Formica Introduces New Laminate Patterns

Hi there! Happy weekend!

I have been in absentia this past week due to March break hijinks with my girl, family and friends.  I still want to share what’s new with a few more BlogTour Vegas sponsors and I hope you have enjoyed learning about some of the new products.

I know you have all heard of Formica and some use the brand name in place of the term plastic laminate or high pressure laminate. That’s because the brand is synonymous with plastic laminate as they were the inventors way back in the 1930’s.

“Closing the gap between real and faux” is their mantra and they continually strive to raise the bar when creating new patterns.  A quick glance at their colour swatches shows how many of their patterns are new. We were able to see some of the new offerings at KBIS last month.

For 2014, they introduced seven new laminate patterns with the softly polished Etchings™ Premiumfx™ finish, which is etched and dappled with highlights from tiny fissures reminiscent of those found in real granite and stone.  A couple of my favourites are highlighted below.

Paloma Dark Gray has a modern quartz-inspired look in an on-trend colour:

While Carrara Bianco looks just like the real marble:

This pattern along with the popular 180fx® Calacatta Marble pattern appeals to consumers who want the marble look for less – less dollars and less upkeep.

 

Formica also introduced four new 180fx® patterns “which 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.”

I was particularly drawn to 3546-46 River Gold in Etchings™ (above)  - a 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 stone. The Etchings™ finish enhances the “river-like” quality of the pattern with its light linear movement.

Hard to believe these are all laminates, right?

And did you know you can undermount a sink in a laminate counter? I snapped this photo on my phone at the Formica booth to show you that it is possible. It’s a very clean look. You can read about this on the Formica blog where they address some concerns you may have.

Formica is a great option for those on a budget.  Let’s face it, there may not be funds in the budget for quartz or stone so look-alikes are the next best thing.  And with all of this new technology, these laminates do a really good impersonation.

What are your thoughts on laminate? Do you have it in your house?

Have a great weekend everyone.

If you require design advice, please contact me at vanessa(at)vanessafrancis.com.