Formica was one of our Blog Tour sponsors at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS 2014), and this year they revealed their new 180fx granite patterns that offer homeowners the high-end look of stone or wood countertops at an affordable price. BlogTour, presented by Modenus, selected a team of 15 notable designers and design bloggers from the U.S and Canada to spend several design-filled days spotting the latest trends and newest product releases at the show. Ken and I were honored to be part of this stellar group. The group judged the Best of KBIS and Booth Innovation Awards. Here are a few of us getting touchy/feely with the countertops at the Formica booth presentation (Lisa Mende, Rhonda Knoche, Carmen Christensen, Grace Kelly, Stacy Naquin, Sarah Sarna and Tina Ramchandani). Meet the entire team and follow their blogs here.
We celebrated Formica’s 101st birthday during a private tour and received a wonderful book called Formica Forever (available at Amazon).
To create the new 180fx® patterns, Formica used advanced printing technology and scanned photographs of much larger pieces of granite (or wood). This allowed them to authentically replicate the beautiful detail of the wood or the stone on the countertops so the pattern doesn’t repeat as often. Homeowners can combine this with Formica’s new matching IdealEdge™ — a laminated edge profile that gives you a much more realistic “real stone” look (or real wood) at a fraction of the price of real stone. The new decorative edges remove all customary limitations of laminate by eliminating flat edges and brown seams. These new edges are suitable for curved, clipped, or 90-degree corner installations. The Black Walnut Timber pattern (3479-58, matte finish) was one of our show favorites. Its five-foot expanse is book matched and joined at the center with walnut dovetails. It was stunningly realistic and would be beautiful on an office desk or kitchen island to add dramatically rich detail to your countertops at a great price point for clients who are budget conscious.
Other new 180fx® patterns from Formica include:
River Gold in Etchings™ Finish (3546-46): 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.
Lapidus Brown in Radiance® Finish (3547-RD): 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.
Magma Black in Radiance® Finish (3548-RD): 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.
Red Dragon in Radiance® Finish (3549-RD): An exotic and alluring rich red with dramatic veining and gray crystals. The Radiance® finish intensifies the color and complements the crystalline structure.
These laminates are available through our showroom. If you are not on Long Island, Formica is available through national home centers such as The Home Depot. Photos in my collages are courtesy of Formica Group and Chasen West for Modenus. For more information visit formica.com or call 1-800-FORMICA™.
Disclosure–Although Ken and Grace Kelly’s invitation from BlogTourVegas and its sponsors (including Formica Group) includes airfare, amazing accommodations, excellent meals, and fantastic company, Kitchen Designs by Ken Kelly, Inc. has been specifying Formica products throughout our 30+ years in the industry. All thoughts and opinions on these products are entirely our own.
