Countertops Magazine Archive

Stunning Kitchen Transformations

Winners of Silestone Design Contest Revealed

The winners of the Silestone Design Contest were recently announced, and the transformations made in the winning projects are stunning, to say the least.

The idea behind the contest was to recognize independent designers on the forefront of creative and inspiring kitchen designs. From bold backsplashes to innovative islands, Silestone sought out designers who celebrate the influence of color and push the envelope of design possibilities in the foremost room of the home. A panel of high-profile design experts judged and selected three winning projects that feature Silestone quartz surfacing in a kitchen that reflect dynamic design and showcases a passion for color. The contest ran for most of 2012 and the results were released at the end of the year.

“There are so many outstanding kitchen projects that are colorful and truly innovative,” said Lorenzo Marquez, VP of Marketing for Cosentino North America, the parent company of Silestone. “The kitchen in the essence of a home, and functional, bright, bold design completely enhances the experience. As a company, we’re proud to be part of such creativity and look forward to honoring designers who rely on our quartz surfaces to bring their designs to life.”

There were 86 entries in total, and the contest was open to all U.S. independent kitchen and interior designers. The projects were judged on overall design creativity and best use of color. The winners of the Silestone Design Competition were selected by an esteemed panel of leading designers who are renowned for their innovative design. The judges included: Kim Lewis, former designer for ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and founder of Kim Lewis Designs in Los Angeles; John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon, the design duo behind Madcap Cottage in New York City; and Mark Williams of Mark Williams Design Associates in Atlanta.

After much deliberation, the panel of high-profile design experts selected the three top projects from Certified Kitchen Designers that featured compelling kitchens that reflect dynamic, yet functional design.

Figure 1 – Before and After of 1st Place winner First place was awarded to Jackie Balint, from The Kitchen Collection LLC, in Redondo Beach, Calif. In her winning design, Balint specified appliances, cabinetry and countertops based on the individual needs of the client. She selected Silestone in the sleek Nuit Blue hue for the island and contrasted the perimeter countertops with the clean and bright look of Bianco River (see Figure 1). The fabricator for the project was Traditional Stone, of Van Nuys, Calif. (www.traditionalstone.com). “Silestone had the perfect colors as well as a texture that added a special look to the kitchen,” Balint said. For her efforts, she was awarded an all-expenses-paid, six-day trip to Spain along with $2,500.

Figure 2 – Before and After of 2nd Place winner Brett Gonsalves, from Kitchens & Baths, in New Bedford, Mass., was awarded 2nd Place. Gonsalves’ project included a center island in his design as a multipurpose space — a priority for his client — allowing guests to congregate in the kitchen while leaving plenty of space to cook at the same time (see Figure 2). Stonetek, also of New Bedford, Mass., (www.stonetekinc.com) did the fabrication work for this project. “I knew a quartz surface was the only way I wanted to go, and Silestone’s Galactic series offered a natural look with all of the benefits of a maintenance-free top,” Gonsalves said.

Figure 3 – Before and After of 3rd Place winner In 3rd Place was Alice Sin, from Sierra Custom Kitchens in Pasadena, Calif. Her kitchen makeover incorporated a dual-island layout, one for cooking and the other for entertaining, to open the space (see Figure 3). Pacific Stone Designs, of Commerce, Calif. (www.pacificstonedesigns.com) fabricated this countertop project. “Silestone Stellar Snow was the perfect color for the palette we were working with,” said Sin. “It provided the natural and organic color tones creating a light, modern look the client requested.” Both the 2nd and 3rd Place winners received American Express gift cards. “We had an overwhelming response with many great projects,” Marquez explained. “We are excited to continue this program and support independent designers using our products for their beautiful designs.” For more information, visit www.cosentinonorthamerica.com.