Photos by Eymeric Widling

This Calgary kitchen’s moody palette is unapologetically dramatic: matte black cabinets and ebony-stained oak and set a sophisticated tone while staying warm and inviting—ideal for stylish young homeowners adapting to life with a new baby. Designer Samantha Smiddy of Smiddy Stegman balances high-contrast, cost effective finishes here for splurge-y focal points elsewhere, like the quartzite fireplace surround.

While the kitchen is limited for natural light, a reeded backsplash window offers a creative solution to bring in illumination while providing privacy from nearby neighbours. Smiddy’s vision, as she describes in her submission, is “a fusion of contemporary boldness and family-oriented simplicity.” It’s a space that thrives on contrast: bold yet balanced, budget-conscious yet impactful. In a design world full of grey areas, sometimes leaning into the daring extreme is exactly what makes you stand out.

Project: Quartzite contemporary kitchen
Designer: Smiddy Stegman
Collaborators: Reverie Designs, Saville Homes
Location: Calgary

Meet all of the 2025 WL Design 25 winners here.