Five stylist finalists in the 2026 Hart & Co. Kitchen Design Awards

Top up your inspiration bank with these dream kitchens as we share some of our favourite entries in this year’s awards

Project: Peppermint Grove

Designer: Emma Hann Interiors

Category: Best Kitchen Transformation

Soft curves, natural stone and warm-hued timbers bring an understated elegance to this beautiful Peppermint Grove kitchen. The clients asked Emma Hann Interiors to give their new kitchen a timeless aesthetic that would respect the home’s heritage character while being a light, contemporary space for everyday living. With existing arches informing the design direction, a palette of blonde Florence Oak veneer and honed Palazzo Dolomite stone introduces warmth and texture while letting the original architecture shine. Opening up the layout and lowering bench lines improved circulation and natural light, creating three distinct work zones and a spacious, welcoming feel.

The centrepiece is a large, pill-shaped island, intentionally free of sinks and interruptions to offer a natural gathering space for informal dining and preparing meals. With the home already having a formal dining, the island also removed the need for a separate kitchen table. Meanwhile work areas were arranged along the rear wall and a second island that incorporates the sink and a built-in chopping board. Considered details, including concealed wine glass storage and a dedicated tea zone, keep everyday essentials close at hand while maintaining the calm, uncluttered feel. The result is a kitchen that brings contemporary ease to a character home with a warmth that makes it feel like a natural and welcoming place to linger.

Project: Di Placido Residence

Designer: Shayne Le Roy & Carmen Hansberry

Category: Fisher & Paykel Kitchen Design Excellence

With its eye-catching black cabinetry and warm herringbone timber floors, this beautiful kitchen brings a sophisticated feel to modern farmhouse style. Shayne Le Roy and Carmen Hansberry were asked to design a kitchen that would cater for the practical daily demands of its large family and their love of entertaining. Black Shaker-style cabinetry was another must-have, created by Domino lacquered cabinets that give classic character and depth. Dekton Portum benchtops provide contrast while Woodpecker Ginger Herringbone floors add warmth. An emphasis on natural light balances the darker palette, creating an inviting space that connects seamlessly with the surrounding open-plan living areas.

A generously sized island bench with breakfast bar forms a natural gathering point for casual meals, conversation and company while cooking, while a carefully considered connection to the scullery helps keep the main kitchen feeling uncluttered. Appliance selection was essential to achieving the cohesive look, with black Fisher & Paykel appliances chosen to complement the cabinetry. The finished result is a hardworking, stylish kitchen that teams contemporary convenience with the enduring appeal of timeless farmhouse design.

Project: Oakover

Designer: Amass Architects & Praxis Build

Category: Kitchen Design Excellence | Up To $80,000

Involving a sensitive reimagining of a 1934 bungalow, this East Fremantle kitchen balances the depth of the home’s heritage character with a lighter, more connected approach to family living. Located in the historic Woodside Precinct, this Category A heritage-listed home required a considered response from Amass Architects and Praxis Build to preserve its original craftsmanship and character while opening up formerly dark, disconnected spaces. Working within the heritage constraints called for thoughtful structural solutions, with a heritage-listed chimney one challenge. Above the cooking station, the retained chimney required reinforcement with steelwork in the roof space to accommodate the new cabinetry.

Carefully positioned openings, lined in jarrah to complement the flooring, now connect the rooms and frame views towards the gardens. A sculptural skylight draws natural light into the heart of the home while recycled jarrah floorboards, walnut tones and warm natural stone create a rich, welcoming palette. The cabinetry’s clean lines and gentle curves take their cues from the original architraves and feature entry screen. With sustainability important, the newly laid timber floorboards were sourced from recycled homes and demolition materials were recycled to minimise waste. Now this is a timeless home ready for its next chapter, with functionality designed for contemporary family life.

Project: Mary

Designer: Tayla Hampson, Weststyle

Category: Kitchen Design Excellence | $80,000 - $150,000

Calm, light-filled and connected to the outdoors, this kitchen by Tayla Hampson of Weststyle brings thoughtful detail to everyday family living. The clients wanted a functional heart of the home that flowed seamlessly into the surrounding living spaces. Stackable doors open to the north-facing alfresco with continuous tiled flooring strengthening the indoor-outdoor connection, while louvred windows encourage ventilation.

A monolithic porcelain island anchors the room, its generous overhang creating a casual gathering place that the family love. The clients’ appliance selections and preference for cooking with fresh produce shaped the layout, with efficient preparation zones taking priority over extensive pantry storage. An integrated Sub-Zero refrigerator maintains the clean lines of the cabinetry while side-by-side ovens sit at bench height for ease of use.

A dedicated preparation sink serves the main kitchen with a larger sink, dishwasher and everyday appliances accommodated in the adjoining scullery. Carefully planned drawers and Blum corner solutions make the most of the available storage, with the result balancing the practical demands of a busy household with an inviting sense of calm and openness.

Project: Park

Designer: Adyn Kelly

Category: Kitchen Design Excellence | Over $150,000

Rich timber, softly curved cabinetry and expressive marble give this kitchen by Adyn Kelly a sense of quiet luxury. The heart of a character home, the kitchen introduces modern functionality while taking its cues from the gentle curves and proportions of the original architecture.

Dark timber joinery forms a warm backdrop, complemented by Black Titanium stone, striking Breccia Capraia marble and hand-rubbed bronze panels. Materials were selected with longevity in mind to embrace the character that develops through everyday use. The kitchen’s timber will deepen, the bronze will acquire a patina and the stone will carry subtle traces of family life, creating a kitchen designed to grow more beautiful with time. At its centre, the marble island brings light and movement to the deeper palette, its warm ivory tones threaded with veins of charcoal, green and amber. The island’s rounded edges soften its substantial form while an integrated stone-lined sink reinforces the impression of a single carved piece.

Increasing storage without overwhelming the room was a key part of the design brief. A new full-height cabinet adds storage capacity. Appliances were thoughtfully accommodated within the cabinetry, with ovens grouped in full-height timber cabinetry and refrigeration concealed behind matching fronts.

Vote for your pick and win

Celebrating its fifth year, the Hart & Co. Kitchen Design Awards presented by Fisher & Paykel, recognises the exceptional talent and creativity that defines Western Australia’s kitchen design landscape. Show your support and vote for your favourite from the 28 WA designer finalists for the Miele People’s Choice Award 2026. Vote for your favourite finalist at hartandcoappliances.com.au/awards by October 18 for the chance to win a Miele Guard L1 Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner valued at $879.