LG Unveils Winner Of 'Designed to Inspire' LG Studio Kitchen Design Competition

NEW YORK, Nov. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics USA and Hearst Magazines announced that Petya Toncheva took the top prize in the "Designed to Inspire" LG Studio Kitchen Design Contest, held in cooperation with the New York (NY) Metro Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). The contest challenged up-and-coming ASID New York Metro Chapter designers to create a "forever kitchen design" reflective of their personal taste and lifestyle, using the new premium LG Studio kitchen appliance suite as the centerpiece.

Toncheva's design was judged by a panel of industry experts, including renowned designer and LG Studio Artistic Advisor Nate Berkus and representatives of LG and Hearst Magazines titles ELLE DECOR, HGTV Magazine, House Beautiful and VERANDA.  The entries were judged based on creativity, innovation, overall kitchen workflow and integration of LG Studio appliances. LG and Hearst Magazines recognized three finalists and featured their winning designs in a gallery display at a VIP "Designed to Inspire" event in New York.

Berkus advised on the design of the recently announced LG Studio suite, ensuring the products embody a pro-style, sophisticated design that serves as the centerpiece for a timeless kitchen design. The new line is designed with seamless integration in mind and includes a counter-depth refrigerator, gas and electric slide-in ranges and an over-the-range microwave. A sleek design aesthetic is reflected throughout the appliance suite, which features such premium elements as a flat-door design; beautiful and functional LED lighting; pro-style metal knobs, handles and control panels; and a horizontally-brushed, stainless steel finish.

"Your kitchen is the hardest working room in your home, so you need it to be really functional, but that doesn't mean it can't be beautiful as well. The idea is to create a space you love now, and will love for years to come," said Berkus. "It's been so great to see all the contest entries and how the designs complement the carefully crafted elements I chose for LG Studio's newest appliance line.  What stood out for me about Petya's design was the level of creativity she brought in creating a timeless kitchen that features the perfect combination of high function and high design."

"It's been a privilege to be part of the Designed to Inspire kitchen design competition," Toncheva said. "LG Studio's newest suite of kitchen appliances embodies outstanding style and design, and it was an amazing exercise in creativity in kitchen design.  And now, I'm thrilled to be able to incorporate these appliances into my own home."

Grand Prize winner, Petya Toncheva, was awarded a cash prize, a full suite of the new LG Studio appliances, and an exclusive meet-and-greet with Berkus at the Designed to Inspire event. The two finalists, Alex Sobolewski and Courtney Robinson, received LG's Music Flow streaming speakers and the opportunity to meet with Berkus as well.

The LG Studio line embodies the perfect combination of LG's technological advancements and sophisticated, modern design that "inspires innovation in the heart of the home," according to David VanderWaal, vice president of marketing, LG Electronics USA. "All three finalists created inspirational kitchen designs that truly capture the marriage of innovative features and beautiful design that LG Studio's new Nate-inspired kitchen appliances represent."

Robin Baron, president of the New York Metro Chapter of ASID, called the Designed to Inspire contest "an exciting opportunity for the emerging designers of ASID to showcase their creativity and vision for a beautiful, yet functional kitchen design."

For more information on the LG Studio kitchen suite, please visit www.lgstudio.com.

About LG Electronics USA
LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $56 billion global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. LG Electronics, a proud 2015 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year, sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and solar energy solutions in the United States, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme.www.lg.com.

About Nate Berkus
In 2002 Berkus was invited to make over a small space for "The Oprah Winfrey Show," after which he became a featured design expert for the show and continued to garner national press in publications such as Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Us Weekly, People, O Magazine, Lucky and InStyle, among others. Following the debut of his branded line of home products, Berkus' first book, Home Rules (Hyperion) was released in 2005 and went on to become a New York Times bestseller. "The Nate Berkus Show," a daily syndicated first-run talk show hosted by Berkus, launched in September 2010 and returned for a second season in the fall of 2011. In 2011, Berkus also enjoyed a new role as executive producer on the Disney and DreamWorks film "The Help." Berkus' design firm, Nate Berkus Associates, which he founded in 1995, continues to design interiors across the country and around the world. In fall 2012 Berkus brought his branded line of home goods and accessories to Target stores nationwide. In addition, he published his second book, "The Things That Matter" (Spiegel & Grau). His fabric collection, which is sold at Calico Corners, launched in January 2013. It is also available at Fabricut and launched at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores in August 2014. Nate was host, judge and executive producer of NBC's "American Dream Builders" which aired in spring 2014. He is currently Artistic Advisor for the LG Studio line of appliances. To learn more about Nate Berkus, please visit www.nateberkus.com.

About Hearst Magazines
Hearst Magazines is a unit of Hearst Corporation (www.hearst.com), one of the nation's largest diversified media and information companies. With 21 titles in the U.S., Hearst is the leading publisher of monthly magazines in terms of total paid circulation (AAM 2H 2014), reaching 78 million readers (Spring 2015 MRI gfk) and 54 million site visitors each month (comScore). In addition, the company publishes close to 300 editions around the world. Hearst Magazines Digital Media includes 18 websites for brands such as Cosmopolitan, Popular Mechanics, ELLE, ELLE DECOR, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Marie Claire and Seventeen, as well as digital-only sites such as Delish.com. Hearst Magazines has published more than 150 apps and digital editions for the iOS and Android platforms. The company also includes iCrossing, a global, full-service digital marketing agency.

About ASID New York Metro Chapter
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) believes that design transforms lives. ASID serves the full range of the interior design profession and practice through the Society's programs, networks, and advocacy. It showcases the impact of design on the human experience and the value interior designers provide. Learn more at www.asid.org.

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SOURCE LG Electronics USA

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