|  Global
Trends Influence Design
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. Its 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 new 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 The heavy, boxy look has been replaced by a look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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