What a fun story today! Thanks to reader Kyrsten — who found a great sample chain of vintage Nevamar countertop laminates — which she then sent to me — and which Nevamar’s new designer, when doing research, took notice of — we now have: Reintroduced Nevamar Venus laminates — for kitchen and bathroom countertops or other projects that could use this classic material — in two colorways! Yes, the team at Nevamar contacted me a while back… I sent them the sample chips… and today they are reintroducing an accurate reproduction of Venus — in turquoise and white — along with 18 other retro and mid century inspired patterns.
Great new choices for countertops and even vanities
I love the two Venus colorways. And I’m also loving the Kinetic design in four colorways — I’m still waiting to see the chips in person, but these look terrific! It’s all part of Nevamar’s 80th birthday celebration. Hooray — new retro laminates in real patterns for our countertops and even vanities!!! And you’re reading about them here first. Let’s take a look!
From the Press Release:
ePanolam® Surface Systems Introduces Yesteryears™ Collection
Retro-inspired surfaces designs celebrate 80 years of the Nevamar Brand
Panolam Surface Systems, a leading supplier of integrated surface solutions today introduced the Yesteryears™ Collection, a mix of 20 new and retro designs which include rich woodgrains, abstracts and solids that are inspired by some of Nevamar’s most popular patterns throughout the past 80 years.
Fresh enough for use in today’s interiors, these designs combine form and function providing a certain sense of nostalgia that creates an immediate connection between the design and the user.
“The Yesteryears Collection is a grouping of 20 new designs: 14 for Nevamar and 6 new Inspira™ Digital to add to the mix,” said Wendy Noory, Director of Design, for Panolam Surface Systems. “In researching the brand’s history, we discovered an old Nevamar chain set on Retro Renovation, a website that features vintage design items, and several of the Yesteryears styles are inspired by these designs from this 1950’s chain set.”
Offered in both High Pressure and FRL® Fiber Reinforced Laminates, the Yesteryears™ Collection is suitable for many market segments including corporate, retail, healthcare, and hospitality.
About Panolam
For more than 80 years, Panolam Surface Systems has engineered and manufactured high-quality, innovative surfacing solutions for a wide range of contract, industrial and residential applications. With an extensive line of high-pressure laminates, thermally fused laminates, fiber reinforced laminates and other specialty products available in hundreds of colors and styles under the well-known Panolam, Nevamar, Pionite, Conolite, and other brand names. Panolam Surface Systems provides the vision, value and versatility designers, architects, manufacturers and contractors are looking for today. For more information, visit http://www.panolam.com.###
Nice, huh! The Yesteryears collection is here.
Video: How I used metal counter edge on my kitchen countertops:
Yesteryears Styles:
Kinetic – relating to or resulting from motion – A stylized, non-directional abstract pattern in 4 colorways that are unique to the mid-century modern time period yet contemporary in today’s standards.
Raffia – has a woven wicker appearance; available in 3 colorways – Gold Mini Raffia, Aqua Mini Raffia, and Tangerine Mini Raffia.
Blushing Pink, Pear Green, Marigold Fields and Soft Island Breeze are four new solids to coordinate with the woodgrains and abstracts from the Yesteryears™ Collection. These colors will make you feel as you just stepped into this time period yet fresh enough for usage in today’s interiors.
The new Inspira™ Digital pattern, Boomerang is a historic replica of the original boomerang; a popular parabolic or amoeba-shaped design motif that was popular during the MCM movement and is offered in 2 colorways.
Mid-Mod Walnut – This woodgrain is a Black Walnut, historic to the time of MCM. Mulitiple tones of light to medium with cathedrals, graining and subtle knots. They will blend with the abstracts and solids to create harmonious balance. Doors, cabinetry, and furniture will look amazing in this new walnut woodgrain.
Miesian
Noun – an admirer or student of the German-born architect and designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe or his work; “he produces work that Miesians would see as impure”
Adj – relating to or characteristic of the German-born architect and designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe or his work. Term is derived from the sparse style of architect and designer, Mies Van der Rohe; he is regarded as one of the pioneers of modernist architecture. This linear woodgrain in a deep, cognac color with subtle variations of tone. This engineered wood simulates a teak wood which was very popular during this time period.
Planetree Maple
A simple, elegant maple in a cream tone. An open woodgrain with very subtle graining and minimal knots. This woodgrain has a Scandinavian feel and perfect for the MCM collection.
Venus 2 is a new Inspira™ Digital pattern and a replica of the original 1950’s Venus pattern. Starbursts and dots randomly placed to create a fun, retro design in 2 colorways.
The new Inspira Digital pattern Odenton is a colorful, bold retro design that leans towards the later time period of the beginning 60’s movement. Two colorways to coordinate with our new solids and abstracts.
Where to see these laminates and get info about ordering:
- Nevamar Yesteryears retro and mid century inspired laminate collection launched Oct. 17, 2019
- For ordering, contact a local rep or a Nevamar distributor in your territory.
Peter Jones says
Pam
On behalf of all our employees at Panolam, many thanks to you and Kyrsten for sharing with us the historic Nevamar chain that inspired Wendy in her development of this line. You allowed us to reach back into our history and create laminates that draw on our heritage yet are relevant and fun today.
Diane Miller says
Peter,
Thank you and your company for caring enough to bring back these vintage patterns.
This makes me happy.
Diane
Diane Miller says
Peter,
I love your website. Just read piece about Wendy’s promotion. What a wise move!
“I am confident that Wendy’s experience and skillset will promote a collaborative design culture that encompasses and values the needs of sales, marketing, and the company’s overall business objectives,” said Tim Zwilling, vice president of product management and business development for Panolam.
Please tell Tim Zwilling, mission accomplished!
Thank you,
Diane Miller
JB says
My kingdom for one of these in yellow. Some day my dream will come true!!!
Pam Kueber says
Cracked ice in yellow? https://retrorenovation.com/2010/08/01/where-to-find-crackle-ice-laminate/
RR Creme Caramel? https://retrorenovation.com/2016/02/24/retro-renovation-by-wilsonart-boomerang-laminate-now-available-online-at-home-depot/
Robin, NV says
This is fantastic! I love the linen look patterns. That pink is scrummy!!
Debbie in Portland says
Venus in Turquoise….be still, my heart, that is AMAZING.
I’ve always wanted to order something from Nevamar, just because that name is so delightful. Here’s my chance!
DAG DAG says
Talk about De’ja vu! Back in the 60’s we lived in a house that had red/ maroon laminate (or whatever it was called back the) that was applied in sheets glued down to the counters, with chrome strips on the edges. Not only did we have it on the counters, but it matched the chrome dining table. It was in that boomerang pattern, which were in grays and black on that red background. It was also used to line the drawers, as the material was like a piece of rigid shelf paper that must have been perfectly cut to fit inside of each one. I Remember that when we moved to a new house, we had a similar set up but with a muted yellow pattern, some of which is still in the house my father still lives in, and it is now curled downward in the drawers as if it warped. It must have been all the rage, and the standard of the industry back then. This was long before you could go to a big box store and buy a shelf or counter with it already glued to particle board. This all must have been applied in the field, glued down with ineffective glues (it always seemed to pull up or bubble in spots. How I wish I had that old chrome table and vinyl chairs!
Diane says
DAG DAG, thank you for sharing your memories. I liked reading about them. Diane
Charleen says
What a find!!have always loved the boomerang pattern. Really like the wood grain ,both coloeways Great job!!
Kate says
Kinetic for my bathroom, and I love the walnut and Miesian for other projects! So exciting!!!!
Marty Tetlow says
Odenton, oh that green!
So happy for more choices, thanks for making it happen!
Nyleen says
Laminate……what? I read this 3 times trying to figure out if these are flooring tiles, countertops, or just goofy shaped pieces of laminate art or wall tiles….what are these?
Pam Kueber says
Laminate for countertops. I updated the story to make it clearer.
Linda says
If I wasn’t committed to keeping my green sort-of-leather textured counters, I’d be going for the kinetic pattern in turquoise. Love them all!