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44 | Kitchen & Bath Design News | November 2015 Product Trend Report In keeping with the interest in live edge countertops, Grothouse Lumber Co. has introduced Live Edge On-Line, which allows designers to select and order live edge countertops. Shown is an English Wych Elm live edge countertop featured in the kitchen of this year's Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York City, designed by Christopher Peacock. Circle No. 275 on Product Card to splurge on their appliances or cabinetry, but save money on the countertops by choosing laminate." Budget constraints can inspire people to look at diferent products when purchasing their countertop, says Schmitt. "They might consider a postform countertop to go along with custom cabinets or stainless appliances, knowing that they can get the stone look at a fraction of the price with a post- form top. Balancing the overall kitchen budget allows people to get their 'must-have' wish list items without sacrifcing quality or style." "Consumers want it all – and really can have it all," adds Chavez. "While cautious, they are not afraid to spend money because they believe they are likely to get the most value and still satisfy their unique design aesthetic. They are less likely to compromise on price, style and durability when it comes to countertop selection." MAKING THE MOST OF SPACE Kitchen space seems to be at a premium today, no matter what size the kitchen is. Products that maximize the space Congress agrees that durability is a key factor. "Consumers want a product they know is durable and long lasting, so they don't need to spend extra money on maintenance, cleaning and upkeep once they in- stall it," she says. She also says there is an increase in "smart surfaces," where the technology is built right into the surface. For example, Corian Charging Surface allows for charging of a cellular phone right on the countertop with no wires and cords cluttering up the space. Schmitt also has seen more technology being integrated into countertops. "I think moving for- ward, we are going to see more and more of these features, especially in kitchen countertops, because the kitchen is often a gathering spot for a family. So, the more functional the space, the better," she says. COST CONSIDERATIONS Economic factors can impact the countertop choices people are making, and it is important to ofer a variety of options for all budgets and styles, manu- facturers note. "Consumers are more practical with their surface and mate- rial choices than in the past, selecting one or two splurge items for a kitchen remodel and then saving on the rest," says Chmiel. "With this save and splurge strategy, a homeowner may decide Taking its cue from Grays Harbor, which links the Pacifc Ocean to the Quinault Rain Forest, Grays Harbor Solid Surface from Richlite is a dark grey that ages into a deep, gunmetal hue. Made from 100% recycled material, this paper composite surface is part of the company's Northwest col- lection. The Richlite Grays Harbor Kitchen is from Richlite Distribu- tor/Intectural; Fabricator/Designer is Susan Gilmore with Norcraft Companies. Circle No. 271 on Product Card Caesarstone has launched Statuario Nuvo, a new premium design, throughout the U.S. Statuario Nuvo is Caesarstone's interpretation of Statuario marble. The piece provides refned dark veins on a white background, enriched with a delicately difused subsurface vein structure. This new option will expand Caesarstone's exist- ing Supernatural series. Circle No. 273 on Product Card Gem-Loc Premier Edge from Loti Corp. blends Corian into a tradi- tional laminate surface. The seamless look of Gem-Loc showcases the appearance of stone, the color and design consistency of quartz and the warmth and ease of laminate, according to the frm. Circle No. 276 on Product Card Wilsonart has added 45 new woodgrain patterns to its Virtual Design Library, an evolving, curated collection of 150+ laminates. Inspired by nature, Woodgrains add warmth to interiors and touch on trends with graphic inter- pretations. Circle No. 277 on Product Card Hartson-Kennedy's Caspian countertop features a double tight- radius edge. Paired with Wilsonart's Satin Stainless laminate and Karran's York under- mount acrylic sink, it provides a current, industrial chic look in laminate, notes the frm. Circle No. 274 on Product Card A natural marble look is featured in this Calacatta model from sintered surface brand Neolith from TheSize. With bright white and intricate, authentic veining, Calacatta is avail- able book- or end-matched for fooring, wall cladding and tabletop applications in silk or polished fnishes. The surface won't stain, scratch, fade or chip, and is unafected by harsh chemicals, according to the company. Circle No. 272 on Product Card