Eva-Marie Prineas on what makes for an unforgettable kitchen
As the previous winner of the Gaggenau Kitchen of the Year Design Contest, Eva-Marie Prineas of Studio Prineas knows a thing or two about designing an award-winning kitchen. Here, she shares her insights into what she’s keeping an eye on when it comes to showstopping kitchen design.
The 2025 Gaggenau Kitchen of the Year Design Contest is set to raise the bar once again, and who better to lead the charge than Eva-Marie Prineas, founder and principal of Studio Prineas. A past winner of the contest herself, Prineas is now stepping into the role of judge, bringing with her years of experience and the unique perspective of having designed an award-winning kitchen.
Her studio’s celebrated Fisherman’s House project, which won the 2023 contest, epitomises Studio Prineas’ philosophy of quiet luxury; achieved with its sensitive integration of contemporary design into a heritage space.
Best of the Best Winner – Fisherman’s House by Studio Prineas, Photography by Gavin Green
Reflecting on her win, Prineas shares, “Winning the Gaggenau Kitchen of the Year Award with Fisherman’s House was an incredible moment for our studio. It felt so special to have not just the hard work, but the level of detail, recognised by our peers. It was a real celebration of the values we’ve been cultivating for years – heritage, craft and a considered approach to materials.”
The project is an exercise in balancing the old and the new, creating a kitchen that didn’t just serve a functional role but became a seamless extension of the home’s history. With its smoked oak joinery, pocket doors and a beautifully restored window, the Fisherman’s House kitchen is a testament to Prineas’ design ethos: a bespoke piece of furniture that quietly elevates its surroundings.
Luxury Home Runner-up – Casa Piva by B.E. Architecture, Photography by Peter Clarke and Paul Barbera
Now, as a judge for the 2025 contest, Prineas is excited to see how designers push boundaries and think creatively about kitchens as more than just functional spaces. “One of the things I’m particularly excited about this year is how designers are incorporating new technologies like electrification into their work. Kitchens have always been the heart of the home, but now they’re also at the forefront of design innovation,” she says.
Her experience as a judge for other awards, such as the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) and Dulux Colour Awards, has helped hone her ability to appreciate design from multiple perspectives. “I love hearing different views on design,” Prineas says. “It’s always a chance to reflect on the process and think about how kitchens aren’t just isolated rooms but part of an extended narrative within a home. It’s fascinating to see how designers are interpreting that.”
Multi-residential Winner – Victoria & Burke by Carr, Photography by Timothy Kaye
Prineas encourages architects, designers, developers, builders and homeowners to enter the Gaggenau Kitchen of the Year Design Contest, highlighting how it offers a unique opportunity for reflection. “Entering awards is a great way to step back and think about your work,” she explains. “It’s inspiring for designers and aspirational for homeowners. It’s about showing how thoughtful design can elevate the everyday experience of living and cooking in a home.”
For Prineas, kitchen design is about more than aesthetics – it’s about longevity, practicality and sustainability. “I’m always thinking about materials, what will last, what has a minimal carbon footprint. Visiting the Gaggenau factory, I was impressed by the brands commitment to innovation and longevity. It’s this blend of responsible design and enduring quality that I look forward to seeing in this year’s submissions.”
Multi-residential Runner-up – Provenance Camberwell by Elenberg Fraser, Photography by Timothy Kaye
As the 2025 contest unfolds, Prineas is eager to see how designers respond to the challenge, bringing fresh ideas to the table while maintaining the core principles of good design.
“Entering awards is a great way to step back and think about your work. It’s inspiring for designers and aspirational for homeowners. It’s about showing how thoughtful design can elevate the everyday experience of living and cooking in a home.” – Eva-Marie Prineas
“One of the things I’m particularly excited about this year is how designers are incorporating new technologies like electrification into their work. Kitchens have always been the heart of the home, but now they’re also at the forefront of design innovation.” – Eva-Marie Prineas
