Three Awards, Three Unique Designs: Celebrating Excellence at the 2026 NKBA Southern California Design Awards
Samia Verbist Interior Design celebrates three prestigious design awards, recognizing creativity, thoughtful details, and the art of creating spaces that feel as beautiful as they look.
Samia Verbist, Founder/Principal Designer and Casey Worsham, Senior Designer
We are thrilled to share a wonderful milestone for Samia Verbist Interior Design! At the 2026 NKBA Southern California Design Awards, our studio was honored with three awards recognizing excellence in kitchen and bath design.
1st Place — Secondary Bathroom
2nd Place — Primary Bathroom
Best Use of Color — Any Kitchen Style
Each of these projects tells a different story, yet they all begin in the same place: our clients' vision. Whether creating a serene kitchen, an earthy and calming bathroom, or a luxurious primary retreat, our approach is always guided by how our clients want to live and, just as importantly, how they want to feel in their homes.
These awards are a beautiful recognition of that philosophy and of the creativity, attention to detail, and collaboration that bring every project to life.
Best Use of Color — Any Kitchen Style
A Serene Kitchen in Shades of Blue
For this kitchen renovation, our clients envisioned a space that felt calm, serene, and welcoming — a peaceful setting where they could enjoy everyday life and gather with family and friends.
Rather than relying on a traditional neutral palette, we introduced soft blue cabinetry to create an atmosphere of tranquility while giving the kitchen a distinctive personality.
The blue tones are beautifully balanced by crisp white countertops, warm wood flooring, and a delicate patterned backsplash that brings subtle movement and texture to the room. A custom range hood adds architectural character, while elegant glass pendants and upholstered counter stools enhance the kitchen's relaxed sophistication. Every material, finish, and detail was carefully considered to maintain a sense of harmony throughout the space.
The result is a kitchen that demonstrates how color can be both expressive and timeless, creating a beautiful environment that feels effortlessly peaceful.
Receiving the Best Use of Color award for this project was especially meaningful, as the thoughtful use of blue was central to bringing our clients' vision to life.
1st Place — Secondary Bathroom
Earthy Elegance Inspired by Nature
Designed for the same clients as our award-winning blue kitchen, this secondary bathroom offered an opportunity to explore a different color palette while preserving the home's overall sense of calm. Our clients wanted something earthy, peaceful, and connected to nature, with a subtle touch of personality.
We selected soft green cabinetry, complemented by geometric floral tiles that introduce movement and character without overwhelming the space. The repeating pattern creates visual interest, while the muted green tones establish a soothing and organic atmosphere. Arched mirrors, crisp white countertops, and polished metal fixtures bring an elegant balance to the design.
Inside the shower, deeper green rectangular tiles add richness and dimension, beautifully contrasting with the lighter patterned surfaces.
Although the kitchen and bathroom feature different colors, both spaces share a common design language: thoughtful proportions, carefully balanced patterns, and a sense of understated elegance. The result is a fresh, nature-inspired bathroom that feels peaceful, sophisticated, and distinctly personal.
We are especially proud that this project received 1st Place in the Secondary Bathroom category, recognizing the creativity and attention to detail that transformed this everyday space into something truly special.
2nd Place — Primary Bathroom
A Luxurious Retreat with Timeless Elegance
For this primary bathroom, our clients envisioned a space that felt luxurious, elegant, and sophisticated, a private retreat where beautiful materials and thoughtful details would elevate their everyday routine.
Inspired by the timeless elegance of European interiors, we created a refined blue-and-white palette combining rich navy cabinetry, beautiful marble, and carefully layered patterns.
The striking geometric marble tile adds depth and visual interest, while the freestanding soaking tub creates a beautiful focal point.
One of the most distinctive features is the custom suspended, double-sided LED mirror, an architectural statement that brings a touch of European sophistication while preserving the openness of the space.
Tailored blue-and-white striped Roman shades soften the windows and complement the intricate stonework. A decorative pendant above the tub adds an additional layer of elegance. The interplay of patterns, luxurious materials, and carefully considered proportions creates a space that feels refined without being overwhelming.
The result is a sophisticated and timeless bathroom, designed to offer our clients the sense of luxury and elegance they envisioned.
Receiving 2nd Place in the Primary Bathroom category is a wonderful recognition of a project where every detail was thoughtfully designed to create an exceptional experience.
Behind Every Award Is a Collaboration
While these awards celebrate the finished spaces, they also recognize the many people whose talent and dedication help bring each project to life.
First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful clients for trusting us with their homes and allowing us to translate their ideas, preferences, and dreams into spaces that reflect who they are.
To the general contractors, talented craftsmen, installers, vendors, and industry partners who collaborate with us, thank you for your expertise, dedication, and exceptional craftsmanship. Your contributions are invaluable in transforming our designs into reality.
A special thank you to Casey, our talented interior designer, whose dedication, creativity, and attention to detail are such an important part of our studio.
And, of course, we sincerely thank NKBA Southern California for these honors and for continuing to recognize creativity, craftsmanship, and excellence within our industry.
Great design is never the work of one person. It is the result of trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to creating something exceptional.
A French Sensibility, A Personal Approach
At Samia Verbist Interior Design, we believe that truly beautiful interiors go beyond trends.
Rooted in a French appreciation for proportion, balance, elegance, and timelessness, our approach combines European sensibility with the relaxed sophistication of California living.
But above all, we believe a home should reflect the people who live in it.
Our role is to listen, understand, and guide our clients while introducing creative ideas, thoughtful details, and unexpected possibilities that make each project truly unique.
These three award-winning spaces are beautiful examples of that philosophy. Different personalities, different color palettes, and different aspirations, each brought to life through a thoughtful and personalized design process.
We are incredibly grateful for this recognition and look forward to continuing to create inspiring homes for our clients throughout Orange County and beyond.
Thinking About Your Next Home Renovation?
Whether you are planning a kitchen remodel, a bathroom renovation, or a complete home transformation, our studio would love to help you create a space that feels uniquely yours.
Samia Verbist Interior Design — Award-Winning Luxury Interior Design in Orange County, California
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