New Uses From Top to Bottom : Some innovations in plastic products for the home:

Vinyl flooring. The new flooring is both cushioned and tougher than the old linoleum and comes in a large number of patterns and colors. It is also resistant to indentation and damage from impact. Some of the new patterns closely resemble tile and marble but are less expensive than the natural materials.

Plantation-type shutters. Cheryl Markham of Designers Circle Ltd. in Fountain Valley had the shutters installed for a client recently. “At first I was hesitant about using the shutters, but they have high insulation qualities and keep the heat in. They’re very effective because they have a honeycomb air pocket inside the slats and no metal parts. They are also half the cost of wooden shutters,” she said.

Acrylic French doors. They have the appearance of wood and are also very durable. They don’t warp or rust, making them a good choice for use in homes near the beach or other areas with high humidity.

A “soft” bathtub. The foam-cushioned tub keeps water warmer longer and provides a soft landing spot in case of falls.

Corian counters. In both the bathroom and the kitchen, Corian counters are being molded into custom shapes and given rounded corners to reduce injuries.

Laminates. New colors, patterns and finishes are available, many disguising themselves as grainy leathers, antiqued metallics, trompe l’oeil marbles and sophisticated granites. Laminates come in three grades determined by the thickness of the material and its durability.