While sleek and simple styles continue to dominate the decorative hardware market, consumers are also demanding offerings that allow them to personalize their spaces while better accessing hidden corners and hard-to-reach areas.

Additionally, the green trend continues to play a role in design trends, with a growing interest in natural materials such as bamboo and glass.

Below are some of the hottest trends in decorative and functional hardware.

• Style wise, sleek and simply styles continue to dominate the decorative hardware market, with gimmicky hardware of the past being replaced with more classic, enduring designs.
• While hardware is less ornate than in years past, the desire for something rare or unusual is on the rise, as consumers increasingly use hardware to personalize their spaces. For that reason, custom pieces are gaining in popularity.
• In decorative hardware, polished chrome, satin nickel and polished nickel continue to be strong sellers, while gold tones and muted dark bronzes are also gaining in popularity. There's also an upsurge in using polished finishes to create a more formal feeling in the home.
• The interest in all things green has led to a growth in demand for hardware made from natural materials, such as leather, bamboo and glass.
• A growing trend toward simpler, knob-less cabinetry in the kitchen had increased interest in everything from touch latches to elaborate electronically operated drawer systems. In functional hardware, there's a growing expectation among homeowners that cabinetry will include elements such as soft-close.
• With more consumers working within the existing footprint of their kitchen rather than expanding, there's a greater need for hardware that maximizes access to hidden corners, upper and base cabinets and otherwise difficult-to-get-to storage spaces.

This article was provided by Kitchen & Bath Design News
www.kitchenbathdesign.com

It’s been 14 years since the first wave of Baby Boomers turned 50, and suffice it to say their world has changed. The retirement lifestyle many are anticipating now, on the eve of their 64th birthdays, is somewhat different from the one they envisioned back then.

For starters, the chronology of retirement has shifted, and many boomers say they now plan to keep working well into their 60s, if not 70s, according to a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive for Pulte/Del Webb, the preliminary findings of which were previewed at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas in January. 

The study, which polled Boomers in two specific age groups--those turning 50 this year, and those turning 64--found that the average anticipated retirement age has been extended by about four years. Whereas a majority of 50-year-olds polled in 1996 said they planned to retire at 63, those turning 50 today said they expect to retire around age 67.

Click here read the rest of the article.

Some shifts in direction emerge; other trends continue

Posted: January 14th, 2010 11:21 AM GMT-05:00

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ -- January 12, 2010 -- The results are in from a recent survey of designers conducted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) to reveal the key design trends for 2010. The results of the NKBA 2010 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends Survey confirmed the continuation of a number of existing trends in the marketplace, but also uncovered others that indicate shifts in the direction that kitchen and bath style will take this year. Below are 2010’s seven kitchen trends and four bath trends.

KITCHENS
1. Traditional is the New Contemporary
Traditional will continue as the most popular kitchen design style in 2010, with contemporary following closely behind, while the Shaker style is seeing a surprisingly strong resurgence. Shades of whites and off-whites will be the most common kitchen colors in 2010, while brown, beige, and bone hues will also be popular.

2. Cherry on Top
Cherry will remain the most popular wood for kitchen cabinetry, followed closely by maple, while alder increases in use. As for the finishes placed on those cabinets, medium natural, dark natural, glazed, and white painted will all be common. Other colors of painted cabinetry and light natural finishes are in decline, however, as are distressed finishes.

3. Floored by Tile
Ceramic and porcelain tile, as well as natural stone tile, remain popular kitchen flooring options, but hardwood will dominate the kitchen landscape more than ever in 2010. For countertops, granite continues to be the most popular option, but quartz will nearly catch up in popularity. For backsplashes, ceramic or porcelain tile and glass will serve as the primary materials.

4. Flexible Faucets
Standard kitchen faucets will become less standard in 2010 in favor of more convenient models. Pull-out faucets continue to increase their market dominance, while pot filler faucets will also become more prevalent. Kitchen faucets will most often be finished in brushed nickel, followed by stainless steel, satin nickel, and—surprisingly—polished chrome.

5. Undercounter Refrigeration
French door and freezer-bottom are the two most popular styles of refrigerators, and side-by-side refrigerators remain a popular option. A surprising trend is the extent to which undercounter refrigerator drawers are being used in the latest kitchen designs. Perhaps even more surprising is that undercounter wine refrigerators have been recently specified by half of kitchen designers.

6. A Range of Cooking Options
The tried-and-true range continues to serve as the workhorse for cooking, although the combination of a cooktop and wall oven is beginning to overtake it. Gas will maintain its position as the most popular type of cooktop over electric, although induction cooking continues to gain in popularity due to its energy efficiency.

7. Dishwasher-in-a-Drawer
Standard dishwashers, with the traditional door that pulls from the top down, will once again be easily the most common type in 2010. However, an increasing number of dishwasher drawers will be installed in kitchens this year for their convenience and their ability to wash small loads of dishes in each drawer, thereby saving water and electricity.

BATHROOMS
1. In With the Old, Out with the New
Traditional will be the most popular design style in bathrooms in 2010, as contemporary designs will be a distant second, followed by the Shaker style as an even more distant third. Beiges and bones will be the most common colors used in bathrooms, followed by whites and off-whites, and then by browns, indicating a somewhat subdued color palette this year.

2. Ceramic and Granite
Ceramic and porcelain tile will be the dominant flooring materials in bathrooms this year, while natural stone will continue to prove popular as well. Though increasingly popular in kitchens, hardwood flooring won’t become common in bathrooms in 2010. For vanity tops, granite will remain king, with quartz and marble also proving popular options.

3. Simple Fixtures
Perhaps more than ever, the most common color for fixtures will be white. Bisque and off-white will be the only other fixture colors at all common in new or remodeled bathroom. For sinks, simple undermount models will be most popular, followed by integrated sink tops, drop-in sinks, vessel sinks, and pedestal sinks.

4. A Nickel for Every Finish
Faucet finishes in the bathroom are similar to those used in current kitchen designs, with brushed nickel continuing to lead the way in 2010. Polished chrome and satin nickel will also be incorporated into many bathrooms, just as they had been throughout 2009. These faucet finishes will be followed by bronze and stainless steel.

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Prior to the planned showroom remodeling at this location, Kurtis will open the Farmington Hills selection center to our Newsletter Registrants for a private and advanced sales event to sell all of the remaining products on display. This presents homeowners with a great opportunity to obtain a vanity, a countertop or a complete kitchen for pennies on the dollar. The sale will be held

Thursday, December 10, 2009, 9 AM – 8 PM
Friday, December 11, 2009, 9 AM – 4 PM

at 28946 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334
on the east side of Orchard Lake Road between 12 and 13 Mile Roads
next door to Summit Sports
or call 1-888-KURTIS-1 for additional information

The sale to the general public will commence the week following this private offering.

Products available include:

Cabinetry and Vanities from KraftMaid, Wellborn, UltraCraft
Plumbing fixtures – sinks, faucets, toilets – by Kohler, Grohe, Moen
Major appliances – refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves, ovens, and cook tops – by Maytag, Jenn Air, KitchenAid
Countertops in granite, Corian, Silestone and laminate

Clean and classic styling is the hottest trend in kitchen cabinetry right now, as value-conscious consumers seek simple yet elegant designs that will stand the test of time. Eco-friendly wood species are garnering attention, while custom options become increasingly available at multiple price points. Additionally, cabinet interior design is moving to the forefront as aging baby boomers seek greater accessibility and a more efficient use of space.

Below are some of the dominant trends in kitchen cabinetry:
• Clean lines and classic styles dominate today’s kitchen cabinet choices, with value, sustainability and organization key priorities among consumers.
• Maple and alder are popular wood choices, while bamboo and lyptus appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. For the more budget-minded shopper, laminates in wood grain patterns offer an appealing option.
• Interior storage accessories are more relevant than ever as they maximize cabinet space and accessibility – particularly critical as consumers increasingly decide to remodel within their kitchen’s existing footprint rather than expanding the space.
• Custom components are becoming more affordable, allowing consumers at all price points to create a more personalized look for their cabinetry. However, excessive ornamentation has fallen out of vogue, with cleaner styles that minimize clutter reflecting the new consumer mindset.
• Painted finishes are gaining in popularity, while contrasting paint and stained finishes in one kitchen is a great way to add visual interest and character.
Consumers are showing greater awareness of green issues as the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association’s Environmental Stewardship Program grows in scope, yet the added cost to “going green” presents an obstacle that is difficult to overcome in a challenging economy.

reprinted from Kitchen & Bath Design News – September 2009

On March 10, 2009, Maytag Corporation, in voluntary cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), announced that it was voluntarily recalling about 1.6 million Maytag®, Jenn-Air®, Amana®, Admiral®, Magic Chef®, Performa by Maytag® and Crosley® brand side-by-side and top freezer refrigerators.

An electrical failure in the relay, the component that turns on the refrigerator’s compressor, can cause overheating and pose a serious fire hazard. Maytag has received 23 additional reports of refrigerator relay ignition, including four reports of property damage ranging from smoke damage to extensive kitchen damage.

The affected units were sold at department and appliance stores and by homebuilders nationwide from September 2000 through May 2004 for between $350 and $1600. They were manufactured in black, bisque, white and stainless steel and have model and serial numbers with the following combinations:  

NOTE:  Refrigerators with freezers on the bottom are not included in this recall.

On August 25, 2009, Maytag Corporation expanded the recall to include another 46,000 units with the following model and serial number combinations:

NOTE:  Refrigerators with freezers on the bottom are not included in this recall.

For your convenience, we have developed an online tool that will allow you to record and transmit your consumer information directly to Maytag Corporation through a secure Internet connection. You may access the tool by visiting http://registration.whirlpoolcorp.com/refrigeratortp/default2.asp. First, create a profile and log in to the site. Next, select the tab called “Enter Consumer Data (Web Form)” or “Upload Data File." You will find detailed instructions and examples of how to use the tool.  You may also fax your consumer data to Maytag Corporation at 1-866-231-1478 or email it to CLE_Trade_Customer@Maytag.com.    

If you have questions or are having difficulties finding this data, please contact the Maytag Recall Team at 1-877-329-3304.

Sincerely,

Maytag Corporation

We found this article on cabinets and countertops from MSN – real estate to be very good at explaining some of the basics.  We hope you enjoy it.

Cabinets and countertops 101 - Part #2

Common countertop materials

Here are the most common materials used in countertop crafting.

Laminate

 
What it is: Layers of paper topped with a thin coating of plastic, then glued to plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).

Pros: Laminate resists stains and comes in a slew of colors and fun patterns, such as zebrawood.

Cons: If you slice through the top layer, you’ll need to replace the entire countertop. Laminate can buckle under high heat, and seams are visible where pieces meet.

Cost: $10 to $30 a square foot.*

*Price ranges include installation.

Solid surface

 
What it is: Molded resin.

Pros: Often referred to by the brand name Corian, it is stain-resistant and nonporous and ranges in color from bright blue to earthy beige. “Some shades mimic the look of smooth concrete,” says Melissa Birdsong, vice president of trend, design and brand for Lowe’s.

Cons: Scratches can be gently sanded out, but the material may be scorched by hot pots and marred by knives.

Cost: $35 to $80 a square foot.

Marble

 
What it is: Crystallized limestone, typically with gray or beige veining.
Pros: It’s classic. “Like the Parthenon, marble gets better with age,” says Matt Aanensen. It is heat-resistant and features a cool-to-the-touch surface that’s ideal for rolling dough.

Cons: It’s prone to chipping, and acidic foods, like lemons and tomatoes, can cause stains and deep scratches. It should be sealed annually. You’ll have to apply a poultice to suck stains out.

Cost: $40 to $100 a square foot.

Tip: Marble and granite vary from slab to slab, so if you’re particular, visit a stone yard to pick out your own piece.

Stainless steel

 
What it is: Sheets of metal.
Pros: Stainless-steel surfaces are heat-resistant and nonporous, so they will stay bacteria-free. “There’s not much you can do to hurt it, and the look never goes out of style,” says Tracey Overbeck Stead, an interior designer in Austin, Texas.
Cons: It’s generally a fingerprint magnet. However, smudges are not as noticeable on a brushed or matte finish. Stainless steel can also scratch easily.
Cost: $70 to $120 a square foot.

Concrete

 
What it is: Cement, water, sand, stone and pigment formed into a slab.

Pros: “The surface is incredibly smooth,” says Paula Flanagan, an interior designer in Chicago. And it’s customizable. Tint it to match a paint color, embed it with shells, and choose any thickness.

Cons: It may crack when exposed to extreme temperature changes. It also needs to be sealed annually and waxed every couple of months.

Cost: $80 to $120 a square foot.

Engineered Stone

 
What it is: This material is 93% quartz particles mixed with various resins and pigments. Brands include CaesarStone and Zodiaq.

Pros: It’s as tough as nails. There’s minimal variation from slab to slab, and it comes in bright colors, such as race-car red and aqua blue. It won’t scratch or scorch, and it never needs to be sealed.

Cons: Seams are visible, and the edges may chip.

Cost: $45 to $90 a square foot.

Paper composite

 
What it is: Paper pulp bonded together with water-based resins. Richlite is one of the main brands.
Pros: It’s made from a renewable resource. It’s also heat- and scratch-resistant and exceedingly smooth to the touch (you won’t believe it was made out of paper).
Cons: Red wine, juice, and mustard may stain it (they can be tackled with warm water and a scrub pad).
Cost: $90 to $120 a square foot.

Soapstone

 
What it is: A natural, porous stone, usually gray in color. You might remember it from high school chemistry class, as it was used to top those old lab tables.

Pros: It can handle hot pots and doesn’t stain.

Cons: You’ll have to smooth out scratches and help the stone oxidize (or darken) evenly by occasionally applying mineral oil. The stone is soft and thus susceptible to chipping.

Cost: $50 to $100 a square foot.

Wood

 
What it is: Solid slabs of hardwood (usually maple, oak, cherry, walnut or teak) or butcher block (pieces of hardwood glued together). Wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council comes from sustainably managed forests.

Pros: It takes on character as it ages.

Cons: It can warp, stain, burn and scratch and must be sealed annually. Wood absorbs bacteria; disinfect it after exposure to raw meat or fish.

Cost: $40 to $65 a square foot.

Limestone

 
What it is: A sedimentary rock consisting mainly of calcite.

Pros: Limestone features minimal veining and varies from slab to slab. It can withstand high heat.

Cons: It stains easily and must be sealed at least once a year. You’ll need to use a poultice of baking soda and water to draw out tough stains (such as the rust ring from your husband’s shaving can). It’s also prone to scratches, nicks and chips.

Cost: $60 to $100 a square foot.

Granite

 
What it is: One of the hardest natural stones on earth, ranging in color from basic black to pink.

Pros: Granite has become the upgrade of choice in kitchens and baths for good reason. It is nonporous and extremely durable and can hold its own against hot pots. The varieties are endless, and no two slabs are exactly alike. A few types come presealed.

Cons: Seams are visible. Most granite needs to be sealed annually.

Cost: $40 to $100 a square foot.

Recycled glass

 
What it is: Ground-up glass mixed with concrete.

Pros: This eco-friendly material can withstand heat, resists scratching, and comes in many colors and thicknesses.

Cons: Dropping a heavy pot or pan on a recycled-glass counter could cause the surface to crack or chip — and the damage can’t be repaired. Some kinds are slightly bumpy. You’ll need to seal it once a year, and it can show fingerprints.

Cost: $100 to $190 a square foot.

By Carolyn Weber, Real Simple