KBB - March 2014 - 26

TRENDS

Form Meets
Function
Cabinetry is becoming more modern
in both its looks and its purpose
As the largest surface area in the kitchen, cabinetry sets the tone for the entire room - and that tone is becoming simpler, sleeker and more functional.
"The highly decorative finishing touches such as frieze valances or
very decorative moldings like grape or leaf onlays are losing a lot of the
momentum they once had, along with the very ornate and carved moldings," said Danielle Mikesell, director of marketing for Merillat Cabinetry.
"Our customers aren't as focused on the heavy or stacked moldings as
they once were."
Taking the place of these ornamental, elaborate finishes is a more
contemporary, clean-lined aesthetic. Jerry Metzler, CEO of Christiana
Cabinetry, pinpoints the economic downturn as the catalyst for the trend.
"These looks tend to be less costly to build, so people moved in that
direction to keep their investment and get more value in what they were
buying," he said."But I have also heard it said that in a troubled economy,
contemporary becomes fashionable because people subconsciously
look for better times in the future."
One of the most popular cabinetry styles includes flat-paneled
doors. "Modifications of the common Shaker style are endless, which
really allows homeowners to add their own personality to an otherwise
simple style," said Nadia Waltz, design specialist with Adelphi Kitchens &
Cabinetry. "These styles can be constructed in either a frameless or an
inset style. Both are equally popular."
Simplicity applies to the hardware as well - sometimes to the point
where it disappears altogether. "Most of our clients like a very streamlined
kitchen design with no handles," said Alberto Snaidero, operational manager for Snaidero USA. "But Shaker doors with visible or external handles
are becoming increasingly popular with younger clients especially." He
also sees a desire for simple, polished chrome bar handles.
Furthermore, consumers are integrating multiple colors and finishes
into their cabinetry designs."Two-tone kitchens that mix colors and textures
create a more interesting contrast than a monochromatic kitchen design,"
said Snaidero, who notes that such a look is achieved by combining lacquer (mostly high gloss) and wood or lacquer and melamine.
Waltz has noticed a similar want for distinction. "Dark-stained birch or
walnut have been especially popular to use for the island, contrasting
with the lighter cabinet along the perimeter of the room," she said.

+
K BB

Clockwise from top left: The new Bayville door from Merillat Cabinetry
features rounded "pillow"-style cabinet rails, bringing a dimensional quality and furniture look to the kitchen.The door - a recessed veneer center
panel with miter construction - is available in maple and cherry with one
of seven new color offerings, including Dusk (pictured). Circle No. 200 or
visit kbbonline.com/freeinfo
Organization takes center stage in this kitchen outfitted in Adelphi's
Shaker-style cabinetry. Highlights include pullout cabinets for spices
and condiments, divider trays for cookie sheets and cutting boards,
built-in utensil dividers in drawers and bookshelves in the island.
Circle No. 201 or visit kbbonline.com/freeinfo
Décora Cabinetry, a subsidiary of MasterBrand Cabinets, has added
new aluminum framed doors from Element Designs for homeowners
looking to achieve a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. An array of decorative glass and other inserts is available to create a high-fashion finish
in the kitchen. Circle No. 202 or visit kbbonline.com/freeinfo

March 2014 / www.kbbonline.com / The Official Sponsor of KBIS www.kbis.com

http://www.kbbonline.com/freeinfo http://www.kbbonline.com/freeinfo http://www.kbbonline.com/freeinfo http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

KBB - March 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - March 2014