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Unique Series Natural Black Walnut from Cabico&co. S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | 33 Kitchens Natural inspiration meets high-tech construction in today's trendiest kitchen designs by STACEY MCLACHLAN D espite pandemics and supply chain issues, construction and renovation continues to move forward. And in the kitchens, where we've spent so much time this past year and a half during on-again-off-again lockdown orders, the most excit- ing changes are afoot. As advances in manufacturing and engineering technology create stunning new materials and hardware for consideration, many designers and owners are looking to nature for esthetic inspiration, creating a beautiful nature-meets- tech dichotomy in our favourite room in the house. Here's what to look forward to in the next generation of kitchen designs. NATUR AL INSPIR ATION Quinn Prince, COO of SSC Countertops, has noted that clients are spec'ing products with warmer tones and more colour across the board… and that stone is trending upwards. "We've noticed that most of the designers and architects are using more natural stone than they have in the past," says Prince. He thinks that's a good thing. "Natural stone is in many cases a very sustainable product. Clients now have a good understanding of how natural stone performs and in most cases they are okay with the fact that marble and other natural stones will build patina and character with use and time." "Organic warm taupe, earthy tones, anything that resembles a return to nature is also popular," adds Heather Raininger-Sinclair, senior designer, AyA Kitchens. Silestone by Cosentino recently launched Sunlit Days, the first carbon- neutral collection in the quartz surfaces and engineered stone industry. A collection of five colours inspired by the shades and nature found throughout the Mediterranean, the series offers a journey through light and colour. "Sustainability is becoming a priority for Canadian homeowners, whether choosing materials for a new build or a complete kitchen renovation," says Philip Eeles, regional director of Cosentino Canada. Vicostone's large scale patterns and subtly veined patterns are new this year, but marble-like quartz, concrete-style, and nature-inspired finishes remain popular. For instance, Vicostone's Bahia takes cues from geological layers formed over millennia, and the Madreperola, which uses the Taj Mahal's stone as an inspiration. Formica's Living Impressions Collection, meanwhile, draws inspiration from nature and art to create a unique surfacing experience – artist- created patterns have been reproduced as laminate surface designs. This trend isn't just for countertops, says David Nguyen, branch manager for Vicostone. "We are also seeing the use of quartz on backsplashes even more, as people try to simplify their esthetic and avoid grout lines from traditional tile backsplashes." Even finishes get a natural twist in 2021. While "polish always has a place," says Elizabeth Margles, VP of marketing for Caesarstone, the finishes this year tended to lean towards the matte side. "From a tactile point of view, they feel warmer to the touch," she explains. "A little more texture makes it feel more organic … almost this retreat back into more of an authentic, nature-inspired look." For cabinetry, earth tones, natural wood, and pops of colour are piquing curi- osity. "Homeowners are craving warmth and comfort, and this is being reflected in cabinetry trends with the desire to warm up spaces and bring the outdoors in," says Jennifer Paul, product development manager for Cabico&co. CUSTOM CONFIGUR ATIONS Homeowners are incorporating extra cabinetry with storage solutions to trans- form kitchens into spaces with multiple workspaces, guest rooms into home offices, and adding functionality to mudrooms and entryways. "While more living area is still a common request from homeowners, they increasingly want space that works better and are willing to invest in customized or higher-end elements to achieve it," says Paul. "The same goes for designers and architects – customization and quality are always top-of-mind when designing spaces that are unique and built to last." Paul also points to an increased appetite for touch- latch cabinets, power sources, docking stations, and voice-activated features. MATERIAL WORLD It's not just the hardwood lumber shortage and supply chain issues that are making thermal fused melamine and laminate the material of choice in so many kitchens today; these pre-finished panel products look almost indis- tinguishable from the real thing. Cost-effective and durable, the improved technology makes TFM/TFL a much more stable product than ever before, with fewer finish or expansion issues. "You really can't tell the difference, in fact, many of the products no longer exist in real wood," says Jason Coroy, president of Cavupro Ltd., who credits European and Canadian manufacturers with pioneering and popularizing this incredible material. With the advancement of photo technology, the prints that are happening on the veneers are virtually identical to true wood grain. Made out of 40 to 50 percent recycled product, it's also far more sustainable than hardwood cabinetry. Kitchen COOL