How Black Became the "It" Kitchen Color

Article by: Camila da Paz | Source: Washington Post

It might seem unorthodox… but right now, black is the most fashionable color for kitchen designers.  The latest kitchen renovations are all about texture, depth of color, and light and shade. Here’s how the trend is shaping up for 2020 – and how to make black a part of your kitchen redesign.

We’re currently seeing a shift away from the soft pastel colors and neutral tones that dominated the 2010s. If 2019 was the year of millennial pink, 2020-2021 is going to be the year of black. Yes, black. Customers are looking for something their neighbors don’t have yet, designers say. Black kitchens appeal to both men and women, and is replacing white or gray as the go-to choice for trophy kitchens across the country. “Kitchen noir” is also trending on social media sites such as Pinterest and in the portfolios of high-end kitchen designers, where trends often are hatched.

For the purposes of this trend, black is rich color like any other. Whether it’s matte or shiny, textured or smooth, designers are learning to use black in different shades and depths. It’s a great way to make your kitchen feel like a sleek entertaining space – and it’s easier to maintain than glossy white walls!

Black may be in fashion – but that doesn’t mean that your new kitchen has to be gloomy and dark. Instead, try using black as an accent color, or choose black furnishings with a high gloss that reflects the light.

Black stone countertops are currently very fashionable, whether you choose a gleaming high polish, a soft satin shine, or a honed matte finish. Black custom cabinets are growing in popularity, as are black counters, islands, flooring and wall colors.

Designers say that black is moody and romantic and brings drama to the room in the house where everyone likes to hang out.

“My clients are saying they want something different,” says Maria Stapperfenne, a kitchen designer from Whitehouse Station, N.J., who is president-elect of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. “They want something dramatic and bold. And they don’t want what their mother had.”

“There’s a lot of interest right now in intense, deep tones for kitchens,” says Paul Lobkovich, co-owner of Lobkovich Kitchen Designs in Tysons Corner. “Black is a new neutral. We’re doing a couple of kitchens now that are sort of a gray/brown/black or black with a little eggplant mixed in.”

A few years ago a National Kitchen & Bath Style Report asked members whether they had used a black color scheme in at least one kitchen they designed in the previous year. Of the respondents to that question, one-third said they did; five years ago it was only 12 percent.

Major appliance manufacturers are taking note. At GE Appliances, designers are working on new finishes for appliances that would blend with the darker finishes becoming popular for kitchen cabinets, countertops and floors. “Over the past year, we started hearing about black kitchens from high-end designers all over the country,” says Lou Lenzi, GE Appliances director of industrial design. Although GE has offered a black onyx finish for more than 35 years on stoves, dishwashers and refrigerators, the company is working on something new, probably to debut next year. “Its going to be a much more sophisticated color in terms of its gloss level and materials,” says Lenzi, who described it as a brushed, textured graphite with a low-gloss finish.

In small appliances, Williams-Sonoma stocks a lot more black than it used to, such as stand mixers, compact espresso makers, Air Fryers, toasters , blender.... I mean, the list goes on and on!

Although small black appliances blend in with black counters and cabinets, they also work with other finishes. “Black works well with brushed aluminum stoves, microwaves and refrigerators that are often featured in new high rise apartments or renovated spaces,” Carrie Crespo-Dixon, director of public relations at Williams-Sonoma, wrote in an e-mail. “Black accents are easy ways people can make a statement without fully committing to one color in their decor.”

What do you think? Would you like to have a black kitchen?

Let us know in the comments!

WHY MILLENNIALS ARE CHOOSING NATURAL STONE

Find Out Why Millennials Are Investing In Natural Stone More Than Ever Before

Article by: Camila da Paz | Source: Inspiration Center

San Pellegrino dolomite countertop

The younger adults of this generation known as Millennials are steadily getting ahead of the curve! With the constant evolution of technology, millennials are always hip when it comes to the most advanced trends. But whenever it comes to home design and remodeling what exactly do they think of natural stone? I believe that natural stone is the perfect fit for the younger generation and these are the reasons why:

Natural Stone Can Be Very Affordable

Contrary to popular belief, some natural stone materials are much more affordable than some engineered stones. Natural is an excellent investment due to its longevity. It can be viewed as a luxury, but it adds value to the home and will last for many decades. Natural stone is durable and can withstand crazy temperatures on both sides of the spectrum. Another reason why it is trendy among millennials is that it is hygienic and will not harbor bacteria, specially during and post Covid times.

Oyster White marble countertop

Natural Stone Is Timeless

Although the generations may want the latest technology and features that come in purchasing a smart home, they always appreciate the timelessness and simplicity of natural stone. Natural stone is a quality investment whose beauty will last forever with the right care and maintenance. Natural stone has a beauty that has been admired for millions of years, and it is also a material that rarely needs to be replaced. Anytime homeowners buy natural stone, they only changed it for another material when they want a different look or color. It seldom happens because of damages or wear. This is a very durable material and meant to last. Whether you want a modern or more traditional design in your home, natural stone comes in a large variety of colors, patterns, and styles to choose from.

Unique And Stylish

Millennials love to celebrate being unique and different. This generation of young adults loves to stand out from the rest. This is the reason why natural stone like marble, quartzite and granite are perfect countertop choices. Every natural stone is made by Mother Earth and they are all unique as no two slabs are exactly the same. Each natural stone slab can be cut and finished to bring out its beauty. This helps granite, quartzite and marble reflect their own personality and identity. Its versatility is enough for different style designs and uses.

White Shadow marble countertop

Millennials are on the pulse of the latest trends, gadgets, and technology. They know what apps to use and when, and probably know more than you about the industry in which you work. They do their research and can subsequently become an expert on anything—or so they think. This includes home buying even though millennials are choosing to make home purchases later in life.

According to information from the National Association of Realtors, millennials are the largest share of home buyers at 35% and this figure has been increasing across the past four years. More members of this demographic are moving to the suburbs and selecting detached, single-family homes in which to reside: Millennials are clearly choosing to make a long-term investment when they finally make the decision to purchase and when they do finally sign on the dotted line, they are looking for quality.

The younger generations are waiting longer than ever before to purchase homes. This is mainly because they are choosing to live with family and save as much money as they can. Builder Magazine recently published an article discussing the Responsive Home Project, a “laboratory” that delves into what will appeal to young people who fall into the millennial bracket. Individuals in the building products industry concurred that these young people seek high-quality features in their homes because they are waiting longer to purchase their abodes. Millennials are opting for high-end materials that look stellar and will last, and natural stone is one material that covers all of these bases.

All Saints marble accent wall

“Natural stone is a luxury material and it’s aesthetically beautiful,” said Jacqueline Tabbah from International Stoneworks, Inc. Tabbah has seen more millennials come in, armed with research, ready to incorporate this material into their homes. “When you have a millennial consumer—in any industry—they come to you very knowledgeable about what they want. It’s nice that they come in educated: they know the maintenance and the care that stone requires.” Being informed is obviously important, but many in this demographic are also seeking out natural stone because they like its appearance. “Stone is timeless,” Tabbah added, “And what really sets natural stone apart for millennials is the cool look and texture from the stone. They have a lot more options these days and can select a polished or brushed look in a range of stone types or go for marble. If they don’t want to commit to caring for marble or limestone they can go for something that requires very little care—granite or quartzite, for example.”

Millennials might be ready to get the latest smart home feature, but their attention to quality makes natural stone the ideal material for a sophisticated space. “Every slab of natural stone is unique and has its own history,” explained Abby Sanders of Stone Interiors. “Unlike manmade products, a slab of marble, quartzite or granite is literally excavated from the Earth before it is cut and polished to bring out its natural characteristics.” Natural stone elements are like functional artwork and a stone countertop is a true investment that will last for years, especially when properly maintained. The material is on point for those who want their home to truly reflect their station in life, in addition to being a thoughtfully decorated space. “Stone is not ‘trendy,’” Sanders added. “The veins, texture, and colors you see in a piece of granite or marble have been there for millions of years. Manmade surface materials are often made to resemble current interior design trends, and, ironically, are often specifically made to mimic the look of natural stone.”

Fusion quartzite countertop

Thanks to the unique designs and nature of natural stone, every piece will be slightly different. Yet it is versatile enough for many tastes and need not only be used to create a classic, timeless effect. Sanders explained that “it can be fabricated into the same modern shapes and edge profiles as manmade products. A good stone fabricator can create the sharp, geometric lines that are frequently featured in modern home designs.” Since millennials like to do their homework, it can be an appealing part of home decorating to seek out the ideal piece and design of stone.

With recent innovations and the availability of natural stone, it can enhance the look and feel of a modern home, fitting right in with the Amazon Alexa, stainless steel appliances, and copious glass and metal that are hallmarks of contemporary design. For millennials who want to invest their resources into something truly special, natural stone is an excellent material to select—one that will elevate their investment to a higher level.

Fendi moves headquarters into iconic prewar marble building

Post by: Camila da Paz | Source: Deseen

Architecture, both new and old, defines city skylines, have the ability to transform a neighborhood and, has a lasting impact on our perceived memory of a place. While historic architecture has its own charm, it’s no secret that modern architecture has the ability to be inspiring. When these two worlds of old and new come together, either by adding an extension or renovating old historic buildings, the result can be formidable. I found this article from Deseen that tell us how Fendi gave a whole new purpose to an old historic abandoned marble building.

Italian fashion house Fendi moved into its new headquarters at Rome's Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana – a building commissioned by dictator Benito Mussolini in 1943 that has been renovated by local architect Marco Costanzi.

Designed by architects Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto Bruno La Padula and Mario Romano, the six-storey Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana was intended to be the centrepiece of Mussolini's new Roman empire, but was abandoned due to his involvement in the second world war.

The building was left in a state of disrepair, being used only briefly by a state labour institute before Fendi's 18-month renovation. The project has been led by Costanzi, who previously designed Fendi's Rome showroom.

Fendi have reportedly signed a 15-year lease for the building, and will be paying €240,000 in rental costs.

Clad in travertine marble, all four facades of the cuboid-shaped building feature a grid of six-by-nine archways, which are rumoured to represent the number of letters in Benito Mussolini's name.

Around the base of the building, 28 statues representing various industries and trades are tucked underneath individual arches.

Inside, the original marble stairways and floors were well preserved and remain in place, but the building has been fully fitted out to house Fendi's 450 employees.

The ground floor will become a permanent free-entry gallery space, allowing the general public entrance to the building for the first time in its history.

Fendi's move to the Palazzo has been met with mixed opinions. In an article written for the Architectural Review, Owen Hatherley stated that it "propounds a notion of 'good taste' that is deeply similar to that of the fashion industry – shamelessly elitist, wilfully sinister, hierarchical, Classical, its apparent minimalism belied by an obsession with the finest possible material and the severest cut".

"However much the architecture of the era can be interesting and attractive, its values were deeply sick," he continued. "It is right that its architecture remain tainted."

On the other hand, according to the Guardian, Fendi's chief executive Pietro Beccari believes it is these views that are doing Rome's future a disservice.

"Rome is on the verge of explosion," he said. "It will become a real European capital. Let's talk about what is right and what works rather than what is not right in Italy. It is too reductive or diminishing to say that people should not profit or praise the beauty of this [building], because people do."

Founded in 1925 in Rome, Fendi is renowned for its use of fur, and produces ready-to-wear clothing, leather goods, shoes, fragrances, eyewear, timepieces and accessories.

The brand previously collaborated with Zaha Hadid to create a layered leather handbag, which was part of a collection of creations by famous UK-based women to be auctioned for charity.

Earlier this year, OMA converted a century-old distillery in Milan into a new arts centre for Fondazione Prada – a cultural organization dedicated to art, cinema and philosophy that was established by the Italian fashion house Prada in 1993. In 2016, Frank Gehry completed a permanent centre for Louis Vuitton's charitable organization that is, similarly to Fondazione Prada, centred around the promotion of contemporary arts.