Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/734400
46 | OCTOBER 2016 Kitchens "Wood especially resonates with young home- owners, who respond to textured materials and reclaimed wood surfaces that provide a connection to nature," says Chmiel. "With white and grey cabinets as popular selections, homeowners and designers alike are free to use wood on the countertop." As a response to the demand, the 201 Formica Laminate Residential Collection includes Oxidized Maple and Timberworks. "Homeowners are looking for new alternatives to typical granite and stone countertops to express themselves in a unique way," says Chmiel. "Woods, concrete and quartz patterns are all stone alternatives that are a desirable look for young and urban homeowners, and are a great fit with the eclectic styles today." Floform's main manufacturer, Cambria, has put over 130 designs new designs into their collections, includ- ing many that replicate the look of other materials. One mimics the look of marble; another puts a modern spin on smooth concrete. But one overarching theme is a slew of richer colours and darker hues – a big change from the white and grey marble looks of years past. "The Princetown stone incorporates some purple as an homage to Prince," says MacDonald. "Hadley, from Cambria's Desert collection, features solid colours, like navy blue, which is beautiful in its simplicity." That's not to say the white-on-white classic kitchen is dead just yet – rather that variations on the theme are starting to appear. Both contemporary and transitional kitchens showcasing a wide range of white and pale grey paints, often being accented by natural wood- or grey-stained elements, part of a trend Johnstone calls "comfortable modern;" still using whites and greys, but favouring warmer tones. "They want a look that's clean but cozy, not cold and edgy," says Johnstone. Soft, muted colours are still very popular, but the charcoal, greys and off-whites are rising in promi- nence. And others are opting to combine light and dark, pairing white cabinetry with a dark island. "It's an industrial-meets-neutral look that allows home- owners to express their individuality in a modern way," says Chmiel. Formica's Weathered Cement lami- nate is a popular choice for that style, with the look of concrete, without the weight of real cement. Merit is also embracing a trend toward natural wood colours. Merit's eco-veneer line has been increasing in consumer popularity over the years, and this summer they introduced two new species of wood, including fir and a blonde-wood option. "The dark orange-brown and red-brown stains are not being seen as much," says Johnstone. "They are being replaced by natural browns, clear top-coats and greys." Ultimately, the most popular trend is to buck the trends. "There is no one answer for the best kitchen for all homeowners on the search to update that space," says Pierce. "Homeowners are just looking for their own tastes and lifestyle brought to life in a functional way." A Timberworks from the 201 Formica Laminate Residential Collection. Cartier.indd 1 16-09-14 4:49 PM Robert Stefanowicz.indd 1 16-03-18 9:16