 |
Kronospan melamine-faced kitchen products
Melamine-faced products are steadily growing in popularity within the domestic furniture market due to a number of factors, including a wide range of decor options and a flexibility of design. This means that the surfaces can be created to complement most rooms in the house, including the kitchen.
A step into the unknown The wide choice of decors and species has contributed to the market growth, with two in particular proving to be popular: Oak and Walnut. Oak is a traditional favourite, and with a new portfolio of shades being added to the collection, its popularity is expected to continue strongly, well into the new year.
The warm, golden Oak shades fit well into any room, and have been welcomed into kitchen areas particularly, due to their flexibility of shade and texture, which can complement any room style whether classic or contemporary.
Increasing the number of shades of the darker Walnut was seen by furniture manufacturers as a bold move, despite their relatively conservative design, but the positive take-up by consumers has resulted in many door producers, and in turn end users, being much more receptive to designs which would have previously been considered too adventurous.
Evolution of design One of the reasons behind the explosion of interest in decor has been the dramatic improvements in printing technology over the last few years, which has resulted in many of the established decors receiving a facelift, this is particularly true, not only of Oak and Walnut, but also of Maple. Now that the traditional favourites have been updated, efforts have turned to more elaborate choices such as those featuring sapwood elements and more exotic species. These are predicted to make an impact over the coming year.
Smooth, clean lines There is a also definite move towards very plain shapes within the kitchen.
Throughout 2007 the trend has been for simple furniture, with straight lines and simple handles – a definite move away from ornate, routed styles with detailing.
This incorporation of plain, flat fronted cupboards works well with bolder, linear decors that have recently been introduced. The simplicity of the cut of this style of kitchen furniture provides a ‘blank canvas’ to host these decors without the finished effect looking too busy or creating a clash of shape and decor. The most popular decors used in this way have incorporated horizontal linear designs, creating an overall contemporary style. This favouring of the simple base with more adventurous decors has come from influences in mainland Europe where this style of kitchen is popular.
These linear decors can be mixed and matched with various shades, glosses and textures to maintain a wide selection of choice and it is predicted this fusion of decor boldness with simple, clean lines will continue well into the year ahead.
The move towards a more contemporary style can also be attributed to the changing housing market. Recent figures have estimated that apartment buildings now account for just over 40% of housing completions in the UK and Ireland. Prohibitive costs for first time buyers, combined with a housing shortage, mean that these apartments will cater largely for the younger market, whose tastes tend to be more contemporary and so favour the cleaner, simpler lines with the bolder decors.
Modern, flexible The popularity of melamine-faced panels continues to grow within the residential sector, with kitchens specific growth areas, and this is predicted to continue as the finishes more closely replicate a real wood finish.
The flexibility of build makes it a popular choice for designers and builders alike, allowing them to be creative within the confines of space and style. This, combined with an increased awareness of design with UK consumers and increased imports from the continent is not only increasing the popularity of melamine, but is also drawing the UK market into line with centralised European design. These influences ensure that furniture producers will continue to push the boundaries of design and decor.
