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34 | Kitchen & Bath Design News | April 2015 Designer's Notebook » » The impact of global experiences has resulted in palettes of unre- strained, complex combinations of patterns and materials, partnered with bold hues. Somewhat impul- sive and undisciplined in nature: Colors seem to know no convention, as unexpected partnering happens in the "melting pot of imagination." Non-traditional groupings of tex- tures, fnishes, shapes, patterns and forms comfortably share the same space in these non-conventional roomscapes. Keep an eye on the travel-in- spired tones that are refected in this color palette. Color tones seem to be shifting to echo the diversity of our population: inspired by rich, bold Moroccan and Native American palettes, as well as the geometry and pattern-on-pattern oftentimes seen in the Asian design community. » » A sense of optimism as the U.S. economy emerges from the reces- sion has resulted in clear, bright color palettes. A feeling of good spirits and a positive outlook for the future is refected in colors that focus on Mid-Century Modern design, presented in imaginative, clear, bright colors infuenced by pastel post-war hues. The colors are supported in room settings featuring 1950s-styled fash-back furnishings, fabrics and accesso- ries from the post-war period, yet are presented in a fresh and new way – just right for loft living and Jetson-styled high-tech gadgetry. » » There is a continued interest in the beauty and refnement of the past, resulting in rich jewel tones set in elegant surroundings. Vin- tage romance and nostalgia for times past are reflected in pal- ettes featuring oil-paint tones, reminiscent of old master paint- ings. Colors are rich: They seem darkened with the patina of age and accented by opulence. These palettes ofer an invitation to step away from the noise of today's technology to enjoy the order and elegance of experiences and rela- tionships from the past. » » There is a clear design desire to create restful, calming rooms by developing palettes that reconnect with nature, while being 'present' in a thoughtful 'right now' mo- ment. Palettes combine materials and colors that provide harmony between the man-made and the natural environment. This palette emphasizes a deep respect for both the simplicity seen in nature, and the strikingly textured complexity of the natural world around us. So, how can you use this informa- tion in your work – right now? If you operate in a showroom environment, take a look at all of your displays. Can you make minor changes to refect these palettes? Perhaps wall covering or backsplash changes, or maybe new light fxtures? Certainly, new accesso- ries! Try to have these diferent palette categories reflected in the various rooms you present to the consumer. If you do not work in a showroom environment, can you organize your portfolio to refect these palettes in photographs of kitchens and bath- rooms? Alternatively, simply research the color companies and organize some of their predetermined palettes in a way that you can share them with the consumer. THE CELEBRATION OF 'HAND-MADE' A second major trend I see throughout the international community of design is the celebration of "hand-made." Even when an object is mass produced, de- signers are striving to present the object or a setting that could be cat- egorized as a singular theme with all items made by hand. The goal seems to be to marry craft and industry. This interest in the "hand-made" is repeatedly introduced through the use of textured and tactile materi- als. We have all seen natural marble, granite and quartz in honed fnishes – that is just one example. More rus- ticated fnishes on wood cabinetry throughout the kitchen or as accent pieces will continue to be of interest to consumers. Reviewing the presentations made at the Salone del Mobile Milano Eu- roCucina exhibition in April of 2014 and the January, 2015 LivingKitchen Fair in Cologne, Germany, this interest in organic, expressively Contempo- At the 2015 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, Formica teamed up with iconic potter, designer and author Jonathan Adler to create a collection of new laminate patterns. The colors are decidedly Mid-Century Modern. A very naturalistic color palette is seen in the cabinetry, barn door and up- holstered pieces. The horizontal pattern in the door is repeated in the island end panels and back wall. Photo: Real Sliding Hardware, www.realslidinghardware, and Ramsay Solutions Inc., www.ramsaysolutions.net Photo: The Formica Laminate Jonathan Adler Collection, Formica Corp., www.formica.com Photo: Häfele America Co, www.hafele.com/us; designed and manufactured by Michael Bright, Bright Wood Works, www.brightwoodworks.com