Kitchen & Bath Design News is the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade.
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Product Trend Report Wave is the new cup-mount soft-close mechanism introduced by Ferrari America. The mechanism attaches easily to the cup of the 110-degree Anyway Clip hinges from Italy. Wave features an adjustment screw to allow adjusting the dampening efect, even after installation. Circle No. 192 on Product Card European-style drawer pulls that create a design point of view in the kitchen," she says. The Kinvaro Lifter Systems from Grass America ofer a smooth, quiet action with a sleek European design. Lifters allow quick and easy access to cabinet interiors in one motion. The lifters open via spring-power assistance and accommodate various door weights. All cabinet doors are lifted up and out of the way for full access to interiors. Circle No. 189 on Product Card Glace Yar Stained Glass Design ofers these glass pieces that incorporate touches of luxury. The fnely hand-crafted decorative hardware shown includes 24kt gold as well as true Mother-of-Pearl. Circle No. 190 on Product Card FUNCTIONAL SOLUTIONS While the outward appearance of the kitchen is most often at the forefront of the homeowner's mind, designers understand that functionality is just as important. Peele says, "The perfect fnishing touch with the right hardware can easily enhance the overall design [by making the space work better]. The functionality of the hardware may go unnoticed, but that is the idea." Space is at a premium these days, says Claudia Tuttle, marketing manager for Accuride International, in Santa Fe Springs, CA, who notes that everyone is looking for more storage in the kitchen. "Having the right hardware plays an integral role in some of these issues," says Tuttle. In order to have the right slides for large drawers, she explains, designers must account for the height, the load and the application, as a drawer that holds pots and pans will require a more robust slide than one that will hold kitchen towels. Tuttle adds that Accuride sees a big demand for full-extension options and specialty products. One of its fastest growing products is a two-way travel slide that has full extension, which can be used in a kitchen island or room pass through, she says. Daniel Tripp, product marketing manager for kitchen products at Hafele Americas says there are many options for blind corner hardware, and that is one area where the hardware might actually dictate the design. "I Sietto ofers a range of knobs for cabinets, vanities and dressers, all handmade in the U.S. Shown is the company's Cirrus Brown with White round knob. Circle No. 193 on Product Card have talked to designers who will design blind corners specifcally to use the 'wow' hardware," he notes. Ramsland states that its sister company, Hardware Resources, is doing more with innovative soft-close hinges. "Especially in the linkage area – hinges need to be able to work efectively and luxuriously without sagging under heavy doors," he says. Debbie Cannon, marketing services manager for Blum, Inc., in Stanley, NC, sees functional hardware playing a critical role in room design. "The quality of the hardware will determine how benefcial the kitchen proves to be years down the road," she says. Many functional elements, such as full-extension drawers, lift mechanisms and opening and closing assistance can save time, reduce injury risk and help out with the unexpected – whether it's a broken arm or an arthritis fare up, she says. "It is impossible to predict the future, but products such as these can help you prepare for it," she adds. Products that ofer clean lines and high-tech options, as well as applications in outdoor settings, are also emerging on the functional side. Fitzpatrick says that at the recent Interzum Show in Cologne, there was a movement toward drawers with a clean, welldefned, slim line. "This is enhanced with the tried functionality of today's undermount drawer systems. A new slim drawer slide paired with the concealed slide system ofers a new minimal look with all the features of the concealed slide action," she says. Electronic locks are making the transition from commercial to residential, adds Jefery. Emtek ofers the EMTouch electronic lock to meet this demand. This system has a touch screen simi- Richelieu Hardware ofers a wide variety of decorative cabinet hardware, including mixed-material pieces. This contemporary pull is part of the company's Swarovski Crystal Collection. The exclusive collection features a number of shapes and designs. Circle No. 194 on Product Card The Dierdra Collection from Berenson Corp. sports subtle Sugatsune America's Swing-Down Lid Stay allows cabinet doors to be pulled down for access to interiors. The stay can be used with the company's vertical swing lift-up stay for tall cabinets. When used in combination, it allows two vertical doors on one cabinet to open separately. Circle No. 191 on Product Card 38 | Kitchen & Bath Design News December 2013 The new Circa line of decorative cabinet pulls from "Creations" by Alno sport an elegant curved design. The pull is available in 1-1/2", 3", 3-1/2", 4" 6", 8", 12" and 18" sizes, in Bronze, Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel and Satin Nickel fnishes. A ringshaped pull is also included in the collection. Circle No. 195 on Product Card lines and a rounded profle for a transitional appearance. The limited ornamentation keeps the focus on the simplicity and elegance of this design. Pulls are available in 96mm center to center and are accompanied by a complementing knob. The Dierdra collection is available in six fnishes: Verona Bronze, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Polished Nickel, Brushed Nickel, Weathered Nickel and Pink. Circle No. 196 on Product Card The 3832 Touch Release slides from Accuride International hold drawers closed until activated by pressing on the drawer fronts, which propels drawers open about 2". These slides eliminate the need for drawer pulls, providing the aesthetics of clean drawer fronts, while also ofering a solution for users who have difculty grasping drawer pulls. Circle No. 197 on Product Card