For the last four years, Nathan and Ellen Wundersitz from SpaceCraft Joinery in Strathalbyn have swanned off to the national Kitchen & Bathroom Designers Institute awards ceremony. And each time, they’ve come away as winners. This year, however, things were slightly different.

Under COVID-19 restrictions, the KBDi awards were transformed into three virtual events. So, for Nathan and Ellen, instead of frocking up and hitting the dancefloor, they found themselves huddled around a computer in the kitchen. (How appropriate.)

With four kitchens entered in five categories, the team was delighted to discover on July 23 that all four had made it through as finalists. Especially given that unlike previous years, where each state had its own winners, South Australia was amalgamated into a chapter that put SpaceCraft up against the best from WA and Tasmania as well as SA. This would be tough.

SpaceCraft’s finalists were:
• Margaret & Peter’s kitchen (for both the Small Kitchen in SA/WA/Tasmania & Traditional Kitchen nationally);
• Kellie & Mads’ kitchen (Large Kitchen for SA/WA/Tasmania);
• Daniel & Genevieve’s kitchen (Kitchen Plus for SA/WA/Tasmania); and
• Matt & Megan’s kitchen (Nathan’s nomination for national Certified Designer of the Year).

Again, on Friday 7 August, Nathan and Ellen found themselves eyeballing the iMac at home in Strathalbyn. As Ellen put it, “We tuned in each time remotely, so the vibe was a little different – and slightly less suspenseful – but exciting nonetheless to come away with a few!” What they learned was that Kellie & Mads’ kitchen had been judged the best Large Kitchen for SA, WA & Tasmania. And Daniel & Genevieve’s kitchen was the best Kitchen Plus.

Finally, with the fire on, home-made pizzas in the oven and a glass of wine in hand, once more they were glued to the screen on Friday 14 August for the grand final virtual ceremony. The first good news: Margaret & Peter’s kitchen was judged best in the Traditional category for the whole of Australia.

Of this kitchen, the judges said, “Nathan’s quirky clients were vintage collectors and artistic types, and they wanted a 50s-inspired kitchen to reflect their eclectic tastes. Their budget presented some challenges, but the designer delivered a stand-out space with cleverly curated details. Curved ribbing, gorgeously profiled door and drawer fronts and super-cute knobs are a generous nod to the fifties style, while blackwood detailing links the kitchen to the clients’ vintage pieces”.

Then, while Nathan did miss out on securing the coveted national title of Certified Designer of the Year with Matt & Megan’s kitchen, Daniel & Genevieve’s brought him compensation as the KBDi Kitchen Designer of the Year for SA, WA & Tasmania. That means he’s now been named the best kitchen designer in our state every year bar one since 2016. To quote the judges, they “loved the warmth and practicality of this beautiful kitchen. They noted the seamless transition between spaces, and commended the designer on his careful selection of finishes, fixtures and fittings”.