Western Living Magazine
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Entries Are Now Open for the 2026 Designers of the Year Awards!
Designers of the Year Frequently Asked Questions
Photos: The Western Living Design 25 Finalists Party
Can't stop, won't stop looking at incredible kitchens.
Our March issue always gives us an excuse to stare at beyond-beautiful kitchens—and the opportunity to learn some lessons from the pros who designed them. But you know what? That just wasn’t enough. We wanted more islands, more cabinets, more backsplashes and more style, so we went to the National Kitchen and Bath Association‘s (NKBA) B.C. Chapter to get the scoop on their recent Design Excellence Awards—take a peek at the winning kitchen designs below.
Designed by: Matt Herbert, Sherwood Cabinetry and Michelle Miazga, Port and QuarterAt only 130-sqaure-feet, this penthouse kitchen is a lesson in small-space design—and sophisticated, masculine style. Dark grey cabinets are juxtaposed with warm, rich walnut to create a kitchen that’s both moody and inviting. We’re also kind of obsessed with the breakfast bar that doubles as a workspace. ?
Designed by: Igor Selskiy, GermanhausThis West Vancouver kitchen is full of functional design elements: a sleek Modo Rail is installed next to the cooktop, cabinets are equipped with push-open hinge systems and a large galley sink leaves room to multitask. And did you see the pantry? It’s hidden behind a floor-to-ceiling panel of walnut beside the fridge, whose matching doors and handles create a seamless look.
Designed by: Sarah Gallop, Sarah Gallop Design Inc.This open-concept kitchen was made for entertaining. To ensure that nothing felt lost in such a vast space, designer Sarah Gallop brought in an extra-large hood fan, oversized pendant lights and wide hardwood flooring—the countertops are thicker than average, too.
Designed by: Kendall Ansell, Kendall Ansell InteriorsBecause the homeowners didn’t want any inch of their kitchen to go to waste, Kendall Ansell incorporated a large island—complete with cabinetry, sink and room for seating—and a buffet/wine bar (discreetly positioned behind the dining room table) into this serene, coastal-inspired design.
Recipient: Negar Reihani, Space HarmonyCan we all just take a moment to marvel at this gorgeous swirling backsplash pattern again? Reminiscent of the condo’s ocean views, the PVC mural (enclosed behind a sheet of glass) creates a reflective, dynamic surface to compliment the neutral cabinetry and countertops, earning Space Harmony’s founder and principal the title of Kitchen Designer of the Year.
Kaitlyn is a design-obsessed writer, editor and content manager based in Vancouver. When she's not busy swooning over gorgeous homes, you can find her reading, hiking and befriending as many dogs as possible.
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