NZ's kitchen and bathroom designers vie for top honours

July 22, 2013

MEDIA RELEASE

New Zealand’s leading kitchen and bathroom designers vie for top honours

Innovation and creativity were celebrated at the 30th annual National Kitchen and Bathroom (NKBA) Awards held in Christchurch on Saturday night (July 20).

Around 50 of New Zealand’s leading kitchen and bathroom designers entered the competition, which is open to NKBA members.

Christchurch designer Davinia Sutton, of Detail by Davinia Sutton, was announced as winner of the supreme Fisher and Paykel Kitchen Design of the Year award. Her highly detailed design impressed the judges.

“This is a kitchen that integrates seamlessly into the architecture of the home it sits in.

“The designer has created a layered structure, which provides sculptural elements and a high level of detailing.”

Auckland designer Natalie DuBois, of Du Bois Design, won the Bathroom of the Year Award. The judges remarked on her use of space, colour, pattern and texture.

“The design features clever space planning, with the angled positioning of the bath not an obvious solution. The shower disappears into the background to maximise space. Good use of colour, pattern and texture make this a very accomplished design.”

The award winners were announced at a gala dinner at Wigram Airbase.

Additional categories included best regional design, traditional/classic, creative excellence, use of small space, best use of colour, best student design, and best drawing standards.

The People’s Choice Award for bathrooms and kitchens, hosted by Trendsideas.com, received nearly 2,000 votes. In this category, Suyin van Schagen of Kitchens by Suyin Ltd was voted as having the best kitchen design and Celia Visser, of Celia Visser Design, received the highest number of votes for her bathroom entry.

NKBA president Ingrid Geldof says the competition highlights the diversity of kitchen and bathroom design in New Zealand.

“There are some very exciting and innovative designs on show. The entries this year reinforce the international standard of New Zealand kitchen and bathroom design.”

NKBA also celebrated its 30th anniversary at the awards evening.

“We are thrilled to have reached this milestone,” says Ingrid.

“The association has seen many changes in the industry over the years. There are some brilliant designers among our membership completing some world-class projects. The executive committee is constantly impressed by what it sees.”

ENDS

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