PA Kitchen Counters
Absolute granite with leathered finish How would you do a leathered finish on granite ? Dominion Granite & Marble Typically you buy the stone leathered from the granite wholesaler, but any fabricator should know where to locate leathered stones. A fabricator (like us) has the tools to "leather" small edges, etc., but often not the tools to leather an entire slab. The benefit of "leathering" (also called antique or brushed finish) over honed for a black stone like this is that the texture actually pools finger grease so that fingerprints don't stand out as much as on a honed surface. One of the prettiest black leathered natural stones is called Cambrian Black granite. Polished it looks so plain (like absolute black), but when you leather it, it has so much character!
Although the owner would have preferred to use Calacatta marble throughout, it cost too much; she splurged by topping only the eat-in island with the natural stone. “It was cheaper to use it on the smaller counter of the island, and we put it in the center of the room where it would make the most impact,” says Swanson. The rest of the countertops are made of Caesarstone.
Carrara marble has been popular in kitchens for the past few years. Swanson chose a white marble that was much less expensive — $75 per square foot. “That’s cheaper than granite,” she says. The designer notes that marble comes with maintenance. “But as you may have guessed, I’m not that fussy about things,” she says. She sealed the marble with a DuPont sealer that has a 15-year guarantee. “I tested it by purposely spilling red wine on it. I left it for a few hours, and it wiped right up,” she says. Indian food that had seeped through a takeout container left a lasting but faint stain, and lemonade making by her kids also left marks. “Lemons and marble just don’t mix,” she says.
Marble black: Pietra Cardosa white: Calcutta gold That's old school thinking. Marble is the prettiest stone available and the problem associated with marble was solved years ago. Acid-etching is caused when acidic products come in contact with marble. Clearstone prevents anything acidic from coming in contact with the stone by coating it with a layer of protection - a coating. It's safe to use in a kitchen and provides at least a 15 year warranty. It can be either highly polished or honed look. Locate trained applicators at www.ClearstoneUSA.com. Now, go take a look at the beautiful marble choices out there!
love it
glass backsplash
A turquoise back-painted glass backsplash commands all the attention in this otherwise clean and simple white kitchen.
cobalt blue tile !!!
wood shiplap paneling as a homage to the home’s heritage. She painted it with Benjamin Moore’s Satin Impervo — an oil-based paint meant for interior trim. “It definitely made it easy to wipe down,” she says. “Using a wood backsplash might not be for everyone, but I cook a lot, and it has never been a problem.”
Ceasarstone
wood Island
marble island
nsider tips from Mick De Giulio: “Picture-framing elements of stone is an ideal use for countertops to make them more artful. The border is created by cutting narrow pieces of the stone and laminating them around the perimeter with an opposing grain direction.”
“Stainless steel is never out,” De Giulio says. “It is practical—wipes clean, does not burn—and beautiful. It does scratch, but I consider that patina. Stainless also is the consummate neutral and an exemplary mixer. It pairs beautifully with other materials.”
“A kitchen needs to work,” De Giulio says. “That is the one hard-and-fast rule of good kitchen design. Each material, each object, each work zone must function extremely well, and the materials, in particular, must be durable.” In the range area, sliding panels reveal handy spices. When closed, it’s a sleek marble-tile backsplash.
countertop steps back a smidgeon after stove, under glass cabinets
Hood just slightly larger then range “The backsplash actually came with the range - Thermador and Wolfe both offer that option.” “I like the stove backsplash that is stainless steel with shelf.”
island wrap at higher level
“It’s like a French kitchen in that there’s a large table at the center for working and eating,” he says. The table is topped by four vintage light fixtures he found at flea markets.
better photo of island dimensions
soapstone sink, multilevel, multi medium island black, white and blue
if you're in the market for a fashion-forward countertop, granite, quartz and laminate are no longer your only choices. Wood countertops are coming on strong. This kitchen by EnGrain combines the warmth of wood with cool Calacatta marble for the best of both worlds. Image courtesy of EnGrain
Soapstone countertops with integral sink and backsplash. The island countertop is solid maple.
A checkerboard end-grain cherry and walnut block tops an iron table that Clendenon designed. The table includes a drawer microwave from Wolf, large storage drawers on each side and an open shelf below for serving trays and other kitchen accessories. Clendenon used this table and the prep sink under the window to establish mini work zones that help with flow.
island seating wrap around on wood counter top
black and white counters fancy edging
There are only three ways to keep marble looking beautiful 1. Don't use it 2. Pay to have it diamond restored by a natural stone restoration contractor when it gets acid-etched (something acidic like soap, alcohol or vinegar comes in contact) 3. Coat it in Clearstone which prevents acid-etching and staining. April 7, 2013 at 6:30pm Like PRO sueshops How expensive is this product? We are building and I am using your kitchen as my favorite inspiration! Love all of your designs! April 8, 2013 at 8:04am Like PRO Clearstone, LLC If you are asking about Clearstone it is priced locally by each applicator. Find a locator at our web site www.ClearstoneUSA.com If we are not in your city contact me and we can set-up a discounted installation as a training event when I locate a local applicator interested.
Countertops are Persia Pearl Granite
Carrera extra thick edge
marble backsplash
wood island
The countertops near the sink is a blue granite and the iland is black absoulte granite honed.
the backsplash is frosted glass. Accentuated with artwork from their daughters, it also serves as a message station. They can scribble notes right on it, whether it’s a grocery list or a telephone message. While this kitchen is the family-friendly version, one can also imagine how well this simple relfective surface would work in a minimalist design.
The nearly 10’ island is an ideal place for food prep, a quick bite, buffet set-up, or sharing a glass of wine with friends. 2.5” thick marble countertop on the island gives substance and a professional feel.
stainless shelf floats between two cabinets The backsplash is just basic subway tile, with "Silverado" grout to add some contrast and "age".
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