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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | 35 Kitchens P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y C A E SA R S TO N E; FO R M I C A ; C AV U P RO "For those who want to step into a recent colour trend for kitchens, Caesarstone's pink-hued quartz will definitely be a head turner, from vintage to modern design choices," says Yael Goldschmid, director of marketing. "The romantic tone features a beige base with cream-coloured veining. Set against dark cabinets or flooring, or a blush-coloured wall, the scene can be set for a relaxing atmosphere." As with any quartz counter, this product is high quality, easy to clean, heat and stain resistant, and hygienic. Nearly unbreakable, it has a Mohs hard- ness rating of 7. Cosentino has unveiled Earthic by Silestone XM, fusing together unconventional and reclaimed materials to create a sustainable surface con- cept that sets a new benchmark for the industry. Developed in collaboration with the iconic Italian studio Formafantasma, Earthic reinforces Cosentino's long-term commitment in the effort to become a more sustainable company and continues to pave a path to tangibly minimize the impact of surfaces in the future. "Earthic aims to raise awareness about the importance of design beyond aesthetics and priori- tizes sustainable production processes," says Andrea Trimarchi of Formafantasma. "Our collaboration with Cosentino is an attempt to design from the inside out - where the aesthetic choices correspond directly to ethical and sustainable choices," adds Simone Farresin of Formafantasma. Earthic by Silestone XM was introduced in April 2024. Representing the next generation of mineral hybrid surfaces, Silestone XM distinguishes colours and collections brought to the market by having a maximum crystalline silica content of 10 percent. And, thanks to Cosentino's Hybriq+ technology, this collection is also produced with 100 percent renew- able electrical energy and 99 percent recycled water. Earthic is divided into two colour series: Earthic/ Ffrom X Formafantasma – three colour series that reflect the material's origin and sourcing as well as the process of transforming recycled materials into something new; and Earthic/Raw X Cosentino Studio – patterns and colours that capture the material essence in its most authentic state, com- bined with shapes that express a new aesthetic. To commemorate the brand's 10th anniversary, Fenix Innovative Materials is now available in six new colours inspired by natural and manmade sights from around the world. Designed in Italy and avail- able in North America exclusively through Formica, the extremely matte and soft-to-the-touch surface has fast become a staple material in design portfolios. "Designers value Fenix products for their unique ability to deliver both functionality and aesthetic appeal," says Christelle Locat-Rainville, market- ing manager at Formica Canada. "We're pleased to introduce these additions that give the range new depth while maintaining a timeless elegance. These new colours will allow designers to get even more creative with Fenix products." Colour options include: Giallo Evora – a del- icate yellow; Verde Kitami - a soft green with tones of grey; Blu Shaba – capturing the colours of Chrysocolla – a deep blue blend with nuanced shades of green; Viola Orissa – a nod to the deep pur- ple of eggplant; Grigio Aragona – a bridge between the collection's existing browns and greys; and Rosso Namib – a warm brick red evoking imagery of the red desert of Namibia. She adds Fenix is a designer favourite across both commercial and residential settings, includ- ing retail, education, office, kitchen and bath, and furniture design. The surface can be used for both vertical and horizontal applications, adding moments of sleek elegance to any space. Fenix also has anti-fingerprint properties and the ability to use thermal healing for superficial micro-scratches. SMART SPENDING Cavupro Ltd. bridges the gap between Italian crafts- manship and Canadian practicality, offering a distinct kitchen solution tailored for multi-family units. Their cabinet lines, meticulously crafted in Italy and Canada, introduce a blend of affordability and elegance to the local market. Utilizing ther- mal-fused laminate, these cabinets emulate the rich texture of wood, while delivering enhanced dura- bility at a competitive price point. Available in an array of solid colours and wood-grain finishes, they cater to diverse aesthetic preferences. Highlighting their innovation, Cavupro cham- pions handleless, finger-pull doors imported from Italy, which not only create a sleek, clutter-free appearance but also promote seamless room transitions. In urban settings where spaces often merge, these features foster a cohesive, fluid environment, making smaller condos feel more expansive and interconnected. With the rise of remote work in cities, Cavupro recognizes the need for kitchens to serve multiple functions – from hosting gatherings to doubling as workspaces. Their designs prioritize versatility without compromising on comfort or style, offering a range of solutions that blend modern aesthetics with practical living. CR AF TED CABINETRY George Pavlov, senior sales manager at Grass Canada, explains the current trend for cabinetry in the majority of projects seems to gravitate towards darker colours, particularly for drawers. "Even though the white kitchen is still popular, we are seeing a lot of darker, richer colours – muted earth tones. The designs are also moving away from gloss finishes to ultra satin, or super flat, as it is called," says Pavlov. Aterra Verity from the The One of a Kind Quartz Collection. Grigio Aragona from the FENIX Collection. Vetta cabinet line.

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