A Perfect Match
When it comes to kitchen sinks and faucets, both commercial
and traditional looks are hot with stainless steel in high demand,
and coordination, durability and customization key.
From classic, traditional designs that hark back to days of old to
the sleeker, bolder designs that mark the new millennium, choices
in materials and styles abound for everything and the kitchen sink.
Though the commercial look continues to drive the market for
kitchen sinks and faucets with stainless steel and metallic
finishes hotter than ever consumers don’t feel the pressure to
install an all-metal look simply because it’s the thing to do. In
fact, there are many other looks, designs and materials gaining
consumer interest, including an increased interest in solid surface
sinks.
According to manufacturers surveyed by K&BDN, consumers want
kitchen sinks and faucets that are both aesthetically pleasing and
able to stand firm against heavy wear-and-tear. Increasingly, the
demand is for easy-to-clean, durable products that emphasize
function, while offering customization options, as well. No matter
what the look, though, manufacturers and dealers agree that
coordination, personalization and convenience are key.
Opposites attract
When it comes to style, manufacturers note that the biggest trend
is two-pronged, with both commercial and traditional looks
garnering plenty of attention.
“The commercial look continues to be enormously popular due to the
popularity of stainless steel appliances. [Though] country looks
with wall-mounted faucets and apron-front sinks are gaining in
popularity,” says Michael Murray, product manager for kitchen
products at Price Pfister, in Pacoima, CA.
“The restaurant-style kitchen is still a hot trend,” agrees Ray
Kennedy, v.p./ Delta Business Unit, Delta Faucet Co., in
Indianapolis, IN. “[However], the demand for traditional designs
continues, as well.”
Indeed, while the seemingly evergreen commercial look dominates,
a move back toward traditional looks seems to be occurring. “A
major trend is the use of nostalgic styles and finishes in the
kitchen and bathroom. People are choosing products with looks they
are familiar with from previous decades, such as faucets with
porcelain andles and accents, and polished brass finishes,”notes
Kennedy.
“I see a lot of farm-style sinks, and more
old-style, single-lever and widespread kitchen faucets
with separate sprayers,” adds Ron Svensson, v.p./sales and
marketing for the Marietta, GA-based Opella, Inc.
However, style choices don’t stop there: Robert Salsbury,
president of the Montville,NJ-based INOVA Inc., asubsidiary of
Schrock & Co., GmbH., notes that, “It’s an interesting time now
because choice used to be based on what you had, but the market has
grown so much in the past few years, people want something
new.”
That’s why, asserts Salsbury, bolder, European designs are
making headway here in the U.S. “European designs have gotten an
excellent reception, [and] it is a very distinct possibility to
continue to add products with more international features.”
“We continue to see the impact of European styles and designs in
kitchen faucets, and in increased faucet functionality and
performance,” chimes in Murray.
Personalization is another key trend showing up in kitchen sink and
faucet design, with consumers making demands for more customized
options, no matter what the material. But while material
preferences and options vary, there remains one constant: stainless
steel. The material has held strong now for the past several years,
according to manufacturers, though solid surface has also made
inroads because of its versatility.
“It’s an oversimplification to say that design doesn’t matter,”
says Patrick Owens, residential marketing manager of DuPont Corian
in Wilmington, DE. “Design overall has improved and is now expected
as a ‘cost’ of consideration by the consumer.”
Material concerns
“Stainless steel has been more popular now than it ever has been
before,” says Rick Brown, marketing and product development manager
for the Midland, Ontario, Canada-based Kindred Industries Ltd. He
attributes the material’s appeal to consumer education.
“Manufacturers are educating consumers on the merits of the
material. They’ve done a better job informing people about style
and design.”
There’s also the matter of the seemingly evergreen commercial
look. Fueled by the desire to have a professional-look kitchen,
many consumers are equipping them with as many “commercial”
products as possible. And stainless steel speaks to that desire,
manufacturers agree. Plus, says Brown, “We are all busy. The last
thing you want to do is clean. Stainless steel takes very little
effort to clean.”
But, in terms of customization, can it deliver? According to
Brown, yes, it can. He explains that due to new technology, such as
lasers, manufacturers can create many different textured, embossed,
ornamental and ribbed stainless designs.
Tom Smith, president of the Hatfield, PA-based Franke Consumer
Products, Inc., KSD, says his company is also exploring stainless
options. “We offer titanium-coated, stainless steel sinks in gold,
bronze and anthracite [black], with faucets to match.”
Despite the popularity of stainless steel, solid surface has
gained a strong foothold in the sink market. “Solid surface offers
a great chance to do more than specify; you can make the sink an
integral part of the kitchen design. Rather than spec a product,
there is an opportunity to personalize an area of the kitchen that
is the most frequently used area in the kitchen,” maintains Wayne
Rutledge, manager of commercial development for Avonite, in
Albuquerque, NM.
“We’re just now beginning tosee an increasing demand for
customized sinks at the high end,” adds Owens.
Solid surface lends itself to customization, since “the designs
are absolutely limitless,” adds Rutledge. “A lot of fabricators
have CNC computers, which can scan a design, and then route or edge
it out.”
Other trends include colors and designs that complement granite
and solid surface countertop designs. One product trying to address
this is a quartz composition sink made by INOVA. Says Salsbury, “It
has a strong growth potential because it offers application options
and performance characteristics consistent with granite
countertops.”
“As further education occurs in the marketplace, we believe
people will turn from the more traditional materials toward the
benefits of alternative materials [like solid surface],” adds Mark
Hird, president of Astracast by Jacuzzi, based in Naperville,
IL.Function and fancyIndeed, manufacturers are taking advantage of
new technology and using it to create bolder, more customized,
functional sink designs. For sinks, bigger and deeper are in high
demand, with Hird noting that, “People are demanding functional
sinks. There’s a continual trend toward deeper sinks, and easy
maintenance is imperative for today’s busy lifestyles.” He notes
the growing popularity of sinks with a 10″-depth, and adds that,
“Today’s cooks tend to have larger, commercial-style pots and pans,
so this increased depth makes prep and clean-up more
convenient.”
Tim Mullally, president and general manager of the Norcross,
GA-based KWC Faucets, concurs: “The 10″ depth seems to be the most
desired depth on the kitchen sink. It allows plenty of room for
large pots, wok pots, etc.” But not everyone agrees that deeper is
better. Though Salsbury admits deeper, larger sinks are still hot,
he believes the demand “is waning a bit,” due to ergonomics and
space issues. “Reaching into the bottom of a deep sink can lead to
back stress, [and there] needs to be space to fit all of the
customary accessories. I think that people are starting to
recognize these issues.”
But a sink doesn’t just have tobe deep to be functional.
“Double-bowl sinks continue to be the most popular style, again
reflecting the demand for functional designs,” notes Hird.
Undermount styles in different configurations and combinations
have also gained ground because of their size and function.
“Under-mounts have grown substantially, as solid surface and stone
countertops have increased their popularity in kitchen design,”
adds Hird.
Additionally, there are marked distinctions between the trends
for primary sinks and secondary sinks, the latter of which are
becoming very hot list items. Explains Smith, “The primary sink
requires larger, deeper bowls, and is available in one-, two- or
three-bowl configurations,” while the secondary sink is usually
smaller. However, he adds that, “Whether it’s an island or a
hospitality sink, it is a fashion statement in itself.” Mullally
concurs, noting that “Primary and secondary sinks seem to blend
with each other in style, while each serves separate
functions.”
“Larger or custom homes will trend toward secondary sinks, as
well as those that service multiple cooks,” Hird
observes.
“There are more ‘accessory’ sinks than ever before,” adds Owens.
“The kitchen sink isn’t just for kitchens anymore.”
Indeed, secondary sinks that coordinate with the design of the
kitchen, as well as with the overall style of the home, are finding
homes outside of the kitchen island/food prep areas. Secondary
sinks are now seen in the laundry room, garage, outdoor kitchen,
master bedroom, home office and wet bar. “Secondary sinks are
gaining in popularity in new construction, as floor plans become
larger,” notes Murray.
Another “interesting trend is the change in the shape of the
bowl,” remarks Smith. Old rectangular bowls have given way to the
newer, high-end, D-shaped bowls that are today’s design standard,
Smith notes. Because of the increased demand for water accessories
and filtration (see related sidebar, this page) and different
faucet styles, manufacturers are also responding with more sink
holes.
Design extension
Like sinks, faucet
designs follow the dual trends toward commercial and traditional
looks, though whatever the style, coordination is paramount, as are
function, durability and convenience. To that end, metallic
finishes like nickel, single-control designs, offer easy
maintenance and ease of use, while higher faucets match the larger
sinks.
“Kitchen faucets have been dominated by function for many years,
but style is now becoming equally important,” explains Murray.
“Commercial looks mimic the rugged durability of restaurant
faucets, which appeal to a large group of consumers. Stainless
steel looks and finishes are particularly hot right now, and in
high-end faucets, copper, nickel and stainless steel are strong
sellers. PVD-based finishes add durability to faucets, which is
very important in a kitchen environment,” he adds.
Pull-out faucets both integrated and separate continue to
dominate the market, as well, according to Smith. “A high
percentage of high-end kitchen faucets are single-handle, pull-out
spray faucets. This has been the case for several years,” says
Smith. “There are, however, two growth segments that require two-
or three-handled faucets: The consumer/designer who chooses the
country look, and [the consumer] who wants the professional look
[of] a high spout, two-handle faucet.”
“Traditional handle designs are becoming more prominent,” notes
Kennedy, but he also notes that “Industry wide, pull-outs are a
mainstream product; they are no longer niche.” Murray attributes
their popularity to “ease of use these faucets can control water
temperature and flow with one hand.”
But what about all-important style? “Our transparent blue, green
and clear pull-out sprays have been a fun addition to the kitchen.
They really give the kitchen a hip, new look, that is right on the
design edge with transparent calculators, pagers, phones and
computers,” answers Mullally.
Kitchen Sink and Faucet Trends at a Glance
- The commercial look continues to be popular, thanks to the
strong, steady demand for stainless steel in the kitchen. However,
traditional and country looks are gaining ground. - Bolder, European sink and faucet designs have also received a
warm reception from consumers craving something
different. - Whether the look is commercial or traditional, personalization
and coordination are key. To that end, manufacturers of stainless
and solid surface sinks are taking advantage of new technology to
provide consumers with more customized designs. - Stainless steel still edges out many other materials for its
durability, cleanability and style, but solid surface is gaining
ground because of its versatility. - Larger, deeper, undermount, double-bowl sink designs lead the
pack for the primary sink, regardless of the material. Larger
secondary sinks that complement the main sink’s design are also
popular, and are popping up outside the kitchen, as well. - Faucet design follows many of the same trends as sink design,
with durable, metallic finishes capturing consumers’ attention.
Pull-out faucets and single-control faucets also dominate the
market, because of the convenience and ease of use they offer
Accessories, Water Filtration Address Multiple
Concerns
Consumers are personalizing their kitchen sink areas with
convenience-oriented, coordinated accessories that also answer
concerns about water quality. That’s the consensus of manufacturers
interviewed by Kitchen & Bath Design News, who note that
matching soap and lotion dispensers in many colors and finishes as
well as drain trays, flanges, disposers and water filters offer
ways for consumers to add convenience at the sink area while
expressing their own personal style.
And some manufacturers are going even further. According to Ron
Svensson, v.p./sales and marketing of the Marietta, GA-based
Opella, Inc., his company will offer new cabinet hardware that will
“perfectly match” a new offering of Opella kitchen accessories,
like paper towel holders and soap dispensers.
Side sprays and pot fillers are popular, as well, answering
consumer demand for convenience and style, while remote basket
strainers speak to function and safety concerns, manufacturers
note.
Water quality, too, is a growing concern, which has driven the
trend toward point-of-use filtration to allay consumer fears about
water safety. Andrew Windisch, director/general manager of the
Daytona Beach, FL-based Culligan International’s consumer products
group, sees an increased demand for water-on-demand across the
boards.
But whether it’s integrated right into the faucet, or appears as
a separate system or an accessory, like a filtered hot/cold water
dispenser, consumers want the peace of mind and the
convenience
of having filtered water at their fingertips, manufacturers
agree.
Indeed, “convenience, luxury, safety and taste” are all driving
forces behind increased demand for water filtration, says Richard
Smith, president of Pro-Flo Products, Inc., in Cedar Grove, NJ.
Major Avignon, owner of the El Segundo, CA-based Water, Inc.,
concurs, noting that his company has experienced “a growing demand
for more specialized systems and new technologies, including
reverse osmosis, ultraviolet, in-line installations and whole-home
applications. On the convenience side, instant hot and chilled
water continue to grow in popularity.” He concludes, “The growing
concern about pure water has fueled an increased awareness that is
stimulating a 7-9% annual growth of drinking water systems
sales.”
Dealers Note High Demand for Stainless, Commercial
Styling
When it comes to kitchen sinks and faucets, stainless steel
continues to be the material of choice, according to dealers
recently interviewed by Kitchen & Bath Design News. “There’s
still a [high] demand for stainless steel,” says Charlotte Crawley,
co-owner of the Shreveport, LA-based Kitchens & Baths by
Crawley. Stainless steel sinks, and nickel and stainless steel
faucets are hot among her clients right now, because of the
continued desire for the commercial kitchen look, she notes.
Fabien Lannoye’s clients are also seeking the sleek look of
stainless, he reports. Lannoye, an architectural designer with Nova
Designs in San Francisco, CA, attributes this demand to the
material’s ability to withstand wear and tear. Says Lannoye, “It’s
not a matter of it being the trend. I’d say it’s [so popular]
because of its durability.”
But durability is not the only driving force behind consumer
purchases, says Charlotte Carlson, a designer/salesperson for the
Boulder, CO-based Kitchen Planners. Her clients are “driven by
[practicality] and easy care. They are concerned about convenience,
since both people are usually working.”
Other trends dealers are noting are in line with manufacturers’
predictions, such as the demand for pull-out and single-control
faucets, undermount sinks, water filtration and accessories, and
coordinating secondary sinks.
Finally, because consumers are more often craving
something
different, dealers such as Carlson are seeing a call for bolder,
more European designs, though she adds that, “bolder designs are
more of an upscale thing.”