White marble counter tops in a kitchen look absolutely heavenly (what’s not to love) but at this point in time they are not an option for my lively family. And isn’t that what a kitchen should be all about — meeting your practical kitchen needs.
We have a good sized, fairly new kitchen with a great floor plan. How do I update it slightly, without re-doing everything, and how do I incorporate more white/light gray (which I so crave)?
There is also a lot of (too much) granite in my kitchen and I am interested in getting rid of some — but not all of it. The kitchen island can handle a lot of “living” (major socializing, sharp pencils, my husband’s culinary adventures and small racing cars). The large granite slab on the island is strong and durable and gets to stay for now. But what about the surrounding granite counters? How can I replace them and mix with the existing granite island — and make it functional and look fresh and updated?
Well, one good thing about kitchen trends right now is that MIXING materials and colors is in. Perfectly matchy kitchens are as yesterday as matching bedroom furniture.
(Marble counter top mixed w. black soapstone).
I am ready to mix and roll and add some new: White/gray kitchen cabinets, yes. Fresh back-splash, yes. White walls, yes. Surrounding counters — not so sure…
I came across this kitchen in Elle Decor — painted concrete kitchen counter tops. Hmmm. That could work together with granite. I don’t know how functional concrete is (and heat resistant). Although I have learned that a new trend is concrete mixed with fiberglass — lightweight and extremely strong. Need to do some more research. But it sure looks fresh and good.
A few days ago I called my good and talented kitchen architect-designer friend, Anna Lovell, to discuss my dilemma. She gave me a whole list of new, carefree counter top materials — such as Cesaerstone. Here highlighted in House Beautiful’s “Kitchen of the year – 2012″.
Anna also told me that there is a lot of industry buzz around “Silestone.” Never heard of it, I am embarrassed to say. Silestone is a compound made up of 94% natural quartz, which make it extraordinarily hard and resilient. It also has anti-bacterial protection (apparently very rare among worktops). I think it could work well with granite.
More research is needed but as I am educating myself, I am learning that there are ton of new, durable counter top options out there. I will share with you as I go along. And PLEASE share with me and my readers too! This is all new territory to me.
Hugs to you all.
Images: No. 1 via The Zhush.
