When well-chosen finishes make for winning kitchens

When designing kitchens, it all comes down to the details and these three winners of Thermador’s Kitchen Design Challenge are proof that it’s the finishing details that separate a good kitchen design from a winning one. Even the most expensive, professionally designed kitchen can lack character and style if attention isn’t paid to the selection of the finishes. Cabinetry, hardware, wall covering, fixtures and appliances should all live harmoniously in the space to successfully create a style that defines the space and suits the lifestyle of the owners.

Let’s take a closer look at these 3 kitchen designs and find out how the well-chosen finishes in each kitchen have contributed to creating their award-winning designs.

1. Receiver of the National Award for Compact Kitchen Suite Interior Designer, Ella Wynsma from Jean Stoffer Design caters her kitchen designs to the lifestyle of her clients.

Winning Finishes were chosen to be comfortable but not boring, for a timeless look and feel.

• Natural wood accents. The light wide-plank floors ground the white beadboard ceilings and make the dark stained wood dining area cleverly integrated into the white/gray-veined stone countertop.
• White subway tiles compliment the countertop stone on the walls behind the range.
• A classic white fireclay farmhouse sink defines the modern cottage look. See “Contemporary Farmhouse Sinks”.
• Painted white and dark modern shaker-style cabinets create contrast that makes you look.
• A mix of metals offer a relaxed timeless look.
• Classic Thermador appliances: Pro Harmony® Range, Custom Insert Hood, Freedom® Bottom Freezer Refrigeration, and Dishwasher.

2. & 3. Designer Dalia Carter of Carbon 6 Interiors takes home 3rd Place Award for her stunning modern kitchen designed to appeal to high-traffic homes.

Winning Finishes were chosen to create a balanced space with an assured sense of scale.

• Simple slab-style cabinets in light white oak wood are used throughout.
• Brushed brass hardware and decorative details offer elegant style.
• Light wood floors maintain the kitchen’s paired-back aesthetic.
• An elegant neutral palette in beige, white and gray defines the space as a modern yet timeless space.
• A stone-block wall behind the range is a stunning natural backdrop that adds a textural natural element to the kitchen design.
• The custom concrete-look range hood merges harmoniously with the white quartz countertops.
• Classic Thermador Appliances: Pro Harmony® Range, Custom Hood Insert, Freedom® Fresh Food Column, Freedom® Freezer Column, and Dishwasher.

4. Dane Austin of Dane Austin Design Inc. won 2nd Place for Exceptional Kitchen with his charming vintage-inspired blue and white kitchen.

Winning Finishes were chosen to evoke nostalgic feelings of bespoke 19th century-style kitchens but with all the 21st century mod coms.

• Vintage decor elements like the wood island and light fixtures define the nostalgic style.
• Vintage-inspired tiled flooring in black and white are durable and easy-to-clean.
• A black metal custom rangehood detailed in soft brass gives prominence to gas range.
• Interesting black and brass hardware compliment the range hood detail.
• White countertop-to-ceiling subway tiles lend a nostalgic look.
• Quartz countertops match the colour of the vintage wood island.
• Paneled cabinets and period moulding. painted in a historic blue complete the charming vintage look.
• Classic Thermador products: Pro Harmony® Range, Built-in Microwave, Freedom® Bottom Freezer Column, and Dishwasher.