Classic Kitchens & Design is thrilled to announce we’ve been selected as winners in the 2023 Kitchen Designer of the Year Contest! Presented by Merit Kitchens and voted by Emma Reddington, deputy editor of House and Home Magazine, this competition showcases the finest in kitchen design, celebrating the use of Merit Kitchens cabinetry. Open exclusively to Merit dealers, it highlights beautiful kitchen creations across North America and Japan.
We owe a huge thank you to you, our clients. Your unique visions and dreams are what drive our creativity and passion. Every kitchen design we create is a collaborative journey, and this award reflects not just our skills and passion but also your individual styles and unique tastes. It’s your trust in us that allows us to turn ordinary spaces into extraordinary kitchens. Thank you for inspiring us every day!
Our collaboration with Merit Kitchens allows us to offer cabinetry that marries beauty with utility, transforming kitchens in Nanaimo and Parksville into beautiful, inviting, and functional spaces. In this year’s contest, we are proud to have our work recognized in two key categories:
Best Overall Kitchen Aesthetics
This Ucluelet renovation features a beach style infused with bohemian and traditional West Coast influences. The cabinetry, Lectus’s “Beckham” solid maple doors painted in a delicate Nougat shade, exudes a soft, welcoming warmth that harmonizes with the beach-inspired theme. The pitched ceiling with exposed beams painted white enhances the sense of space and brings an architectural element that’s characteristic of coastal design.
Natural maple accents and floating shelves introduce a touch of bohemian flair and provide a striking contrast against the creamy backdrop. The subtle backsplash of white tiles offers a clean backdrop, allowing the vibrant colors from kitchenware and plants to stand out, infusing life and personality into the space.
The Silestone “Calacatta Gold” quartz countertops, featuring a square wrap edge profile, add a touch of luxury with sweeping veins of gold and gray hues that complements the cabinetry without overwhelming the space with busy details.
The hardware, the champagne bronze “Ashdale” series from Marathon Hardware, provides a subtle metallic sheen that complements the soft tones of the cabinetry. The pendant light with a wicker design complements this vibe, adding warmth and an organic touch that contrasts beautifully with the sleek, modern appliances.
The subtle use of color and the strategic mix of textures create a kitchen that feels both sophisticated and accessible. Every choice—from the selection of materials to the hardware finishes—was considered to create a harmonious balance that reflects the homeowner’s vision. This kitchen is a true celebration of coastal living, blending the best of functionality and aesthetic charm.
Best Kitchen Space Optimization
This contemporary kitchen design effectively utilizes space to create a functional and inviting environment that supports a family of seven. The Merit Kitchens Nottingham door style brings a traditional touch with its painted MDF doors, while the two-toned color palette – with upper and perimeter cabinets painted in a warm white called Bone and lower cabinets plus the island in a custom green – adds visual interest and helps to define the space.
For space optimization, the island is a key feature. It’s been designed not only to provide additional work surfaces and storage but also to house integrated seating. This dual-purpose island minimizes the need for a separate dining area, saving space and maintaining the open feel of the kitchen. The inclusion of more drawer storage in the lower cabinets provides more accessible and practical storage solutions.
The updated work triangle, which is the layout of the sink, stove, and refrigerator, is designed to enhance the flow of the kitchen, reducing unnecessary steps and creating a more efficient cooking environment. The integration of a super-susan and roll-out shelves in the pantry provides ease of access while maximizing the storage space. The custom range canopy, while blending with the cabinetry, optimizes vertical space and contributes to the kitchen’s streamlined look.
Your Exclusive Retailer for Merit Kitchens Cabinetry
Dreaming of the perfect kitchen? Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation or ready for a kitchen makeover, our team loves crafting custom kitchen designs that bring your vision to life. Visit our showrooms in Nanaimo and Parksville today to explore a range of modern, luxury, and semi-custom cabinets from Merit Homes, or contact us today to get started.