KBB - January/February 2013 - (Page 13)

KBIS SPECIAL SECTION percent saying built-in amenities are somewhat or very important to them. They are seeking comfort and warmth in their homes, while at the same time craving larger kitchens. The goal of more space is not to impress but rather to allow for better organization: 74 percent say their dream kitchen would have plenty of storage. Open space is tremendously important to this group. Ninety-two percent would choose a semi-open or completely open oor plan. They’re willing to sacri ce counters for more open space, looking for multitask appliances and more vertical solutions that save on the need for traditional counter spaces. Culturally, Millennials are embracing a “maker/ xer/mover” mindset. Highly educated, they are anxious to make their mark on the world and are nding creative outlets in a tough economy to do it. This need for personal expression extends to a desire but will spend the most on their home improvement efforts. They are recreating their “grand homes” as private retreats, where they can age gracefully, surrounded by their beautiful things. Their homes are as much a gallery as a living space. PRIME TIMERS: ACCESSIBILITY & WELLNESS The Prime Timers have helped the slow recovery of the housing market more than any other generational segment. Whether in a continuous care retirement community, multihousing condominium or smaller freestanding cottage, this group has rede ned its housing priorities around health, wellness and accessibility. Kitchens designed to accommodate monitoring devices, attractive storage for medicines and space for walkers and wheelchairs are allowing Prime Timers to age elegantly at home. No longer a separate space, kitchens require function and beauty to co-mingle—regardless of generation. for authentically crafted products, where the source of the raw materials is known, and the makers are trustworthy, offering the “real deal.” Practical and considerate, Prime Timers enjoy cooking at home and do so at least ve times per week. Fifty-nine percent of retirees spend more time cooking in an average month than when they were working. They are taking control of their environment and by doing so, their health and well-being. GEN X: CASUAL & COLLABORATIVE The rst generation to embrace casual living—all day, every day—Gen Xers have brought the concept of truly relaxed living home. The ideal design for this group re ects a combination of collaboration and casual living in the way that food is prepared, entertaining occurs and families gather. Because of the rise of multigenerational living (6.6 million American households have at least three generations of family members living under the same roof—a 30 percent increase since 2000), Gen-X homes, and especially kitchens, are more exible and uid. Whether it’s cooking, doing homework or hanging out on the computer, the kitchen is the de facto hub for this 24/7 generation. Gen-X men are involved in more aspects of meal preparation, from shopping to cooking, than their fathers. Fifty-two percent of kids of Gen-Xers are doing their homework in the kitchen, and moms are happily entertaining friends and extended family in the kitchen multiple times per week. WORKING THE HUB Given all this insight, KBIS 2013 is exploring how current generations and their respective lifestyles merge. Ironically, the macro ideas are all the same—kitchen as hub. The details of how the hub works, connects and looks are the nuances that make life and these ideas interesting. Working with brand experience designer Scott Richardson, of Richardson Design, LLC, KBIS is conceptualizing a group of “lifestyle quarters.” These spaces, one of which is called Culinary Campus, contextualize the evolution of the generations, bringing out the various psychographic drivers of each group. “The world is a different place than it was just a few short years ago. Customers are more savvy, design is becoming ever more important, consumers are demanding more than just a great product and companies are trying to gure out where they t in and how to respond,” said Richardson.“If we can help manufacturers communicate better ideas to their dealers who, in turn, can make better, more meaningful connections with their customers, we’ll all be better off.” KBIS 2013 aims to give design pros, remodelers and manufacturers new insights into consumer connections. Understanding and seeing these multidimensional lifestyle quarters will offer terri c insight into how to show and sell similar concepts in brick-and-mortar and digital showrooms at the local level. Be sure to visit KBIS.com to learn more. Check out the KBIS Facebook and Twitter feeds to stay current on how the “quarters” are developing and to nd out how you can become involved. ■ —Sherry Qualls BOOMERS/ZOOMERS: KITCHEN FACELIFTS & HOME AS GALLERY Kitchens remain at the top of the list for Boomers making minor “facelifts” in their homes (under $25,000). Boomers are cautiously improving their homes now that many have made the decision to stay put or even if they’re ready to sell, assuring their return on investment. Luxury amenities are still meaningful to Boomers. They had a taste of the good life and are not ready to give it up. Interestingly, they are more willing to experiment with contemporary and transitional design than ever before, with 44 percent saying they are interested in “New Age” contemporary or modern design. Additionally, this is the group who not only has the most to spend www.kbbonline.com / January/February 2013 + K BB 13 http://www.KBIS.com http://www.kbbonline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - January/February 2013

KBB - January/February 2013
Contents
Online Contents
Editorial
Show Director’s Note
KBIS Special Section
Web Savvy
Focus
Trends
Products
Design Feature: A Touch of Glass
Design Feature: Glam Rock
Practice
Ad Index
Favorites

KBB - January/February 2013