A beautiful backsplash can be a stunning focal point in a kitchen – but did you know this prime piece of kitchen real estate can work harder for you if you add a bit of dimension? We’re not just talking textured tiles, laminates or other decorative surfacing materials … think storage rail systems, open and recessed shelving and ledges. Here are a few examples:

Corten (Cor-Ten) steel, or weathering steel, is a group of steel alloys developed to eliminate the need for painting.  Corten eventually forms a rust-like appearance once exposed to the elements ... making it a popular choice for both commercial and residential outdoor structures and sculptures. 

Image:  AIA Home Design Trends Survey, Q4 2012

Love the practicality of a kitchen island but think it's not feasible in your small-scale space? You too can live the island life by designing an island that is sized and scaled appropriately.

To those who share the love of vintage Formica® laminate – this is for you. As we celebrate our 100^th anniversary, we’re compiling our favorite historical images and advertisements from around the world on Pinterest. Our collection continues to grow – if you haven’t been to our Vintage Formica® board in awhile, check out what you may have missed (or follow the board for instant updates).

How will fashion, architecture, materials and culture influence the future of design?  The Formica Group design team shares its unique perspective in the new 2013 Trend Vision Report.  The report outlines three major themes – PURITY, NUTOPIA and CLASH – and highlights the related trends.  Here’s an excerpt …

Abbott Miller, Partner at Pentagram, led the direction for and design of the Formica® laminate Anniversary Collection.  He shares his love for the iconic Formica® brand and his process for positioning it for the next 100 years.  Thank you for your vision and inspiration, Abbott!

It’s almost time for the National Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS)! Formica Corporation will have a new booth (#2417) designed to honor our 100^th Anniversary.  

Houzz recently conducted the 2013 Houzz and Home survey, generating feedback from more than 100,000 Houzz community members on home projects, motivations behind such projects and related economic factors. The largest survey of its kind, the results provide an interesting look at consumers’ home-related priorities and the potential effect on the remodeling and building product industries. A few key takeaways pertaining to kitchens and baths …

Kitchen and bath projects are big business to designers, according to a recent survey appearing in Interior Design magazine. So how big? Think millions.