NKBA 2022 Design Competition
Contemporary Kitchen
The Connected Kitchen
Jonas Carnemark, CR, CKD, CLIPP KONST Kitchen Interior Design, Bethesda, Md.
The dramatic backdrop of matte black cabinetry conceals appliances and pops against a white stone backsplash with striking black veins. The counters—in black stone with white veins—intensify the contrast, while large drawer bases maximize storage and accessibility.
A 75” LED panel functions as a big on-wall iPad. Here, residents can zoom in on family and friends, pull up their favorite Epicurious recipe,or watch a how-to video on sous vide—all from the prep island. No matter what the new normal looks like, the connected kitchen will no doubt serve homeowners well for years to come.
1st Place - Kitchens (>250 ft²) + Best Overall Kitchen
Countertops: Cosentino
Total non-appliance: N/A
Photos: Ron Blunt
Yorkshire
Kristen Petro
Kristen Petro Interiors Inc., Elmhurst, Ill.
Given the 12’ ceilings, the challenge was to fill the volume of the space while making it feel comfortable and accessible. With such a tall ceiling, the designer considered the negative space as much as the positive to create interest and depth.
The designer focused on texture over pattern for most of the finishes other than the dramatic quartzite island, which stands on its own while still coordinating with the other finishes.
2nd Place (>250 ft²)
Countertops: Granite and Blue Roma quartzite ($15,000)
Backsplash: Porcelanosa ($7,000)
Total non-appliance: $67,600
Photos: Kristen Petro
Modern Kosher Kitchen
Amir Ilin
Kuche+Cucina, Paramus, N.J.
This kosher kitchen needed a complete makeover. Not just that it was old and outdated, but it had several other challenges - It was too small for the large family that now included kids and grandkids. It was lacking light and did not have a good workflow.
The counters and backsplash, in the grey slate-like porcelain added a third color/texture that complemented the final color scheme, without creating a busy look. Muted flooring finished the color/texture palette beautifully.
3rd Place (>250 ft²)
Countertops/backsplash: Neolith ($24,000)
Total non-appliance: $140,000
Photos: Raquel Longworthy
Prospect Heights Kitchen
Shai Aviv Decori Kitchens, Brooklyn, N.Y.
The challenge: Create a modern kitchen to look like a furniture unit, due to its designated location at the center of the apartment, and yet have maximized ergonomics. The kitchen also needed to be designed to attract luxury buyers.
The solution is a kitchen inset on a 16’ 8”wall, with ample storage and illumination and minimal projection into the walkway area. White marble provides a premium look for the countertop and backsplash.
1st Place (<250 ft²)
Main top + backsplash: Olympian White Danby Marble, 2cm honed ($5,505)
Total non-appliance: $34,978
Photos: Nichole Larson
Green Great Room Kitchen
Doug Walker, CMKBD Doug Walker Architects, Denver Katy Skye Booream (co-designer) Katy Skye Interiors, Denver
As part of a whole house remodel and top floor addition to a 1950’s split level, the entry level was reimagined, removing the walls that cut off the kitchen from living and dining functions adjacent.
3rd Place (<250 ft²)
Countertops: Caesarstone ($12,000)
Total non-appliance: $90,000