The modern day kitchen has come a long way. Once the tucked-away domain of the dutiful housewife, today’s kitchen is where life happens. In designing these treasured spaces, we strive to create a place that reflects our unique sense of style. And perhaps no design elements provide more latitude for creative expression than kitchen surfaces: Backsplashes, countertops and floors.
In 2012, the sheer volume of choices—from recycled glass countertops to renewable cork flooring—is absolutely astounding. To help make sense of it all, we talked to area retailers about the latest styles, materials and products that are emerging as trendsetters in the kitchen surface arena. Be prepared to be inspired.
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Fessenden Hall
Robert Schaeffer, Decorative Product Manager www.fessendenhall.com
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Dramatic dimension
In 2012, homeowners are opting for oversized tiles (16 x 16” or larger) over their smaller counterparts. Here, mirrored and stainless elements pair with oversized Italian porcelain tiles laid on the diagonal to give the room dimension, Klaassen says.
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Bareville Flooring & Tile
Jackie Klaassen, Senior Design Consultant www.barevilleflooring.com
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Wide plank rules
Wide-plank continues to be a front-runner among kitchen flooring choices in 2012, according to Jackie Klaassen of Bareville Flooring & Tile. Here, warm, natural hardwood adds texture and contrast to the clean lines of this contemporary kitchen.
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Mixed Media
Pairing “earthy elements like a natural stone with a more luminous glass” is a top choice for today’s backsplashes, Morris notes. In 2012, subway tiles, like the white Carrera marble with grey veining from AKDO shown here, have retained their popularity.
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High-Impact Hues
Beautifully brilliant tiles blend iridescent, clear and frosted glasses for a shimmering display in this beachy, eco-friendly kitchen. “We’re seeing quite a few local projects that are incorporating some of these bolder color choices,” says Ken Morris of Tileology.
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Mix and Match
Style-savvy homeowners are mixing countertop materials and colors for a custom appearance, according to Schaeffer. Here, a contemporary kitchen utilizes Cambria Quartz in a warm chocolate on the island and a more neutral tone for the countertops.
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Seamless Performance
Integrated sinks allow homeowners to achieve a luxury look with exceptional durability, Schaeffer says. Here, a Wilsonart HD integrated under-mount sink evokes seamlessness on a kitchen island using Wilsonart HD laminate with custom beveled edges.
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Simply Elegant
Light-colored Carrera marble and rich, cream-colored cabinetry combine for a look that’s very on-trend for 2012. While marble is more porous, many homeowners are more accepting of small imperfections that lend character to the surface, according to Kolawa.
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Tileology
Ken Morris, General Manager www.tileology.com
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A Stylish Edge
Custom edges are especially popular on kitchen islands for an intricate, detailed look, Kolawa says.
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Classic Granite and Marble
Anatasia Kolawa, Manager www.classicgranite.us
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Martin’s Flooring
Connie Lapp, manager of Lancaster and Harrisburg locations, www.martinsflooring.com
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Eco-Friendly Elegance
Naturally renewable cork is a top choice in 2012 among homeowners with a mindset toward sustainability. According to Klaassen, it’s not only a great earth-friendly option, but also boasts natural hypo-allergenic properties and better shock absorption for greater comfort.
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Stylish sustainability
Bamboo flooring is a stylish choice in 2012 for its beauty and renewability, according to Klaassen. Paired with an Italian Calcutta Gold Marble countertop and backsplash and a quartz island, the warm bamboo gives this transitional kitchen a classic and comfortable vibe.
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The New Neutral
“Grey tones provide a great neutral foundation to build upon,” says Connie Lapp of Martin’s Flooring. Here, a sophisticated grey-and-taupe-toned laminate gives the feel of natural marble. Part of Mannington’s Adura® Tile line, the laminate can be installed with or without grout.
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Herringbone Detail
The herringbone look in this decorative above-the-sink accent display is achieved by using a consistent tile type and size arranged in a unique pattern that adds visual appeal, according to Morris.
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American Beauty
American species, including the Autumn Ridge Maple pictured here, are regaining popularity, according to Lapp. “We see homeowners gravitating toward a wider, more rustic hardwood with a heavy hand-scrape.”
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Mixed Elements
Rich, natural granite and sleek, man-made quartz are a popular combination in today’s kitchens, according to Kolawa. “The quartz lends itself to a more contemporary, chic look and pairs beautifully with granite,” Kolawa says.
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Widely Rustic
Rustic, wide-plank laminate mimics natural hardwood in a durable and low-maintenance kitchen flooring option. Here, Mannington’s Arcadia laminate features a subtle wire brush effect for a distressed feel.
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In the Thick of It
Thick countertop edges—ranging from 3 to 5 inches—are on-trend for 2012, according to Schaeffer. Here, Cambria Quartz with mitered edges gives a kitchen island a substantial look.