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Trio maintain their places at the ‘top of the tree’ of Australian design

Trio maintain their places at the ‘top of the tree’ of Australian design

by | Aug 13, 2019 | Bathroom Design, KBDi Awards, Kitchen Design

This very talented trio of Australian designers were the finalists in this year’s KBDi Designer Awards Certified Designer category. With their proven design talent and impeccable documentation skills, each of these accredited designers were well and truly fair contenders in a fierce competition.

Only one could be a winner, though, and Brisbane-based designer, Darren James CKD Au, CBD Au (pictured, centre) took out the ultimate prize. With a stunning bathroom entry, he secured the title of KBDi Australian Certified Designer of the Year 2019 and earned himself a travel/study voucher to the value of $3,500. See what the judges had to say about Darren’s entry below.

His certified peers proved their own worth during the evening, too, securing significant titles and well-deserved wins. Read about their top 2019 achievements below.

Huge congratulations to Darren for taking out this Award yet again, and kudos to his competitors (and good mates) for continuing to lead the industry and inspire designers across the country.

This light-filled and luxurious bathroom was a hands-down winner for the judging panel. The designer transformed a nineties-style bathroom into a nature-inspired sanctuary. Spanish marble-look tiles and walnut timber detailing add a sense of timelessness to the ensuite, and link seamlessly to the adjoining master bedroom. Matt black powder coated detailing and frosted grey glass add drama, and aged iron tapware and graphite accessories finish the space with style. With remarkable space planning, spectacular detailing and flawless documentation, the judges deemed the entry to be an ideal exemplar of KBDi accredited design.

This awe-inspiring kitchen earned a high commendation for Sydney-based designer, Darren Genner CKD Au (pictured at top, right), along with a travel voucher to the value of $2,000 to be allocated to one place on the AIDT 2020 Tour (with huge thanks to sponsors, AIDT). Here’s what the judges thought of Darren’s entry:

The judging panel loved the designer’s thoughtful twist to a traditional design. This heritage-listed property is home to a professional couple with two young children, but the family weren’t so keen on a period-style kitchen. In a very clever nod to the home’s historical value, the designer took inspiration from a vintage sewer stack located directly outside. The kitchen island design duplicates the fluted base and exquisite detail of the stack, delightfully linking the home’s heritage to an otherwise contemporary interior.

Darren Genner CKD Au also took out the State title of KBDi Bathroom Designer of the Year 2019 – NSW. Check out his winning bathroom entry here.

South Australia’s Nathan Wundersitz CKD Au narrowly missed out on a Certified Designer category win this year, but had a clean sweep in his State’s kitchen awards. Check out Nathan’s winning trio of kitchens here.

Wundersitz wins with three classy kitchens

Wundersitz wins with three classy kitchens

by | Aug 13, 2019 | KBDi Awards, Kitchen Design

Long-time KBDi Member, Nathan Wundersitz CKD Au (pictured with wife, Ellen), had a South Australian ‘clean sweep’ at our annual Awards Gala in Melbourne on 3 August. 

Nathan’s classy kitchens won each of the three category awards, and secured him the title of KBDi Kitchen Designer of the Year 2019 – SA. 

See what the judges loved about each of Nathan’s entries below.

The judges loved the great attention to detail in this delightful small kitchen entry. The designer was faced with a hefty brief and a small footprint, but managed to tick all the boxes for his client. The domed splashback tile, hoop pine framing and beautifully detailed handles add interest and warmth to the space, resulting in a timeless design.

The designer’s clever execution of pattern repeat impressed the judging panel, as did his thoughtful respect for the existing architecture of the home. The well-planned, practical layout is functional and aesthetically balanced, and the kitchen is an excellent example of working with the elements and principles of design.

The judging panel loved the balanced combination of materials in this kitchen, and admired the designer’s exceptional use of asymmetry. Sharp black detailing adds interest to the space, while brass handles and tapware add a metallic glimmer. The kitchen and its adjoining butler’s pantry are well laid out and functional, with both spaces as practical as they are pretty.

Design Space winner | 2019

Design Space winner | 2019

by | Aug 8, 2019 | KBDi Awards

Cabinet Makers Insurance Brokers (CMIB) were once again proud sponsors of the KBDi Design Space Award in 2019. Victorian and South Australian Sales Manager, Patrick Sear (pictured, right) took to the stage to present the trophy to this year’s winner, Darren James CKD Au, CBD Au. Darren’s outdoor kitchen entry was a stand-out winner for the judging panel; find out what the judges had to say about the winning entry below.

This striking outdoor kitchen is an entertainer’s dream! Panoramic island views and famously beautiful bayside weather are great incentives for outdoor entertaining, and the designer has created a robust yet elegant space for this family and their guests. With the highest quality materials and a well-thought-out design, the area will stand the test of time for the happy homeowners, and is a stand-out winner for the Design Space Award.

Please join us in thanking our Award Sponsor, Cabinet Makers Insurance Brokers, and congratulating Darren James CKD Au, CBD Au on his great success.

First Time Entrant winner | 2019

First Time Entrant winner | 2019

by | Aug 7, 2019 | KBDi Awards

With a record-breaking number of First Time Entrant finalists in the KBDi Awards Program of 2019, the judges certainly had a task in picking a winner.

Only one could take home the prize, though, and New South Wales designer, Eliesha Paiano, was the lucky one. While she couldn’t make it to our Gala, her very proud Dad was pleased to step in.

Joe Paiano is pictured here with Ian Reid of Vauth Sagel, who once again generously backed this very important award. 

The judging panel loved this emerging designer’s comprehensive response to a complicated brief. With one wall of the expansive kitchen nestled neatly beneath a grandiose staircase, a considerable amount of planning was required to provide ample storage in non-conventional spaces. With that mission accomplished, the designer set about creating a flowing, organic space, with rounded quad detailing, curved corners, an oval-shaped breakfast bar and custom-made firewood cradle. The panel looks forward to seeing what this designer brings to the competition next year.

Please join us in thanking Vauth Sagel for their generous support, and congratulating Eliesha on her incredible achievement.

Traditional Design winner | 2019

Traditional Design winner | 2019

by | Aug 7, 2019 | KBDi Awards, Kitchen Design

Our inaugural KBDi Traditional Design Award category was a great success this year, and the support of sponsor Albedor Industries was invaluable. Business Development Manager, Mal Stafford (pictured, left) was delighted to present this year’s winner with his award. Haris Bahtiyarov (Alby Turner & Son) presented an outstanding traditional kitchen; see why the judges loved this entry, and its close runner up, below.

This nineteenth-century colonial cottage had a dark and pokey baltic pine kitchen when the designer first paid a visit. With instructions to create a kitchen fit for a professional chef in a style complementary to the home’s architectural era, the designer set to work. The end result is a superbly detailed, thoughtful response to a complex brief, and the judging panel commended the designer on a well-executed project.

In this tightly-contested category, the judges deemed this entry to be worthy of commendation. The designer’s reinvention of the existing space was impressive, and her response to the client brief ticked all the boxes. The simple architecture of this Balmain boathouse was described by the designer as ‘unpretentious’, and she cleverly incorporated the elements of Shaker style to complement the exterior. With its simple lines and understated elegance, the new kitchen is a perfect fit.

Huge thanks, once again, to Albedor Industries for their support. And a whopping big CONGRATULATIONS to Harris and Sally for their winning entries.

Australia’s best bathroom designers | 2019

Australia’s best bathroom designers | 2019

by | Aug 7, 2019 | Bathroom Design, KBDi Awards

KBDi’s Designer Awards program was once again buoyed by the generous support of E & S Trading. As one of Victoria’s oldest family-owned specialist kitchen, bathroom and laundry retailers, E & S Trading are committed to our industry, and their sponsorship of this year’s bathroom awards is great evidence of this.

Managing Director, Rob Sinclair (pictured, right) was delighted to present the top bathroom award to Perth designer, Kyle McGregor (Lux Interiors). Kyle took home a prize package valued at $1,500 and the title of KBDi Australian Bathroom Designer of the Year 2019. See what the judges loved about his winning design, and those of his fellow State winners, below.

The judging panel unanimously and absolutely adored this curvaceous bathroom. They were awed by the designer’s approach to an otherwise ordinary space: with its curving divider, organically-shaped bulkhead, sumptuous finishes and spilling natural light, they deemed it to be the well-deserved winner in a fierce competition.

With creative planning, superb selections and a very keen eye for detail, the designer has turned a very ordinary space into something quite extraordinary. The judges loved the thoughtful combination of finishes and timeless design appeal of this beautiful bathroom, and commended the designer on an excellent presentation.

The judging panel commended this designer on a stand-out resolution of a complicated space. The client’s brief was demanding, and the restraints of the existing space were substantial. With some intelligent planning and delightful detailing, the designer overcame all challenges, creating a stunning bathroom and a well-deserved win.

The client wanted a luxurious, restorative space, and the designer delivered! The judges admired the dynamic selection of tiles, fixtures and fittings, and the sensory effects achieved with their contrasting textures and finishes. They commended the designer on her planning and detailing, and deemed this dramatic space to be a winner.

The designer resolved an awkward space with a clever design solution. The judges loved the sense of drama created within the room, and acknowledged the designer’s determination to link the new bathroom to the remaining home with a thoughtful application of finishes.

This luxurious master suite oozes luxury and style, while cleverly maintaining a sense of warmth and homeliness. The designer has created a peaceful and serene bedroom area, inspired by a blissful bay view. A fully-fitted walk-in-robe provides plentiful storage with an opulent feel, and the ensuite is simply stunning. The judges commended the designer’s clever use of lighting in a dark and moody space.

(See all bathroom winners here.)

Please join us in congratulating each of the above designers on their tremendous efforts, and help us extend a big thank you to E & S Trading for their ongoing support.