Myriad color options can be incorporated into home design, yet, in the kitchen, gray tops the list of the fastest growing color schemes in 2014. Influenced by nature, GE Appliances and Pfister, a manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom faucets, are offering Slate-hued products to complement today’s design trends. In 2014, both companies are expanding their Slate product offerings.
In the kitchen
GE’s take on Slate is a premium appliance finish with a deep, warm and inviting look that seamlessly blends with surroundings, making it ideal for today’s open-concept living. In 2014, GE will expand its Slate offering to include built-in products such as wall ovens, slide-in ranges and cooktops.
GE Appliances' Industrial Design Operation Director Lou Lenzi commented, "We found that consumers were feeling stainless fatigue and looking for something new for their homes. The result was Slate, which quickly caught the eye of discerning homeowners."
In 2013, after also seeing a growing interest in gray, Pfister saw an opportunity to collaborate with GE on Slate. Pfister's approach is a bold brushed metal finish with a rich hue that's available for its Pasadena kitchen faucet. According to Pfister Brand Manager Danyel Tiefenbacher, the faucet is a strong performer for the company. "The versatile Slate finish is a true alternative to stainless steel. While Slate is just as stylish, it also offers a more refined look and is resistant to fingerprints," he said.
Beyond the kitchen
Gray may have gotten its start in the kitchen, but it's stretching throughout the home as an accent to transitional design schemes, which are among the most popular bathroom styles in 2014. Aligned with 2014 trends, Pfister plans to expand its offerings of Pasadena kitchen faucets in Slate to also include a bath series.
"The kitchen is the starting point for many home remodels and those design choices are being carried through the home to establish a cohesive color palette," Tiefenbacher said. "Understanding that hues found in the kitchen influence the bathroom drove our upcoming expansion."
Pricing and availability
GE's Slate appliances are available at national and independent retailers where appliances are sold. The finish will expand into slide-in and built-in Profile Series appliances in August 2014.
Pfister's Pasadena faucet, model F-529-PDSL, is available exclusively at Home Depot stores and HomeDepot.com for $188.00. Pasadena bathroom sink faucets will be available in July 2014, and a tub and shower introduction with matching bath accessories is planned for September.