© MARCO RICCA ; COURTESY JAMIE DRAKE , DRAKE / ANDERSON DESIGNER : MOLLY HUSTOFT ; PHOTO BY MOLLY HUSTOFT COURTESY JAMIE DRAKE , DRAKE / ANDERSON
pillows and accessories
a freestanding sculptural tub
softer and more eclectic
“ In kitchens , we are seeing more color in cabinetry , backsplashes and surfaces . Back-painted glass , leather wrapped doors and lacquer are hot , and add original notes of distinction ,” shares Drake .
Manufacturers enhanced existing technology , but the biggest news for appliances was column refrigerators and freezers that can be finished however a consumer wishes . A slim profile makes them easy
to integrate and also allows unlimited possibilities for configuration . Microwave drawers are preferred over free-standing or built-in units . For several years , manufacturers have been searching for an alternative to stainless . This year ’ s solution is a matte finish called black stainless . Premier appliance brands used to be desired status symbols , but Grubb is finding the cachet waning for some consumers .
Last year , the show revealed hints of metallic finishes ; this year warm metals from brushed brass to satin bronze were on display . “ Gold tones are starting to stand out more and more ” at the show , says Grubb . “ We have done brushed nickel and chrome for so many years . People who appreciate design are ready for a change . Gold is more polished and elegant , and that ’ s part of the appeal .” From brushed brass to satin bronze , metals are showing up in unexpected places , as part of a composition in a backspace to inlays in cabinets . On the other hand , oil rubbed bronze , copper and rose gold are fading .
“ Hardware is also getting more decorative . Knobs and pulls are becoming like pieces of jewelry unto themselves ,” says Grubb .
Today , what ’ s inside a cabinet is as important as the outside . “ Clients take the time to go through every possible fitting . For sure , convenience and storage is a priority ,” says Grubb .
In luxury homes , a freestanding sculptural tub in the master bath has almost become a musthave . Approximately 60 percent of NKBA members surveyed expect to specify more freestanding tubs in 2017 . Requests for vessel sinks are waning , while trough sinks are emerging .
The show also tapped into a growing penchant for fewer rooms , possibly even less square footage , with a higher level of finishes . Overall home sizes are on the decline after a decade of increases . Size preferences do go up as income levels increase , but , increasingly , even high-end consumers are a showing a move toward less square footage . “ No matter what the income , buyers overwhelmingly prefer a smaller house with more features and amenities over sheer size . More than two-thirds are willing to trade size for high-quality products and features ,” explained Rose Quint , NAHB assistant vice president for survey results .
“ It ’ s more about really functional spaces and higher quality finishes ,” says Mondi . Our request has been more that they don ’ t want these rooms that they don ’ t use . Some people don ’ t want a living room . They ’ d rather have it be a home office or really beautiful study or library .”
Looking ahead , most experts see contemporary evolving , becoming softer and more eclectic . “ We are going to start to see lots more rounded edges , softer , curvier pieces ,” says Henderson . “ I would like to see a greater mix of more classic American antiques or even Shaker , that simpler American furniture mixed European influenced pieces . Something more eclectic , less mid-century American , I think that mid-century European and Scandinavian pieces are going to be even more and more popular .”
The gray and white saga isn ’ t over yet , but color from art , pillows and accessories will continue to be an essential element . “ I do think that we ’ re going to start to see more color , like splashes of color . I don ’ t think things are going to be predominately super colorful ,” says Henderson .
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