Help with Custom Built in Countertop

last year

Hi everyone,

We are looking to add a custom built in to an unused alcove we have in our dining room. Our house in a 1914's arts and crafts home, and our guess is that there was a built in in the alcove at one point that was torn out (unfortunately, there was a lot of that). The design of the built in has changed somewhat since the renderings below were done, but the basic concept is the same - wood built in to match the existing millwork, antique mirror tile backing, and glass bistro shelves. Where my wife and I are struggling is the countertop color. Shown here is white, but we don't have a great sense if white will look best, or some other color (grey, black, ?). Also have considered a wood top that matches the finish of the built in. For reference, our wallpaper is white and light grey. Would love to get everyone's input!

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Comments (6)

HU-910663146
last year
Soapstone or a black granite in a honed finish.
Boxerpal
last year
Yes Soapstone or Virginia Jet mist honed granite would be divine...

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chispa
last year
Real marble .

Skip the mirror.
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
last year
How do you picture using this? The traditional finish would be wood. If you picture lots of liquids or heat marble, soapstone, or honed black granite. I would reconsider the upper portion, looks very 80’s glam versus the traditional lower section.
Ruth
last year
What you are proposing is much too contemporary for your house. Use wood and or marble or soapstone. No glass, no mirrors, no metal.
housegal200
last year
last modified: last year
A little out of the box here: what about looking for a vintage or handmade arts and crafts sideboard that would fit into the space, perhaps not as perfectly as a built-in .This would add character to the space. The second one is made by Amish woodworker. They sometimes do things to spec. I don't think you need marble top or mirror. Sometimes when I see a new built in in a dining area, it looks likea kitchen cabinet.