by Ondine Brooks Kuraoka

Top 5 Trends

Italian-style cabinetry
European system hardware
Eclectic style variations & softer interpretation of contemporary
Low-voc (volatile organic compound) products
No more lost space

Italian-style cabinetry is very popular. Helene Lindquist, CKD, CBD, Certified Interior Designer, says, “There is a softer interpretation of contemporary now, using beautiful woods and colors that give a warm rich feeling as opposed to the hard-edged contemporary projects of the past.” Michael Borelli, AKBD, president of the San Diego Chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and owner of Borrelli Design + Cabinetry, recently attended the Eurocucina show in Milan. Michael says that clean gloss finishes are back. Michael says, “The combination of gloss white and high-end veneers gives the same level of sophistication as an automobile. Veneers are a very green option because we get a thousand times more yield from a log used for veneers than one used for solid pieces.”

The biggest change in cabinetry is the use of European system hardware. “The Italians, Germans and Austrians have all the hardware down,” Michael says. “We’re now using their self-closing hinges, concealed hinges and beautiful drawer slides. All you see is the face of the cabinet.” Norma Byrd, president-elect of the San Diego Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), explains that eclectic variations of paints and stains are current. Norma says, “Cabinets may be stained, though the island is painted. Contrasting colors and surfaces add interest, but simple lines remain popular.”

In sync with the eclectic trend, upper cabinets may be finished differently than base cabinets. Some doors may have glass panels, or may be faced in metals or resin surfaces with some open shelves for displaying favorite pots or bowls. According to Helene, cabinet doors that flip up are very popular as well.

Sophisticated advances in hardware maximize convenience and minimize stress. Norma comments that base cabinets now have roll-out shelves. “All drawers are on full extension override glides — no more lost space at the back of drawers that can’t be reached, no more items disappearing at the back of base cabinet fixed shelves. There is even self-closing hardware that eliminates the noise of slamming doors and drawers,” Norma says. She also points out that diagonal, 45-degree cabinets can be used in corners instead of lazy-susan turntables.

Popular wood species for cabinets include Wenge, Sapele, quarter-sawn Oak, Lyptus (a combination of Eucalytus and Mahogany) Bamboo, Walnut and Ash.

There is a huge movement in low-voc (volatile organic compound) products. “Nearly every company from cabinets to paints offers low-voc products now that do not off-gas chemicals such as formaldehyde,” Helene says.