Month: May 2018
As anyone who does it knows, connecting with industry colleagues at trade shows is one of the most fun “necessary” activities that your job requires. You get to hang out and “geek out” over what you love about what you do.
So in the spirit of a good “design geek out”, I asked three colleagues to answer the same questions about their experiences in Milan at EuroCucina. I share mine at the end to wrap it up.
I’ve also asked for several perspectives because this show has over 400,000 attendees and 14 buildings, so no single human can cover all that ground effectively.
Here are the questions and answers they shared, along with related images and videos (yes, videos!):
First up is Gary LeBlanc, Major Kitchen Accounts, Richelieu Hardware.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE THING/BIGGEST TAKEAWAY:
“The open storage really struck me. I was surprised by how much of it they were showing.”
And they showed it in open systems with aluminum frames and glass doors. In fact, there was so much of it that I figured it’s a sure bet to show up in the US” shares LeBlanc.
“But I got a different read when talking to the actual cabinet dealers. They shared that even though companies were featuring it at the show, it wouldn’t necessarily make it to the street (or average kitchen)”.
Which sums up part of what this show is about – featuring leading edge and highly creative products to get a huge amount of feedback on the idea. That will help determine whether or not they bring it to market. And if they do, what version of it will actually reach consumers. So it’s much like couture fashion. Show it to get attention and set trends, but filter and edit for mainstream markets.
FROM WHAT YOU SAW, WHAT WILL YOU INCORPORATE INTO YOUR BUSINESS:
“It’s not so much just a specific product, but a trend I’m seeing in the acceptance level of man made products. Historically, cabinet and kitchen people work with wood. Melamine has been somewhat of an unaccepted option. But as the these products have evolved to TSS (Thermostructed Surfaces), which are different than traditional melamine, there’s a wider acceptance and appeal. Because of that, I’ll focus more on the appeal of this product and drive people to purchase it” shares LeBlanc.
And I can attest to Gary’s perspective on this. I just attended a KBDN (Kitchen Bath Design News) seminar in Detroit and the trendsetting kitchen designer presenting included in his information that designers should consider man made products in lieu of wood as a great design option. Melamine is coming out of the closet (I know, it’s TSS).
TSS is different from melamine in that it’s registered and embossed on the surface. Where there’s an appearance of a wood grain, there’s also a groove to match it. So it has a texture to it when you touch it and light reflects from it based upon the grooves.
ANY TECH TRENDS YOU NOTICED THAT YOU THINK WILL IMPACT THE MARKET:
“We saw an amazing cooktop by Franke. It had a scanner that determines what an ingredient is and what to cook with that ingredient. It also shows how to cut the item properly for the recipe and has a video of a chef cooking the recipe. And to top that off, there’s a hotspot to charge your phone and two cool spots for your beverages. Amazing. Now I don’t know that this product will make it to the market, but the tech is totally leading edge” shares LeBlanc.
On a more practical note, LeBlanc shares that “the LED strips that function as grow lights are incredible. You can grow oregano in your kitchen year round with these lights and they’re not big and hot like traditional grow lights are.”
WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE THING YOU THINK OTHER INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SALONE DE MOBILE?
That there’s a change in color palettes. Brown is the new white.
Next up on the “design geek out” train is Scott Dresner, President, Dresner Design, Chicago Illinois.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE THING/TAKEAWAY:
“The cabinet company I represent, Stosa, showed a much higher-end line with cooler products than ever before. They are so inventive creating solutions for needs in the market. They also developed a line for 20-somethings to compete with IKEA, which is fantastic” says Dresner.
He also mentioned motorized storage for dead corners, which he thinks is very ingenious.
TOP TREND:
“Smoked glass with metal frames for structures” is what Dresner indicates is the top thing he saw and this seems to be a popular consensus.
FROM WHAT YOU SAW, WHAT WILL YOU INCORPORATE INTO YOUR BUSINESS:
Black smoked glass combined with natural wood cabinetry is at the top of Dresner’s list for incorporating into his current business.
ANY TECH TRENDS YOU NOTICED THAT YOU THINK WILL IMPACT THE MARKET:
“Great new lighting inside cabinets where you don’t see light bulbs. LED, LED, LED! And finally, the insides of drawers and cabinets are lit very well. Also, motorized doors.
WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE THING YOU THINK OTHER INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SALONE DE MOBILE?
“That real trends are happening in Europe and what we are doing here in the US is so far behind” says Dresner.
And here’s the perspective from Australian designer Sally Hart, Clever Closet Company:
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE THING/BIGGEST TAKEAWAY:
“My favorite thing is some cabinetry I saw in the Fendi space. It had texture and different embossed shapes in a deep grey shade that I loved” says Hart.
FROM WHAT YOU SAW, WHAT WILL YOU INCORPORATE INTO YOUR BUSINESS:
“It’s hard to pinpoint any one thing. I’m a designer. My inspiration sort of melds as I take things in and then refer back to photos as projects arise” shares Hart.
ANY TECH TRENDS YOU NOTICED THAT YOU THINK WILL IMPACT THE MARKET:
Hart indicated that the coolest thing she saw is the same as what LeBlanc saw. Here’s a link to a video:
WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE THING YOU THINK OTHER INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SALONE DE MOBILE?
“That design is interpreted in so many different forms that the trends are irrelevant because the designers select and use of current materials is always fluid. Seeing the variation between designers is interesting.
AND MY PERSPECTIVE:
The biggest trend I see is black and gold (which, if you’re connected to me on social, you know I’ve go on about). I’m sure some shades and versions of gold will grow on me and I’m sure clients will ask for it. And while I love black in a wardrobe (clothing), I’ve always found it harsh in decor.
MY FAVORITE
The mix and match trend. It really gives bandwidth to creativity, allowing me to vary and mix simple to complex designs. And it’s what I’ll incorporate into my business because it just opens up so many new doors (punny, right?)
TECH TRENDS
I’m the user of tech, certainly not the creator and reluctantly the implementer. I love what I’m seeing with lighting because it adds both beauty and function, the two most important elements of any design.
And as I continue to get the opportunity to reflect on this experience, I could sappily (and happily) say it changed my life. Because it did, and that’s a pretty tall order for an industry trade show.
It also provided direction for strategy and implementation. And that’s probably what I’d most tell other industry professionals. Get out of your shop, get away from your computer and take in what’s happening on a global level in your industry. I guarantee it will allow you to work better.
I’ve just returned from Salone de Mobile in Milan Italy.
I know, lucky me!
It’s been a goal to attend this show for several years, so finally manifesting it is fantastic and was a feast for my eyes and my soul (not the mention the Italian feasts my mouth got to enjoy).
This “super show” (over 400,000 people) is the premiere exhibition for furniture and kitchen and bath design and products.
Here are my top 10 Milano moments for (I hope) your inspiration and fun:
1.Black is the new black
Seriously, the amount of black I saw had me longing for other colors. And the black I’m talking about is from products featured in the exhibits, not the wardrobes of the fine fashion mavens who go to (or live in) Milan.
Featured were black on black, black with white, black with brown, black with brown and white and, even still, a small amount of black with grey.
Grey has run its course.
For that desire for color, the dominant choice (if you can call it that) is yellow.
Honestly, not excited (at the moment) but I get it. I didn’t groove on brass when I saw that showing up at KBIS in 2013.
Black can be a harsh color. It’s dense and heavy, so hopefully, that’s grounding for people.
I can see adding an accent touch in with medium brown, especially if that brown is real walnut.
2.My love of metallics is front and center. On trend. Metallics are the new neutral
And I couldn’t be happier about that. These gun metals and antiqued shades can be brought in with strong hardware. So, hey, closet industry – we need rods and we need accessories. Otherwise, oil rubbed bronze is going to have to be the choice for “blending” and “disappearing” into closets – unless we’re designing with doors.
3.The Lighting is to Love For
Oh lighting! Let’s continue to drive ourselves and our industry forward so we’re brought into projects at blueprint level. Then we can specify where we need whips, outlets and access.
Lighting up closet spaces not only looks uber cool, it’s a real component of making life easier. As we age, and things are harder to see, lighting drawers, shelves, sections, all with a sense of style, is essential. Be gone little puck lights. We’ve loved you so, but LED’s are shining brightly now.
4.Sometimes You’ve Gotta Walk Alone
I walk a lot of trade shows “solo”. When I’m at KBIS or NEOCON, I’m typically there by myself, often wishing I had someone to bounce ideas off of and share design opinions.
Touring Salone de Mobile was a team effort with two fellow closet designers (Sally Hart from Clever Closet Company in Australia and Lee Kaufman from Gotham Closets in Manhattan). And doing this was fantastic AND it showed me that I need balance. Some floor/show time collaborating and ideating, and some alone, focused on the mission of what trends I see and what turns me on.
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- Asymetrical handles from Mobil Fresno
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- A touch of seafoam
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- Embellished Ovens
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- Warm and cool mix
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- Malachite table
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- Colorful Smeg refrigerators
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- Black stone
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- Vertical, vertical, vertical
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- Divided drawers
5.Prosecco is the Answer to Everything
At the risk of sounding like this “trend research and networking” trip was all fun and frolic, I feel compelled to share our mantra – which became “Prosecco is the answer to everything”.
Tired feet – sit – drink Prosecco
Waiting for colleague – cafe – Prosecco
Walking through a booth and you’re thirsty – take them up on their offer for a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Deciding where to go next – needs direction provided by Prosecco.
6.Mix and Match is Where It’s At
I mentioned seeing black with brown and black with white. I also saw brown with yellow. Black with yellow. Brown with seafoam green (yes, seafoam!).
And this mix and match approach goes beyond changing the color of an island. Put on your designer sunglasses, be courageous, and propose something a bit more “mixed up”.
You can do this in a simple way by adding an accent section or set of doors in brown or black to predominantly white project. Then the color can be changed out without destroying the whole project when trends transition from seafoam to kelly green (yes, that’s coming!).
7.Traveling with Colleagues Changes the Whole Experience
I love being a part of something bigger than myself. And collaborating with two other design pro’s created an experience that was bigger and deeper than I ever could have achieved solo. You have similar professional interests, so it makes selecting what to do and see and where to go pretty easy. And that allows for more meaningful, specific conversations that provide help both personally and professionally. I highly recommend it.
8.Does Fashion Lead Design or Does Design Lead Fashion?
It used to be that fashion lead design and it would take months, if not years, for those trends to reach the US consumer market.
Now I see them as neck and neck (or couch and couch if you prefer). Because things can be shared so quickly in the digital environment in which we live, trends can be translated almost instantaneously. So if you want to see what’s going to be happening in hard lines (home furnishings), take a look at Vogue or any runway fashion show online.
9.A Top Insider Logistics Tip
If you ever attend the show, stay close to the “Lotto” train station in Milan. It will get you to almost any place you want to go in just one train trip. No transfers. Huge time saver and peace of mind creator.
10.Luxury Drives Design
Face it. We’re in luxury business. People all over the world survive without organized closets and high functioning kitchens.
And as a closet professional, function is top priority. As is practicality. And those design engineered solutions are of the utmost importance.
But when it comes to what’s featured, romanced and exhibited at the largest industry show known to designers, it’s the luxury elements that are featured. We do now see these elements translated into tech (which is just another flavor of luxury in many ways). But the delicious colors and textures and combinations are luxurious. And that’s a big part of what draws nearly a half million people to this show.
It’s a show that I hope you get to go to. It’s worth every element of energy invested – including really comfortable shoes and multiple bottles of Prosecco!
Ciao!
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