KBB - November/December 2009 - (Page 16)

T rends Sensible Options Storage accessories abound, but it’s back to basics While bells and whistles may have once been what sold a kitchen design, nowadays consumers are taking a more “back to basics” approach to the heart of their homes, and storage is no exception. Efﬁciency and access, of course, are still top of mind, but as Kalpesh Nanji, manager of Product Development for Armstrong Cabinet Products, noted, “People are focused on what makes more sense.” SPACE PLANNER What makes sense, however, can depend in part on geography. In New York City, for example, where kitchens are notoriously tiny, extending all upper cabinetry to the ceiling might seem like the logical solution, but in fact, according to Benjamin Huntington, ASID, of MH Studio, clients are also asking for open shelving, which helps enhance the illusion of more space. “I think part of that is because we’ve become much more selective about how we store and what we store,” he said. “Anything you can do to improve visual space is seized upon almost immediately.” Other “tricks of the trade” include increasing the height of backsplashes and raising toekicks. This may mean less valuable cabinet space for keeping items out of sight, but as Huntington pointed out, kitchen cabinet manufacturers are offering their lines with “much more sophisticated storage options” that take the guesswork out of organizing. Pullouts of all types continue to be popular, as are old standbys such as lazy susans, tip-out trays and glideout shelving that makes full use of corner cabinets. But for Huntington, features like two-tiered drawers and modular storage systems, such as those from European cabinet companies, which offer a wide array of drawer inserts, along with custom containers and accessories, are of particular interest, as they “really take advantage of every little bit of additional space” in an urban kitchen. KEEPING IT SIMPLE Beyond the urban kitchen, most manufacturers agree that the focus on practicality has found a new must-have for any kitchen: the humble pullout waste bin and/or recycling center. Though not particularly sexy, its appeal is simple enough. “The sustainable kitchen is really big,” said Shari McPeek, marketing director for Rev-A-Shelf, “and people want to get involved, so built-in recycling centers are being made a part of everyday life.” Also in demand are larger, deeper drawers for easier retrieval of pots and pans, as well as pullout pantries that offer greater visibility of stored items. Units with trays for bottoms, instead of wire, provide more stability, and at-home chefs can now prep, cook and clean with ease, thanks to complete storage collections designed to support each of the kitchen’s different work zones. Storage is also keeping pace with larger trends such as Universal Design. On this front, shelving connected to lift systems provides users who have limited arm strength with easier access to items stored in wall cabinets, said Daniel Tripp, product marketing manager for Häfele. And with recycled glass countertops gaining interest, McPeek suggests that glass may be the “it” material for creating a more cohesive look. Stainless steel and chrome, of course, remain the ﬁnishes of choice, along with wood in various ﬁnishes. In addition, with home ofﬁces and messaging centers becoming more commonplace, Nanji has seen a growing interest in repurposing kitchen storage accessories for sorting mail and even concealing computer equipment. Such adaptations are to be expected with the new streamlined mentality. While a heightened sense of selectivity may mean that more luxe features like toekick drawers are on the wane, there’s always room for reinvention and creativity. s —Alice Liao + K BB November/December 2009 / www.kbbonline.com / The Ofﬁcial Sponsor of KBIS www.kbis.com July 2004 http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - November/December 2009

KBB - November/December 2009
Table of Contents
Online News
Online Content
Editor's Note
Trends
Product Innovator Awards
Products
Profile
The Italian Job
Rock Steady
Education
Ad Index
Editorial Index
Favorites

KBB - November/December 2009