The 2026 KBDi Design Awards concluded spectacularly on Saturday evening, as Australia’s kitchen and bathroom design community gathered at the Hyatt Regency Sydney to celebrate an extraordinary year of design.
Held in the hotel’s Maritime Ballroom as the finale of the 2026 ACFA × KBDi Conference, the eighteenth annual Awards Gala recognised the creativity, technical expertise and sheer dedication behind some of Australia’s finest kitchen and bathroom projects.
There were plenty of memorable moments — and many worthy winners — to celebrate on the night. Over the coming weeks, we’ll take a closer look at the Conference, the Gala and the talented designers recognised across this year’s Awards categories.
But first, we’re starting at the top.
KBDi AUSTRALIAN CERTIFIED DESIGNER OF THE YEAR 2026
STEFAN VIGNOGNA CKD Au | STEFAN VIGNOGNA / BESPOKE JOINERY DESIGN
Proudly sponsored by New Age Veneers
Taking home the prestigious title of KBDi Australian Certified Designer of the Year 2026, Stefan Vignogna impressed the judges with a project characterised by restraint, refinement and meticulous attention to detail.
Every junction, corner and surface has been carefully resolved, with a striking furniture-like island that challenges convention and blurs the boundaries of traditional kitchen design.
The judges particularly admired how Stefan respectfully responded to the home’s character while seamlessly integrating contemporary finishes and appliances. As you’d expect from a KBDi Certified Designer, the attention to detail didn’t end with the finished space — Stefan’s exceptional documentation was equally impressive.
Congratulations, Stefan — KBDi Australian Certified Designer of the Year 2026.
KBDi AUSTRALIAN KITCHEN DESIGNER OF THE YEAR 2026
ELIESHA KEENAN | PAIANO DESIGN
Proudly sponsored by Hettich Australia
There’s a wonderfully romantic quality to Eliesha Keenan’s award-winning kitchen — and it left a lasting impression on this year’s judging panel.
Beautiful natural materials take centre stage, with striking Blue Arabescato marble and handcrafted zellige tiles bringing depth, movement and character to the space without overwhelming it.
An elegant open-leg island gives the kitchen a lighter, furniture-like feel, while a clever semi-waterfall detail creates a distinctive, beautifully resolved centrepiece.
Refined, functional and wonderfully restrained, Eliesha’s winning project proves that sometimes, simplicity really does speak volumes.
Congratulations, Eliesha — KBDi Australian Kitchen Designer of the Year 2026.
KBDi AUSTRALIAN BATHROOM DESIGNER OF THE YEAR 2026
ROBYN COTÉ | INSPIRED INTERIORS BY ROBYN COTÉ
Proudly sponsored by e&s
Robyn Coté’s beautiful bathroom captivated the judges with its extraordinary attention to detail and its sophisticated layering of materials.
A tactile palette adds richness and depth to the space, while pecan-stained timber fluting introduces warmth and creates a seamless visual connection between the bathroom and the adjoining bedroom.
The result is luxurious without being ostentatious and serene without feeling stark — a beautifully balanced interior that the judges described as a wonderful expression of modern luxury.
Congratulations, Robyn — KBDi Australian Bathroom Designer of the Year 2026.
And there’s much more to come…
Of course, these three exceptional designers represent just the beginning of our 2026 KBDi Design Awards celebrations.
From our State Kitchen and Bathroom Designers of the Year to the winners of Laundries, Design Spaces, Traditional or Themed Design, First Time Entrant, Student Design and more, this year’s Awards showcased an inspiring breadth of talent from across Australia.
We’ll be sharing more of the winning projects — along with highlights, insights and memorable moments from the 2026 ACFA × KBDi Conference and Awards Gala — over the next few weeks.
For now, please join us in congratulating Stefan Vignogna CKD Au, Eliesha Keenan and Robyn Coté on taking out three of the KBDi Design Awards’ highest honours.