Silestone has announced the winners of its Design Contest, an annual program that recognizes independent designers and their inspiring kitchen designs.
The company’s panel of design experts selected the three top projects from nearly 90 submissions that featured Silestone natural quartz in compelling kitchens that reflect dynamic, yet functional design. Taking First Place is Melissa Brewer from MB Designs, in Yakima, Wash., who will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Spain to visit Cosentino’s global headquarters; second Place is awarded to Erin Pitts from Erin Paige Pitts Interiors, in Gibson Island, Md.; and the third Place recipient is Evan Soltoff from Eggersmann Kitchens/Home Living in Houston. The second and third place winners will both receive cash prizes.
In her winning design, Brewer transformed a kitchen from a small, enclosed space to an open-format kitchen and dining room with lake views. She selected Silestone in Cemento with flat, polished edge detail and Stellar Snow with a chiseled edge detail for the countertop surfaces.
Erin Pitts’ second place project (pictured below) features an extensive kitchen, living and dining room renovation using Silestone White Zeus Extreme for the island and perimeter countertops. Trendspotter and judge Julia Buckingham Edelmann noted the White Zeus countertop anchoring the forefront of the kitchen, as well as the clean use of lighting, backsplash and cabinetry.
Rounding out the top three projects was Evan Soltoff, who created a calming kitchen environment with clean lines and contemporary design to accent a traditional “man-cave” bachelor pad, using Silestone Lagoon in Suede finish and Merope for the countertops and backsplash. The judging panel complimented the blending of contradictory elements, which resulted in an unexpected space that’s modern, warm and sleek, yet soothing.
The judging panel recognized two additional projects that exemplified notable levels of innovation and design. The recipients will both receive a professional photo shoot to showcase their projects.
“Best Innovator” was awarded to Faye Nielsen from The Nielsen Collection, in Irving, Texas. Nielsen used White Platinum Silestone to complement the industrial modern design in a project that resulted in an example of client and designer working together to create a personal kitchen. “Best Use of Space” was awarded to Carlie Korniek (pictured above) of Arizona Designs Kitchens (now CK Cabinetry and Design) in Tuscon, Ariz. The project, featuring Silestone Zirconium, was noted for its balance of form and function and the joining of an existing space to create a one-of-a-kind kitchen.
