Kitchen guru Jim Krengel to share trends and high-tech talk at upcoming home show
When he began his career in 1966, Jim Krengel might never have guessed how much he would eventually learn about kitchens, especially about those constantly changing trends that savvy consumers desire when building or remodeling.
The world-renowned kitchen and bath expert will share years of knowledge and helpful hints when he takes center stage during the Mid-Atlantic Home & Flower Show, presented by Presented by Certified Angus Beef, at the Virginia Beach Convention Center set for Feb. 15-17.
Krengel will present "What's Hot & What's Not in Kitchen Design," "Kitchen Creativity in Action" and "Appliances: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know" at the show at 11 a.m., 3 and 6:30 p.m., respectively, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 15 and 16; and again at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 and 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 17.
Krengel believes three things make an extraordinary kitchen: visual impact - something stunning that makes you taken by what you see; functionality - if it doesn't function well, it doesn't matter how good it looks, it's not a good kitchen; and natural pull - it must contain something or a certain element that continually draws people back into it.
According to Krengel, one of the hottest trends in American kitchen design is to open up the kitchen to other areas such as the family room and dining room. Popularity of open kitchens has skyrocketed because people are so busy and want to spend time with their families. Meaning, even if it is just seeing the family while preparing a meal, it's still interaction.
The growth of the kitchen space comes as no surprise for Krengel. With appliances continually increasing in size, plus the trend of multiple ovens, microwaves or dishwashers, it's only natural the square footage of the kitchen increases. During his appliances program, Krengel will share latest in refrigerators, refrigerator drawers, dishwashers and dishwasher drawers, a new "Cool" Oven, downdraft and updraft range tops, ovens, warming drawers and a host of other gadgets. This seminar is a must-see for anyone considering buying new appliances.
Krengel also notes how larger kitchens accommodate more people. With 40 percent of meals cooked by men, and children becoming more involved in meal preparations, the kitchen must be large enough for the entire family, yet remain functional - hence his presentation on kitchen creativity to help maximize the use of the kitchen's space while keeping the room inviting and eye-catching.
A leader in the industry, Krengel was one of the first 10 Certified Bathroom Designers and also earned a Certified Kitchen Designers accreditation. He has served as the National Kitchen and Bath Association president and has earned the NKBA Merit Award every year since its inception. In 2002 he was inducted into the Kitchen and Bathroom Industry Hall of Fame for his contributions to the industry.
Krengel has authored two design books, Kitchens: Lifestyle & Design and BATHrooms. He has also created two design CDs; Designer Bathrooms by Professional Designers and The Best of Kitchens by Professional Designers.