Countertop edging

15 years ago

I know this is a dumb question because fundamentally it depends on one's taste.

But after I see such a kitchen as Mtn's, I wonder if I would even know "taste" if i had my teeth trapped around it?

Here's the latest dilemma: what edge would you put on these countertops?

This is a view of the range and cleanup sink on the right, "piano-shape" island on the left; the piano shape will come out toward you:

This shows the 'flat' edge of the piano-shape island on the left and the fridge-baking-ctr-dishwasher-passthru wall against the back:

This shows the other part of the piano-shape island on the left with the pantry area in the back:

Because of the curvy "piano-shape", that curvy edge can not be mitered. Mitering is desirable because it would be the best, I think, way to hide the 'lightening' shape that will result from the heavily veined rainforest green (http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0504053521568.html?4) we are planning for the countertop.

But, I was thinking that putting an ogee edge along the flat side of the piano-shape countertop would look like, sort of, the profile of a piano; might be neat.

Would it just, instead, be stupid?

One fabricator said they recommend with a kitchen like mine that has quite a bit of edging, and different sections, that there be different edgings; a way to add interest. (Another fabricator made it clear they thought mixing edges was majorly gauche).

I like that idea, because I think it sounds fun, but I'm also aware that designer-types would try to tone it down: less is more.

Still, I like the fancy of the island's edge kinda mimicing the intended shape. So I'm a little set on that particular idea.

My bigger question comes wondering what to do with the other edges. These include a long run along the range, right-angled to a dishwasher run that has a deep-counter section to it. And then there's a shorter straight but high edge to the pantry.

I'm tempted to let the work-surfaces proper be straight and set an ogee edge into the pantry section too.

Is that silly, too "architecture-student-y"? i.e. is it too-much-fun or enjoyable-fun? Will it just feel "immature" in a year or will it make me smile and feel light-hearted?

Can anyone say other than me? ... I think so: many of you-all here have great design-sense. Is this just a fancy of a inexperienced homeowner or could it stand some test of time from a design point of view?

I suspect the real answer is that I could get away with the fancy edge on the island for its intellectual contribution (i.e., if you think about it, you could imagine it might look like a piano's edge, sort of), but that I should tone back the rest and keep straight edges everywhere, including the pantry. That's what an adult would say, right?

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Comments (8)

breezygirl
15 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I'm no adult lately, but I agree with your last graph.

I'm a big fan of clean, straight, fuss-free lines on most things. If you get too many edges in there, the one you want to highlight the most (the piano) will get lost. Then you've wasted your money, IMHO! Fancy edges aint' cheap!
aliris19
Original Author
15 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
For some reason my fancy-edges quotes aren't really all that more expensive and the more-fancy are less more-expensive than the less-fancy. If you follow ... long story.

So this is a sort of price-aside quandry.
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User
15 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
You have very plain, squared cabinets - the shaker style doors. A squared edge would reinforce the lines of the cabinet.

An ogee edge would look too fancy for its surroundings - it's frilly and everything else is simple.
aliris19
Original Author
15 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Yeah, I'm slowly coming to realize it's true.... thanks!

I'll settle for the piano-edge whimsy and straight on the rest...
breezygirl
15 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Funny how fancy edges aren't a big extra for you like they would be for me. Glad you're coming to a decision,
boxerpups
15 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
WOW your cabinets are beautiful. You must be so excited.
I do not like the idea of two different edges unless you
are using 2 different materials. Otherwise it looks like
it was done later as an afterthought. This is just me.
It can be done and done lovely. Just becareful to make it
look like it was done with purpose.

I agree that something simple but elegant would be perfect.
Do you like any of these????
~boxerpups
aliris19
Original Author
15 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Hi Boxer - thanks. As others have noted, when you weigh in with a compliment as you're such a careful peruser (is that a word?) of what's out there, we all feel very highly complimented!

I do like the fancy edges, but I'm swayed by the point that the shaker cabinets have their own straight-line-thing going on and imposing curve is sort of switching style in mid-stream. And it detracts, I think, also from the cabinets and what's nice there, those straight lines. It's not as if there isn't enough other movement going on, between the wood grain and that transparency in it, plus the countertop will be highly happening, and then there are those over-done windows ... basta.

That said ... I *want* to do the ogee on the straight edge of the "piano-island" for the whimsy of it. My husband laughed, evilly, and said I was crazy. But we know this. Only ... am I? Will it look fun and neat and whimsical and like this amusing follow-through of the piano-shape? Or just dumb? NB that a grand piano in profile (which I haven't got one of, btw), has a little sidways s-shape where the keyboard is, and I thought I could recapitulate that with the countertop edge. Then the rest I'd do mitered-straight (except the curve which can't be mitered).

SO that's my working plan right now .... but I'm really pleased to hear from anyone willing to talk me down from this whimsy.
boxerpups
15 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Go with your gut and you won't regret the look.
Be brave. It can be beautiful. Look how far you have come
already. Your instinct is working. Look how gorgeous.
~boxer