Kitchen Design 2017- What's Next?

Fashion is a fickle phenomena.  What's in today quickly morphs into the the next new sensation.  It doesn't matter if it's clothes or cabinets.  Granted, interior trends are slower to transition but it works the same way.

Lately I've been giving a lot of thought to the huge love affair with contemporary design.  The pendulum is deep into the greys, floating shelves, waterfall counters, clean lines, simplicity, slab style cabinet doors or wide stile and rail shaker fronts. Don't get me wrong, I love it and I think it's going to be many years before these looks  become "outdated." If you've followed my advice in the past, you know I believe in designing to the structure.  If you follow the styling and architecture of your home when designing your cabinetry your kitchen will never be dated.  Then, of course, you have to have what you LOVE!  That is numero uno.

But what's next?  As sure as the sun rises the pendulum will eventually swing the other way and when it does it's going to be in a completely new direction.  I just can't see us going back to the traditional looks of the past with glazes, heavy molding etc.  Will the pendulum swing back to Traditional territory and what will the new Traditional look like? What's next on the horizon? “We are all familiar with consumers’ constant desire to see something new, yet they still want, in many cases, to have somewhat of a familiar comfort level,” said  Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman – executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. I think she's right.  We want fresh and new but we want to feel a connection to qualities we've enjoyed in the past. This kitchen by Rutt HandCrafted Cabinetry has got me thinking about what a "new Traditional" would look like.

 

Clean lines continue but now soft elegant detail makes an appearance

Darryl Minch, manufacturer's rep with the Baronet Group International, Inc., says "I'm seeing less extreme contrasts of color in the kitchen, think softer palettes , white and off -whites used in the same space".  My own prediction is that we will see a big resurgence of natural wood finishes.  I see hints of this all over.  For quite a while white painted finishes and dark espresso stains have ruled.  Neither shows the beauty of wood grain.  Textured laminates round out the top choices at the moment but how about the real deal?

Take your paneling in a different direction.  If you have an island in your plan, chances are you're going to need some paneling to tie it all together.  Take the traditional vertical beadboard and turn it for a "new traditional" effect. I'm loving this option for a coastal look as it's reminiscent of ship lap.  I started to use this design detail in my projects and now I'm seeing it more and more.

If you're a design lover or savvy pro I'd love to hear your predictions for kitchen and bath design 2017.

Be Cool with Big Chill Appliances

There is a fresh new concept on the scene when it comes to kitchen appliances. For years the challenge has been to make them go away, visually, that is.  Integrating your refrigerator and dishwasher using matching cabinet panels can be the perfect solution in some situations but let's take another look, shall we?What if you crave something different, you have yen for retro design and you LOVE color?  If this is you, Big Chill has you covered.  This Colorado based appliance maker was founded in 2001 by  Orion Creamer and Thom Vernon, two guys looking for vintage style with modern functionality.In the early days of the company Thom and Orion studied vintage styling from the 50s, particularly  automotive detailing as well as the materials that were used. Their wish was to replicate the quality of products from this bygone era and blend it  with the latest technology.  I am impressed with the wide variety of appliances offered by Big Chill!  Think the 48" pro range, induction cooking, large capacities as well as compact counter top microwaves. Also, if you're not a fifties fan they have two other lines, Classic with 1920s detailing and Pro offering the same bold color selection in twenty first century design.  Speaking of color, if none of their many options is just right for you, custom colors are available too.  You can find dealers throughout the US but if they're not in your neck of the woods you can purchase on line with free shipping in the month of August. For much more info check out their website and blog.PS. I have no affiliation with Big Chill.  This just came across my radar and I had to share!

Cambria Celebrates Launch of Two New Additions

Have I ever mentioned how much I love quartz countertops?  If not, I have been remiss.  Quartz tops, composed of 93% quartz and 7% resins, are the ultimate in durability, come in a variety of looks and are so easy to care for.  What could be better?  My favorite brand when it comes to quartz counter tops is Cambria.  I love their selection of patterns and colors plus they make it so easy, all the colors are the same price!  I was thrilled to be invited, earlier this month,  to the local launch of two new additions to their luxurious Marble Collection, Ella and Brittanicca.The event was held at the Pavillion Grille in Boca Raton.  The stage was set with style, elegance and a chance to view the two new offerings up close and personal.  It's easy to see that these latest marble looks were inspired by the seashore.  Crazy beautiful veining brings to mind patterns created on the sand.  Here is a quote from Cambria describing one of the new colors.  "Vast and expansive, Brittanicca™ offers a velvety marbled background of neutral white that provides a stage on which gray streams meander among intertwining ashen veins dotted with veiled charcoal sparkles." It's perfectly poetic, yes?  The second star of the evening, Ella, has a finer pattern but is also reminiscent of marble.  The background is rich and creamy.  Both of these options are a great way to get the opulent look of marble with easy to care for durability. Both new finishes are a part of Cambria's Oceanic Collection.

A Quest for Efficiency Fuels Passion at TecnogasSUPERIORE

What is hot, sexy, Italian and soon to be gracing kitchens across America? No, it's not my husband ;) , it's TecnogasSUPERIORE.  I had the pleasure of meeting the new SUPERIORE line during my recent daytrip to Miami. The South Florida introduction of this new line of Italian dream appliances took place at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables Florida. Built by developer George Merrick in 1924, the Biltmore resembles the finest in classic Mediterranean architecture.  It remains the centerpiece of  Merrick’s vision of Coral Gables as an elegant, stately suburb, which he called “The City Beautiful.” Did I mention I was born there?Back to TecnogasSUPERIORE!  Manufactured strictly for the North American market, this line features optional panoramic windows, American sizing as well as a variety of cooking options including gas, induction and convection.  Founded in 1952, Tecnogas is the premiere manufacturer of ranges and matching hoods in Italy.Check out this early version (left ) of a gas range devised by the two young and inquisitive Contini brothers.  It's called a Mobilfornello, an unconventional device that brought together a cook top and a propane tank compartment.  We've come a long way since then but that very same enthusiasm can still be found today in CEO Antonio Di Tommaso who was on hand to introduce the product.  He speaks of his product with a twinkle of enthusiasm and his passion for what he does is very apparent.Gas has always been a preferred cooking method with chefs.  For some of us, there is no substitute for the regal flame, however you can't beat the efficiency of induction cooking.  It's the future.  TechnogasSUPERIORE knows that and they know that Americans love options!  Meet NEXT.  This contemporary series offers gas AND induction cooking surfaces for perfect versatility.  In addition to that, there is an option for  large viewing window so you don't have to open the oven to see what's going on with your turkey.  If you do open the oven you will also love the soft-close door feature.  This is a detail we have been including on cabinet doors and drawers for years and what a good idea it is for your oven too!TecnogasSUPERIORE ranges and hoods are made in Gualtieri, located in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, which also happens to be the heart of the Italian automotive industry.  Think Lamborghini, Ferrari, you get the picture, fine Italian detail and design.   For them, it was only natural for these elements to be incorporated into their products.  Cuisine and an enthusiasm for cooking are celebrated in this region of Italy. Since size counts when it comes to our ovens, you can find 6.7 cubic feet in their 36" ovens.  They call them "big gas ovens"! (say that quickly three times and you've got the right idea). A perfect blend of function with a distinctive Italian flair customized for American taste is what defines TecnogasSUPERIORE. The DECO series is for you if you want a punch of color in your kitchen.  Matte finishes include brown, red, cream and black with a variety of finishes available on the Deco-inspired knobs. All smart chefs know that when you have a range, adequate ventilation is a must.  TecnogasSUPERIORE has got you covered there too.Hoods to pair with all range styles  offer a 600 CFM capacity.  It isn't just about the looks, you see.TecnogasSUPERIORE is distributed throughout the US by Almo.  They have also established  a nationwide service network of partners trained as experts in their appliances.  Feel free to contact me for pricing and availability.  I say every kitchen has a "star".  If you love to cook in style, this could be yours!Update 11/13/15-  Tecnogas Superiore Ranges start at $3200 for 30” sizes, under $4500 for 36” and up to $10,000 for the Tri Fuel.  The line is available at fine appliance retailers on the east coast and will be available in early 2016 in the Central US and West Coast.

The Many Facets of Custom Cupboards

Who says the art of printing is dead? You may be devouring novels on your Kindle but printing is very much alive at Custom Cupboards.  Their Facets program allows you to bring a new level of personalization to your kitchen, bath or anywhere you have cabinets through digital printing. With Facets you can  have a truly artful kitchen enhanced with your own original artwork or photography.  If you can dream it they can do it.  Just remember you can't reproduce work that is copyrighted.  That is a no no, but you knew that, yes?Mael Hernandez, President of this Wichita Kansas based company, was quoted in the Wichita Business Journal as saying,“It’s all about the trend in personalization. We think this is going to change the cabinet industry. It’s very exciting for us.”Custom Cupboards uses patent pending digital printing technology to stylize cabinet fronts with textures, patterns, art, photography and even typography.What do you think? Remember it's just an accent, doesn't have to be on every cabinet. In fact, less is definitely more in this case.  You're creating a focal point which gets diluted when over done.  In case you're wondering, Facets would add about 15% to the cost of an average 13 cabinet, L-shaped kitchen if you did it on say three doors.  If you'd like to explore adding a new "facet" to your kitchen, I'd love to help you do it!