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Generational Design By Kim Berndtson Designing for the Clients are often grouped according to their stage of life…generations X and Y, baby boomers and mature clients. See how life-stage demographics infuence these kitchen and bath designs. S Designer: John A. Lang Lang's Kitchen & Bath; Newtown, PA Age of client: mid-30s with two young children 30s Photos: Chipper Hatter ociety is often quick to categorize people according to everything from ethnicity to age. Age in particular comes into play quite frequently in the kitchen and bath design industry, where clients are often labeled according to their stage of life…generations X and Y, baby boomers, mature clients, etc. Of course there are some kitchen and bath elements frequently requested regardless of age. For example, Katheryn Cowles, of K.W. Cowles Design Center, Pensacola, FL, notes that function, product durability and timeless designs – those that won't look dated in fve years – are common requests for everyone. Likewise, John Lang of Lang's Kitchen & Bath, in Newtown, PA, sees large islands and gathering spaces within the kitchen as popular requests from clients of all ages. "When people entertain, their guests often end up in the kitchen," he says. "But the cook needs enough space to work." But while there are plenty of Universal Design preferences, there are also specifc requests that seem to be common to specifc generations. This month, KBDN asked several designers to share recent projects that address some common requests for clients from various age groups. Goal for the space: Warm and spacious were key words for this kitchen, which could have been a challenge given its 10' ceiling height. To solve the potential problem, Lang incorporated the stone veneer hood, which also serves as the focal point for the space. "Because the stone is 'heavy,' it ft proportionately in the space," he says. "We also staggered the cabinets directly to the right and left, which brought the ceiling down visually." Adding lights within the upper display cabinets, as well as above the cabinets, illuminated the ceiling, further minimizing the height challenge. Lang also needed to fnd a design solution for the vaulted ceiling area above the auxiliary sink below the window. "That ceiling is only about 3' wide," he says, adding that skylights were incorporated as well. "It was a difcult feature to design around. We ended up placing the tall wall oven to the right side of the sink and balanced it with the integrated refrigerator on the other." Generational design elements: This family wanted space for their kids in the kitchen. "We're hearing this on a regular basis from anyone who has kids in grade school or younger," he says. "They prefer for them to have a place to do their homework in the kitchen." As such, Lang incorporates a wireless connection and at least one fxed computer. In this kitchen, he also added a desk where the kids can store their school communications. This family also requested two prep areas as well as a simple backsplash. "They liked the idea of a monotone color with some shape changes to add interest," he says. "We used the same stone, just changed its shape and size to keep it simple." Lang also included a sound system. "Probably 70% of the time, we're putting sound in the kitchen," he notes. "We're also seeing more requests for TVs. Now that the economy is shifting, people are looking for some extras and add-ons." 46 | Kitchen & Bath Design News September 2013