One of the most exciting parts about our recent move to the A&D building (150 E 58th Street, 4th Floor) has been the opportunity to meet new people and collaborate with like minded designers, architects, industry insiders, and more. The prestigious A&D building is known to be an exciting kitchen hub, so we were thrilled to participate in this year’s market days to showcase our expertise, share our new offerings, and serve as an inspiring space for the community of architects, designers, and more.

Our team has been welcoming guests into our new NYC showroom for a few months now, so we were excited to show off what we’ve been working on and open our doors to the A&D community last week. To celebrate, we first hosted a workshop with our co-founders, Bob Bakes, Head of Design & Paul Kropp, COO, on creating a timeless and elegant Hamptons-style kitchen just in time for summer. The dynamic duo discussed our Bakes & Kropp signature Hamptons look, honing in on key materials, basic color and cabinet schemes, and fabrication, ultimately showcasing its staying power and versatility. The panel also covered the ways in which this formula can be tweaked and personalized through our Soft Modern signature style by balancing modern-leaning aesthetics with more classic elements.

At the end of our session, Bob & Paul unveiled our new ‘collective’ creative series, the Elements collection. Inspired by the serene nature of life on the water (Bob is a divemaster and Paul is an avid boater in Michigan), the Elements finishes – Drift, Smoke, Mist, Steam, and Fog – enhance our offerings with richly nuanced hues designed to add a touch of livable contrast to any space. Learn more about our shades below:

Drift, a flat finish on white oak, features a weathered look with intricate grain patterns that evoke the movement of wind and water. Its muted, cerused finish seamlessly blends with various materials and color, offering a versatile and calming backdrop that enhances the natural beauty of any space. The modest variations in the finish mimic the unique, uneven patterns found in nature, creating a rich, sophisticated texture that introduces depth and character.

Smoke, a flat finish on walnut, offers a slightly cooler, and deeper light wash compared to its warmer counterpart Drift. The soft shadow tones accentuate shifts and varied hues within its intricate grain patterns, creating a serene and polished look that can complement modern and classic interiors alike. The delicate variations in the finish mimic the natural aging process, adding a layer of approachable charm and patina.
Mist, exists as the deepest finish in the Elements series, bringing a striking contrast to lighter elements that makes it an adaptable choice to meet the needs of homeowners who aren’t afraid to lean into moodier designs. Inspired by the gentle mist rising from the ocean on a cool morning, Mist is designed to evoke the tranquil and mysterious ambiance of hazy seascapes, bringing a sense of drama to any space. Its natural walnut grain texture is subtly enhanced with a refined wash of color, honoring the organic beauty of nature in a finish that is both expressive and soothing.
Steam represents the lighter end of the cool tone spectrum within the series with a soft, light gray stain that exudes delicate freshness. The finish highlights the variation of tones within natural walnut, creating a striking visual interplay of pattern and color. Steam is designed to bring a light and airy feel to any space, making it an ideal choice for creating a subdued and open atmosphere. Its cool, pale gray hue pairs well with a variety of colors and materials, providing versatility for those seeking a refined yet comforting aesthetic in their cabinetry.
Fog, a rich, true flat finish on walnut, strikes a perfect balance within the "Elements" series. Positioned as a harmonious medium between the darker Mist and the lighter Steam, Fog showcases a gentle, mid-tone gray that embodies the serene and calming essence of a light fog hovering over coastal waters. The finish reveals delicate wood grain patterns, adding a layer of natural elegance and subtle complexity.

Each shade, unique in its own right, exudes varying depth and warmth. The diverse range exemplifies our dedication to honoring home owners’ dynamic tastes and sensibilities while blending contemporary style with timeless elevated design.

The event served as a celebration of our custom design processes and commitment to meeting our clients’ ever changing needs. Through this new collection, we hope to highlight our promise to deliver dream kitchen spaces for those who entrust us with their homes. The new signature finishes are immediately available for all custom kitchen projects with samples at any of our six showrooms.

Our First-Ever A&D Market - A Two-Day Celebration of Craftsmanship and Community