Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/497488
Builder: Bernstein Development Congratulations on being chosen "Builder of the Month" • Design • Construction • Irrigation • Maintenance • Custom Stonework P.O. Box 24 Chelmsford, MA 01824 978.710.5880 www.bouleylandscaping.com Photography: Home Listing Photography By Carrie Frye Trending Transitional Kiche Desig Amid competition, transitional design — a blend of contemporary and traditional elements — holds on to top kitchen design trend in 2015. creates space and opens the room for other design options, including bar-style seating, a sink with a sleek, touchless faucet, or a bu i lt-i n m icrowave-d rawer or cook top. Convex islands with seating produce a more conversational ambience, whereas squar- ish desig ns may play a la rger functiona l purpose, providing room for extra storage. "Islands are something almost everybody wants to work into their design [to create more] space," says Radzwillas. " We ta ke down more walls than we ever put up." Highlighting the Elements Designers incorporate natural components such as wood and stone into traditionally styled kitchens. "Solid woods, pa inted woods a nd new [cabinetry] products that have a weathered look are quite popular," Radzwillas says. "I see more stone backsplashes and porcelain tile that provides the look of hardwoods but is easier to clean and stain resistant." Seventy percent of NKBA sur vey pa r- ticipants foresaw quartz as the top preference in counter tops. Radzwillas concurs a nd includes marble as leading natural countertop choices, attributing the popularity to flowing, va ried a nd unique designs possible with these¬elements. Focal Points With neutral colors providing a backdrop, glass, tile, copper or brushed satin, or polished nickel appointments bring distinctive accents to transitional kitchen design. "Custom copper hoods can become the focal point of the kitchen," Radzwillas says. "Backsplashes are linear and simple. For transitional style, glass, metal, subway tile and crackled porcelain create a much more streamlined look that [clients] don't tire of as quickly and retains its resale value." ■ R ESULTS OF A 2014 survey conducted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) predicted transitional design would just edge out contemporary style as the most prominent design trend of 2015. Independent builders report a more lopsided reality. "Transitional style is by far the predominant style," says Peter Radzwillas, Owner of Radzwillas Kitchen and Bath Design and Radzwillas Builders LLC in Fairfield, Connecticut. "And it looks as if this [trend] is going to go on for five to eight years." Traditional style, characterized by muted colors such as white, gray and taupe, eschews thematic clutter and prevents color fatigue. But homeowners can make this style pop by adding vibrant accent pieces, such as vases of fresh flowers, baskets, canisters, candles or other items. Combining old and new elements — the hallmark of transitional styling — reduces costs and provides a timeless, clean look. Island of Form and Function Kitchen islands, common in open-concept and transitional kitchens, are commonly requested items in the design process, notes Radzwillas. The size and shape of the island DESIGN TRENDS | Greater Boston Builder+Architect BOSTON.BUILDERARCHITECT.COM