Emerging Trends

Varying Heights

Island tops, countertops and partial walls are being customized to the task performed there and the needs of the homeowners. Paring lower desk and prep areas with higher breakfast bar surfaces provides convenient task-specific spaces, which fosters a greater level of family interaction within the kitchen.  In the bathroom, this design conept not only provides function, but balances the space. Varying heights seen in the edge of a wood bar top or granite countertop serve as a beautiful counterbalance.

Scaling of Elements

Shapes, actual and implied textures, along with the placement of fixtures, are being used to create scale. The overall composition of kitchens and baths is being defined by a sense of scale, which is both functional and visually appealing. An irregularly textured pebbled wall, marbled surface in glass tile, reflective metallic material or symmetrically hung pendant lighting directs the eye around the room and contributes to a balanced space. Distinctive wall coverings, tin ceilings and the implied texture of wood grain are stand-out details that are being seen as contributors to the balance of current designs.

Color with Energy

Bold colors are creating a vibrant splash in room palettes for 2010, with rich blues, purples, greens and citrus yellow making appearances in kitchens and baths. Colors exuding emotion also bring life through lighting, wall colors and wood tones. Colors from nature combined with others more synthetically blended are inducing a feeling of movement and motion throughout the room.

Appliance Pulls

With today's larger kitchens and consumer demand for both design and functionality, the trend toward larger decorative hardware continues to grow.  Fortunately, more and more of the industry's leading hardware manufacturers are expanding their collections to include coordinating appliance pulls. These oversized pulls are not only being fitted on refrigerators and dishwashers but also on larger pot and pan drawers, multiple pantry areas and even as decorative towel bars.  From Schaub & Company, to Amerock, to Hickory Hardware, our suppliers lead the industry in this trend as well as in design and finishes.

Coordinating Bath Hardware

Not only is Amerock a leader in design and finish for cabinet hardware, recently the company released a Bath Hardware line that provides you with a coordinating finishing touch for any bath project.  Five designs and five finishes make the up the offering.  Click here for an Amerock Bath Hardware catalog or display board order form.

Silgranit® Sinks

Looking for a premium kitchen sink that offers superior quality and innovative design?  Look no further than BLANCO Silgranit sinks.  Silgranit is an extremely hygienic, non-porous material that does not absorb odors or bacteria.  It's both easy to care for and resistant to most household stains.  Made from 80% solid granite and resistant to extreme changes between hot and cold, the sinks are as functional as they are beautiful.  They match beautifully with today's most popular granite and solid surface countertops.  For example, check out the latest color in the BLANCO Silgranit sink line, Biscotti (shown).