What's Next in Kitchen Design

Very often times when talking to new clients I am asked, " What's the new thing in kitchens" or " what's next?"

From a designers standpoint it is a difficult question. Is the client asking "what is the trend that will hit the mass market next?" Or is she asking, "what is on the cutting edge of high end design?" Two Very different questions. By the time a look has hit the mass market, many designers are bored with it. It has been overdone and is about to be burnt to a crisp.

Classic designs with excellent proportional detailing, the right lines and textural relationships coupled with a great color palette will always be very classic. It is when the design community takes elements of great classic design out of context and plants then into projects haphazardly that creates chaos. The occasional accidental application may at times create an element of surprise which can be fun. It is the repetitive use of elements in a haphazard way that leaves this designer with the feeling of enough already. The idea that if one is good 10 is better seems so appalling in our over-consumption driven world.

The waning trend seems to be the over ornamentation of spaces with elements like corbels and is being replaced with application molding with clean transitions selected in subtle but perfect proportion. Cleaner lines, clearer centers of visual interest, more attention to balance and harmony. It seems our world is fraught with chaos. We long for more harmony, more peace.

This will be the next trend: away from over consumption and over use and toward more harmonious spaces, warm spaces. Places that beg us to enter, places we long to live in.

Richard Allan Marti Jr.

The Cult of Mac: Will The Home Be Steve Jobs Last Big Hooray?

The Cult of Mac: Will The H Save as Draft ome Be Steve Jobs Last Big Hooray?

This is a noteworthy new product introduction. I think for Professional interior designers who like to stay on the cutting edge will love this new introduction.

Kitchen Design: Space Planning VS Decorating

In design, the first questions can be paired down into two categories: Form and Function.
This is the age old question in design, which comes first?

The answer really lies with the client. Is the client remodeling or building a space? How will he or she use it? Do they order in and simply reheat and make coffee? Do they have staff? Do they entertain? Is status an issue? Do they want that new La Cornue because they love to cook up a storm or because they love to impress their friends and business associates?

Perhaps the client is a family with young children and mom (or dad) stays at home managing the household.

Either way, the best place to start is where most seasoned interior designers start. That is with a complete "program". These questions, along with others must be answered. A professional designer will want to know all the facts and will create a "Design Statement" as well as help develop the clients "Budget" before they ever start the first cad drawing.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact me at Richard@richard-allan-marti.com

Curved vanity design ideas

Here is an example of a Curved front vanity.
Working with curves persents some awesome opportunities as well as some challenges. Not all cabinetmakers can execute curved doors and properly mount them to the frame. Even more important is to insure that the curved doors remain stable permanently.

This project was completed with Mahogany cabinetry and Mirror frames with fully integrated medicine cabinets behind the mirrors, silver plated hardware, faucets and lighting. The beveled glass mirrors are mounted on concealed freeswinging hinges and touch latches. ( be sure your client knows there will be finger prints on the mirror!)


If you would like further details, please contact me. mailto:Richard@Richard-allan-marti.com

How to choose a kitchen designer?

I want to know your thoughts on this topic. As a kitchen designer, I have a lot of ideas on the criteria that I would use, the questions I would ask. But, I am not a consumer. I design kitchens, I have built kitchens with my own two hands ( and luckily 10 intact fingers.)

Please tell me what is important to you... I'll be happy to share with you lots of information from the design side!

Best Wishes,
Richard

I am proud to be a part of the Southern New England Chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. It is a great organization that is working hard to increase its value to members by increasing professionalism and in the process, increase the value to our clients... The people who place their trust and dreams in our hands.

I will post design trends as I see them and I hope that people find them of value. I am going to try to leave at least one tidbit of information in each post that will have value to others. Today I will let readers know that the number one reason people choose designers is that they were recommended by someone they know. So.... Talk to your friends, learn who they chose to work on their project and why. Ask them about their experiences. Were they favorable or just tolerable?

Good Luck with your project!
Richard Allan Marti Jr.

Connecticut Kitchen and Bath Design Ideas

April 9, 2006 Start Blog after Leadership and Strategic planning meeting with the NKBA in Hartford, Connecticut.