Flash and Function

Designers Note Hardware Trends Expanding in Style, Functional Capabilities

When it comes to cabinet hardware, kitchen and bath designers nationwide are seeing an ever-growing list of products that encompass a wide variety of style trends. Contemporary and transitional styles, in particular, seem to be in high demand, as their sleek lines seem to appeal to consumers increasingly embracing a “less is more” attitude.

“In the Midwest, we’re definitely starting to see a greater interest in contemporary styles and clean, simple lines,” says Wendy Tupper, designer and sales manager for Cabinet Country Ltd., in Janesville, WI.

According to John Wilson, owner of 1st Choice Cabinetry in Raleigh, NC, “Most people we’re seeing are using transitional styles right now. Clients aren’t leaning heavily toward contemporary or traditional.”

“The latest trends I’ve seen are contemporary styles,” declares Robert Harvey, president, Canyon Cabinetry & Design in Tucson, AZ.

Of course, how consumers define “contemporary” and “transitional” seems to be changing, with design definitions widening to encompass an ever-growing array of unique and personal tastes, according to designers.

But while style trends – and definitions within those style trends – seem to be growing broader, finish trends appear to be converging, with brushed finishes all the rage among consumers.

Tupper notes that, “The brushed nickel and stainless finishes are still popular, but we’re seeing a movement toward the darker bronze finishes, too.”

Wilson says, “We see a lot of brushed aluminum or brushed nickel. We also see a lot of oil-rubbed bronzes.”

And Harvey points out, “In our market, we’ve seen either a brushed nickel or a stainless look for finishes.”

When it comes to functional hardware, designers note that the biggest trends are for products that promote comfort and ease of use while maximizing storage and organization. Not surprisingly, then, soft-close or silent-close technology remains a popular item. Considered a luxury just a few short years ago, this technology is now becoming more the norm, designers assert.

“In a good, mid-range product line and up, it’s absolutely expected. Below that level, it’s optional, but is requested,” states Harvey.

Wilson concurs: “We incorporate soft-close as a standard item on all our cabinetry. If a person doesn’t want it, they have to ask for it to be taken off. It’s almost a veto against your cabinetry if you don’t have it. So we include soft-close on everything, especially doors.”

“Soft-close hinges are definitely important as they are elegant noise abatement hardware pieces,” Wilson continues. “Hardware which allows [consumers] to take advantage of hidden corners is also in high demand. And we’ve seen more consumers opting for hardware which separates their utensils in an ergonomic way,” he states.

Harvey notes that accessibility is critical, noting that consumers are seeking “pull-outs, tilt-outs and roll-outs” to maximize cabinet space.

Tupper agrees: “Some of the newer pull-out features, whether it’s pull-out shelving or pull-out spice racks, make use of space which in the past was pretty useless. There’s a much greater interest in those products, since they effectively increase cabinet space.”

Wilson notes, “We’ve seen a number of different ways to approach practical utilization of space. A number of suppliers out there have taken unique approaches to it.”

Designers also note a trend toward coordinating hardware throughout the home. “We’ve seen clients take a hardware product and coordinate their cabinet doors and windows, and their outside doors as well...even matching lighting fixtures and faucets for [total coordination throughout the home],” Wilson concludes.
—Amanda O’Mahony