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Is Stainless Steel a Fad?
March 10, 2008
In what we hope is the first of many Designer Roundtables, we asked several CKD’s and CBD’s this question: Though stainless steel is more popular than ever, today's trend is often tomorrow's passing fad. If stainless steel becomes unfashionable, what finish would replace it? Here are their answers:
“Ah, a trick question! A good one, too! I think, to follow trends, is merely a curiosity, at least for me, and something that should go entirely against a pro-sustainable materials point of view. While I am not a 'treehugger' in the extreme sense, at this moment in time, designers may want to rethink, as well as to recognize, the power of suggestion to our clients on the virtues of following trends. That said, I happen to see stainless steel as classic, as it has had its place in so many familiar products and surfaces over decades. Rather than a particular finish replacing another, I prefer the idea that Blue Star, Viking and some other manufacturers take, to offer many colors (how difficult could that be?) so that any one color/shade/finish becomes diluted in the ocean of trends, rather than standing tall, attracting attention. Trends are tricky. Choices are cool.”
Susan Serra
“I think it is going to be black. For the main reason that it is and always will be 'the neutral' color coordinating with everything. I see trends going more to the uncomplicated in the future. People are starting to be tired of the overload of olfactory influences seen for the last ten years but still want to keep a rich look.”
Barb B.
“If history repeats itself, Coppertone and Avocado. Advancing quickly to Harvest Gold. Seriously, maybe a darker color that would blend with our wood tones. Wood tones are getting darker.
Bill Bartlett
“There is nothing new under the sun. Everything 'new' is just an old idea in a new form. Jenn Air has come out with a new bronze finish on appliances. (Updated version of the 60's copper?) It goes well with the oil-rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures. I could see it becoming popular, but it could quickly become a dated look. I think black in some form can be popular with the darker cabinet stains that are popular.”
Jim McDonaugh
“I think we are a couple of years from the stainless nosing down. I envision its replacement as an electronic face, changeable, almost like a mood ring, except bigger and cooler. Perhaps a memory polymer skin: self-healing,self-repairing of dents and scratches available in a myriad of finishes—much like our cars.”
David Summer
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Drawn from independent research, The Market Forecaster Report identifies the industry's most important trends.
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