When I was growing up, everyone had laminate countertops in their kitchen. It was inexpensive, fairly durable and "in." It was the latest and greatest. Now days granite tops most charts as the "need to have" countertop. It's true that granite has a long list of pros and in my opinion, a weak list of cons. That doesn't mean that it's the best and only option for kitchens all across America. Some people can't afford to lay a slab of granite or don't really like the way it looks. Not to mention that granite isn't always the best choice for every design.
Recently I was looking through the new issue of Martha Stewart and in the back was a reader question about kitchen countertops.
Martha listed the materials followed by a pro and con list. Unfortunately she left out a growingly popular material. Quartz surfaces(Caesarstone, Silestone).
So here in the design studio, we put together our own list of countertop options.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Comparative Countertops
MATERIALS
PROS
CONS
LAMINATE
INEXPENSIVE, EASY TO CLEAN, EASY TO INSTALL, MANY DESIGNS AND COLORS
VISABLE SEAMS, WATER CAN SEEP THROUGH SEAMS, NICKS AND SCRATCHES EASILY
TILE
MOST TILES ARE STAIN RESISTANT, UNLIMINITED COLOR AND STYLE OPTIONS, INEXPENSIVE, POSSIBLE TO REPLACE DAMAGED TILES
GROUT CAN STAIN EASILY OR CRACK, REQUIRES A LOT OF MAINTENANCE
WOOD
CAN USE AS CUTTING BOARD, EASY TO INSTALL, CAN SAND TO REPAIR
REQUIRES FREQUENT SEALING, EASILY DAMAGED BY HEAT, CUTS AND IMPACT
CORIAN OR SOLID SURFACE
CAN BE JOINED TO APPEAR SEAMLESS, DURABLE, SANITARY (COMPARED TO LAMINATE) EASILY SERVICED, LESS $$ THAN QUARTZ (MATTE FINISH)
CAN WARP, SCRATCH AND CHIP WITH EXPOSURE TO HEAT, SCRATCHES CAN GROW BACTERIA, SEVERE DAMAGE REQUIRES COMPLETE COUNTER REPLACEMENT
QUARTZ (CAESARSTONE- SILESTONE)
DURABLE, SANITARY AND SCRATCH RESISTANT, UNIFORM IN COLOR AND PATTERNING, POLISHED FINISH, HEAT RESISTANT UP TO 400F
MORE EXPENSIVE TO INSTALL THAN SOLID SURFACE, NOT SEAMLESS
GRANITE
VERY, VERY DURABLE AND STRONG, WITHSTANDS HEAVY AND HOT PANS, KNIVES, SPILLS, AVAILABLE IN MANY COLORS AND VARIATIONS
NEEDS SEALED YEARLY, FULL SLABS CAN DIFFER FROM SAMPLES, CAN VARY GREATLY FROM SLAB TO SLAB
STAINLESS STEEL
HEAT AND STAIN RESISTANT, WATERPROOF, GOOD WITH UNDERMOUNTED OR INTEGRATED SINK
DENTS AND SCRATCHES EASILY, SHOWS FINGERPRINTS, REQUIRES MORE MAINTENANCE TO LOOK SHINY AND NEW
CONCRETE
CAN BE COLORED AND TEXTURED TO YOUR SPECS, CAN INCORPORATE STONE PIECES
CHIPS AND SCRATCHES EASILY, HAIRLINE CRACKS
MARBLE
HEAT RESISTANT, MANY COLORS AND VARIATIONS, CAN BE SANDED AND POLISHED IF DULL
CAN STAIN AND SCRATCH EASILY, DULLS OVER TIME, HIGH MAINTENANCE COMPARED TO GRANITE
Monday, August 13, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Built-In Storage
We had a client a couple years ago who had recently moved into a brand new home and like a lot of new homes, the builders left some things for the new homeowners to take care of. One was the formal dining room built in cabinets, or "coffins," as we called them.
This past project comes up because lately we've been getting requests for storage ideas. This is not uncommon in the spring when many people begin their spring cleaning. Now granted, this was a bit easier because there was already space carved out for storage but once you locate the space, you or your designer must still go through the process of actually designing what it will look like and how it will function to suit your style and needs.
The homeowners had already purchased a dining room table and had drapes and a chandelier hung, so it gave us a good starting point for wood tone and aesthetic.
The first photo shows the design that was presented to the clients. The second picture is of the actual space the design is depicting. Because this is a dining room, the client wanted to be able to display china, crystal and store larger serving pieces.
In the final photo you will notice the center unit is slightly different then the original drawing. This is not uncommon but this time it was the carpenter's fault for not following my design. In the end it wasn't the worst thing to deal with but it did surprise us and we had to rethink our initial idea.
Ultimately, it was a success. The craftsmanship was beautiful and the homeowners were very pleased, which, in the design field, is our ultimate goal.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Acrylic - A Man Made Fabric Of Our Lives
First commercially produced in 1950, Acrylic has become one of the most common fabrics today. Acrylic fibers are produced from elements taken from natural gas, air, water, and petroleum.
Acrylic fibers are unique in that they can be mixed with various other chemicals to change their ability to better respond to the end application.
Acrylic is popular within sportswear due to its outstanding wickablilty (moving moisture away from the body) and quick drying time. It also makes a versatile fiber for upholstery fabric, area rugs and outdoor furniture due to its ease of washing, shape retention, resistance to sunlight degradation and easy dye-ability with excellent color fastness.
For the above reasons, Acrylic is a popular choice for draperies, combined with the fact that it is typically less expensive then cottons, linens and silks, but can be made to look and feel like cotton, linen and silk.
One potential drawback to Acrylic is static electricity. Typically a problem in clothing and blankets, this matter may be reduced by using a fabric softener every third or fourth wash.
Acrylic fibers are unique in that they can be mixed with various other chemicals to change their ability to better respond to the end application.
Acrylic is popular within sportswear due to its outstanding wickablilty (moving moisture away from the body) and quick drying time. It also makes a versatile fiber for upholstery fabric, area rugs and outdoor furniture due to its ease of washing, shape retention, resistance to sunlight degradation and easy dye-ability with excellent color fastness.
For the above reasons, Acrylic is a popular choice for draperies, combined with the fact that it is typically less expensive then cottons, linens and silks, but can be made to look and feel like cotton, linen and silk.
One potential drawback to Acrylic is static electricity. Typically a problem in clothing and blankets, this matter may be reduced by using a fabric softener every third or fourth wash.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
More Doors We Love - Posted by Contributing Blogger Rachael Gray
A beautiful door entering into a home near Lake Como, Italy
Monday, February 27, 2012
The Fabrics of our Lives - Silk
There are so many fabrics out there today, hiring someone who knows the different types and their strengths and weaknesses can be beneficial for you.
Some people don't know and don't care about things such as wearability, itchiness, color fasting, stain resistance, pilling and finish performance. Now granted, some of these things can be much more obvious in certain situations. Choosing fabric for a widow treatment, for example, you probably don't need a designer to tell you that a very lightweight fabric, such as a sheer, won't do much to keep out the sunlight in the morning. Now, choosing fabric for a sofa or chair can be a bit more tricky. A while ago I was visiting a friend and they mentioned they had a chair they wanted to recover. I asked what he had in mind and he said silk. Immediately an alarm went off in my brain and I asked to see the chair. I don't have anything against silk, but the right application is important. This was a down filled bergere chair with beautiful wood carved arms and legs and of course he wanted a striped silk fabric.
Of course you are free to do whatever you want in your home, but it's nice to know what you're getting into.
I explained that silk was probably not the best choice and neither was a striped fabric.
Why?
Down is a high maintenance insert that needs to be fluffed regularly so it doesn't look droopy and sad. A striped fabric would look sloppy because the stripes wouldn't look straight and even. Stripes that look like they don't line up can be off-putting, like maybe the upholsterer didn't know what he was doing.
The other reason I recommended against silk was because of it's placement in the room and it's high use. Silk fades pretty quickly in sunlight and the fibers become weakened and can tear.
Also, it was a seat that was used frequently and silk does not typically have a high abrasion factor. Jeans and other rough fabrics plus bare skin are going to reduce the longevity of the silk. Some fabrics, like jeans, can transfer color to another fabric and bare legs can transfer sweat,oils, lotions and creams which can all stain the silk and are very difficult to remove.
Now, a chair that sits in indirect sunlight or a darker room, is not used frequently and never by someone wearing jeans or shorts, would do very well in your home.
You can add backing to some silks to give them a stiffer, stronger life and some can be stain guarded, but remember, those are after market changes, so to speak, and you will still need to treat silk carefully and cautiously.
Some people don't know and don't care about things such as wearability, itchiness, color fasting, stain resistance, pilling and finish performance. Now granted, some of these things can be much more obvious in certain situations. Choosing fabric for a widow treatment, for example, you probably don't need a designer to tell you that a very lightweight fabric, such as a sheer, won't do much to keep out the sunlight in the morning. Now, choosing fabric for a sofa or chair can be a bit more tricky. A while ago I was visiting a friend and they mentioned they had a chair they wanted to recover. I asked what he had in mind and he said silk. Immediately an alarm went off in my brain and I asked to see the chair. I don't have anything against silk, but the right application is important. This was a down filled bergere chair with beautiful wood carved arms and legs and of course he wanted a striped silk fabric.
Of course you are free to do whatever you want in your home, but it's nice to know what you're getting into.
I explained that silk was probably not the best choice and neither was a striped fabric.
Why?
Down is a high maintenance insert that needs to be fluffed regularly so it doesn't look droopy and sad. A striped fabric would look sloppy because the stripes wouldn't look straight and even. Stripes that look like they don't line up can be off-putting, like maybe the upholsterer didn't know what he was doing.
The other reason I recommended against silk was because of it's placement in the room and it's high use. Silk fades pretty quickly in sunlight and the fibers become weakened and can tear.
Also, it was a seat that was used frequently and silk does not typically have a high abrasion factor. Jeans and other rough fabrics plus bare skin are going to reduce the longevity of the silk. Some fabrics, like jeans, can transfer color to another fabric and bare legs can transfer sweat,oils, lotions and creams which can all stain the silk and are very difficult to remove.
Now, a chair that sits in indirect sunlight or a darker room, is not used frequently and never by someone wearing jeans or shorts, would do very well in your home.
You can add backing to some silks to give them a stiffer, stronger life and some can be stain guarded, but remember, those are after market changes, so to speak, and you will still need to treat silk carefully and cautiously.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Mediterranean Design
Southern California is a great place for Mediterranean Design.
For those of you who aren't familiar with this style, let's highlight key elements;
Spanish influenced
Walls are traditionally made of concrete or stucco and very thick to keep out the heat
Balcony on the rear of the house on the 2nd story
Windows are frameless and set back into the stone
Roof made of clay tiles to reflect heat
Now, let's talk about the Mediterranean aesthetic. There are many books about Mediterranean style but the one that I recommend is by Mary Whitesides. There is a passage from the foreword of her book by architect Bob Easton I would like to share;
"The Mediterranean aesthetic is an eclectic mix of elements. It is about how sunlight plays across textured white or vividly colored walls, with rooms arranged around porch-lined courtyards. Terra-cotta tile roofs cover wood beam ceilings, rich wood doors, and windows protected by decorative iron grilles or shutters. The style includes arched passages and porticos, fireplaces and kitchens decorated with colorful tiles or cut stone; interiors vibrantly decorated with color, texture, and the clutter that reflects an expressive, exciting lifestyle. Gardens come alive with moving water, diverse colors, and lush planting with open beamed shade structures that create inviting outdoor rooms."
So beautifully said, what else could I add? Clearly this style will not appeal to everyone, but for those who understand and appreciate its beauty, it is a true visionary delight.
For those of you who aren't familiar with this style, let's highlight key elements;
Spanish influenced
Walls are traditionally made of concrete or stucco and very thick to keep out the heat
Balcony on the rear of the house on the 2nd story
Windows are frameless and set back into the stone
Roof made of clay tiles to reflect heat
Now, let's talk about the Mediterranean aesthetic. There are many books about Mediterranean style but the one that I recommend is by Mary Whitesides. There is a passage from the foreword of her book by architect Bob Easton I would like to share;
"The Mediterranean aesthetic is an eclectic mix of elements. It is about how sunlight plays across textured white or vividly colored walls, with rooms arranged around porch-lined courtyards. Terra-cotta tile roofs cover wood beam ceilings, rich wood doors, and windows protected by decorative iron grilles or shutters. The style includes arched passages and porticos, fireplaces and kitchens decorated with colorful tiles or cut stone; interiors vibrantly decorated with color, texture, and the clutter that reflects an expressive, exciting lifestyle. Gardens come alive with moving water, diverse colors, and lush planting with open beamed shade structures that create inviting outdoor rooms."
So beautifully said, what else could I add? Clearly this style will not appeal to everyone, but for those who understand and appreciate its beauty, it is a true visionary delight.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Solid Wood vs Engineered Materials -Contributing Blogger Rachael Gray
Today’s homeowner has many choices when it comes to the cabinetry they select for their new or remodeled kitchen. There is a bevy of styles, price points; from very affordable to high end, different manufacturers and more. Among these categories, there are also types of materials used to produce and manufacture today’s cabinetry. Popular opinion still says that engineered woods are “cheap” or “unattractive” while it is said that solid wood is among the best in the industry. Well, I believe this to be untrue. While solid wood products are very beautiful and of course, have their place in the kitchen and bath world, engineered products also have their niche in this industry.
There are many kitchen / bath cabinet manufacturers that offer an engineered panel for the construction of the cabinet box and doors. In many cases, this means that the panel is very eco friendly and can often mean that it is a 100% post consumer product; meaning only recycled materials have been used in the manufacturing process. It can also mean very high durability and a long lasting kitchen for many years to come. Another great quality to the engineered panel is that it can be water repellent which also means no absorption of moisture and therefore no expanding and contracting of the cabinet box or door. This just adds to the durable factor that will continue to keep your kitchen looking just as new as the day it was installed.
Wonderful shapes such as round or oval cabinets can be created with the use of engineered wood. If you’re looking to create a modern or contemporary aesthetic for your kitchen, do consider that using engineered wood can and will give you the look you’re trying to accomplish.
While you’re shopping cabinet showrooms, don’t be afraid to ask about what materials are used in the construction of their cabinets. If you’re concerned about lessening your footprint, ask about the woods that are used; are they from sustainable forests? Do the cabinets have formaldehyde, PVC or other harmful materials? If so, you have other options and I suggest to continue your search until you have found the manufacturer that fulfills your aesthetic, functional, and eco needs.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Won't You Come In?
We love beautiful doors. There are beautiful and interesting doors everywhere, just look around!
This one belongs to the Cathedral of St. Patrick in New York City.
Reupholstery 101
In today's world of "I want everything new,"it's rare to find someone searching for a business that specializes in upholstery.
It's unfortunate. But not surprising.
There are different reasons for this. One is that people today aren't as interested in purchasing for a lifetime. People see furniture like food, with a shelf life. Years ago, that wasn't the case. People bought furniture to pass down to their children.
Another is because of quality. Today, you actually have to search out companies that sell high quality goods. Casegoods that aren't made of out particle board or sofas with plastic legs. That's not to say that everyone should look to high end for everything. It's true that places like IKEA, Pottery Barn and Ethan Allen have their time and place.
But there are those out there that have a sofa, chair or ottoman that they just can't get rid of. Maybe it's the scale, style or history behind it that tugs at the heart strings. Whatever the reason, reupholstering is a great option.
I'm not going to lie and say it's a cheap fix. A good upholsterer is going to cost you. To make sure you're getting a fair price, shop around. Get several bids to make sure you're getting a fair price. But be aware that a much lower bid can mean much lower quality.
Talk with your upholsterer about your fabric choices before you purchase it. If possible bring in a sample. A good upholsterer will tell you if a fabric won't wear well and be able to recommend other options. Always wash fabric for slipcovers before dropping it off at the shop. The first time you take them to the dry cleaners or throw them in the wash, they will shrink and won't fit.
Something else to consider are the cushions. What do you want them to be filled with? How do you want it to sit? If you didn't love the sit of the piece before, now is the time to speak up. Maybe you want it firmer, softer, or have a more relaxed look. Ask what your options are. One of, if not the most popular, cushion inserts is a foam center with a down fill wrap around it. That way you get both the stability and softness. For a down fill, I recommend a 60-40 ratio. 60 being down and 40 being feather.
Remember, the world of upholstery is not just about applying a new fabric. They also repair and replace springs, joints, coils, fill, and padding. So make sure you take that special piece to someone you trust!
It's unfortunate. But not surprising.
There are different reasons for this. One is that people today aren't as interested in purchasing for a lifetime. People see furniture like food, with a shelf life. Years ago, that wasn't the case. People bought furniture to pass down to their children.
Another is because of quality. Today, you actually have to search out companies that sell high quality goods. Casegoods that aren't made of out particle board or sofas with plastic legs. That's not to say that everyone should look to high end for everything. It's true that places like IKEA, Pottery Barn and Ethan Allen have their time and place.
But there are those out there that have a sofa, chair or ottoman that they just can't get rid of. Maybe it's the scale, style or history behind it that tugs at the heart strings. Whatever the reason, reupholstering is a great option.
I'm not going to lie and say it's a cheap fix. A good upholsterer is going to cost you. To make sure you're getting a fair price, shop around. Get several bids to make sure you're getting a fair price. But be aware that a much lower bid can mean much lower quality.
Talk with your upholsterer about your fabric choices before you purchase it. If possible bring in a sample. A good upholsterer will tell you if a fabric won't wear well and be able to recommend other options. Always wash fabric for slipcovers before dropping it off at the shop. The first time you take them to the dry cleaners or throw them in the wash, they will shrink and won't fit.
Something else to consider are the cushions. What do you want them to be filled with? How do you want it to sit? If you didn't love the sit of the piece before, now is the time to speak up. Maybe you want it firmer, softer, or have a more relaxed look. Ask what your options are. One of, if not the most popular, cushion inserts is a foam center with a down fill wrap around it. That way you get both the stability and softness. For a down fill, I recommend a 60-40 ratio. 60 being down and 40 being feather.
Remember, the world of upholstery is not just about applying a new fabric. They also repair and replace springs, joints, coils, fill, and padding. So make sure you take that special piece to someone you trust!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Shine A Light On
Do you read This Old House? Well you should! It is a great publication for people who like do it yourself projects, resource guides, reviews of new products, secrets from the pros, before and after photos and much more!
You might be wondering what makes this magazine different from all the other trade publications out there, and I'll tell you.
The people.
How many magazines have television shows? Go ahead, think about it, I'll wait... and no, Martha doesn't count.
This Old House has been on TV since I was a kid! We know these guys (and gals) know what they're talking about! We SEE them do it on the show. They don't start a project(house) at the beginning of a half hour show and thirty minutes later wrap up the show with a completed project being photographed for a magazine! We see it week by week come to life.
We TRUST Norm, Tom and the team, we BELIEVE if we do it the way they said, it will work.
Why, you wonder, am I bringing this up? Well, when you respect and trust a group of people, you want to help them out if you can. Every issue of This Old House has a Save This Old House on the very last page. Each issue features a different house somewhere in the U.S. that is in need of a new owner. Sometimes the house is free but needs to be moved, or sometimes it's $20,000 or less but needs new wiring, plumbing, and the like. They are usually historic and have beautiful detailing that just need some TLC. These are homes that deserve to be revived and filled with loving families once again. Now, isn't that worth shining a light on?
You might be wondering what makes this magazine different from all the other trade publications out there, and I'll tell you.
The people.
How many magazines have television shows? Go ahead, think about it, I'll wait... and no, Martha doesn't count.
This Old House has been on TV since I was a kid! We know these guys (and gals) know what they're talking about! We SEE them do it on the show. They don't start a project(house) at the beginning of a half hour show and thirty minutes later wrap up the show with a completed project being photographed for a magazine! We see it week by week come to life.
We TRUST Norm, Tom and the team, we BELIEVE if we do it the way they said, it will work.
Why, you wonder, am I bringing this up? Well, when you respect and trust a group of people, you want to help them out if you can. Every issue of This Old House has a Save This Old House on the very last page. Each issue features a different house somewhere in the U.S. that is in need of a new owner. Sometimes the house is free but needs to be moved, or sometimes it's $20,000 or less but needs new wiring, plumbing, and the like. They are usually historic and have beautiful detailing that just need some TLC. These are homes that deserve to be revived and filled with loving families once again. Now, isn't that worth shining a light on?
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