Homes & Estates

ColdwellBankerLuxury.com | 17

“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.

Last year, the show revealed hints of metallic

finishes; this year warm metals from

brushed brass

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

DESIGNER: MOLLY HUSTOFT; PHOTO BY MOLLY HUSTOFT

COURTESY JAMIE DRAKE, DRAKE/ANDERSON