Top 10 Trends from the 2010 NKBA Design Competition

Limitless thinking produced the Top 10 trends found at this year’s National Kitchen and Bath Design Competition:

1. Concealed Kitchens

The challenge in designing a concealed kitchen is to create a space with a distinctive identity that still fits into the overall aesthetic of the open living area. David Heide, designer of the concealed kitchen at the left, says he attributes some of his approach to a European influence and the subtle orderliness inherent to European design.

2. In-Home Coffee and Wine Bars
Today’s homeowners are being sensibly selective and focused on their preferences when embarking on a kitchen design. And, coffee and wine bars are often seen as more the norm rather than the exception in today’s kitchens.

3. Scaling of Elements

Designer Kristi Wolfe has created natural boundaries and geometrically defined spaces, giving this bathroom a pleasing sense of purpose and comfort in its balanced sense of scale.

4. Color With Energy

In today’s kitchens, neutrals can still be seen they are playing a lesser role to their more vibrant counterparts. When fearless colors are introduced artfully with the counterbalance of stainless steel and shimmering lights, the result is perfection.

5. Soft Geometry

Rounded hearth and ceiling arches, along with curved bar and countertop edges, give this kitchen a circular appeal, while also softening the angular aspects of the room.

6. Space Subtleties

Suspending the vanity gives the illusion of spaciousness in the small bathroom area.

7. Design Framing

Framing of the soffit and wall surrounding the cabinetry is used in the design of this kitchen to highlight a portion of the room and define the space

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8. Varying Heights

Island tops, counter tops, and partial walls are being customized to the task performed and to the needs and lifestyle of the homeowners. Functional needs, such as a catch-all area for keys and cell phones, were addressed with a lower cabinet, separating it from the cooking and prep area.

9. Japanese Influence

Japanese design reflects clean lines, open spaces, and neutral color palettes with bold splashes of color

10. Art Integration

The introduction of a homeowner’s favorite piece of artwork as the basis for design creates challenges, but it can also offer guidance and solutions for color and material choices. The personal nature of art to the owner introduces an intimate quality to the room.

Sunny skies and a hint of warmth brought a reminder of spring time to me today. And, thankfully with spring comes more outdoor activities - I am so tired of the cold weather! One of my favorite outdoor activities is having friends and family over and grilling the freshest of seafood, and an outdoor kitchen is the perfect venue. Chris Mordi from Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet is hosting what looks to be an interesting webinar on March 2 titled Outdoor Kitchen Design Best Practices. For more information go to http://www.kalamazoogourmet.com/webinar

Here's a recipe for the grilled mussels shown in the picture above. Easy to cook in your outside kitchen. Yum!

2.5 lbs mussels, beards removed and washed well
2 tbs olive oil
1 cup dry white wine
4 tbs unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, crushed
Juice of ½ lemon
½ cup roughly chopped parsley
½ cup shredded basil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ Sourdough baguette

Heat up the grill to medium and when hot add the mussels. Grill until they open, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, place a medium size heavy-based saucepan over medium heat and when hot add the olive oil and garlic and cook until soft. Remove mussels from the grill, discarding any that have not opened and transfer to the saucepan, keeping the juice. Add the butter, white wine, and lemon juice to the saucepan. Cover until butter melts, shaking the saucepan occasionally. Season to taste, then garnish with parsley and basil. Serve with sourdough baguette.

Look how good Tidal Pulls complement these bamboo kitchen cabinets!