KBB - April 2013 - (Page 34)

TRENDS Prestidigitators of Design Stainless steel and quality products take the stage Call it the great disappearing act. Designers asked to hide not only electrical cords, but to make entire appliances vanish from view. And what they can’t hide or disguise they’re integrating seamlessly through color and materials. But it’s not all sleight of hand. Designers we spoke with mentioned a growing interest in “soft green.” Soft green refers not to a trending hot color, but to customers hoping to reuse or reclaim elements of an existing design. Think still-functional cabinetry with an outdated finish or reclaiming flooring from elsewhere; both save money and preserve natural resources. When it comes to counters, cabinets and appliances, while the selection might be endless and offered at a variety of price points, there’s a client whose shrinking (or modest) budget will dictate the range of possibilities. Of course, there is still a base of buyers immune to economic vagaries. This segment is seeking to upgrade by investing in quality products not strictly for resale purposes, but for their own indulgence. So there you have it. For every customer who can afford natural stone, there’s another buyer headed for budget-friendly laminate. “It used to be that a self-closure drawer and a hidden spice rack was the determining factor that (said) you had the new up-to-date kitchen. Well, throw that out of the window,” said designer Cynthia Porche, Cynthia Porche Interiors, Johns Creek, Ga. “Most of our clientele want all the bells and whistles in the kitchen. Today’s buyers want all of the modern conveniences, but at the same time they really don’t want to see them. Think disguising commercial-grade ranges and refrigeration units into an over-the-top piece of furniture. As for cabinetry, buyers have their choice of virtually any sort of door panel, stain or artisan painted finishes to get the look they want. On counters, granite is giving way to luxurious marble, but the latest countertops are made of zinc and pewter.” Stainless steel, however, still rules but is showing up in new ways. “I see a move toward (total) stainless-steel kitchens,” noted John Barman, John Barman Inc., New York City. On the very practical side, the totally stainless kitchen is easy to maintain, looks great and increases volume and light visually to open the space. One of his recent projects featured stainless cabinets from a restaurant supply house that gave way to the counter surface. “The counters have an integrated sink and are seamless with the backsplash, so easy maintenance and the stainless-steel appliances work well with it,” he added. According to Meryl Santopietro of Lincoln, R.I.-based Meryl Santopietro Interiors, Seamless or fully integrated is an ideal. Clients want a beautiful, functional kitchen with not an appliance in sight. Refrigerators blend into wall cabinetry, while the griddle and wine cooler share island space and cabinetry next to the range houses a microwave and other appliances. “The result is a room that transforms from its intended purpose,” she commented, “to a space perfect for entertaining.” 34 + K BB April 2013 / www.kbbonline.com / The Official Sponsor of KBIS www.kbis.com http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - April 2013

KBB - April 2013
Contents
Online Contents
Editorial
Show Director’s Note
KBIS Special Section
Web Savvy
Trends
Products
Design
Eating Clean
Everything Zen
Practice
Opinion
Ad Index
Favorites

KBB - April 2013