Reston, VA – The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) is proud to announce the winners of the prestigious 2026 KCMA Design Awards Competition, recognizing outstanding achievement in kitchen design across North America.
This year’s competition attracted 101 entries, representing a significant increase in participation and showcasing an extraordinary range of design approaches, materials, and architectural solutions. Projects were evaluated by a distinguished panel of design professionals across seven key criteria: Innovation, Aesthetics, Functionality, Durability, Utility, Emotional Quotient (EQ), and Overall Impact.
A Competition Defined by Depth and Distinction
What distinguished the 2026 competition was not only the number of submissions, but the depth and quality of the field.
“This year’s entries demonstrated an exceptional level of design thinking,” said Betsy Natz, CEO of KCMA. “Many projects were beautifully executed, highly functional, and thoughtfully detailed—yet still competing against designs that pushed integration, planning, and material composition even further. The level of work made the judging process both rigorous and incredibly rewarding.”
Across the submissions, judges consistently identified a key differentiator: the most successful kitchens demonstrated a deeper integration of:
- architectural context
- spatial planning
- material coordination
- functional workflow
These projects reflect the evolving role of the kitchen as both a high-performance workspace and the central architectural and social hub of the home.
First Place:
Lakeside Retreat by Candace Rudd, at Two30Nine by Décor using cabinets by KCMA member Décor Cabinets
Second Place:
Serrano French Hickory by Nar Bustamante at Nar Design Group using cabinets by KCMA member Crystal Cabinet Works
Third Place:
Historic Charm, Modern Heart by Carissa Trygstad at Showplace Cabinetry Design Center using cabinets by KCMA member Showplace Cabinetry
Emerging Design Signals from the 2026 Competition
Beyond the individual winners, the 2026 entries revealed several key trends shaping the future of kitchen design:
- Kitchens as Architecture: Cabinetry and layout are increasingly evaluated as part of the overall architectural composition of the home.
- Function as a Design Driver: Workflow, circulation, and appliance relationships remain central to judging decisions.
- Seamless Appliance Integration: Panel-ready and integrated appliances are becoming a baseline expectation in top-tier design.
- The Evolving Role of the Island: Islands continue to serve as both functional and social anchors—but are judged on proportion, purpose, and execution.
- Beyond the “White Kitchen”: While still prevalent, more distinctive material palettes and architectural detailing are defining standout projects.
Meet the Judges
A panel of highly esteemed design professionals reviewed each submission, bringing extensive expertise in architecture, interior design, and kitchen planning. The 2026 KCMA Design Awards Competition was judged by:
- Amy A. Wittenbach, RID, NCIDQ – Director of Interiors, STG Design
- Gary Jay Paul – Founder, GP Incorporated Design Consulting
- Sharon L. Sherman, CKD, ASID, NCIDQ, CID – Founder & Principal, Thyme & Place Design
- Sandra Diaz-Velasco, AIA, ASID, IIDA – Founder, Eolo A&I Design
- Julie Cavanaugh, CID, ASID – Founder, Design Matters
Each judge brought a unique perspective on function, aesthetics, and innovation, ensuring that winning designs reflect both design excellence and real-world usability.
Industry Leadership & CEO Perspective
Natz emphasized the continued importance of cabinetry in shaping modern kitchen design:
“Kitchens have become the defining space in the home—where design, function, and daily life intersect,” said Natz. “Cabinetry plays a central role in that transformation, influencing not only aesthetics but how a space performs and feels. The work recognized this year demonstrates how far the industry has advanced.”
The KCMA Lookbook: A Snapshot of the Industry
KCMA once again will digitally publish its Design Awards Lookbook, featuring all submitted entries along with insights into the designers behind them.
More than a collection of projects, the Lookbook serves as an annual snapshot of emerging trends and innovation in kitchen design, offering a comprehensive view of how designers are approaching space, materials, and functionality today.
About KCMA
The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1955 to represent kitchen, bath, and residential cabinet manufacturers and key industry suppliers. With a membership of over 300 companies across North America, KCMA is committed to advancing the cabinet industry through:
- Advocacy for the domestic cabinet industry
- Establishing cabinet quality standards
- Sponsoring industry research
- Providing management tools and educational programs
For more information about KCMA and the KCMA Design Awards Competition, visit www.kcma.org.
For additional questions, contact: Lisa Samuels, Director of Marketing & Communications, Phone: 703.674.0358, Email: lsamuels@kcma.org
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Media Resources
To download high-resolution images of the winners and their designs, please visit: https://icgproject.com/pr/kcma-design-awards/
To download a high-resolution image package, please visit: https://icgproject.com/pr/kcma-design-awards/kcma-2026-kitchen-design-awards.zip
