Kitchen Design Contest FAQs

What is the KDC entry deadline?

The deadline for all entries is 11:59 p.m. Central Time, January 31, 2024.

What do I need to complete my contest entries?

• Complete list of Sub-Zero and Wolf products included in project
• Floor plan/elevation files (minimum of two; one 1 must be a floor plan) – PDF, JPG or JPEG
• Photos of the finished space (minimum of three) – JPG or JPEG
• Compile your thoughts on:
  • Homeowner’s top project design goals
  • Challenges and limitations
  • Your top project design goals, as a professional
  • Why the Sub-Zero and Wolf products were chosen; how did they influence the design
  • Any additional information you wish to include

Can I enter more than one kitchen in the same contest period?

Yes, you may enter multiple kitchens as long as the projects were completed and constructed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023.

Can I submit an entry that has won in another contest (e.g. NKBA)?

Yes, as long as the project was completed and constructed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023.

I am a consumer/the homeowner, can I enter the contest?

No, this contest is only open to trade professionals.

Is it necessary to have both Sub-Zero and Wolf products in a kitchen design to enter the contest?

Yes, at least one full-size Sub-Zero refrigeration unit, or two or more Sub-Zero undercounter units, and at least one Wolf product as the primary cooking appliance for the residence must be present in the design. However, it is not a requirement to use Wolf ventilation, microwave oven or warming drawer products.

Do you want the entrant’s name on the entry materials?

No. Please do not include your name on any of the renderings, floor plans, narratives, or photos, as this is a “blind” contest. Your name will be captured in the entry form which is not shared with the judges.

What are the photography requirements for entry? (Not applicable for student category.)

A minimum of three color photographs of the completed design are required, with a maximum of 10 allowed. Each file can be up to 15 megabytes at highest resolution (a minimum of 300 dpi is recommended). Do not include spaces or special characters (such as % or & or –), when naming the files and use .jpg or .jpeg for the file extension. Professional photography is not required. However, we do encourage professional photography as it can do a better job in highlighting your work vs. a candid shot. Also, "before" shots are not required, but are welcomed.

Do I need to submit a narrative/essay?

No, however, we do require you to fill out answers to the questions about your design in the entry form. If you wish to share more information/explanation about your work, we offer an area on the entry form to do so…but this additional information/explanation is optional.

Do you have any tips on how I can enhance my entries?

• Write specific and concise responses to entry questions
• Responses do not need to be professionally written
• Judges use the responses to learn about the project from your perspective, they are not critiquing the writing or grammar
• Provide clean, labeled drawings
• Submit great images – photography is paramount
  • Capture high resolution photos with good lighting
  • Showcase all appliances in the photos so the judges can see how they’ve been incorporated into the design
  • De-clutter countertops, clearing items such as kitchen towels and sponges, magazines, and keys, and remove seasonal decorations from the kitchen and adjacent rooms

For the purposes of this contest, what are the characteristics of Contemporary, Transitional, and Traditional kitchen design styles?

Contemporary design encompasses styles of the modern era, including Art Deco, mid-century modernism, and minimalism. Stark architectural form, clean lines, and neutral palettes are dominant characteristics of this category. Contemporary designs often employ integrated kitchen appliances. Common elements may include metals of cooler hues, glass, natural textures, and modern art.

Traditional design draws inspiration from a range of 18th and 19th century styles, including neoclassical, Colonial, French country, and other revival styles. Common elements include ornate millwork and architectural details, symmetry, classic forms and patterns, classical art, and antiques.

Transitional style melds contemporary and traditional design elements. This style often features the modern aesthetic and muted colors of contemporary design paired with some of the patterns, details, and comfort found in traditional design.

Will I be disqualified if I do not provide a photo of the Sub-Zero unit with the door open?

We do not require contestants to provide an image of the Sub-Zero with the door open. Per the Official Contest Rules “We highly recommend, but do not require, at least one photograph be taken with the qualifying refrigerator unit's door open.” If the contestant provides a good straight on shot of the Sub-Zero, and lists the correct model in the product selector, we do not have an issue validating our product.

Can I submit images with people in them?

To keep the authenticity of a blind contest, images with people in them should not be submitted. Images with people in them will be removed in the validation process. We cannot risk the judges knowing anyone who might be in a submitted photos.

What does it cost to enter?

There is no cost to enter. It is free!