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Living Impressions Collection by Formica in Calacatta Marble. The new Porcelain range from Caesarstone in Smokestone. S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 3 | 41 Kitchens Exploring the hottest kitchen trends and products of 2023 by LAURIE JONES K itchen product manufactur- ers and suppliers are once again changing the way designers and consumers approach finishing what is arguably the centre of all homes. From imported stone to state-of-the-art technology, the options are boundless. COUNTERTOPS Caesarstone Canada unveiled its multi-material portfolio in 2023, with porcelain and stone being added to its current offerings of Quartz and Outdoor Quartz. The expanded portfolio of more than 100 colours tastefully combines the company's innova- tive technology with its powerful design passion, empowering consumers to design with freedom. "This is a pivotal moment for Caesarstone," says Ken Williams, president and CEO of Caesarstone The Americas. "We wanted to make it easy for people to design their dream spaces by offering our multi- material surface solutions all in one place. Across the world, people choose Caesarstone because we bring joy and freedom to the design process." For the new Porcelain range, Caesarstone utilizes its technological expertise and design leadership to capture the visual qualities of a wide range of material types: from natural marble to the indus- trial aspects of concrete and metal. "The heightened veining, palpable textures, and dynamic pat- terns of the Porcelain collections are available in a highly curated range of 22," Williams explains. A Slice Of Design Heaven "Caesarstone's Porcelain range is extremely hard material that will stay as strong as the day you have it installed." The Living Impressions Collection by Formica Canada offers designers a line-up of organic pat- terns, modern marbles, and a wide selection of 14 new sophisticated surfaces for elevated interiors. Following leading design trends, Formica's new Residential Collection includes Light and White, Rustic Luxury, and New Classic. "Our homes have become so much more than just living space," says Christelle Locat-Rainville, marketing director at Formica Canada. "Homeowners are craving simple, minimal spaces that bring them peace and calm, but they also don't want their homes to feel austere. We're seeing them seek out materials with natural textures like patina that feel clean while making a statement. And perhaps most importantly, these sur- faces need to be maintenance-free and stand up to the rigours of everyday life and multipurpose use." The new 180fx by Formica Canada is a revolu- tionary surface line that offers true-to-scale granite, stone, and woodgrain patterns with visual drama. Options include: White Alabaster, Manhattan Marble, Mediterranean Marble, Woodland Marble, and Marbled Gray. The Formica Laminate designs offer surfaces that reflect natural materials such as wood and metal, while being durable, cost effective, and easy to install. Selections include the Patine Series, Patine Concrete, Patine Bronze, Burnished Coin, and Burnished Iron. Laminam North America has launched its innova- tive Diamond Series that infuses light into the surface for a unique effect. The collection is comprised of two new colours, Calacatta Black and Cristallo Gold. Calacatta Black – available in Bocciardato and Polished Starlit surface finishes – captures the elegance of black marble, while incorporating a warm twist with subtle hints of beige. Cristallo Gold – also offered in Polished Starlit and Caress finishes – has a soft aesthetic and veins of beige, amber, and gold, emulating natural crystal patterns on a milky surface. "Like all Laminam porcelain surfaces, Calacatta Black and Cristallo Gold do not absorb liquids or odours and are stain resistant, making them a popular choice for high-traffic interior areas and outdoor spaces," says Philip Eeles, president of Laminam North America. "Additionally, the high- performing surfaces have antibacterial properties that prevent the growth of bacteria, making them a safe and hygienic choice for use in kitchens and bathrooms." Laminam slabs are the first in the world to have obtained the Solid Surfacing for Food Zone certification for contact with food from the American National Standard for Food Equipment. The Exotic Collection from Vicostone has intro- duced luxurious and regal surfaces that will make any kitchen come alive. The Tyrol design, inspired by natural Quartzite stone and sea cliffs, features mul- tiple shades of white and dark grey veins. "These jumbo slabs are 130-inch by 65-inch and are available in thicknesses of ³⁄4-inch or 1 ¹⁄4-inch with a polished finish," says Alicia Meeker, A&D account manager.