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They are commercially responsible for the purchase and sale of slabs (large slabs) at Michel Oprey, supplier of - in their own words - the finest selections of natural stone, ceramic and composite that are increasingly finding their way into kitchens. We are in conversation with Bart Erren and Kim Wulms. With them, we look ahead. What will the kitchen in 2040 look like? Or, what can we expect on the way there?
“We think the willingness to invest more in real materials is going to increase,” says the pair. “How's that coming? Well... consumers know where to find their inspiration - think Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest, for example - and that's getting them ideas. They are also much more looking for places where they can feel and touch the material to make a better choice. That was different 10, maybe 15 years ago: back then, consumers going for a new kitchen were much more likely to follow the architect's advice. That was top-down. Now it has become more of a collaboration between end user and architect. That will become much more intense in the coming years as far as kitchen design is concerned.”
The two continued, “We continue to see a trend for the coming years toward more warm looks: ceramics and natural stone. This has to do with the fact that the kitchen is seen as a living space. And so you need a friendlier atmosphere. The world is spinning faster than ever but home should still remain your warm home.”
When Erren and Wulms are asked if the market is becoming more critical of the entire chain - and especially on issues of sustainability or the origin of materials - they nod in agreement. “Of course, twenty years ago consumers were also critical. But if you talk about child labor now, for example, we know that consumers no longer put up with it if things are not right somewhere along the chain. The spirit of the age is there: the end user wants to know where everything comes from and how it was produced. That will also start to apply to low budget kitchens. That mindset is no longer reversible.”
Of course, Erren and Wulms have some advice for Holland's architects. “Realize that a kitchen ‘should’ last much longer than it used to. Moreover, keep listening carefully to the consumer. Ask through. It's less top-down. Your contact with the consumer has become more of a collaboration.”
“To all showroom salespeople we would say that it is important to continually broaden your knowledge of the market. Consumers are by definition well informed but they want to be further inspired when talking in the showroom. Therefore ... make sure you know where your material comes from and feel free to direct your customer - if desired - to this wholesaler. Take advantage of their years of expertise. This facilitates the sheet selection since here the sheet is literally tangible and you can really experience it there in the best possible way.”
“Keep asking critical questions of your supplier. And ... know that much more is possible than you might think. The kitchen is your living space. You may simply continue to set high standards for that. Now and in the future.”
