Wayfair Professional members shared hundreds of stunning images from their portfolios in hopes of impressing three industry-leading judges and becoming one of our 2021 Tastemaker Award winners. The results are in, and we are proud to announce the winners for each of our six categories. Vice president of Wayfair Professional Margaret Lawrence said, “The 2021 Wayfair Professional Tastemaker Award winners are a particularly resilient group of designers and business owners who delivered world-class projects across various industries while managing the uncertainties of last year.”
This year’s judges have an impressive collective resume. Our first judge is Hadley Kelly, digital director of House Beautiful. Also one of this year’s judges is a former Tastemaker Award winner herself: Galey Alix Gravenstein of Galey Alix Design. Last but not least, our third judge is Nigel Maynard, editor in chief of Custom Builder Magazine and PRODUCTS.
Congratulations to all our winners! Keep reading to learn about each respective winner and see their beautiful spaces.
Winner: Best Use of Outdoor Space | Wills Design Associates | Outdoor Patio
Wills Design Associates, a Houston-based business, focuses primarily on residential design projects. Principal designer Lauren Wills was excited to get the opportunity to redo her parents outdoor dining patio, and the outcome has wowed our judges. Hadley Keller said, “I love that this patio has a lounge and dining area with a mix of furniture that feels collected but still (not too!) polished.”
Congratulations to Lauren, and click here to read more about Lauren Wills and this outstanding outdoor space!
Winner: Best Residential Design | Ana Claudia Design | Historic Home Renovation
Our judges are raving about this residential-design winner! Ana Claudia Design provides interior design for both residential and commercial clients in the greater New York City area. Ana Claudia and her team helped transform this historic house into a fun and functional family space. Hadley Keller said, “Respect for this home’s historic bones is evident throughout the thoughtful layout, dedicated restoration, and highlighting of original detailing… the perfect update to a historic property.”
Congratulations to Ana Claudia Design Studio, and click here for much more on this ravishing, residential design.
Winner: Most Dramatic Renovation: Best Before & After | The Luxe Design Group | Houston House Project
The Luxe Design Group has won the Tastemaker Award for Most Dramatic Renovation for their monumental makeover of this Texas listing. They are a Houston-based home-staging and interior design firm for investors, builders, realtors, and homeowners. Principal designer Marissa Sorola said, “This was a huge deal for me personally and professionally. This was the biggest house I have ever purchased to flip.”
Click here for a full breakdown of what one of our esteemed judges Nigel Maynard, editor in chief of Custom Builder Magazine and PRODUCTS, called the “most well-rounded project” in this category. Congratulations to The Luxe Design Group!
Winner: Most Effective Use of Color | Munro + Sica Interior Design | Living Room Project
Munro + Sica Interior Design, a Detroit-based design duo, brought color and a coastal flare to this residential design project. “Homes should be inviting and cozy... a place you can escape to from the stresses of the world and where you can just feel calm. This space made me feel that way instantly with the textures, color, and layout,” said judge Galey Alix.
The duo combined their talents to create this tasteful and colorful living room. Nara said of her and her partner Michelle, “Michelle has more of a timeless style which everyone loves, and I kind of bring a bit of a fresher take on things. I’m a little more bold; I love patterns and different elements. We merged those strengths together. We love what we do so much. We really care about the client. Our tagline is “Fresh, sophisticated you.” We don’t gravitate toward one style or another.”
Click
here for more on this winning design, and congratulations to Nara and Michelle!
Winner: Best Commercial Business Design | House of Form | Nori Sushi Project
We are proud to announce that House of Form’s Nori Sushi project has won the Tastemaker Award for “Best Commercial Business Design.” House of Form, a Scottsdale-based firm, is proud of the true collaboration that went into this restaurant redesign. Partnering up with ALINE Architecture Concepts, House of Form created a restaurant feel that judge Nigel Maynard called “an amazing transformation.” He said, “It went from a dark unattractive space to a light-filled restaurant that looks like an awesome place to have lunch or dinner.”
Click here for much more on this amazing business design project!
Winner: Most Cohesive Design With Social Distancing | Lu French | The Silver Fork
The past year has been full of challenges for many businesses across all industries. Our pros had to get creative in terms of integrating social distancing into design. We wanted to be sure to recognize this impressive ability, and the Silver Fork is our winner for “Most Cohesive Design With Social Distancing.” This historic Manchester, VT restaurant resides in an 18th-century library, and interior designer Lu French was able to curate a space that was both stylish, spacious, and historic.
General manager of foodservice at Wayfair Professional Laura Cooper said, “This project stands out because they were able to highlight the historic yet inviting atmosphere while ultimately creating a space that aligns with today's need for space and flexibility.”
Read more
here about the Silver Fork and this socially distanced design!