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November 2015 | KitchenBathDesign.com | 45 Marquez agrees that oversized islands remain a popular design statement, creating a central gather- ing place and anchoring the room. "These oversized islands create new opportunities for mixing colors and fnishes together in a room and also ofer more room to work or store everyday items in cabinetry under the counters," he says. Schmitt sees available kitchen space also playing a role in the choice of countertop material. "If your space is very limited, the countertop that you choose is a harder working surface by default because it likely serves as the only prep and serving area in a kitchen. In larger kitchens, multiple surfaces may be used based on what activities will happen in that area," she notes. In smaller kitchens lin- ear patterns or unique texture may be used to bring some in- terest to the small space, while a larger room typically in- cludes an island, she continues. "The island serves as a perfect area for bold and colorful ma- terials and more often intricate edge profles and details," she concludes. and give homeowners fexible options are imperative to make the space as efcient as possible. With formal dining rooms going by the wayside to make room for informal Great Rooms, kitchen layouts are evolving to allow for eat-in kitchens, which may include a table, a bar or breakfast nook, says Chmiel. Extra space is also being allot- ted for a prep kitchen, cooking kitchen or butler's pantry, she notes, and this increased kitchen size leads to an increase in countertop space as well. These open-foor plans create diferent needs from counter- tops, as well. Chavez believes that consumers are placing high importance on efcient use of space and customizable storage op- tions. "Open, multi-island spaces with mixed material countertops will become more popular, and so will the need for innovative designs and highly durable countertops," she says. "The smaller or darker a space, the more a consumer may want a lighter, brighter countertop and cabinets. The large combined living areas provide ample opportunity to incorporate more intimate spaces by adding darker, richer colors and heavier textures." Islands are becoming a central point in the kitchen design, adds Paradiso. The average kitchen island, he says, takes more than one piece of stone to cover the surface, which can lead to a disjointed look. Quartz lends itself well to this large application, as it is manufactured in very large slabs. "Quartz allows for a uniform application that has made it attractive to consumers and designers alike," notes Paradiso. CURAVA manufactures a countertop product that combines the beauty and eco-friendliness of recycled glass material with the durability of resin-based quartz slabs, notes the frm. With up to 60% recycled glass content, the slabs ofer depth and color in a highly sustainable countertop material. CURAVA is non-porous, requires no sealing and is stain and heat resistant. Three colors – Himalaya, Tungsten and Element – were recently added. Circle No. 278 on Product Card CafeCountertops provides solid hardwood tops in oversized lengths, including pieces over 16 feet, avail- able in all woods. Fourteen popular woods are ofered, including: Black Walnut, Iroko, African Teak, Euro- pean Cherry, Wenge and the exclusive Dark Chocolate Beech. Select woods are also available in wide plank and endgrain. Circle No. 282 on Product Card DuPont has embedded wireless charging solutions for smart phones and tablets into its Corian solid surfaces. The Corian Charging Surface allows for the charging of a variety of devices on the countertop without any wire connectivity. Circle No. 283 on Product Card Pearl Grey from IceStone USA is a mix of clear glass and mother-of-pearl, set in a cool con- crete matrix. The neutral pairs well with steel and dark woods, according to the frm. Circle No. 284 on Product Card HanStone's Cascina Collection from Hanwha Surfaces recalls the natural world with classic touches, veining and rich undertones. Unique patterns and colors are characteristic of this marble- inspired quartz series, which includes Tranquillity, Serenity, Classic Statue and Italian Waves. Circle No. 279 on Product Card Photo: Stephen Yang Curated glass from CARVART can be used for a variety of applications, including coun- tertop, cabinets, backsplashes, fooring, doors and furniture. In the Paper line, shown, organic handmade paper interlayers are laminated with various translucent, refective and color options. The glass is laminated and tempered laminated. Circle No. 281 on Product Card Arborite's new ColorEdge technology for laminate surfaces allows for consistent color from the top to the bottom of the material. Seams are virtually eliminated, providing a clean look that works for both horizontal and vertical applications. ColorEdge is available in three crisp neutrals – Elegant White, Ruched Chifon and Black – as well as a variety of texture options, including Gloss, Cashmere and Structure fnishes. Circle No. 280 on Product Card Every OKITE quartz countertop is 93% quartz, and is heat-, stain- and scratch-resistant, accord- ing to the company. Non-porous and durable OKITE surfacing is Green Guard and NSF Certi- fed and never needs to be polished or resealed. Circle No. 285 on Product Card