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 The ceramic line of decorative hardware from Nifty Nob includes a variety of shapes in over 30 colors. All of the hardware is hand cast and hand painted. Shown are pieces in shades of blue. Circle No. 205 on Product Card With distinctively simple and organic twists and turns, the decorative hardware in the Motif Collection from Soko Products by Jaye Design ofers a timeless look. Hand-cast and made in the U.S., the knobs and pulls are available in Polished Stainless or Satin Stainless, or hand-cast Bronze with eight hand-applied patina choices: Antique, Black, Gunmetal, Lustre, Mink, Natural, Oil-Rubbed or Wrought. Circle No. 198 on Product Card The Nobu line of knobs and pulls from Atlas Homewares showcases clean, simple lines. The decorative hardware line is available in Black, Brushed Nickel and Polished Chrome. Circle No. 199 on Product Card French Foundry introduces its 18" refrigerator pull in Rustic Patina. The refrigerator pull matches the other pulls in the line, with 10", 5" and 3.5" borings, as well as many knobs and back plates. Circle No. 206 on Product Card lar to a smart phone and can hold up to 20 codes. Most often these electronic locks are being used on side or kitchen adjacent doors, says Jefery. Brun says Richlieu has seen more demand for products that can be used in an exterior setting. These products need a more durable type of design, he says. "It's about that functionality that can outlive the elements," he adds. Cannon sees the goal of today's hardware technology to make working in the kitchen quieter, more convenient and more ergonomic. While soft close is becoming the standard for all cabinet lines, she says touch-to-open features are targeting specifc applications, like drawers and lift systems. "The waste/ recycle drawer is best when equipped with an electronic opening feature – this is especially important when your hands are full of scraps or trash," she says. In addition, hardware for wall cabinets that moves the doors up and out of the way provides easy access to the contents. "These lift systems can function with or without an electrical opening support. The lift system opens with just a light touch – and then closes again with the press of a button." Sheets notes one unexpected downside to the new technology: Touch open and electronic devices can eliminate the need for decorative hardware. Fitzpatrick sees soft close becoming a dominant feature, not only with drawers, but also with doors, lifters and anything that opens and closes. "Manufacturers have been moved to make this an option for their cabinetry lines, in doors and drawers. The market also ofers soft-close adapters that will retroft existing self-closing hinges so that a homeowner or designer can have the soft-close action without changing out hardware," she says. Another element on the rise is adjustability for closing action. "Consumers want their soft-closing action to be consistent among all of their cabinet doors. This can be tricky for doors of diferent weights and size," she notes. Tripp adds that while soft close has become standard, soft open is what's coming next, particularly in large, heavy pantries, which tend to bounce open, banging things around. The mechanical soft open, like in Hafele's Convoy Lavido, helps prevent this. "This whole category of soft open is something you'll see more and more," he says. STANDARD TECHNOLOGIES Technology is looked at to make things easier, more userfriendly and more convenient. Manufacturers say that elements that used to be add-ons or special features are now becoming standard issue for functional hardware. Peele says, "Hardware is greatly afected by technology, a trend that will likely never change." Because the technological landscape changes rapidly, hardware design is forced to constantly evolve. "Soft-touch power grommets are a growing trend and custom confgurations of power and data options can help cater to any specifc user application," he says. "Technology is no longer a luxury in the kitchen functional hardware category. It's an expectation," says Ramsland. This includes elements like soft close, touch open, full extensions and LED lighting, he adds, and elements are being built into the design from the beginning rather than being an afterthought or add-on. "We live in a technologically driven world and consumers are staying in their homes for a while. They want the conveniences built in. It's important to their lifestyle to get to the back of a drawer, to see what's inside clearly and to enjoy the luxury of a drawer that closes itself frmly," he says. Tuttle agrees. "Convenience and Universal Design play a big role. We want easy and quick access to the things we use daily," she says. Taking into account the needs of an aging population is also important. "There are so many options that can help you mitigate issues and have a better quality of life," she notes. Outwater Plastics Industries has expanded its selection of Soft Closing Door Lifts and Stays for cabinet doors to complement its line of standard and specialty application hinges and accessories. The company's vertical and lateral door Soft Closing Door Lifts and Stays can be used with wood and aluminum cabinet doors of varying weight and require no lubrication. The pieces enable left and right cabinet door installation with specifc degrees of opening and closing speeds. Circle No. 200 on Product Card The Nuovo one-size pull from Hafele America Co. showcases a clean, modern style and complements contemporary cabinetry and doors with European style. The mortise pulls can be used horizontally or vertically, and are available in four fnishes: Stainless Steel, OilRubbed Bronze, Matte Chrome and Polished Chrome. Circle No. 201 on Product Card 40 | Kitchen & Bath Design News December 2013 The Drake series has been added to the Elements line of decorative hardware from Hardware Resources. Drake features sleek, geometric styling, and includes two knobs and two pull sizes. Finishes include: Brushed Pewter, Gun Metal, Brushed Oil-Rubbed Bronze, Polished Chrome and Satin Nickel. Circle No. 202 on Product Card Urban Ironcraft is now ofering 17"Dx21"Hx2"W iron corbels/ brackets in select designs. The new size can provide needed support for large countertop applications. Shown is the Linley bracket in Old World, one of seven fnish options. Circle No. 203 on Product Card California Faucets' ergonomically designed traditional pulls ofer a textural style and are available in over 30 fnishes. The brass knobs shown complement the pulls and feature a classic button-center design with rope trim. Circle No. 204 on Product Card