Who doesn’t love a bit of INSPIRATION now + then?!
As part of the KBIS’ (Kitchen Bath Industry Show) national convention recently in Las Vegas, I attended as many of the show floor talks as I could, hoping to learn what I could about Kitchen Design and the coming decade of this Industry. Topics ranged from DesignBites – what’s hot + new!; The Dawn of a Decade – What to expect from the “Roaring 20s” – what has momentum that will move us all into the next decade?; a fascinating chat with Zero Waste Kitchens – Upcycle and Recycle. to name a few.
There was, as expected, a lot of conversation about sustainability and wellness. It was great to hear a number of points I had already been planning to approach in my own Kitchen re-design, including:
- re-using to-be-demolished Kitchens/cabinets (and, I’m hoping, countertops!),
- integrating edible plants such as herbs,
- using efficient LED lighting,
- incorporating vintage in purpose and style (OF COURSE!),
- use of natural materials such as wood, metal and glass vs plastics,
- consider future ‘aging in place’ (esp since Hubby is already 60!) as well as future grandchildren running about
A few other quotes and ideas really inspired me, as well. So glad I’m an obsessive note-taker LOL!
‘Society’s need for replenishment and balance will only increase. As Designers, we will have to address these anxieties and enhance our Clients’ wellbeing so they can aspire to live in a state of bliss at HOME.
laurence carr, laurence carr design
I love the focus on well-being. Most of us, in our daily lives – especially here in ‘outdoorsy’ Vancouver – are pretty focused on our health. What we eat being a major factor in that, the Kitchen becomes even more so the ‘heart of the HOME’ than ever. A center for wellness – fresh water, well-kept vegetables, organized and therefore accessible frozen goods, steam over radiation, etc. Sustenance at it’s very finest.
‘Designers are evolving from trends experts to solutions experts. Clients are design savvy, but solution-poor.’
liza hausman, houzz
Funnily I had already written a post about “Trend vs Style”, and this quote takes it all a step further – “Trend vs SOLUTION”. The entire core of my product lines over at Alison Kent HOME, Inc. was to start solving problems I had seen in the home industry and dealt with as a Designer myself. I love LOVE LOVE problem solving.
‘There will be a huge convergence of design and wellness in the coming decade. People will spend more on it, because they believe in it.’
jamie gold, kitchen bath + wellness design
YES! A healthy environment, health-supporting appliances, helping us feed ourselves and others with healthy options, hopefully also in full sunlight and using fresh herbs etc. Wellness for all the senses in this magical room!
‘There is a huge movement towards a seamless indoor / outdoor experience, especially in warmer climates.’
liza housman, houzz
The ONE THING (well, one of two things) I do NOT like about my dear old HOME is that our living space is a 3/4 floor above the back yard, making indoor/outdoor living a bit cumbersome. Dishes upon dishes up all those stairs? We do it, but it’s by far not seamless. I’m constantly trying to figure out how to bring indoor and outdoor closer together with the space/restrictions that come with an older house.
The other, just FYI, is that I wish we could afford to put all our Bedrooms upstairs so the Main floor was free and clear to entertain and live. *sigh*. Can’t have it all!
‘Rather than accessibility or design for aging, (flexible design) should be considered ‘extended life design’ as a concept for designing with all of life’s stages in mind.’
JAMIE GOLD, KITCHEN BATH + WELLNESS DESIGN
This is very much how I’ve approached designing houses in the past, for all kinds of Clients, as well as for myself. Spaces must have the flexibility to perform and support in a wide variety of ways, and through many phases of life. From a just-married couple that has at most 4 friends over at a time, to a growing family that hosts many birthday parties, to spaces for teens to seclude, to maturing with festive dinners with grown kids, spouses and grandchildren and aging in place. Humans evolve through life – our spaces should, too.
Anything in there strike you? Inspire you?
I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
While I’m not sure I’ll make it to the KBIS show for another few years (I believe it’s moving to Florida the next 2), I’ll keep reading and try to keep you all inspired along with me!
