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Today's
laminates are offered in hundred of colors and patterns, including
designs that mimic authentic stone, such as granite, marble and slate. Formica
Corporation, for example, offers about 500 colors and patterns, such
as:
-
Poppy
Fiesta Bisque
-
Cornflower
Blue
-
Varnish
Crayon
-
Wood
Grains
-
Stone
Looks
-
Textured
Patterns
"We're
seeing a strong and growing interest by consumers in patterns and
designs," said Chris Schlabach, commercial marketing manager for
the Cincinnati, Ohio-based company. "In a high traffic area they
are wonderful because they hide a lot of life's mishaps."
Others
turn to the stone patterns because granite and other natural stones
may be out of reach financially.
Selecting
Color
As
you decide:
-
Consider
the colors and tones in your cabinetry, floor, and furnishings.
-
Do
you want to blend the countertop or set it apart?
-
Are
you designing it to go with an adjoining family room? If so, take
those colors into account.
If
you want to blend, stick with neutrals. Variations of white, beige,
cream and gray can blend with most kitchen decor. If you want to be
bold, try a granite design or a deep green or midnight blue.
For
contrast dark
colors can be paired with light
colored cabinets.
Types
of Finishes
A
matte finish is dull, while a shiny finish is . . well, shiny. While
the matte may be a less vibrant finish, it also is better at hiding
scratches and spills. Glossy finishes will shows scratches and
fingerprints more easily.
Formica
also has a "sparkle" finish, which has some texture.
"It has a bit more texture than a matte finish but also reflects
light more and differently and has a little more gloss,"
Schlabach said.
When
selecting laminated countertops, there are several styles to consider:
-
post-formed,
which is machine made and typically includes the backsplash and
counter as one piece
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self
edge, which has a straight counter with a square edge in front
and a separate backsplash on the back of the counter
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full
wrap, which is similar to post-formed, but the counter has a
longer curve over the front edge
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