KBB - May/June 2014 - 15

ALL ABROAD

Interesting and thoughtful storage options abounded as well, including shelves added to tub decks, rounded edges on kitchen cabinets to
accommodate glassware and small sinks with built-in storage space beneath, including the Bowl sink and vanity by Inbani (7), a mixture of metal
and marble that was designed to look like a piece of jewelry.

Kitchen Craze
Although the U.S. has not yet embraced a complete transformation
into European-style kitchens and cabinetry, we have moved to more transitional spaces that combine traditional and contemporary design elements.
"A visit to EuroCucina is equivalent to stepping into a design time
machine," said Mike Hetherman, CKD. "Set the date to a couple of years
from today, and you will have a glimpse into the trends that will explode
into the North American kitchen design market."
EuroCucina trends that stood out include:
* The Seamless Look and Integrated Appliances. Traditional detail
is taking a backstage to modern-style, flat-panel cabinets with appliances that are either deemphasized or hidden within countertops or behind
doors. Seamless countertops with flushed cooktops, imbedded woks,
hoods that pop up with the push of a button and moveable doors that
hide areas in the kitchen until they are needed are all influenced by the
need for simplicity and the desire to include the kitchen as an integrated
living space in the home.
In Pedini's (8) Arts and Crafts kitchen, tall units in bleached ash wood
and disappearing doors hide the oven and refrigerator. In Snaidero's (9)
Elle collection, designed by Monica Armani Design, kitchen appliances

are hidden behind a horizontal door that lifts up on the countertop.
* Uncommon Islands. Islands are becoming even more of an integral part of the kitchen in every home - whether they are used as
gathering spots for meals or events or as a part of the food preparation
process. Larger-than-life islands were all the rage at EuroCucina, as well
as large tables serving as islands or smaller table-like elements used as
an extension of the island.
Marchi's (10) Loft collection was shown with a wooden table as an
extension to the more industrial-style island, and Minacciolo's (11) Minà
island in COR-TEN stole the show in its enormous booth as actual water
rained down onto the unit, which was surrounded by water lilies.
* Ventilation Artwork. Who says kitchen ventilation has to be plain or
hidden away? At EuroCucina, a dramatic display of high-performance
cooker hoods took center stage. An assortment of wall, island, countertop pop-up hoods and downdraft hoods formed a stylized arrangement
of air-purifying agents that fight indoor pollution and look good while
performing the task.
The Amélie wall-mounted oven hood by Elica (12 ) is designed to look
like a picture frame in a mix of wood and mirrored glass. Stainless steel
oven ventilation by Neff (13) follows both trends of attractive hood design
and hidden appliances by lowering itself into the countertop when not
in use.

9
11

6
8

(5) Fantini's colorful
sink handles

(6) Vibrant green tilework
by Pecchioli

(8) Pedini's Arts and
Crafts kitchen

(9) Snaidero's Elle
collection of cabinetry

(10) Loft collection
by Marchi

(11) Minacciolo's
Minà island

(12) Elica's Amélie wallmounted oven hood

(13) Oven ventilation
by Neff

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KBB - May/June 2014

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