COUNTERTOPS 101

I thought I would offer a list of the most popular countertops available that most people select and a little info about each.  It seems in the interior design business Kitchens and Baths are the most popular rooms to be renovated. Functionality, individual lifestyle and of course aesthetics are important when taking on this renovation.

Countertops ‘101’

When selecting a countertop for our kitchens or baths we can become overwhelmed by the selections available and which work best for us individually.  If you want low maintenance you would not go for marble.  For the low maintenance crowd, quartz is one of the best products available. Over the years manufacturers are coming up with better and better products.

Solid Surface

The generic term, ‘solid surface’ refers to any material that is solid all the way through. This means it doesn’t have a topcoat that is different from the centre core. Solid surface materials are consistent in colour and content throughout. The advantage of this can be durability, hardness, temperature dispersion and edge profile options. Marble, Quartz, Granite and Corian (or similar materials like Gibraltar or Zodiac) are all considered Solid surfaces. The seams on the material are almost invisible and it is resistant to stains, so you can expect the countertop to stay in good condition for years. However, solid-surface material is not heat resistant and it's vulnerable to abrasive damage. Take care with how you use the countertops to avoid damaging the material.

Plastic Laminate

Plastic Laminate‎ is a thin plastic sheet molded around a particleboard centre with a few options for edge detail. This is not a solid surface material. Although not loved by designers, real estate agents or homeowners alike, laminate can be a practical and inexpensive solution in certain spaces. Also, laminate companies continuously coming out with new colours  and options. This is the most affordable option.  Despite being made with heat and pressure, laminate is vulnerable to heat damage, so it's important to avoid placing any hot pots or pans on the surface of a laminate countertop. This material also has a shorter lifespan than most other countertop options and it is prone to peeling.

Corian

Corian is a man-made resin product that comes in multiple colours. Corian is well known for its integrated sinks and seamless joints. Less glossy than quartz or natural stones, it has a softer look and feel. An advantage to Corian is that it can have adjustments made to it such as extending a counter top without removing the top or creating seams. ‎Corian is an easy to maintain pliable material with a premium price tag!

Marble

As beautiful as Marble is, one must be careful when selecting it.  It stains very easily so in a bathroom it can become damaged by some of the chemicals used.  When used on a kitchen countertop it requires maintenance but as it ages, it is beautiful.  If you want the look but not the maintenance, think about using it for your backsplash. The reason being, it can be very sensitive to wine stains or de-glossing from lemons, tomatoes or vinegar. A matte or leathered-finish marble can be slightly more forgiving, but it’s only for customers who can handle the natural marking that will occur. If you can’t handle this, choose something else!! Marble is expensive, beautiful but sensitive!!  Marble holds up well against heat and it is racking, chipping, or breaking, allowing it to last for years without problem. However, this lry material is vulnerable to scratching and staining, which is why it's necessary to have the marble sealed at least once a year to keep it in good condition.

Granite

Granite is a different natural stone than marble, in the fact that it is impervious to wine, acidic food and most scratches & wear and tear. ‎(Hence tombstones are now granite and no longer marble!). Granite has more of a pebbled pattern and less veins than marble. If it is taken care of properly, a granite countertop can last for decades. Granite is easy to clean, but it is a porous natural stone, so you will need to apply a new sealant over the granite about once every three to five years..

Quartz

Quartz is the generic term used to describe a man-made material formulated from the quartz found in granite and then recast in resin. It is very hard, non-porous, scratch resistant and nice looking. It is softer in pattern than granite, but it is not as reliable for heat dispersion. You may want to stay away from quartz around fireplaces and try not to rest hot pots on it. Quartz is a good choice if you want a variety of colours or lots of companies to choose from. It costs about the same as granite.  Due to the non-porous design, you don't need to worry about sealing the countertop regularly. However, it's important to avoid placing hot objects on the engineered quartz because it is vulnerable to heat damage and may begin to melt. Additionally, engineered quartz can fade under direct sunlight, so consider the layout of your kitchen before choosing this material for a new countertop.

Silestone

Silestone is a quartz material, offering over 60 stunning colours in 2 unique textures. Silestone is composed of natural materials resulting in slight variances in colour, shade and particle structure.   Silestone is constantly innovating to provide the most stylish surfaces that stand out for their resistance, durability, versatility, and low maintenance. Silestone offers a unique combination of antibacterial protection, NSF, and Greenguard certifications. It is a durable, non-porous and low-maintenance surface that delivers premium performance resistant to staining, scratching, impact, and scorching making it the perfect partner for any project in your home.

Soapstone

Soapstone is new to the solid surface lineup, although it’s been around for a long time. It is naturally heat resistant and easy to maintain. You can have integrated sinks, with soapstone, included within the counter top. It is less glossy than marble or granite and offers a variety of pattern, but always in a dark tone. It is an excellent material for dispersing heat so it’s perfect around fireplace openings or in high-wear kitchens. Soapstone is the same in cost as high-grade granite.In order to keep soapstone kitchen countertops in good condition for years to come and to help develop the patina on the surface, it's recommended to treat the countertop with mineral oil about once per month during the first year after installation.

Quartzite

Often confused with the name quartz, quartzite is a natural stone that has the durability of granite, but the veining pattern of marble. It is a delicate material during manufacture, so it requires a good fabricator. Once it is installed, it performs well. Slabs generally have soft wave patterns in a full range of largely neutral colours. You can expect premium pricing with Quartzite.  Quartzite typically comes in light neutral shades of white and gray, but the minerals found in the sandstone can lend pink, gold, or rust hues to your countertops. This material looks similar to marble, but quartzite boasts more strength and durability at a lesser cost. It  is  durable and low maintenance, however it is expensive and requires resealing annually.

Butcher-block

Butcher-block countertops are a breed of countertop all by themselves. They offer the aesthetic warmth that the look of wood provides while at the same time providing a versatile work surface in the kitchen. They bring a distinctive look that's appropriate in a kitchen that's hard at work or "dressed up" for entertaining.

Deciding whether it's the right choice for your kitchen takes an understanding of just what a butcher-block countertop is, how it's made and how you're going to use it.

Remember that butcher-block counters that you will cut and prepare food on will need frequent cleaning and oiling. If you're someone who just isn't up for this level of maintenance, consider getting "non-working" butcher-block countertops and use a separate cutting board for the food preparation. If you neglect the cutting board, you can just toss it out. That's harder to do (and more expensive) when you've neglected your countertops.  The wood is tough and durable, allowing it to stand up to years of use without failing. However, the fibrous nature of wood means that the surface of the countertop can become scratched, stained, or even burned. You can sand and reseal the wood about once every two to three years or as necessary to restore the original appearance of the countertop.  However, it should be noted that the wood needs to be regularly oiled and would benefit from being sealed to prevent mold, mildew and bacteria from seeping into the fibrous countertop.

Concrete

The decision about installing a concrete countertop versus granite, marble, corian or laminate can be a difficult one.  When thinking about this keep in mind you will need the correct cabinetry infrastructure to handle the weight so putting concrete on 30 year old cabinets may not be the best idea.  Concrete is both beautiful and budget-friendly. If properly installed and sealed, concrete countertops will last practically forever. Concrete works well in a modern or industrial looking kitchen.  Concrete is a porous material and will absorbed liquids and stain.  Acidic substances will etch the concrete and cooking oils can leave dark stains.  Applying a sealer to the surface will lessen the chances of damage.

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel has always been popular in commercial kitchens; but it's become a trend in residential homes as well.  This type of countertop is an instant way to give your kitchen a stylish, industrial look.

If you clean stainless steel properly with a little bit of soap and water or a product formulated specifically for this surface, it's easy to maintain.  But the longer you leave a splash or spill the harder it is to clean.  Stainless steel also shows fingerprints and water spots easily, so it isn't ideal for a home with young children.

Another pitfall of stainless steel is that it can dent and scratch.  But for the most part, stainless steel is incredibly durable and entirely non-porous.  Stainless steel is commonly used in commercial kitchens dur to the non-porous construction that makes it easy to keep clean.  This is one of the types of countertops for the kitchen that resists mold, mildew and staining.

To complete the process you will have to select an appropriate edge for your counter, and depending on the material selected , it can be brought up to the backsplash for a clean continuous look.  Of course sinks and faucets will need to be decided on.

2023 TRENDS IN KITCHENS - THE HEART 0F THE HOME

                                            

A lot of what we see has been around for a little while in some cases and a long while in others but the kitchen is heating up in 2023.

Islands are taking on different shapes and colours. We see stools either facing each other or along one side and around the end so you can sit and talk easier than just all in a line facing one way.  Islands continue to be at times a different material or colour as well as the countertop than the perimeter cabinetry. Many islands are completely different from the perimeter and are free standing and look like furniture pieces, some are rounded at one end. Islands are available that are made of different material than the perimeter cabinets.  They can look like a piece of furniture and some can even be moved.

Perimeter cabinetry can be two different materials between the upper and lower, also incorporating a mix of a painted surface and a natural wood for interest. Open shelving continues but you need to be very tidy or it will drive you nuts if everything is messy. The white kitchen will always be popular and in style, as well as a gray, but many of us have wanted to change to more dramatic cabinet colours like deep Green, Navy, Charcoal and even Black. To achieve a kitchen with colour without going too intense we see greyed blues and greens.

When renovating a kitchen it seems that everybody wants an island and the bigger the better. In reality not every kitchen has the needed space for an island when considering the rest of the kitchen.  You need space to open cabinet doors/drawers, appliances nearby and of course stools. There is a resurgence of the kitchen table in the middle of the room much like what we would have seen long ago before the island invasion. Tables can work for meals but also for prepping and other tasks. Many people select a table that is counter height with stools.

Some popular styles are - Modern rustic style – Natural wood and natural stone

Elegant farmhouse style shaker style cabinets still very popular, apron sinks, stone  backsplashes 

Modern Spanish style – terra cotta floor, island with butcher block, hand painted backsplash tile

The opposite to going dark and dramatic are the warm and soft palettes – Natural light wood cabinets, bronze and brass, light flooring such as a white oak. Wood can live well in a kitchen 

Some of the changes are Commercial style faucets, hands-free/touchless faucets, workstation sinks which have a professional look, and include straining, chopping, drying etc. in a variety of sizes. Again the apron or farm sink and faucets can be stainless, fireclay or now there copper options, oil rubbed bronze. Many kitchen renos add the pot filler over the range. Wine fridges and refrigerator drawers are gaining popularity. 

Induction cooktops - are becoming more popular as they cook quicker and more evenly. They heat up the cookware rather than the stovetop which also is more energy efficient.  Many types of pots and pans can work, however its best to check your cookware with the options that will work.

I could go on and on about all the amazing kitchen options available but this short post gives you the ideas to start thinking about a kitchen change even if only a small update.

Good lighting is very important in every room, but even more so in a kitchen.  There are so many options available that would be another post.

                                    

Dark base cabinet with shelving rather than uppers

Dark wood perimeter cabinets with white waterfall island

Light pastel blue/green cabinets with wood flooring

White perimeter cabinets with dark wood island

Dark blue/navy white countertop

Green lower cabinets with white uppers and white peninsula

Charcoal cabinetry with furniture style wood island

White with freestanding island with shelving

Rounded end of island with seating facing across and the eating portion lower

Farmhouse/modern rustic style featuring wood beams

Natural wood cabinets with wood ceiling beams

Matte black commercial style faucet

Hands free/touchless faucet

Pot filler

Different materials for Farm/Apron front sinks

2023 PAINT TRENDS and SUGGESTIONS

I thought I would follow my last post on colour with the suggested colour trends.  If you are looking for a change this is the year. As we move out of the Covid years somewhat, we may be bored of our homes having spent so much time inside.  Some of us may have used that time to do a few projects if we were able to get the necessary supplies/materials. If not we can start now.  I have been cruising through magazines, TV  decor shows, on line and home furnishing retailers and colour and lots of it is everywhere.

Here are some of the themes/ideas -- 

Greens – they bring the outside in, the darker greens are strong, however we see green pastels as well.  Kitchens are gaining colour in cabinetry which will be discussed in my kitchen post.

Brown and green speak to nature and bringing nature into your home is being mentioned a lot.

We will continue to see pink from the past few years especially a dusty pink which  is soothing

Dark navy is a sophisticated rich colour and by paring two dark unexpected colours is dramatic , for example – chartreuse and dark blue.

Pairing any shade of blue with white and silver is crisp and fresh. Blue and white are classic and work well in any style

The neutral combination of black, white, gray ,neutrals paired with black and white are always in style

Purple is back especially in bedrooms as it looks peaceful, luxurious and romantic.

Black and white are timeless. They create drama and a wow factor.

Brown and blue are on the way back and work in either a modern or traditional look and are more saturated than previously used.

Going dark like black or charcoal can create a space that is contemporary and dramatic, however I believe mixing black and antiques with some gold would be amazing. It can be restful.

The light neutrals will always be in favour for their ability to be used throughout a home to create a continuous flow through the rooms, as well as a calming effect especially with open plan homes.It gives the opportunity to experiment with pops of colour.

Lighter beiges, creams and white are still popular, especially if there is texture. For example a light, warm gray, or a warm white can be sophisticated and refined.

Pale gray

Blue & White

Charcoal gray

Blue and White

White

Charcoal

Dark and dramatic

Black and white

Deep Blue

Neutral throughout

Purple lavender

Black

Bright purple & Chartreuse

Soft neutral

Dark & cozy

Focal wall

Check back to see additional decor posts featuring kitchens and baths

 

2023 Back at it

Welcome back !!

I started this blog in 2009 to correspond with my design and decor business. Just prior to and during Covid showing up we moved.  It was to happen just prior to Covid but plans change. I wasn't doing much on my blog at that time, but there were a few interesting posts in 2021 and 2022 in the archives.

I planned to retire, however I had some former clients contact me and I couldn't resist doing some small projects. So... here I am working on a couple of projects and getting back to my blog now and keeping up with what is happening in design. I never really stopped checking out design and decor trends.  I am passionate about this business so I may get my feet wet in my new town which is Dundas, Ontario.

I will be sending this post to people who were following my blog way back as well as other contacts I have kept up with. I am hoping you will start to follow again but if you don't wish to,  just ignore or let me know and I can remove you. 

All the best in 2023.

Jeannette

PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2023

Welcome to 2023!

I have been a  little behind in posting this past few months but I am back in the saddle as the saying goes. Unfortunately my computer is still on a break, however I believe it is back now.

Every year the Colour Marketing Board announce what they deem to be the colour of the year.

All the large paint companies also offer the colour of the year from their palettes.  This year the CMB has selected Viva Magenta.18-1750.  They describe it to have vim and vigor.  It comes from the red family which expresses strength. It is bold, brave and fearless and promotes optimism  It connects to nature which is a theme throughout the design industry as well as all other areas such as graphics and design, fashion, beauty, home furnishings and accessories.

I have to say it is a very uplifting and cheerful colour which we can enjoy after the past few Covid years.

Below are a few bright photos which certainly are alive and fun. 

My next few posts will be about the 2023 Trends to look forward to.

Home Decor in Dundas ON

Dundas ON is booming this summer with new shops.  I love everything about this town however I am focusing on gift and home decor shops in this blog.  Being an Interior Decorator/Design Consultant I am very excited about this shop.

WELCOME TO OLIVER AND CO home

Oliver and Co. Home - 56 King Street W., Dundas, ON. L9H 1T8 opened it's doors for a grand opening on July 16.  The first thing you will notice is the beautiful entrance, painted in the loveliest greens, along with a black awning. There are large windows with displays to welcome you to come inside.   This store has so many beautiful items it will take a while to see everything.  Products change regularly so it will always be interesting to drop in. The quality of the merchandise is excellent. I have already been twice.  I love the type of products they carry. The products lean to a French aesthetic, combining elegance, simplicity, comfort and beauty.  This can  work well in all or most settings. There is something for everyone looking for a gift or a little something to treat themselves. There are many different decor items ranging from candles, linens, topiaries, soaps, toss cushions, art, lanterns and much more. 

The store displays are incredibly creative. I found it so beautiful I did not want to leave.

Great job Kathryn and Mike !!

Below are a few photos I took during my visit.