2012 Chrysalis Awards

The Chrysalis Awards program, begun in 1994, recognizes the nation’s best remodeling and design work in 16 general categories of residential and commercial remodeling. The Chrysalis Awards are open to all professional remodelers and design professionals in the United States.

This year, 82 remodeling and design companies were honored as winners of the Chrysalis Awards for Remodeling Excellence. The winning projects were selected from more than 400 entries judged on overall design, the creative use of space and materials, and the degree to which the project enhanced the original structure.

One of the developments in recent years has been the number of first-time winners: in 2011 there were 30 first-timers and this year there were 38. It seems that there are a lot of both new and established companies that are now deciding to enter competitions as a way to showcase their talent. It’s also a reflection of the vitality of the industry.

This year’s competition was judged by Louis Joyner, former editor for Southern Living Magazine; Dan Gregory, editor of Houseplans.com; and Sam Liberti of the American Institute of Building Design.

Pictures of the 2012 award-winning projects, and all winning projects since 1998, can be seen on the Chrysalis website at www.chrysalisawards.com.

Knowing that we could not include photos of all the projects in this coverage, we asked the judges to identify the winning projects that they felt were the most interesting, and here are a few of them.

Kitchen Remodel $75,000-$100,000

National Winner: Jackson Design & Remodeling, San Diego, Calif.

When a young professional couple moved into a new home, they found their existing kitchen dated, bland, and unsuitable for their social lifestyle. As active members of their church community, the couple often invited large groups into their home. They wanted a welcoming kitchen with a rustic modern spirit that would comfortably accommodate many guests. Combining the dining and kitchen areas created an impressively expansive space. The generous use of warm wood and touches of repurposed materials lends rustic appeal in a thoroughly modern setting established by an open profile and clean lines.

Bath Remodel Under $40,000

National Winner: Beautiful Remodel LLC, Gilbert, Ariz.

The clients requested a “wow” contemporary bathroom but one that felt inviting and warm. They wanted a larger, walk-in shower with dual heads as well as improved storage, lighting, and functionality at the vanity areas. They rarely use a tub, so they didn’t want something large, but also didn’t want too large a shower that would feel disproportionate in the room. The goal was to create a stunning focal-point wall and a welcoming, comfortable “mood” for the room, which was done with the use of the S-shaped curved mosaic wall, interesting finishes & textures, and creative lighting.