry, working to uplift the image of carpenters and tradespeople alike while doubling the company revenue and building a team of on-staff carpenters. Capozzi transformed from a solopreneur designer and is now owner and principal of a thriving design-build company with 12 employees. In 2004, together with her husband, Capozzi launched Capozzi Design Build in Chagrin Falls, OH.

In college, Capozzi studied Gerontology. For this reason, she always considers ways to make the space most usable now and into the future as her clients age. In addition to her Certified Kitchen Design designation, she has also earned Certified Aging in Place Specialist and Certified Living in Place Professional designations to best serve those aging in place. 

In 2013, Capozzi recognized that needs in kitchens were changing and designed an updated functional kitchen outside the lines of the traditional “work triangle.” Hers was the first company in Cleveland to showcase a live kitchen that incorporates the “Cooking Trifecta” – a Galley Workstation, two-burner induction cooktop and steam oven. 

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Huma Sulaiman’s first break in the design business came from a friend who asked her to help furnish ‘Taj Vivanta’ in Yeshwanthpur after she had seen Sulaiman’s home in Bengaluru. That opportunity led to a meeting with the general manager, who gave Sulaiman her first job.

From a very young age, Sulaiman has been living and traveling around the world, taking in the visual details of her surroundings with a designer’s eye. These early childhood experiences have stuck with her and shaped how she approaches each new project. During the development phase, with each new client, Sulaiman likes to ask for images that inspire them, in addition to learning about their lifestyle and what they are passionate about. She also observes the way they dress to get a deeper sense of their style. From this, Sulaiman creates a collage of images from which to work off of and create her design plan. 

Founded in 2011, Huma Sulaiman Design is an award-winning, full-service boutique Interior Architecture & Design studio based in Los Angeles and Laguna Beach, CA. The studio has been featured in Architectural Digest, Architectural Digest India, Vogue India, Luxe Interiors + Design, Interior Design magazine, California Home + Design as well as many other design publications. The studio is the recent recepient of the 2023 California Home + Design award & 2022 NKBA SoCal Design Award and is a member of the prestigous design alumni of Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club.

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With over 20 years of experience in custom kitchen design, Nadia Subaran is passionate about the challenges and merits of good design. ‘Form follows function’ is an enduring and guiding inspiration in all of Subaran’s designs. She is co-founder and co-owner of Aidan Design in Silver Spring, MD, which specializes in custom kitchen and bath designs, emphasizing ergonomics and functionality. This year, Aidan Design celebrates its 20th year in business. 

Creating thoughtful living spaces that reflect the character and lifestyle of each client, while being organized and balanced, is Subaran’s goal for each project. She enjoys and promotes a collaborative experience, working closely with each homeowner, builder and other design professionals. She strives to make the process not only informative, but also exciting and engaging. 

Over the years, Subaran and her team have shared their talents with the local community, working with Martha’s Table and participating in four Washington, DC Design Houses to benefit Children’s Hospital, among other things. She enjoys sharing her passion for design as a teacher as well and served as an adjunct professor for a semester at George Washington University’s Interior Design program. She also enjoys volunteering at her daughter’s school, where she has discussed her work experiences and education, and what it means to start your own business.

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For over 30 years, Scott Stultz has been designing highly acclaimed cabinetry and furniture, and consulting for the industry’s most respected brands. His hand-drawn design and product manuals for Premier Custom Built Cabinets and Rutt Quality Cabinetry and others are kitchen design benchmarks. He has spearheaded many distinctive cabinetry styles that have become industry standards.

Stultz has designed and developed over 30 distinct cabinetry and millwork styles for some of the most respected custom cabinetmakers in the U.S. All of his cabinetry styles are still in production, and many have been perennial best sellers for their manufacturers and helped win awards for the designers who use them. Much of his work is inspired by major architectural movements and historically significant architects. He has produced other case furniture, tables, chairs and architectural elements as well.

Stultz, now with his studio in Castine, ME, founded Scott A. Stultz & Associates in 1997 as a multi-disciplinary design practice, focused on cabinetry and furniture product design, and residential interior architecture. He has worked with small and large companies, doing everything from visualizing the ideas of other designers to creating entire series of products, including hand-illustrated manuals showing examples of how to use them. He designs and directs the execution of upscale residential projects for a select clientele, from kitchens and baths to entire homes, often in collaboration with architects and fine builders.

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