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Market Pulse { Readers' opinions on industry-related issues } 10 | Kitchen & Bath Design News | May 2015 O ur clients are maybe still about 50% Baby Boomers. The looks they prefer are still traditional to tran- sitional styles. They are buying into the multicolor and texture look for their kitchens: diferent island color from pe- rimeter cabinetry; white cabinets with a hint of rustic (like barn wood); draw- ers not doors on base cabinets; cleaner, more open looks, not very many turn- ings, corbels or spindles. Color-wise, the trend for Boomers seems to be white cabinets, of-white or light grey, and not too much over glazing." Mike Palkowitsch, CMKBD, Senior Designer Mingle Plymouth, MN I 'd say about 80% of our clientele are Baby Boomers. Quality con- struction is their number one priority, by far. Next would be to reduce the size of their home, and make sure it's a low- maintenance situation. They're looking for great value for their money, and have no interest in frills. They want a nice kitchen with solid cabinetry, and a large bathroom. Also important to them is a one-level living concept, with space for adult children and grandchildren on another foor." Carole Futrelle, Designer MountainSide Homebuilders Brevard, NC I would say that 75% of my clients are in the Boomer category. Aging in place is a top priority still. They are a value-conscious group as well, and are more focused on the bottom line than younger clients." Sean Gallagher, Owner Dovetails Joinery Eatonton, GA A lmost 100% of my clients are of Baby Boomer age. Trends for them include a heightened inter- est in cooking at home, and so they are looking for a kitchen where heightened functionality is key. This is probably due in part to the rise of home improvement and cooking shows, Pinterest, Houzz and other In- ternet sources of inspiration. They're coming in with more information-in- hand than ever. In master baths there are fewer requests for large spa-style tubs and more requests for elaborate showers with multiple heads, steam functionality and seats. Curbless walk- in style showers are now a must." Thom Torvend, Architect/Owner Thom Torvend & Assoc. Modesto, CA N inety-eight percent of my customers are Baby Boomers. Most all still want granite, although I've seen some interest in quartz the last two years. They are split 50/50 between traditional and contempo- rary styles. Many are still interested in multiple showerheads and whirl- pool tubs until they understand the pricing (even with our current drought issues)." Tamara Evans, Designer Americal Construction Management Laguna Hills, CA B aby Boomers make up 65% of my business. They're interested in updated design styles that feature cleaner lines – they're looking for lighter and brighter. Storage is a big concern, as is better lighting, fooring and countertops." Suzanne Lasky, Owner S. Interior Design Scottsdale, AZ A bout 75% of our clientele are Boomers. A transitional style is very popular with this segment. Attention to functionally is key, and we ft in as much as the budget will allow. We often transform all lighting to LED, and add more quantity in all three lighting categories – task, ambi- ent and decorative. Baby Boomers want quality and a bit of uniqueness as well. They also want to be able to stay in their homes forever, so the aging-in-place details in the bath and kitchen are key." Gail Monica Deny, Owner/Designer Provanti Designs Seattle, WA I n our stores, we are seeing about 50% of our customers are Baby Boomers and the rest are senior citizens and singles. Most of the Baby Boomers are looking at the new shaker doors – styles with a little bit of design on the doors. Over- all, they're going for simple colors, neutrals like grays and bright whites. In textures, quartz countertops are popular, and stainless steel in appli- ances, with glass tiles the dominant surface for backsplashes. Backsplash- es have tended toward color, but more washed-out tones, not heavy colors." Magdi Abu, Owner/Contractor LA Kitchen City, Inc. Van Nuys, CA T hey are a smaller group for us, making up perhaps 35% of our business. Typically they're looking for comfort features like radiant heat foor- ing. They trend toward practicality and simplicity in their design choices." Gary Grabowski, CR, UDCP, Owner Greater Home Services Beverly Hills, MI S eventy percent of our clients are Baby Boomers. They are just like all of our clients: If they grew up with painted kitchens then they want stain, and vice versa. What is trending at our company is the dis- tressed look on alder. Function is as important to our customers as form; they want the cabinets to work for them. Roll-outs, pull-outs, anything you can think of to make your life easier and time spent in the kitchen more efcient." Sandra McConnell, Owner The WoodShoppe Wichita Falls, TX P robably about 40-50% of our business is made up of Baby Boomers. Their design priorities tend toward function: lots of storage, easy-to-clean, etc. When they're mak- ing decisions, they're making them with the next 20 years in mind, design- ing what they imagine will be their last kitchen." Cierra Shupe, Designer Kelly Bros. Home & Design Center Covington, KY Designers Discuss Boomer Clients' Needs and Wants Kitchen & Bath Design News recently posed the following question to dealers and designers in the kitchen and bath industry: Approximately what percentage of your clients are Baby Boomers, and what do you see trending with this group in terms of design styles and priorities, features and amenities? What do you think? E-mail your feedback, contact information and the subject line, 'Market Pulse' with your message to andrea@solabrands.com.