Kitchen and Bath Design: What s New? What s Next?

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Jonathan Gregory
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2 INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY: KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS FROM AROUND THE WORLD One of the distinguishing differences between internationally-inspired Contemporary design and Contemporary rooms seen here in the United States is based on how European and even Asian families live differently than American families. First, international families have far fewer possessions than a typical American household. Therefore, far less lineal footage of cabinetry is needed in kitchens planned in other parts of the world. Secondly, in the past, European families considered their kitchens furniture. They took the cabinetry with them when they moved. Apartments or inner city highrise condominium-type homes do not have closets in bedrooms the family uses armoires: which they take with them when they move. Therefore, cabinetry was typically simple, individual sections of storage systems. Similarly, in Japan the Tansu cabinet is a moveable storage cabinet for the family s possessions. While American families started with such free-standing furniture (consider the Hoosier cabinet or free-standing oak ice box), we never took kitchen equipment with us when we moved. Another major difference exists in the way other parts of the world approach cabinet construction, and the marketing of cabinet styles. We Americans have an abundance of wood, and our cabinet industry is grounded in the proud profession of joinery and cabinet making. It is a woodworking art. The most custom of American cabinetry is so fluidly flexible that the manufacturers proudly boast that they can build anything a designer can dream of. Therefore, in the US, the design professional creates the aesthetics and specifies the product details, which are then produced by the manufacturer. The approach to the kitchen business is quite different in Europe. Europeans have long considered kitchen cabinetry either a simple functional storage unit or an inspired artistic statement. The functional driver occurred after World War II, as the cabinetry industry rebuilt itself and concentrated on modularity, with an assembling mindset as the direction for the industry. The elevation of the kitchen to a style or art form has evolved in the European community because the manufacturer creates the branded styles for their product. (The designer in the field is trained how to create spaces that have an identifiable signature style of that particular company.) This has been exceedingly successful because Europeans have always valued design as a key component in quality products. Therefore, both in-house and name plate automobile/fashion/furniture designers have been employed by cabinet companies to create unique, new designs. Designs that are thought-out from every aspect of the presentation: the hardware, the trim, the countertop edge treatment even the appliances are all part of that signature style. Therefore, there is far less flexibility and freedom within the individual retailer s showroom. To be able to offer unique hardware, uncommon finishes and specialty hardware a manufacturer must be able to purchase from outside sources, and stockpile in elaborate warehouses the key components of their cabinetry systems. The most beautiful presentations of European creativity is found at two major exhibitions: The EuroCucina Fair in Milan presented every two years on even numbered years, and The LivingKitchen in Cologne, Germany presented in January on odd years. At these exhibitions, huge, full kitchen sets challenge designers to catch both big design ideas and small design details. Stateside, the annual Kitchen/Bath Industry Show has been revitalized: certainly worth attending. New York based exhibitions, such as the Architectural Digest Home Design Show and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, are growing in popularity. Additionally, the Canadian Interior Design Show (held each January) presents a great blending between European fairs and domestic North American ones. Attending the European shows or one of the North American venues, as well as regularly visiting design centers and maintaining an active research schedule of respected manufacturers websites helps us all better understand emerging design preferences, new technological innovations in appliances, color trends and material and style product launches. 1

3 The Design Details The following are some of the design details seen in international kitchens and trend forward design ideas from these exposition halls: January 2013 in Cologne and in April 2014 in Milan. The Cabinetry Hardware Functional hardware and sophisticated storage systems within the cabinetry. Typically illuminated with motion-sensing integrated LED lighting. LED lighting systems introduced that diffuse the diode pinpoints, as well as offer various kelvin temperatures. Interior storage systems introduced that were finished in black or in a very dark brown: drawer accessory systems, as well as total cabinet interiors. A wide variety of cabinet door hardware: wall cabinet doors that lift-up, fold-up or flip-up continues to be seen. Electronic controls make these wall cabinet doors easier to operate. Large, oversized, tall framed glass or veneer doors that bypass one another, stack against one another or pocket seen extensively. One system offered a pair of doors in which one of the panels can slide in front of the other and still be a flush surface when closed. The hardware mechanism used for this by-pass operation is called a co-planar sliding mechanism. (Coplanar is a math term. It means that 2 or more things are located on the same plane.) Additionally, a motorized louver door product introduced that extends from the countertop up to the cabinet finish point, and is electronically controlled to expose an extended storage area. Specialized Corner Storage A very different approach to corner storage seen throughout the international exhibitions. Rather than corner cabinets resulting in small door sizes, the tall section of cabinetry often extends into the corner with standard base and wall cabinets perpendicular to it. The space may be voided or accessible with a corner pantry system or an appliance garage of some nature tucked in the corner. The functional difference of the storage cabinets and the backsplash area was blurred with the introduction of an extensive array of storage systems occupying the backsplash area. Totally exposed or sometimes concealed: shelving or rack systems offered. Deeper countertops provided space for these systems. All offerings were typically illuminated. Pantry storage introduced in European exhibitions, as well as domestic: walk-in or reach-in areas. Tall cabinets extended into the corner, providing storage with half-moon swing-out shelving. Cabinet interiors illuminated. Cabinet Exteriors Cabinet exteriors are rarely solid wood in displays presented in Europe. Rather, reconstituted veneers, textured laminate wood grain veneer lookalikes, or real wood veneer is seen. A more organic feel a textured, crafted look to these slab wood fronts was introduced in 2012 and then dominated the 2014 EuroCucina Fair. The woods were all tightly grained with a wire brush or other type of distressed finish to add texture. Woods seen were pine, American white oak, walnut and mahogany, fir, larch, elm. Some natural cherry shown as well. Wood doors were typically combined with solid finish doors, finished in matte or gloss acrylics and laminates. Glass fronted cabinets, a thin ceramic or stone slab product, as well as leather were used as cabinet face accents. 2

4 Door Handles and Pulls Consistently internationally styled cabinet systems, designed by noted industrial or interior designers, feature integrated or integral cabinet pulls or a repetitively sized attached pull, providing symmetry throughout the cabinet face. The focus is always on sizing all doors and drawers as close as possible in width and height. The taller internationally toekick height of 6 results in a repetitive presentation of two drawer base units. The C or J channel in both horizontal and vertical installations continues to be a popular access hardware system. Colors/Materials Featured Soft gray accent colors, warm and cool grays, stark whites, creams and taupes predominated... everywhere! Brown tones, very little red or yellow tones in wood surfacing. While there was one or two vibrantly, dramatically colored kitchens: most were very understated in color. Bright colors were used as accents in the accessories: yellow seen in many stands. In addition to patterns created by the straight grained woods or solid colored surfaces featured on doors, there were some all over muted patterns finished in laminate cabinet fronts and in countertop presentations. Low-gloss finishes seen on both cabinetry and counter surfaces. Metals and metallic surfacing was distressed, aged, burnished, etched or otherwise rusticated to add the patina of age to the surface. Faucets were seen in copper and bronze living finishes. These fittings had a decidedly yellow and rosy-gold tint. In both kitchen and bathroom settings, there was a definite application for shall I say... A bit of sparkle. A burst of bling. Glitz and glam were celebrated in light fixtures, wall coverings, accessories, cabinet hardware (notably in the bathroom settings). The Concealed Kitchen Crisp and clean: everything put away a very minimal look continues to be the foundation of internationally styled kitchens. Additionally, there was a complex combination of enclosed storage, small compartmentalized storage and open shelving. These various components were typically tied together with some sort of backerboard that echoed the finish of the cabinetry or introduced an interesting, contrasting material. Beginning in 2012 and seen extensively in 2014 were new cabinet sections that were completed concealed storage areas: the entire kitchen might be concealed, or various work centers within it. In European settings, the oven was oftentimes shielded from view by a door system. Concerns about North American codes suggests designers should carefully review the possibility of such an installation here in the States. Additionally, bake centers, appliance storage areas, coffee centers, computer stations, laundry rooms at the end of kitchen cabinet runs were concealed behind large door systems. 3

5 The Countertops Countertops continue to be very thin or very thick. A reverse or back beveled edge detail was seen extensively. This edge detail is often called a knife edge. Overhangs continued to be minimal. Eating areas/table sections continued to be an important part of the presentation. Work surfaces were artistically combined with the attached seating areas. One designer commented, Table or snack counters were conjoined (defined as: being, coming, or brought together so as to meet, touch, overlap, or unite). Countertop sections that slid over the cooking equipment and sink with a retractable faucet were suggested. A layered approach to combining both materials and various functional shapes and forms were used extensively along island countertops. Additionally, island countertops offered intriguing recessed storage centers that separated the work side of the island and the seating side of the island. One designer called this counterscaping. While in the past glass, polished stainless steel/nickel and quartz countertops predominated, natural stone was seen throughout the European exhibition. Indeed, hand-made sinks out of stone were featured in many stands. (This surprised me because the typical sale of a kitchen in Europe includes the cabinets, the refrigerator and the countertop with the backsplash shipped from the factory. Our domestic templating/fabricating/installing of stone countertops is not a typical business model in other parts of the world.) More textured stones, some naturalistic tiles (slate for example), and glass were seen as other counter surfaces. Technology was integrated into glass and solid surface countertops in several stands. Perhaps the computer monitor is simply a part of the countertop, or the appliance controls disappear so you only see them when the appliance is in use. I predict more innovation in surfacing materials: Keep on eye new countertop ideas that integrate various functional requirements within the kitchen work stations and/or in the living-in-the-kitchen areas of the space! The Appliances One of the dramatic differences between European or Asian kitchens and American kitchens is the appliance component. In internationally styled kitchens, the refrigerator is typically incorporated into a pantry cabinet, and shipped from the cabinet company. While there is a growing interest in large, oversized American refrigeration throughout the world: this is an interesting difference in overall approach. There is typically a simpler complement of appliances in a European kitchen, and a more standardized SMALLER size offering of ovens and cooktops, as well as specialty appliances between various manufacturers than in the United States. When designing a Contemporary room with an international aesthetic, it is important to think through the appliance package the client selects from several perspectives. Clearly, incorporating all appliances from one manufacturer is preferable for design continuity. Thinking through how to minimize the visual impact of the appliances can be of value. Being familiar with American sized built-in cooking equipment and how it is designed to be installed flush within the paneled framing of the cabinetry creates a much more uniform elevation within the space. Integrating the refrigerator, or at least using counter depth units, is important as well. One burst of creativity seen in European kitchens is the inclusion of dramatically styled sculptural hood systems. This can be a great way to draw the eye to a focal point that supports the overall simplicity of the space, but is a hard-working part of the ventilation system as well. Seen were brightly colored hoods, hoods that looked like something from the Space Odyssey movie, and beautifully shaped, more traditional hoods. 4

6 Throughout the show and in the appliance sector, telescoping downdraft systems behind cooktops, as well as integrated downdraft systems in the cooking area were launched as a new idea. The idea of reintroducing such proximity ventilation makes sense in open planning spaces. An intriguing array of technology was introduced within the appliance category: zoneless induction cooking, steam ovens that combined steam and convection, a specialized appliance to grow herbs in the winter, coffeemakers, and new, better engineered gas burners were launched. One of the most intriguing new product was a cooktop whose controls were illuminated in the counter surface on either side or below it. Should the cook carelessly move a bowl or other utensil and conceal the controls, they simple move to another location. An Interest in Nostalgia and Vintage Accents Another interesting design detail oftentimes seen in European kitchens (in real homes!) is a combination of materials, themes and equipment from various timeframes. There seems to be a sense an appreciation of nostalgia in our design world today. Throughout the world, we have seen appreciation for a vintage look, an appreciation for retrofashioned pieces. The term crafted is oftentimes used to describe a quality manufactured piece that has some sense of hand work to it. Designers talk about an interest in industrial looking products pieces inspired by factory workshops or a chemistry lab. Europeans are exceedingly comfortable combining modernism with antiquity the juxtaposition of rustic and sleek has a warm yet utilitarian sense to it. The brick or stone wall in a countryside home can be a comfortable backdrop for sleek acrylic cabinets. Rustic reclaimed wide plank wood floors can be easily underfoot in the most modern of spaces. The balance of old and new gives an internationally styled Contemporary kitchen or bathroom a heart. It allows a Contemporary space to shy away from a sterile, cold, uninviting interior. 5

7 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SALONE DEL MOBILE MILANO EUROCUCINA APRIL,

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35 BIBLIOGRAPHY This program has been created based on the author s observations while attending the various industry shows listed, as well as being registered as a journalist for Kitchen & Bath Design News Magazine and, therefore, having access to all press information. Secondly, the author has collaborated with respected fellow recognized industry trend watchers who are also familiar with the international design community. Joseph Giorgi, Jr., CKD and Pietro Giorgi, Sr., CMKBD of Giorgi Kitchens & Design, Wilmington, Delaware, B. Leslie Hart, O Reilly-DePalma, New York, New York, Al Pattison, CMKBD, Kitchen Korner, Aldergrove, B.C., Canada, Mary Jo Peterson, CKD, CBD, CAPS, CAASH, Mary Jo Peterson, Inc., Brookfield, Connecticut, Phil Shepard, Artcraft Kitchens, John Troxwell, Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry, Karen Williams, St. Charles of New York, New York, New York, Renee Hytry Derrington, Formica Corporation, Cabinet product information and photography featured in this program have been provided by: Artcraft Kitchens, Binova, Brummel Cucine, Castagna Cucine, Dada SpA, Fendi Casa - Ambiente Cucina, Häcker Kuechen, Martini Mobili srl, Minacciolo SpA, Miton Cucine, Kico Living, Mobalpa, nobilia-werke J.Stickling GmbH & Co. KG, Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry, Premier Custom-Built, Inc., Rossana, Rutt HandCrafted Cabinetry, 34

36 Scavolini SpA, SieMatic, Snaidero, Veneta Cucine, Appliance product information and photography featured in this program have been provided by: BEST by Broan Range Hoods, Electrolux, Gaggenau, Jenn-Air, Miele, Inc., Siemans, Smeg, Sub-Zero/Wolf, Thermador, Surfacing product information and photography featured in this program have been provided by: Caesarstone Design Initiative, Islands by Raw Edges Design Studio, unveiled at the Toronto Interior Design Show and featured at the Fuori Salone during the EuroCucina show, Storage system product information and photography featured in this program have been provided by: Häfele America Co., Kesseböhmer, Salice Hardware, Visit to download a PDF file of the handout. AUTHOR S NOTE: This publication is intended for professional use by residential kitchen and bathroom designers. The procedures, information and advice herein have shown to be appropriate for the applications described; however, no warranty (expressed or implied) is intended or given. The reader of this handout is cautioned to: (1) be familiar with and adhere to all manufacturers planning, installation and use/care instructions; (2) be familiar with and adhere to all applicable local, state and federal building codes; (3) comply with all licensing and legislative requirements governing the designer s ability to perform tasks associated with design and installation standards in the kitchen and bath industry; (4) collaborate/hire/refer only licensed practitioners/installers/craftsmen who meet all required local building/business and health and/or safety regulatory requirements. The material in this workbook is copyrighted by Ellen Cheever & Associates

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