Kitchen Cabinets and Kitchen Remodeling Trends
Kitchen Remodels Omaha have many types of materials for kitchen cabinets. The most common ones are wood, laminates, and metals. They are made of plywood, which is layers of solid wood bonded together, or veneers, which are thin sheets of real wood bonded to another material. There are also less expensive products made of particle-board or multi-density fiberboard. The most expensive ones have thermofoil, which is a resin that permanently hardens after being heated. They are usually more expensive than other materials, such as particle-board or multi-density-fibreboard.
While stock cabinets are less expensive than custom ones, they aren’t necessarily the best choice for your kitchen. The downside is that you’ll only be able to get one color or style, and there are more limitations when it comes to style and color than you’d find with custom cabinets. Aside from the limited options, stock cabinets are much quicker to install than customized options. But they come with a limited warranty and may be unattractive.
The demand for kitchen cabinets is largely fueled by the new home construction sector. As kitchens become bigger, consumers need more space to store their cookware and appliances. In addition to this, more space is required for cabinets. This adds to the utility of a kitchen. As the housing market rebounds, the demand for high-quality cabinets will increase. However, re-selling of kitchen cabinetry is expected to remain high for the foreseeable future.
The kitchen cabinet industry is a subset of the larger furniture industry, so trends within that industry will affect its growth. The biggest factors that will affect this market are cost and availability of raw materials. Despite this, the cabinet industry is still very strong. and has borne the brunt of downturns in the furniture and housing markets. And while you might be tempted to buy cheaply made kitchen cabinets, you’re better off investing in high-quality ones.
As a homeowner, you’ll be the most likely to make mistakes with kitchen cabinets. While it is possible to buy inexpensive kitchen cabinets, you’ll be better off with higher-quality ones. In addition to reselling, they’ll also have the lowest prices. Using certified wood for kitchen cabinets will help you save money and maintain a beautiful environment. They’re also durable and can last for years. They’ll last for years to come.
The top spenders in this category are key to the overall growth of the industry. More than half of all kitchen cabinetry is purchased for residential use by homeowners. These households account for nearly 60% of all production. The remaining 18 percent is consumed by commercial and institutional applications. Some of the most popular brands in this category are MDF and wood. Both types are durable and affordable. The price of kitchen cabinets depends on the quality of the materials used. They’re easy to maintain, and they look great in the home.
Some people want their kitchen cabinets to be made of wood, but some of them aren’t comfortable with this material. It’s crucial to choose a material that is safe and durable. You’ll want to be sure the material is made of certified wood. While melamine is a cheaper alternative, it is still the most common option for most consumers. There are many different types of particle board cabinets. You’ll find a lot of different materials in this category.
For small cabinet makers, retail dealers are the primary source of sales. They make up about 75 percent of sales for smaller cabinet makers. Those who purchase cabinets for their own homes have more choices than those who purchase from a retailer. Those who choose to buy online should consider the benefits of an FSC-certified wood product. If they don’t, they’ll be buying something that’s derived from a non-certified source.
Consumers can also choose the type of wood they want. Many consumers are willing to use the same wood used for their kitchens for other areas of their homes. Some designers even repurpose their kitchen cabinetry to be used in other rooms. It’s important to consider the environment before choosing a certain type of wood. Ensure that it’s made of sustainable wood. Purchasing hardwoods that have a certification can help prevent deforestation.
Battling the Supply Chain Woes
Qianyan Cheng has felt the sting of the industry’s historic supply chain disruptions.
The co-founder of INOX – the Sacramento-based supplier of decorative hardware and door locks – Cheng has reported lengthy shipment delays of international goods since the onset of COVID-19. Shipping costs, Cheng tells Kitchen & Bath Design News, have risen exponentially in the face of the public-health crisis. The growing backlog of cargo ships waiting to offload in key ports, she says, has increased more than fourfold in some cases, impacting distribution throughout the company’s worldwide network of upscale hardware showrooms. Related bottlenecks have delayed remodeling and new-construction projects for months – or postponed them entirely.
And Cheng, of course, is far from alone.
Indeed, supply chain disruptions wrought largely by the coronavirus continue to prove a major impediment across virtually all segments of the kitchen and bath industry, including dealers, design firms, manufacturers, importers and building/remodeling construction firms.
In some instances, the supply chain timeline has doubled or tripled due to increased demand coupled with port closures, worker shortages and travel restrictions, as well as vaccine and testing mandates for seafarers, truck drivers and other transport workers. Design firms are witnessing increasing lead times, raw material scarcities and double-digit price hikes for certain products. Labor rates have skyrocketed in the face of worker shortages. Cancellations and postponements have increased, with clients opting to put projects on hold until wait times and costs normalize. At the same time, a sizable number of manufacturers report ongoing capacity restraints, a scarcity of raw materials and the discontinuation of slow-moving product lines to alleviate production constraints.
Equally vexing is the likelihood that the current disruptions will linger well into 2022, and perhaps beyond, despite growing appeals for corrective action.
To wit, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, the organization representing many of the industry’s leading appliance suppliers, last month lent its support to a coalition of trade associations urging government policymakers to address ongoing challenges that business leaders say are damaging the competitiveness of manufacturers, stalling America’s economic recovery and resulting in unprecedented damage to the global product supply chain. AHAM’s call for action, following a similar appeal by the National Association of Home Builders, came one day after a coalition of workers from across the supply chain warned that global trade is facing a potential system collapse if world leaders fail to restore freedom of movement to transport workers.
While some supply chain challenges – such as import tariffs – require long-term, systemic solutions, others can be mitigated by kitchen and bath dealers, designers and remodelers who are willing to temporarily alter their business approach.
For example, many design firms report that they’ve become adaptive to current supply chain challenges, ordering products months in advance to circumvent long lead times and lessen the sting of price hikes. Others say they’ve ordered materials as soon as project contracts are signed, even if a job is weeks out, or have stocked up on commonly used products in an effort to reduce delays. Still others are offering clients alternative products that are easier to obtain or already in stock. Frequent and candid communication regarding extended lead times, back orders and volatility in delivery dates has also become more critical than ever in managing client expectations and preserving relationships, dealers and designers say.
The kitchen and bath design trade has faced a multitude of challenges over the course of its existence. The advent of big box stores and e-commerce has altered the industry’s competitive set. Corporate bankruptcies, ownership changes, factory closures and divestitures have reshaped the manufacturing and retail landscape. Fast-changing lifestyles, homeowner demographics, product introductions and consumer hot buttons have exacerbated the need to stay abreast of what’s going on. Economic downturns have occasionally knocked the industry on its heels.
Astute dealers and designers, for decades, have proven resilient to these and other changes. They’ll doubtless discover ways to survive the current supply chain disruptions, as well.
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Examining the Origins of Creativity
Have you ever been asked, “Where did you get that idea?”
Have you ever wondered what creativity is, and where ideas come from? I have – all my adult life. While there are many answers, I think a great one is, “It’s a gift to be shared.”
What I’m talking about specifically here are unique solutions that solve problems, like storage needs and designing for function and safety. Combine these challenges with the homeowner’s desire for a unique appearance that fits their lifestyle, and the result? We have the makings of an award-winning kitchen or bathroom.
Design award applications usually require a summary of how we solved the project owner’s problems, and the recap makes before-and-after photos more relevant. If our entries offer original solutions, they deserve praise. The recognition boosts our confidence.
THE ORIGINS
Where does creativity originate? You’re taking a shower, and an idea flashes out of nowhere. You think to yourself, “What if I…?” You can’t wait to test the reality of your idea on your clients’ plans. From that idea comes another one, and another one. It’s like someone unlocked the vault of ingenious results for you. You’re motivated.
Albert Einstein said, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” He had intimate knowledge of the universe, and he understood visionary imagination.
As kitchen-bath design specialists, we have a collection of skills and information acquired through our experience. Our intelligence allows us to apply the knowledge to solve problems. But, it’s more than that. Creativity frees our minds to absorb knowledge. It enables alternative ways of thinking.
How do you feel when you discover a spectacular new product at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, or in a Kitchen & Bath Design News article? There’s a tingle of excitement, and you can’t wait to solve homeowners’ problems with it. Creativity unblocks our old patterns of thinking. As a result, we’re more receptive to new ideas.
I’ve experienced good luck with product information that got tucked in the “future use file” of my mind. For example, I recommended a Duravit all-glass pedestal lavatory to a new client six months after I learned about it. She still loves it!
And I remember the drop-dead gorgeous Vetrazzo “Sky” countertop that wowed clients when I created a new laundry room for them – two years after discovering Vetrazzo for a blog. Then there was the joy I felt recently, saving a client over $3,000 by substituting bronze plumbing fittings I’d seen in an online newsletter last year.
These experiences are not uncommon for us.
Creativity is fun. We lose track of time when we’re engrossed in creating plans for a client or researching the right products that will make their hearts sing. Getting into a “zone” is like meditating. Experts agree that this helps us live longer. Somehow, we find a way to balance our desire to innovate and perform boring – but necessary – tasks.
Creative ideas are everywhere, always available to us when we need or want to improve our world. One way to explain it is finding a need and then creating a solution. Creativity helps draw out what is already there waiting to be used so that possibilities can emerge. Albert Einstein understood this concept and taught it passionately.
Early in my career, I had a client who wanted to store two sets of eating utensils in her small condominium kitchen with space for only five drawers. I designed a drawer within a drawer, instructing the cabinetmaker to lower the drawer back and then install full-extension glides backward on the top section so it slid back. About six months later, Rev-A-Shelf introduced the same solution for the mass market. So, I was solving an individual need at the same time that Rev-a-Shelf was solving a popular need.
BUILDING CONNECTIONS
Creativity builds intercultural and intergenerational connections.
This is shown by the worldwide acclaim of America’s architectural genius, Frank Lloyd Wright. He died in 1959, at 91. Yet his work still inspires architects and designers 62 years later. Wright was the first architect in history to use cantilevering in his famous Mill Run, Pennsylvania home. He designed “Fallingwater” for Edgar Kaufman in 1935. Evidence of his continuing popularity? Architects and designers are recreating Wright’s “Prairie-style” homes for today’s homeowners.
I love one of the stories about Wright – and there are thousands! He had very little income from his architecture practice for about 12 years (1922–1934). But he kept drawing plans and renderings for residences and public buildings. He also created graphic art for postcards. And he was a prolific writer. Hundreds of his articles appeared in House Beautiful and other popular magazines during that period. His self-promotion paid off. Clients began hiring him in 1934 after they recovered from the depression. He never looked back, proving that creativity is nurturing. Wright had more successful commissions in the last 30 years of his life than he had in the first 61 years!
Like Wright and other well-known innovators, today’s designers will impact future designers. They will inspire and motivate everyone to achieve their own success. We see this in our profession now. Many peers earn honors for their work because they are fearless in their creative expression. Their work will pass the test of time. They are not bound to what’s popular now because they are thinking ahead to the future. They have curiosity and open minds to play the “What if?” game. They often win.
But we see only the wins, not the losses. Creative people have a great habit of learning from every experience. They’re driven to improve themselves and everything around them.
I became aware of this when I taught Western design to Japanese interior design students in San Francisco and gave them a special assignment. They had to create a large master bathroom in a 17’x17′ area. Naturally, they were eager to learn and use the new skills they’d acquired. Not accustomed to large bathrooms, the students had fun uncorking their creativity.
There was one student, Izumi, who lit up the room with her enthusiastic ideas and questions. When it was time to review her plan one-on-one, she was trembling, afraid that I would criticize her work. Her plan wasn’t to scale. But her design was unique and it earned my praise for achieving something radically different. She designed a round bathroom with many windows surrounding a center closet! We joyfully worked together after class, figuring how to make her idea possible.
Like Izumi’s bathroom, I’ve come full circle – back to where I started, with the same question: What is creativity, and where does it come from? The conclusion: Creativity, like love, is an unlimited feeling, indefinable.
No, creativity is love.
Diane Plesset, CMKBD, CAPS, NCIDQ is the principal of D.P. Design in Oregon City, OR and has over 35 years of experience as a kitchen and bath designer. She is the author of the award-winning book, THE Survival Guide: Home Remodeling, and has been the recipient of numerous design awards. Named a 2019 KBDN Innovator, Plesset has taught Western design to students of the Machida Academy in Japan and has a podcast, “Today’s Home.”
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Anticipation Builds for In-Person KBIS 2022
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ – As the year comes to a close, many in the kitchen and bath industry are looking ahead to the return of the Kitchen & Bath Industry, the largest North American event dedicated to this segment of the market. With safety protocols and procedures in place, professionals are celebrating a return to an in-person exhibit and educational forum, where they can learn, reconnect and recharge for a promising business future.
Once again scheduled to be part of Design & Construction Week with the International Builders Show, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show is scheduled to be held February 8-10, 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. KBIS and IBS, hosted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the National Association of Home Builders, respectively, are expected to feature over 800,000 net square feet of exhibit space and showcase more than 1,000 design and construction brands.
While the event is still several weeks away, Kitchen & Bath Design News is offering this sneak peek at just a few of the products that will be on display.
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Sustainability Has Cross-Market Impact
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — A trio of emerging trends in neighborhood design and sustainable living practices should continue to shape the market for new housing and residential remodeling as the “mindset of consumers continues to shift in a dynamic social climate,” according to a new report from the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI).
According to HIRI’s recently issued Future of Housing Trend Report, new and remodeled homes will likely be shaped by a “growing homeowner passion” regarding issues such as climate change, sustainability and minimalism –
resulting “in an increased emergence of eco-friendly materials and 3D-printed technology to designs focused on cultural inspiration and reversible architecture.”
Among the key trends identified by HIRI researchers are the following:
Sustainable Housing: With sustainability a top priority, residential architects and designers are embracing different eco-friendly concepts, among them “reversible design” (the architecture of structures that can be easily deconstructed and can be reused or with parts that can be removed and added easily). Also growing as a trend in new construction is 3D-printed housing – homes that offer sustainable and protective construction that avoids structural issues in the case of extreme weather, according to HIRI.
“Contemporary consumers are wary of the impending consequences of climate change, and a large number are becoming increasingly aware that simply shifting their lifestyle and practicing ecological mindfulness are likely not enough,” the Indianapolis, IN-based HIRI said. “As a result, many are demanding that brands and creators take the environment into consideration.”
Simplified Living: Building off of the desire for more sustainable living, the emergence of simple, more minimalist design emphasizes homeowners’ functions and needs, according to HIRI.
“Contemporary consumers in fast-paced urban centers are looking to balance the demands of their daily lifestyle with a comfortable home environment,” HIRI observed. “Many are prioritizing minimalist designs and additional spaces that can optimize and elevate their living situation without compromising aesthetic appeal.”
Flight from the cities: “As urban centers expand in size and population, consumers are recognizing that their quality of life is suffering – whether that be due to alienation, affordability issues, lengthy commutes or pollution,” HIRI said. As a result, many are moving away from city centers and turning to community-based neighborhoods that provide a sense of belonging while also satisfying the need for convenience and cleaner air.
“Hyper-local neighborhoods”: Architects, developers and local governments are proposing neighborhoods that are centered on community building and local businesses, according to HIRI. These neighborhoods are intended to be car-free, with all necessities reachable via a short walk or bicycle ride.
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The Art of Japandi
Sometimes two great styles are better than one. That’s what happens when the raw functionality of Scandinavian design fuses with Japanese nature-suffused simplicity, and it’s a look that fits American kitchens like a glove. Designers say it creates wonderful zen, with some famous Scandi and Japanese variants adding warmth and interest to sleek minimalism.
At first glance it may seem an unlikely design union, since Japan and Scandinavia are on opposite sides of the globe. But, in actuality, their design sensibilities are remarkably similar, and Denmark, especially, has had a close trade relationship with Japan for hundreds of years. The Danish design museum in Copenhagen even devotes exhibit space to Japanese design.
Thomas Lykke of OEO Studio in Copenhagen, Tokyo and Kyoto applauds the design fusion of the two countries, but dislikes that it’s dubbed a trend.
“Trends tend to pass by,” he says. “The Japanese-Danish connection goes far beyond that. I call it shared DNA. Meticulous craftsmanship and attention to details, simplicity and timelessness are deep-rooted in both countries’ culture. We want design that will be relevant 50 years from now. And we are, in our hectic lives, looking for meaningful ways to live, through craftsmanship and rituals, whether that’s a tea ceremony in Kyoto or a coffee break in Copenhagen. Also, neither country has vast natural resources, so we respect what we have and work with it.”
Although Japandi at its roots is the epitome of minimalism, two special concepts set it apart. One is “hygge,” a Danish word now known by designers everywhere, meaning cozy comfort. In Scandinavia this is achieved with lots of textures and touches of color. The other is wabi sabi, the Japanese concept of finding beauty in something imperfect. This could be a well-loved heirloom, perhaps a piece of furniture or a well-used utensil. Although Scandinavians don’t talk about wabi sabi, they, too, love to let the patina of something old and well-loved add charm to a space.
Cabinetry in a Lykke kitchen is always the main event. In one kitchen, for example, cabinets aspire to be more a piece of furniture that fits naturally into living environments rather than a stand-alone kitchen. It combines simplicity and refined, contrasting materials. Lykke calls it “a quality culinary space rather than merely a show kitchen.” Another kitchen features modular cabinets, a popular concept in European homes. The modules are sectioned using slender metal dividers and sit on metal plinths creating a light, floating look.
A tiny concrete cave of a New York City apartment is turned into a work of art by architect Andrew Mikhael, who used walnut not just for cabinetry but also for structural elements. The concrete ceiling couldn’t accommodate recessed lighting, so he installed LED tape lights in channels and then surrounded them with walnut slats. The angled walnut wall was designed to reference a drawn-back curtain revealing the sculptural space.
Modern Nostalgia
When a 30-something guy bought a tiny, concrete cell of an apartment on New York City’s Upper East Side, he turned to architect Andrew Mikhael for help. The client showed Mikhael photos from his grandmother’s home, a place that inspired wonderful memories. When Mikhael saw the grandmother’s Danish serve ware and the simple, elegant mid-century furnishings, he knew exactly what to do.
“Since he loves to have people over and cook and bake for them, I knew the kitchen should be an unexpected centerpiece,” reports Mikhael, “a functional work of art. We removed the wall between the galley kitchen and the living room to combine the spaces. We also extended the kitchen into the entryway space, thus expanding the kitchen from 56 square feet to 87 square feet. Next, we installed an angled walnut wall that recalls a partially pulled-back curtain, dramatically revealing the sculptural kitchen.”
Mikhael used walnut throughout the kitchen as an homage to the client’s grandmother. He even wrapped a structural column that couldn’t be moved in walnut. The remarkable workmanship morphs and blends, wraps and anchors, and ultimately hammers out a rhythm.
Lighting was a problem in the apartment. “Because the ceilings were concrete, lighting couldn’t be recessed into them,” explains Mikhael. “As a result, LED tape lights were mounted in long channels one inch below the ceiling, and we then used wood slats to give them a home. The slats don’t just shield the lighting channels, they also hide the unsightly concrete.”
Cabinetry is frameless with simple finger pulls to keep the look minimalist, countertops are matte black Corian, the range and hood are wrapped in stainless steel, and backsplashes are backlit glass.
Mikhael warns that a meticulous carpenter is needed for this kind of work. “I asked my contractor if he minded if I worked with the carpenters at Conex Interiors directly,” he relays, “and he gave me his blessing. They did an incredible job.”
Designer Jennifer Gilmer proves that Japandi minimalism can be elegant and timeless, designing this kitchen with cabinetry crafted from Macassar Ebony, an engineered veneer.
Photos: OEO Studio
Japandi Meets Bungalow
Jennifer Gilmer, an award-winning kitchen and bath designer and principal of Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath with showrooms in Maryland and Virginia, says that she tells clients, jokingly, that she designs “Western Feng Shui” kitchens. “But I am really quite serious,” she remarks. “The more I learned about Feng Shui, the more I realized that I was unwittingly doing just that. It has become my signature style. So no matter what the design is, and they are all very different, the one thing they have in common is that they make you feel good. That’s Feng Shui.”
Japandi fans will testify to its built-in Feng Shui, so it’s no surprise that Gilmer chose modern Japanese design as the look she wanted for her own home. “This was a Sears bungalow,” she tells. “It was a far cry from the elegant minimalism of Japanese design, but my architect magically made my aspirations possible with a modern addition at the back of the house. There, I got the beautiful and functional space I had visualized for cooking, family life and entertaining.”
Knowing that the cabinetry would be the main focus of the kitchen, Gilmer sought out Premier Custom-Built Cabinetry, which has developed its Mizuki style inspired by Japanese folk houses and traditional Tansu cabinetry.
“We chose an engineered veneer crafted to look like Macassar Ebony,” relays Gilmer. “The wood grain is horizontal, and the ‘striped’ look is so striking that everything else in the kitchen was chosen to complement the cabinetry. No other element was allowed to distract from its beauty. For example, honed black granite was used for the countertops and wenge for the island wood detail. Wenge is similar to cherry, but turns dark over time. The backsplash behind the cooktop is backpainted glass, the farmhouse sink sits on black granite to protect the cabinets from water damage, and dishes are kept on floating shelves.”
She’s especially fond of the pantry, with its retractable bi-fold doors. They open to reveal a countertop, and it houses a steam oven as well as a plethora of cooking accessories. When not in use, the doors are shut so the pantry looks beautiful when entering the kitchen.
The gnarly irregularity of the unclaimed wood floors and beams contrasts with the clean, sleek cabinets, creating precisely the kind of juxtaposition that’s quintessentially Japanese. “So, yes, modern Japanese design and American Bungalow can mix well,” concludes Gilmer. “This space will never go out of style because it honored and melded two very tasteful styles that have proven the test of time.”
Neutral colors but strong texture contrasts of this Winnetka, IL open kitchen/family room/ dining area by Mick De Giulio reflect the design aesthetics of both Scandinavia and Japan.
Photo: Belen Aquino
Detailed Minimalism
Mick De Giulio, principal of de Giulio Kitchen Design in Chicago, IL, pays visits to near and far locales, and those influences have a way of creeping into his kitchen designs. Japanese and Scandi aesthetics may appear in a design here and there, but in typical De Giulio fashion, inspirations remain just that. From there they are carefully curated and translated into one-of-a-kind designs.
Such is the case of a kitchen he designed in Boston – a classic 19th-century Victorian with a modern addition in the back. “It was just right for a family friendly kitchen,” notes De Giulio. “It’s a contemporary, clean-lined space, but it blends seamlessly with the old part of the house, he remarks. “The design emphasizes asymmetry and horizontals, and the layout is straightforward. Materials play an important role in keeping the space serene. We used light walnut in an organic, almost natural color that we nicknamed ‘Norwegian’ for its sun-bleached, Scandinavian look.”
Of course, everything that De Giulio designs is actually not that simple. A kitchen may look minimalistic, but it’s sure to include exquisite details that don’t shout. The Boston kitchen’s cabinetry, for example, is framed in bronze and contrasts subtly with brushed Iceberg quartzite. The edges of the quartzite counter were mitered to make the slab look extra thick, and a stair-step design at one end provides room for extra seating. The quartzite is repeated on the backsplashes and wrapped the range area.
In another kitchen in Winnetka, IL, De Giulio, worked the wood, creating cabinets with seemingly unfinished, textured surfaces. The space was a riff on a style that the client called Belgian farmhouse, but it is also a look that’s beloved in Scandinavian and Japanese farmhouses. De Giulio achieved it using white oak, cross-cut against the grain. To emphasize the casual, freewheeling look of the light-filled space, he installed legs on the island and placed the cooktop on a table made of reclaimed wood. Finally, he introduced some freestanding stainless steel cabinets for a bit of an industrial vibe.
“There’s nothing sleek about this space,” comments De Giulio. “It is full of textures and juxtapositions. Nobody ever heard of Japandi when this kitchen was designed, but I think it plays into the style. It’s a strong style, especially because it is so adaptable.”
Marcus Otten calls the Royal Ebony veneer used for the cabinets in this kitchen the most beautiful he has ever seen, with unique colors and patterns that dictate that the cabinetry should be the key element.
Photos: Kimberly Gavin
Globetrotting Style
How do a couple of world travelers get a kitchen that reflects their global style, works as a canvas for treasures from many countries and yet functions for everyday life? They get together with award-winning designer Marcus Otten of Exquisite Kitchen Design in Denver, CO. Otten is known for a singular motto: “There are 10,000 different ways to do things, but only one way to do it right.”
For the world travelers, he designed a space where everything tells a story and brings up memories. The couple’s objets d’art are displayed throughout the space, including on floating shelves. The most stunning element, however, is the cabinetry featuring Royal Ebony veneer.
“It’s the most beautiful material I have ever seen,” remarks Otten. “It features unique color patterns and is very rare. There simply are no more logs. This African tree grows slowly and can only be turned into lumber when it’s 100 or so years old.”
Rift-cut oak for other cabinets and the island plus steel accents provide the layers and textures that Otten favors. Altogether, the space contains a lot of the Japandi influence: meticulous craftsmanship, beautiful wood, thoughtful contrasts and artistic accents.
Japandi’s elements are expected to continue to resonate with designers, who find its sophisticated minimalism warmed by craftsmanship and artistry endlessly adaptable. Many homeowners also understand and embrace the concepts of hygge and wabi-sabi, which Japandi fans call “yin and yang” at its best. Gilmer’s reference to it as “great Feng Shui” reflects its staying power in design. 
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Thermador Cites Student Design Winners
IRVINE, CA — Thermador, the Irvine, CA-based luxury home appliance brand, has announced the inaugural student recipients of the company’s “Diversity in Design Pipeline” initiative, launched this year to empower a new generation of talent from underrepresented communities.
The Thermador Diversity in Design Pipeline Initiative, created in partnership with the Interior Design Society, was designed to support students in their senior year at an accredited interior design program to aid the transition into a successful, burgeoning career. The program was informed by a survey commissioned by Thermador that found mentorship and financial support to be the greatest obstacles for students of under-represented backgrounds to become professional designers.
The winning students include Aleah Mazyck of UNC Greensboro, Kayla Martin of California State University, Raquel Rodrigues of Texas Tech University, Jonathan Martin of the University of Northern Iowa and Chrystal McLeod of Georgia Southern University.
“Thermador is honored at the opportunity to work with these talented students as part of our brand’s commitment to opening more pathways for underrepresented communities in interior design,” said Beatriz Sandoval, head of brand marketing for Thermador.
The mentorship program pairs students and mentors who will meet monthly to discuss the essential and tangible skills needed to be successful in the world of design. Students also receive $10,000 toward tuition and a student membership with IDS, Thermador said.
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MyPlanet Living Center Opens Showroom
CHICAGO — Mayan Metzler, founder and CEO of German Kitchen Center, a multi-brand chain of showrooms for European-style kitchen designs in the U.S., has unveiled the newest branch of the “MyPlanet Living Center” chain of showrooms, the company announced.
The new site features 14,000 sq. ft. at the 900 North Michigan Shops in Chicago’s “Magnificent Mile,” an upscale shopping district known for its high-end retail outlets.
MyPlanet Living Centers are designed as showrooms aimed at exposing homeowners and trade professionals to high-end products for the kitchen and bath, among other areas of the home. MyPlanet, a nonprofit organization focused on housing and medical support for vulnerable populations, donates proceeds from the centers to community groups that assist the needy, according to the company. Partners include German Kitchen Center and MyPlanet Construction system, an energy-efficient home building system.
Each MPLC partner within the MPLC Chicago site will operate their own space, similar to that of a permanent trade show booth, with MPLC staff available for customer service, the company said.
“MPLC showrooms are fulfilling various needs currently lacking in the home renovation market for both customers and suppliers,” said Metzler. “Most importantly, however, this is an opportunity to also improve our communities.
“As the for-profit arm of MyPlanet, we can help rebuild communities affected by the recent pandemic, as well as communities that have seen a decline in residents due to lack of employment opportunities,” Metzler added, noting that the company will soon be announcing several locations in midsized cities, as well.
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Sharp Growth Forecast for Green Building Materials
DUBLIN —The global green building materials market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 12% over the next four years, due largely to “a growing awareness about environmental sustainability that’s driving demand,” a leading market research firm said last month.
According to Dublin, Ireland-based Research and Markets, the global green building materials market is expected to increase from $238.9 billion in 2021 to $383.9 billion in 2025. North America was the largest region in the green building materials market in 2021, the research firm said. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest region in the forecast period, researchers added.
“The introduction to environment-friendly products is gaining significant popularity in the green building materials market,” research officials said. “Major participants in the green building materials industry are concentrating on launching new product lines that minimize the global warming potential (GWP) without compromising product quality.”
The green building materials market consists of sales of eco-friendly, durable structural, exterior and interior products that use less water, are easier to maintain than traditional building materials, and improve the sustainability and efficiency of a building because of a lower carbon footprint. The products are used in framing, insulation, roofing, exterior siding and interior finishing for both residential and non-residential structures.
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NKBA to Cites ‘Thirty Under Thirty’ Class of 2022 at February KBIS
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — The National Kitchen & Bath Association has unveiled its “Thirty Under 30” Class of 2022.
The program, currently in its tenth year, recognizes talented kitchen and bath professionals under the age of 30. Nominees were evaluated on their career or educational achievements, commitment to excellence in the kitchen and bath industry and leadership within their organizations, according to the NKBA.
The 2022 Class includes: Jessica Bolles, Oasis Showroom/APR Supply, York, PA; Michael Boone, Green Forest Cabinetry, Chesapeake, VA; Andrew Converse, Moen, Cleveland; Alex Dickson, PK Brand Management, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Darla Duncan, Prime Cabinetry, Kennesaw, GA; Hannah Guilford, Heart & Hammer Homes, Fryeburg, ME; Cara Hansen, Triple Dot Design Studio, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Jesse Jarrett, Jarrett Design LLC, Emmaus, PA; Becky Leu, Leu Interiors, Des Moines, IA; Andrea Liston-Jones, Liston Design Build, St. Charles, MO; James McDonald, McDonald Contracting, Arlington, MA; Madelaine Millholland, CASE Design/Remodeling, Bethesda, MD; Basia M’Pinda, Kohler/Williams & Associates, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Antoinette Nunez, CKBD, F&J Builders, Wilmington, DE; Hannah Pregont, Superior Marketing, Brooklyn, NY; Megan Reed, AKBD, CLIPP, Beyond the Box Inc., Billings, MT, and Kelsey Richter, BDA & Associates, Fishers, IN.
Other Class of 2022 members include: Caitlin Ryan, Fisher & Paykel | DCS Experience Center, New York; Grace Sheehan, CLIPP, Kitchen Doctors, Midlothian, VA; Justyna Skolasinski, AKBD, Crystal Lumber, Crystal Falls, MI.; Amanda Slattery, Artistic Cabinetry, Jackson Lake, NE; Benjamin Stoler, Delta Faucet Co., Indianapolis; AJ Tentler, Delta Faucet Co., Indianapolis; Summerlyn Travis, Strohmaier Construction, Spokane, WA; Hannah Triebel, Sunnyfields Cabinetry, Baltimore, MD; Austin Waldhauser, Kenwood Kitchens, Columbia, MD; Emily-Anne Walker, Ferguson Enterprises, Williamsburg, VA; Patience Whipple, Chariot Plumbing Supply Design, Sandy, UT; Pip Wu, D.I.D., Ferguson/Wolseley, Burnaby, BC, Canada, and Shantelle Yablonski, Superior Cabinets, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
The incoming class will be formally inducted during KBIS 2022 in Orlando, FL, according to the NKBA.
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