Homes & Estates

Last year, the show revealed hints of metallic finishes; this year warm metals from brushed brass to satin bronze were on display. “ Gold tones are starting to stand out more and more” at the show, says Grubb. “We have done brushed nickel and chrome for so many years. People who appreciate design are ready for a change. Gold is more polished and elegant, and that’s part of the appeal.” From brushed brass to satin bronze, metals are showing up in unexpected places, as part of a composition in a backspace to inlays in cabinets. On the other hand, oil rubbed bronze, copper and rose gold are fading. “Hardware is also getting more decorative. Knobs and pulls are becoming like pieces of jewelry unto themselves,” says Grubb. Today, what’s inside a cabinet is as important as the outside. “Clients take the time to go through every possible fitting. For sure, convenience and storage is a priority,” says Grubb. In luxury homes, a freestanding sculptural tub in the master bath has almost become a must- have. Approximately 60 percent of NKBA members surveyed expect to specify more freestanding tubs in 2017. Requests for vessel sinks are waning, while trough sinks are emerging. The show also tapped into a growing penchant for fewer rooms , possibly even less square footage, with a higher level of finishes. Overall home sizes are on the decline after a decade of increases. Size pref- erences do go up as income levels increase, but, in- creasingly, even high-end consumers are a showing a move toward less square footage. “No matter what the income, buyers overwhelmingly prefer a smaller house with more features and amenities over sheer size. More than two-thirds are willing to trade size for high-quality products and features,” explained Rose Quint, NAHB assistant vice president for survey results. “It’s more about really functional spaces and higher quality finishes,” says Mondi. Our request has been more that they don’t want these rooms that they don’t use. Some people don’t want a living room. They’d rather have it be a home office or really beau- tiful study or library.” Looking ahead, most experts see contempo- rary evolving, becoming softer and more eclectic . “We are going to start to see lots more rounded edges, softer, curvier pieces,” says Henderson. “I would like to see a greater mix of more classic American antiques or even Shaker, that simpler American furniture mixed European influenced pieces. Something more eclectic, less mid-century American, I think that mid-century European and Scandinavian pieces are going to be even more and more popular.” The gray and white saga isn’t over yet, but color from art, pillows and accessories will continue to be an essential element. “I do think that we’re going to start to see more color, like splashes of color. I don’t think things are going to be predominately super color- ful,” says Henderson.

pillows and accessories

a freestanding sculptural tub softer and more eclectic ©MARCO RICCA; COURTESY JAMIE DRAKE, DRAKE/ANDERSON DESIGNER: MOLLY HUSTOFT; PHOTO BY MOLLY HUSTOFT COURTESY JAMIE DRAKE, DRAKE/ANDERSON

“In kitchens, we are seeing more color in cabi- netry, backsplashes and surfaces. Back-painted glass, leather wrapped doors and lacquer are hot, and add original notes of distinction,” shares Drake. Manufacturers enhanced existing technology, but the biggest news for appliances was column refrigerators and freezers that can be finished however a consumer wishes. A slim profile makes them easy

to integrate and also allows unlimited possibilities for configuration. Microwave drawers are preferred over free-standing or built-in units. For several years, manufacturers have been searching for an alternative to stainless . This year’s solution is a matte finish called black stainless. Premier appliance brands used to be desired status symbols, but Grubb is finding the cachet waning for some consumers.

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