Kitchen & Bath Business - July/August 2020 - 50

ALL ABROAD
NEW NORMAL RENOVATION REQUESTS

There's no question that this global pandemic has
changed the way homeowners are looking at their
kitchens and baths - and even their residences
overall. Now that there is more flexibility in being
able to complete halted renovations, clients are
jumping all in. And those who have had a chance
to really determine what they are missing in their
kitchens and baths throughout this period have
created an increase in demand for renovations.
"COVID-19 and its related lockdown measures gave Italian homeowners time to reflect on
their living spaces and how they interact with certain elements of the home," said Guerzoni, who
added that with more people working from home
in Italy and worldwide, they are looking for more
flexible and multipurpose spaces.
According to Thun, the increasing stresses of
everyday life, longer work hours, the inability to
disconnect from technology and the advent of
coronavirus will see a shift toward spaces that
evoke and stir up mindfulness.The focus on one's
inner self will be of high importance to nurture
and stimulate inner peace.
"On the other hand, cooking and entertaining
in the kitchen have been very popular and constant throughout this lockdown period, and we've
seen an increase in demand for kitchen renovations," added Guerzoni.
People may want to add more square footage to
their kitchens so the entire family can prepare food
together, and options for storing more healthy and
fresh foods may become a necessity.
In the bathroom, bidets have been a longstanding fixture in Italy, and now homeowners will
most likely be opting for other hygienic choices,
such as antimicrobial surfaces and touchless options. According to Guerzoni, more people are
moving away from plastic, resin, foil or laminate
finishes and instead boosting stainless-steel and
copper materials. Scavolini CEO Fabiana Scavolini touts glass as a germ- and bacteria-resistant
option as well.
"Materials must also support human health,
starting from their production process - avoiding
the use of silica, petroleum derivatives or other
toxic materials - to prevent the proliferation of
dirt, bacteria, mold and fungi," said Giannini.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The months ahead bode well for the Italian interior design business, as clients move on with
stalled renovations, and new clients are looking
to begin them.
"People spent a lot of time at home, deciding
and realizing where they wanted upgrades in
their kitchens,"said Guerzoni."Now we're seeing
homeowners take that leap to plan something

50
48-50_KBB_0720_AllAbroad.indd 50

ABOVE The Diesel Open Workshop from Scavolini features
a multi-functional island with
washing, cooking and storage
areas and ribbed-glass doors.
Glass is a bacteria-resistant
material Italians may be
requesting more often for its
hygienic properties. Photo
courtesy of Scavolini
RIGHT This bathroom features
spa-like elements like a sauna
by Matteo Thun and Antonio
Rodriguez of Milan-based
Matteo Thun & Partners for
Klafs and oﬀers plenty of
natural light. Photo courtesy
of Klafs

they may have postponed in the past, leading to a new wave of projects - and
the Italian government is encouraging it."
Scavolini seconds the notion that many people forced to stay home realized that their kitchens and bathrooms could use an update. With these new
perspectives, she sees a high demand for home improvement.
"People are trying to devote some time to themselves, to regain energy and
to live peacefully with loved ones," said Luca Ritmonio, CEO of Ritmonio,
a bathroom faucet and accessories company based in Italy. "Therefore, a new
sensitivity and attitude has emerged to feel safe within the domestic walls
with a new and more marked awareness of positive time management and
the search for their own balance within the personal sphere."
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/ JULY-AUG. 2020 / KBBONLINE.COM / The official publication of NKBA (NKBA.org) and KBIS (KBIS.com)

7/15/20 10:45 AM
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Kitchen & Bath Business - July/August 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Kitchen & Bath Business - July/August 2020
