By Karla Krengel
When it comes to trends in cabinetry and kitchen design, believe it or not, they vary throughout the U.S., but from the city of Chicago to Chicago’s North Shore to Chicago’s Western burbs. 
Really? They could vary that much? Yes! Overall, the Chicagoland area is clamoring for either white or dark cabinetry. North Shore clients and Western suburban homeowners are at opposite ends of the spectrum on color. In the Western suburbs, they are asking for dark, rich, Cherry cabinets. On the North Shore, they are requesting a lot of white cabinetry in a classic, timeless style. White has been very in here, for at least the last five years.
What is being requested in the city of Chicago? Kitchen designers are doing a great majority in Transitional styling, meaning they are using cleaner lines on a Traditional style. Both dark and white are being used as well. Of course, psychologically speaking, implementing a black-and-white color scheme in the kitchen today can be a sound choice, because these colors convey stability and longevity. You can easily insert secondary accent colors to give the room more visual panache.
Overall in Trends
• We’re seeing a lot of transitional looks – plucked directly from the traditional aspect of design. Many details from historical elements (which are not new in kitchen design), are now being used with a Contemporary feel – which is new. For example, instead of a very detailed piece of moulding at the top of a run of cabinetry, the moulding would still be used, but, with fewer and cleaner lines.
• Also in the traditional and transitional styling we’re seeing brown undertones (versus that of red, for example). In contemporary cabinetry design, the clean lines are favoring undertones which are black. And not just black, but a “black-black.”
• In the Midwest, more so than in most other areas in the U.S., the Arts & Crafts Movement is still making an impact on our kitchen designs and cabinetry choices. While it’s been around for a while, this design genre is working through variations. The movement favored light finishes for many years. In our area, it now favors darker finishes.
• One of the reasons dark finishes are popular for cabinetry is today’s open floor plans in our homes. They translate to the eye moving from the living room to the dining room to the kitchen – all while you stand in one spot. Finishes being used on pieces such as dining room chairs and living room side tables are darker today. In light of the open floor plans, we’re opting for the warm to dark finishes in our kitchens, because the color will carry in a continuous flow from the other rooms.
• Speaking of color, the economy is definitely making a statement when it comes to design. Pops of color are being spotted more often than ever. Yellow has found favor because it is bright, optimistic and cheery. Green is popular because of green design; it ties together nature and our move to recycle and to be kinder to Mother Nature. Sage green, a favored neutral in homes, will be around for another 10 years. The key to using color is to use it sparingly and elegantly. One color to avoid in the kitchen is blue. Unless it is Mediterranean blue, food does not reflect food well and we associate it with mold…something unhealthy.
Looking for more information to share with your clients?
Homeowners yearning for an all-new look in their kitchens and baths are invited to attend a series of free design clinics in the south suburbs this fall, each presented by a different expert.
Tinley Park Appliance Upgrade Clinic Saturday, November 13
An appliance upgrade clinic will be held Saturday, Nov. 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Plass Appliances, located at 9501 W. 171st St. in Tinley Park. Plass sales manager Anthony Kressel will discuss the latest in home appliance brands, features and technologies and showcase the different styles available in today’s refrigerators, ranges, ovens, dishwashers, dryers, washers and more.
Bathroom Design Clinic Mokena Saturday, December 4th
Lastly, a bath design clinic is slated for Saturday, Dec. 4 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Crawford Supply, located at 9645 W. Willow Lane in Mokena. Mike Lopresti, sales manager for Crawford Supply, will demonstrate ways to upgrade a bath on any budget and explore the latest choices in fixtures, showers, tubs, vanities, tile and more.
Giometti said each 90-minute clinic will include a multimedia presentation, a tour through each host site showroom, and a question-and-answer session. Complimentary refreshments will also be served.
Chicago Merchandise Mart Thursday, November 11
Looking for a chance to check out the kitchen and bath showrooms at the Merchanddise Mart? Then, you’ll enjoy the Luxe Home Chill Wine & Culinary Event!
Thursday, November 11
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – VIP Wine Tasting Reception
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Wine & Culinary Event and Silent Auction
Chris & Sheila Kennedy and Joel & Julie Africk cordially invite you to attend the Fourth Annual Chill Event, featuring superb wines from winemakers worldwide paired with cuisine from distinguished chefs to benefit the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.
The main event features 30 luxury LuxeHome boutiques hosting top Chicago-area chefs and superb wines from winemakers worldwide and spirits to benefit the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. Enjoy an evening with the best in food, drink and design in the name of charity.
For more detailed program information or to reserve tickets by phone, contact Smartrooms at 312.644.4446 or the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago at 312.628.0211.
Karla Krengel is a third-generation kitchen & bath entrepreneur, and is currently a manufacturer’s rep for luxury kitchen and bath products. She had her own column for 12 years in Kitchen & Bath Design News magazine.