Kitchen & Bath Business Sept/Oct 2024 - 28

KBB SPECIAL SECTION
CLOSE UP
SUSTAINABILITY AWARENESS
It was somewhat surprising that our survey
results reported that more than half of our
respondents do not know if they specified cabinets
made without off-gassing or VOCs in
the last year.
" As an architect/designer, I think it is very important
to know about off-gassing and VOCs, "
said Menn. " Knowing about these types of properties
makes you stand out to your clients as a
knowledgeable source. "
KBB talks to a lot of designers who make sustainability
a priority in their projects, so it was
also a shock that only 9.2% reported that all their
projects included cabinets without off-gassing
or VOCs.
" We only have one planet, and it is our responsibility
to make sure the cabinets we use are
healthy for both the client and the environment, "
said Fisher.
INNOVATIONS SPOTTED IN THE FIELD
In terms of aesthetics, our survey responses
included everything from bold, vibrant colors;
three-toned cabinets; cabinetry that emulates
furniture in the home; less wall cabinets for a
more open feel; stained cabinets versus painted;
stone and ceramic options for doors and
drawer fronts; and an open-shelf concept for
all uppers.
For innovation in function, the tech-savvy answers
included motion sensors for toe kick lighting;
island countertop charging; adjustable shelf
lighting; designated storage for small bathroom
appliances; lighting integrated into shelving and
cabinet boxes; and hands-free- or foot-activated
trash/recycling storage.
More specialized storage innovations seen at
trade shows and other industry events included
lift-up doors for large tray storage; super-sized
corner units; deep drawers with pegs; the use of
metal in drawer organizers; under-stair storage;
and trash/recycling cabinet drip edge protection.
Fisher noted an electric corner storage option
and electric hidden doors, and Menn has seen
storage for a step stool in the toe kick, as well as
built-in mirrors with storage incorporated into
bathroom cabinets.
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
Although some homeowners appreciate open
shelves, too many of them are a no-no in kitchen
and bath design. Fisher says most of her
clients want some open shelving, and as an
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/ SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024
CABINET INNOVATIONS SPOTTED IN THE LAST YEAR
Vibrant,
bolder
cabinet
colors
Stone and ceramic
options for doors and
drawer fronts
Motion sensor for
toe kick lighting
Improved electrified
vanity grooming
stations
Under-stair
storage
Trash/recycling
cabinet drip edge
protection
Super-size
corner units
A mix of old world
glam and modern
luxuries
Hands-free trash/
recycling storage
CABINET TRENDS NEEDING AN UPDATE
Shaker
doors
Ornate cabinets with
decorative moldings
A wall of
floating/open
shelves
All-white kitchens
Staggered
upper
cabinets
Chunky island
legs
alternative, she will suggest cabinet doors with
frosted or textured glass to break up cabinetry.
Menn says open shelving is a great way to
highlight items you want on display, such as
those from a collection.
Our survey says Shaker doors are out, and
all-white kitchens need to warm up. Ornate
cabinets with decorative moldings are not the
norm, and we need to say goodbye to staggered
upper cabinetry. Other trends that have gone
by the wayside are dark cherry-stained cabinets,
shiplap, gray cabinetry and cabinets that
do not reach the ceiling.
In terms of needed functional updates to
kitchen and bath cabinets and storage, some
love the appliance garage, and some want to part
Appliance garages
with roll-up doors
Outdated
corner storage
solutions
Kitchen desks
ways with the roll-up door many of them feature.
Menn's preference is for appliances to be hidden,
and Fisher specifies an appliance garage for those
items her clients use regularly; hers are growing
in size at 42 inches wide.
Other functional storage elements that need
an update or need to be eliminated include
lazy Susans, sinks without integrated storage,
full-access hinges that stick out, toe kick
pullouts, kitchen desks and mixer stand lifts/
pop-ups.
" I shy away from anything that is trendy, "
said Fisher. " Designing a kitchen or bath is
no different than selecting a work of art - it's
subjective to the client. I want their home to
look like them. "
Kitchen & Bath Business Sept/Oct 2024

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