|
Tools & Resources
:
Ask
The Editor :
October 2006
Is Professional Style On The Way Out?
Question: "We are in the process of replacing our 20-year-old
double wall oven. We had selected a Pro-Style model by Jenn-Air with the
heavy handles. Is this styling on the way out? I hate to replace and
then find out that we are already outdated.
"Part of my concern is the trend toward integrating I see happening. The
controls on dishwashers are now hidden. Refrigerators look like
wardrobes. Islands are designed like furniture. Wolf has a double wall
oven that rotates the controls to hide them completely from view.
Everything with appliances is concealed or integrated with wood panels
to disguise the 'kitchen' and make it more an entertaining room with
'Oh, by the way, where are the appliances?'"
Answer: "Professional style remains popular, but has been
softened. For example, the GE Profile 30-inch electric range pictured
above has the stainless-steel finish and thick handles, but the handles
are sleek and curved. It's a less industrial look for homeowners who
prefer a more elegant, traditional design.
Many manufacturers are taking a similar approach to handles and other
appliance fittings, including Jenn-Air. Its Euro-Style line offers
similar performance to the Pro-Style line but has the more contoured
styling.
Another trend to watch for: color in "showcase" or "featured"
appliances, whether a stylish island hood, French range or undercounter
wine chiller. Look for metallic bronzes, champagnes and purples; deep
reds, blues and greens; and retro pastels and primaries.
Using cabinet panels to hide appliances continues to be popular in
traditional and Old World kitchens—after all, no one had a dishwasher in
17th-century Siena. Concealing appliances isn't necessary in a modern or
transitional kitchen. Besides, when you've spend as much on appliances
as you have on cabinets, you don't necessarily want to hide them.
◄
previous page ▲
top
next page ►
|
