KBB - October 2015 - 54

TRENDS

Game Changer
A look at the rage behind Euro-style cabinetry
Americans as a whole live differently from the rest of the globe. From
eluding the metric system to owning bigger homes, the country generally
has kept within its own bounds of design - until now.
"European cabinetry is becoming popular because of its simplicity,
elegance and flexibility," said designer German Brun of Miami-based
DEN Architecture. "Cabinets can be interchanged and modified seamlessly without any problem. They are simple yet sophisticated and provide just the right amount of customization to be flexible enough for any
kitchen design."
First introduced to the U.S. in the 1970s, Euro-style cabinetry gained
in popularity because of the allure in its Italian, German and Spanish
origins. European-made products correlate with a high level of quality,
and Americans are growing more familiar with the advantages of the
cabinetry's space and functionality.
"American cabinetry is about wood, paint and carpentry," said Neil
Bailey, president and CEO of Poggenpohl. "European cabinetry is about
technology, durability and engineering. It must maximize storage, be
green and be customizable to suit a family's unique lifestyle. It's cabinetry
for a lifetime of use."

Culture Shock
The rumor goes that Europeans either scrap or take their cabinets with
them when they move, similar to a landlord installing new carpet when a
tenant changes. While this varies from country to country, the idea stands
that the general population looks for extremely durable cabinets that fit
their personal lifestyle.
"Consumers who are buying kitchens today are looking for more,"
said Bailey. "They are not interested in boxes but in what goes into them
- storage, lighting, quality and a green story. The cabinet can't just look
good; it must function."
Function and space-saving qualities go hand-in-hand with European
cabinetry because European clientele often live in significantly smaller
kitchens. Most Europeans visit a local market daily and purchase food for
just that day, instead of storing up items. This eliminates the need for the
massive pantries but instead encourages advanced organization.
"European cabinetry has features, such as concealed hinges, that
provide a variety of advantages in functionality," said Brun. "These hinges
are a game-changer. This simple feature opens up a world of possibility
and endless variety for our clients to choose from."

2.
1. From Aran Cucine, the Magistra kitchen collection has both a modern and metropolitan touch for a user-friendly feel. The collection juxtaposes materials such as stainless steel panels; silver or gold decorated
frames; and white ash, clay, titanium and green finishes, handles or a
concave c-channel. Circle No. 213 or visit kbbonline.com/freeinfo
2. Inspired by the 1950s, the Saint Louis collection from the Marchi
Group is characterized by lacquered wood and soft colors, rounded
shapes and a cozy appearance. This model takes the functional
post-war designs and updates the look for a simple but noticeable
appeal. Circle No. 214 or visit kbbonline.com/freeinfo
3. Presented as a vision for the modern-home kitchen, the Works from
eggersmann features an entire wall that transforms from smokedmirror panels to multi-functioning accessories and storage. A moveable rail system holding utensils hovers over three islands, which have
a satin finish and a durable quality. Circle No. 215 or visit kbbonline.com/freeinfo

Faces and Frames
Hinges depend on the shape of the face frame. In the U.S., the most
common type of cabinet uses a framed construction where the rails and
stiles form a 1-1/2-in. face frame at the front of the cabinet box.

K+BB

October 2015 / www.kbbonline.com / The Official Sponsor of KBIS www.kbis.com

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KBB - October 2015

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