Kitchen & Bath Business - February/March 2019 - 22

Trends

The new LifeLine Collection
from #GRABDASHBAR
features two-in-one grab
bars. These serve as not
only safety grab bars but
also double as toilet roll
holders, shower shelves and
towel racks. The collection
is currently available in six
finishes, including white,
polished chrome, stainless
steel, brushed nickel and
oil-rubbed bronze.

RIGHT Formica Writable Sur-

faces are durable markerboard
and chalkboard laminate
designs that offer a functional,
creative outlet for the home.
One of the designs exclusive
to FORMICA CORP. includes
ImagiGrid, which offers a 1-in.
grid pattern and provides an
ideal way to make lists, plan a
workout or map out a plan.

that let in more natural light will allow everyone to receive the benefits of
sunlight. The floor plan should also include comfortable spaces for family
gatherings, as well as private areas for every age group.
"It's important to create flexible spaces that are multi-use and adaptable,"
said Christine Marvin, director of corporate strategy and design at Marvin
Windows and Doors. "Large social spaces are highly valuable, but creating
separate areas for families to retreat to and recharge on their own schedules
without disrupting others in the home is equally as important."
There should be dedicated spaces for children's toys, for an elder to read in
peace and for the adults to entertain. Designated storage for everyone's daily
needs - from the baby's formula to the grandparent's medication - should
be clearly separated and accessible to the appropriate person.
"The first step for designing for three generations or more is to look at
the area in total through each user's eyes," said McPeek, adding that in most
cases access is a common factor throughout and can be solved through
functional storage.
SUPPORTING FUTURE FAMILIES

As multigenerational living is likely to continue growing, the kitchen and
bath industry needs to cater to these homeowners with flexible and easyto-use solutions.
"We need to keep all generations in mind when designing products," said
Malissa Miller, digital marketing manager at Hardware Resources. "These
products need to be intuitive to use and not too technical for kids, adults
and aging relatives."
Smart home technology could provide the solutions these homes need
by enabling homeowners to control appliances, devices, Wi-Fi and air
conditioning from one system center. New innovations in appliances also

22
18-22_KBB_0219_Trends.indd 22

make homes safer for everyone and can alert the
homeowners if the oven was left on or the refrigerator door was not shut.
"Designers and manufacturers are really listening to these clients,"said Summer Kath, executive
vice president, design and business, for Cambria
Surfaces. "They are catering to families' changing
and evolving needs through smarter technology,
incorporating durable products and developing
easy-to-maintain materials."
Appliance manufacturers are designing
shelves with lit edges and colored or backlit
knobs, which is useful for those with difficulty
seeing. Showers are easily customizable with
smart systems, and innovative drainage systems
ensure that barrier-free bath spaces have no obstructions that could trip a homeowner, young
or old. Motion-sensor lighting can illuminate
pathways throughout a home, and matte countertop options offer easier visibility. Designers
can use their knowledge of these products and
techniques to create safe, accessible and comfortable homes for every family member.
"Multigenerational design is a movement that
will continue to grow," said Chmiel. "With how
expensive certain life moments are, such as buying
a home or retiring,generations will continue to lean
on each other more for support and guidance." 

The 5PD Pulldown Shelf
from REV-A-SHELF brings
hard-to-reach items down
while pulling out from the
cabinet. This chrome-plated,
two-tier pullout features a
lifting/lowering mechanism
that provides stability through
the entire range of motion. The
5PD features wire construction
and includes both side- and
bottom-mount brackets and
fully-assembled baskets for
easy installation.

When unlocked, the Marvin
Lift Lock from MARVIN WINDOWS AND DOORS acts
as a handle for raising and
lowering the bottom sash
of a single-hung window. To
lock, simply close the bottom sash. This makes it easy
to open and close windows
even with limited hand dexterity or range of motion.

Kitchen & Bath Business / FEB.-MARCH 2019 / KBBONLINE.COM / The official publication of KBIS (KBIS.com)

1/23/19 3:27 PM

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Kitchen & Bath Business - February/March 2019

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