NKBA Design Trends

Last week I talked about design trends in the kitchen and bath industry, so this week I want to add a couple more that started showing up in the NKBA Design Competition. The NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) is the organization that I have received my accreditation through, and they hold a design competition each year for professionals and students. (Someday I will partake…) They have noticed several trends I didn’t mention or expound upon:
Concealed kitchens: Appliances are being concealed or integrated because houses are being built with more open spaces.
Beverage stations: Coffee pots and beverage coolers are being located together for easier access. Prep sinks can be located near or in the beverage center. These centers are also being located in the master bathrooms to ease the morning rush.
Scaling of Elements: Fixtures, shapes, implied and actual textures, shapes are being used to create a balanced scale. This scale can be achieved whether it is using a tin ceiling, pebbled wall tiles, wood grains or distinctive wall coverings.
Color with energy: Bright, bold blues, purples, greens and yellows that exude energy!
Soft geometry: Rounded organic shapes can be seen in the edge of a counter or island top, an arch over an entryway or cooking hearth, the curved lines of a light fixture, and well-placed, space-defining soffits. They help to soften the traditionally angular, straight edges usually found in kitchens and baths.
Space subtleties: Floating vanities and wall-mounted toilets lend a spacious feel to a bathroom, while appliances can be stacked and positioned within islands to bring tasks into the same area of the kitchen.
Design Framing: Designers are bringing artistic details to new heights. A seemingly simple detail, such as the use of a soffit along the ceiling or a width of wall space surrounding inset cabinetry, can call out the item being framed as a focal point while also providing visual balance to the room. The thickness of a counter top edge outlined by a higher counter top acts to highlight a unique material used in the surface. Balance in design is achieved not only by the use of simply symmetry. Portions of a room can be treated as a piece of art, with a frame indicating its presence
Varying Heights: Greater family interaction can be achieved by varying the heights of island tops, counter tops, and partial walls to be specific to the users. Taller eating bar counter tops, and dishwasher areas, lower prep areas, as well as desk areas are specific to the different tasks being performed on them.
Japanese Influences: Clean lines, open spaces, and a neutral color pallet. Sometimes a bold color thrown into the design for impact.
Art Integration: Design revolving around/from a favorite piece of artwork to personalize the space.
Okay, are you thoroughly confused? If you have any questions please be sure to contact me. These trends are specific to the kitchen and bath design competition, but usually are indicative of what is new or improved in the design industry.
Now for my remodel update: the roof is complete with the new ridge vents that run along the entire peak to better vent the roof in the attic space. They cost a little extra to install, but are supposed to be far better than the traditional 8” square or round vents that you see on most houses. The fireplace is being framed now, with attention to all of the details…like the 2” rock reveal, size of the speakers for surround sound, wiring for the TV, and gas fireplace. The front door has been installed: it is awesome! We spent a fair amount on the door, but researched ahead of time and know that the cost will be offset with one of the energy tax credits! YES!!! Pictures to follow… The first picture is of the new fireplace in progress. The 2nd picture(middle, top row) is of the old front entry, the last 2 are of the new front door. The bottom picture is with the new columns-they will have a natural rock base.

Design Quote of the week: “Crossing too many t’s and dotting too many i’s make a room look overdone and tiresome. One should create something that fires the imagination without overemphasis.” Nancy Lancaster

Kitchen and Bath trends....

Whew! It has been a long time! So much to talk about…the remodel is moving along and some notes from a class I attended in Kalispell. (Of course I realize it is almost half way through the year to be talking about trends for 2010, just keep in mind that these will not be "fads" such as fashion that come and go with the season.)
What are the newest kitchen trends and/or how are some of the older trends holding up? Let’s start with what is hot…**professional appliances or suites of appliances(they all match or are from the same manufacturer and look alike) **glass countertops ** coffered ceilings **wood floors (Did they ever really go out?!?) ** open spaces such as opening up walls between kitchen, living and dining areas **a furniture look to the cabinets (decorative fillers, corbels, island legs, or valances at the toe kick) **wine chillers (YUM!) **concrete countertops… but, remember that they are not very forgiving…Waterford Crystal Company has reported an increase in sales due to counters made of harder materials such as concrete or stone) ** multiple countertops ** walk-in pantries (popular because of Costco and Sam’s Club) ** Islands, especially double islands ** custom hoods above the range or cook top ** a fireplace in the kitchen ** horizontal cabinet doors…they lift up and actually can be very good for the aging population **”green” thinking.
Comments about a couple of these trends: custom hoods are more of a focal point now. Granite is waning a little in popularity, but definitely chosen for the uniqueness of the stone. Wine racks are purchased because they “look good”, but it is actually the wrong place to store wine as the temperature is usually too warm in the kitchen. Bamboo floors can be harder than wood floors but they are not as green as you would think because of their carbon footprint (what it costs to produce them and transportation costs to get them here.) Formal rooms are going by the wayside with “no dining rooms” and comfort in all areas of the house preferred. Two cook kitchens require two sinks. An “entertaining” kitchen is more popular with the kitchen being the restaurant of choice for a lot of people.
Bathroom trends include chrome finishes on the faucets, showerheads, etc. because they “last longer”. The oil rubbed bronze finish is hard to match but still very popular around here. Color of the year for the bathroom is a spring green. Luxuries are still high on wish lists with multiple showerheads, towel warmers and grab bars gaining popularity.
Next week I will cover some color and design trends concerning cabinets for both kitchens and baths and some interesting facts about what different age groups are spending money on.

Design quote of the week: “You can never achieve anything in a house unless you have things that have been passed down and you find a place for them for yourself.” Sister Parish


For those of you looking for pics of the remodel: the new wall to divide the back hall from the living room has sheetrock, the new front step is poured, alot of the lighting has been moved. Today, the new shed roof is added!

BEFORE and DURING.....("After" will come in the next couple of days...)