COLOR, CREATIVITY and easy traffic flow most impressed our judges while reviewing entries in San Diego Magazine's fourth annual kitchen extravaganza. Winners reflected a design trend that emphasizes individuality, comfort and bright colors.

"Americans are remembering September 11, but they also want to rekindle happier times, and what better place to show some whimsy than in how we decorate our homes - especially our kitchens," says Best of Show winner Laura Birns of Laura Birns Design.

Judges praised the attractive design aspect of the top kitchens and the creative use of space and ease in getting around the room. This year's jurists were Harold Pell, president of the San Diego chapter of ASID; Anne Sneed, partner, Howard * Sneed Architecture & Design; designer Arthur Porras, ASID; Michael Stepner, president of the San Diego chapter of AIA; and Rosemary Stepner, a San Diego designer.

A very hot color palate sizzles new life into this once-outdated space, judges noted. "Detail is the jewelry of fine design," says Del Mar's Laura Birns. Her multicolored kitchen remodel for Ben and Marianne Ribeiro in Carlsbad's Aviara section fits the bill as Best of Show 2002. The kitchen entry was also winner in the professional interior designer division.

The standard-size kitchen offers various combinations of materials - stainless steel, aluminum, glass tile and tempered glass - resulting in a very happy place. This kitchen is cleverly shaped, including a sexy French curve to the granite top by Florentine Marble. Cabinet pulls, appliance handles, the arc of the light fixture above the island all have the same curved shape, as does the ergonomically shaped custom-designed glass table. Note the curved inset to the glass top. That's to allow a server to be closer to the lazy Susan.

Details: Mosaic tile squares by Florentine Marble match up with square perforations in the glass tabletop, chair backs and the glass texture of the cabinets. The tabletop with lazy Susan and stainless steel base was supplied and installed by CTT Furniture.

Contractor: Aotea Building Group. Paint by Schmuckle Painting. Electrical contractor: Reinhardt Electrical Painting. Light fixture from Highlights in the Gaslamp Quarter. Glass inserts by Alpine Glass, installed by CTT Furniture. Cabinet handles by Hafele, supplied through Laura Birns Design. Chairs: Leland Manufacturers. Appliances by owner through Pacific Sales.

Judges' comments: "Great color - fun" and "wonderful use of color and attention to detail."