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OCTOBER 2017 | 29 Kitchens S P A C E I N VA D E R S "People are requesting more choice in cabinetry inserts, which make their cabinets more efficient, organized and usable," says Johnstone. Ultimately, a well designed kitchen is one with great storage, and today's designs are certainly stepping up. "For kitch- ens right now, we're seeing wider, deeper designs," says Sansalone. That means more room for storing everything from pans to pantry staples, and a more streamlined design. Paired with Blum's Ambia-Line insert dividing system, those deep drawers are maxi- mized for efficiency and organization. "Maximizing your usage of space is one of the big- gest drivers for organizational products. This thought shouldn't only apply to everyday use objects and spaces, but can greatly enhance all the available stor- age space within the kitchen when you consider high up and deeper cabinets that are typically reserved as 'caves' for less frequently used items," says Pierce. She points to Diamond Cabinetry's new Wall Refrigerator Pullout as a prime example of a product that allows for better accessibility and visibility of items stored above an appliance. It brings items out of the back of the cabinet and into view. There's also the new Base Bin Pullout, a floor-level drawer that can be pulled out for easy access to pet food, toys and accessories in one location, with the optional toe kick pullout. It's about making the most of every square inch – even when it comes to fitting appliances. Johnstone notes that flush-mounted appliances are being inte- grated on a more regular basis, to keep the counter- tops and cabinets sleek and streamlined. T H E L U X E L I F E Consumers are looking to Europe for style trends, notes Kansal. "People are looking for Italian and German cab- inets these days. We haven't installed large numbers as these specialty kitchens are expensive – almost dou- ble the price against North American options. However selective, high-end clients are looking for distinguished cabinets." He suggests that the trend is rooted in the hot Vancouver real estate market. "Real estate values are going up. People want to spend money for building houses. People are spending lots of money on kitchens," says Kansal. "Also regarding the stone used in counter- tops, very high-end luxurious stone is becoming a com- mon phenomenon in houses." Ultimately, a cleaner look is what everyone's going for, and that often can include hiding the appliances full stop. "From a cabinetry perspective, there is definitely a trend in seamlessly hiding kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators, with custom cabinet facing to help maximize the look of a space," says Filomena. That can also mean ditching the handles in favour of one-touch or no-touch cabinets and drawers. "We have touch-free designs. We have electronic devices," says Blum. "You can touch a button, or you can touch the front of a refrigerator or dishwasher without hav- ing to use a handle, thanks to the Servo-Drive Flex, an electric opening support system." Pair this smart design with some of the season's most stylish finishes, and it's easy to imagine that 2018 might just be the year of the dream kitchen. A Ambia-Line insert dividing system from Blum. Blum's Servo-Drive Flex electric opening support system. Merit's LeMans corner system. Arricraft.indd 1 2017-05-15 11:09 AM

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