Custom cabinet brand Wood-Mode has announced the winners in its inaugural design awards contest, bestowing national and regional awards for residential projects and showrooms across the country.
“As part of our 75th anniversary celebration, we wanted to recognize and highlight the best-of-the-best projects that showcase Wood-Mode at the heart of the design,” says Brooks Gronlund, president and COO of Wood-Mode.
Receiving more than 560 entries, the design program gave out 23 awards in total, including nine national awards and 14 regional. The manufacturer says entries were submitted from Wood-Mode’s network of designers and dealers across North America.
“Our primary goal is to recognize the talents of our highly-trained designer partners, because much of our success relies on their efforts and those of their award-winning showrooms,” says Jeff Wolfe, Wood-Mode’s director of marketing.
Wood-Mode says the judges scored submissions on a 20-point scale for Lifestyle: furnishings, lighting, and accessories; Creativity: materials, textures, colors and uniqueness; and Use of Space: cabinetry, function, and strong principles
Here are the nine national winners:
National Kitchen: Kitchen Distributors Inc & Table Setters Inc
Andi Stephens and Becky Charton won the National Kitchen Award for the best overall kitchen project. Consisting of a kitchen, wet bar, and catering kitchen, the project works “together in harmony for one massive showplace.” The classic black and white color scheme is elevated into a sophisticated and elegant space with a contemporary twist. With an intensely graphic focal point and eclectic mixture of textures and patterns, this kitchen design embodies drama without sacrificing improved function and flow.
National Bath: Ulrich Inc.
The National Bath Award winner takes the spirit of a traditional blue and white themed bath to new heights, the judges say. Designed by Julia Kleyman, the combination of custom dark navy cabinetry and different shades and patterns of blue tile, coupled with polished fixtures and etched glass create an eclectic space. Clean lines and a symmetrical cabinetry arrangement ground the room, a refined blend of geometric patterns, mixed textures, and a playful range of blue tones creates interest and visual connectivity within the space.
National Other Spaces: Easterly-Coleman Furniture
From in-home bars to media rooms, cabinetry design extends far beyond the kitchen and bathroom, the Wood-Mode says. The National Other Spaces Award honors unique spaces that embody design excellence. Susan Easterly-Coleman designed this classic English-style gentleman's library to include rich mahogany tones, a sweeping staircase and coffered ceiling to create a warm and inviting two-story study. Exquisite woodworking and fine attention to detail combine to create a masterful example of Old-World Grandeur. A chevron-patterned floor lightens the space and adds a modern touch.
National Small Kitchen: Fredman Design Group
The National Small Kitchen Award celebrates design excellence in kitchens less than 350 square feet. The problem facing Susan Fredman: the in-town pied-a-terre measured 1,100 square feet but only had 140 square feet to spare for the kitchen, bar, and dining room area. She took a sculptural approach to the space and cabinet configuration. A high-gloss bright white opaque finish adds a reflective touch and a contrasting matte black color unifies the kitchen and adjacent living space.
National Contemporary: Atwood Fine Architectural Cabinetry
The National Contemporary award recognizes “contemporary spaces that exude confidence and creativity,” Wood-Mode says. Kris Atwood designed this contemporary kitchen to match the homeowner’s existing furnishings. He accented high gloss wall cabinets with architectural lighting to create a contrast between materials in the room.
National Transitional: The Kitchen Company
The client is an avid cook, so designer Gail Bolling wanted to create a clean space with abundant open counter space for meal prep. Bolling used a contemporary cabinet door with a rustic finish and traditional trim around the room for a blend of new and old. Gray finishes, white quartz counters, and gold metallics keep the space sophisticated.
National Traditional: Renaissance Design & Renovation
Inspired by classic European design, designers Kris Bilty and Jody Ryg used a combination of door styles and colors unified by a black and white design scheme. Challenged to work within the confines of the historic home’s original footprint, the team managed to fit two islands for plenty of space for cooking and entertaining.
President’s Lifestyle Award: Belle Kitchen
Designed by Tricia Bayer, this project was chosen by Wood-Mode president and COO Brooks Gronlund to “best represent luxury custom cabinetry design,” Wood-Mode says. Bay used classic inset cabinetry in a light finish to create a welcoming and modern layout.
“The kitchen quickly draws the eye to the many design elements incorporated throughout from inset cabinetry and stately coved molding to striking lighting fixtures and the opulent tile on the backsplash,” said Gronlund.
Showroom Award: Abruzzo Kitchen & Bath
Abruzzo COO and senior designer Michael Rossman created this kitchen to appeal to every taste. The neutral palette is versatile, allowing clients to imagine elements of the kitchen in their own home.
“Designing a display is always a unique experience,” says Rossman, “because we want to please everyone in one space without taking the design too far in one direction or the other.”
Wood-Mode also gave out regional awards in each of the company’s 14 territorial regions. Projects were selected for their “design style influenced by regional flavor,” the company says.
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