Honouring excellence in kitchen and bath design, the evening showcased some of Ottawa’s finest businesses showing off what they do best!
The presentation boards showed eclectic selections, with nothing standing out as a trend, except perhaps for the many faces of wood. A popular eco-friendly selection wood in varying tones, grains and finishes was abundant.
Every look from sleek white European style cabinetry to urban country was represented.
The other standout feature was pendant lighting. Hanging above kitchen islands like artwork, fixtures in decorative colours and styles create function and drama in the most important room of the house.
Sleek built-in appliances and the ever-popular stainless continue to reign supreme. Each of the award-winning rooms showcased high-end appliances, illustrating that these spaces are more than just pretty faces – they get put to work.
Bathrooms are retreats, and their designs show the more stylish side of the functional space. While the bathroom needs to house the obvious necessities, designers are continuously faced with the challenge of making these rooms look like spaces designed with tranquility in mind.
Friedemann Weinhardt of Design First Interiors was one of 3 judges at the event, and offered up this criteria for determining well-designed space:
- Is it functional? Will it be easy to work in (good triangle between the stove, fridge and sink)?
- Is it balanced to scale and proportion?
- Is there creativity in the use of colour and/or material?
- Is it good design? Is it innovative and fearless?
- Would I like to use the space?
Clearly the winners met the criteria. Their well-designed spaces won them funky trophies and much-appreciated accolades from their peers.
The evening was a success, ending with a generous donation to Algonquin College, whose new NKBA-designated kitchen and bath design program is the first in Ontario.
Program developer Sandra Gibbons was hugely instrumental in the organization of the OKBA and Gala.
The winners:
- Large kitchen: Astro Design Centre
- Medium kitchen: Panoramik Home Improvements
- Small Kitchen: Acco Renovations
- Large Bathroom: Astro Design Centre
- Small bathroom: Denys Build Designs
- Other rooms: Detail By Design
- People's Choice Award: Kitchen Craft
Honourable mentions:
- Muskoka
