Triumphant Trompe l'oeil
Regional Award Winner KDC 2006-07


This kitchen may feel Georgian, but its creation was equally inspired by the classical arts and a deep appreciation for the talents of individual craftsmen.
Designer Vincent Cappello says that working on Mallard Pond, a new estate surrounded by horse farms in Ridgefield Connecticut was a dream come true. In the spirit of an old southern plantation home, the Georgian-style manor designed by architect Jeff Mose holds court in the center of a large swath of acreage. The owners, an educator and an investment professional with Italian heritage, sought out the most talented craftspeople to design and decorate their abode with a very traditional, very high quality look and feel. They also needed the kitchen to be appropriate whether they were cooking for two, hosting small gatherings of friends and business associates, or having large events catered.
Cappello tweaked architectural plans for the kitchen and butler's pantry for more storage. In a masterful twist of trompe l'oeil (French for 'deceive the eye'), he situated a walk-in pantry behind a mirrored mahogany armoire that matches an identical armoire concealing a Sub-Zero Integrated refrigerator. "I didn't like the idea you had to walk around the kitchen to get to the pantry," says Cappello, whose father is a furniture maker in Europe, adding that he had to cajole his design partners about the mirrors and assure them they would not come across as glitzy or garish, since they would be reflecting the tasteful kitchen. "This is like a secret passageway," says Cappello. "Sub-Zero integration was the coup—it allowed total flexibility."
Every detail from the coffered ceiling and dental moulding to undermount granite sinks and stainless steel Wolf 48-inch range, convey the understated masculinity of a true Gentleman's estate. The custom island is almost 13 feet long and seats six, but feels intimate thanks to detailed moulding and substantial tapered legs. The Mallard-themed tile mosaic backsplash was fashioned by a local artist. "The homeowner is a true renaissance person, like the patrons who hired best of the trades," says Cappello. "He embraced the craftsmanship of every individual."
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Kitchen Design Contest 2010-2012
We congratulate all entrants for their excellent work. Winners shared their insights and challenges as they designed kitchens using Sub-Zero built-in or integrated refrigeration and Wolf equipment as the primary design instructions.

- Global Award Winners
- U.S. & Canada Regional Winners
- International Regional Winners
1st Place Traditional
$40,000 prize
1st Place Contemporary
$40,000 prize
2nd Place Any Style
$20,000 prize
3rd Place Any Style
$10,000 prize
Designer's Choice Award
$15,000 prize
People's Choice Award
$15,000 prize
U.S. & Canada Regional Winners are recognized for the best use of Sub-Zero and Wolf in the kitchen.
Prizes include:
- A trip for two, for each regional winner, to the KDC conference and awards gala in Madison, WI.
- National PR and online program for regional winners.
- Customized publicity and marketing kit for each regional winner.
View U.S. & Canada Regional Winners
International Regional Winners are recognized for the best use of Sub-Zero and Wolf in the kitchen.
Prizes include:
- A trip for two, for each regional winner, to the KDC conference and awards gala in Madison, WI.
- National PR and online program for regional winners.
- Customized publicity and marketing kit for each regional winner.
View International Regional Winners