Monday, October 8, 2007

Counter Intelligence

Granite is SOOO 2006. concrete, glass and stone are gaining ground as popular materials for countertops. Concrete's biggest advantage is, that it can take any shape and it's not as pricey as some other natural stone materials. Beause it is cast in molds, it can include subtle texturing and decorative objects such as pieces of metal, fossils or glass. If you are using concrete in the kitchen, consider placing raised strips of metal cast into countertops to support pots and pans near the sink and cooking areas.
For those who crave ultra-modern design, another option is glass, which comes in nearly limitless colors, shapes, thicknesses and textures. And, because it is nonporous, it is stain-proof and hygienic and can handle hot pots without cracking. Since it s translucent, it can be combined with other design elements, such as glass over aluminum or decorative tile embedded into the slab. Installing lighting under the counter creates added drama and elegance.

Finally, consider engineered stone, which is slightly cheaper than granite. It is made from quartz crystals and polymer resin, so it's nearly maintenance free. Plus, it is heat and cold resistant, mildew-free, stain-resistant and harder than most things you put on it, so it won't scratch.

If you have seen any of these materials on countertops, let me know. I would love to see the effect of these countertop materials.

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