When Bob Bakes and Paul Kropp joined forces to create their eponymous cabinetry company, Bakes & Kropp, they quickly perfected the semi-traditional kitchen design with transitional elements. But, when the demand skewed toward the contemporary end of the design spectrum, the duo wanted to find a look that could cater to the modern times yet uphold their aesthetic. The solution? Soft Modern, a style that’s become one of Bake & Kropp’s most in-demand offerings.
“Our approach layers warm elements to temper the cold feeling often associated with modern designs,” Bakes explains. “We have taken a modern twist to our transitional products, incorporating elements that may be found in this European style but tempering them with softer materiality and textures. This signature blend continues to grow in popularity among our clients.”
For the duo, the key to Soft Modern is contrast. “We might choose to use a very high-gloss finish for the cabinetry and offset it with a matte wood finish for open shelving or accent panels,” Kropp adds. But, while Soft Modern has a distinct contemporary-yet-classic appeal doesn’t mean the look is cookie-cutter. Instead, Bakes & Kropp works directly with their clients to ensure their cabinetry can cater to a home’s unique personality.
In a recent project, Bakes & Kropp incorporated cabinetry that had a linear finish on the doors with invisible hardware, and a soft curve along the top. “This project encapsulates the balance of Soft Modern style, with stark white high-gloss Italian polyurethane finishes that contrast with hand-finished matte walnut on the island and accents,” Bakes says. “The result is a timeless design that will still be relevant twenty years down the road.”
Meanwhile, Bakes & Kropp infused the Soft Modern spirit in another kitchen with a clever use of matte and high-gloss surfaces. “Our designers took a deeper color and made it light and airy through softwood framing and white contrasts.”
Regardless of the size and scope of your project, there’s bound to be a Soft Modern idea that suits your needs. But, while trends do come and go, both Bakes and Kropp agree that the style isn’t going anywhere. Instead, Soft Modern will continue to evolve as their customers’ needs do.
“We recognize the importance of bringing greater diversity into our offerings, and we see Soft Modern as a developing dialogue,” the pair shared. “This has evolved directly from client needs, and an important perspective to provide as certain homeowners look for sharper designs. As we move forward, we will see that the styles of kitchens are as diverse in the next twenty years as they have been in the past twenty.”
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