What Will Cabinets be Wearing in 2021?
In our last post we showed you some of the new and exciting door styles in our Greenfield line. You might be asking, “but what about the finishes? Is a white kitchen still the standard by which all others are judged?” The answer to that is no. Clients all over the country are showing their individuality and desire to connect with nature. While white is still prominent and classic, here are some other woods and finishes that you’ll be spotting in homes and magazines.
What’s old is new again: Remember last week I talked about Oak making a comeback? Does the thought of white-washed Oak from the 80’s make you cringe? Well, good news – you don’t have to cringe with these new Oak stains. There’s everything from a rustic finish grey Oak for those looking for that farmhouse aesthetic to the Scandinavian influence of natural finish White Oak to classic darker brown finishes that accentuate the natural grain patterns.
Choices in grain pattern: Without going into too much detail about how wood is cut, know that there are three types of cuts that give you different looks:
- Flat cut: You see the familiar pattern of Oak (think of Oak floors with the definite arch patterns)
- Rift cut: A way of cutting the tree to create a more uniform, straight grain
- Quarter Sawn: Think of Arts and Crafts pieces of furniture done in Oak. You don’t see the arch patterns (cathedrals) but you do see a straighter grain with some flecks in it.
Our new offerings consist of White Oak in Flat Cut, Random Plank (sizes of the plank varies, just like in flooring) and Rift Cut
New colors: While grey is still on-trend, we’re seeing some fresher natural finishes as well. Take a look at these greys; they’re softer and more transparent.
Ready for rustic? While it isn’t for everyone, this rough-cut, limed finish could be a gorgeous partner to a high-gloss acrylic or even white painted cabinets.
Stay tuned throughout the year for new introductions!
A Trio of New Door Styles!
Welcome to 2021! A brand-new year with some fresh offerings from our Greenfield Cabinet line!
You may know that we have partnered for several years with the Corsi Group to offer our clients quality cabinets and a streamlined, custom experience. Corsi’s Greenfield and Siteline cabinets are made here in the U.S. (in Indianapolis and West Virginia), offer quality construction, details and options and a great value. But what I am most proud of is the level of service that I receive from the factory. Everyone at the factory, from line workers, to finishers, to the customer service team works together and are proud to deliver their best always. They also stay on the cutting edge of cabinet trends throughout the country! Here are some new offerings that I think are inspiring. Stay tuned to see new finishes offered next week!
One thing you’ll notice about these 3 new styles: They all have a flat center panel and a raised edge all the way around the door. Flat center-paneled cabinets have been on-trend for a number of years, and the most popular door style has been the Shaker style. These three offerings riff on the Shaker style and take it up a notch to be slightly more modern and organic. All three styles can be used either in a more contemporary or clean traditional setting. They’d make an awesome statement in a library, office, or dining room too! Here’s our runway line-up! (Ok, imagine a fashion runway complete with flashing lights and sexy-voiced MC…)
First up is the Quaid, shown here in a Hybrid Rift-Cut White Oak veneer, sporting a beautiful mitre-cut frame. Oak is definitely on-trend this year and you’ll be seeing more of its beefy, brawny grain that imparts a feel for nature.
Next up we have Quentin with a mid-sized frame, shown in a painted finish. Yes, paint (especially whites mixed with darker tones like slate and navy) are still hot hot hot!
Last but not least is the Quincy, sporting the ultra-thin edge frame. Quincy is for those who want a clean, sleek look but shy away from a straight slab door. It’s elegantly dressed in a Hybrid Walnut veneer which appeals to those Mid-Century Mad Men.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little kick-off ‘fashion” show! We will be featuring more in the days and months to come!
Looking Ahead to 2021
Yes, it has been a challenging year. We have all had our lives, families and businesses impacted by the pandemic, election, and social movements across the country. While many of us have found things to be grateful for, there is no denying that most of us are looking to put 2020 in the rearview mirror.
Here at Catherine Schager Designs, we are looking forward to bringing you new services and products to make your home the haven it should be. In the coming weeks I’ll be attending a major trade show for the kitchen and bath industry and a large conference with industry and trade partners- all virtually. While I am enjoying not having to travel, I miss the happenstance meeting of new people, the exchange of ideas and the inspiration that comes from being in-person. Here are some of our goals for the New Year:
- To find new ways to bring beauty and function to our clients’ homes by staying on top of new vendor offerings and industry trends.
- Connecting with you more often on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn, and welcoming your thoughts and opinions.
- Finding work-life balance through travel (Sweden to visit our kids!), gatherings with family, friends and valued business partners, life-enriching pursuits geared toward health (exercise, a Spartan Race, and cooking) and creativity (learning Swedish, watercolor and color pencil classes).
Our wish for you is a 2021 filled with new adventures, challenges (they help us grow), love and laughter. We look forward to hugging. Happy New Year! … or Gott Nytt År! See, I’m learning a bit of Swedish already 😉
2021 Colors of the Year: Optimism, Comfort and Wellness
- At December 21, 2020
- By catherineschager
- In Design Trends
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All the big names in color have officially announced their 2021 Color of the Year choices, predicting color trends for home décor, fashion and graphic design and also the perceived collective mood of our times as defined by each company. Here’s the breakdown:
Pantone 2021 Colors of the Year:
Ultimate Gray + Illuminating
Pantone has selected two Colors of the Year for 2021: 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + 13-0647 Illuminating. The colors were chosen to represent how disparate elements can work together.
Ultimate Gray represents stability, practicality, and resilience, evoking long-lasting, weathered earth elements like beach pebbles, sturdy old tree bark and iron. This color stands the test of time, enduring with wise, quiet composure. This color makes your home feel cozy and safe.
Illuminating is a cheerful and optimistic yellow, evoking the sun, lightning, and bright bursts of energy. This color is bold, vivacious, warm, and hopeful.
Combining the two colors is meant to express “positivity supported by fortitude, resilience and hope…pressing us forward toward new ways of thinking.”
Visit our pinterest board for some ways you can incorporate these colors into your life. Click the video below to see Pantone’s ultra-cool digital intro of their top picks:
Sherwin-Williams 2021 Color of the Year:
Urbane Bronze SW 7048
The Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year pick for 2021 is an elegant, calming, and versatile gray. Sherwin-Williams describes it as “embodying the richness of the Earth’s stone, metal and wood … forging a feeling that’s grounded, meditative and serene.” This is a perfect color to bring into our homes to help keep our hearts and minds healthy during challenging times. See more examples of how to use this beautiful hue on our pinterest board. Click the video below to see Sherwin-Williams plumb the depths of this earthy, serene color pick.
Benjamin Moore 2021 Color of the Year:
Aegean Teal 2136-40
Premium paint company Benjamin Moore picked Aegean Teal 2136-40 as their Color of the Year for 2021. This soothing, dusky blue could have been plucked from a summer sky or the depths of a crystal clear sea. Simple and warm, it feels like home and comfort. See ways to incorporate the gorgeous color into your home and your life on our pinterest board. Click the video below to see the story of this color from Benjamin Moore.
Farrow & Ball 2021 Colour Palette of the Year
British manufacturer of designer paints and wallpapers Farrow & Ball selected 12 rejuvenating hues in four distinct palettes for their Colour Trends Palette of 2021. They state “we see 2021 colour trends that reflect our recent collective journey – towards more time spent indoors, emphasis on sanctuary, and the need for rooms that enhance our wellbeing. We think you’ll agree that’s a lot to sum up in a single Colour of the Year!” The 12 hues are versatile, warm, comforting, and luxurious. View the full 12 colour palette and it’s many uses on our pinterest board.
PPG Paints 2021 Paint Color Palette of the Year
PPG Paints chose three colors that “bring warm lightness and a sense of calm to a space” as their Color Palette of the Year for 2021. Transcend is a nostalgic, earthy oatmeal-beige. Big Cypress is a ginger hue tinted with persimmon that they call a “hug” for your home. Misty Aqua splashes the color of the sea into the earthy mix. Collectively titled “Be Well,” the colors are neutral, serene and versatile and celebrate making wellness a priority. See the full 2021 color palette on our pinterest board.
PPG-owned Glidden paint brand went a different direction starting in 2019. They chose a Staple Color for 2020 that they predicted will trend for many years to come. This honor went to Whirlwind PPG1013-3, a “fail-proof cool gray with a touch of blue” that will pair well with a variety of accent colors.
This year, they reinforced their staple color choice and continued their rogue path by starting a brand new category: 2021 Accent Color of the Year. Their pick for 2021 is Aqua Fiesta PPG1147-4, similar to PPGs Misty Aqua. Paired with the staple Whirlwind, this festive color brings just the right amount of bright and happy while still being natural and comforting. Apply this color to your trim or an accent wall for a splash of brightness in 2021 while still being comfortable and safe within “staple gray” walls.
Everyone seems to agree that we need to feel comforted and safe in our homes while staying hopeful, harkening back to simpler times, evoking the wellness of nature, splashing in positive energy while keeping serene in our stay-at-home spaces. Here’s to a happier, healthier 2021!
Houzz 2020 Trend Report for Bathrooms
So, what’s the latest and greatest in Bathroom design? Houzz surveyed over 1500 users across the country during the months of June and July this year, and this is what people are saying about what they want in their bathrooms – food for thought if you’re contemplating making a change for yourself in the near future!
- Style- “Modern” has edged out “Transitional” by about 2%. You might be asking what “Modern” is or afraid that it means sterile and white. “Modern” can be best described by clean lines, but with the warmth of color, texture and sometimes whimsy. Take a look at these:
Believe it or not, the “Farmhouse” style once so popular thanks to Chip and Joanna comes in dead last in the Houzz survey.
- Almost half of respondents are looking for a relaxing experience in the shower or tub. Incidentally, many are removing tubs altogether for a larger shower. I’ve been seeing that trend for a few years with my clients.
- Accent walls and lighting are important design elements. I love accent walls, which can be created in a number of ways. From a stellar tile enveloping an entire wall, to an interesting paint color or even mural there are many ways to create a “wow” effect. When it comes to lighting, LED fixtures allow for bright light and low energy consumption, not to mention so many beautiful designs!
Next week we’ll talk about some other trends from the Houzz report!
Product Innovation Awards from KBIS 2020
This is our last installment of the Product Innovation Awards from KBIS this year. We look forward to bringing you more great products and ideas from 2021’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. Stay tuned!
Our first product for this week is the Shokunin Kamado Grill by Kalamazoo. All I can say is “WOW”! This grill is not only a beautifully designed piece of art but is so well thought out in creating the cooking experience. After watching this video I can almost taste the spatch-cocked chicken he’s talking about.
Next up is the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker. If you like to entertain your guests with cocktails and even slushy beverages but don’t want or have the space for a large icemaker, take a look at this! It’s a portable unit, great for indoor or outdoor entertaining, can make up to 24 lbs. of ice in 24 hours and can store 3 lbs. at a time!
There’s a quick-start feature that gives you ice in 20 minutes (perfect for a last-minute gathering!) and a detachable reservoir that allows for more ice production. You can even check and schedule ice-making via your smart phone! Hmm, this week’s choices seem to all be about entertaining! I’m optimistic that we’ll be back to warm gatherings with family and friends soon. In the meantime, we can be ready!
Last, but not least this week is the Miele G7000 Dishwasher series. Because after all the partying there is clean-up…
Let’s just say I’m a fan of Miele dishwashers to begin with as they pioneered the 3rd rack for utensils. This series makes dishwashing even easier, from automatically dispensing just the right amount of detergent based on how dirty the dishes are, to movable sections and a handle-less feature that allows the door to open with a knock. It’s also almost noiseless, WiFi compatible so you can get that load going before the guests come, and even offers a QuickIntense setting for faster clean-up.
Favorite New Products from KBIS 2020
In last week’s post we looked at some great products for your kitchen and bath – this week is a continuation of that, geared towards practical and design-savvy products to consider incorporating into your next remodel or new construction.
First up is the winner of the Bathroom Product of the Year, judged by the panel at KBIS, and it’s easy to see why. The SwapAble by Design by Intent allows you to plan now for the ability to live in place later.
For many years I have advised clients to consider the long-term when remodeling and create options for adding in elements for accessibility in daily living as we age. What Design by Intent has done is create a beautiful way to do this with a contemporary aesthetic. You can have a shelf for products now, and later it can be swapped out for a shower seat – all done with the aid of a simple clip. I love this because it provides beautiful, functional design! Kudos to Design by Intent!
Next up is another Kohler product for the bath – the DTV Mode Digital Shower System. It almost looks like a Nest thermostat, except it’s a thermostatic valve for your shower! With it, you can dial in the temperature settings, and even access and personalize settings via Kohler’s Mode app. Imagine, from your warm, cozy bed you can turn on and regulate your shower temperature for the perfect shower from the moment you step in! The dial also makes it easier to use than a touch screen for many.
Last but certainly not least is a very unique vanity! It’s the Terra Waterfall Vanity Sink by MTI Baths. The sink is integrated into the vanity and the design controls the water flow down the side of the vanity into a floor-mounted drain. What a WOW for your powder room!! The judges also loved that it is wheelchair accessible and the plumbing is hidden – so you get accessibility AND fabulous design all in one. Plus, your dog or cat can have a drink while the water’s running! I think I’m in love!
Product Innovator Awards from KBIS 2020!
For the next few weeks, I’m going to introduce (and comment on, of course) some products that were voted as some of the most innovative products around by a panel of kitchen and bath industry professionals earlier this year at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. As this show was held earlier this year, it was an in-person and not virtual event! Here are some of my favorites:
- First Place for Kitchen Innovation is Fotile’s 3-in-1 In-Sink Dishwasher! Just take a look at how cool this is.
Not only is it a sink and dishwasher all in one place, but you can also wash produce in the dishwasher! Not while you’re washing dishes, of course. This would be fabulous for a tiny kitchen, bar area, butler’s pantry or 2nd kitchen!
- Second place for Kitchen Innovation is GE’s Café Quad Door Refrigerator. It’s a 4-door refrigerator with a convertible temperature zone that offers the flexibility to store different foods in different seasons. There’s a compartment that can double as a freezer when you need more freezer space, a wipeable glass-overlay surface for jotting your list while standing at the fridge and has a fingerprint free finish. Additionally, I like the integrated pocket handles as a space-saving feature when opening the door in tight spaces.
- Second place for Bath Innovation is Kohler’s Eir Intelligent Toilet. If you want the only the best for your tush, this is the toilet for you. It features a sleek tankless design with an optional rose gold or gold decorative ring around the lid for you design fans. It also backs up to the wall so the plumbing and electrical connections are hidden. Again, sleek design. There’s a UV sanitizing wand that delivers an electrolyzed water spray to clean the surfaces, hands-free opening and closing, adjustable and customizable water sprays, a heated seat, and night light. On the “green” side of things, it offers dual flush modes for water conservation. You can even adjust all of the cleansing properties with a remote control. A must-have for anyone who wants the ultimate in their bathroom experience!
A WELL – Designed Kitchen
Now more than ever, we are focused on creating healthy meals for our family. As we’ve been spending more time in the kitchen you’ve probably noticed where your kitchen falls short in helping you do this easily.
Here are 5 suggestions for planning ways to support not only the creation of healthier meals, but a healthier place to create them.
- Plan for less clutter – Seeing clutter actually stimulates the production of cortisol – the stress hormone. Plan for ways to keep counters free of excess clutter by creating a place for everything. Small appliances like toasters and juicers can live in countertop garages that close up when not in use. Consider fewer wall cabinets and more below-counter storage.
- Light it up – Take advantage of as much natural light as you can. Maybe it’s time to consider adding some windows or moving a door to allow more natural light in. It is also important to choose the right artificial lighting, incorporating energy saving LED’s and especially those that have a warm-dim component to them. These allow you to change the color of the light throughout the day to assist our bodies adjust to their natural circadian rhythms.
- Biophilia (What?!) This means bringing more of the outside in. There are many ways to do that, some listed above but you can also consider bringing some plants into the kitchen – a garden windowsill for growing fresh herbs or even a “green wall”.
- Keep it Fresh – with more emphasis on fresh fruits, vegetables, and meatless meals, consider your refrigerator. Do you really need a lot of freezer storage, or are your needs for fresh food storage greater? There are so many options today that can assist you with keeping your fresh ingredients fresh and accessible.
- Materials Matter – Choose the right materials to keep your kitchen healthy. Select cabinetry that is made with low levels of formaldehyde (which occurs in nature so you can’t eliminate it entirely) and FSC certified (good for the environment). Wood countertops and man-made quartz countertops have anti-microbial properties and please, please, make sure your hood vents to the outdoors to keep the air in your kitchen fresh.
These are just a few ways that you can make a healthy difference when you remodel your kitchen. Please join me on Wednesday, May 27 at 2:30 pm for a Facebook Live chat with special guest Alisa Bloom of Live Your Best 365! We’ll be talking about food choices to quell inflammation and how the design of your kitchen can add to your health!
Planning for Your Luxury Home Remodel
As many of you are now considering areas in your home that need some changes, we thought we’d re-issue these tips for the planning phase of your project.
For some of us, there may be the extra excitement of planning for a remodel in the new year. Congratulations! In our blog Tackle Home Design with a Star Lineup, we brought you some guidelines on building your team: the architect, the contractor, and the designer. Planning a luxury home build is a huge endeavor with spectacular results. Planning is essential.
Where do you turn to get information about budgeting for your remodel or new home? Take a look at the Home Trust International’s guidelines. They are leaders in the luxury home industry and a great resource to help you figure out your luxury home investment. Here’s a brief summary of their article:
1. Budget up to 35% of the value of the finished home for interior design services, project management and furnishings.
2. Interior design firms generally earn one third of the total investment.
3. Variables include renovations, art or furniture you may be bringing from another home.
Catherine Schager, AKBA, ASID Allied Member
A good designer can guide you through this process to help you figure out where to splurge and where to save. I offer a great outline of my process on my FAQs page and you can quickly schedule an initial phone meeting with me from my Contact Us page if you are ready to explore further.
The most important goal is to end the process with a gorgeous new home that feels like HOME SWEET HOME to you and your family. You can best reach that goal with good planning and realistic budgeting guided by a team of professionals who want to help you with your achieve your dream. Happy new home dreaming!
