I often talk about Transitional styles in my blogs. Transitional styling has taken over the home scene for quite a few years now, especially in the kitchen. Transitional styling is a mix between traditional and modern styling. More often than not, though, farmhouse styling has been being mixed in to give the space a more clean-lined rustic feel. This new look reminds me a lot of the Tuscan Farmhouse style that has been popular for years, but it’s is a little more refined. The apron-front sink has been a favorite item to lend to this look for many years now, but in the last few years, the sliding barn door has been introduced to this space to give the space a more rustic and back-to-the-basics look and feel.

 

As part of the Baby Boomer generation, I have found that as we have aged, we want to simplify our lives more. Cleaner lines with less clutter becomes our new anthem in life. Being the generation of workaholics, simplifying our lives at home brings us to the Zen feeling that we long for. On the other hand, Generation X and the Millennials are already there in their lives. Both tend to want better things in their lives that make life simple and easy. Organization and everything in its place signifies their lifestyle. They don’t wait to have these pleasures in their lives; they get them when they want or feel they need them. Baby Boomers instead downsize their life first and then look at what is going to simplify it and go with what fits into their budget. This mindset comes from our parents, who were born during the Great Depression and never threw anything away or did anything over in their home unless it was falling apart. Even then, sometimes they band-aided it up to last a little longer. I think all of us Baby Boomers remember the tape that held on the laminate edge on our parents’ laminated counter tops!

 

With the mindset of having everything in its place, the separate pantry room has gained popularity with all three generations. The pantry room started as a room that had a sliding door. As consumers started to dress up those pantries with kitchen cabinets, the door was eliminated so that everyone could see their beautiful cabinets and open shelves, simulating the old Butler’s Pantry of long ago. As time progressed and transitional styles met farmhouse, the sliding barn door evolved. I think the older-looking things that our parents grew up with are coming back for the nostalgic craving we all seem to have. I have also witnessed crystal glass knobs coming back, not only on kitchen cabinets but with all of the doors in homes. Another great style that the sliding barn doors have shown up in is the classic Cottage/Beach style. They look great with the old barn board walls.

 

Materials for these barn doors are limitless. From very rustic style woods to beautifully sanded woods with glass are used in today’s decor. The favorite part for clients, though, on these doors are the multiple looks and materials of the sliding hardware to choose from. From beautiful black wrought iron to beautifully crafted and sleek satin nickel, the possibilities are abundant. We have actually installed some doors that were made from old barn wood from an older barn that our client grew up with that has a very rustic look and feel; we paired them with sleek-looking pewter hardware. They looked great together with old meeting new. Today’s styles are all about the blending of materials and the look, so dream big and enjoy.

 

No matter what style you are looking to do in your home, the key is to let your creative juices flow. That way when it’s done, it’s a direct reflection of who you are at this moment in your life so that you enjoy your space equally or more than the investment that you put into it. Function is always a must for your lifestyle today. What it looks like, though, with the materials you use will always be the main reason that brings those smiles to your face indefinitely. Just make sure you work with a professional who not only asks great questions but also listens to your answers. As I tell all my clients at the end of their project: “I didn’t design it. I only pulled your ideas out of your head and put it all together to reflect you!”

 

Dream First and everything else will fall right into place! Bon Appetit!

 

Tim Holick (Food A Holick)

 

This entry was posted in Kitchen Design on April 19, 2016 by wpalace.