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November 2015 | KitchenBathDesign.com | 41 Alejandro Waters, brand manager for Vetrazzo and Polycor, in Tate, GA adds that there is a relatively small, but growing, interest in al- ternative visuals and "green" living that is fueling demand for recycled glass surfaces. "Products like Vetrazzo not only source from curb-side recycling and create local jobs, but they also ofer beautiful colors and combinations, and slabs that are works of art," he states. THE NATURAL LOOK Manufacturers say that wood or stone appearances are in high demand – but that doesn't necessarily mean natural wood or stone. Surfaces that ofer the same appearance with less mainte- nance or at a lower cost are frequently used to achieve this efect. "Consumers want the look of natural stone without the main- tenance," says Katie Congress, residential marketing manager for surfaces at DuPont Building Innovations in Wilmington, DE. "Granite is becoming less desirable as consumers realize the high level of maintenance required. Quartz, such as Zodiaq, can provide the same beautiful look with no maintenance." handcrafted and can be earthy and natural while imparting an inherent tactile quality," she adds. Non-traditional looks are also making an impact in spaces today, says Chavez, "From abstract or fabric patterns that ofer 'laminate for laminate's sake' to large-scale planked wood that looks worn and weathered, consumers are open to fnding the best surface look for their personality." Laminate allows homeowners to be both serious and playful at the same time, she explains, perhaps by mixing a wood grain countertop with a decorative metal backsplash, like Wilsonart's new Decorative Metals, to add glamour and personality to a space. Both residential and commercial markets show a demand for sophisticated designs with veining and movement in the overall countertop pattern, says Paradiso. "These two sectors do not usually align on design trends, so it has been interesting to watch their increased awareness of what has been happen- ing in the countertop industry," he notes. In residential design, he adds, designers and consumers gravitate to shades of white, beige and some grey, and he has seen interest in a contrast of a light color background with grey or even black veining. In glass countertops, texture is a question of personal taste, according to Michel Mailhot, the glass artist for ThinkGlass in Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada. People are requesting thicker surfaces in glass, he says, and crystal is the top color choice. Customers can add colored LED lighting to change the color of the countertop and impact the ambient light. Domain Industries has added the Majestic Collec- tion to its lineup of Afnity Surfaces solid surface material. The 10 color additions feature distinctive, one-of-a-kind, natural textures and marble efects. Featuring 100% acrylic composition, the shades include: Carrara, Antiquity, Arctic, Bianco, Imperial, Giallo (shown), Harmony, Ascend, Fiorito and Capella. Circle No. 252 on Product Card Glass Recycled Surfaces uses glass bottles and discarded porce- lain fxtures to create its surfaces. The company mixes 80% recycled product with 20% epoxy resin to produce countertops, fooring and landscape materials. Over 400 terrazzo designs are available, cre- ated using colored glass and resin, as well as custom designs. Circle No. 254 on Product Card The new QTM Premium Natural Quartz Collection star, Romano White, is available from MS International. Blending creamy whites and warm taupes, the palette is accentuated by strik- ing veining to ofer depth. Circle No. 253 on Product Card Pyrolave's glazed lava stone countertops can be formed into original shapes and are available in a wide variety of colors. The lava stone can withstand high temperatures, acids, corrosive products and other harsh ele- ments, according to the company. Options such as a built-in draining board fanking the sink, custom curves and rounded edges can be added. Circle No. 256 on Product Card Edge grain walnut at a bold 2.5" thick from J. Aaron Wood Counter Tops works as a focal point in this kitchen. The surface is sealed with a waterproof and stain-resistant satin fnish. Circle No. 259 on Product Card Cosentino has introduced the Silestone Infuencer Series, its frst-ever designer collaboration col- lection to the marketplace. Created in tandem with the 2014 Silestone Trendspotters, the quartz surfacing series features fve shades, from subtle black to copper to marble. Shown is Lusso by Courtney Cachet, an updated marble look with dra- matic veining and hints of metallic. Circle No. 257 on Product Card All of the products from TorZo Surfaces are made from 50% to 75% recycled content, such as wheat, sorghum, hemp and wood. In addition, the plants that are the basis for many of its countertops grow quickly and are considered rapidly renewable. The surfaces contain no added urea formaldehyde. Circle No. 255 on Product Card LaserEdge adhesive-free edging from REHAU is available in an expanding number of matches, making it possible to create seamless monolithic panels in high-gloss or textured fnishes with more than 300 HPL and melamine designs. The technol- ogy is a two-layer edgeband comprising a surface and a color- matched functional layer. The seam-free board ofers no joints to stain or discolor, as well as heat and moisture resistance. Circle No. 261 on Product Card Vibra Finished Stainless Steel by FourSeasons MetalWorks is a matte fnish that blends well with any design style, according to the company. The fnish adds warmth to the cold industrial standard that stainless is associated with, the frm adds. Circle No. 260 on Product Card ThinkGlass ofers an array of 100% recyclable custom glass counter- tops that are non-porous and durable for indoor and outdoor use. Each countertop is unique, with a selection of molded textures and hand-painted colors available. Customers can select glass thick- ness, edge treatments and even add LED lights. The countertops are naturally resistant to scratches, mold and mildew, and can endure high heat without cracking or scorching, the frm notes. Circle No. 258 on Product Card