Trend SpottingThe kitchen countertop goes through a transformation.

    The kitchen is a radically different space than it was 20 years ago, says Suzie Williford, the 2007 vice president of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. As a result, products for these spaces are radically different as well. Kitchens still perform their normal functions, but now they do so much more.

    "The Kitchen is the new entertainment center," Williford says from the show floor at 2007 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. "It has gone from being a functional space to a room of beauty, where games are played, where home work is done, and a message center."

    Such a space needs a good countertop, and this year's show has plenty as more manufacturers cater to consumers who want something different.

    ThinkGlass is showcasing a new generation of glass countertops that are available in thicknesses up to 1 1/2 inches and in seamless slabs measuring 126 inches long.

    At the Totally Bamboo booth you can make a style statement with end-grain parquet or vertical grain bamboo countertops. And relative new comer Tobara Teak grows its own trees on Forest Stewardship Council-certified farms in Mexico and manufacturers a variety of teak kitchen and bath countertops in almost any custom style.

    Other materials making a splash are engineered marble and engineered products made from paper. Here's a sampling of new product introductions:

    ThinkGlass:
    The manufacturer offers custom glass countertops in almost any design. Available in thicknesses up to 1 1/2 inches and in seamless slabs measuring 10 feet by 7 feet, the product is scratch and heat resistant. It is available in three hues. www.thinkglass.com.

    DuPont:
    A partnership between the manufacturer and European quartz company Seieffe Industrie, the nine new colors of Zodiaq-OKITE surfacing has the appearance of rich terra cottas, warm veined neutrals, and deep lapis lazuli blues. The product has the same heat resistant and low maintenance properties as regular Zodiaq. www.zodiaq.com http://www.zodiaq.com.

    Qwinique:
    For those folks who think traditional butcher block is old news, the manufacturer exotic species and other domestic hardwoods in custom kitchen countertops. Thirteen stock species are available, but species such as wenge, bubinga, and koa (a Hawaiian hardwood) are available. The tops are constructed with finger-jointed ends and Q-lock sides that double the gluing area for a more stable top. www.qwinique.com.

    Silestone by Cosentino USA:
    Noting the trend toward more browns and neutrals, the manufacturer has unveiled the Zen Series of quartz surfacing. The five colors in the line are much more monochromatic and consistent and skew toward a more earthy and organic trend in architecture. www.silestone.com.

    Tobara Teak:
    The company started planting teak trees on its farms in Mexico and is now harvesting some of those trees to make a variety of products including kitchen countertops. Widely used in boat building, teak is naturally resistant to salt water and is extremely stable. Tops are available in thicknesses up to 2 1/2 inches on end grain styles but 3 inches is possible for some orders. www.tobarateak.com.

    Totally Bamboo:
    It was only a matter of time until bamboo was used for other things besides flooring. In this case, it's for kitchen countertops. Available in edge-grain or parquet style, tops come 1 1/2- and 2-inch thick and features 100 percent formaldehyde free adhesive. www.totallybamboo.com.

    CaesarStone:
    The company has introduced nine new colors to its lineup of quartz-based surfacing that are driven by concern for the environment. Colors include sandalwood, bedrock, Amazon green, and Raven (shown). Like the existing quartz surfaces, resistant to heat, cold, mold, mildew, and stains. www.caesarstoneus.com.

    Cambria USA:
    The manufacturer has introduced 12 new colors to its line up quartz-based surfacing, including the Quarry Collection of products that look like natural stone and the Desert Collection of monochromatic hues. www.cambriausa.com.

    Samsung Staron:
    Quartz is one of the hottest surfacing materials in the industry; the manufacturer has gotten wise to this. Its new Tempest line of solid surfacing uses clear chips to mimic the look of quartz. Available in 10 colors, the products are lighter than quartz and can be had at a lower price point. www.staron.com.

    --Nigel Maynard