LivingKitchen at IMM Cologne: Top Products

Last week I shared the top trends I spotted at LivingKitchen, a kitchen trade show I attended last month in Cologne, Germany. This week, I'd like to share some of my favorite products from the show.


Game Changer Alert: Counter Intelligence

I've fallen in love again... With a new countertop material. Gold Notes readers know I love quartz tops or their durability, easy maintenance, versatile good looks and warranty protection. These new porcelain tops from TPB Barcelona in Spain offer the same virtues, with some great new styles.




There will be a Molten Gold feature on TPB coming soon, but I didn't want to delay in bringing you a fabulous new entry to the countertop market. They're not yet available in the US; I'm hoping that will change very soon! If you're a designer, ask your favorite fabricator to check these out. If you're a homeowner, ask your favorite designer to look into them for your kitchen. Let's get the North American ball rolling, folks!


Fridge Plus

Liebherr has added a wine cooler to a fridge-freezer combination. While I can't see this working in a family kitchen -- it lacks the freezer space most families require -- it could be an interesting choice for a rec room or vacation home.




Dishwasher Less

Bosch took a modular approach to appliances, allowing you to create kitchen symmetry with a group of small in-wall units. I particularly liked the mini dishwasher.




I can see this unit working very well as a home's second dishwasher - especially in a bar or game room setting.


Game Changer Alert: Hoodwinked

Traditionally, downdraft hoods are less efficient than their overhead components. It's just physics; smoke rises. Elica has changed the equation. Their new Seagull downdraft hood elevates to an overhead position, drawing smoke up into its vents with both style and efficiency.




While all the Elicas I've seen at past KBIS shows have focused on style, this one delivers innovation, too.


Sinkalicous

Every time I visit KBIS, I make it a point to visit the Blanco booth and see what new styles and colors they're offering in Silgranit, one of my favorite sink materials. As Blanco was the host for this Germany/LivingKitchen trip, I was one of the Design Council members given a tour of their large booth at the show. I really liked the Ronis Sink with its cutting board cover and accessories.




I would definitely spec this as a client's prep sink, but in an undermount configuration. I also liked the new Blanco Ceramic sinks.




They offer both fireclay durability and great accessories - i.e., Sensible Style!


Game Changer Alert: Now You're Cooking!

Gaggenau is a company that isn't afraid to innovate. At LivingKitchen, they introduced a fabulous new induction cooktop that works like no other smooth top I've ever seen - induction or radiant. Anywhere you place your pot or pan on its surface becomes a burner.




If you move the pot to a new place on the cooktop, it recalls your previous settings, making cooking more flexible and efficient. Wow.


Take a look at my LivingKitchen Top Trends Post, too! Some of these will be heading to a North American kitchen near you!


Also check out the blogs of my fellow LivingKitchen travelers. Each has their own great posts on this terrific tradeshow. The links below will take you to their home page. A search of "LivingKitchen," "Living Kitchen," "IMM," or "Cologne" should pull up their top-notch coverage.

Leslie Clagett's KB Culture
Paul Anater's Kitchen and Residential Design
Susan Serra's The Kitchen Designer
Cheryl Clendenon's Kitchen Details and Design

LivingKitchen at IMM Cologne: Top Trends

Last week in Germany, two firsts occurred: One, I attended a European trade show. Two, the popular IMM Cologne interior design expo created LivingKitchen, a show within their already popular show dedicated exclusively to my favorite room in the house!

LivingKitchen featured some of the top European brands, including Blanco, the sink and faucet company sponsoring our group, among others. I'm a member of the Blanco Design Council, which means I'm periodically asked for my input on products, advertisements and other company initiatives.

What it's important for my readers to know is that my BDC involvement doesn't mean that I'm paid to write or speak about their products; long before I became a member, I was praising their Silgranit sinks. In fact, don't be surprised if you see a Blanco product or two in my next IMM top products post, or if you see a Cafe Brown Silgranit II sink in my kitchen in the not-too-distant future either. Enough on that subject. Let's get to the good stuff -- the trends I spotted at IMM's LivingKitchen show last week.


Cool white was red hot at IMM. White appliances showed up everywhere, along with white cabinets and countertops. While I don't see white being a hot seller in the US, at least not in the near future, it did have a nice look at the show.


Sleeker ovens showed up strongly at IMM. When I toured KBIS with my architect contributor/ friend/go-to guy for luxury trends Dean Larkin, AIA in 2008, he was lamenting the chunky ovens that protruded awkwardly from their cabinets. Well, that problem appears to have been solved. So many of the ovens on display at this show were fully integrated into their boxes. If they came paneled, like dishwashers or refrigerators, you would never know they were there. This leads smoothly to my next trend...

Minimalist white appliances from Miele

"Un-kitchens" were handsomely on display last week. Don't want to see your appliances? Pull a door across them. Want an open floor plan that doesn't scream kitchen? This hide-away design strategy is for you!

One of the many handsome "Un-Kitchens" on display at LivingKitchen expo
Photo: Koelnmesse

Laminate continues to come on strong. It clads more European cabinets and countertops than any other material I spotted at the show. Their laminate, however, is much higher end than what we're used to seeing in American tract homes. (You know, the stuff we rip out in almost every remodel!) The dominant look is textured, but glossy laminates that look like glass caught my eye, too.

One of my favorites, white and textured laminate from Allmilmo

Black cladding on polished chrome was a sharp, formal yet modern look for faucets. I like this trend myself, but see it more in a powder room or master bath than a kitchen. They evoke a black-tie soiree at home!

What's black and chrome and stylish all over? A Blanco faucet!

Skinny tops ruled the show! Whereas in the US, we're used to the "bigger is better" approach in countertops, the Europeans have gone the opposite direction. Countertops were thin, (about three-eighths of an-inch), sleek and sometimes raised above the cabinets with LEDs or open space between the two.

One of the many ultra-thin countertops on display at LivingKitchen expo
Photo: Koelnmesse

Sinks rose to new heights. Since laminate tops are so popular in Europe, you don't see as many of the undermounts we associate with high-end design here. Some manufacturers, like Duravit, are showing just raised edges. Others are raising the whole countertop section around the sink, or creating "wading pool" sinks for the kitchen. While I like their style, I'm not sold yet on the sensibility of these.

I do, however, like the hideaway concept, where a clever cutting board slides across to hide the sink and add extra workspace. There were many hideaway options shown at Living Kitchen, and I can see them coming to the US market quickly, too.

Built-in drainboards are popular there, too. They work especially well with drop-in sinks, but can be extended from undermounts, too.

Blanco lets the sink drainboard Flow 0nto the countertop

Check out my second post on the show: LivingKitchen at IMM Cologne - Top Products. You'll spot what I consider to be The Next Great Countertop and other game changers. Promise!

***

Also check out the brilliant blogs by my LivingKitchen traveling companions: Cheryl Nagle Kees Clendenon, Paul Anater, Susan Serra and Leslie Claggett - some of the most respected design bloggers in the industry and folks I'm happy to call friends. Search "IMM" or "Living Kitchen" or "LivingKitchen" from the above links and enjoy their individual takes on the trip of a lifetime!

I've Got a Sinking Feeling!

Never underestimate the power of a kitchen sink! It is one of the hardest-working features of your kitchen. It is also one of the most taken-for-granted.

In January 2011, I'll be part of a group of six design bloggers traveling to Cologne, Germany to meet the talent behind Blanco. Blanco is one of my favorite kitchen industry manufacturers, a firm whose sensational sinks I've been writing about since I launched Gold Notes in 2008.

Their booth is a must-see whenever I attend the North American Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, as I know they'll be showing off some cool new German engineering feature when I get there! (Guess you could say they're the BMW of fixtures!)

Blanco is paying all the travel expenses for our group - Paul Anater, Susan Serra, Leslie Clagett, Cheryl Kees Clendenon, Kevin Henry and yours truly - to visit their factory and meet with their engineers and designers.

Smart, strong and sexy -- the Blanco Silgranit Performa

This is a rare and wonderful opportunity to share feedback and ideas with a forward-thinking firm that already makes some of the best products on the market. Chances are, too, that they'll be showing us some of the products they're working on for 2011 and beyond. How incredibly cool is that???

I'm particularly drawn to their Silgranit sinks, which offer tremendous Sensible Style benefits to their owners:

• They're extremely durable
• They're super-low maintenance
• They have numerous accessories available to make your clean-up chores easier
• They're easy to live with and maintain
• They look darned good!

For those who like their sinks sharp and sleek - the Blanco Precis!

So, here's why I'm writing this post now, rather than waiting to see all the new goodies we'll undoubtedly be shown overseas: I want your input!

Please tell me...

• What do you detest about your current kitchen sink?
• What features would you love to see in your next kitchen sink that your current one lacks?
• What sink accessories do you wish existed today?
• Is there a shape or size you wish existed that you've never found?
• Is there a color you'd love to see in a sink?

A Blanco Diamond sink can be a girl's best friend!

Thanks for your feedback. I'll be sharing it with the Blanco team when I get there and thaw out!


PS: I'll also be sharing some of the trends and products I'm sure I'll be seeing at the debut of IMM's Living Kitchen trade show that week!

Go-to Gold: Fixtures and Faucets - Part I

All designers have their core brands - their go-to-first sources for consistently great products that fit their style and needs. That's where a product search typically starts for most of us. I like XYZ Company, so let me see if they have a blankety-blank that fits this project.

This new Go-to Gold series will bring you some of my top go-to brands on a periodic basis. They all embody my Sensible Style approach, which means they make practical sense while looking really pretty!

It's not that I shun the original or unique. If you're a Molten Gold reader, you know that I enjoy discovering innovations and original styles. It's just that there are brands that I go to first, and I thought I'd share 'em with you...

Let's start with some of the bigger plumbing companies, just because I feel like it. (Don't worry, I'll be covering the smaller guys, too!)


Blanco

I love the Performa series with its Silgranit II material. It's an incredibly tough, durable sink that can take on whatever pots, pans and knives you can throw at it - literally! - and its ultra-practical accessories make clean-up so much easier.

Blanco Silgranit II Performa - From the school of hard knocks

Disclaimer: Knowing that I like the brand and write about it in this blog, Blanco asked me to join their Design Council. There's no payment involved; I just give my professional opinion on product development ideas and am available for press comment when requested.



Brizo

Brizo is Lexus to Delta Faucet's Toyota, with a great fashion forward kitchen and bath faucet collection. I like the practicality of their hands-free technology and love many of their styles, which you've seen in this blog before and, I'm sure, will see again!

Virage series by Brizo - fashionista faucetry

Disclaimer: Brizo paid all of my travel expenses to see their newest product offerings and attend their Fashion Week festivities in New York in February 2010. They are also giving all of the participants a Talo Faucet, valued at more than $700. I had already specified Brizo in projects previously, and will continue to do so in the future, I'm sure.


Kohler

I think Kohler is one of the most innovative fixture firms in the industry. They are continually developing game changers that look great and work well, and they do it across the full kitchen and bath plumbing spectrum, an impressive feat. Even though the industry has been economically challenged for the past few years, Kohler has continued to bring new products to the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show while other brands have stayed home. Kudos!

Expanse Curved Apron Bath by Kohler - More Style and Space in a Standard Size

Rohl

Rohl combines classic styling with great technology. I'm particularly partial to its integrated faucet series, especially the lav tap that gives you filtered water to brush your teeth and wash your face with. I keep hoping they'll expand the series to the shower!

Sleek new Vincent Series by Rohl brought Italian inspiration to KBIS

Sensible Style: Small Kitchens, Big Splurges

Sensible Style launched in July to answer your questions about how to get the most out of your kitchen. …But what if your kitchen is totally teeny-tiny? Consider yourself lucky. Kitchens like these give you the opportunity to splurge on higher-end products, even on a smaller budget. While it’s more challenging to squeeze the storage and work space you need into tighter kitchens, it’s much, much easier to add style without breaking the bank.

Let’s take a look at making your small kitchen live large, stylistically-speaking.


Custom Cabinetry

In a medium or large kitchen, custom cabinetry can be a tremendous expense. In a small kitchen, this expense is far less, since there are fewer cabinets to order and install. So the benefits start to outweigh the costs. These benefits typically include:

• Soft-close, full-extension drawers and roll-out trays to maximize storage usability
• Soft-close doors for quieter operation
• Custom widths that increase storage capacity and reduce unsightly fillers
• Exposed furniture-style ends
• Deluxe joinery
• Superior, multi-step, hand-applied finishes
• Lifetime warranties on construction and finish

This small kitchen features Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry’s Brookhaven series

Performance Countertops

Regular readers of this blog know that I’m a big proponent of engineered stone countertops. They offer the heat and scratch-resistance of granite, but with a non-porous, stain-resistant finish that never needs sealing. Sensible Style is all about easy maintenance and these tops, often called quartz, offer that feature. They also offer a manufacturer’s warranty, which I consider an added benefit. The only drawback to these engineered tops has been their cost. Typically higher than granite, they are a large expense in a large space. For those clients with smaller kitchens – and less counter space – they move into the affordable range.

Engineered stone countertops like this one from Zodiaq offer easy maintenance, stain resistance, durability and a manufacturer’s warranty

Backsplash Bling

Backsplashes offer a phenomenal, high-visibility way of adding style to your kitchen. And with less square footage to work with, you can splurge on designer tile without breaking the bank. To create a Sensible Style-oriented focal point, be sure that the look and colors of your new backsplash integrate well with the overall feel of your kitchen.

Backsplashes add a style note to your kitchen. Shown here is Cappricio in Tasmania Green by Ann Sacks

Heavenly Hardware

Fewer cabinets also means fewer knobs and pulls. That means you can splurge on great-looking hardware without burning through your budget. Use knobs or standard-spread (3 to 4 inch) pulls to introduce some creativity into your kitchen. If you tire of them later, (or want to take them with you when you move), it will be easier to replace them with something else down the line.

Make a design statement with your cabinet hardware. This installation showcases styles by Soko

Finer Faucets and Fixtures

Sinks and faucets are often selected later in the design process and so they may be subject to harsher budget cutting. Smaller kitchens with their smaller budgets give you the chance to get higher-end items in this category.

If you’re going to undermount a stainless steel sink in stone tops, you’re going to want a better quality fixture as they’re very difficult to replace later on. Look for an 18-gauge or 16-gauge model. (The builder-grade stainless sink you once had and detested was likely a 20 or 21; the lower the number, the better the quality.) Other great sink options include durable, easy-maintenance granite and fireclay.

Faucets can be stylish as well as functional, and a terrific splurge opportunity. Look for added-value features like integral filtration, sensors, coordinating soap dispensers, hot water dispensers and high-arc pull-outs for easier pot cleaning.

Silgranit Performa Sink by Blanco offers durability, easy maintenance and optional clean-up accessories

Upgraded Appliances

The larger kitchens I design often have two dishwashers, 48" or 60"-built-in refrigerators, double ovens, warming drawers, along with specialty cookers like steam ovens and convection microwaves, wine captains and ice makers. Simply stated: Small kitchens don't! A typical condo or cottage kitchen will have a range or cooktop with single oven below it, 30" to 36" fridge, single dishwasher and, maybe, a built-in or overe-the-range microwave. The bad news is, your wine and ice need to fend for themselves. The good news is, with the shorter appliance list and smaller appliance sizes, you can afford higher-end selections.

Here are some ideas to consider:

• Select a microwave oven that also includes convection cooking and warming capability, to combine three appliances into one efficient unit.
• If you're not a serious, volume chef, consider a 24" range, rather than the standard 30" model. This will give you more storage and counter space. If you occasionally like to delve into cooking, you can shop for a portable induction cooktop burner that can be stored when you're not using it.
• If your household is very small, consider an 18", rather than standard 24" dishwasher for the same space and countertop enhancing purpose.
• Consider a French door refrigerator, rather than a side-by-side or single door model. The French door will maximize your fresh food storage capacity, (and handle catering trays, which a 36" side-by-side won't do). Its narrower door swing also works better in tighter spaces.

French Door refrigerators, like this countertop-depth freestanding model from GE Monogram, can be ideal for small kitchens

Luxe Lighting

Your smaller kitchen needn't feel like a cave. Enhanced lighting will give it the illusion of greater size, while improving your ability to work in the space. You can opt for a luxurious ceiling fixture, as you'll likely need just one, rather than two to four to top large double islands. You can also go for high-quality LED lights below your wall cabinets to illuminate your counter tops. They are pricier, but you'll need fewer of them, and they may outlast your stay in the home. You can also look for the types of LED lights that install just below countertops to illuminate drawers, and those that go into deep, dark base cabinets to make it easier to find your stored items.

Small kitchens typically call for just one dramatic ceiling light, rather than multiples. This one from Rejuvenation

Elegant Embellishments

Another advantage of small kitchens with fewer cabinets is that you can opt for some of the luxuries that would be far pricier in a large kitchen. These include stacked moldings to the ceiling, glazes, distressed finishes, decorative glass inserts and corbel-style bar supports for traditional kitchens. Small contemporary kitchens can take advantage of exotic woods, stainless accent pieces, and premium lacquer finishes.

The stacked molding, fluting, and furnished cabinetry ends would have been much pricier in a larger kitchen. I designed this one for a client's island getaway home

Final Thoughts

I expect that my next kitchen will be much smaller than my current one, as I anticipate downsizing in the next year. With some clever planning, I know I can overcome the storage shortcomings. And I'm actually looking forward to the design opportunities described here! (Look for a future series on the remaking of a designer's own kitchen!)



Visit the Sensible Style box on the right column for links to all the posts in this ongoing series.