Haven Interiors

Dubbed a “beautiful restoration” by one judge, the living room honors the history of the 1895 home while reflecting contemporary sensibilities. The original carved wood detailing is softened by light wall covering, airy drapery, and light-filtering Conrad shades. A Kravet carpet and uphol- stered furnishings infuse the formerly stately room with coziness and relaxed sophistication. On the fireplace, a simple limestone finish neutralizes the interior hearth, drawing attention to the details of the wood surround.

SILVER

Anne Frentzel Interiors

Harmonizing both rustic and traditional elements, the remodeled living room meets the needs of a newly blended family. Larger-scaled furniture is kept neutral, so as not to add visual weight, and custom-built cabinetry cleverly — and stylishly — houses a large TV. Long, linen drapes soften the previously boxy room. “A warm and inviting space,” remarked one judge.

BRONZE

Deep River Partners

Formerly rooted in traditional design features and a heavy color palette, the reimagined living room is now light and livable — and filled with locally sourced selections, too. An Oushak area rug from Shabahang and Sons, for example, establishes the room’s calming color palette, and an oversized painting by artist William Nichols, purchased via the Tory Folliard Gallery, hangs above the fireplace, serving as both a focal point and nod to the wooded surroundings.

Specialty Room – Basement

GOLD

Amy Carman Design

A plethora of deep, rich tones and materials – most notably in the wine cellar and at the cocktail bar – combine to create a luxurious lower-level getaway. The wine cellar’s burgundy cabinet doors are trimmed with full-length cremone bolts, and a mural wall-covering by Ananbô, a storied French brand, wraps the wall in a moody landscape. At the cocktail bar, deep-slate charcoal cabinets and walls allow the brass hardware, antique mirror panels, and white-oak top to pop.

SILVER

Anne Frentzel Interiors

The homeowners, both avid skiers, desired a basement refresh that imbued a modern-mountain aesthetic, and hoped to create a space better suited to host their grown children. White oak floors and cabinets, natural stone accents, and iron-clad doors and frames are used throughout, blending contemporary and traditional design elements, and plush, durable seating offers both comfort and style. Modern overhead lighting is sophisticated yet subtle — the true “jewelry” of the space.

BRONZE

Extraordinary Spaces

An unused space was transformed into a basement speakeasy, where bold design choices (e.g., dark paint, monochromatic walls, doors and trim work, and vintage bar furniture) combine to exude a moody, cozy feel. “This design is atmospheric and theatrical,” one judge mused.

Primary Bedroom

GOLD

Frank & Co.

Designed for young parents who desired a place to unwind, the primary suite features bold, enveloping color and custom, feel good textiles. Two-tone drapery panels, hidden beneath handcrafted cornice boards, add a luxurious touch, while the sitting area’s vintage, hand-carved coffee table imbues warmth and charm. Behind the bed, custom picture molding lessens the impact of the off-center windows, and the wall color – Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe – is dramatic yet unmistakably inviting.

SILVER (TIE)

In Good Company

A prime example of just how impactful proper layering can be, the primary bedroom features a pine-colored Phillip Jefferies wallpaper, mohair bed, and Vladamir Kagan chaise. Masculine patterns are layered with soft, feminine fabrics, creating a duality that is cohesive and not overdone. “Material change helps connect the different parts of the space,” noted one judge.

SILVER (TIE)

Haven Interiors

The primary bedroom of the historic home was reimagined for contemporary living. A subtle wallpaper enhances existing architectural features, and luxurious fabrics in subdued neutrals invite rest and relaxation. So as not to distract from the overall aesthetic of the room, a custom-built furniture piece features a TV and lift mechanism for the occasional movie night.

BRONZE

Kate Kazlo Interiors

Sitting inside a living porch, the primary bedroom required the installation of double-layered window treatments, which provide privacy and room-darkening functions. Layers of neutral textures and bed linens offer a sense of airiness, while natural wood tones add warmth. 

Dining Room 

GOLD

Haven Interiors

This refreshed dining room is part of the same house as the living room project seen above. Original wood detailing was refinished in a deeper, richer tone, and the fireplace received a facelift, which included a fresh limestone hearth and deep-charcoal paint. New window treatments, precisely mounted as not to disrupt existing carved wood details, add drama. “A tour de force of an example of how to get an old house right,” one judge said.

SILVER

Amy Carman Design

An atmospheric, richly-toned wallcovering encapsulates the dining room of the historic Georgian home, creating an imaginative and memorable space to linger. Decidedly modern wall sconces provide contrast to traditional features, a Murano-inspired glass chandelier complements the movement of the wallpaper, and an antique area rug — the client’s own — softly anchors the room.  “If you’re going to use wallpaper, this is how to do it,” praised one judge.

BRONZE

Deep River Partners

Despite its size and formality, the dining room is intimate and engaging — and features numerous personal touches, as well, such as the custom-designed dining table, crafted by a close family member and made from a walnut tree on the property. A moody wallcovering and upholstered chair backs introduce texture, while a pair of crystalline chandeliers add visual impact. Sliding doors and panels open to the kitchen for a more informal dining experience. 

Kitchen + Bath

Kitchen – Large Contemporary 

GOLD

In Good Company

Tucked into a wooded lot on Pine Lake, the midcentury modern home was reinvigorated to respect the lakeside site and honor the home’s architectural history. Said vision is perhaps best represented in the kitchen, where a vaulted ceiling and lake views are paired with a palette of materials that exudes warmth and intimacy. The work zone boasts a custom, subtly sloped hood, and quartzite countertops nod to the home’s natural surroundings. “A reimagining of a midcentury space that’s contemporary but very respectful to the past,” praised one judge.

SILVER

Natasa Jones Interiors

Warm tones and wood finishes soften the modern lines of the contemporary kitchen, which, for the homeowner, is the centerpiece of her new build. Nearby windows flood the space with natural light, and the rural setting — and its abundance of lush greenery — is juxtaposed with the interior’s natural wood and black surfaces, creating contrast and interest.

BRONZE

Anne Frentzel Interiors

An exercise in marrying modern elegance and natural warmth, the newly built kitchen pairs rich, organic textures with durable yet sophisticated surfaces. A white-oak island serves as both a workspace and social hub, while its top — a soapstone-look quartz —is a pragmatic choice. A striking black oven hood is complemented by the island’s modern pendant lighting, and, overhead, the tongue-and-groove ceiling adds visual interest and rustic charm.

Kitchen – Large Traditional

GOLD

Refined Renovations

Formerly swathed in dark and heavy wood tones, the North Shore kitchen was renovated to accommodate the wants and needs of a young family, who requested the addition of design elements native to Portugal. The existing overhead beams were reworked to better scale them to the space, echoing the arched Portuguese door frame silhouette used elsewhere in

the home, and painted a soft shade of cream. A large island, topped with low-maintenance quartz, offers extensive storage, while the Zellige tile backsplash provides a welcome dose of color. The space is now “warmly traditional without being slavishly historic,” one judge noted.

SILVER

Anne Frentzel Interiors

Housed within a new build on Beaver Lake, the kitchen embodies the essence of clean and classic design — and does so without being pretentious, too. Timeless finishes (e.g., crisp white cabinets and marble countertops) are paired with statement-worthy elements, such as the oversized pendant lighting, to establish dimension. “I’m usually not a big fan of stone/brick walls,” wrote one judge, “but it works here as a backsplash to anchor the traditional feel, as does the arched cabinet.”

BRONZE

GMH Construction

Though the home’s overall square footage remained unchanged, its layout was restructured to create a larger kitchen, establishing a more efficient use of space. A large, 10-foot island is now visible upon entry, inviting guests to linger, and a neutral color palette, complete with white cabinetry and a gray-stained island, is transitional yet timeless. 

Kitchen Remodel

GOLD

Denise Merbeth Kitchen & Bath Design

Built by the homeowner’s grandparents in 1968, the midcentury modern home – and specifically the kitchen and dining area – was transformed to modernize the layout for contemporary living, while keeping authenticity and efficiency top of mind. 

The original tongue-and-groove vaulted ceilings honor the integrity of the home, and the use of natural stone, including polished quartzite and leathered granite, adds depth and texture. A revised layout and its dedicated “zones” allow for improved utility and flow. “Strikingly dramatic yet very simple,” one judge wrote. “The space uses geometry to its fullest extent.”

Biophilic design – or the human desire to connect with the outdoors – is also present throughout. Large windows and doors flood the space with natural light, and a HydroTap faucet, which provides chilled, sparkling or hot water on demand, reduces plastic bottle usage.

SILVER

Bartelt. The Remodeling Resource

The impetus behind transforming the dated Colonial kitchen was threefold: to add charm, to maximize lake views, and to create a space conducive to entertaining. Now, a new hearth room and sunroom connect the interior and exterior, and thoughtful details, from the hand-painted terracotta tile to the knotty pine, add texture and warmth. The large island and its ample storage and seating establish a better work triangle and open sightlines to other first-floor spaces.

BRONZE

S.J. Janis Company

The remodel involved relocating the kitchen and reworking the existing footprint to create an open concept, with the kitchen now the focal point of the home. Contemporary and Craftsman-style design inspired many of the selections, including the Alder Shaker cabinets, matching casings, and decorative beams. “Like finding a gem and polishing it to perfection,” one judge mused. “Well-scaled and beautiful use of warm, inviting materials.”

Kitchen – Small Contemporary

GOLD

Refined Renovations

Located within a historic midcentury home, the remodeled kitchen is adjacent to the original 1960s dining room, so the design intent was to harmonize the new space with connecting areas. Whitewashed, rift-sawn white oak cabinetry matches the dining room’s original wood finish, and the sink placement capitalizes on natural light and the view of the backyard.

Honed quartz countertops and polished terrazzo floors brighten the space, while the moss- green tile backsplash creates a grounding effect. “Warm but modern materials and very strategic storage decisions make this an efficient, restful and elegant space,” mused one judge. 

SILVER

Amy Carman Design

The kitchen remodel — and its existing constraints, including imposing structural columns and low ceilings, and an interior-facing sink — demanded keen creative ingenuity. A 2-foot-wide beam is hidden behind a shallow pantry cabinet, and three matching pantry cabinets provide visual order, ample storage, and secret entrances to the laundry room and pantry. The centerpiece of the kitchen, a lilac marble slab forms the full-height backsplash, and is accented by brass shelving for an added element of luxury.

BRONZE

AB&K

Inspired by the coastal vibes of California, the newly remodeled condo kitchen now maximizes views of Lake Michigan. Stacked cabinets allow for additional storage, and wide-plank French oak floors and matte brass accents nod to coastal-inspired design. 

Small Kitchen – Traditional

GOLD

RJ Builders

Despite its compact size, the kitchen makes smart use of its footprint, integrating clever storage solutions, such as a lazy Susan base corner cabinet and a nearby pantry with roll-out shelving, wherever possible. The star of the project, however, is arguably the Imperial Danby marble – used on both the countertops and as a full-height backsplash.

The charcoal-gray island complements the marble’s veining, and the white inset cabinetry allows the stone to shine. “I love this kitchen,” said one judge. “It is open and airy despite its size, [and the] backsplash is well integrated.” 

SILVER

Peabody’s Interiors

A full-gut renovation — and within the existing footprint, too — maximizes functionality, transforming an underutilized kitchen into a family-friendly hub. The restrained color palette lends to the illusion of a more expansive space, and a series of clever features, including full-height upper cabinets and a pantry wall with an appliance garage, provides storage.

BRONZE

Upgrade Kitchen & Bath

The layout of the Mikkelson Colonial kitchen was smartly reconfigured to meet the wishes of the homeowners, who desired additional storage space, casual dining for their two young children, and more room for entertaining. A small window was removed and the refrigerator relocated to create a wall of usable storage, and a wall removal allowed for the addition of a two-seat peninsula. Neutral tones offer a decidedly airy feel — and are undoubtedly timeless, too.

Full Bath

GOLD

KMB Design | Consulting

So as not to distract from the primary suite’s picturesque views of nearby Port Washington Marina, the bathroom functions as a quiet retreat – subtle in color, but rich in dimension. A thick-cut quartzite vanity top provides texture and movement, and architectural elements remain classic.

“I appreciate the focus on simplicity and clean lines,” wrote one judge. “Sometimes less is more, and the natural stone in the vanity does the heavy lifting of creating interest and dimension in a very simple space. When you keep things that restrained, material really matters.”

SILVER

In Good Company

The Lake Country bathroom was designed for a young boy, with the goal of the space accommodating its primary user for years to come. The glazed tile — used as both a backsplash and in the walk-in shower — adds color and dimension, and a custom vanity is dually functional and visually pleasing.

BRONZE

Natasa Jones Interiors

A reflection of the homeowner’s modern aesthetic, the contemporary bathroom exudes a spa-like feel, pairing clear nods to nature (e.g, the wet room’s warm, oak-like tile and spacious window) with clean lines and luxurious plumbing fixtures. “Very well appointed and a good use of light and materials,” remarked one judge.

Half Bath

GOLD

Refined Renovations

A rich green wall covering is undeniably the focal point of the powder room, offering a dramatic juxtaposition to the adjacent (and very neutral) foyer. Brass and cast-iron plumbing fixtures are equally elegant and durable, and the trimwork and ceiling – painted a high-gloss, inky-blue color – ensure the focus rests on the wallpaper and fixtures. 

Two-tone console sink legs infuse the space with a hint of modernity, while the vanity mirror, an original piece that was retained and repurposed, honors the home’s era, seamlessly blending old with new. 

SILVER

Mary Best Designs

Located within a historic Mediterranean Tudor, the powder room features an abundance of thoughtful details and layers, despite its small footprint. A wall-mounted, Nero black-veined marble sink faucet saves space, while the dark chocolate grasscloth wallcovering and unlacquered brass finishes introduce warmth and sophistication. 

BRONZE

Amy Carman Design 

The undeniable star of the room — Schumacher’s silk-screened Chinoiserie wallpaper — is not to be outdone by more practical, yet still visually stunning, elements, such as the sleek black vanity, marble-and-porcelain mosaic floor, and decidedly glamorous lighting. “Black on black can be a bit cliche, but this is so well done that it is hard to beat,” mused one judge.

Bath Remodel

GOLD

Design Tech Remodeling

With minimizing costs top of mind, the purpose of the remodel was to retain the period-style feel of the home and plan for a future bathroom on the second floor. The result is a space that is both intentional and glamorous. Black-and- white floweret floor tiles and subway wall tiles reflect the style of the home, while a glossy black vanity adds a pop of drama. 

The otherwise-classic color scheme is accentuated by unlacquered brass fixtures, sure to patina over time, and the original clawfoot tub was resurfaced and painted a soft rose color. A well-designed footprint, which makes clever use of the sloped ceiling and allows for the illusion of a larger walk-in shower, lends to the cohesive flow of the space. “Everything feels right to the home,” one judge wrote. 

SILVER

J&J Contractors

A charge to transform the space into one that evoked a vacation-like feel, and thus matched the homeowners’ more contemporary aesthetic, inspired much of the bathroom remodel, which features natural wood tones and a custom-built, Dekton-topped vanity. The accent ceiling — an often overlooked design element — proves especially captivating. 

BRONZE

KMB Design | Consulting 

Spurred by the designer’s own desire to create a more meaningful space that better reflected her creativity, the bathroom remodel accomplishes just that, seamlessly blending bold color and unique forms with modern amenities. A large, freestanding tub provides a place to unwind, and the balanced mix of cool and warm tones is unexpected, yet flawlessly executed. 

Outdoors

GOLD

David J. Frank Landscape Contracting

The quintessentially “small” Whitefish Bay backyard – 1,500 square feet of space, to be exact– was transformed into a relaxing and entertaining-friendly haven for recent empty nesters, who requested designated areas for dining, grilling, casual seating and a fire pit. 

The terrace was expanded but kept at its original elevation. Separate areas were delineated, and curved lines were utilized to soften the masonry and connect each space to the next. Arborvitae form a privacy wall. “Great use of space and materials,” said one judge, while another praised how the project complemented the home.

SILVER

LandCrafters

An impressive display of outdoor entertaining spaces, including a new timber pavilion, fireplace, revised deck, and outdoor kitchen, now echo the home’s interior spaces, which feature stone, rough-cut wood and an equestrian theme. The pool surround was expanded, as well, and dynamic plantings and LED lighting were added to further enhance the overall aesthetic.

BRONZE

Garland Alliance

Multiple outdoor “rooms” blend traditional Mediterranean and contemporary landscape architecture, creating distinct areas for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors. Noteworthy design elements, such as the fish-scale paving in the outdoor dining room, follow the Italianate tradition, while a class boxwood garden is more contemporary in its design. Near the lake, an ipe deck is flush with the grade, providing unobstructed views of Lake Michigan.

DIY

DIY – Living Room

GOLD

Ann Lennart

After sitting vacant for 17 years, the 800-square-foot Door County cottage demanded a complete-gut renovation. The homeowners, both Milwaukeeans, spent two years DIY-ing nearly every facet of the job, only hiring subcontractors for electrical, plumbing and drywall work.

Thrifted finds, sourced from antique stores and Facebook Marketplace, add character. The end result is “far more inviting and appointed than what you inherited,” said one judge, while another commented on how the window treatments brightened up the space.

SILVER

Brooke Winter

DIY – Kitchen

GOLD

Paula Lawler

A DIY project by a husband- and-wife duo and the husband’s carpenter father, the kitchen remodel pairs budget- conscious finds – e.g., the IKEA cabinetry with upgraded fronts by Semihandmade – with more splurge-worthy items, like the plumbing fixtures and countertop stone.

Each of the 38 cabinets was assembled by the couple, and a clear attention to period-style details, as seen in the wall molding and carved hearth, helps enhance the visual appeal. “Clean, crisp, with a clear point of view,” one judge noted. “This is a vast improvement on the outdated original, and one that balances pragmatism (IKEA cabinets) with romance (the range alcove).” 

SILVER

Building_Maple

Every facet of the kitchen was designed by the homeowner, once a stay-at-home mom of three and now a mother of three adult children and grandmother to four grandkids, and then professionally drawn to mirror her vision. Despite the open-concept footprint, clever solutions for workspace and storage were incorporated throughout, and the ceiling detail adds both warmth and interest. “Warm, inviting, and well-proportioned and appointed,” one judge wrote.

DIY – Specialty Room

GOLD

One Smith Studio

Eager to turn a previously uninspiring basement spare room into a place for her kids to “get the wiggles out,” the homeowner transformed the once-empty space into a bright, joyful playroom.

A DIY climbing wall, monkey bars and rope swing encourage physical activity, and a hand-painted mural adds bold color and clean lines. Plush ottomans and a large sideboard provide stylish toy storage. One judge commented on the creative use of color and movement to inspire kids, while another praised the transformation, saying, “Lucky kids! I’d play there!” 

SILVER 

One Smith Studio

Designed and built entirely by the homeowner, a full-time working mom of two, the basement wet bar and fireplace is now a favorite place to gather for friends and family members. The bar and fireplace framing were cut late at night or on weekends, and the antiqued mirror backsplash and tin ceiling tiles were installed by hand, further honing her impressive DIY skills.

Architecture + New Construction

Builder-Produced

GOLD

Aspen Homes

A representation of the homeowners’ adeptness in transforming a model home into a bespoke environ- ment, the builder-produced home is dually timeless and eclectic. In the kitchen, lower cabinets, stained a richly warm tone, anchor the space with a classic aesthetic, while creamy uppers allow the range hood to shine. Deeper hues populate the living room, where a more contemporary fireplace facade adds depth, and the foyer’s ceiling beams imbue rustic charm. 

SILVER

Korndoerfer Homes

The ranch home marries contemporary and traditional design, pairing modern conveniences, such as an open-concept floor plan and well-appointed mudroom, with thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing details, including millwork, crown molding and wainscotting.

Custom Primary

GOLD

Johnsen Schmaling Architects

Despite being surrounded by run-of-the-mill suburban domiciles, the home is a resource-conscious alternative to the McMansions now populating Wisconsin’s countryside. The bevel-wood siding is installed vertically and acts as a rain screen, creating surfaces that catch and reflect light throughout the day, and the dark-gray siding is visually rich — and, one could argue, perhaps even the trademark of the confidently modern build.

Inside, and similar to that of the exterior, the material palette avoids visual noise. Bleached white-oak cabinets and white walls and countertops form a neutral backdrop for the built-in wood cabinets, which extend the warmth and richness of the exterior cedar siding to the inside.

One judge described the project as “very clean, sleek but organic – quiet yet impactful design,” and another remarked that it was “nicely nestled on the site, with superb detailing.” 

SILVER

In Good Company

Challenged to maintain the historical feel of the 13-acre property, where a historic Tudor, root cellar and lakeside icehouse once stood, the design team worked collaboratively with the homeowners, who are also avid art collectors, for nearly four years, crafting a modern-influenced new build that exudes both simplistic and effortless beauty. “Responsive to a historic site and significant collection of contemporary art,” said one judge of the project. “It’s hard to get design to play nicely with both those elements, but they’ve managed it.”

BRONZE

Deep River Partners

Inspired by Old World masonry farmhouses, the modern European residence features simple architectural shapes and clean lines, ensuring focus rests on the aligned details (e.g., the white-fired brick and simulated slate-and-zinc roof). Inside, an open-concept floor plan is punctuated by millwork and interior finish changes to define spaces, and contemporary accents and colorful artwork elevate the otherwise neutral, though decidedly so, color palette. 

Vacation

GOLD

Racinowski Design Studio

Located on the side of a hill, the  site demanded an innovative design, and the result – a home neatly integrated into the slope, with floor-to-ceiling windows – evokes a treehouse-like feel, bringing the outdoors in. A 16-foot-wide patio door, which connects the interior spaces with a large, covered patio overlooking the lake, further bridges the gap between inside and out.

White-oak floors, woodwork and cabinetry form the interior’s light and airy foundation, while quartzite countertops and handcrafted porcelain tiles add dimension. Lighting and plumbing fixtures are sleek and sophisticated, and the contemporary furnishings are cozy yet durable – a requirement, no doubt, for a family vacation home. “Beautiful,” one judge mused. “Great use of materials in perfect combination, creating a warm and welcoming home inside and out.” 

SILVER

Amy Carman Design and Vetter Architects

Set on more than 100 acres in the Northern Kettle Moraine region of Wisconsin, the 7,100-square-foot home imbues a playful, edgy vibe, with a modern envelope carefully knitted into the wooded setting. The architecture, both modern and disciplined, sets the tone for the striking interior, which showcases the owner’s vast collection of whimsical visual art. “Love the mix of modern minimalism and moments of splashiness,” said one judge.

BRONZE (TIE)

Kate Kazlo Interiors

The previously dated and dark cottage was transformed into a functional lake home retreat. A renovated kitchen now entertains all family members and guests, while fresh, neutral furnishings and decor allow the outdoor beauty to shine. Outside, the porch ceiling was raised and windows were installed around the perimeter, ensuring usability year round.

Iron Jenny Design 

The two-story addition to a cherished family getaway, wherein the original structure dates back to 1880, introduces 1,250 square feet of thoughtfully designed space, anticiptaing the return of grown children and new family members. Private rooms dot the perimeter of the centrally located kitchen-dining-foyer core, and, on the exterior, horizontal shiplap and vertical board-and-batten cedar siding guarantee longevity and ease of maintenance.

“The definition of a second/vacation home,” remarked one judge, “A getaway that doesn’t require too much, but offers comfort and respite in a calming setting.”

Historic Renovation

GOLD

FORM

A former chapel in Bay View was converted into a forever home by its owners, who enlisted the help of design-minded family members to assist with the historic renovation. Material selections were carefully curated to honor the history of the space, as if they had always been, while still expressing the homeowners’ desire for a more modern lifestyle.

The interior color palette is seemingly inspired by the chapel’s original stained glass windows, with earthy hues like terracotta and olive green reflected throughout, and more contemporary features, such as the dramatic black exterior siding and modular furnishings, are not only practical, but aesthetically pleasing, as well. “A charming rescue effort transformed into a respectful, well-detailed and scaled home within the original footprint,” wrote one judge.

SILVER

Haven Interiors

To refresh the historic Gothic Revival home, the design team combined contemporary textures with the existing, stately architectural features. Wall played a key role throughout, adding lightness and modern flair, and local artisan Carrie Chimenti created a stria effect on the stairway walls to introduce dimension. Curved furnishings and neutral tones soften hard edges.

BRONZE

BSL Studios

Every surface of the 1920s Tudor was touched, but with the goal of preserving the existing character of the historic home. A two-story addition allows for a larger kitchen and primary suite, while custom details, including tongue-and-groove walls and period-style lighting, nod to a bygone era. Outside, black accents modernize the exterior brick, blending new with old.