--- title: KSI Designers Win Three National Design Awards description: Mari Freundl and Krista Daily earn three national design awards for projects featuring Inspira Cabinetry and exceptional craftsmanship. image: https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hubfs/Blog/2026/bluestem-krista-mari2.jpg --- - [Professional Trades](https://ksikitchens.com/why-ksi-professional-trades/) - [Careers](https://ksikitchens.com/careers/) - [Contact](https://ksikitchens.com/ksi-contact/) [![Ksi Logo Blue](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/KSI_December_2022/images/ksi_logo-blue.svg "Ksi Logo Blue")](https://ksikitchens.com) [![White Logo](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/KSI_December_2022/images/white-logo.svg "White Logo")](https://ksikitchens.com) - [Why KSI](https://ksikitchens.com/why-ksi/#) - [Why KSI Overview](https://ksikitchens.com/why-ksi/) - [About](https://ksikitchens.com/why-ksi/why-ksi-about/) - [Accolades](https://ksikitchens.com/why-ksi/why-ksi-accolades/) - [Professional Trades](https://ksikitchens.com/why-ksi-professional-trades/) - 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[Brighton, MI](https://ksikitchens.com/locations/ksi-kitchen-bath-brighton-design-center/) - [Byron Center, MI](https://ksikitchens.com/locations/ksi-kitchen-bath-byron-center-design-center/) - [Grand Rapids, MI](https://ksikitchens.com/locations/ksi-kitchen-bath-grand-rapids-design-center/) - [Lima, OH](https://ksikitchens.com/locations/ksi-kitchen-bath-lima-design-center/) - [Northville, MI](https://ksikitchens.com/locations/ksi-kitchen-bath-northville-design-center/) - [Macomb, MI](https://ksikitchens.com/locations/ksi-kitchen-bath-macomb-design-center/) - [Rochester Hills, MI](https://ksikitchens.com/locations/locations-kitchen-bath-rochester-hills-design-center/) - [Toledo, OH](https://ksikitchens.com/locations/ksi-kitchen-bath-toledo-design-center/) - [Schedule Free Consultation](https://ksikitchens.com/ksi-make-an-appointment/) ![](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hubfs/Blog/2026/bluestem-krista-mari2.jpg) # KSI Designers Win Three National Design Awards Published by [KSI Kitchen & Bath](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/author/ksi-kitchens) on Feb 17, 2026 11:45:00 AM Great design speaks for itself. This year, it spoke loudly on a national stage. We’re proud to celebrate an incredible achievement: **three awards earned by two KSI designers in the 2025 Bluestem Design Contest**, a nationwide competition recognizing exceptional creativity, innovation, and design excellence among cabinetry dealers. Projects were evaluated on overall design excellence, originality, effective use of cabinetry, functional layout, and the ability to balance beauty with practicality. This year’s honorees demonstrated how thoughtful design transforms everyday spaces into highly personalized environments tailored to homeowners’ lifestyles. Two of those honorees? Our own. ## Krista Daily: Walnut Wonder ![Inspira Cabinetry in natural walnut with matte black hardware and appliances](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2026/krista-bluestem1.jpg?width=2000&height=1453&name=krista-bluestem1.jpg) - ![Inspira Cabinetry in natural walnut with matte black hardware and appliances](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2026/IMG_5913.jpg?width=2000&height=3000&name=IMG_5913.jpg) - ![Inspira Cabinetry in natural walnut with black painted cabinetry niche featuring contrasting floral wallpaper](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2026/IMG_5906.jpg?width=1828&height=3000&name=IMG_5906.jpg) - ![Inspira Cabinetry in natural walnut with matte black hardware and appliances](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2026/IMG_5898.jpg?width=2000&height=2691&name=IMG_5898.jpg) - ![Inspira Cabinetry in natural walnut with matte black hardware and white herringbone tile backsplash](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2026/IMG_5909.jpg?width=2000&height=3000&name=IMG_5909.jpg) ### **First Place – Non-Paint** Krista’s “Walnut Wonder” kitchen took First Place in the Non-Paint category — celebrating the natural beauty of wood cabinetry. The project is rich with warmth and character, showcasing exceptional material selection and a refined, cohesive palette. Natural walnut cabinetry anchors the space, complemented by clean lines, striking contrast, and a layout designed for both everyday functionality and entertaining. > “I’m incredibly honored to receive a design award for this walnut kitchen featuring Inspira Cabinetry, one of my all-time favorite projects! When I shared the news with my client, she said it still feels like Christmas morning every time she walks into her kitchen – reminding me how grateful I am to create spaces that truly bring homeowners joy. I love designing with Inspira because of their beautiful wood species and stains. Their natural walnut is exceptional!” That “Christmas morning” feeling is exactly what great design is about — creating spaces that continue to bring joy long after installation.   ## Mari Freundl: Loft Living ### ![Contemporary loft kitchen featuring modern natural walnut slab cabinetry from Inspira Cabinetry](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2026/mari-bluestem2.jpg?width=2000&height=1274&name=mari-bluestem2.jpg) - ![Contemporary loft kitchen featuring modern natural walnut slab cabinetry from Inspira Cabinetry](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/35-print-P2522928.jpg?width=2592&height=1728&name=35-print-P2522928.jpg) - ![Sink detail with dark porcelain backsplash](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/47-print-P2533019.jpg?width=2592&height=1728&name=47-print-P2533019.jpg) - ![Black cabinetry in island with exposed walnut pull-out drawers](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/36-print-P2522948-closed.jpg?width=1957&height=1687&name=36-print-P2522948-closed.jpg) - ![Contemporary loft kitchen and adjacent living area featuring modern natural walnut slab cabinetry from Inspira Cabinetry](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/16-print-P2522793.jpg?width=2592&height=1728&name=16-print-P2522793.jpg) ### **Second Place – Large Kitchen**   ![Contemporary loft living room featuring black thin shaker cabinetry from Inspira Cabinetry with natural walnut accents](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2026/mari-bluestem1.jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=mari-bluestem1.jpg) ### **First Place – Other Rooms**   Mari’s *Loft Living* Project earned two awards, recognized for its strong visual impact and thoughtful problem-solving across multiple spaces. From smart space planning to layered material selections, her design showcases how cabinetry can define the character of a home while supporting the way her clients truly live. Judges noted the project’s balance of form and function — a hallmark of Mari’s work. > “I’m so excited and honored to receive a design award for this project! This win is a meaningful reminder of why I love what I do – creating beautiful, functional spaces with amazing partners. Feeling very grateful and inspired. Inspira Cabinetry is a go-to for my designs because it consistently delivers on style, quality, and customization. Their construction and design versatility let me push creativity while maintaining the highest standards for my clients.” Mari’s award-winning project is a testament to the power of collaboration, craftsmanship, and intentional design. Learn more about this incredible space [on her blog](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/designing-a-loft-that-lives-and-breathes-style-comfort-and-connection)!   ## A Reflection of Our Design Team The 2025 Bluestem Design Contest highlights standout projects across the country and underscores the depth of talent within the dealer design community. From bold statement spaces to warm, inviting interiors, this year’s winners exemplify how great design elevates the home experience. We couldn’t be more proud of Mari and Krista for earning national recognition for their creativity, professionalism, and dedication to their clients.   ## Ready to Get Started? If you’re considering a kitchen, bath, or whole-home project, our award-winning designers are here to guide you through every step — from inspiration to installation. [Schedule a design consultation](https://ksikitchens.com/ksi-make-an-appointment/) with KSI Kitchen & Bath and let’s create a space that feels like Christmas morning every time you walk in.   *![E_898](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2021/E_898.jpg?width=100&height=100&name=E_898.jpg)Krista Daily is a Senior Designer at KSI Kitchen & Bath's Northville Design Center. Krista gained national recognition in Kitchen & Bath Design News Magazine's 2024 design awards with Honorable Mention in the Best Independent Showroom category for her work designing the KSI Northville Design Center. She has also been recognized by the NAHB with a Gold Award in the 2024 Best in American Living Awards for bath design.* \[Learn more on [Krista's bio](https://ksikitchens.com/designer/krista-daily/)\] *![mari-freundl-sq](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2024/mari-freundl-sq.jpg?width=100&height=100&name=mari-freundl-sq.jpg)Mari Freundl is a Senior Designer at KSI's Birmingham Design Center.  Mari has been recognized multiple years in a row by the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan with awards for stunning kitchen remodels and whole-house remodels.* \[Learn more on [Mari's bio](https://ksikitchens.com/designer/mari-freundl/)\]   --- ![KSI Kitchen & Bath](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Email/2021/2021-KSI-K%26B-logo-654.png?width=145&name=2021-KSI-K%26B-logo-654.png) **KSI Kitchen & Bath** *KSI Kitchen & Bath is an award-winning home design and remodeling firm specializing in kitchen and bath design.* --- [Back to Blog](https://blog.ksikitchens.com) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## Related Articles ## [KSI Kitchen & Bath Northville Design Center Nationally Recognized by Kitchen & Bath Design News](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/ksi-kitchen-bath-northville-design-center-nationally-recognized-by-kitchen-bath-design-news) KSI’s new Northville Design Center recently received national recognition in Kitchen and Bath... 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