Tag: design trends

Monogram Debuts Two Inspired New Collections at KBIS

 in Event, Inspiration, kitchen, Monogram, Trends

Written by Kimberly Mays, content strategist for Monogram Appliances

Today’s luxury kitchens are leaning toward minimalism and sleek design, and Monogram reflected this look in our two new collections debuted at the 2019 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS). Impeccably designed by highly respected kitchen and bath designer Richard Anuszkiewicz, the Monogram space truly impressed designers, builders, homeowners, architects and everyone in attendance.

The revamped Monogram Professional Collection provides a blend of modern design with traditional features. This includes new robust, edge-to-edge handles that feel more integrated with the appliances and a gleaming stainless steel finish. These appliances feature rich, interactive LCD displays with minimal use of knobs and larger glass windows for a refined, elevated look in any kitchen.

Our former European line evolved to the new Monogram Minimal Collection, which takes that streamlined design to a new level. Designers eliminated knobs and handles wherever possible and  replaced them with a new touch-to-open feature along with precisely machined metal framing and wide glass windows. New LCD interactive screens replace knobs, which allows the entire appliance to blend in with cabinetry. The look is sleeker, with uninterrupted lines and a very polished profile.

Both collections also benefit from inspired techniques from the high-end auto industry including precision-machined aluminum extrusions, which makes seams virtually invisible. This also allows for ultra-flush installations and tighter fits between appliances and cabinets.

The craftsmanship and impeccable design of these appliances was demonstrated at KBIS through five zones featuring various appliances and aesthetics in each:

  • Bespoke Area gave a look at the future of appliance design with customized finishes.
  • Butler’s Pantry focused on multiuse of space with under-the-counter appliances.
  • Professional Kitchen showed our new Monogram Professional Collection appliances.
  • Minimal Kitchen debuted our new minimalist design for appliances.

Designer Profile: Natalie Officer

 in Inspiration, Interview, Profile

We recently came across a beautiful kitchen designed by Natalie O Design on Instagram. We were so entranced, we asked if Natalie Officer, the creative force behind the company, would tell us a little more about herself … and share some additional photos. Take a look!

SRFD: How did you become interested in design?
Natalie: It started so long ago, the memory of exactly when is foggy. What I have always loved is the ability to make an impact and positive outcome in such a short amount of time. To truly affect a space, a design, a person in only a couple of days is motivating. It inspires.

SRFD: A trend you’re excited about?
Natalie: I am always excited by new collaborations or iterations, and love the fresh impact of colors. As far as trends, I try to stay clear of them.

SRFD: A trend you’re over?
Natalie: Excess. In any form (natural light excluded)

SRFD: Tell us about this kitchen.

Natalie: This kitchen belongs to a local Louisville-area family. It was a renovation from awhile back, but their matriarch, Nicole, is a busy yet wonderful mom and realtor who prefers tackling a little at a time! We’ve been fortunate to help her select vibrant wallpapers and fabrics to work throughout other rooms in her home, and to this day we’re still in touch! We’re currently adding some custom touches to her entry way. This kitchen renovation was a true mix of traditional style and modern functionality. Cabinetry and hardware selections were key here, using paneling on appliances such as the refrigerator. Nicole didn’t shy from mixing metals, using brass, stainless and even rose gold touches on her serving ware. The result is a warm, calming and inviting space for family and guests to gather.

Learn more about the Natalie O Design team here and explore this home and story exemplifying their true nature as a design company.

 

2017 Monogram Designer Summit Recap

 in Event

Written by Scott Powers, interior designer with J. Hettinger Interiors (shared in their March newsletter)

I Just returned from my second annual trip with Monogram Appliances.

The Monogram Designer Summit, held in Louisville, Kentucky, was a great opportunity to meet and mingle with approximately 80 designers from around the country in order to share and brainstorm new ideas for future products.

This year’s theme was Creating Empathy, standing in the position of others who may face different difficulties, and how we can be more caring and kind in our daily lives. I was very appreciative of being invited again, for the second time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were welcomed our first evening to The Louisville Palace in Louisville, Kentucky. The theater, which features Spanish Baroque décor, opened in 1928.

Our first full day was held at the Speed Art Museum, the oldest, largest, and foremost museum of art in Kentucky. The day consisted of various talks and exercises dealing with physical limitations and how we as a society deal with them. And for those that are dealing with some sort of limitation, how we can be more empathetic. This was a real eye-opening experience, and I am so glad I was asked to participate.

On our last night we were treated to dinner at the Hermitage Farm, where a number of past thoroughbreds reside, including a number of champions and Kentucky Derby winners.

What a privilege it has been to be a part of this incredible design summit with Monogram. I appreciate the opportunity it affords me to become a more well-rounded designer and to pass this knowledge on to benefit my clients.

Warmest regards,

Scott Powers

KBIS Recap

 in Event, Inspiration

Written by John Nichols, Monogram Marketing Manager

Each year I look forward to starting the year fresh, full of new ideas and excited about the possibilities in the year to come. There is one industry show that embodies everything I enjoy about starting a new year – the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS). The show continues to raise the bar each year. It was once again co-located with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show as part of Design and Construction Week. This year’s show was held in Orlando, Florida, and, as expected, it did not disappoint.

Of course, there are always plenty of new trends and technologies announced and launched as part of KBIS. This year two themes stood out as being incorporated in the exhibits, product offerings, and the general buzz with the trade community.

The first theme was home control. Home control includes the advancements in home automation or making homes “smarter.” Manufacturers continue to find ways to incorporate smart technology into more products, simplify controls, and find more cost-effective ways to integrate it into their products. The primary way automation is being integrated into the home is through products that operate by gestures and proximity sensors, and especially, products connected through WiFi to operating systems and other products in the home. Ultimately, the idea is that products can predict your needs before you have to dictate or manually act to utilize a product. Some of the best examples I saw at the show, include:

  • Pfister Auris – a voice-controlled faucet that offers filtered water and precise measurements of water at specific temperatures, which are perfect for cooking.

pfisterauris

  • U by Moen – creates a customized shower experience via your smartphone. You have the ability to start the shower, customize the temperature, and even get alerts when your shower is ready.

moenu

The second theme that continued throughout the show was kitchens moving toward cleaner designs that focus on efficient living. The clean designs focus on getting rid of clutter and competing lines, and hiding appliances with cabinet panels or cabinet configurations. These kitchens still infused life and fun into the kitchen design with use of color and combining finishes in cabinetry and countertops.

  • Wellborn Cabinet showcased their Best of KBIS kitchen entry. They also launched their new line of Aspire cabinetry that is full-access frameless product.
Wellborn Cabinet KBIS Display

Wellborn Cabinet KBIS Display

  • Häfele’s Tab collection of cabinetry hardware allows the clean lines of the cabinetry to be the kitchen showcase. The hardware can be top mounted on drawers and bottom or side mounted on swinging cabinets. With a variety of colors and finishes, some designs make the hardware almost invisible.
  • Poggenpohl showcased a new line of chrome-plated lacquers in 14 colors, including green, gray, and blue that offers a clean look with a splash of fun.
  • Masterbrand Cabinetry showcased their Omega brand of cabinetry that integrates different finishes into the kitchen.
MasterBrand Cabinets KBIS booth

MasterBrand Cabinets KBIS booth

Hopefully you enjoyed the show as much as I did. Maybe you got a few ideas or a new perspective. I might have come away with a new project – the show just about pushed me over the top on a kitchen remodel. I hope my wife doesn’t mind!

GE Cafe Black Slate appliances at KBIS

GE Cafe Black Slate appliances at KBIS

Designer Profile: Ellen Cheever

 in Interview, Profile

Written by Christina Dragota, Monogram Lead Product Specialist

We had the pleasure of having Ellen Cheever join us for one of our Monogram Training Sessions at our Chicago Monogram Design Center this past July. She has spent the past 44 years significantly outlining the kitchen and bathroom design world, not only for consumers, but also for the industry. From just having come off her trip at EuroCucina in Milan, she went through the upcoming trends pertaining specifically to kitchen and bath. While going through all of the sleek, contemporary images of kitchen design concepts she noted, “This is the first time I’ve seen Europe and America sharing similar trends across the design.” She continued explaining how this is an exciting time of collaboration throughout metals, technology and also appliances. While speaking with her, you get this immediate sense of knowledge of all she’s learned throughout her career, but in a way that is approachable, which is why we wanted to interview her!

Ellen Cheever

Ellen Cheever with Ellen Cheever & Associates in Wilmington, DE

 

SRFD: How did you become interested in design?

Ellen: While I was in grade school, my mother gave me a hundred dollars if I could complete the task of remodeling our bedroom. Ever since that initial challenge, I was addicted and wanted to learn as much as I could about design. In the 70’s we didn’t have “Design Majors”, so the next best option was Home Economics which did focus more on home planning, but in college that was the closest thing.

SRFD: Tell us about a recent project you really enjoyed.

Ellen: We were working on a show house in Wilmington where they wanted our firm to do a Master Bath. It’s always challenging to make a functioning bathroom while still maintaining that showroom impression. We wanted to have that “wow” factor but with functionality, which I think we accomplished.

SRFD: What is a trend you’re over?

Ellen: Glazed white finishes.

SRFD: What is a trend you’re excited about?

Ellen: Contemporary wood veneers that are produced in manmade materials and also, innovations within appliance technologies. I think focusing on making equipment smarter and more intuitive but still friendly to Cooks that are a little uncertain about operating technology.

SRFD: What did you learn at the Chicago Monogram Design Center?

Ellen: It allowed me to expand my knowledge on the possibilities with induction cooking. I now appreciate more “combination appliances” like the Advantium. By seeing Chef Jon cook in it teamed with your presentations given on the versatility behind the product, it really made me understand its use, especially for smaller spaces.

SRFD: What is your favorite Monogram product?

Ellen: I loved the 30” integrated refrigerator with the combination drawer. The flexibility is fantastic, as well as, the look.

How many designers does it take to design innovative appliances?

 in Trends

As an Industrial Designer focused on appliance design, I pay attention to a wide variety of consumer product design. I look at design trends in interior design, electronic products, architecture, car design and even fashion.

Trying to predict the future of appliance design, particularly of controls, is really challenging, especially as technology evolves at such a fast pace. Our goal is to be innovative but never to lose sight of the consumer’s needs as they relate to simple, intuitive interactions with machines.

To this end, I have spent the last four months with a variety of people working on a project to predict the future of refrigerator dispenser controls. So how many designers does it take to design an innovative appliance? More than you’d think! Internally, I have worked with our awesome team of designers, Consumer Insights researchers, Product Managers, Engineers, Marketing Specialists, and Technology Gurus. But we don’t stop with the internal teams. The true experts are the people that use our appliances everyday, those who spec them for their clients, and the salespeople who sell them.

To get this valuable input, we started listening. We held a design summit with top interior designers at our Monogram Design Center in Chicago. We traveled to the northeast to talk to key retailers about how they sell appliances and what their customers are looking for. And most importantly, we went into consumer’s homes to study how they interact with their appliances and ask what features they’d like to have. As we continue to move forward on this project, we will build prototypes and put them in front of consumers for testing and validation of our concepts.

In the end, it isn’t just designers who design great appliances, it takes a village!

photo1

Design Summit discussion at the Chicago Monogram Design Center

photo2

In home interview

photo3

Industrial designers meeting

Join us for Dwell’s #ModernMonday tweet chat TODAY!

 in Dwell

Every Monday at 1 pm EST, Dwell and Design Milk invite experts and fans to weigh in on trending topics in design during a one-hour Twitter chat, #ModernMonday. This week, Monogram will be joining the chat to talk about consumer trends and appliance product development in America with special guests GE Appliances’ Industrial Design Director Lou Lenzi, John Colaneri of HGTV’s Kitchen Cousins, and Hufft Projects.

We are looking forward to a lively and engaging chat. Hope you can join us. Follow the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #ModernMonday at 1 pm EST today.

GE Appliances' Director of Industrial Design will join Dwell and Design Milk on the #ModernMonday Twitter chat today at 1 pm EST.

GE Appliances’ Director of Industrial Design will join Dwell and Design Milk on the #ModernMonday Twitter chat today at 1 pm EST.