Country’s best designers vie for top honours
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NATIONAL KITCHEN AND BATHROOM ASSOCIATION
DESIGN AWARDS 2012
The 29th annual National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA) Awards programme attracted entries from New Zealand’s very best kitchen and bathroom professionals.
This year the awards were held at Wairaki Resort in Taupo on Saturday 21 July. The national awards are the highlight of the association’s annual conference.
The longest running kitchen and bathroom industry awards programme in the country, the competition is run over four months by the NKBA in association with Trends Publishing International.
A total of 63 entries were judged by a panel of experts from all walks of the design fraternity.
Record numbers of the general public also voted for their favourites in the online People’s Choice Awards.
As well as attracting industry kudos for national and regional winners, these awards lead to bigger and brighter things for talented designers.
“Recognition at these awards often helps our members make waves on the international design scene,” says NKBA president Tony DeLorenzo.
“This year has again seen an outpouring of innovation and creativity – these kitchen and bathroom entries would stand up with the best in design competitions anywhere around the world.”
“At the same time, I am pleased to see an ever-increasing focus on developing our own style – particularly large family-friendly kitchens, spaces that are designed for chefs.”
“The bathroom entries are also very much in tune with the New Zealand lifestyle today.”
Robin Caudwell CKDNZ, of Designer Cabinets, was announced as the supreme winner of the NKBA Best Kitchen Design Award for 2012, sponsored by Fisher & Paykel.
Judges said the kitchen had a raw, industrial feel with different dimensions that retain a visual flow – a clever design and a clear winner.
Debra DeLorenzo CKD/CBDNZ, of Debra DeLorenzo Design, was awarded the 2012 NKBA Best Bathroom Design Award.
Judges said the design was beautifully balanced, showing originality and a particularly effective use of space – also a standout winner.
Social media played an increasing role in the People’s Choice Awards hosted by Trendsideas.com.
In total, more than 2000 votes were received, with 2637 shares on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
In 2012, both the People’s Choice Kitchen Award, sponsored by Smeg, and the People’s Choice Bathroom Award, sponsored by SpazioCasa, were won by Suyin CKDNZ, of Design Studio.
Competition judges were CDS representative David Corbett, 2011 Best Kitchen Design winner, Melanie Craig, Trends Publishing International editorial director Paul Taylor, Peter Bayliss of Vogue Kitchens and Brenda Ngatai of Resene.
Category and Regional Kitchens
Auckland
A classic design, with cabinetry that blends perfectly with the furniture and a multipurpose island, won Leonie von Sturmer of Von Sturmer Design the Auckland regional kitchen award. This project was also the winner in the Best Traditional/Classic Kitchen Design category, and runner-up for Best Kitchen Design.
Suyin CKDNZ of Design Studio took the Auckland regional bathroom award with an eye-catching design with wide appeal. Judges noted the excellent flow, use of colour and strong concept. Suyin’s entry also received the Creative Excellence Most Innovative Bathroom Award, the People’s Choice Award and was runner-up for Best Bathroom Design.
Bay of Plenty
A thoughtful design that captures the essence of a holiday home and reflects a great use of materials won Tracy Murphy of Vekart the Bay of Plenty regional kitchen award. This project also took the Best Kitchen under $20,000 category and the Student Design Award.
Waikato
As well as winning the prestigious Best Kitchen Design award, Robin Caudwell CKDNZ of Designer Cabinets won the Waikato regional kitchen award, the CDS Best Kitchen Design Award, and the Resene Best Use of Colour Award.
Stephanie Weldon of Create Bathrooms and Kitchens won the Waikato regional bathroom award. Judges commented her entry was an excellent solution for a small space.
Hawkes Bay
An innovative design with solid construction won Leanne Larking of Quattro Uno the Hawkes' Bay Regional Kitchen Award in the 29th National Kitchen and Bathroom Association Awards.
Taranaki
Glen Johns CKDNZ of Glen Johns Design won the Taranaki regional kitchen award for the second year running. Judges praised the kitchen's long lines that draw the eye and the way the scullery was blended into the design. Johns design also was the runner up for the CDS Best Kitchen Design award.
Wellington
An innovative use of materials and a striking overall design marked the winning entry of the Wellington regional kitchen award. Simone van der Plas of Encompass Ideas Interior Architecture was also runner-up for the People’s Choice Kitchen Award.
Supreme Bathroom Award winner Debra DeLorenzo CKD/CBDNZ of Debra DeLorenzo Design won the Wellington regional bathroom award and Certified Designers Best Bathroom award as well.
Canterbury
Emma Morris of ETERNOdesign won both the Canterbury regional kitchen and bathroom awards. Judges loved the kitchen project’s outdoor flow and sense of airy space, and commented on the striking curved appeal and warm aesthetic of the bathroom design.
Southern
Stefan Sonntag of Masterwood Joinery won the Southern regional kitchen award in the 29th National Kitchen and Bathroom Association Awards with a well balanced and beautifully presented design.