Winning Design Combines Sophistication & Simplicity, Inspired by BlueStar’s Vast Color Choices for a Bespoke  Kitchen

NEW YORK, NY, March 16 — BlueStar®, manufacturer of high-performance appliances for the home – and a trailblazer in color innovation – announced today that Jill Calo of Payne & Payne Builders in Moreland Hills, OH, took the top prize in its 2^nd annual Kitchen Design Competition. The announcement was made live from the BlueStar® exhibit space at the Architectural Digest Design Show in New York City.

Internationally acclaimed designer, Eric Cohler, led the judging panel which included Kim Lewis, best known as the Lead Designer behind ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and founder of Kim Lewis Designs in Austin, TX and last year’s grand prize winner, Heidi Piron, of Heidi Piron Design & Cabinetry in Summit, NJ.  The judges applauded all finalists for their thoughtful designs and creative use of BlueStar® appliances in multiple colors and metal trims. Calo’s clean and modern kitchen, with a pop of red, edged out in front through its playful display of color in a thoughtfully simplistic design with a contemporary edge.

“The red BlueStar range is the catalyst for this sophisticated yet playful kitchen. The designer is right on trend – and ahead of the curve,” said Lead Judge Eric Cohler. “The designer’s fearless use of red for the range and accents ignite a sophisticated yet livable kitchen that exemplifies the customizable and iconic BlueStar brand.”

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, the title BlueStar® Kitchen Designer of the Year, plus a trip to the Architectural Digest Design Show.

“The variety and beauty of all the design entries were overwhelming. We are thrilled that BlueStar’s distinctive combination of restaurant-grade performance and unrivaled customization options provides inspiration for trade professionals looking to create truly bespoke kitchens for their clients,” said Eliza Sheffield, President, BlueStar®.

Jill Calo’s grand prize kitchen was inspired by the traffic red color of the 48” gas range with a 12″ charbroiler, showing how a simple “pop” of color can completely transform a space. The lines are simple yet elegant. The kitchen cabinets are painted in a high gloss white and accented with understated, modest hardware. One kitchen island features waterfall countertops with a walnut back. The red backsplash by the bar area compliments the red range. The remaining backsplash was created using a simple 3”x6” subway tile to create a place for your eye to rest.

The 2018 competition is open for entries from March 21, 2017 through January 20, 2018.  The kitchen design entry can be any style kitchen. A minimum of one BlueStar® cooking appliance as the primary cooking appliance is required. Ranges, rangetops, refrigerators, gas and electric ovens and cooktops meet this requirement.  Official rules and entry criteria can be found at  https://www.bluestarcooking.com/inspiration/kitchen-design-contest/.

For general information on BlueStar® appliances, please visit www.bluestarcooking.com.