Lee Hardcastle of Enigma Interiors in Brisbane was named the 2013 Australian Kitchen Designer of the Year at the 2013 KBDi Awards.

These awards, sponsored by Smeg Australia, Lincoln Sentry and Designer Training, are like the Oscars of the interior design world and are staged annually by the Kitchen and Bathroom Design Institute.

To give an idea of how influential designers like Lee Hardcastle are to the industry, his magnificent Noosa kitchen, which included removing a separation between cooking and living spaces, involved an appliance investment of more than $33,000.

“Lee’s design was an aesthetic masterpiece,” said the judges. “Appliances were fully integrated where possible and luxurious fittings and inclusions completed the picture.”

V-Zug, Electrolux and Vintec provided the major appliances for this kitchen.

“I recommended V-Zug for the look and for the functionality,” Hardcastle said “It’s that very integrated, mirrored, modern appearance; there’s no stainless on it at all.

“And the client wanted one of everything — dishwasher, combi-steam, coffee machine — so we could get everything from them, whereas some brands only make, say, a decent cooktop or a decent rangehood.”

Hardcastle said he is familiar with the V-Zug team in Brisbane and that he advised the clients to visit the brand’s showroom in Brisbane. Having experienced the product in situ, the appliances were then purchased through Brisbane Appliance Sales, a premium retailer based in Newmarket.

This isn’t the first time Lee Hardcastle has won this award, previously winning in 2010. That year, unfortunately, he was not able to claim the prize, which is a free fact-finding and taste-making trip with the KBDi to Milan, Italy.

“The last time I won this I had to forfeit the prize so I am very much hoping I can go this time!” Hardcastle said.

Lee’s Ledger

V-Zug Supremo Coffee Machine in Black
V-Zug Combi-Steam SL
V-Zug 3-Zone Induction Cooktop
V-Zug Adora Dishwasher (fully integrated)
V-Zug DW Levante Wall Mounted Canopy rangehood
V-Zug Miwell Combi Microwave
V-Zug Combair Wall Oven
Electrolux Fully Integrated Refrigerator (ERM3701WE)
Electrolux Fully Integrated Freezer (EFM3001WE)

Combined RRP is $33,288

Lee Hardcastle’s winning kitchen design.

Lee accepting his award from Tamara Buchanan from Smeg Australia.