Kitchen & Bath Design News is the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade.
Issue link: http://kitchenbathdesign.epubxp.com/i/186162
Generational Design In a minute TRADITIONAL GIVES WAY Design professionals are split as to whether traditional or contemporary styles are favored by this age group, particularly when it comes to choosing cabinets. Matures are the most likely of all of the generations to gravitate toward traditional styles – complete with moldings, corbels and detailing – yet many are opting for more transitional elements for a look that is cleaner and easier to maintain. "Mature purchasers have had a history of favoring traditional looks," offers Ed McCaughey of Old Town Bath and Kitchen in Alexandria, VA. "Now, they seem to lean to the more contemporary style. The cabinets they are drawn to refect similar styles that younger purchasers are looking for – the Shaker styles or slab contemporary doors." Katheryn Cowles, CKD, CBD of K.W. Cowles Design Center, based in Pensacola, FL, agrees. "For the few who go all out, contemporary design is at the top of their list," she says. Even for those who are clinging to traditional designs, this style is often mixed with contemporary elements for a classic look. Wood is a big seller with the mature homeowner, with maple and even oak still getting attention. "And, this group is loving the painted fnishes with glazes," ofers Evelyn Boldt of Interior Expressions in Sarasota, FL. "The most important element, however, is that it is a great working kitchen with enough storage space," stresses Boldt. FOCUS ON UPGRADES For many mature homeowners, the remodeling of kitchen and bath spaces harkens back to the pre- recession mindset, when creating an upscale space was a reward for a lifetime of hard work. "I see a lot of folks who have raised families in outdated kitchens and have now decided that they deserve a modern, upgraded space," remarks Jeremy Corthals of Capital Granite in Petoskey, MI. "These kitchens and baths refect the homeowner now, and have items that work completely for the owner and not so much for anyone else," reports Warren. "In their words 'I worked for this…and now I'm going to enjoy it.'" These new spaces, however, are likely to be smaller than for other generations. "The big, 'grand style' rooms of the past are being replaced with downsized, more manageable and brighter rooms," according to Warren. "Simple, no clutter design galley kitchens are what we're seeing here, with no need for large spaces," notes Candy Ferguson of Creative Design Studio in Pennsylvania. "This group is looking for easy maintenance countertops, ovens at waist level and no undercounter appliances except the dishwasher." Better lighting – especially undercabinet and task – are key requests, as well as quartz and granite countertops, induction • Comfort-height toilets are in big demand with seniors, and Geberit's tank-in-wall system allows this Duravit toilet to be hung at any height. • Multifunctional items provide additional safety for the bath, such as this Moen Home Care Grab Bar with paper holder. • The Delta Traditional Shower System from Delta Faucets features Universal Design elements that senior clients are looking for, including an arched center grab bar, shelves, fip-up seat and zero-threshold entry. cooktops and nickel and bronze plumbing fxtures. "We have also been doing a few more custom hoods, as well as comfortable built-in seating, where homeowners can be surrounded by people when they are in the kitchen," reports Lori Brock of Brock Designs in Portland, OR. VALUE AND SERVICE "We have found that mature homeowners are wanting quality – even at the added expense," Brock continues. But most survey respondents noted that matures are among the thriftiest customers with regard to the other generations. They are very budget conscious, and have an understanding of value that is unparalleled, they note. And, just as cost and value are important to the mature homeowner, so is customer service. "Members of this group know what they like and want the right person to help them achieve their personal objective," reports one design professional. "My mature customers want to be directed," agrees Rachel Barone of PDP Countertops based in Cartersville, GA. All decision making at this stage in life takes more time, more debate and compromise with the spouses, she reports. "I am especially patient with this group, whose members are slow to develop confdence in our company and our wealth of knowledge in the industry." She adds, "This group is my favorite. Their appreciation for our professionalism is unmatched and most fulflling." October 2013 ForResidentialPros.com | 29 A bathroom becomes a more special place because of Geberit. More roomy. More aesthetic. Just more. Geberit installation technology is securely located behind the wall. Where it should be. Spend all the extra minutes you want, as long as you know Geberit is behind the wall. Call 866/787-3924 for your designer's kit or visit → geberitnow.com. Circle No. 20 on Product Card