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Responsible and Sensible Design
By Rochelle LD Zemlak
Just three years ago, the kitchen and bath industry was spinning on the momentum of buzz words like uber and luxury, fuelled by the sleekness of European modernism and a resurgence of traditional architectural influences such as Rococo & Baroque.
Much like the Roaring 20s, we seemed to be on a never-ending train of consumption, wealth and excess, as oversized, highly pampering spa bathrooms and fully appointed kitchens with jewel-like adornments were becoming more than just a trend — they were on track to become the new “norm”.
Historically, the pendulum swung the other way, and the economic high of the 20s came to a screeching halt with the stock market crash that led to the Great Depression.
Fortunately for us, the experiences of the past proved educational, and the more recent world-wide financial crisis that erupted in 2008 was a wake-up call. We have evolved and emerged with a renewed sense of social maturity and sensibility, and, like a breath of fresh air, these changing values are driving the current trends in residential kitchen and bath design. Kitchens have become smaller, more efficient and budget conscious. They have grown in responsibility, becoming more the true “hub” of family life as centrally located within the home and facilitating multi-purpose spaces and functions. Likewise, bathrooms are now moving to calming respites with clean lines, soft tones and natural finishes.
One of the best ways to see current trends is to attend the annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. This year’s show, held in Chicago in April was no exception. A sense of practicality, cost consideration, value and ethics were all key factors influencing design trends for 2010.
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Integration and Aging in Place
With baby boomers nearing or entering retirement, aging in place continues to grow as a significant design directive with ergonomic and accessible planning. The use of strategic appliance placement
grows in popularity with innovative products like Fisher Paykel’s new integrated 36” dishwasher drawer and 36” multi-temperature refrigeration drawers as a series of modular products that increase flexibility of design of the kitchen workspace by allowing undercounter or at counter height installations to reduce bending over. Another growing trend that benefits mobility restrictions is
the zero threshold shower system by Delta, and the trench style linear ProLine drain system by Quick Drain USA which allows for near seamless flush rollover and practically eliminates standard shower floor slope which can cause balance and stability issues for some bathers. Then top it all off with touch operation for faucets, like Brizo’s Touch Smart Technology — simply touch anywhere on the faucet body or handle to turn on or off the water. Also available is touch to open hardware by King Slide Technology for cabinet drawers.
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New Luxury for New Economy
Lending standards have tightened — resulting in a distinct move away from ‘bigger is better’ thinking when it comes to home ownership as consumers reduce excess and are more frugal with their money. David Kohler, keynote speaker at KBIS 2010, noted that “times change, and we move on,” and that consumers are looking to be inspired to a more practical way of living by simplifying their environment and leading a more balanced lifestyle. Kitchens will see cleaner, more classic themes reflective of the comforts found in tradition without the fuss of aged or antiqued finishes on cabinetry. New matt finishes on Art Deco inspired bath fixtures by Devon & Devon reflect the tendency for classic styles with a cleaner and more contemporary twist. Brushed nickel and chrome continue to be popular choices in modern faucets as well as more classic styles like Barbara Berry’s new Counterpoint
Collection for Kallista, which is distinctly sensible and sophisticated and reminiscent, (ironically?) of the minimal elegance of the 1930s. Traditional formality will continue to give way to casually contemporary spaces that hint back at a simpler interpretation of a more classic style.
Social Conscience
In light of current economic instability, consumers have become more conscious of the distinction between value and cost when considering purchases for the kitchen or bath, as well as considering the long term benefit of investing in more costly products that have long term social and environmental benefits.
Integration and specialization will still play a role in both kitchen and bath fittings, but expect to see a more balanced consumer cheque book as unique luxuries such as the Ronis entertainment sink by Blanco and the new integrated wall wine cabinet by Liebherr are selected and used strategically rather than en masse with other splurges and excesses.
The green theme is holding strong, though a more educated and informed sense of the term among consumers will direct designs towards local and efficient products. Energy Star appliances, Water Sense plumbing fixtures and low voltage lighting continue to dominate as consumers can see tangible return on investment.
So, as the pendulum swings once again, we start to see balance return in the relativity of design elements in kitchen and bath trends. Value will settle comfortably on quality of product, quality of life, with “greening” moving further from a social opportunity towards social responsibility. The move from gluttony to sensibility encapsulates an evolutionary step forward in responsible design and responsible living.
Rochelle LD Zemlak, AKBD, is owner and principal of the design/build firm Rochelle Lynne Design, located in Cochrane Alberta, and is currently president of the Prairie Provinces chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.
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