ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME recently reached out to several leading kitchen and design firms to discover their point of view on top trends and new developments in their industry. Their thoughtful responses delve into what motivates, inspires and excites these design pros, and how that passion ultimately breeds success.
From Eggersmann, we spoke with VP of Operations Evan Soltoff.
ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME: Where does your inspiration come from when creating stylish kitchens for your clients?
Evan Soltoff: My inspiration is derived by the imagination and creativity of our clients and their vision. Through this unique process we have been able to create and develop new innovative products and concepts by listening.
ADH: What is the best or most enjoyable part of your position as a kitchen designer?
ES: Through the process of designing a space with one of my clients I really get to know them and many times we become friends. Having a glass of wine or a cup of coffee with them naturally in their new space is the most rewarding feeling because together we have made it home.
ADH: If you were designing a kitchen for your own home, what would you include?
ES: Lighting would be top of mind when I design a kitchen for a client or myself. There should be no area of your workspace that is shadowed or dark as it will prevent you from working there or using the space properly. High quality LED flush mount lighting that can adapt to temperature control is paramount.
ADH: Is there anything you wouldn’t include in your own dream kitchen? (and why not?)
ES: I would not include upper cabinets in my dream kitchen. Many kitchens we are designing for customers today focus on the ergonomics and convenience of accessing items at an appropriate height. As we age its critical to think about reaching for things at the optimal distance and height. Instead use that space for a beautiful stone backsplash or feature wall with some low open shelving.
ADH: What are some of the most exciting innovations you’ve seen in today’s kitchen industry?
ES: One of the greatest innovations I see today is the Motion system by Eggersmann. Motion is a fully customizable moving worktop solution that allows flexibility to create additional seating without compromising on space or function.
ADH: What technology features are your clients are including in their kitchen designs?
ES: Technology added to space must operate intuitively for it to be helpful. With so many gadgets available in all aspects of our lives we are very selective to ensure a practical purpose for each electronic component. We find that motorized lift up cabinets and sliding cabinets are the most effective technology added to a kitchen space. This feature provides access into a cabinet door or drawer with the slightest push and makes it easier for people of all ages to use the kitchen safely.
ADH: How do some of these technological advances help kitchens to be more efficient or organized?
ES: Connectivity is critical in our daily lives today and for the future. Including power and charging systems in convenient and discreet spaces allows the homeowner to calm and focus on the art of cooking while keeping up to date on the latest notifications. Eggersmann Interior accessories offer device charging and docking conveniently in any drawer of the home.
ADH: Which manufacturers are on the cutting-edge of the kitchen industry?
ES: Eggersmann offers one of the widest selections of environmentally friendly eco wood finishes and material in the entire kitchen industry. We are always focusing our efforts for the future on sustainability by recycling material at the factory and reducing our carbon footprint yearly. Many of the luxury German appliance brands have also increased their technological offering in everything from your dishwasher to your oven can be remotely connected and controlled over Wi-Fi. This feature makes using the kitchen convenient and generally will cut down on prep and cleanup time.
ADH: What are some popular design trends your clients are requesting for their kitchens?
ES: As people are spending a tremendous amount of time in their house, the kitchen has become even more centric as the heart of any home. A very popular idea now is to create flex spaces that function not only as a kitchen but continue to the living space offering entertainment, seating areas, working and play spaces for the whole family.
ADH: What 2020 kitchen design trends do you think will be long-lasting?
ES: We clearly see a movement back to the natural material core belief. Eggersmann has always held true to this value however more and more customers are now appreciating and requesting natural materials. Light color woods and deep matt finishes and textures will be popular for many years to come.
ADH: What is your favorite meal to prepare for a crowd?
ES: When we are entertaining in our showroom spaces, we love to cook with our steam combi oven. We can quickly turn around a full meal of vegetables, roasted chicken, and potatoes while at the same time including a tray of chocolate souffles. We can do this because there is zero flavor transfer when using steam cooking which really streamlines the cooking and serving process.
ADH: What is your favorite meal to prepare if it’s just for you?
ES: I’m a comfort food fanatic so a good shepherd’s pie is near and dear to my heart.
ADH: Which past or present interior designer has most inspired you?
ES: Its very difficult to distinguish a specific person that has inspired me more than another. I would tend to focus more on the Bauhaus concept as my main inspiration that I draw from when working with a customer. The focus is on functionality of our products with a harmonious esthetic through the home.
ADH: How would you describe your work style?
ES: I will have a lightning bolt idea at any time of the day or night. I’m certainly more of a night person so I keep a notepad by my bed in case I wake up remembering a concept, or a new solution for a project. Every day is a different design experience and that keeps my creative juices flowing.
ADH: Describe your personal design style (rustic, modern, traditional, etc.)
ES: I begin my vision with the minimal modern approach but just like so many others I end up with a eclectic mix which is derived from so many wonderful memories and experiences that I want to surround myself with.
ADH: What was your first design job?
ES: As I was in school for drafting and design, I was working for an industrial alarm company that produced control and suppression systems for businesses. Although there were many rules about where equipment had to be placed, I still found a way to bring some design aspects into my work and layouts.
ADH: What is your favorite kitchen color scheme right now?
ES: I’m partial to light natural oak with a straight rift cut grain pattern mixed with dark charcoal tones and materials. That color pallet makes me feel calm and relaxed.
ADH: Complete this sentence: The one thing I can’t live without in my kitchen is:
ES: Coffee. I’m going all day long and I’m a coffee connoisseur who must always have a mug close by. In any personal kitchen space, I’ll always be designing a convenient coffee station to fuel my love for the bean.
ADH: What is the best piece of design advice you ever received?
ES: The best design advise I’ve ever heard was to remember that the process of designing a space cannot be rushed and sometimes the finishing touches should be selected once the bones of the space are together. This means that putting the finishing touches and order that area rug or chandelier or bar stool that you are unsure of can wait till your certain of the choices when you see the space complete.
ADH: If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
ES: I originally started off my education going down the path of becoming an engineer. My creative side won the battle and left that path to travel and experience the world. When I came back, I realized that my passion was in design. The greatest part about working with Eggersmann and the German products is that I still get to feed my technical engineering brain while being creative and artistic at the same time.
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