Eco-Friendly, Durable Countertop Materials Remain Hot
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When it comes to countertop materials, the hottest trends are all about green – going green and saving green. Products that are eco-friendly, or that boast recycled content, continue to gain popularity, while durable, sanitary and budget-conscious choices are also hot with consumers right now. Perhaps reflecting current sensibilities, color choices are warm and soothing, with consumers gravitating to colors that offer depth and dimension. Mixing and matching materials is also increasingly common, since this not only provides a personalized look, but also allows homeowners to keep on budget without sacrificing their favorite material choices.
Below are some of the hottest trends in countertops right now:
- Designers are increasingly using several different countertop materials in the kitchen, often mixing such options as laminate, natural stone, butcher block, glass and quartz to create an eclectic – and budget-friendly – design.
- In the wake of the granite media scare, quartz is gaining in popularity, both for its ease of maintenance and design flexibility, as well as its growing number of patterns and colors.
- The greening of the industry is clearly reflected in countertop choices, as materials with recycled content and locally sourced stones continue to gain ground.
- The flat look is out, with the most popular surfaces showing texture, depth and dimension.
- Color choices are warm and neutral, in soothing tones that reflect the palette of nature.
- Upscale countertop choices are turning up all over the home, from wet bars to morning suites to outdoor kitchens.
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CaesarStone Quartz Surfaces
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Stainless Steel Countertops from
Advance Tabco |
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With over 40 colors and textures available, CaesarStone provides natural quartz surfaces that are nonporous, and stain-, scratch- and heat-resistant. Shown is the company’s Lagos Blue.
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A-Line by Advance Tabco offers a complete line of stainless steel countertops with a variety of edge styles. Constructed of 16 gauge 304 stainless steel, the countertops can be manufactured with back and side splashes, with welded and finished sink bowls.
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LG Eden Acrylic Countertops
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Concrete Countertops from J. Aaron
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LG Solid Source’s LG HI-MACS EDEN earth-friendly acrylic sustainable countertops are Greenguard certified, and utilize between 12 and 19 percent recycled content. The collection is comprised of eight colors, including Cocoa (shown).
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This stainless concrete countertop from J. Aaron is comprised of natural components, including portland, sand, gravel and water. In keeping with its eco-friendly processing, a water-based, hand-applied stone sealer that releases zero VOCs into the air is used to finish the countertop.
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Tempest Series from Staron Surfaces
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Wenge Wood Counters from
Grothouse Lumber |
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Staron Surfaces has expanded its Tempest line of countertop products by adding 10 colors, bringing the total offering to 20 shades. The new color series, Tempest Stylist, reflects rich, natural color tones with larger, translucent particulates. The new colors are Greenguard certified.
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In keeping with the demand for dark woods in the kitchen, Grothouse Lumber Co. offers wenge, a dark, dense wood from Africa. The countertop is available in custom shapes, sizes and patterns.
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Call Inspired Interiors today for assistance with your new countertops. We will help you navigate through all of the countertop choices available to you. 773-728-0419 or www.inspiredinterior.com
arcticle from: © 2006 DoItYourself.com/Jay Lewis
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on Friday, May 22nd, 2009 at 11:08 pm and is filed under Uncategorized.
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