How colours are selected for the kitchens
Exclusive insights into the next125 colour development process
A design element rarely manages to individually shape the kitchen as a living space in such a playful way: colours give an impression of lightness and vibrancy, and highlight the occupants’ personality. Today, we want to give you a brief glance behind the scenes – an exclusive look over our design team’s shoulders and into our production department awaits you.
It all begins with ideas
Before a new collection is developed, it is important to obtain an initial overview of trends, take a look at the market as a whole and determine any pre-existing requirements. To this end, intensive trend research is performed and various trade fairs are visited. We also identify our customers’ needs and observe general social trends and developments. This quickly shows us which shades are sought-after and not yet included in our collection. We also use direct feedback from the market as our specialist retailers inform us which colours are frequently requested. Once a year, at the start of the collection development process, we also meet with our suppliers to obtain a clear overview of what the market currently needs. All of these factors are incorporated into the colour-finding process.
Designing and selecting colours
There are millions of different colour shades. And that means it is not always easy to find the perfect gradations. The next125 design team is helped here by a mixture of intuition and a feel for colour, as well as a standardised colour system that has been used for many years. This enables an objective, theoretical approach. Our designers can then proceed very systematically and make well-founded statements about why certain colours go together and which shade is best suited for the new collection.
Eventually, we end up with lots of different colour samples that need to be assessed. In addition to the existing colours from the previous collection, material samples, such as different wood and stone decors, are also used to demonstrate what the new colours have to blend with. The team discusses and tries everything: a shade might look beautifully elegant on its own but cannot be mixed and matched and simply does not go with any of the types of wood that we use. Another shade may not seem very exciting at first but really brings out the marble decors and fits perfectly into the system. And so, the colour samples are whittled down until the end result is achieved: the perfect shade.
From theory to reality
But whether the theory can actually be implemented in reality is only decided in the next step – this is where production comes into play. The proposed colours are discussed with the lacquer manufacturer to determine if their use is feasible. If this is possible in principle, the test phase begins. This assesses if the colours can be processed as desired or if potential difficulties – such as too low an opacity – arise. Precise checks at this early stage are imperative as the various high-end, water-based lacquer systems in high gloss and matt velvet are used throughout the broad next125 colour spectrum and the lacquer has to boast several properties, such as guaranteeing high quality that lasts for years. To ensure such quality, the lacquered front undergoes multiple steps during the production process and is lacquered both automatically and manually. Durable, brilliant colours and a rich, soft feel – these are what characterise the next125 lacquered fronts.
The result: the new Colour Concept – mix and match
The 20 matt velvet lacquer shades of next125’s colour concept celebrate the art of mixing and matching. Whether within a particular colour category – essential, elegant, exceptional – or between categories: the colourful design and combination options are as individual as people themselves and make kitchens the favourite place to be. Since the 2022 collection, the Colour Concept can no longer just be used for lacquered fronts but also for further materials. The idea of consistency has really come to the fore, especially with regard to the essential colours. As well as for the lacquered fronts, these are also available for SensiQ, glass fronts and other planning details. Same-coloured grip ledge profiles, shell handles and Systemo worktops therefore inspire contemporary, homogeneous designs that create a calm ambiance in the room.
Everything from one cast – Same color recessed handles, shelves, side panels and countertop create a harmonious overall look in the room. If you like it a little more colorful, you can of course combine different colors with each other.
The next125 Colour Concept
The next125 Colour Concept is the result of a lengthy development process that took place within the scope of developing the 2021/2022 collection. The focus lay on creating a sustainable colour collection that is both timeless and contemporary. The objective also included other aspects, such as fulfilling various requirements that differ depending on geographical location and authentically representing the next125 brand. Our aim when determining the colours was to find the optimum balance between uniqueness and conformity and to design the colours to be unusual yet also easy to mix and match and suitable for everyday use.
Want some colour?
In our handy guide, next125 designer Thomas Pfister offers five tips on colourful kitchens – be inspired!
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