Oh My Goodness.......I WON!!!

I have some great news to share this week!  Remember this kitchen?  I blogged about it here.  It is one of my favorite projects and transformations to date, and my clients were/are simply fabulous and so much fun to work with.

Well, back in July, I entered this project in a Minnesota state-wide design competition, sponsored by Midwest Home magazine, and the National Kitchen and Bath Association.  The entry process is detailed, and the designs are meticulously judged on design, overall transformation, aesthetic, and attention to NKBA design standards and guidelines.  After we submit entries, we get to sit in anxious anticipation until mid-September when there is a big awards gala, and we find out if we won (or didn't win) in front of a large gathering of our contemporaries in the design industry.  Kind of nerve-wracking.  So last week, I got all dressed up, enjoyed a fancy dinner and presentation and waited until they got around to announcing the winners.

There are three categories for kitchens--small, medium and large.  This kitchen, although it lives quite large and comfortable, is actually considered "small" in terms of square footage.  I sat on the edge of my seat, and as they called the second place winner, I thought "oh well, maybe next year."  Then, my photo popped up on the screen, next to a photo of this kitchen, and in a moment of disbelief I realized that I'd won first place!!

Its a great feeling to be validated for your hard work, and I'm excited for my clients, and even more elated that this project will be part of a feature in Midwest Home Magazine next month.

Thanks for sharing in my good news!