June 25, 2016

The Silestone Trendspotters – a group of influential designers picked by Cosentino to report on trends from their regional markets – embraced the challenge of designing kitchens that illustrate the important role color plays in creating a unique kitchen environment. 



View a gallery of the kitchen designs here.

KBB spoke with each designer to learn insights and design tips for creating a kitchen that uses color in a variety of ways and reflects the homeowner’s personality.

How can a designer incorporate more design and décor into a smaller space?
“It’s important to balance personal style and practicality. Adding in metallics – like brass – is a way to make a space feel vintage or modern. You can do this by including current lighting, hardware, plumbing and decorative touches. Your faucet and other appliances can really be a décor opportunity no matter what your style is. From the finish to the period style, I encourage people to take advantage of this.”
– New York, N.Y.-based Courtney Cachet


What would you recommend for designers trying to break out of the box?
“Know your clients – how do they live each day? What are their needs? Create an inviting hub for functionality and the flavor of their lives. The best advice I can give to designers is to start small and end up bold! I try not to follow any design ‘rules’ or settle for something expected. Homeowners should have fun with the design process.”
– Chicago-based Julia Buckingham


Explain why you focused on your particular color.
“We used navy blue as a primary color, anchoring the space and complementing the palette of the countertops. The hue perfectly balances the approachable functionality of Kohler faucets and the durable and glamorous backdrop of Benjamin Moore paints. It synchronizes the mixed metals and subtle design details of the kitchen to create a room that stands out in an unexpectedly composed way.”
– Sacramento, Calif.-based Kerrie Kelly


How can you create a more masculine tone for your client?
“The dark colors and wood grain give my kitchen design a masculine feel. The Nymbus countertop from Silestone is a very versatile color that can be utilized in contemporary, transitional and traditional designs. It’s a warm kind of taupe/gray color with subtle white veining, so I selected Benjamin Moore’s Weimaraner and Simply White for the walls and cabinets. To add a little contrast and color to the mix, I added a splash of Benjamin Moore’s Luxe, which is a really unexpected smoky blue color, behind a textile block screen.”
– Atlanta-based Mark Williams