Even though retro is sort of back right now, it doesn't mean you want your kitchen, your bathroom or any room in your house to really look like your grandma's house.
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| Vintage Formica Advertising Postcards - photo via ebay listing |
As much as I loved my grandmothers and have amazing fond memories of their homes, I don't long for those gold flecked white plastic laminate countertops.
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| pic - House Beautiful April 1957 issue |
With that in mind,
step into the 21st Century...
When was the last time you took a look at Plastic Laminate or even considered plastic laminate for your cabinets or even countertops for that matter in your home or business? Well I can honestly say, having been in the kitchen and bath industry for over 25 years it has been awhile since the subject of using plastic laminate has even come up. For me it was, key word was, sort of like asking if you want to buy a Yugo or a Pinto if you remember what those are. Well Yugo's are not around anymore or Pintos for that matter, but Formica has been around for over 100 years and is BACK in fresh, exciting, new and innovative ways!
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| Formica turned 100 years in 2013 |
I had the pleasure of celebrating their birthday with them at KBIS2013 in New Orleans. (Great cupcakes by the way)
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| Formica Booth #KBIS2013 |
Ok, ok, so I know you are trying to get past that whole Yugo / Pinto comparison, sorry about that I was just making sure you were paying attention.
So that was then...and this is NOW!
(insert applause, oohs and aaahs here)
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| Formica Magma Black |
“Although
granite continues to be popular, homeowners are expanding their material
preferences to include new stone variations,” said Amy Gath, vice president of
marketing at Formica Corporation. “Our latest laminate patterns are fresh,
affordable and maintenance-free alternatives, making design trends accessible
for all.”
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| Formica - Lapidus Brown |
During my trip to
KBIS/IBS Design Construction Week 2014, in Vegas as a member of the #BlogTourVegas Team, I got to see first
hand Formica's most recent pattern and finish introductions. As
a
professional I have to say this is the first time I have been excited about
plastic laminate in a very long time.
“The
new 180fx® patterns reflect some of the most stunning granite options on the
market,” said Amy Gath, vice president of marketing at Formica Corporation. “Using
advanced printing technology, we authentically replicated each beautiful detail
in true scale ― capturing the high-end look homeowners desire without
sacrificing the maintenance-free and affordable nature of laminate."
The
2014 180fx® introduction includes:
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| Formica - River Gold 180fx4 |
3546-46 River
Gold in Etchings™ Finish: An inviting creamy-white granite
with linear veins of gold and gray highlighted by chocolate-brown crystals. One
of the most desirable granites, it reflects the trend toward light and white
sophisticated stone. The Etchings™ finish enhances the “river-like” quality of
the pattern with its light linear movement.
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| Formica - Lapidus Brown 180fx2 |
3547-RD Lapidus Brown in Radiance® Finish: A versatile and timeless granite that features vibrant gold tones and rich iron
veining highlighted by creamy white crystals and gray and black pebbles. Its
rich color palette will coordinate with a variety of cabinetry, from light
golden maples to cherry to antique black. The Radiance® finish highlights the
crystalline structure.
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| Formica - Magna Black 180fx |
3548-RD Magma Black in Radiance®
Finish: A dramatic
stone that lives up to its name, each slab appears as if liquid lava has been
poured over it. Rivers of gold, gray and rust ― highlighted by pure white crystals ― create a bold pattern. The Radiance® finish deepens the black
background and accents the pebbles and crystals.
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| Formica - Red Dragon 180fx2 |
3549-RD Red Dragon in Radiance® Finish: An exotic and alluring rich red with dramatic veining and gray crystals. The Radiance® finish intensifies
the color and complements the crystalline structure.
All
180fx® patterns are available with IdealEdge™ laminate edge profiles. Suitable for
curved, clipped or 90-degree corner installations, IdealEdge™ decorative edges transcend the
customary limitations of laminate by eliminating flat edges and brown seams.
In addition to unmatched aesthetics and performance, all 180fx®
patterns are designed to minimize environmental impact. Each pattern is
certified under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) and the GREENGUARD
Certification Program (including a GREENGUARD Certificate of Compliance Gold).
With over 100 years experience,
Formica is leading the way with innovative new and exciting
patterns, finishes, edging and surface materials. The realism in
the pattern, color and selections available are amazing and virtually
hard to tell from the original pieces of stone, wood, metal and other
surfaces they were made to reflect and look like.
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Top Left—8829 Graphite Twill | Top Right—845 Spectrum Red
Bottom Left—3458 Travertine Silver | Bottom Right—8826 Neutral Twill
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It really is the
perfect material for multitudes of things - countertops, table tops,
built-in's, desks, furniture....you name and it can be built out of Formica. And it won't look like your Grandma's Kitchen.
Time2Design and set up an appointment
to discover your Kitchen style
941-378-9964
Disclosure: This is a "Sponsored Post" The company/companies who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, all opinions written here are my own and I only recommend products or services I believe in.
