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F From the studios of sought-after designers to the wish list of a first-time homeowner, everyone knows that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Today options are endless for getting that perfect look for entertaining, creating a culinary masterpiece or just relaxing with the morning coffee. Open concept is a common phrase often heard on home buying or renovation television shows. Aaron Woods, marketing manager for FloForm Industries Ltd. says this style is popular because people are trying to set up a home for entertainment or a family gather- ing. "We are doing a lot of single-level islands so many people are able to sit at the location and do multiple things in one space," says Woods. He adds that when creating kitchen designs, FloForm works with clients to determine how they use their space so they can enjoy their kitchens right away, without acclamation. As far as countertop selections go, Woods says even though a lot of people still ask for granite, they have more people asking for quartz every day. "Quartz is maintenance-free and user-friendly, and while granite is a great product for durability, there are some hid- den issues that cause extra work," he notes. "Warran- ties are available for quartz products, while there is no warranty on granite. If homeowners are getting a warranty for granite it is typically from the company that applies the sealer." The quartz supplier FloForm deals with provides flair and drama to the countertops. "We see a lot more veining or exotic movement in the stone material that makes it look like a designer or artistic type of mate- rial," says Woods. "People are looking for subtle or sub- dued veining such as [the veining] you would get in a Carrara marble. As far as colour choices go, white or beige is a safe decision in most people's houses." Kitchen Craft Cabinetry, a subsidiary of Master- Brand Cabinets, Inc., agrees that the trend for open con- cept and the awareness created by home renovation TV shows is influencing the current demand. "Open concept is still very popular along with an island," says Rosie Lyons, in-house designer at Kitchen Craft. "There seems to be a trend of homes with higher ceilings so clients want them to reach right to the top and for all cabinetry to be at the same height. Crown moldings are something clients are asking for more of as well as stacked cabinets with glass doors on top." When it comes to colour and finish, Kitchen Craft is seeing more demand for a cleaner, more sophisticated look. "Our clients are requesting white on white cabi- nets and counter tops and natural colour stains with white counter tops." From contemporary to traditional or transitional, CAC Cabinetry & Millwork helps its clients create the perfect custom kitchen. "All of our work is 100 per cent locally manufactured without imported pieces," says Mary Zhang, office manager. "Our carpenters have over 40 years of combined experience doing custom crafted panels for cabinets. The design range includes specialty work such as Covington, European style or temple. For every job, we encourage local product sourcing." Zhang says CAC has its own cabinetry and millwork factory to have better control over quality, time and cost, and to provide the best service. "With the support of our own factory, we have an advantage in competing in the contracting markets." The talented woodworkers on the CAC team cre- ate carvings to embrace all styles of cabinetry. "We work with interior designers and architects to create tailor-made woodwork from original designs. While the finished product is esthetically pleasing, we also keep the end-user in mind and build products that are convenient to use." The main focus for Downsview Kitchens provides design expertise to high-end clients, but with a variety of selections, even a kitchen with a moderate budget can look classy. "Right now, the number one product in the high-end market is transitional towards modern," says Russell Dearsley, VP, sales. "This look has some Cooking Up A Storm The laTesT design Trends in cusTom kiTchens by Laurie Jones Above, from Downsview Kitchens: the door style is ERA-LQ and cooktop area is custom ERA-SS. The island features a custom grey high-gloss polyurethane and the cooktop is a brushed and mirror stainless steel. Tall cabinets are Rovere Tasso textured-melamine and the hood is a custom grey polyurethane and mirror stainless steel. The glass cabinets have a mirror finish stainless steel. The island countertops are recycled glass. Floors are a Chenille natural stone. Right, from Coit: Caesarstone Classico Collection kitchen countertops and backsplashes, shown in Bianco Drift. october 2014 /35 Kitchens

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