Qualified Remodeler helps independent remodeling firms to survive, become more professional and more profitable by providing must-have business information, namely best business practices, new product information and timely design ideas.
Issue link: https://qualifiedremodeler.epubxp.com/i/518460
Weadock also notes consumers using the kitchen for more than cooking. "It is a busi- ness center, a homework area, meeting area and a main hub of the home," she says. "As such, kitchen countertops need to be durable, as well as fashionable, and refect the home- owner's personality and style." SMARTER "Laminate countertops have undergone some huge technology advances," George says. "Key laminate manufacturers are trying to revamp and revitalize laminate's image. It's been around since the '50s and is a durable solution, but had fallen out of favor with the rise of some other options. Te key for lam- inate moving forward is that it is trendy and versatile. Expanded edge profles also have shaped the industry. Te profles and patterns make for an afordable option that elevates the look of laminate. "Technology has changed," George contin- ues. "Laminates are getting better and bet- ter all the time. I feel the future of laminate well as architects and designers who specify materials for building projects. With all the new surfacing options out there, it's no won- der that laminate may seem like yesterday's news, but that's why we spend so much time creating relevant designs and refning our performance story." BIGGER Kitchens typically have the lion's share of countertop square footage in a home, and, with the kitchen's shift to heart of the home status, counters are getting bigger. Marquez observes, "Counters have grown in size as homeowners have increasingly demanded large-format kitchen islands to serve as the home's central hub, rather than the traditional kitchen table so many of us grew up with. Simultaneously, we've witnessed a surge in the amount of space being devoted to counters in the kitchen, as these oversized islands serve as a central gathering and working space, bring together the room and, in some cases, replace a traditional kitchen table altogether." vice-president, we really work to track what's trending. We look to real materials to see what's happening. We talk to consumers and have focus groups. After research, we sit down and plan what to introduce. But this is all done with the understanding that when you're deal- ing with laminate you can't be too far ahead of the curve or it's not approachable, while at the same time we do want to trend forward." Cambria's products start with nature, Kath says. "We look at natural elements of earth and quarried stone, but add our own inter- nal guidance to create styles and designs that complement and enhance the home. We also strive to innovate with internal talent and cre- ate new looks." Weadock explains that to anticipate con- sumer interest, Wilsonart's design team travels worldwide to research trends. "We also at- tend trade shows; review research on trends in design, home, fashion and the industry; and collaborate with multiple resources to identify themes in design and patterns that will appeal to a broad range of consumers, as CAESARSTONE has added 10 colors to its Classico collection of quartz countertops, including distinctive colors with striking veins and those resembling granite and concrete. The slabs are nonporous, and heat-, stain- and scratch-resistant. Two new colors with artful veins — Vanilla Noir and Alpine Mist (shown) — offer designs of delicate, wide veins. Alpine Mist presents a lustrous white, glossy look with white detail. Circle 6 on inquiry card 42 May 2015 QR QualifiedRemodeler.com | ForResidentialPros.com PRODUCT TRENDS: Surfaces