Shades of Green

As consumers demand healthier, highly efficient, and environmentally responsible living spaces, they expect those who design and specify products for their residences to respond to their concerns and direct them intelligently and responsibly to these ideals.

While sound environmental principles are timeless, the green movement is an evolving arena where innovation reigns supreme. You can't afford to remain behind the curve.

With the exploding interest in green building, it can be difficult to decipher between authentic green messaging and 'green washing.'

Designers, builders and remodelers are sage to explore the aspects of all that makes a product green, including product certification, embodied energy, life cycle analysis, manufacturing processes, and other important factors that contribute to a product's sustainability.

C.H. Briggs can provide information and assistance.  In addition to your Strategic Account Manager, we have a LEED-accredited staff member and several in-house experts who would be happy to answer questions and provide support.  Email or call Customer Service at 1.800.355.1000 or complete the Contact Us form and we'll get back to you promptly.

Eco-Friendly, Durable Countertop Materials Remain Hot

When it comes to countertop materials, the hottest trends are all about green - going green and saving green. Products such as IceStone that are eco-friendly, or that boast recycled content, continue to gain popularity, while durable, sanitary and budget-conscious choices are also hot with consumers right now. Perhaps reflecting current sensibilities, color choices are warm and soothing, with consumers gravitating to colors that offer depth and dimension. Mixing and matching materials is also increasingly common, since this not only provides a personalized look, but also allows homeowners to keep on budget without sacrificing their favorite material choices.

Below are some of the hottest trends in countertops right now:

• Designers are increasingly using several different countertop materials in the kitchen, often mixing such options as laminate, natural stone, butcher block, glass and quartz to create an eclectic - and budget-friendly - design.
• Quartz is gaining in popularity, both for its ease of maintenance and design flexibility, as well as its growing number of patterns and colors.
• The greening of the industry is clearly reflected in countertop choices, as materials with recycled content and locally sourced stones continue to gain ground.
• The flat look is out, with the most popular surfaces showing texture, depth and dimension.
• Color choices are warm and neutral, in soothing tones that reflect the palette of nature.
• Upscale countertop choices are turning up all over the home, from wet bars to morning suites to outdoor kitchens. 

Source: Kitchen & Bath Design News, April 2009