BlueStar, manufacturer of high-performance kitchen appliances for the home, has named Caroline Smith, of Caroline V. Smith Interiors, in Memphis, TN as the grand prize winner in its fourth annual Kitchen Design Competition. The winning design was selected for its classic elegance, blending dramatic navy tones with bright whites and brass finishes, and the use of BlueStar chef-inspired appliances, the company noted.
“The homeowners love to cook and entertain, and specifically requested BlueStar for its professional-style performance,” said Smith. “As a designer, BlueStar hit the button in terms of looks and color and ultimate customization.”
According to acclaimed designer Eric Cohler, who led the judging panel, “This is a well-designed, bright and cheerful kitchen. It appears timeless with BlueStar brass-trimmed appliances that blend seamlessly with the cabinetry fittings and faucet. This kitchen looks equally at home whether in town or country.”
Smith selected white cabinets with a dark blue island to create a balance that allowed the appliances to be the stars of the kitchen. The kitchen echoes the client’s color preferences in the brass veins of the appliance trims and is carried through to the blue grey color of the double electric wall oven and the knobs of both the wall oven and BlueStar Platinum rangetop.
All finalists were applauded for their thoughtful designs and creative use of BlueStar appliances in multiple colors and metal trims. The three finalists are:
The Making of a Masterpiece: Brett Broussard, Pelican Builders Group, LLC, Thibodaux, LA.
The creation of a chef’s dream kitchen in the Maison Blanche Plantationis infused in south Louisiana history. The main kitchen space is a canvas of stainless steel, with a pop of color in the bright daffodil yellow knobs on the 48” Platinum range. The size is more than generous, but the layout is efficient for both food preparation and entertaining. In addition to the commercial-grade features of the appliances, the client’s reason for selecting BlueStar refrigeration was simple: they wanted the capacity to handle large catering trays and volumes of food for entertaining. The refrigerator’s fully extending bottom shelf is designed to fit a full-size commercial sheet pan — as is the freezer shelf – so extra-large pans prepped with pastry or hors d’oeuvres can go straight from the refrigerator or freezer into an oversized BlueStar oven.
Small Kitchen, Big Style: Elena Eskandari and Elle Hunter, Case Design/Remodeling, Bethesda, MD
The client wanted the kitchen to reflect the style of the row house, which is located in a historic neighborhood of Washington DC. The designers selected classic black and white cabinetry with tall crown moldings. These were paired with a natural marble countertop, applied to the backsplash all the way to the ceiling. The blue green BlueStar range and hood add a dramatic pop of color in an otherwise neutral space. Even though the whole house is only 13’ wide, this small kitchen is packed with storage and personality, note the judges.
Age before Beauty: Leslie Murchie Cascino, Bonnie Wu Design, LLC, Ann Arbor, MI:
The client wanted to respect the age and architecture of the home, which was built in 1924 in a European-inspired style popular at that time. They aimed for a bright, vintage, luxe bistro look in dark navy and white, with high contrast colors and materials, which all centered on the custom BlueStar range in classic black with brass trim. According to the designer, the range was the entire impetus for the complete kitchen renovation, since the client had previously owned a BlueStar before the move to Michigan. The kitchen looks like it has always been there, perfectly fitted and in proportion to the home and its historical style but with the performance and dynamism of the modern era.
The contest, which attracted entries from across the country, honors design professionals who incorporate BlueStar products into innovative, beautiful kitchen designs. The Grand Prize winner receives BlueStar appliances for his/her home kitchen and the title BlueStar Kitchen Designer of the Year.
The 2019 competition is open for entries from now through February 2020. The kitchen design entry can be any style kitchen. A minimum of one BlueStar appliance as a primary appliance is required. Ranges, rangetops, refrigerators, gas and electric wall ovens and gas and induction cooktops meet this requirement. Official rules and entry criteria can be found at http://www.bluestarcooking.com/inspiration/kitchen-design-contest/.
