Kitchen Design Contest FAQs

Insights from our experts

Watch the video below for tips from the 2024-2025 contest's judges on how to make your submission stand out.

What is the KDC entry deadline?

The deadline for all entries is 11:59 p.m. Central Time, January 31, 2026.

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 one; one must be a floor plan) – PDF, JPG or JPEG
• Photos of the finished space (minimum of five; more are highly encouraged) – JPG or JPEG
• Written description that includes:
  • Homeowner’s top project design goals
  • Your top project goals, as a design professional
  • Challenges and limitations you faced on the project
  • Why you chose the Sub-Zero and Wolf products you did, and how they influenced the design
  • Any additional information you wish to share (optional)

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

Yes, you may enter in multiple categories as long as the projects were completed and constructed between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025.

You are also eligible to win additional categories if you receive First Time Entrant award.

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, 2024, and December 31, 2025.

I am a consumer or homeowner. Can I enter my kitchen in 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?

Yes, please see official rules for complete product inclusion requirements.

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

No. Please do not include your name, or your firm’s name, on any of the renderings, floor plans, narratives, or photos, as this is a “blind” contest. Make sure your file names do not reveal details such as the homeowner’s address or a company name. 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 five 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. File names must not include any identifying information. Although professional photography is not required, we do encourage it, as it can do a better job of highlighting your work than candid shots can. Also, "before" shots are not required, but are welcomed.

Do I need to submit a narrative/essay?

We require you to fill out answers to the questions about your design in the entry form. If you wish to share additional information about your work, we offer an area on the entry form to do so—but this is optional. Responses do not need to be professionally written.

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

• Write specific and concise responses to entry questions. Judges use the responses to learn about the project from your perspective (don’t worry—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
  • Declutter countertops, clearing items such as kitchen towels and sponges, magazines, and keys, and remove seasonal decorations from the kitchen and adjacent rooms
  • Do not submit photos with people in them

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 highly recommend contestants to provide an image of the Sub-Zero with the door open. Per the Official Rules "The Sponsor highly recommends at least one (1) photograph be taken with the qualifying refrigerator unit's door open to validate the product model."

What does it cost to enter?

There is no cost to enter. It is free!

How long should I spend on my entry?

If you have all the required elements in hand, it should only take about 30 minutes to submit your project. Otherwise it could take an hour or more.