Luca Lanzatta, President of Ernestomeda Chicago
Define the “interior style” trend. We see how there is a strong emphasis on Interior Style and customization in kitchens today. While the overall kitchen design is still very important, more consumers are looking more closely at the design and requesting features that fit their lifestyle – including materials, finishes, storage spaces, et cetera. Today, buyers base 50 percent of their decisions on interiors and select options available.
What are some of the most exciting developments in this category? Barrique from Ernestomeda features an array of exciting new design developments, including transparent glass shelves, mirror-back panels, LED lighting and a corner cabinet system called “Le Mans”— from the name of the famous race track. Barrique offers a wide variety of optional bins for cutlery, pots, pans and plates in a variety of materials, including walnut, stainless steel and even leather. Barrique also features a unique wine rack system and a spectacular closet with glassware display that is integrated in the doors.
Why are people becoming interested in this category now? With such a variety of design options and exciting functional innovations, customers can truly personalize their kitchens to meet their exact needs.
What can we expect in the future? In the future, customers will see an emphasis on more technology, such as a sliding kitchen island that allows appliances to “disappear” when they are not necessary while creating an elegant and clean table and work surface. Trash bins and recycling features that are fully hidden into the cabinets will also be available. You can also find the future in today’s designs, such as the technology that is available in Barrique design: motorized, servo-driven drawers and automatic sliding and folding doors with remote controls add to Barrique’s “surprise” effect.
If someone is interested in incorporating this trend into their home, what tips would you offer? The interior space of the kitchen has to be considered during the design and layout. Every piece has a function and specific location. All this comes with a price and a budget has to be set in the beginning to facilitate the designer. Interview by Cassandra A. Gaddo
The Barrique kitchen from Ernestomeda Chicago puts itself and its contents on display with enticing juxtapositions, combining the warmth of fine natural materials with the very latest technology. It is an exquisite design utilizing striking combinations such as colored glass-fronted cabinets mixed with choice natural stones, and traditional woods.
The new Refectory Collection from Christopher Peacock includes new cabinetry moldings, hardware, wall and ceiling color, as well as a range of faucets, countertops and backsplashes. Refectory is a modern interpretation inspired by monastic dining rooms, prep school dining halls and Ivy League and English University eating quarters.
Chicago Kitchen Design Group’s Quest frameless product line has been engineered to allow full access to the interior space. This versatile line allows you to customize the interior compartments to meet your cooking needs. Highlights include a sleek, vertical pullout shelf with slots for knives, sliding metal drawers to store linens and flatware, built-in wine storage cabinetry, plus many more features. Choose your signature style from a variety of choices: traditional, country, Arts and Crafts, and Rustic.
Enjoy the convenience of the 700 Series Refrigerator/Freezer Drawers from Sub-Zero. The drawers, available in a set of two and any combination of fridger/freezer, boast all the technology of full-sized Sub-Zero models, but can be placed anywhere you wish.