Are you planning on remodeling your kitchen this year, but still scratching your head for ideas? This year's top design winners of the National Kitchen & Bath Association competition created imaginative designs and aesthetically pleasing solutions that will inspire the decorator in you.

Designer Areti Tanya Rentzos of Andros Kitchen & Bath Designs in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, took first place in the small kitchens category for her "Modern Efficiency" design.

The home was built in the 1920s and was in need of a complete remodel. The homeowners were graphic artists, who were looking for a contemporary edge on design. A wall between the kitchen and living space needed to be removed in order to extend the kitchen cabinets by approximately 3 feet. By doing so, Rentzos created enough room to incorporate the additional appliances. She also increased counter space by moving the sink to the corner.

Rentzos preserved the home's 1920s coziness by choosing a dark cherry wood that exudes a feeling of warmth, but opted for contemporary styling with a flat slab door of brushed and polished stainless steel. A second counter level was installed to incorporate seating for two and create a division between the two rooms. She also added suspended shelves to open up the space in the upper cabinets and provide easier accessibility.

Rentzos's other upgrades were:

Cabinets: Maple wood with me
rlot stain and wood dovetail drawer systems
Microwave: KitchenAid
Range: KitchenAid
Dishwasher: KitchenAid
Refrigerator: KitchenAid
Ventilation: KitchenAid
Countertops: Silestone
Fixtures and fittings: Richelieu shelf support and Hansgrohe faucet
Sinks: Blanco

Large kitchen

Anchorage, Alaska-based designer Terri Hosken of Beyond The Box: Kitchen Design won the large kitchen category with her "Modern & Marvelous" design.

The homeowners, both independent restaurant owners, appreciated the fundamental components of a working kitchen. But they wanted the creative functionality of a multipurpose space designed to accommodate a soccer-team meal or an art project with their children.

Hosken's design focused on a layout that provides versatility and innovative storage behind a tranquil facade. A variety of components - including microwave, steam and conventional ovens, and a coffee/espresso maker - are integrated in the cabinet and drawer enclosures and are concealed by a stainless steel door. This frees up the kitchen's layout for more customizable space.

The island counter (featuring stylish bar stools) allows freedom of movement around the kitchen. It has a mobile service cart that rotates freely to reveal small appliances below the counter. The cart can be removed to free up more knee space and be used elsewhere. A hidden pantry is seamlessly integrated with the cabinetry.

Hosken's other upgrades were:

Cabinets: Custom Cabinetry by Howka Cabinet Co.
Cooktop: Thermador
Oven: Thermador
Dishwasher: Fisher & Paykel
Refrigerator: Thermador
Ventilation: Zephyr
Countertops: Absolute black granite slab and maple top
Flooring: Absolute black granite tiles, Kahrs maple flooring
Fixtures: Hafele
Sink: Elkay
Walls and soffits: Gyp Board, primed and painted
Lighting: Techline cable rail and monorail, recessed incandescent

Got hot local housing tips or a story you want to share? Contact Amy Le at openingdoorsblog@homescape.com.