We’re continuing our coverage of EuroCucina 2012 in Milan by sharing the love for a few of our favorite design themes noted by Gerri Chmiel, senior design manager for Formica Corporation.  This next design theme – Cozy Industrial – is sure to be embraced by those who love retailer Anthropologie for its ability to create a lifestyle through its product selection AND creative retail merchandising.

A special thank you to the generations of moms who have turned houses into homes. 

We’re back from our tour of EuroCucina 2012 in Milan, an international exhibition of kitchen furniture that showcases the latest trends and provides a heavy dose of inspiration.  Gerri Chmiel, senior design manager for Formica Corporation, was on the lookout for common design themes we’re likely to see appearing in North American interiors.  We’re sharing the love for a few of our favorites over the next few weeks, starting with Modern Farmhouse. 

There's still time to work in that last bit of spring cleaning before summer sneaks up on us.  Today we're focusing on giving those hard-working solid surface countertops a spring facelift.  If scratches are stealing that just-installed shine from the finish, the following steps will bring your countertops back to their original glory.

Photo: C. 2011 James F. Wilson/Courtesy Builder magazine.

Thanks to Alex Oliver at Igloo Studios for a great post on his company blog regarding Formica Corporation's use of Google SketchUp for connecting design professionals and homeowners to our products.  We loved the information and visuals so much, we decided to share Alex's original post.  If you haven't already, we encourage you to give Google SketchUp a try for your next project!

Just in time for the National Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), Formica Corporation has upgraded its free Formica® eChip™ app for the iPad® by adding enhanced features that make it easier to find the perfect Formica® Brand Laminate, 180fx®, IdealEdge™, DecoMetal® and Formica® Solid Surfacing pattern from start to finish.

Photo: C. 2011 James F. Wilson/Courtesy Builder magazine.

Formica® Solid Surfacing in Bianco Mineral.

Although spring just arrived, the daffodils have already come and gone in Formica Corporation's hometown of Cincinnati.  Some of us have already dove into spring cleaning and thought there might be some like-minded souls who would appreciate a few tips for giving laminate kitchen countertops a refresh.