2012 National Kitchen and Bath Association Trend Spotter

More and more opinions constantly roll through for trending and spotting interior design materials and colors. I, of course, keep my ear on all streams of information. The National Kitchen and Bath Association, NKBA, has become a valuable resource for both professionals and consumers and is one of the more reliable sources I look to for what’s new and hot.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association, (NKBA), is a non-profit trade association that promotes the professionalism of the kitchen and bath industry. Established in 1963 as a network of kitchen dealers, it has grown into the premier association of distributors, retailers, remodelers, manufacturers, fabricators, installers, designers, and other professionals. The NKBA’s certification program emphasizes continuing education and career development and includes designers and professionals in all segments of the kitchen and bath industry. 

These trends are specified by reports and studies identified by NKBA member designers as we continue to roll ahead into 2012. Listed here are the first 5 out of NKBA’s top 10 trends for 2012.

CHERRY WOOD IN DECLINE.  

·        Cherry wood has consistently been the first or second most popular type of wood for cabinetry, vying for the top spot with maple each year. However, we are now slowly shifting away from Cherry.

So what are we moving toward? More Walnut, still Maple and surprisingly Oak has had a strong resurgence.

Plain and Fancy Cabinetry - All Walnut in Cocoa

DARKER FINISHES.

The species of wood  has to lead us into colors and finishes. Natural or neutral kitchen cabinetry continues a steady move toward darker finishes. However, you will see the darker finish usually combined with aluminum and multi -faceted glass door fronts. 

White finishes yes, are still being shown. these are frequently combined with a splash of color on drawer or door fronts and even colored glass fronts. Dark stains like cocoa or wenge and high gloss enamel paints are the choice of finish used today in renovations and new construction moving forward through 2012.

Modern Kitchen from Caesarstone Galleries

GLASS BACKSPLASHES.
Glass in so many ways continues to come on strong in 2012. Although it is a niche material for kitchen countertops, it has recently been used by more than half of kitchen designers as a backsplash material either in tiles or full sheets. Glass as a backsplash has risen from 41% to 52% just in this past year according to NKBA. 
It only trails natural stone, ceramic and porcelain tile by 8%. Ceramic tile for backsplashes however, are now on the decline. 

An ultra modern kitchen by Caesarston Galleries. Glass backsplash in a full sheet behind range.

POLISHED CHROME.

Supplemented by brushed metal finishes like satin nickel and stainless steel, polished chrome is staging a comeback; yes, really. In kitchens, polished chrome is up from 34% to 52%specified by NKBA designers and in bathrooms, up from 46% to 65%.

SHADES OF GRAY.

I continue to agree, notice and quote the ever popular use of gray in 2012 and beyond. NKBA study concluded that gray used as the overall color scheme in kitchens doubled last year and doubled again this year. Same holds true for bathrooms; dramatically jumping from 12% (2010) to 21% to 40% in bathroom remodels in 2012. 

Gray creates a beautiful backdrop for artwork and any color combination of your choice. 

Photo from the Classic Gallery by Caesarstone.

Coming in next week's blog are the remaining 5 trend spotters of NKBA's 10 picks for 2012. Can you guess what they are? Stay tuned. 

GLASS – A Clear Distinction

Remember that first time you took a cruise on a glass bottom boat? I do and it was amazing. Ever since then, I’ve been fascinated by decorative glass. Glass stairs, glass flooring, tiles, stained glass windows, you name it, I’m there.

Lucky for me then, decorative glass as an interior design feature, has recently become a seemingly overnight success. Glass itself is certainly not a new material by any means. However, it is the 'new techniques and fabrication' of glass that have found its way into mainstream use and application. Glass easily takes color well and can be transformed into any texture or shape limited only by your imagination. 

Duvet – New York. Texture: Granula | Color: Crystal | Edge: Polished | Thickness: 36mm (1.5")

You will see it used now everywhere and in every way. Not only does it evoke a sense of mystery, like walking on water, it is a sustainable product; 100% recyclable. 

 

The qualities you should look for from a glass fabricator are:

·   A pure, rich and thick glass edge that surpasses the look of a traditional laminated edge which have plastic lines that takes away the matter's purity.

·   An anti-skid surface with a vast array of beautiful organic textures.

·   Glass thickness possibilities ranging from 36mm (1,5”) to 144mm (6”) with an exceptional edge.

·   A nearly invisible laminate film to secure the glass.

·   The options and possibilities to imbed artistic color into your flooring or treads.

In bathrooms and kitchens, you find glass used in mosaic tile patterns for back splashes and shower walls. Mix glass tiles with limestone, marble or granite to create a harmonious balance of transparent and opaque visual design elements.

This New York City bathroom, designed by Carol Kurth Interiors, shouts sophistication with Artistic Tile's Musee, Ambra and Opera Glass collections.

This New York City bathroom, designed by Carol Kurth Interiors, shouts sophistication with Artistic Tile's Musee, Ambra and Opera Glass collections. 

It may surprise you, however,  to find glass used in these new, different, and unusual applications. For example, here it is used as a floor accent to reflect and bring light to the first floor living area below. These artistic floor panels allow the light from the upstairs window to cascade down in a thousand hues of colors. 

Bridge of Light.    Texture: Natura | Color: Artistic | Edge: Polished | Thickness: 36mm (1.5")

Or try using as stair treads envisioning a waterfall effect such as here. Staircases can become the focal point of a home.

Sapphire - Residential Development – Fort Lauderdale

Finally, one of my most recent favorite applications is glass used as the balustrade. 

Majestic Ramp

No longer when you think glass, will you envision the usual 1/2” thick glass topped coffee table, typical glass shelving or that clear glass shower door enclosure.  

A simple touch of glass, well designed and placed can make all the difference.  

 Glass can be and is so much more. 

Palais des Congrès, Montréal

Two of the largest glass murals in the world can be found at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal (Montreal’s Congress Center). Outside, 3000 pieces of glass create an impressive mosaic covering more than 1300 square feet, while the mural inside is made of 70 panels with pixelated images of people and covers over 500 feet in length.

Photo credits and information courtesy of THINK GLASS offering a wide range of unique glass floors, tiles and treads. Thumbs up! 

INTERIOR DESIGN - Forecast 2012 – KITCHENS

 

Kitchens are where family and friends come to cook, eat and socialize.

To begin a kitchen overhaul, homeowners shouldn’t be afraid to dispose of anything from the last two decades, especially Old World kitchen styles with heavy molding.

I suggest that homeowners embrace new materials, like counter tops made out of quartz, glass and wood, which can vary in style, shape and color. Glass tiles for back splashes have become increasingly popular providing a light, fresh, sleek design element; use as one solid panel or choose from a limitless variety in shape and color.

 

Photo credit: Scavolini.us

    

Kitchens are being recognized as not only the heart of the home, but also quite often the focal point and centerpiece.

Often open to large great rooms, the kitchen now looks less "kitcheny" and more like an inviting place to gather and entertain.

The decorative elements that are strong right now include natural finishes like wood and stone but they are complimented by glass, shiny metallics, special attention to lighting details, and even crystal.

Still the favorite choice for metal finishes is stainless steel. It has been used in the best kitchens for over a century and maintains its association with luxury due to its universal appeal, its ability to provide a sterile surface and shiny appearance. You’ll be seeing it used now more than just for appliances, but for the cabinetry as well.  

Photo credit: Scavolini.us