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You'll fnd natural quartz countertops that have the unique look of marbles and pure whites that are sometimes hard to fnd in nature. In the next fve years, we expect to see more demands for linear movement in countertops and diferent surface textures." Marquez also notes the trends toward light tones. "We have observed a growing demand for lighter, natural stones, such as marble, across all segments of the market," he says. Materials such as marble, however, often come with high-maintenance requirements. Alternatively, manufacturers like Cosentino, for example, take the look homeowners are asking for and develop designs inspired by natural stone that give the desired look but without the high maintenance. "In terms of colors and diferent looks for counters, we're seeing neutral hues, including creamy whites, soft grays and muted blacks, gaining popularity," Marquez says. "Clean, contemporary lines are continuing to dom- inate kitchen design and texture is also an important element." Natural stone patterns dominated lami - nate oferings not too long ago, but Gerri Chmiel, senior design manager with Formica, is starting to see that change. "Stylistically, countertops are much diferent. Starting in the early 2000s it was trying to get the look of natural stone. We're fnally moving away from that. We have the new younger home buyer who wants something diferent. media manager at Wilsonart. "Homeowners are getting more creative with their pattern and material choices. With the evolution of high-resolution printing and reproduction, the design potential has exploded from real- istic stones and wood grains to poppy bright patterns. Textured fnishes make the story even more interesting — adding dimension and depth to designs with wood grain and stone sticking to more abstract linearity. All of this contributes to the rebirth of laminate, which is a very diferent material than it was in our grandmothers' days." Weadock also comments on the trend in mixing materials. "Mixing a wood grain coun- tertop with, say, a decorative metal backsplash adds a little glamour and personality to the space. Or mixing a natural stone island with a laminate perimeter can extend a budget." INSPIRED Chmiel is part of a global design team — with counterparts in Asia, Australia and Germany. "Inspiration comes from everywhere," she says. "Between the four of us and our global Everyone is trying to fgure out what the new millennial wants." At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show last January, Formica launched a new line of laminate in partnership with Jonathan Adler. "We wanted to partner with some- body who would resound with the residential audience," Chmiel explains. "He has a great presence with residential stores and is some- one who is very approachable and dynamic. He's excited about laminate. Te Greek Key and Malachite patterns are ones he designed and has worked with in the past; they were adapted for the laminate collection." Angela George, marketing communica- tions specialist at VT Industries, says inte- rior trends dictate laminate design. "We're starting to see more wood grains and a few quartz-looking laminates coming on the market," she says. "You can get that beauti- ful look you're seeking and pair it with low maintenance. It's a win-win." "Laminate can let homeowners be se- rious and playful at the same time," says Tammy Weadock, public relations/social SILESTONE BY COSENTINO has expanded its Nebula Series of quartz surfacing with the addition of the Nebula Alpha collection. Inspired by the look of marble, Nebula Alpha is available in four complex colors: Ariel, Orion White, Calypso and Phoenix. The natural hues feature an original pattern of colored veining throughout the surface that never repeats. Calypso, shown, features creamy veining in a warm brown surface. Circle 5 on inquiry card FORMICA introduces six Formica Brand Laminate PremiumFX patterns: four fresh stone and concrete looks and two horizontal wood finishes. The stone patterns are Marfil Cream, Marfil Antico, Silver Quartzite (pictured) and Ice Granite. The wood grains are Oxidized Beamwood and Salvage Planked Elm. Circle 4 on inquiry card QualifiedRemodeler.com | ForResidentialPros.com QR May 2015 41