2025 TIDA International Kitchen of the Year
Winners, Runners-up and Finalists 2025 TIDA International Kitchen of the Year – top new and renovated kitchens from around the globe
Winner
TIDA International Kitchen of the Year
Celia Visser Design – Auckland
This expansive kitchen sits within an extension the designer was undertaken as part of the renovation of her own 1870s home in Auckland’s Freemans Bay.
The vision was for a contemporary social space that was as functional as it was visually captivating, while also blending the original house character with modern-day features.
This was achieved by designing the kitchen’s back wall to appear as a large piece of furniture, with tall, double-moulded doors concealing all the storage, appliances, sink and extra bench space.
When closed, the exterior appearance has a very clean look with its own character – when the doors are opened, an entirely different, more functional look is revealed.
Judges' comments
This project demonstrates how new products – in this case the door hardware – opens up new opportunities for designers.
Here the result is a bank of cabinetry on the back wall of the kitchen that house the various workstations.
These can be all opened, all closed or just individual areas opened up.
The design is a skilful blend of traditional and contemporary elements, and of functional requirements and aesthetics.
Runner-up
TIDA International Kitchen of the Year
Daniel Joseph Chenin – Nevada
This kitchen in a custom residence set atop a 9100m2 rise in the Nevada desert bridges multiple design languages – Art Deco structure, traditional French sensibilities, and contemporary desert living – while maintaining seamless flow within a highly choreographed residence.
The challenge wasn’t simply aesthetic; it was conceptual: how to design a kitchen that functioned as both a stage for gathering and a sculptural anchor in a home defined by contrast and transition.
The solution was not to diminish the kitchen’s presence, but to elevate it, to design it as a room within a room, where every surface, junction, and proportion was meticulously considered.
Judges' comments
Beautiful layout and spacial organisation.
The custom joinery and detailing are incredible and the butlers pantry is a highlight.
Stone, metal and blush-toned finishes harmonise with the adjacent rooms while establishing the ktichen's own distinct personality.
Finalist
TIDA International Kitchen of the Year
Forward Design | Architecture – Kansas City
This kitchen is part of a historic renovation and addition to a Mid-Century modern home that had undergone ill-conceived modifications to the original structure over the years
The existing kitchen was small and closed off from the remainder of the living spaces, and the reconfigured floor takes advantage of views to the rear yard while cleaning up the additions.
The kitchen it treated like mid-century furniture with the exception of the appliance wall and pantries, occupying the west side of the lower floor plan.
Finalist
TIDA International Kitchen of the Year
German Kitchens – Wellington
As part of a major renovation, the owners of this coastal home wanted a new kitchen that would embrace the original 1970s architect-designed home – a design which emphasised simplicity, natural materials and harmonious integration with the environment.
It also needed to be extremely hard wearing and serviceable, to suit their busy lifestyle and to be able to withstand the endless sun that poured in through the high windows originally designed in the kitchen area.
The kitchen’s monochromatic grey tones contrast with the warmth of the wooden floor and plywood ceilings – a deliberately restricted palette that means the interior setting doesn’t compete with the extensive views.
Finalist
TIDA International Kitchen of the Year
Green Homes & Forager Studio – Queenstown
The interior of this showhome was conceived as a sanctuary of warmth and simplicity, deeply rooted in biophilic design principles.
A major challenge was designing a kitchen-scullery layout that felt open and cohesive, yet could accommodate the functional needs of modern living.
To address this, the scullery has been left open – becoming a natural extension of the kitchen rather than a concealed utility space.
Finalist
TIDA International Kitchen of the Year
Lot 1 Design – New South Wales
Originally a stable for a rural homestead, this property has been reimagined into a self-contained guest house for family and friends, with a particular focus on creating a highly functional and delightful kitchen.
The challenge was to work within the existing structure, preserving its external character, while transforming the interior to meet the needs of modern living.
The design responds to the brief by blending contemporary country aesthetics with a minimalist and efficient layout.
Finalist
TIDA International Kitchen of the Year
McCroskey Interiors – Kansas City
The design goals for this kitchen were clear from the outset – to create a space that not only exuded elegance and sophistication but also provided the perfect setting for both intimate gatherings and grand entertaining.
With walls of windows throughout, it was imperative to keep the sweeping views visible in the kitchen area while still allowing room for storage, prep area needs, and cooking.
The entire kitchen is adorned in luxurious Arabescato Corchia marble, including sliding marble panels to each side of the cooking zone that provide easy access to spices and other cooking needs.
Finalist
TIDA International Kitchen of the Year
Mcmahon and Nerlich – Melbourne
Designed with entertaining in mind, this kitchen is a sculptural centrepiece that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings.
The robust, timber-clad island bench is free of services, becoming a gathering point that invites conversation while framing the views of the flourishing garden beyond.
Working functions have been relocated to the back wall of the kitchen and to the combined pantry and laundry behind, ensuring an uncluttered and serene aesthetic.
Finalist
TIDA International Kitchen of the Year
Paul Archer Design – London
At the heart of this fully renovated home is a generous, long kitchen-dining space, open in volume and quietly dramatic in scale.
Its proportions are enhanced by richly detailed walnut joinery, fluted cabinetry, and confident blocks of colour.
Rather than fragmenting the space, the design relies on material continuity and clean lines to create a cohesive, flowing environment that supports both family life and informal gathering.
The palette is tactile and contemporary, with an emphasis on natural finishes that elevate the everyday.
Finalist
TIDA International Kitchen of the Year
Pennington Perspective – Phoenix, Arizona
This custom U-shaped kitchen blends modern minimalism with approachable warmth.
Rift sawn white oak cabinetry, a 4.7m Taj Mahal quartzite island, a limewashed custom hood, and fully integrated appliances define the room’s clean, grounded aesthetic.
Architectural soffits and layered lighting help resolve the 18-foot ceiling height.
The result is a refined yet highly functional kitchen that serves as the heart of a family home.
Finalist
TIDA International Kitchen of the Year
Pepper Design – Melbourne
This expansive penthouse with breathtaking 180° views of Melbourne's skyline was ready for a complete overhaul when its retired-couple owners bought it.
Passionate about cooking and entertaining, the couple wanted a space that seamlessly blended high-end performance with an elegant atmosphere.
A rich, dark timber finish for the cabinetry is complemented by deep neutral soft whites throughout the home, while additional design elements, such as gently textured floor tiles and elegant linen curtains, introduce softness and warmth.
Finalist
TIDA International Kitchen of the Year
Rogan Nash Architects – Auckland
Sitting at the heart of a new home, this kitchen was designed for a family who make food and entertaining an important aspect of life,
As a result, it needed to have robust materials and an easy layout that allowed it to be used by more than one person at a time, as well as be an attractive place to stop and hang out in.
A subtle, geometric mix of materials and the openness of the space it sits in gives this kitchen a relaxed and sunny disposition.
Finalist
TIDA International Kitchen of the Year
Roundhouse Design – London
Designed for a young family, this kitchen is a refined fusion of Asian and Scandinavian aesthetics, transforming a flood-damaged London home into an elegant, tactile, and functional heart of the household.
The open-plan design reimagines space, texture, and functionality.
Merging luxury with sustainability, it demonstrates how high-end kitchen design can be both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
Story by: Trendsideas
Home kitchen bathroom commercial design
Light and refined
Expanded presence
Sculpted by the wind and sun
