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Sub-Zero and Wolf's Kitchen Design Contest Reveals Winners and Trends
June 09, 2008
Sub-Zero, Inc. and Wolf Appliance, Inc. have revealed the winners and design trends from their bi-annual Kitchen Design Contest. Seven industry professionals evaluated more than 1,600 entries and identified kitchen design movements represented throughout the world. "Since the inaugural competition in 1993, our Kitchen Design Contest has become the highest-regarded awards in the industry," said Paul Leuthe, corporate marketing manager of Sub-Zero and Wolf Appliance. "With each contest we gain insight into kitchen design trends and learn how designers incorporate our appliances into their projects."
The Kitchen Design Contest regional and specialty winners received a $500 cash prize and a trip for two to the awards event at Arizona's Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch. At the awards event, the top three national winners were selected. More than $110,000 in cash prizes was distributed to the winners during the final celebration. The top winners, specialty winners, the Designers' Choice Award and international winners are as follows:
Top Three Winners of Best Kitchen Utilizing a Full-Size Sub-Zero Built-In or Integrated Unit and Wolf Cooking Instrument
First Place Winner: Warner McConaughey, Hammersmith, Inc., Atlanta, GA
Second Place Winner: Elaine Cecconi, Cecconi Simone, Inc., Toronto, Ontario
Third Place Winner: Phyllis Taylor, The Taylor & Taylor Partnership, Miami, FL
Specialty Winners:
Student Category: Katie Fotheringham, Utah State University
Best use of Wine Storage in a Unique Location: Jost Lunstroth, Vineyard Wine Cellars, Addison, TX
Best Dealer Showroom Using Sub-Zero and Wolf: Doug Durbin, nuHaus, Highland Park, IL
Best use of Sub-Zero and/or Wolf in an Outdoor Kitchen: Dee David, Dee David and Co, Falls Church, VA
Best use of Integrated Refrigeration Outside the Kitchen: Jean Stoffer, Jean Stoffer Design, River Forest, IL
International Winners:
Asia Pacific
Jose Eduardo Calma, Lor Calma & Partners, Philippines
Europe
Bartholt Christiann Luikinga, Idfix-Bcl, Netherlands
South America
Silvio Korman, Korman Arquitetos, San Paulo
Sub-Zero and Wolf introduced a new honor this year called the Designers' Choice Award. This award invited 47,000 top trade professionals to vote for their preferred choice among the 48 regional winners. Coincidentally, the winner of the Designers' Choice Award is the same as the third place national winner, Phyllis Taylor of The Taylor & Taylor Partnership in Miami, FL.
Among the entries, several trends rose to the top as the latest movements in kitchen design, according to the contest judges. The trends are:
Smaller, High-Quality Kitchens
Experts are designing a smaller kitchen footprint, but are including higher-quality appliances, finishes, flooring and other elements to make it a long-lasting space. Consumers are investing in kitchens they will be in for years, so they are demanding luxury solutions.
Mixture of Materials and Textures
This year, more than ever, there is combining of materials for countertops, floors, cabinets and backsplashes. "We are seeing soapstone, concrete, wood, limestone and glass," said Kitchen Design Contest judge Patti Weaver of Creative Design Solutions. "This year we saw an increase of appliances in carbon stainless finishes, which is refreshing given it blends style and design and can be used in traditional or contemporary kitchens."
Second-Life, Sustainable Integration
There is a budding trend toward integrating second-life pieces, whether antique, vintage or classic, to provide personal elements of designs. "Designers have an appreciation for timeless art pieces as a focal point," said judge Kristen Totah of Studio K Kitchens and Design. "Repurposing historical furniture is a stylish form of recycling. Designers are rebelling against look-alikes and opting for original pieces to create eclectic spaces."
Light and Dark Duality
Kitchens are seeking sophistication and balance by contrasting light and dark materials, such as bright cabinets and bold, black flooring, or deep, espresso cabinets and glowing, marble flooring. "It's the idea that black and white go with everything and accessories should pop against the background," said judge Jamie Drake of Drake Design Associates.
Simple, Clean Lines
There is considerable focus on clean lines, simple design and attention to detail, versus embellishments and heavy adornments. The "zen" kitchen is apparent. "Many of these kitchens are taking on the minimalist approach versus the old world, traditional styles," said contest judge John C. Senhauser. "Homeowners want to simplify their lives, especially in the kitchen, which is often the center of the home."
Eco-savvy Kitchens
From bamboo countertops to earth-friendly flooring, designers are integrating environmentally sustainable materials and energy-saving appliances into their kitchens. "Consumers increasingly want to embrace a green home and this trend translates easily into fresh kitchen design," said Barbara Houston of Houston & Associates.
In addition, contest judges noted timeless trends that continue to demonstrate exceptional design influence and consistency, such as traditional style and white materials. Appliance integration, which began in the 1990s, was also a prevalent component as designers focused on meticulous planning with each product.
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Drawn from independent research, The Market Forecaster Report identifies the industry's most important trends.
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