Parade of Homes

The streamlined flat-panel drawers and door fronts of recent years are giving way to Shaker-esque frames with subtle etchings and ridges. Even the hardware looks warmer, Cyr says, as sleek stainless steel is replaced by hammered copper and oil-rubbed bronze — another way to add colour to a room, while invoking a fresh take on the indus- trial trend. Though statement countertops continue to provide a strong focal point to any space, their accompa- nying backsplashes are becoming less fussy, with many homeowners opting for a modern carry-through effect achieved by repeating the same shade (or even material) from one to the other. And while homeowners still want to fit stone into their bud- gets, there's been a definite shift from granite to quartz, both because its marbled colour palettes are more flexible, and because its surfaces are more durable and resistant to scratches. The countertop's loss is the kitchen sink's gain, however, with fewer requests for farmhouse models (though porce- lain remains a safe bet in all-white rooms) and increased de- mand for the coloured granite sinks of yesteryear. "These sinks have been on the market for a few decades — when they first came out, they were all the rage," says Cyr. "We're not talking about pea green or mustard yellow. We're talking really earthy, beautiful matte browns and charcoal greys — again, pulling out the colours of the countertops." Elsewhere in the kitchen, homeowners continue to seek out efficient and innovative approaches to storage and every- day use, from integrated appliances and under-the-counter cabinets to pull-down mechanisms that bring those pesky top shelves down to your level. HOT In THE kITCHEn Cont'd from page 111 Hearth Homes — 14 Camira Way Even the hardware looks warmer — as sleek stainless steel is replaced by hammered copper and oil- rubbed bronze Cont'd on page 114 112 Parade of Homes Spring 2017

• Cover