Global Trends Influence Design
This design uses texture—granite, steel, glass, wood—to add depth and increase the play of light. |
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 in North America as
well.
Clean lines accented with vibrant blue. |
This new global philosophy revolves around six design 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 the 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 The heavy, boxy look has been replaced by a look that is sheer and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.
Sculptured glass basin “floats” on Wenge base. |
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 often run horizontally across cabinet fronts. Contrasting trim above cabinets keeps the emphasis low, horizontal and intimate, as does a 24" kitchen
backsplash.
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 1 1/2" edge 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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An Electrical System Worth Waiting For
by Stephanie Witt, CKD, CBD
Over 2 miles of #12 Romex wire, and nearly 3 miles of category 5 cabling later…
This is the “wire room” where all the wires which will control the lighting, home network, and audio system terminate. The phone & data cables are on the opposite wall (not shown). |
Over 2 miles of #12 Romex wire, and nearly 3 miles of category 5 cabling later…One of the exciting features we are incorporating into our new home studio is an upgraded and expanded electrical system. Despite causing a slight delay, we are sure that the benefits of this futuristic concept will be worth the wait. We are working closely with the folks at Lange Systems Group, specialists in home automation as well as audio, video, and telephone systems, to create a home, which is as close to “future proof” as you can get. Our home studio will feature the Vantage system, which allows infinite control of lighting as well as virtually any other electrical component in the
home.
Just to give you some examples, rather than having a bank of light switches on the wall in the kitchen with separate controls for down spots, under cabinet lights, and table lighting, the Vantage system allows lighting to be specified by task rather than by fixture. The kitchen control will have buttons such as “prep” and “dine”. The “prep” button will bring all lights up to full brightness to allow good lighting for meal preparation and clean up. The “dine” button might turn off the down spots, dim the under cabinet lights and adjust the table lighting. In the living room, the “entertain” button might bring on the dimmed kitchen lights, light a path to the powder room, turn on the wall washes, and ignite the fireplace.
In the bedroom the lighting system can be used to create a dawn simulator, a very nice effect especially during our short winter days. Another feature, which can be programmed with the Vantage lighting system, is lighting for a nighttime trip to the bathroom. A button could be pushed which would very dimly light the hall on the way to the bathroom, as well as the bathroom light which could then be programmed to turn off automatically several minutes later after you’ve returned to bed. The options are virtually endless and the beautiful part is that once the system is integrated into the home, it can be changed simply by reprogramming the way in which the buttons and the lights
interact.
Brian & Kyle Borst standing outside their new home and future home studio of Kitchens by Stephanie. Stephanie, who is never far from the activity, sat this one out acting as photographer. |
Our home studio will also feature built in speakers, a home theater, as well as the Elan home system. The Elan system allows a door chime/speaker to interact with the phone system as well as the home audio system. When someone rings the doorbell the chime can be broadcast throughout the house over the in-wall speakers. If you were on another floor of the home, you could pick up a phone and communicate with the visitor outside the
door.
As the Internet continues to be an increasingly important part of our world, our new home studio will provide for a home network system. The home network will allow internet access and computer hookup in virtually every room of the home. Even the kitchen has been wired to provide access to future “internet ready”
appliances.
During our open houses next year, the folks from Lange Systems Group will be available to demonstrate this fascinating automation system. Watch for more information in the spring and summer editions of our newsletter.
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Countertops: Solid Surface
Photo: Courtesy of DuPont Corian®
(www.corian.com) |
Solid surface has been around for 30 years, ever since DuPont introduced the original Corian®. Today the versatile material is being used in a huge variety of applications including work surfaces, countertops, sinks, vanities, shower trays, wall cladding and
furniture.
Created from a combination of acrylic resin, natural minerals, and pigments, solid surface is a highly workable material. The grain pattern of solid surface goes all the way through, so it can be cut, carved, routed, sandblasted, inlaid and thermoformed into a variety of attractive shapes.
The advantages for use on kitchen and bath countertops are many. It is very durable, as well as impact and stain resistant. Should any accidental damage occur, the surface is renewable with a light sanding. It is non-porous, so it will not support the growth of bacteria. It is visibly “seamless” when joined. It is available in a rich and ever evolving palette of many colors to blend with any interior.
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A Delight in Store For You
Wine storage units maintain constant temperature and ideal humidity. |
“Give me books, fruit, French wine and fine weather and a little music out of doors played by somebody I do not know.” John Keats (1795-1821) For the poet, who concerned himself with the intensely joyful experiences of life, wine tasting rated high up there on the
list.
More than ever today homeowners are agreeing with Keats. Attend a dinner party, and the chances are your host will offer his guests a delightful sip from his own private wine collection. This may consist of only a few choice bottles, or it may be a serious collection of
thousands.
Obviously, those who have made an investment of any kind in wine will want to provide proper storage. You will need to determine how valuable your collection is and how long you intend on keeping your wine, before you can decide which kind of storage is right for you. The most important factors
are:
1) Temperature: An ideal temperature is between 52 - 55 degrees Fahrenheit, without much fluctuation. Never place wine near sources of heat, such as a water heater or a
furnace.
2) Light: Keep your wine in complete darkness or in a low light
area.
3) Movement: Avoid placing wine in locations where there are frequent vibrations, such as next to the washer or
dryer.
4) Position: Wine should always be kept on its side so that the cork remains moist.5) Humidity: The humidity level should be between 50% and
80%.
6) Odors: Wines pick up odors despite corks and capsules. Be careful of what you place near your
wine.
Another issue to consider is the size of your wine storage area. The most common mistake people make is to undersize. A good rule of thumb is to think of the number of bottles you would like to keep, and then plan for double that number, or even triple. Allow for flexibility in your racking. You will want a mix of single bottle racks as well as magnums, Champagne or half bottle racks. Include racks also for those wines stored in their original
cases.
The rack systems in a wine room are created to fit the needs of its owner. |
Now you should investigate the options of purchasing a self-contained refrigerated storage cabinet, or having a wine cellar or wine room constructed in your home. Buying a wine cooler or cabinet is an easy way to add wine storage where there is minimum space, or as a secondary storage unit in another part of your home, or where major construction is not feasible. These cabinets have many great features, but wine capacity is limited. If you choose to build a wine room, carefully consider the location. The advantage of building one below ground is the natural insulation the surrounding earth provides. Many homeowners, however, prefer the convenience of having their wine collection stored adjacent to the dining room or kitchen. These above ground rooms may be insulated; and, if needed, fitted with a dedicated cooling
unit.
Above all, don’t forget that your wine collection is very personal. Through thoughtful planning and creative design, your wine storage area can also incorporate your personal preferences and style. A comfortable place to share with friends.
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Gilda’s Club to Open in Grand Rapids
In case you haven’t heard, Grand Rapids has a new neighbor. By the end of 2000, Gilda’s Club will open its signature red doors to the public.
Saturday Night Live comedienne Gilda Radner had a dream to create places where men, women and children come together to learn to live with cancer. She felt that while facing illness, life should be lived to the fullest. Today, that dream is realized as Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids joins more than 20 other affiliates worldwide. Gilda Radner died in 1989 of cancer, but her life continues to bless us all.
Kitchens by Stephanie is proud to be a part of Gilda’s Club by contributing a kitchenette of Medallion Cabinetry.
Cancer Facts:
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There will be more than 44,200 new and serious cancers diagnosed in Michigan this year.
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Those cancers will impact more than 265,000 people, counting spouses, children, friends and family members whose lives will be changed because someone they love has cancer.
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Men have a one in two chance of getting cancer; women one in three.
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Cancer costs the US more than $70 billion annually in lost productivity alone.
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