Top four kitchens in the 2020 Tomato Kitchen Design Awards.
by Mary Bailey
| All kitchen photos supplied by entrants.
Click images to zoom |
New Build Winner
Brenda Brix, AMR, over $40K
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This kitchen is truly the centrepiece of this home. We were able to use a large area on the main floor to house their kitchen and pantry. The kitchen is suited with light wood grain Panasphere Melamine custom cabinetry and paneled appliances including two dishwashers as well as a Miele gas cooktop, double wall ovens and custom Vent-A-hood fan. The back wall is covered with a slab of marble-look porcelain from Fiandre. We also incorporated classic elongated tile and herringbone glass in the pantry. Both of the islands have waterfall quartz Caesarstone countertops with integrated Bocci outlets that appear seamless.
Another stunning feature of this kitchen is the Julian Social stainless steel corner sink with custom storage underneath. This kitchen is not lacking in storage or beauty and the timeless colour palette means this home will be loved for many years.
Judges’ Comments
Although some of the judges found this kitchen to be a bit clinical and were divided on the double island (both with sinks) concept, overall they were impressed with the amount of light and the simplicity of the design.
The relationship of appliances is ideal, and the eating island is ideal for cold prep and serving.
The almost monochromatic materials are sleek, uncluttered, and visually appealing. The room really benefits from the walls of glass.
Generally, I like the look and the amount of natural lighting that enters the space. This is quite a large and elaborate kitchen with an excellent amount of storage space.
New Build Honourable Mention
Nicolas Galick, under $40K
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We host big gatherings and intimate dinner parties and want our guests to be part of the whole experience. We worked with the home builder to get it exactly as we wanted—an efficient kitchen built for entertaining. We installed a custom-built hood vent from Modern Aire with a 1400 cfm fan mounted on the roof and a separate make-up air heater system to ensure a quiet experience. The Wolf 48-inch double griddle gas range is installed on the 14-foot island so we can get our Japanese Village on. We have a wall oven and a counter depth fridge with an ultra-quiet dishwasher, a huge basin sink as well as prep sink on the island. The challenge was that our house is a small bungalow (1430 square feet) so we had to be very aware of the space—everything was maximized.
Judges’ Comments
The judges felt the function was great, especially for such a small kitchen.
It looks like it works really well, you have the counter space you need. A good wide galley kitchen is ideal for being fast in the kitchen.
They met the design intent in a great way. I would want to go to a dinner party here.
Although this kitchen is the smallest of the new kitchens, it works just as efficiently. A lot has been accommodated in the under 40K budget and in such a small footprint.
It is open yet the working area and the hang-out area are well defined.
The length of the island is perfect for multi-person preparation as shown in one of the photos and the relationship of appliances is ideal.
The exhaust hood feels a bit heavy with the corner struts. Something lighter would have been better from a visual perspective.
Backsplash and wall tile could have been a bit simpler and I’m not a fan of dark cabinets.
Renovation Winner
Paul Whincup, Habitat Studio, under $40K
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The ultimate reward of the transformation of a small and enclosed U-shape kitchen was the creation of this beautiful open concept kitchen. The homeowner’s priority was to have a kitchen open to the dining and living spaces, making entertaining enjoyable and inclusive for all. We converted the existing single garage to provide room for a generous kitchen with walk-in pantry and a new dining and living area. Unifying the old garage structure to the existing house structure created some challenges; any deviations would not be acceptable. The existing interior load bearing wall was replaced with a dropped beam, establishing a sense of architecture and visual interest.
The white ceramic tile backsplash flows from counter to ceiling, providing a crisp and clean area to feature the central gas range and decorative hood fan. Large windows flank the cooking area, spilling in natural light and giving views to the mature backyard garden. Bringing additional warmth to the kitchen zone are the wood cabinets which tie into the oak hardwood flooring on the main floor. A stunning black granite countertop makes the island pop. Taking a nod from the vaulted ceiling overhead, the island includes angled details to playfully connect with this original feature of the home. The tapered waterfall edges along with the asymmetrical pendant lights add fun and elegance to the design.
Judges Comments
This kitchen feels light and bright and open, a huge difference from before. A really nice reno for the space.
The use of space was great, with lots of counter space on the island. Would hang out here.
There is a nice mix of materials with variation and interest with-out being overwhelming. Classic palate. Timeless.
A great transformation of a tired old space. I like how it ties into the adjacent dining area as well as living space. Materials are complimentary and the space feels integrated and thought through.
DIY Renovation Honourable Mention
Dan Swanson, under $40K
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My house is an old one in the Idylwylde neighborhood, built in 1952. I designed this kitchen to be as efficient as possible as there is not a lot of space. With the help of a couple of handymen from Woodart Finishings, I believe we have succeeded in just that. We removed the plastered demising wall between the kitchen and dining room and created a peninsula with a couple of bar seats. This makes this house feel twice as big and has created great flow in traffic and conversation. I opted for the smaller, counter depth Liebherr fridge and the 18″-inch Bosch dishwasher. Above the fridge is the hidden microwave. The biggest win was not having to move the kitchen sink plumbing. I would argue that this kitchen has as much horsepower as kitchens twice the size and cost. This new space is a great environment to cook and entertain in.
Judges Comments
The judges didn’t like the open shelf across the peninsula, feeling it cluttered up what was otherwise clean design. Nor did they like the wine rack on top of the refrigerator, but the homeowner clarified that they ‘keep the good stuff in the basement.’
Cute space!
This kitchen reminds me of a New York apartment kitchen. It’s constrained but does provide for the basics—refrigerator, washing and cooking. Given the limitations, the counter space has been maximized.
Good choice of tile but is a bit busy and broken up on the sink side. It would have been better if he had just gone for it.
Too much open shelving for an open space.
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Judges |
 Rebecca Gagne Rebecca Gagne, co-owner of Cucina Bella, a kitchen design shop in Edmonton’s west end, has been designing kitchens since 1996. She is a cabinet nerd at heart and lover of all things kitchen. As well, she is a CKD (Certified Kitchen Designer, National Kitchen and Bath Association) and instructs the Metro Continuing Education Kitchen Planning Course, cucinabella.com. |
 Darrel Halliwell Darrell Halliwellis an architect and managing principal for DIALOG’s Edmonton Studio. He is a member of the firm’s leadership team, responsible for strategic direction and management of the firm across Canada, dialogdesign.ca |
 George Ilagen George Ilagan, a partner at Hastings Ilagan Design, is an architect by training and passionate about design. George has designed a myriad of kitchens, ranging from the simple to the sublime, hastingsilagan.ca |
 Michele Roach Michele Roach, principal and co-owner of Wolski Design Group—one of Edmonton’s top interior design firms—is a minimalist-design pioneer, animal print enthusiast and self-proclaimed creative problem solver with a soft spot for logistical nightmares, wolskidesign.com |