If one were to describe in a single word the global trend in kitchen and bath design today, it would be simplicity. And it's no wonder the idea is catching on quickly! Our lives are so fast paced and complex that a home environment free from extra clutter can have a calming effect on the soul. It's roots are Asian, based on the Zen principle of removing all non-essential elements from a space until harmony, balance and simplicity is achieved. These theories are being put into practice by designers all over the world, including those in Italy, Germany, England, and finally North America as well.
This global philosophy revolves around six themes: transparency, texture, softened colors, suspension, lineal design, and minimalism. Each of these elements contributes to the overall look and serves a well-defined purpose, nothing is frivolous.
Transparency can be found in openness of cabinets, which are often glass fronted or open shelved. These designs celebrate light as an interactive material, and they are very sculptural, playing creatively with proportions. The heavy, boxy look has been replaced by a look that is sheer and beautiful.
Texture is everywhere: in glossy finishes, dimpled fronts, and sanded obscure glass. Wood, glass, stainless steel, aluminum, granite and even plastic are harmoniously combined. An occasional leather drawer pull adds unique character.
The trend is for whites to be softened and mellow. Parchment is the color choice for cabinets, and white marble is used on countertops. Other colors are less significant, although saturated red, yellow and blue are used as accents. Wenge wood, a dark, almost black wood from Africa, lends depth. Cabinets are often suspended off the floor. They can be free standing and show an attractive leg, or if attached they can "float", having no legs at all. Countertops are cantilevered and shelves are without brackets, all to express the feeling of openness and light.
Lineal design is achieved through treating spaces as horizontal rather than vertical. There are no wall cabinets hung from the ceiling, and few pictures are placed on the wall. Wood grains run horizontally across cabinet fronts. Contrasting trim above cabinets keeps the emphasis low, horizontal and intimate, as does a 24" backsplash in the kitchen.
Minimalism was the style 40-50 years ago, and some of those same ideas and products are being revived with the new "simplicity." Only, the look is more relaxed and inviting in today’s global kitchen and bath. Advances in technology make it possible for everything to be more user friendly.
Plastics and superior coatings for wood cabinets make them waterproof and stain resistant. Advanced hardware systems have enabled manufacturers to produce sliding countertops and easily moveable doors. Countertops are becoming thicker, from the usual 3/8" thickness up to 4" thick, depending on the material used.
The new global kitchen and bath design trends are certainly on the cutting edge of creativity. And as American homeowners have become more aware of what is going on in European and other global markets, there has been a strong movement in the direction of contemporary styling. Without a doubt, a well-organized and subtly beautiful room makes a peaceful place to escape to at the end of a hectic day.
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