22 - Friday, July 4. 1986 - North Shore News LAMINATE PROVES PRACTICAL Kitchen decoration undergoes modern ‘counter revolution’ EVERYBODY knows that a laminate countertop is affordable and practical, but few outside the interior design field realize that lately it has also become an ex- citing fashion product. You might even say that laminate, and thus kitchen design, has passed through a ‘‘counter revolution.”’ For one thing, the industry now offers an incredible range of high- fashion colors as well as serious reproductions of such pricey pro- ducts as marble, granite, butcher block and leather. And secondly, technological ad- vances have brought extra-wear properties, new edging techniques and a second generation of laminate known as color-throughs. Considering al! the excitement surrounding today’s decorative laminate products, their humble origins are hard to conceive. PLASTIC AND PAPER Laminate actually consists of layer upon layer of paper that has been impregnated with plastic resin and then sandwiched together under great pressure and heat until the layers bond chemically into a single sheet. In conventional laminate, the top layer is printed with a color or pattern, while the color-throughs are the same color and composi- tion throughout. ; The make-up of the col- or-throughs eliminates the usual dark line where laminate seams meet, and makes it possible to Me. EXOTIC SILK FLOWERS & ARR create multi-colored striped, routed and bevelled edges for extra fashion punch. Laminate countertops edged with prefabricated wood moldings are handsome alternatives to the self-edge types we are used to see- ing. These moldings, which may be natural wood, painted or Jaminate-covered, add a_ nice custom touch to any counter, Us- ing edge molding and counter laminate in different, but com- plementary colors makes good fashiun sense, too. Then there is a special ‘‘postforming laminate,’ which can be shaped to wrap around the edge in one sleck line. This laminate is usually thinner than conventional laminate, and it be comes pliable when heated. To- day's most popular post-formed look is the ‘180 degree wrap,’’ which creates an edge shaped like a semi-circle. It adds softness. EDGE OPTIONS But there are other postformed edge looks. The bullnosed edge, a gently rounded shape, is very at- tractive, and neatniks will like the no-drip edge, which is charac- terized by a soft,upward curve that prevents spills onto the base cabi- nets and floor. If you love the punch of color and design, the countertop is the ideal place to put it to work. Compared to other surfaces in the kitchen, it is a small enough area, so even a very distinct color or design won't tire the eve. To give a tired country kitchen a great lift a deep blue or cherry red or a design that borrows the sheen and texture of unpolished marble or slate. One of the lighter colors, or a pale woodgrain, would be top choices for sleek Eurostyle kitch- ens, and think pastels or romantic flower hues to bring relief to dark wood cahiuets. For a traditional and rather formal kitchen, go with one of the deep jewel tones. One casy way to get a new countertop is buying ore of the new pre-fab versions, which com- bine counter and backsplash in one clean sweep of surface. You liter- ally purchase them by the foot. The only problem with these tops is that your design and color choices will be limited. INEXPENSIVE OPTIONS If you want some off-beat fash- ion color, you will have to have it custom-made. Not that this is any big deal. When the material is laminate, even a custom counter- top is less expensive then any other type. A bit of practical advice: Avoid high-gloss laminate on counter- tops. It wilf scratch too easily on this surface, which must withstand so much wear and tear. To see what is availabic, visit your local home centres and kitch- en showrooms. If you don’t see precisely the color you want, speak to the designers or planners Nee ANGEMENTS The Ginger dar offers a wide selection of custom floral designs to match any decor in your home or business Thais, our in-store floral designer, who specializes in contemporary silk design, is now at the Ginger dar We welcome you to visit Thais Tuesday's and Thursday's 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Saturday's 12:00-5:00 p-m., and she will help you create those special arrangements. The Ginger Jar THE GINGER JAR 1480 Marine Or., NV 988-7328 WICKER WAREHOUSE 1229 Welch St. NV 988-4108 OPEN 7 DAYS TO 6:00 P.M. our Closet with Superior Quality Shelving & Basket Systems ¢ Let us plan your closet at no charge * We guarantee the best quality at the lowest prices. ¢ For a FREE in-home estimate call 874-5715 or drop into our showroom e Satisfaction Guaranteed interier gH warehouse 858 West 6th Ave. Vancouver Nice sas wer: 0, BK WESTCON CONCRETE PAVERS create drama but the real story lies in their enduring character. Westcon pavers actually withstand greater weight loads with more durability than ordinary paving methods. They can be lifted and relaid for access to underground services or alternations. And because they interlock in a flexible process without mortar, they won't crack under frost heaves or uneven settlement Wéesicon Pavers The unique interlocking concrete paver — in various shapes and colours. Ideal for patios and driveways. Do it yourself or have it done. Also: A wide range of planters in plain concrete or expos- ed aggregate. Japanese lanterns, bird baths, stepping- stones, etc. Sanderson Concrete Products Factory: 310 Harbour Ave. North Vancouver 985-6108 eee Ee