The transformation of the kitchen and the bath in 2020 was more than just about beautiful design and functionality. The COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home mandates added a layer of emotional significance as designers created safe havens to bring comfort during a year that brought pain, sadness and uncertainty to so many people.
Each year, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the world’s leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry, honors its top designs. In partnership with Susquehanna Style, here are the winning designs for the Susquehanna Valley Chapter.
Best Before and After
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1st place—Meadow View Kitchen
Heather Rineer, NCIDQ, Rineer Designs
Bye-bye brick—and hello sunshine— a large picture window brings instant light into this updated kitchen. Two toned painted custom cabinetry in white and a muted blue finish complement the colors seen outside in the meadow. Tech features are integrated throughout the space including pop-up outlets in the countertops for a clean and clutter-free space. A separate butler’s pantry provides added storage and staging areas for entertaining.
2nd place—Timeless Laundry Space
Nina Telesca Magnani, Magnani Design, LLC
3rd place—Meadow View Kitchen
Denise Newcomer AKBD, Lezzer Lumber
Bathrooms under $40,000
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1st place—Mid Century Mod
Danielle Gundrum, Red Couch Interiors
Proof that black and white are never boring. Patterns bring the pizazz in this 1960’s California style ranch primary bathroom. The showstopper of the space is the kaleidoscope shaped wall tile from Daltile and black and Chesapeake Flooring white penny floor tile in the shower. A double wall mounted vanity boasts ample storage, and polished chrome fixtures add a sparkly finish.
2nd place—Relaxing Retreat
Alicia Goyette, AKBD, Excel Remodeling
Bathrooms $40,000 — $75,000
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1st place—Petite Retreat
Shawn Connor, Connor Design Build
Maximizing every inch of space in this design was critical to its success to increase overall functionality and storage without losing natural light. A curb-less walk-in steam shower with a collapsible wooden bench makes the space ideal for living in place, while the use of the same marble tile from Tilebar in a herringbone pattern on the walls, floor, and ceiling create a dramatic focal point.
Bathrooms $75,000 & Over
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1st place—Woodland Retreat
ElizaBeth Marcocci, CMKBD and John Petrie, CMKBD, Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry
An early 2000s log cabin gets a modern update in this primary bathroom. Elizabeth and John combined two bathrooms into one to create a luxurious retreat complete with a Thermasol steam shower, soundproofing, integrated tv in the mirror, wireless connectivity throughout, and custom wood surround for the freestanding tub and “wood-like” tile in the shower to bring the landscape indoors.
2nd place—Tranquil Master Bath
Henrietta Heisler, Nichol Hollinger, Henrietta Heisler Interiors, Inc.
3rd place—Ultimate Shower Bath
Brian Miller, CMKBD, Excel Remodeling
Residential Cabinetry Outside the Kitchen or Bath
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1st place—The Lounge Room
Eileen Riddle, CKD, and Aaron Riddle, Kitchens by Eileen
A place to relax and entertain after a day on the ski slope was the goal for this new construction build in Colorado. The materials feature tone-on-tone finishes with a mix of textures including cedar, stone, and forged metal. The forged metal surround on the media center and bar paired with the natural cedar create an overall grounded earthy feeling to the room. Appliances by Sub Zero Wolf keep drinks cold at the ready. Artistic lighting was integrated into the custom wood shelving behind the bar to showcase the homeowner’s extensive wine and spirits collection.
Design collaboration with Interior Designer, David Lyall
2nd place—The Apple Project
Amy Sensenig, TK Build + Design
3rd place—Dreams Do Come True
elizaBeth Marcocci, CMKBD, John Petrie, CMKBD
Kitchens Under $40,000
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1st place—City Limits
Stacy Kocevar, CKBD, Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry
A historic apartment with code restrictions, original plumbing and electrical and a washer/dryer combo in the kitchen were just some of the design challenges of this project. New floor to ceiling white cabinets from Signature Custom Cabinetry brightened up the space, while extending the peninsula increased valuable counter space letting these homeowners embrace their love of cooking again.
2nd Place—Major Storage Upgrade
Alicia Goyette, AKBD, Excel Remodeling
Kitchens $40,000 — $75,000
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1st place—Family Central
Valerie Kissinger, CKD, Dimensional Designs Unlimited
dimensionaldesignsunlimited.com
Goodbye formal living room - the kitchen is now the gathering place of this family home. That’s exactly what Valerie did to transform an unused living room into a large and spacious kitchen to bring family and friends together. A large new center island is the focal point of the room and hidden behind walls of Bishop cabinetry is storage galore and even a laundry room and mudroom for this active family to drop off coats and shoes.
2nd place—Gray and White
Alicia Goyette, AKBD, Excel Remodeling
3rd place—Historic Remodel
John Petrie, CMKBD, Mother Hubbard's Custom Cabinetry
Kitchens $75,000 — $100,000
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1st place—Glendale Mid Century
Shawn Connor, Connor Design Build
A once cramped, country pine kitchen embraces its mid-century roots to become a true mid-century show-space. The full overlay doors from Signature Custom Cabinetry are push-to-open creating a sleek modern feel that highlights the wood grain. A 3-sided fireplace connects the kitchen with the dining and living space, while the large center island with waterfall quartz countertops anchors the room. One judge called it “breathtakingly beautiful”.
2nd place—Where We Gather
Stacey Kocevar CKBD, Mother Hubbard's Custom Cabinetry
3rd place—The Gathering Place
John Petrie, CMKBD, Mother Hubbard's Custom Cabinetry
3rd place—Meadow View Kitchen
Heather Rineer, NCIDQ, Rineer Designs, LLC
Kitchens $150,000 & Above
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1st place—Fit for a Family
John Petrie, CMKBD, and elizaBeth Marcocci, CMKBD, Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry
What’s better than one kitchen island for a large family? Two! Because of its remote location, this log cabin needed a significant amount of refrigerator and freezer storage, a large pantry, and lots of oven space. Unique design details included a slab backsplash behind the bar, which was paired with a white back painted glass by Cumberland Stained Glass. A custom barn door made from finishes and materials used in the kitchen catches your eye as you enter the space.
To learn more about the NKBA or to find a designer, visit https://nkba.org/
2nd place—Hilltop Retreat
Eileen Riddle, CKD, Kitchens by Eileen
3rd place—Elevated Gourmet Kitchen
Henrietta Heisler, Henrietta Heisler Interiors, Inc.