A Fabulous Alternative to Marble Countertops

Marble countertops... GORGEOUS!!! Marble countertops in a kitchen, not such a good idea. So many times I have clients come in and just completely fall in love with the look of marble. And, of course, I can't blame them. It is a beautiful natural stone. The colors and movement are exquisite. But, the maintenance and cautiousness that it takes to keep the stone looking up to its full potential is immense. Each time I have the countertop conversation with a client, I try to make one point as clear as I can. Marble is not for a home or a family that doesn't want to consciously have their countertop's "well-being" in mind at all times. (Please don't think I'm saying "no" to marble all together. In the right application, in the right home, it is superb!)

A few months ago I started a project in Marion for a couple with young kids. The wife adored Carera Marble and so badly wanted to make it the countertops in her kitchen. After having the above conversation, we decided the upkeep was not for her nor the rest of her family. With that said, we moved on to other options. In the end, she and her husband agreed on a phenomenal stone called White Zito. It has the graceful, organic movement of marble and the colors couldn't be more perfect. So, we were able to get the look she was after without having to stop all red wine and/or kool-aid drinking in and around the kitchen island! The kitchen was installed last month and my clients are thrilled!

For more articles about putting marble in your kitchen, I found the following website: http://kitchen-counter-tops.net/marble/index.php . It seems to be super helpful and has a wealth of information! Or, stop in at Details to see me and our countertop sample room!

~Bethany~

Using Reflective Surfaces in Kitchen & Bath Design

Tena’s thoughts on…………… REFLECTION

 re-flec-tion - the return of light after striking a surface

In my opinion, one of the most important things to remember when designing is not to forget the little details.  It is those little details that together create amazing spaces.

 

I have found that one of the more important details is in the creative use of reflective surfaces.  We, by nature, seem to be drawn to reflected and refracted light in everyday objects; the “bling” of a diamond ring, the “sparkle” of the morning sun dancing on the water, the “shimmer” of beach sand.  In the context of kitchen and bath design reflective surfaces can be used to brighten a dark room, visually enlarge a smaller more compact space, bring the beautiful outdoors in or simply make all of the non-reflective surfaces PoP. Reflective surfaces in the kitchen or bath can typically be found in the use of shiny tiles, polished stone countertops, certain metals, glossy wood floors, decorative glass in cabinets or hardware, glazed ceramics - or - quite literally, mirror and incandescent lighting.

One example would be the use of small iridescent glass tiles in a wide range of soft hues in an otherwise non-descript crisp white bathroom. (I personally LOVE Walker-Zanger tile)  These types of reflective tiles are like chameleons. They will create completely different atmospheres depending on your mood or time of day.  For instance, bright daylight would bounce off of these tiles and create a light, bright and cheerful appearance great for morning preparation.  In the evening, illuminated by candlelight or under the dimmed light of the incandescent bulbs these tiles would create a soothing backdrop perfect for relaxing in the tub after a long day.

In another example, my Client’s lighter-toned polished granite countertop in close proximity to an enormous glass patio door reflects her absolutely phenomenal view.  My Client was spot on with her selection of polished granite to contrast with her beautiful limestone floors and low-sheen painted cabinetry.  The reflection of the sparkling water and lovely surroundings seem to brighten her kitchen on even the gloomiest of days.

In the end…. It’s always “all about the details”!

Cohasset Kitchen Redesign

When Kitchen & Bath Details was asked to work on a kitchen remodeling project for this Cohasset client we loved the directive – take a small kitchen in a historic home, open it up a bit, provide some seating, an amazing fireplace and keep it cozy! Our designers began Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry in white with a low sheen enamel with absolute black honed granite countertops and installed Sub-Zero & Wolf Appliances.

A hutch with open glass doors and lighting showcases beautiful china and adds a warm glow to the room. A desk provides an office workspace, while cozy dinners are prepared the flat screen TV allows the “chef” to catch up on the news.

Please contact Jill Muldoon to schedule an appointment with one of our designers or visit our showroom to see more of our work.

Historic Kitchen Restoration, Cambridge

This project in Cambridge, MA called for a great deal of historic preservation and replication, as our client wanted to keep with the period of the home. We worked with our custom cabinet line, Plain & Fancy, to create a cabinet door style which mimicked the original wainscoting in the foyer of this striking historic home. A hand glazed latte finish was selected for the cabinetry and panels which mask the Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. Both granite and wood were used for the countertops and glass front cabinets were installed at the end of the island to preserve an “academic and historical” feel for the homeowners collection of cookbooks.

We had the great fortune to remodel the Butler’s Pantry (photo below center) at the same time as the kitchen was remodeled. Glass front cabinets were used in order to open up the small space, at the same time showcasing an impressive collection of barware. The rich dark wood is consistent with the look and feel of the home’s history and setting.

Snow Fields - Old World Style

It is very special to have a kitchen large enough to accommodate an enormous island and a table that easily seats six!  In this kitchen Chief Designer Tena Collyer was inspired by the high ceilings and wooden beams. The centerpiece of the room is the Plain & Fancy white latte glazed island, all topped with stunning granite countertops. High end, Sub Zero and Wolf appliances lend a professional feel to this very cozy family gathering spot.

Contact Jill Muldoon to schedule an appointment with one of our designers, visit our website to see more of our designs and sign up for our quarterly newsletter featuring the best in Kitchen & Bath Details.