Kitchen Ideas
touch faucet and style
warm colours
soap dish
sink
Flush-mounted switch plate: Trufig
cabinet colour
Neolith is a kind of porcelain that comes in sheet form, making it ideal for both floors and walls. Berkovich likens the appearance to that of stone, and it’s available in a variety of patterns, such as Iron Moss, shown here.
Cavanaugh predicts we’ll be seeing more backsplashes made from metal laminates, which are similar to conventional plastic laminates but have metal skins. Long popular in commercial applications, they’re now finding their way into the home, as in this North Carolina kitchen by Lee Tripi Design, which uses a product called Chemetal. This metal-topped laminate is easy to bend and shape, and is available in a variety of finishes.
cupboard colours
Prefer something a bit bolder? In this Washington, D.C.–area space, clear glass was affixed to a red wall with silicone adhesive, for a look that blends seamlessly into the adjoining dining area.
lass tiles took off in the first decade of this century. Now glass sheets are gaining ground, says designer Julie Cavanaugh of Design Matters in Los Gatos, California. When the glass is back-painted, you have an unlimited number of colors from which to choose — and a surface that’s supremely easy to clean.
Calacatta marble counters have become very popular in recent years too but can be difficult to maintain, as the surface is prone to staining and etching. By running the material up the wall, you get the look without the labor.
chairs
hood
lights under counter. Thick counter
In the end I rounded up several nearly maintenance-free surfaces to consider for my kitchen — including a couple I hadn’t heard of before. Here are seven low-maintenance kitchen countertops to consider during your next remodel.
sink colour
colours
columns in their homes
columns in their homes
load bearing post
Granite composite. Pros: Made of granite particles and polymers, this material resists scratches and chips. It does not show water spots. Cons: Lighter-colored granite composite sinks can stain, and some special maintenance is required. “We are installing a lot of granite composite sinks in Dallas,” says Flatley. “Many people here have hard water, and this doesn’t show spots the way stainless steel does.”
stainless steel. Pros: This is a very durable, easy-to-clean material. Cons: The metal can scratch, but the marks can be buffed out of brushed stainless steel. Most manufacturers offer bottom grids (wire trays that are placed in the bottom of the sink to prevent scratching). Also, if you live in a area with hard water, water spots can be a problem. “Stainless steel is a nearly indestructible, classic material,” says Flatley. Butcher says, “I tell my clients that stainless steel is very flexible. It tends to blend into whatever environment you put it in — traditional or
sink
island and lights
wall colour
bay windows
island if granite too expensive
table on end
Colour
colour of cabinets
marble backsplash
island and cupboards above sink
Don't like
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