Attendees toured the building, saw product demos and learned about future kitchen trends at GE Appliances’ new CoCREATE space in Stamford, CT.
NKBA’s recent Kitchen Trends Summit at GE Appliances’ CoCREATE space in Stamford, CT focused on what consumers want in a kitchen now and in the future, with a mix of programming that featured a focus group, a one-on-one talk, and an expert panel discussion. Attendees of the event also received personalized tours of the new space that Michelle Donovan, Director, Marketing for GE Appliances, described as a “community creative playground”. The CoCREATE space, which officially opened last Friday, includes coworking spaces and a resource area for designers.
Those who attended the event, including a large group from NKBA’s Manhattan Chapter, received a pre-opening walk-through of CoCREATE’s different areas including The Experience Center, The Maker Space and The Factory. Afterwards, attendees gathered to hear “One on One with Sarah Robertson, AKBD, Studio Dearborn: What do Consumers Really Want from the Design of their Kitchen?”. In the conversation with NKBA’s Pamela McNally, Robertson discussed clients’ evolving needs, notably functionality and storage. “People are seeing beyond the aesthetics now,” said Robertson.
Next, attendees learned about “The Kitchen of the Future,” with panelists Marc Hottenroth, Executive Director, Industrial Design at GE Appliances; Kimberly Platt, CKBD, of JWH Design & Cabinetry LLC; and Julie Schuster, NKBA Manhattan Chapter President and member of NKBA’s Chapter Leadership Committee, of Julie Schuster Design Studio. Moderated by Tricia Zach, Head of Research at NKBA, the panel discussed topics ranging from influences driving future kitchen design to the customization of design. Noted Schuster: “I’m seeing many people interested in making the kitchen look like them.”
After giveaways from NBKA and GE Appliances, attendees enjoyed cocktails, appetizers and live music while networking with other Chapters and industry professionals. Many also took part in cooking and product demonstrations — and everyone went home with a complimentary GE Appliances branded cutting board.
Go here to download NKBA’s Kitchen Trends 2024 report, which is free to members.
