Congratulations to the finalists of the Designer Contest, presented by La Cornue and Midland Appliance
In Fall 2025, designers from across British Columbia submitted their La Cornue–inspired kitchen designs for a chance to win three days in the heart of Downtown Chicago, including an exclusive La Cornue experience at the iconic Merchandise Mart, guided Chicago Architecture River Cruise, along with print and digital features of the winning project.
Read more about the finalists below:
Finalist 1 — Sophie Burke, Sophie Burke Design
This ambitious renovation of a 1912 heritage home reinterprets its architectural character through a contemporary lens — a careful balance of preservation and modern family life. The kitchen is the main floor’s showpiece, tastefully integrated into its open floor plan. It offers a functional workspace for the family of avid cooks, featuring bespoke cabinetry with modified face frames and slender shaker door profiles that honour the home’s heritage, and streamlined finishes for modernity. At its center is the La Cornue 110cm CornuFé Series range in Matte Black with polished brass accents and stainless trim paired with a custom hood fan.
Project contributors:
• Senior Designer: Jennifer Millar
• Builder: Eyco Building Group
• Collaborators: Clothstudio, Janaki Larsen, Notary Ceramics, Barter Design, OpenSpace Urban Cabinetry
• Photographer: Ema Peter
Finalist 2 — Trish Knight, Knight Varga Interiors
Designed as a central gathering space where “everyone cooks, bakes, works, and connects,” this kitchen supports both daily life and large-scale entertaining. It was inspired by the family’s tradition of multi-generational holidays with grandparents and grandkids, including an especially memorable trip to France that informed much of the kitchen’s aesthetic. Natural stone surfaces, refined millwork, and subtle detailing create continuity throughout the open plan. The La Cornue 110cm CornuFé Series range in Matte Black with stainless trim, polished brass accents, and brass handrail, paired with a custom hood fan is the cornerstone of this kitchen.
“Designing this kitchen was such a pleasure because the clients were genuinely excited to be part of the process. They were open, collaborative, and trusted the journey, which made every decision feel intentional and fun. Their great taste and enthusiasm helped shape a space that feels warm, personal, and truly lived in.” — Trish Knight
Project contributors:
• Millwork: Old World Kitchens (@oldworldkitchens)
• Builder: Jeff Pallfy Homes
• Photography: Bob Young Photography
• Appliances: Midland Appliance
• Plumbing: Kohler (@kohler)
• Lighting: Visual Comfort (@visualcomfort)
• Counters: Slabs from C&S Tile and Margranite (@ceramstone)
Finalist 3 — Gregory Funk, Rose and Funk Interiors Inc.
Entry 1: “The Grove”
Conceived as a new build with the substance and charm of an old European country home, this kitchen features material richness, layered texture, and atmospheric depth. It feels grounded and lived in with its muted tones, aged finishes, and natural elements including stone, linen, plaster, and wood. Its refinement is balanced with ease, cultivating warmth without excess. Featured in this design is the La Cornue 110cm CornuFé series range in Matte black with stainless trim paired with a custom hood fan.
Project contributors:
• Midland Premium Properties — Boutique Developer of High-end Residential Homes (@midlandpremiumproperties, www.midlandproperties.ca)
• Rose and Funk Interiors Inc — Interior Design Studio (@roseandfunk, www.roseandfunk.com)
Entry 2: “The Jeffrey”
Tucked away in a historical neighbourhood, this design was inspired by a vision to connect classical context and new design expression. Traditional elements in architecture along with familiar proportions establish a sense of comfort and belonging, while unexpected details, layered textures and bold contrasts bring energy and individuality. The palette is refined and enduring, with every finish, fixture and form selected to strike a balance between elegance and attitude. The La Cornue 110cm CornuFé series range in stainless steel with satin chrome accents paired with a custom hood fan elevates the kitchen’s elegance.
Project contributors:
• Midland Premium Properties — Boutique Developer of High-end Residential Homes (@midlandpremiumproperties, www.midlandproperties.ca)
• Rose and Funk Interiors Inc — Interior Design Studio (@roseandfunk, www.roseandfunk.com)
Finalist 4 — Paige, Georgia, & Brynn Smythe of Smythe Studio
This French farmhouse kitchen balances coastal familiarity and timeless elegance. Cream cabinetry and handmade tiles establish a soft, appreciable foundation, while expansive windows frame sweeping sea views and draw in natural light. Inspired by Bowen Island’s landscape, the palette emphasizes material continuity and gentle contrast. The La Cornue 110cm CornuFé series range in Matte black with stainless trim paired with a custom hood fan is featured, introducing visual depth without disrupting the kitchen’s calm rhythm.
Project contributors:
• Contractor: Frost Homes (@frost.homes)
• Millwork: Paradigm Kitchen Design (@paradigmkitchen)
• Windows: Cascadia Windows (@cascadiawindows)
• Tile: Annsacks (@annsacks)
• Knobs: Supplied by Bradford Hardware @bradfordhardware / by @rockymountainhardware
• Counter: Omnia Quartz (@omniaquartz) supplied by West Coast Granite (@westcoastgranite)
• Hood fan finish: Portola Paint (@portolapaints)
• Island wood top: Wide Plank (@wideplankhardwood)
• Sconces: Supplied by CF interior design @cfinteriordesign / from @visualcomfort
Finalist 5 — Negar Reihani, Space Harmony Interiors
This Coal Harbour kitchen articulates the beautiful design tension between West Coast contemporary design and Parisian refinement through a deliberate and disciplined approach. Rather than blending styles, the contrasting influences are invited to coexist, creating a schema that reflects the clients’ cultural identities. Clean architectural lines are offset by expressive detailing, resulting in a composition that feels both precise and dynamic. Perfecting the kitchen is the La Cornue 75cm Château series range in Matte Black with brushed brass trim, paired with a Chateau series trapezoidal hood fan.
Project contributors:
• Contractor: Frost Homes (@frost.homes)
• Contractor: Van-L Construction — Paul Van Loenen
• Cabinet: Front First Designs Ltd. — Evan
• Château range and hood: Midland Appliance — Angelo Li
Finalist 6 — Erica James, Erica James Design
Entry 1: “Ma Manor”
This kitchen’s design was directed by a desire for clarity, balance, and longevity. Elevating the space is the La Cornue 110cm CornuFé series range in Matte black with polished brass trim paired with a custom hood fan. Its depth and tonal weight provide contrast against soft, creamy millwork, establishing a focal point that feels composed and intentional. Surrounding finishes were kept restrained and light to highlight the elegance of the range, while maintaining a feeling of openness for this functional family kitchen.
Project contributors:
• Contractor: Gaijo Homes (@sandhu_ray)
• Millwork: Anandsar Custom Kitchen (@anandsar_kitchen)
• Cabinet Hardware: MYOH (@myohstudio)
• Plumbing Fixtures: House of Rohl (@houseofrohl)
• Photographer: Tina Kulic (@tina_emapeterphoto)
Entry 2: “French Château”
Inspired by a French château, this kitchen layers classical detail within a new, novel framework intended for a young family. Subtle paneling, arched transitions, and patterned surfaces bring rhythm and visual continuity, while a subtle mix of warm brass and soft nickel adds tonal depth. Featured in this kitchen is the La Cornue 90 cm CornuFé series range in blanc with polished chrome accents, brass knobs, and stainless trim paired with a custom hood fan.
Project contributors:
• Contractor: Brick House Building (@brickhousebuilding)
• Millwork: Anandsar Custom Kitchen (@anandsar_kitchen)
• Custom Metal Shelving: Palmer Industries (@palmer_industries)
• Cabinet Hardware: MYOH (@myohstudio)
• Plumbing Fixtures: House of Rohl (@houseofrohl)
• Photographer: Tina Kulic (@tina_emapeterphoto)
• Videographer: Nyshe Media (@nyshemedia)
Finalist 7 — Madeleine Sloback, Madeleine Design Group
This design was guided by a commitment to preserve the home’s original character while introducing a focused design statement. A tiled feature wall extends its palette, drawing colour and texture across the space and connecting seamlessly with warm wood accents. Each element was selected for its contribution to balance, contrast, and cohesion. The La Cornue 110cm CornuFé series range in royal blue with copper trim and nickel accents paired with a custom hood fan ties the composition of this kitchen together beautifully.
Project contributors:
• Raincity Homes
Thank you again to all the amazing finalists for participating.
Explore La Cornue, including the CornuFé and Château series ranges featured in this blog by clicking here.
You can also learn more about Midland Appliance’s design team by visiting our Builder and Designer services page linked here.