2016 Trends: Reflections on Glass Surfaces

Some of this year’s hottest trends aren’t confined to the kitchen, and that’s especially true when it comes to choosing glass surfaces. Whether you’re renovating a work space or updating the décor in your dining room, glass options are more beautiful, more opulent, and more varied than ever. We recently sat down with Melanie Brown at Dauphin Sales to learn more about what homeowners are asking for in 2016.

Glass Countertops

Although trends in glass aren’t limited to the kitchen, that’s where we will start. According to Melanie, customers seeking high-end kitchen renovations are asking for glass countertops not just for the clean, contemporary aesthetic, but because glass is anti-microbial and very easy to clean.

“Unlike stone surfaces, which can absorb moisture and bacteria, glass is monolithic and will not,” said Melanie. “Glass countertops don’t collect bacteria [like stone]. Many glass countertops are cast glass and are underpainted, or have a laminate color underneath—neutral greys, taupes, and whites are popular right now—and no color on the glass itself. Typically homeowners are using glass countertops as an accent on the island, rather than the working counter, with or without a sink; it can be cut for a drop-in or undermount sink.”

In the Bedroom

Glass countertops are also making an appearance in the master suite, said Morrison, specifically in the master closet.

“We’re doing packing islands in the master closet with glass countertops that finishes it out and makes it look like furniture,” said Melanie. “We’re also doing a lot of wet bars and dry bars in the master suite.”

Homeowners are seeking a cleaner, more contemporary look, said Brown, pointing to the continued popularity of cool neutrals and sleek design lines in every room of the house.

“Contemporary is the name of the game these days,” said Melanie. “People are looking for a modern, seamless look, which glass provides.”

What to Know

We asked Melanie what we need to know when it’s time to start shopping for glass for our homes and she gave us the following tips for homeowners:

• In the kitchen think about moisture: “You have to be mindful of moisture getting behind a wall finish [backsplash], which is [prevented] with silicone. Think about how much moisture will that back-painted glass going to have to contact.”
• If you’re shopping for antique mirrors, ask about the backing: “The fabricator is all-important, and we have a source we’ve used for the last 18 years. Make sure you’re asking about the track record of the backing.”
• Know the fabricator, and understand the process: “We do the final measuring, the ordering, the installing, and each piece is designed per our drawings. The important thing is the source.”

Stay tuned to the blog for more on our upcoming move and brand new showroom! And don’t forget to stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Houzz.