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Add sophistication to the kitchen with black

While cheery and bright colours of green, red or yellow create a fun and lively look in the kitchen, for a more sophisticated look consider black. Not only does black add refinement and elegance but it's easy to fit into any existing colour scheme and doesn't show dirt as easily.

“Black in the kitchen can add refinement as well as a more contemporary style,” says Alexandra Marshall, director of marketing for Blanco Canada. “If used as an accent and not too extensively, black will impart sophistication without getting too somber or serious for the kitchen.”

The fashion world knows black can create instant elegance, as in the little black dress, but also that it can reflect a wide range of moods. It can be edgy and rebellious, serious or moody. Paired in contrast with white, the combination creates a dramatic and contemporary look.

In the kitchen, black appliances were once popular but less so since the introduction of stainless steel fridges and stoves. That's understandable since large, major appliances in black can create a heavy look especially for small kitchens. So how can we take advantage of versatile black in the kitchen?

One way is through the use of black accessories including light fixtures, paint trim or small appliances. Used this way, black will catch the eye and sharpen any decorating scheme.

“Our most popular Silgranit sink colour for the kitchen is Anthracite black,” says Ms. Marshall. “Silgranit sinks are made of natural granite and come in a wide range of colours. But Anthracite is a strong favourite and using black for the sink or faucet is an ideal way to add it as an accent without overwhelming the room.”

Silgranit sinks are made up of a composite material that includes 80 percent natural granite and is scratch-proof and highly durable. “Blanco makes matching coloured faucets as well,” adds Ms. Marshall. “So an Anthracite sink can be paired with a matching faucet for a highly coordinated look.”

If that's too much black for your taste, another option is to pair a Blanco Anthracite faucet with a stainless steel sink. Blanco's range of coloured faucets are also stunning when matched to the countertop, backsplash, cabinetry or cabinet hardware, as well as with their Silgranit sink colours. More information is available online at www.blancocanada.com.

Whether you choose to go black in a big way or just use it as an accent, you can't go wrong with this colour to create an elegant, sophisticated look. If you've gone too black, just add back that bright green toaster or yellow blender for an instant cheery lift.

www.newscanada.com



For more ideas or to find related services, visit our Kitchen section.





Recycled decors all the rage

Making a home more “green” or environmentally-friendly has taken on a whole new meaning over the last few years. It's evolved from changing a few light bulbs and thermostats to choosing energy-efficient appliances, recycled material floors, carpets and even furniture.

In fact, there are even home and garden TV episodes dedicated to eco-conscious homeowners who strive to create entire recycled home decors using only renewable materials as alternatives to traditional interior design options.

This growing recycled décor craze has led manufacturers to develop some of the most unique and high performing environmentally-friendly home décor alternatives available today.

One such product that's already made a huge impact with eco-conscious home owners and designers alike is Elements by Durcon, an extremely durable, silky smooth countertop surface made with, among other things, recycled beer bottles.

“Designers and architects agree that the product's unique qualities and highly durable characteristics set it apart from the first generation eco-friendly surfaces currently available,” said Mark Hanna, President of Leeza Distribution Inc., one of North America's leading distributors of premium countertops such as Elements by Durcon.

Molded from a blend of fine quartz, epoxy resin, and recycled glass (clear beer bottles), the material is solid, non-porous, never requires sealing, and is homogenous in consistency. Its unique manufacturing process produces an incredibly silky smooth and durable countertop surface.

It's this distinct “hot silk” finish that makes these countertops so unique according to Hanna. “You just can't help to touch and feel these countertops, they're remarkably smooth.”

Designers are also impressed with Elements' versatility. “Who knew beer bottle countertops could be so stylish and sleek,” said Nancy Soccio, designer of Dolce Design in Montreal. “They come in the latest pure solid colours or you can have them with trendy metallic flecks. They work beautifully in home designs from rustic to contemporary, with intriguing applications in virtually every room of the house.”

Unlike other eco-friendly countertop options, Soccio said Elements is an incredibly safe and durable countertop surface ideal for kitchens as it is certified by NSF, is a very low VOC emitting material and boasts the highest heat resistance rating of any countertop surface available. More information on eco-friendly countertops is available at leezadistribution.com and elementsbydurcon.com.

www.newscanada.com



For more ideas or to find related services, visit our Kitchen section.







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