Her design work is widely published in online and print shelter publications and she is a frequent source for the media on kitchen design issues.

Susan’s blog “The Kitchen Designer” is the most read blog authored by a professional kitchen designer.

Susan represents Hansen Kitchen, purveyors of eco-friendly functional kitchen furniture.

Contact Information:
Susan Serra CKD, CAPS
Susan Serra Associates, Inc
Email: susan(at)susanserraassociates.com
Web: Susan Serra Associates, Inc
Twitter: @susanserrackd
Blog: The Kitchen Designer

What do you see as the top Kitchen and Bath design trends  for 2009?

I think there are both behavioral trends to watch for that are significant as well as fashion trends that we enjoy looking for. I do see fashion trends, in general, trending down (so to speak) in significance as confidence in one’s personal aesthetic grows. This confidence is a direct result of the consumers’ access to and interaction in a world of kitchen design online, as blogs and design communities have grown. My top three behavioral trends for 2009 are:

The Sustainable Kitchen – Green design makes sense on so many levels. Who among us, does not wish to be more healthy if one can simply make certain choices in products, or to be more practical in other green ways? A new back to basics/practical mentality is currently coinciding with a renewed, and enhanced desire to exist in a green home environment. As more green products enter the design mainstream, it is much easier to interpret one’s design vision via a great selection of green products. There are several common threads connecting the green movement and the Aging-In-Place movement, another strong behavioral trend. Both trends include a desire for materials with longevity, for example.

Comfort/Open Floor plans – I have previously noted that comfort in the kitchen was an emerging trend prior to the financial crisis, and perhaps it was a natural evolution which coincides with consumers’ overall design confidence that I noted above as well as being a result of the fearsome financial crisis. I do feel the kitchen as a viable living area is taking a major step forward this year. More activities are taking place in the kitchen, multi-generations are together more, and I feel the desire for more social connectedness is being felt very strongly at this moment. As a result, the kitchen is being designed in a less obvious utilitarian way than previously, in many (not all) cases. Examples are larger "living room like" windows, fireplaces, larger TVs, less cabinetry in general, more soft furnishings, accent lighting such as sconces, "living room" artwork, neutral colors and a transition to surrounding spaces that is more seamless.

2009 Kitchen Design Elements – Clearly, buying a kitchen today is very much about quality and value over the long term which now translates into basics and classics in terms of color and design. Cleaner lines in kitchen design are apparent, even in kitchens with a traditional design. The foundation of the kitchen, flooring, walls, and cabinetry, is a study in neutrals. White is ever classic, and wood finishes are darker, more serious, more transitional to surrounding spaces beyond the kitchen. Engineered stone with its often quiet patterns is on the upswing for countertops. Tile is either natural/earthy textured or more high tech/vibrant colored. In a high design look, countertops often blend in color with wall surfaces. Appliances are ever more built-in with more sizes available for design flexibility and are strong on energy efficiency. Today’s homeowner understands decorative "layers" in the kitchen and are looking more closely at the big picture of the kitchen and how it relates to beyond the kitchen.

At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show this year, many sophisticated, innovative new appliances and  products were unveiled.  How do you see the increase in smart kitchen and bath appliances making life easier for homeowners?

Smart appliances can absolutely enhance our lives, giving us a little bit more efficiency, even luxury, on a daily basis. From mirrors that hide a TV screen, as seen in the incredible Seura product, to ventilation hoods that periodically clean the air in the kitchen and sense heat, automatically turning on the hood, to "scrubbing" air clean in a refrigerator, to advanced sensor cooking features, appliances are very exciting right now. Appliances are doing two significant jobs – they are saving energy and helping to make our lives more efficient. Taking the guess work out of cooking processes and the use of ventilation is welcome relief for the busy cook.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

I have always been open to fresh ideas and new thinking on kitchen design. I have always been a collector of design magazines from around the globe in search of an alternative point of view. One of my strongest design inspirations comes from Scandinavian design. Scandinavians have an innate knowledge and gift for the creative, yet simple, juxtaposition of old and new, so prevalent in their environment. Their design philosophy is based in the belief that function determines design in the most simple, obvious, and most attractive way possible…perfect inspiration for today’s focus on Universal and Aging-In-Place design. To that end, Danish Architect Knud Kapper, a specialist in kitchen design, inspires me. Connected to this design philosophy, the individual lives of my clients inspire me to create original design solutions that feel right to them, make sense, and speak to them aesthetically at a high level. If they "feel it" in a meaningful and positive way, we’re in a good place.

What advice would you give to homeowners considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel?

Where do I begin!? Here is the best advice I can give. Write up a list of questions to use to interview professional kitchen/bath designers. Have that list of questions in front of you at each interview. Listen and talk equally. Do not talk more than listen in your interviews. In my blog I’ve done a post on specific questions to ask a designer. Selecting a designer is the single most important choice you will make and adequate time should be allowed for this initial process to evolve naturally and fruitfully. Consider not only the answers, helpful for comparison, but the connection you feel to the designer, his/her enthusiasm for your project, important factors as well. Understand that people, processes, and products are not perfect. If you choose the right professional, you will receive "near perfect."

Tell us about your favorite kitchen and/or bathroom design project.

I don’t want to be coy, but I honestly do not have a favorite. My work reflects my clients’ needs, and if they are happy and satisfied with their new kitchens, often after an extensive design process with multitudes of design and product choices, then I’m happy! I think, if pressed, however, the one I am most excited about, coincidentally, is one I am working on now. This client was brave enough NOT to use one long wall in the kitchen, logically for cabinetry, but instead, to follow one lone plan (as part of a number of other more traditional plans I presented) which situates a huge island as the main kitchen (cooktop and sink therein.) Supplementary cabinetry and tall appliances are on two 5′ short walls on either end of the space. This is a social kitchen. There are countless lifestyle scenarios for social interaction in this kitchen. I am a strong advocate for the benefits of designing a more social kitchen, and I cannot be more pleased that my client chose this plan. As a result, there is increased function as well, especially for multiple chefs/assistants.

In your personal kitchen or bath – what is the product(s) that you can’t imagine living without?

I just moved a few months ago, and I must say I seriously miss my wine refrigerator! My husband and I enjoy a glass of wine when cooking and dining most evenings. When I redo the kitchen in this new home we are in, I know that appliance will be included. Now that I think of it, I also miss my Gaggenau grill from my other kitchen. We grilled constantly.

Imagine designing your dream kitchen or bath.  What style would it be? What products would you use ?

There is no question that my next kitchen will be a walnut Hansen kitchen. The simple elegance of this freestanding collection of functional kitchen furniture speaks to me. The eco-friendly materials and finish are made to last decades. I like that. This is kitchen furniture which will transition beautifully with my surrounding spaces. The style could be categorized in several ways…organic modernism, a warm modern, a natural kitchen environment, a "living room kitchen" all express the feeling I’m looking for. I think I would use the 27" Sub Zero separate refrigerator/freezers. I love the aesthetic of Gaggenau ovens and cooktops. My default dishwasher is usually a Miele, and I will search for a wine refrigerator for sure! Countertops…very possibly walnut. Lighting may be ceiling pendants by Le Klint. I will not have upper wall cabinets, but I may have a pantry in an adjoining space. I will include art in the kitchen. And, a sofa as part of the kitchen dining table, which I’ve done for a number of years. It’s heaven.

Green design is an important consideration for many homeowners.  Do you have advice for homeowners who want to "green" their kitchen or bathroom?

My most important piece of advice is to sample new products and finishes, such as countertops as one example. What you are looking to achieve is the combination of both green materials AND longevity in those green materials. Green materials without longevity are not green. Look to also design a healthy kitchen – one that is easy to clean and cleans the air via helpful appliances. Select energy star appliances. Use energy efficient lighting, LED or CFL. Consult a design professional to determine the positive or negative impact on home heating issues when increasing the size of your windows. Greening your kitchen feels good. You are doing good on many levels.

We’d like to thank Susan Serra, CKD, CAPS of Susan Serra Associates, Inc for generously sharing her expertise and design advice.

Related: Kitchen and Bath Design Experts Talk Design Trends 2009

Susan Palmer, CKD, CBD, owner of Susan Palmer Designs, has been designing award-winning custom kitchens & baths for more than 25 years.

When Susan approaches a new design project, she does not impose a specific “style” of design, rather, she looks to each project for inspiration. As she states, ”I am merely the vehicle to achieve the client’s dream — the final signature belongs to them.” Blending her history and experience as a "Kama’aina" by way of Texas, her design aesthetic has developed through living and traveling through Japan, the far east, Europe, as well as the continental U.S. before settling down in Honolulu in the early 1980’s.

Susan has been a recipient of many industry awards including the NKBA Aloha Chapter “Hohanohano” Best of the Best Award, Building Industry Association BIA Merit Awards, NKBA Aloha Chapter Phil Zweedyk Award, as well as serving as a guest lecturer at Chaminade University and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. In recent years, Susan has served as a judge for BIA as well as NKBA award competitions. Susan has also previously held the offices of vice president, programs chairwoman, as well as president of the Aloha Chapter of the NKBA. Her projects have been published in numerous magazines and publications both locally and nationally. In addition to her CKD & CBD certifications, she also has a degree in Interior Design.

Contact Information
Susan Palmer, CKD, CBD
Susan Palmer Designs, Inc.
The Shops at Dole Cannery
650 Iwilei Rd. #195
Honolulu, HI 96817
808) 599-7606
Email: info@susanpalmerdesigns.com
Web: Susan Palmer Designs, Inc
Blog: Susan Palmer Designs Blog
twitter: @susanpalmer

What do you see as the top Kitchen and Bath design trends for 2009?

• Metal finishes like oil rubbed bronze, platinum, and weathered or distressed nickel finishes in fixtures for both the kitchen and the bath.
• Horizontal grains for modern kitchens and baths in woods such as White Oak and Teak.
• Traditional kitchens are moving more towards rustic clear finishes on woods like Knotty Cherry, paired with interesting toe kicks and furniture style legs and details.
• In general I expect to see more ethnic or vintage materials and techniques revived and used in modern applications, such as mosaics that utilize stained glass in abstract styling or regional textiles from Africa used in poly-resin architectural panels.

At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show this year, many sophisticated,  innovative new appliances and  products were unveiled.  How do you see the increase in smart kitchen and bath appliances making life easier for homeowners?

We all lead increasingly hectic lives with very little free time, so appliances that cook smarter and clean quickly with low maintenance will give homeowners more time to spend with their families. 

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

The client — listening to the client when they tell me their dreams and desires for their new kitchen or bath, and seeing the way they live helps me to find the inspiration to create the perfect design for them. Each client is different and the design evolves based on their personality, lifestyle, and stage of life.

What advice would you give to homeowners considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel?

Don’t skimp on the quality of your materials – purchase as much quality as you can afford and determine what your priorities are by working with a design professional. You can always get inexpensive decorations, but make sure the cabinetry, counters and other essential materials are of a high quality so that you maximize the investment and enjoyment for the many years to come.

Tell us about your favorite kitchen and/or bathroom design project.

Probably one of my most favorite kitchen remodels was for a second time around client. The client and her husband had purchased a new home after selling the home that I had remodeled with them years earlier. I knew the client very well and liked the views of her new home, but the kitchen was shockingly bad. The cabinets did not even have doors! Instead, the contents were hidden with ratty little curtains and the floor and the ceiling were covered in dark decaying cork. Because I knew she loved to cook, and I knew the styles she preferred, it was a lot of fun to use new products not available during the previous remodel. 

In your personal kitchen or bath – what is the product(s) that you can’t imagine living without?

Soap dispensers at the kitchen sink and hand showers for the bath make cleaning so efficient, I could not imagine living without either of these things!

Imagine designing your dream kitchen or bath.  What style would it be? What products would you use?

Depends on what day it is! There are so many products and styles that I am constantly surrounded by, it’s hard to pick just one that I love. Having said that, if I were to narrow down some of my favorite items to include in my dream kitchen they would be: the Miele coffee system, a sink by Julien, a faucet by Dornbracht, Wood-Mode cabinets, wood floors, an island with a prep sink, a warming drawer, a La Cornue range, and a Miele refrigerator.

Green design is an important consideration for many homeowners.  Do you have advice for homeowners who want to "green" their kitchen or bathroom?

Get rid of appliances and fixtures now that are old and outdated — replace them all with the newer energy efficient models. It may sound counter-intuitive, but it really does not make sense to replace items as they break with new models if your goal is energy efficiency and green living.

We’d like to thank Susan Palmer, CKD, CBD of Susan Palmer Designs, Inc for generously sharing her expertise and design advice.

Related: Kitchen and Bath Design Experts Talk Design Trends 2009

As one of the leading experts in kitchen design, Matthew Quinn has worked around the world to provide his clients with original, memorable kitchens and baths. Function is amply addressed, but so are aesthetics and comfort. Through his projects, often brought to him by the world’s top architects and interior designers.

Matthew is the principal of the Atlanta-based Design Galleria Kitchen & Bath Studio and the founder of the Matthew Quinn Collection, a new showroom concept in luxury kitchen, bath, and architectural hardware.

Matthew’s timeless work has been featured in a multitude of publications and the recipient of numerous design awards.

Contact Information:

Matthew Quinn
Matthew Quinn Collection
349 Peachtree Hills Avenue
ADAC WEST/SUITE B5A
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 974-3560
matthew@matthewquinncollection.com

What do you see as the top Kitchen and Bath design trends for 2009?

Trends include the resurgence of brass finishes, the mass customization of bath products that will integrate into any décor, and the continuing streamlining of traditional design to something similar to the Art Déco movement.

At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show this year, many sophisticated, innovative new appliances and products were unveiled. How do you see the increase in smart kitchen and bath appliances making life easier for homeowners?

Time is the key to making life easier. If these new appliances are easy to operate and can save time; then they will gain in popularity. The trend of operating your appliances remotely with your I-phone is not something I see as helpful or realistic.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

Hotels, travel, dreams and doodling.

What advice would you give to homeowners considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel?

Hire a design professional and spend twice as much on lighting as you have budgeted.

Tell us about your favorite kitchen and/or bathroom design project.

My favorite always involves a homeowner that hated cooking and through the design and installation process of their kitchen, becomes inspired and passionate about cooking and now entertains frequently.

In your personal kitchen or bath – what is the product or products that you can’t imagine living without?

I cant imagine living without warming drawers, SubZero refrigerators, radiant heated tile floors, and a great big bathtub.

Imagine designing your dream kitchen or bath. What style would it be? What products would you use ?

I am installing it right now in a penthouse apartment. It is very modern with lots of greys, browns and blues and a mixture of sleek glass and tile finishes mixed with wonderful textures in stone, fabric, wood and animal wallpapers.

Green design is an important consideration for many homeowners. Do you have advice for homeowners who want to "green" their kitchen or bathroom?

I think there are lots of selections for new ³green² products but I think lots of people forget about the power of recycling and repurposing already used products. Recently we used old broken marble countertops from a candy store and repurposed them as an amazing floor in a kitchen.

We’d like to thank Matthew Quinn of the Design Galleria Kitchen & Bath Studio and the Matthew Quinn Collection for generously sharing his expertise and design advice.

Related: Kitchen and Bath Design Experts Talk Design Trends 2009 ,

Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS is an NKBA-certified, independent kitchen and bath designer in Tampa, Fl. She is also a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, helping clients remain safe and comfortable in their own homes before and beyond retirement. Jamie writes regularly about design and remodeling for numerous magazines and web sites, and also publishes her own weekly blog, Gold Notes: Nuggets from the World of Residential Design.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS
Site: Jamie Goldberg Kitchen and Bath Design LLC
Blog: Gold Notes: Nuggets from the Word of Residential Design
Twitter: @JTGoldberg
Contact: (813) 810-0467 or jamie@jgkitchens.com

What do you see as the top Kitchen and Bath design trends for 2009?

• I’m seeing warmer and softer "comfort" finishes and lines, contrasted with previous years’ sharp edges and bright, shiny chrome.
• There’s an increasing focus on water and energy savings, as well as an overall acknowledgement of the economy’s impact on the American homeowner with new, value-oriented lines.
• One trend that continues to grow — and will until the next baby boom, I’m sure — is Aging in Place. At this year’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, there were more products than ever that acknowledge the graying of society with increased accessibility and convenience. It also plays out in the integration of grab bars into designer bathroom suites, but by no means is limited to that arena.

At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show this year, many sophisticated, innovative new appliances and products were unveiled. How do you see the increase in smart kitchen and bath appliances making life easier for homeowners?

Any innovation that saves people time is perfectly in tune with our frenetic lives. We’re working harder than ever in our jobs and careers, and want our free time to be as unencumbered as possible. If an oven can speed dinner to the table, that’s a plus. If a washing machine can make the laundry chore quicker, well, that’s an appliance most homeowners would want to own.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

Everywhere! I’m a voracious magazine reader and web surfer. I also get inspired when I travel and shop. It’s rare when I come back from a trip without a new idea for a project I’m working on.

What advice would you give to homeowners considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel?

To paraphrase the carpenters’ maxim, plan first, purchase second. A great kitchen or bath starts with a great plan. And great plans come from professionals with knowledge and experience. The fees that you pay for such expertise are offset by the savings you’ll reap in avoiding expensive mistakes and frustration. I’m naturally biased toward the National Kitchen & Bath Association (nkba.org) as the source for such professionals, as kitchens and baths are our full-time focus.

Tell us about your favorite kitchen and/or bathroom design project.

They’re all my favorite when I’m working on them! Two that particularly stand out are a stroke victim’s master bath, which I helped make much more accessible for him, as well as more attractive, and an island home that had been flattened by Hurricane Charley, that I had the great pleasure of helping redesign.

In your personal kitchen or bath – what is the product or products that you can’t imagine living without?

I greatly enjoy my master bath’s built-in shower bench and hand-held massaging shower head. If I were staying in my home more than another two years, I’d totally redo the kitchen!

Imagine designing your dream kitchen or bath. What style would it be? What products would you use ?

My dream kitchen, unlike my current one, will most definitely be zoned for efficient cooking, prep and clean-up with point-of-use appliances, two islands and a second sink. It will also be more open to the dining room.

Aesthetically, I love the look of painted white, shaker-style cabinets with black honed-finish quartz countertops and a wide plank, reclaimed wood floor. It’s a timeless look that fits with the casual style I embrace at home.

I’d have to have LED under-cabinet lights, a designer-sized GelPro mat to make holiday meal prep more comfortable, and tons of cabinet convenience accessories like in-drawer organizers, roll-out trays and pull-outs.

My husband is our family chef, so he gets to choose the kind of cooking appliances he wants to use, though I’d definitely want him to try out an induction cooktop and convection and steam ovens. (What a fun shopping trip that will be.) Whatever cooking surface he selects, there will have to be a top-notch, super-quiet range hood insert to go with it!

Green design is an important consideration for many homeowners. Do you have advice for homeowners who want to "green" their kitchen or bathroom?

Decide what’s really important to you and build those values into your remodel. For some, it will be using materials that don’t pollute your indoor environment. For others, it will be sourcing locally-made and re-used materials. Many homeowners want to save money by lowering their energy and water bills. That’s green, too. There are many different approaches and different price points. It’s essential to prioritize. Ultimately, the "greenest" solution is designing a kitchen or bath that will sustain you for as long as you remain in that home.

We’d like to thank Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS of Jamie Goldberg Kitchen and Bath Design LLC for generously sharing her expertise and design advice.

Related: Kitchen and Bath Design Experts Talk Design Trends 2009 , Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS on  Aging in Place and Universal Design for Kitchen & Bath

Fu-Tung has partnered with Kitchen and Bath manufacturer, Tonusa to create eco-friendly, modern-styled cabinetry for the Elements Cabinetry Collection. Fu-Tung’s partnership with Elkay brings his sculptural approach to kitchen sink design in the form of the “Ripple” sink and “Cascade” sink – both sinks mirroring organic elements found in nature.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Fu-Tung Cheng
Cheng Design
www.chengdesign.com

What do you see as the top Kitchen and Bath design trends  for 2009?

Asked this question each year, I have the same initial response: the trend that trumps trends triumphs over the necessity for trends. "Trends" are a product of fashion and media currents that promulgate turn-over, stimulate change for its own sake, and contribute to our insatiable desires for something different. I would prefer to seek some solace and relief from this paradigm that feeds the notion that we need constant change, condemns our products to rapid turn-over and obsolescence, and has created an unsustainable model for the world. With this mind, I am doing my best to promote simple, appropriate energy saving technologies coupled with high quality, long lasting green materials and simple, elegant, low-cost aesthetics. I would love to be asked this question in intervals of every decade instead of every year.

At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show this year, many sophisticated,  innovative new appliances and  products were unveiled.  How do you see the increase in smart kitchen and bath appliances making life easier for homeowners?

As long as the "smart" technologies for appliances do not mimic the electronics industry I think that there can be benefits. Today’s electronic "marvel" is often tomorrow’s quaint garage sale curio. Ovens that don’t need pre-heating save energy, dishwashers that filter water, save water, refrigerators that seal tightly but release their door without suction-tight resistance save electricity—all make our life-style slightly less onerous on our environment than before. But the production costs and half-life of these technologies must reflect the harsh reality of the limits of our Earth’s resources, and not simply be innovative comfort-food masking our same old bloated consumer diet.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

More and more, I realize that  inspiration comes out from the process of creative thinking, rather than from a single source. Of course one must accumulate years of input, data, hands-on experience, even imitation, before the "culture", like with good bread, can rise. Replenishing the culture is a constant process. Museums, art gallery shows, architecture, and the talents and ideas of other designers feed my inspiration culture.

What advice would you give to homeowners considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel?

Realistically budget the amount of money you can comfortably afford, then expect that sum to double. Enjoy the process, the privilege, you have to enhance your life with ability and the means to remodel. Then, by whatever means, with whatever help, professional or otherwise, make inspired design with your own hands-on participation if possible.

Tell us about your favorite kitchen and/or bathroom design project.

Among many, I enjoyed the challenging kitchens where I was required to come up with design solutions that solved the client’s needs while pushing the envelope on the aesthetics and materials. The Meteor Vineyard project was for a retired executive who would spare no expense for a kitchen that would complement his five year in the making rammed earth cutting edge home. The architect, who had designed Bill Gates’ home in Bainbridge, Washington, had produced numerous schemes for the kitchen of the very house he had designed and worked on for so long. They were all eventually rejected on the subjective judgment of the owner/amateur chef. The architect certainly didn’t lack for talent nor ideas…but perhaps his schemes reflected an aloofness from the nature of cooking and the requirements of food preparation. In any case, I got the job. My concept matched the earthiness and heft of the rammed earth with a space surrounded by walls of concrete and integrated countertops detailed with tile-lined work sinks, zinc shelves, 3/8" plate steel, and honed granite. (See Meteor Vineyard project at Cheng Design)

In your personal kitchen or bath – what is the product(s) that you can’t imagine living without?

In my kitchen, it would have to be my old, original pro-restaurant Wolf "Husky" 6 burner cooktop. It was made in L.A. way before Sub-Zero bought the rights to use the name for the current domestic line of Wolf stove products. It has a classic, timeless simplicity. Six heavy cast-iron grates, no catch-pans around the burners, electronic ignition, nor other domestic niceties—just a hefty, gritty, simple stove that burns with wok-fired intensity. Then, of course, the original concrete countertop I made that launched an entire cottage industry is the one in my kitchen, and it still has that "can’t-believe-its-concrete" look after 25 years of service. In the bath, it’s my stainless steel soaking tub that I designed around a concrete block surround–it’s lined with foam between the wall and the stainless, so it retains heat in the water like a stainless thermos keeps hot beverages. The heater re-circulates the water for multiple reuses.

Imagine designing your dream kitchen or bath.  What style would it be? What products would you use ?

To be honest, I designed my dream kitchen 25 years ago and still use it today with no desire to alter its style. I would like to upgrade my Magic Chef oven. It lacks a handle and has enough thick gunk stuck inside its walls that it could be mistook for a kiln instead of an oven. From what I have seen recently, Jenn-Air has the nifty new digital controls that resembles an I-phone, Miele and Gageneau always look classic with that sense of European sophistication and   cutting edge looks. Wolf, Thermador, Viking and many other domestic brands seem to be producing contemporary looks comparable to European with the size capacity tailored to American taste.  I would love a couple of new under-counter refrigerators that are frost-free, defrosting 4 inches of ice every few months gets old.

Green design is an important consideration for many homeowners.  Do you have advice for homeowners who want to "green" their kitchen or bathroom?

Timeless contemporary design that exudes the craftsmanship and enduring quality that people savor in antique "classics" is the "sweet spot" I seek for my clients’ projects. Preservation is conservation. Making green design choices by homeowners is more than just choosing products that profess to be green. If present homeowners consider that their design choices in their homes will transcend current ownership and extend for generations–that would be the "greenest" thing that they could do. Furthermore, the business model I have adapted for the concrete countertop products we make is based on the idea of local jobs for local artisans making concrete countertops for local homeowners and designers with locally quarried (sand, gravel, cement) materials. I have taught over 2500 contractors, fifteen at a time, in the techniques I developed for my own custom clients over the past 25 years. They are out there, independent craftsman, producing product with far less a carbon footprint than stone quarried continents away, shipped to and machined in Asia, then shipped here, trucked to fabricators. Greener, cheaper and  more fun, you can grab control of your own environment by the horns and make your own countertops with simple tools and two weekends. (See Cheng Concrete for more information.)

We’d like to thank Fu-Tung Cheng of Cheng Designs for generously sharing his expertise and design advice.

Related: Kitchen and Bath Design Experts Talk Design Trends 2009

Starting her career as an interior designer at a local Tucson furniture store by assisting clients in selecting home furnishings, Lori went on to establish and become president of Interline Design Group, which for many years was recognized as one of the leading interior design firms in the city.  In 2000, the business evolved to become exclusively Lori Carroll & Associates.  This transition helped to shape the studio into a more wide-ranging business, with the capacity to assist in every phase of remodeling and construction for both residential and commercial projects.  Continuing to build on a long-standing foundation of selected manufacturers and suppliers, exclusive options are always available to assure that every design is unique.

From a primary vision to the last detail, Lori Carroll & Associates remains committed to excellence in design and service.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Lori Carroll
Lori Carroll & Associates
2496 E River Road Suite 100
Tucson, Arizona 85743
Ph: 520-886-3443
Fx: 520-886-1768
lori@loricarroll.com
www.loricarroll.com

What do you see as the top Kitchen and Bath design trends for 2009?

Kitchens:

• Incorporating flexible recycling into your overall kitchen design.
• Touch lift technology is a trend that is helping to elevate the functionality of the kitchen.
• Unique and customized storage is allowing kitchen’s to become more functional and personalized to the end users needs.  Well organized space is very important.
• Quartz countertops are becoming more unique and advanced with their design as well as being constructed with at least 50% pre-consumer glass content.

Bathrooms:

• Typical vanities that are incorporated in bathrooms are being replaced by the furniture elements, whether they are custom designed or purchased and retrofitted.
• Incorporating LCD televisions into the surface of the bathroom mirror.
• The product lines being introduced to the market for green design – sinks, toilets, accent tile, and countertops.

At the Kitchen and Bath industry Show this year, many sophisticated, innovative new appliances and products were unveiled.  How do you see the increase in smart kitchen and bath appliances making life easier for homeowners?

[Kitchen and bath appliances and products will be] more technically advanced while saving energy and natural resources.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

New products and materials presented by suppliers, as well as the surrounding landscape in the Tucson area.

What advice would you give to homeowners considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel?

Create their wish list and hire a professional kitchen and/or bath designer to assist with their project.

Tell us about your favorite kitchen and/or bathroom design project?

Recently I designed my favorite powder room, a fairly small space, which incorporated a natural agate stone floating vanity top, gold leaf wall tile, and custom metal wall element with low voltage lighting to properly illuminate the overall design.  Truly stunning.

In your personal kitchen or bath – what is the product(s) that you can’t imagine living without?

Bathroom – steam shower – a must!!

Imagine designing your dream kitchen or bath.  What style would it be?  What products would you use?

• Contemporary style, clean & simple.  Incorporating unique use of materials and finishes.
• Viking and Grohe

Green design is an important consideration for many homeowners.  Do you have advice for homeowners who want to “green” their kitchen or bathroom?

Research products that are available to incorporate into their projects, such as flooring, countertops,, plumbing fixtures, appliances, or hire a professional kitchen and bath designer to assist and simplify the process.

We’d like to thank Lori Carroll of Lori Carroll and Associates for generously sharing her expertise and design advice.

Related: Kitchen and Bath Design Experts Talk Design Trends 2009

Purple has gained tremendous popularity in tile, wall paper, wall paint and accent pieces for kitchen and bath for 2009. Shown above Plum Brule and Iridescent Inkwell tile from Glass Tile Store . Viking Ranges offers custom ranges in a rich and varied palette of colors including 2009 color trend favorite Plum.

Images copyright of respective companies.

Home Decor Buyer Resource:  Glass Tile Store, Viking

Related: KBIS 2009 Sneak Peek , Kitchen Design Trends 2009, Bath Design Trends 2009, Home Decor Color Trends 2009

Lori Carroll of Lori Carroll & Associates is an award winning Kitchen and Bath Designer based out of Tucson, Arizona. Lori Carroll’s fantastic designs captured our attention at the recent Kitchen and Bath Industry Show – at which Lori was honored with several awards by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). Lori and her team design magnificent visual symphonies that stir the soul– every detail like a musical note that moves our very center, bringing us joy, peace, and the realization that there may be such a place as heaven on earth. Catch our full interview with Lori (includes photos of an amazing bathroom makeover that will inspire you – a must see) on June 23rd, 2009.

Kitchens: Incorporating flexible recycling into your overall kitchen design. Touch lift technology is a trend that is helping to elevate the functionality of the kitchen. Unique and customized storage is allowing kitchen’s to become more functional and personalized to the end users needs. Well organized space is very important. Quartz countertops are becoming more unique and advanced with their design as well as being constructed with at least 50% pre-consumer glass content. Bathrooms: Typical vanities that are incorporated in bathrooms are being replaced by the furniture elements, whether they are custom designed or purchased and retrofitted. Incorporating LCD televisions into the surface of the bathroom mirror. The product lines being introduced to the market for green design – sinks, toilets, accent tile, and countertops.

Fu-Tung Cheng world renown, award winning designer-craftsman, speaker, author, artist and founder of Cheng Design and Cheng Design Products, Inc. brings an organic, balanced, Earth friendly, and aesthetically pleasing approach to his design work and products. Well known for his extraordinary artistic, sculptural work with concrete (from entire homes to sinks) , Fu –Tung has fused art with function resulting in one-of-a-kind kitchen and bath elements. Fu-Tung has partnered with Kitchen and Bath manufacturer, Tonusa to create eco-friendly, modern-styled cabinetry for the Elements Cabinetry Collection. Fu-Tung’s partnership with Elkay brings his sculptural approach to kitchen sink design in the form of the “Ripple” sink and “Cascade” sink – both sinks mirroring organic elements found in nature. Fu-Tung Cheng shares his thoughts on design, inspiration and Green Design in his interview with us – the interview will publish on June 24th, 2009.

Asked this question each year, I have the same initial response: the trend that trumps trends triumphs over the necessity for trends. “Trends” are a product of fashion and media currents that promulgate turn-over, stimulate change for its own sake, and contribute to our insatiable desires for something different. I would prefer to seek some solace and relief from this paradigm that feeds the notion that we need constant change, condemns our products to rapid turn-over and obsolescence, and has created an unsustainable model for the world. With this mind, I am doing my best to promote simple, appropriate energy saving technologies coupled with high quality, long lasting green materials and simple, elegant, low-cost aesthetics. I would love to be asked this question in intervals of every decade instead of every year.

Jamie Goldberg, Certified Kitchen Designer(AKBD) and Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), of Jamie Goldberg Kitchen and Bath Design, LLC is a Tampa, Florida based Kitchen and Bath designer, as well as a frequent contributor to various Kitchen and Bath publications, and also publishes her own weekly blog, Gold Notes: Nuggets from the World of Residential Design. Jamie’s interview will appear on June 25th, 2009. Until then, check out Jamie’s wonderful bath and kitchen design advice on Aging in Place.You’ll be happy you did – Jamie is a top expert on AIP design and she’s our go-to Aging in Place and Universal Design pro.

I’m seeing warmer and softer “comfort” finishes and lines, contrasted with previous years’ sharp edges and bright, shiny chrome. There’s an increasing focus on water and energy savings, as well as an overall acknowledgment of the economy’s impact on the American homeowner with new, value-oriented lines. One trend that continues to grow — and will until the next baby boom, I’m sure — is Aging in Place. At this year’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, there were more products than ever that acknowledge the graying of society with increased accessibility and convenience. It also plays out in the integration of grab bars into designer bathroom suites, but by no means is limited to that arena.

Susan Palmer, CKD, CBD, owner of Susan Palmer Designs (Honolulu, Hawaii based), has been designing award-winning custom kitchens & baths for more than 25 years. Susan’s approach to design is beautifully summed up in the following quote: ”I am merely the vehicle to achieve the client’s dream — the final signature belongs to them.” Susan’s fresh, charming, elegant and well-designed kitchen and bath projects are magic – one look at her portfolio and you’ll understand. Read our entire interview with this well-traveled, charismatic, inspiring designer on June 26th, 2009.

Metal finishes like oil rubbed bronze, platinum, and weathered or distressed nickel finishes in fixtures for both the kitchen and the bath. Horizontal grains for modern kitchens and baths in woods such as White Oak and Teak. Traditional kitchens are moving more towards rustic clear finishes on woods like Knotty Cherry, paired with interesting toe kicks and furniture style legs and details. In general I expect to see more ethnic or vintage materials and techniques revived and used in modern applications, such as mosaics that utilize stained glass in abstract styling or regional textiles from Africa used in poly-resin architectural panels.

Matthew Quinn is the principal of the Atlanta-based Design Galleria Kitchen & Bath Studio and the founder of the Matthew Quinn Collection, a new showroom concept in luxury kitchen, bath, and architectural hardware. As one of the leading experts in kitchen design, Matthew Quinn has worked around the world to provide his clients with original, memorable kitchens and baths. Matthew’s timeless work has been featured in a multitude of publications and the recipient of numerous design awards. In addition to Matthew’s divine kitchen and bath design projects, Matthew has designed an exquisite bathroom collection for MTI Whirlpools which elevates bathroom fixtures to fine art status. Don’t miss our interview with Matthew Quinn on June 27th, 2009 – we promise you’ll love his advice, insight and the amazing (and gorgeous) photos of the Intarcia bathroom suite he designed for MTI Whirlpools at KBIS 2009.

Trends include the resurgence of brass finishes, the mass customization of bath products that will integrate into any décor, and the continuing streamlining of traditional design to something similar to the Art Déco movement.

Susan Serra is a CKD (Certified Kitchen Designer), CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist), USGBC (United States Green Building Council) member and NKBA. Susan is an award winning designer and the principal of Susan Serra Associates, Inc., for nearly 20 years. Her design work is widely published in online and print shelter publications and she is a frequent source for the media on kitchen design issues. Susan’s blog http://www.thekitchendesigner.org is the most read blog authored by a professional kitchen designer. Our favorite Susan quote: “The Kitchen…it’s that soulful place where you cook, eat, relax, start the day, end the day, greet the family, argue, make up, make your decisions, solve the problems, express your love…it’s more than cabinetry” (kitcheninteriors.com) . We love it – and we think you will too. The above quote captures Susan’s design sensibilities – she creates rooms with soul, personality and purpose that encapsulate the human experience. Her humanistic approach to design spans various styles,and implementations – whether it’s traditional or contemporary the heart and soul of the room reflects the life of those who inhabit it. Mark your calendars for June 28th- you don’t want to miss Susan’s interview. Susan share’s design tips, advice and talks about how she finds inspiration for her projects.

I think there are both behavioral trends to watch for that are significant as well as fashion trends that we enjoy looking for. I do see fashion trends, in general, trending down (so to speak) in significance as confidence in one’s personal aesthetic grows. This confidence is a direct result of the consumers’ access to and interaction in a world of kitchen design online, as blogs and design communities have grown. My top three behavioral trends for 2009 are: The Sustainable Kitchen – Green design makes sense on so many levels. Who among us, does not wish to be more healthy if one can simply make certain choices in products, or to be more practical in other green ways? A new back to basics/practical mentality is currently coinciding with a renewed, and enhanced desire to exist in a green home environment. As more green products enter the design mainstream, it is much easier to interpret one’s design vision via a great selection of green products. There are several common threads connecting the green movement and the Aging-In-Place movement, another strong behavioral trend. Both trends include a desire for materials with longevity, for example. Comfort/Open Floorplans – I have previously noted that comfort in the kitchen was an emerging trend prior to the financial crisis, and perhaps it was a natural evolution which coincides with consumers’ overall design confidence that I noted above as well as being a result of the fearsome financial crisis. I do feel the kitchen as a viable living area is taking a major step forward this year. More activities are taking place in the kitchen, multi-generations are together more, and I feel the desire for more social connectedness is being felt very strongly at this moment. As a result, the kitchen is being designed in a less obvious utilitarian way than previously, in many (not all) cases. Examples are larger “living room like” windows, fireplaces, larger TVs, less cabinetry in general, more soft furnishings, accent lighting such as sconces, “living room” artwork, neutral colors and a transition to surrounding spaces that is more seamless. 2009 Kitchen Design Elements – Clearly, buying a kitchen today is very much about quality and value over the long term which now translates into basics and classics in terms of color and design. Cleaner lines in kitchen design are apparent, even in kitchens with a traditional design. The foundation of the kitchen, flooring, walls, and cabinetry, is a study in neutrals. White is ever classic, and wood finishes are darker, more serious, more transitional to surrounding spaces beyond the kitchen. Engineered stone with its often quiet patterns is on the upswing for countertops. Tile is either natural/earthy textured or more high tech/vibrant colored. In a high design look, countertops often blend in color with wall surfaces. Appliances are ever more built-in with more sizes available for design flexibility and are strong on energy efficiency. Today’s homeowner understands decorative “layers” in the kitchen and are looking more closely at the big picture of the kitchen and how it relates to beyond the kitchen.

Next in Series: Ask the Experts: Kitchen and Bath Talk Smart, Innovative Products

We’d like to thank our wonderful “Ask the Expert: Kitchen and Bath Design” panelists”: Lori Carroll, Fu-Tung Cheng, Jamie Goldberg,AKBD, CAPS, Susan Palmer, CKD, Matthew Quinn and Susan Serra, CKD, CAPS for generously sharing their advice and time. Please mark your calendars for the upcoming interviews on kitchen and bath design – these top design experts will share their advice, tips, personal style insights, what inspires them and so much more. Follow us on Twitter (The Decorating Diva on Twitter) and you’ll never miss an update.

  Kohler’s Belay Tile-in Handrail for bathtubs and/or showers offers homeowners looking for safety, assistive  bathroom accessories a cleverly concealed option to the ordinary, and often ugly, institutional style grab bars.

According to Michael Wandschneide, marketing manager for bathing products at Kohler:

“The Belay hand rail was designed to protect the user and enhance the overall beauty of a bath or shower space,”

“A concealed installation seamlessly integrates the hand rail into the existing tile surround, making it a great choice for homeowners that need the support, but don’t want the look of a traditional grab bar.”

The Belay handrail is available in  five finishes to coordinate with shower doors and faucets, including etched silver or nickel, polished silver, brushed bronze and matte nickel.

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Home Decor Buyer Resource:  Kohler

Who likes to be reminded that they’re aging and aren’t as strong, agile, flexible or physically balanced as they once were? We venture to guess none of us! That’s why we don’t want institution-like assistive devices in our bathrooms’ that scream “Hey you’re getting old”.  Unfortunately, as we age or are faced with impaired mobility due to illness there will be a need to integrate safety, assistive devices in our bathrooms-whether we like it or not.

Thanks to companies like HealthCraft Products Inc  the days of selecting the least ugly of the available hospital-like bathroom assistive devices are becoming a distant memory. HealthCraft Products Inc., recently launched a revolutionary new collection “The Invisia”  that brings luxury plumbing to the assistive bathroom device market.

One of the driving forces behind The Invisa Collection Safety Enhanced Bathroom Accessories™ , according to John O’Brien, V.P. and Lead Designer at HealthCraft Products Inc , was the thought that:

…before anyone else ends up on the floor of a shower holding a dislodged soap dish in their hands, why not turn that non-load rated soap dish into a grab bar that can easily support up to 350lbs

Included in the HealthCraft Invisa Collection are:

• Soap Dish With Integrated Support Rail
• Corner Shelf With Integrated Support Rail
• Toilet Roll Holder With Integrated Support Rail
• Accent Ring Support Rail

Images copyright of respective companies.

Home Decor Buyer Resource:  HealthCraft Products Inc.