The KBB Project Awards honor outstanding kitchen and bath design and those who create it. In addition to Kitchen Project of the Year and Bathroom Project of the Year, we also included awards for specific project categories.
Click the GALLERY above to see photos of all the winning projects!
2026 BEST BATH
Pakinam Elfaham, ASID and Marwan Moumen, Ocean Drive Designs, San Diego
Photography: Alen Lin
Coming into this project after the architectural plans were already permitted forced the designer to work within the existing shell rather than shape the space from scratch. Faced with a large, square space with limited natural light and visual interest, achieving the clients’ wish for a luxury hotel-caliber bath was challenging. Introducing a raised platform for the tub, backed by a full slab of emerald green marble, turned what could have been a dead corner into the room’s focal point. Kimberly Kerl appreciated that there’s not a sea of stone everywhere; adding a window gave the room symmetry and made the whole space read as more intentional and architectural rather than accidental.
Contractor: Jon Walsh, Jwalsh ConstructionCabinet Hardware: Buster + Punch Countertops: Bedrosians Faucets, Shower Fittings, Sinks & Tub Filler: Kohler Lighting: cb2 Stone at Tub: Amazon Stone Stone Tile: Artistic Tile, Bedrosians & TileBar Tub: Miseno
2026 BEST KITCHEN
Gladys Schanstra, CMKBD, Drury Designs, Glen Ellyn, Ill.
Photography: Michael Kaskel
The clients envisioned a home equally suited to gracious entertaining and the realities of preparing aromatic, spice-intensive meals. Rather than asking one kitchen to perform both roles, the design established two fully functioning spaces that operate independently while remaining connected. The primary kitchen serves as the home’s welcoming centerpiece, featuring elegant materials, generous gathering space and unobstructed sightlines to adjacent living areas. Just beyond it, a concealed spice kitchen contains a second suite of appliances, additional storage and dedicated prep space for everyday cooking.
While this stunning project was a two-part design, the judges were of one mind. Leydon Lewis called out the complex layering of wood, leather and glass for praise. Nar Bustamante loved how the kitchen was divided from the bar. Kerl said she almost likes the back kitchen better than the front because it has so many fun little nooks.
Appliances: Sub-Zero/Wolf/Cove Cabinet Hardware: DeVol Cabinets: Drury Designs Countertops: Global Marble and Granite Importers Faucets: Perrin & Rowe (main kitchen) & The Galley (spice kitchen) Lighting: Visual Comfort Sinks: Kohler (main kitchen), The Galley (spice kitchen)
Category Winners
- BEFORE & AFTER: Shades of Gray Design Studio
- BEST SOLUTIONS TO PROJECT CHALLENGES: Sheridan Interiors Inc.
- BEST UNIVERSAL DESIGN: Sebring Design Build
- BEST USE OF COLOR: PURE Design Inc.
- BEST OUTDOOR LIVING: Alair Decatur
- BEST SMALL SPACE: Hi-Luxe Interiors
- BEST BALANCED BUDGET PROJECT: PURE Design Inc.
- BEST LUXURY DESIGN: Studio Pumarejo
Meet the Judges for the KBB 2026 Project Awards
From left: Jack Bernstein is the founder and owner of Kurrent, a luxury plumbing and hardware destination with showrooms in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Long Island. Photo credit: Kurrent
Kimberly Kerl is the founder and principal designer of Kerl Design in Greenville, S.C., and has 30+ years of experience in residential architecture and design. Photo credit: Lauren Winchester Photography
Leyden Lewis is the founder and creative director of Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Leyden Lewis Design Studio and draws inspiration from Caribbean art and design. Photo credit: Pratya Jankong, @pj_photogapher
Nar Bustamante is the president and founder of Nar Design Group in Sacramento, Calif., as well as a member of the KBB Editorial Advisory Board. Photo credit: Fred Donham of PhotographerLink
Click through the gallery to see the winners of all the design categories.
