Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the 5th Annual House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year. Located in Rockefeller Plaza (on the North Plaza Block between 50th and 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues), the annual event invites a celebrated industry professional to design a kitchen and see it come to life. This year, the beloved shelter magazine collaborated with a true industry expert, Mick de Giulio.
"Mick is not just any kitchen designer - he is THE kitchen designer with hundreds of projects completed around the globe," praises Newell Turner, editor in chief of House Beautiful. If Mick sounds like a big deal, it's because he is. Designing kitchens for over two decades, de Giulio has become a prized designer and consultant in the industry not only designing luxury kitchens, but also kitchen-related products.
His creation of the 1,000 square foot Kitchen of the Year space was nothing short of sophistication. Revealing inspirations from his own kitchen, his space had life, texture and functionality. The overall design featured two kitchens (both indoor and outdoor), a lengthy kitchen island with hidden storage space (great for a portable office), living area with a glorious fireplace, dining space and more.
At first glance, the kitchen recalls a classic New England style with off-white cabinetry and chocolate wood floors (compliments of KraftMaid and Shaw). Yet as attendees continued through de Giulio's creation, many modern elements surfaced (not counting the awesome Whirlpool appliances). I fell in love with the Ann Sacks subway tiles that were installed on a mobile sliding unit to conceal small appliances on the counter. Mick also receives extra styling points for the living and dining areas. Both spaces showcased elegance in rustic design that brought an exterior element indoors (notable vendors include Napoleon Fireplaces, Kravet and Michael Aram).
Overall, the 2012 Kitchen of the Year demonstrates how fine kitchen design can be both practical and functional. If you live in the New York City area, there is still time to get in on the fun. Check out the Kitchen of the Year agenda for all cooking demonstrations and special event schedules. To learn more information about the House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year, visit www.housebeautiful.com/KOTY
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