Cool! I actually like the second place contemporary kitchen better than the first place one. It's much warmer.

Wow. Thanks for sharing. Most (all?) of these kitchens just miss any warm and fuzzy elements that would make them homey or "comfortable." A couple look like you need to don your white jumpsuit to go in, and the London one looks like it's set up for a new Jack in the Box franchise to move in. Still, very interesting to look at.

I know, I agree. They are definitely on the modern/sterile side. Still, there are some good ones, and it's interesting to see some of the design choices... like that big bold punch of red in the 2nd place winner. Not sure I would do that, but it seems like a good way to liven up a space.

And I really like they way they did this shelf behind the range:

Hey! The traditional contemporary kitchen is our own mamadadapaige's! One of my all-time faves. Check out the butler's pantry. I believe it's won other awards. mamadadapaige's reveal

fouramblues, which one is mamadadapaige's? I don't see it.

funkycamper, those 20 chairs caught my eye, too. I cracked up when I read the opening - that the designer had to design a kitchen big enough for hundreds of guests and professional enough for visiting chefs. I don't think anyone has posted quite that same challenge here.

DESERT RETREAT

Well, I don't see it now either! I must have managed to click through to past winners, sorry! :/

That first place transitional looks much more modern/urban to me than transitional!

I couldn't find MamaDadaPaige's either...

I have to agree about the "feel" - most feel like very sterile/cold "showplace" kitchens - meant to be seen from a distance and not be worked in!

Jeez, I expected to see beautiful kitchens... but I ended up disliking almost all kitchens I clicked on. I think the spaces are too large, the sunlight doesn't reach to the cabinet runs along the interior walls, making the ambient light flat and dead, expensive and depressing.

One more thing: After looking at a dozen kitchens with marble slabs on the walls, I'm over it - done with it. Ugh...can't stand the sight of it any longer.

This kitchen in a Boston townhouse is one of the few I found that I actually really like. Love the built-in bench too. I'm not totally sure about the table height/connection to the counter, but I could move right in :-)

http://www.subzero-wolf.com/inspiration/kitchens/boston-common-townhouse