15 years ago

Hello. I'm doing my kitchen similar in idea (espresso cabs/contemporary handles, white silestone/cambria counters...do you think I should do my island the same as the perimeter counters or do something different? I just got back from granite/marble stoneyard and feeling discouraged...Is marble too boring for island...looked @ calacatta sponda but they were sold out...calacatta delicato ($$) also looked @ antartica quartzite but didnt like the sparkly spots and some purple hues...I'm starting to panic bz the cabs are ready to be installed and they need a decision from me on counterstops and island...HELP!!!

Kitchen · More Info

Featured Answer

PRO

dee gelb

15 years ago

I used ceasar stone blizzard.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (20)

Sheila Schmitz
15 years ago
Feel free to mix the finishes in your kitchen! Here are a couple of ideabooks by kitchen designers on that very idea:
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/the-unmatched-kitchen-mixing-finishes-with-style-stsetivw-vs~143568
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/your-kitchen-mix-wood-and-painted-finishes-stsetivw-vs~159008
mainegirl5
15 years ago
As far as switching off countertops for the island, it depends on whether you want a more minimalist look. Also, I wouldn't go with 2 different stones, the only thing I would combine with that white countertop would be butcher block, preferably dark walnut, but it may be too much dark wook.

I personally would copy the photo, if that's the style you're going for and include the exact same counter on the island that's on the perimeter.
jmmmlake
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks...I was thinking the dark butcher block also...I'm sure my kitchen wont look like this since I'm using the shaker cabs which isnt as contemporary and my counters wont be as thick! Thanks for your input!
PRO
Monique Jacqueline Design, LLC
15 years ago
With the shaker cabinetry, keep the countertop thickness to 1 1/2". You do not want your cabinetry rails to compete with the countertop edges. When the shaker cabinetry is stained dark, you really do not see the raised rails. You will probably be pleasantly surprised as to how close your kitchen will resemble your inspiration!
PRO
Monique Jacqueline Design, LLC
15 years ago
Also, once your cabinetry is installed, you will probably be able to obtain a better feel for your countertops! Envisioning is part of the obstacle!
jmmmlake
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you!
weego
15 years ago
Hi,
I would not do a different island just do the same stone thicker so it looks substantial against the heavy cabinet. I have done over many kitchens and the last one I did in an apartment I just bought has John Boos maple counters. The maple is quite a bit of upkeep, and if you have children juice stains will soon appear. I seal it about once a month with bees wax (food safe and all natural). I never cut on the counter I use a cutting board. Good luck with your decision, I am in the process of designing my next house and don't think I would do wood again.
PRO
dee gelb
15 years ago
I did an almost identical kitchen and I did a dark stained wood that almost looked like laquer.Very little grain showing so ther was a different texture. It looks fabulolaquer
llus.
jmmmlake
Original Author
15 years ago
@joespaldee...what countertops did you use with ur dark cabs?
bepsf
15 years ago
Traditional kitchens look great with contrasting cabinetry and countertops - Not so much with minimalist/modern kitchens.

Rather than a natural stone, have you considered a man-made quartz product such as Cambria?

http://www.cambriausa.com/collection.cfm
jmmmlake
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks everyone...I am considering a quartz; but then it was bothering me that I am spending all this $ for plain white counters...but I do like the look of the above picture; however, granite seems to be timeless...I actually have corian now....I just want to check out a few more granite places...I am looking for one thats not so busy and looks like "marble" with gray/white movement...no black/brown dots or garnet...
spots..am I asking for too much??? Sometimes a quartz if not solid looks too manufacturered to me...and I dont think I'm brave enough to do marble...thats my dilemma...:))
PRO
Monique Jacqueline Design, LLC
15 years ago
A couple of lighter granites that you may be interested in are Bianco Romano and Colonial Cream. They are very light, but have character and are granite!
These have a tendency to resemble marble, but some more of a bluish tone to them, sometime a bluish/red undertone, not in the white, but in the veining colors. Hope this makes sense. You can google each title accordingly.
jmmmlake
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks...I have a lot of researching to do...I appreciate all your input!!! Hopefully one day I can post a picture :)))
ravniksarna
14 years ago
hi , could you suggest whether one should go for quartz or corian? which one is better?
thanks
PRO
Monique Jacqueline Design, LLC
14 years ago
Both quartz and corian are man made products. Quartz is more of a granite look alike and is a much harder than corian. Quartz is also harder than some granites. So, if you are looking for a hard surface and a granite feel, quartz would be your choice. If granite is your underlining thought, you might want to price granite as well. You might be pleasantly surprised in it's pricing, not to mention it is a natural!
Cheers!
M.
ravniksarna
14 years ago
Thanks for answering . If i had to go for corian ,would it be easy to maintain ? Would i have to be careful when i am using powders ? Does it scorch easily and does one need to use stainless steel strips on it to place the hot pots? I like the look of quartz but i have heard that it stains easily. As far as granite is concerned,it doesn't go with the contemporary look of the kitchen. So please help me to decide out here.
PRO
Monique Jacqueline Design, LLC
14 years ago
Corian is soft. It is not resilient to high heat, stainless strips are a must. It is abrasive, must be careful with powders and knives. All your question answers are YES. I would look at quartz over corian. There are a few granites that fit in a contemporary atmosphere. You could also look into cement tops (must seal regularly to prevent staining), recycled glass products (several options glass & quartz product, glass & resin product). Cheers, m.
PRO
Kelli Kaufer Designs
14 years ago
Quartz does not stain easily - it is extremely durable! Besides being tough as nails, quartz countertops are also virtually maintenance free. Since they are made from fine quartz crystals, they are almost completely non-porous (something else that sets them apart from other stone), meaning that once they're polished and installed, you'll never have to mind them again. They won't absorb stains and spills like other stone and won't need the regular resealing that other products require! All you have to do is wipe them down with a wet dishtowel now and again, and you're good to go.
PRO
dee gelb
14 years ago
Hi,The kitchen I did actually exceeded my expectations.That rarely happens with my personality. I used the blizzard ceasarstone on all counters except the bar that was somewhat attached. I did make it thick.It is gorgeous. The bar top was the same color as the cabs but no texture and high gloss. It is anything but boring. My client gives tours she is so happy. Good luck. The picture above is very similar. Dee