orner What’s CookingIn en Trends? (NAPSA)—Cooking up a new kitchen design for your homeis a lot easier when you combine aesthetics with your practical needs. Here’s a mini-primer of the top kitchen trends based on information from the experts. With more than 200 designs and a nearly unlimited number of patterns, colors and finishes, Wilsonart’s laminate provides options that other materials can’t. Transitional ens Transitional kitchens occur when couples blend different ideas and tastes into a mix that works for both. This new trend has surfaced in the last three to five years due to the growing number of men who are now involved in the design of the kitchen. “Men want a say in howto build a house and how to arrange lifestyles around the kitchen,” says New York-based interior designer Deborah Antar. Designers use laminate countertops as a way to pull together such kitchens. For example, to create balance in a kitchen that contains both modern masculine elements and a femininerustic style, a gran- ite-like laminate pattern in a rich hueis ideal. The granite pattern worksfor both kitchen styles and the infusion of color achieves the required balance. Farmhouse Casual ens Farmhouse casual kitchens feature lots of wood painted in glazed off-white hues, bead boardsof varying widths and distressed-looking materials. There are many cabinets and large prep areas, traditional light fixtures and wood flooring. Wilsonart’s Roca Series, for example, expertly replicates time worn stone andis a naturalfit. Laminate countertops work with all kitchen styles and provide stylish, versatile and economical design options. Mediterranean ens Mediterranean kitchens often sport dark, rich woods with straighter lines than the farmhouse style. Fixtures have simple lines and flooring is wood or tumbled stone. Color has more of a presence in these kitchens. The elegant marble looks of the Fusion Series in deep green, blue and black as well as neutral tones are at home in Mediterranean kitchens. Modernens Modern kitchens favor highgloss finishes, fun colors and exotic veneers. Lighting is not just utilitarian but makes a decorative statement. Appliances and countertops often feature color. Flooring can be an exotic wood, such as bamboo,or depict interesting patterns. Metallic laminate patterns or ones with a subtle sheen provide designs for the modern kitchen. To learn more, call 800-4333222 or visit www.countertop.com.
