These clients saw a clogged shower as an opportunity for a full primary bath re-design. We were thrilled to collaborate on their vision of a sage green color scheme and their need for more storage while still maintaining the original floor plan. Extending a ¾ wall in the shower meant we could run the vertically stacked sage green tile all the way to the ceiling. Chrome shower fixtures were taken out and pipes relocated; an oversize niche was added in tile to match the shower floor. Swapping out the shower door for a modern sliding one saved on space and allows one to focus on the whimsical new acoustic tile we installed on the floor; our clients loved this tile so much they used it again in the kids bathroom! Painting the existing vanity a darker green and replacing the hardware in a subdued brushed nickel balanced out the playful tile. Additional wall storage was added in the form of a glass front arched cabinet, and pill topped robe hooks complete the overall look of this primary en suite bath.

Inspired by noted American architect Norman Jaffe, the strikingly contemporary Sagaponack Residence on Long Island is highlighted by distinctively unique angles both inside and out. Jaffe was widely recognized for his contemporary residential style and use of natural materials and passive solar forms of design for his many South Long Island beach houses. The 2,700 sq. ft. private residence is located one-half mile from the Atlantic coast and sited in an area that was originally characterized by long vistas over farm fields to the ocean beyond. Now, the area is thickly built up with weekend homes. The project was meant to address this change by creating a place that focuses on the immediate landscape and provides a garden environment for the owner. A collaborative arrangement between two architectural firms brought the project to life. Andrew Reyniak, principal at ARAPC, New York, was architect of record; Mark Anthony C. Verzosa, principal at +macv, Sag Harbor, NY, was design consultant and general contractor. “We knew we wanted to use zinc from the beginning,” Verzosa said. “We wanted a material that had a life.” Approximately 5,500 sq. ft. of prePATINA blue-grey RHEINZINK was specified to provide the life and the look that the design team sought. RHEINZINK Vertical Angled Standing Seam Panels and Flat Lock Tiles clad the exterior along with rough-sawn, locally-sourced white cedar. RHEINZINK Double Lock Standing Seam Panels were used on the roof. “The RHEINZINK is obviously a very versatile material,” according to Verzosa. “The color blends very well into the environment and the sky in particular. And we like the way it patinas and self-heals.” The unique design of the house incorporates unusual angles on both the exterior and interior. “There’s not a lot of 90 degree or horizontal plumb walls,” Verzosa said. “The dramatic geometry of the building created complicated detailing on the project.” Fabrication and installation of the RHEINZINK panels was done by Metropan Systems, Inc., Bayside, NY. The company specializes in zinc façade and roofing projects, according to John Gushue, president. “We’ve done more than 60 zinc projects since 2001 and the majority have been RHEINZINK,” Gushue said. “If I could do zinc every day, I would.” The unusual geometry of the Sagaponack Residence made for a challenging installation. “There was nothing cookie cutter about this job,” according to Gushue. “We began meeting with the architect about a year before actually starting the work in order to incorporate the very best detailing. Every fastener is hidden and there’s no caulk on the façade. Many of the RHEINZINK panels were fabricated on-site in order to bend around corners. And the flashing details had to be meticulous.” The design of the project presents a modern, artistic look in every aspect. “Of all the zinc projects we’ve done, this is my favorite,” Gushue said. “It was a great job to be on. And properly maintained, it could last for 150 years.”

Letter from the customer. Giuseppe and his staff at Gappsi helped us to create our own vacation resort right in our backyard. The quality, attention to detail, and craftsmanship of his work was truly outstanding. He and his team were exceptionally professional and respectful as well as attentive to all of our needs and concerns. Gappsi installed a oversized free formed pool in our back yard, with spill over spas positioned on a second level patio built right next to the swimming pool. The crab orchard mini colonial wall used for the raised patio walls and light piers blend with the natural colors of the random pattern travertine as they were meant to be together. The pool patio height was built one step down from my existing paving stone patio in my back yard, and the hot tub area was built 3 steps up from the pool patio creating enough height for the water from the spillover to fall in to the pool and creating a very pleasant running water affect. Also 4 lions head wall sconces were installed, 2 on each side of the spa spillover. a jandy heater ,jandy salt chlorinator system, a polaris pool cleaner and a state of the art control system that runs all the pool equipment as well as the sprinkler system and the outdoor lights. after the installation of the back yard pool patio we went farther and had Gappsi install a new driveway in the front of the house and 2 walk ways to the back yard one on each side of the house with nicolock stone ridge in oyster blend Gappsi also designed and installed the entire landscape from trees to flower and sod the entire front and back yards. from designing to the last question of the project we did not have to deal with anyone else but Gappsi and the last thing that was done was the installation of the loop lock cover this fall . We would highly recommend Gappsi over and over again with no hesitation. Lou & Emilie Calixte, Lake Grove, NY

Inspired by Asian design details with a modern edge, the form of our Berkeley storage collection gracefully bridges classic and contemporary styles. A unique solid wood base, flush sides and distinctive slab pulls are elegant details you'll enjoy every day. Handcrafted by North Dakota woodworkers from solid wood and expertly constructed solid wood veneer, this collection is meant to be an enduring part of your home. The paper cord detailing on the sliding panels is made in Iowa, woven using an age-old technique, and is a textured design detail that makes all your items easily accessible.

New Electric collection of Atelier Tapis Rouge is meant to become a breakthrough of contemporary interior design. Based on the philosophy of natural light spectrum it harmoniously combines smoothness of organic forms, scientific creation basis and unique technology of production. This winning combination guarantees harmonious coexistence of futuristic design and sustainable approach changing the perception of rug from an interior design piece into an art object. Unique trinity between intelligent natural forms, advance technology and science of material production became solid basis for absolutely new period of Design in 80-90s, being brilliantly expressed by timeless artists as Zacha Khadid (in architecture) or for instance Ross Legrove in technologic and later in fashion design. The attraction and subtle elegance of organic shapes has been continuously growing bringing to the world new solutions for fashion and interior design. Following this tendence, we have created a futuristic collection of rugs, philosophical basis of which is the theory of photon spectrum. In chase of inspiration, we addressed behavior characteristics of each of 4 light rays caused by photon speed and as a result of this thorough work our Electric collection “saw the light”. Designed by Natalia Enze

In this new construction home in Hinsdale, IL the design team at O’Brien Harris was brought in at the earliest stages of planning—allowing for seamless integration of cabinetry and architectural details. Early collaboration with the builder meant every functional need could be fully addressed, including custom framing for hidden lighting and other details that would have been difficult to retrofit. The kitchen features a unique layout that places the cook at the center of the space, facing the yard and natural light. This intentional orientation shaped the design from the start to create a layout that felt open, balanced, and multi-functional. Because the project was built from the ground up, O’Brien Harris was able to integrate downdraft ventilation systems that maintain sightlines allowing the range to face outward—achieving both form and function without compromise. Two kitchen islands define the space, though each serves a distinct purpose. The first island is centered around the cooktop and prep area, while the second acts more like a piece of freestanding furniture—with seating, storage, and a softer presence in the room. Four oversized pendant lanterns anchor the entire space, offering both visual weight and warm illumination. To support entertaining, a full back kitchen was added behind the main space, offering the same level of functionality with additional appliances and prep areas. A fully retractable pass-through window opens directly to the outdoor entertaining area, making the kitchen feel as expansive as the outdoors. O’Brien Harris also designed and fabricated the cabinetry in the primary bath.

New Electric collection of Atelier Tapis Rouge is meant to become a breakthrough of contemporary interior design. Based on the philosophy of natural light spectrum it harmoniously combines smoothness of organic forms, scientific creation basis and unique technology of production. This winning combination guarantees harmonious coexistence of futuristic design and sustainable approach changing the perception of rug from an interior design piece into an art object. Unique trinity between intelligent natural forms, advance technology and science of material production became solid basis for absolutely new period of Design in 80-90s, being brilliantly expressed by timeless artists as Zacha Khadid (in architecture) or for instance Ross Legrove in technologic and later in fashion design. The attraction and subtle elegance of organic shapes has been continuously growing bringing to the world new solutions for fashion and interior design. Following this tendence, we have created a futuristic collection of rugs, philosophical basis of which is the theory of photon spectrum. In chase of inspiration, we addressed behavior characteristics of each of 4 light rays caused by photon speed and as a result of this thorough work our Electric collection “saw the light”. Designed by Natalia Enze

AK4002: "The Pour" Skinny Rain DESCRIPTION: The light installation is a teardrop-shaped chandelier with deliciously unique lights that celebrate the fascinating nature of raindrops, where no drop is the same as the next. Each drop is hand-blown by artisans and intricately engineered to house the lighting strategy for the chandelier. When you see a light sculpture designed to increase the visual appeal of a room and define its luminous character, you stop on your way to admire it. It’s the case of the Raindrop chandelier known as “The Pour”, a modern light sculpture meant to illuminate and beautify its chosen location to create an architectural relationship with space. The drop itself is constructed of two parts: the brass screw cap, which houses the light, and the hand-blown crystal reflecting the light to create puddles on the floor below. To replicate the nature of raindrops, no two drops are blown identical. The name “The Pour” derives from the distinctive shape that the chandelier forms: an exaggeration of the dramatic motion of water pouring out of a carafe. Designed by forming a grid mimicking how puddles ripple outward in concentric circles, each teardrop is hung to brass pipes of varying lengths. Placed strategically on the grid, the teardrops lock into the mirrored base that fits seamlessly between the two existing columns. The mirrored base reflects the teardrops endlessly into the sky above and when lit. The chandelier echoes rain frozen in time with ephemeral puddles overlaid on the floor below. SPECIFICATIONS: Collection: Organic Size: 58” Long x 13” Width x 72” Height (112 Lights) Shape: Rectangular Frame Finish: Patina Dark Bronze Materials: Metal, Glass Extension: 12' feet adjustable wiring available in black or silver Glass: Hand-blown glass Bulbs: 112 Bulbs 110V USA/220V Europe 40 W candelabra bulbs (included) Weight: 135 lbs. (for the 58" L) Assembly: Some Assembly Dimmer Switch Compatible: Optional Rush Order: 4-6 Weeks; 15% added to the total Regular Lead Time: 8-12 Weeks Warranty: 5 Years Full Coverage (includes parts replacement) SIZE OPTIONS: Size: Price: 30” Long x 13” Width x 66” Height (69 Lights) $3,360.00 36” Long x 13” Width x 66” Height (79 Lights) $4,660.00 42” Long x 13” Width x 66” Height (89 Lights) $6,470.00 58” Long x 16” Width x 72” Height (112 Lights) $7,670.00 71” Long x 20" Width x 82” Height (242 Lights) $9,820.00 Custom Sizes, Finishes, Colors Available Upon Request Additional Info- Handblown Glass: 2" Width x 4" Height

In this new construction home in Hinsdale, IL the design team at O’Brien Harris was brought in at the earliest stages of planning—allowing for seamless integration of cabinetry and architectural details. Early collaboration with the builder meant every functional need could be fully addressed, including custom framing for hidden lighting and other details that would have been difficult to retrofit. The kitchen features a unique layout that places the cook at the center of the space, facing the yard and natural light. This intentional orientation shaped the design from the start to create a layout that felt open, balanced, and multi-functional. Because the project was built from the ground up, O’Brien Harris was able to integrate downdraft ventilation systems that maintain sightlines allowing the range to face outward—achieving both form and function without compromise. Two kitchen islands define the space, though each serves a distinct purpose. The first island is centered around the cooktop and prep area, while the second acts more like a piece of freestanding furniture—with seating, storage, and a softer presence in the room. Four oversized pendant lanterns anchor the entire space, offering both visual weight and warm illumination. To support entertaining, a full back kitchen was added behind the main space, offering the same level of functionality with additional appliances and prep areas. A fully retractable pass-through window opens directly to the outdoor entertaining area, making the kitchen feel as expansive as the outdoors. O’Brien Harris also designed and fabricated the cabinetry in the primary bath.

Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in London

Tapestries were originally meant to keep one's domicile warm or cool, depending on the time of year. With modern day air circulation, this highly prized skill set became obsolete. True to most nostalgic or artistianal forms of craftsmanship, tapestries, and tapestry weaving is a highly specialized, labor intensive form of art.

Mid-sized transitional entryway photo in Vancouver

AK4002: "The Pour" Skinny Rain DESCRIPTION: The light installation is a teardrop-shaped chandelier with deliciously unique lights that celebrate the fascinating nature of raindrops, where no drop is the same as the next. Each drop is hand-blown by artisans and intricately engineered to house the lighting strategy for the chandelier. When you see a light sculpture designed to increase the visual appeal of a room and define its luminous character, you stop on your way to admire it. It’s the case of the Raindrop chandelier known as “The Pour”, a modern light sculpture meant to illuminate and beautify its chosen location to create an architectural relationship with space. The drop itself is constructed of two parts: the brass screw cap, which houses the light, and the hand-blown crystal reflecting the light to create puddles on the floor below. To replicate the nature of raindrops, no two drops are blown identical. The name “The Pour” derives from the distinctive shape that the chandelier forms: an exaggeration of the dramatic motion of water pouring out of a carafe. Designed by forming a grid mimicking how puddles ripple outward in concentric circles, each teardrop is hung to brass pipes of varying lengths. Placed strategically on the grid, the teardrops lock into the mirrored base that fits seamlessly between the two existing columns. The mirrored base reflects the teardrops endlessly into the sky above and when lit. The chandelier echoes rain frozen in time with ephemeral puddles overlaid on the floor below. SPECIFICATIONS: Collection: Organic Size: 58” Long x 13” Width x 72” Height (112 Lights) Shape: Rectangular Frame Finish: Patina Dark Bronze Materials: Metal, Glass Extension: 12' feet adjustable wiring available in black or silver Glass: Hand-blown glass Bulbs: 112 Bulbs 110V USA/220V Europe 40 W candelabra bulbs (included) Weight: 135 lbs. (for the 58" L) Assembly: Some Assembly Dimmer Switch Compatible: Optional Rush Order: 4-6 Weeks; 15% added to the total Regular Lead Time: 8-12 Weeks Warranty: 5 Years Full Coverage (includes parts replacement) SIZE OPTIONS: Size: Price: 30” Long x 13” Width x 66” Height (69 Lights) $3,360.00 36” Long x 13” Width x 66” Height (79 Lights) $4,660.00 42” Long x 13” Width x 66” Height (89 Lights) $6,470.00 58” Long x 16” Width x 72” Height (112 Lights) $7,670.00 71” Long x 20" Width x 82” Height (242 Lights) $9,820.00 Custom Sizes, Finishes, Colors Available Upon Request Additional Info- Handblown Glass: 2" Width x 4" Height

撮影：新澤一平
Example of a trendy dining room design in Other

In 17th century Isaac Newton identified the colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet) that make up the visible spectrum. And as his discovery at a time shocked the world and became a first step for a new era of discoveries and world evolution, we believe that the new Electric collection, creation of which is based on a solid theory of photon spectrum and physical characteristics of 4 speeds of rays which travel between Gamma as form of nuclear and cosmic radiation to infrared rays, a result of movement of lower-energy photons, will become a breakthrough of contemporary interior design. This collection reflects a principally new approach to perception of rug in interior making it an art object at the first place. Nevertheless, very important value that remains untouched whatever we do and however futuristic our works are is extreme care about ecologic background and sustainability of our product. Through all the history of Atelier Tapis Rouge each of our rugs has been manually drawn by the team of our designers and afterwards tinted and knotted by hands of best Nepalese craftsmen, who carefully maintain tradition of rug knotting throughout the centuries. The world has gone through a very hard time during last 2 years and perception of things, behavior, philosophic approach of people has changed drastically. We all need a recharge of energy and inspiration to restart our live paths in a new reality and there is no better place where we get energetic feed as home and family. Therefore, having created Electtrico we meant to boost the homes with warm solar energy – eternal source of life and continuity and we believe that it is a good start for new conquests. Designed by Natalia Enze

Our clients purchased a condo in the heart of Chicago after deciding it was time to move from their longtime suburban home and embrace their dream of living downtown. Leaving their family home where their children grew up meant that our work needed to do two things for the family: help make the most of their new city life and create a warm and welcoming home for their two college-aged children. We wanted to make sure the children felt connected to their new home when visiting from school, so they were involved in the design of their bedrooms. By introducing new textures, like a fur stool in one bedroom and a brightly colored zig-zag headboard in the other, we were able to balance the children’s youthful tastes with the rest of the space, forming a cohesive concept that made the whole family feel right at home. Modern amenities, such as power-operated window treatments and an electric fireplace, were seamlessly integrated into the home, ensuring that the client can enjoy their space with a flip of a switch. The personalized, comfortable atmosphere meant that the clients live and entertain with effortlessness and joy. Ted Glasoe Photography

1911. Art school, then restaurant, then home. The building at 463 Commercial Street has been a landmark on Provincetown Harbor since 1911. It started as Ambrose Webster's art school, an early hub of the Provincetown art colony. By mid-century it had become Pat Patrick's Flagship Bar and Grill, where a young Anthony Bourdain got his start in restaurant kitchens. When I was hired to rebuild it in 2012, the wharf and the structure both needed serious work, and the project had to satisfy Provincetown's historic codes and Massachusetts state waterfront codes simultaneously. The brief was to convert the restaurant into a private residence without losing the building's soul. That meant preserving what mattered most. The wide plank floors. The porthole windows. The dory, which has been the bar since the Flagship era and still is. New systems and modern living, all sitting carefully behind the scenes. Marble island, brass faucet, a sculptural light over the kitchen, full water views from the harbor side. Outside, the original wooden pilings still hold the structure above the tideline, weathered green where the tide reaches. In 2019 the house was featured in HGTV's Ultimate House Hunt in the waterfront homes category and covered by Cape Cod Home magazine. This is the project I'm proudest of. It's the closest thing I've done to architecture as a form of memory. The building has held a piece of Provincetown's working waterfront for more than a century. The job was making sure it could keep doing that as a home.

AK4002: "The Pour" Skinny Rain DESCRIPTION: The light installation is a teardrop-shaped chandelier with deliciously unique lights that celebrate the fascinating nature of raindrops, where no drop is the same as the next. Each drop is hand-blown by artisans and intricately engineered to house the lighting strategy for the chandelier. When you see a light sculpture designed to increase the visual appeal of a room and define its luminous character, you stop on your way to admire it. It’s the case of the Raindrop chandelier known as “The Pour”, a modern light sculpture meant to illuminate and beautify its chosen location to create an architectural relationship with space. The drop itself is constructed of two parts: the brass screw cap, which houses the light, and the hand-blown crystal reflecting the light to create puddles on the floor below. To replicate the nature of raindrops, no two drops are blown identical. The name “The Pour” derives from the distinctive shape that the chandelier forms: an exaggeration of the dramatic motion of water pouring out of a carafe. Designed by forming a grid mimicking how puddles ripple outward in concentric circles, each teardrop is hung to brass pipes of varying lengths. Placed strategically on the grid, the teardrops lock into the mirrored base that fits seamlessly between the two existing columns. The mirrored base reflects the teardrops endlessly into the sky above and when lit. The chandelier echoes rain frozen in time with ephemeral puddles overlaid on the floor below. SPECIFICATIONS: Collection: Organic Size: 58” Long x 13” Width x 72” Height (112 Lights) Shape: Rectangular Frame Finish: Patina Dark Bronze Materials: Metal, Glass Extension: 12' feet adjustable wiring available in black or silver Glass: Hand-blown glass Bulbs: 112 Bulbs 110V USA/220V Europe 40 W candelabra bulbs (included) Weight: 135 lbs. (for the 58" L) Assembly: Some Assembly Dimmer Switch Compatible: Optional Rush Order: 4-6 Weeks; 15% added to the total Regular Lead Time: 8-12 Weeks Warranty: 5 Years Full Coverage (includes parts replacement) SIZE OPTIONS: Size: Price: 30” Long x 13” Width x 66” Height (69 Lights) $3,360.00 36” Long x 13” Width x 66” Height (79 Lights) $4,660.00 42” Long x 13” Width x 66” Height (89 Lights) $6,470.00 58” Long x 16” Width x 72” Height (112 Lights) $7,670.00 71” Long x 20" Width x 82” Height (242 Lights) $9,820.00 Custom Sizes, Finishes, Colors Available Upon Request Additional Info- Handblown Glass: 2" Width x 4" Height

Ask a kitchen designer in Chicago which countertop question comes up most and you will hear the same answer: white or off-white quartz, and which shade. Homeowners walk into showrooms with a photo saved on their phone, usually a bright, veined slab from a magazine spread, and leave an hour later realizing there are a dozen versions of that same look. The confusion is not about taste. It is about the fact that "white quartz" covers a huge range of patterns, undertones, and price points, and nobody explains the differences before the sale. Older bungalows and newer builds alike are getting stripped of their dated laminate and butcher block in favor of quartz, and the reasons are practical rather than trendy. Quartz does not need sealing, resists the kind of staining that granite can suffer over decades, and holds up to the freeze-thaw humidity swings that Chicago basements and kitchens go through every year. Once a homeowner commits to quartz, though, the real decision starts: which white, and does the pattern justify the difference in cost. This piece walks through three specific slabs that keep showing up in Chicago renovation projects, why designers reach for them in different rooms, and what actually separates a flat white surface from one with real depth. None of this requires a design background to follow. It is mostly about paying attention to how a slab behaves under kitchen lighting, how busy the vending gets, and how it photographs versus how it looks in person. Why White Quartz Took Over Chicago Kitchens Ten years ago, granite dominated Chicago kitchen remodels almost by default. It was durable, it looked expensive, and every fabricator in the metro area carried a wide range of colors. Quartz has since taken over that position, and the shift happened faster than most contractors expected. Engineered stone gave homeowners a more predictable surface, since natural granite varies slab to slab while quartz is manufactured to a consistent pattern batch after batch. The other driver is light. Chicago winters are long and gray, and a lot of kitchens, especially in older two-flats and courtyard buildings, do not get much direct sun. A dark granite countertop in a dim kitchen can make the whole room feel smaller. White and light-toned quartz reflects what little natural light comes through the windows, and it makes a galley kitchen or a north-facing space feel noticeably brighter without touching the cabinetry or the layout. There is also a resale argument that local real estate agents bring up constantly. White quartz photographs well for listings, reads as updated and low-maintenance to buyers touring in person, and does not compete visually with whatever cabinet color the next owner might prefer. It is a safer bet than a bold veined marble look or a colored quartz that might feel dated in five years. Arctic White and the Cost Question Among the flatter, more uniform whites, arctic white quartz price comes up constantly in budget conversations because the slab sits at a more approachable point than the heavily veined Italian-marble-inspired patterns. It reads as clean and bright without the busy movement that some homeowners find overwhelming in a small kitchen. Fabricators in the Chicago area tend to keep it in stock precisely because demand stays steady across both new construction and remodel projects. Part of what keeps this slab affordable relative to its heavily patterned cousins comes down to manufacturing complexity. A quartz surface with minimal veining and a consistent white base is simpler to produce at scale than one that mimics the irregular, high-contrast movement of natural Calacatta marble. That production difference shows up directly in what a homeowner pays per square foot, and it is worth asking a fabricator to walk through that pricing before assuming every white quartz costs the same. Homeowners planning a full kitchen, including an island, backsplash, and perimeter counters, often use a flatter white like this specifically because it lets other elements carry the visual interest. A patterned tile backsplash or a bold cabinet color reads more clearly against a calm countertop than against one already fighting for attention with heavy veining. Designers frequently pair simpler whites with statement lighting fixtures for exactly this reason. What Makes Calacatta Patterns Different Calacatta refers to a family of marble originally quarried in Italy, known for a bright white background broken up by bold, often gold-toned veining that moves in thick, dramatic streaks rather than thin gray lines. Natural Calacatta marble is soft, porous, and expensive to maintain, which is exactly why quartz manufacturers spent years developing engineered versions that replicate the look without the upkeep headaches. The challenge with any Calacatta-style quartz is getting the veining to look organic instead of printed. Early generations of engineered stone struggled with repetitive patterns that gave away the fact the slab was manufactured rather than cut from actual marble. Modern digital printing and layering techniques have closed that gap considerably, and the better Calacatta-inspired quartz lines now vary the veining across each slab batch so two counters in the same kitchen do not look identical. Chicago designers gravitate toward Calacatta patterns for kitchens that function as the visual centerpiece of an open floor plan, which describes a large share of the gut renovations happening in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, and the North Shore suburbs. When the kitchen island is visible from the living room and dining area, a dramatic veined surface becomes part of the home's overall design language rather than a purely functional work surface. Calacatta Arno Under Kitchen Lighting One of the more popular options in this category, calacatta arno quartz, balances a warm white base with soft gray and gold veining that avoids looking too stark under the cooler LED lighting common in newer Chicago builds. Homeowners touring showrooms sometimes make the mistake of judging a slab entirely under warm incandescent lighting, then get surprised when the same surface looks slightly different once installed under their kitchen's actual fixtures. What separates this particular pattern from flatter competitors is how the veining clusters rather than spreading evenly across the slab. That clustering mimics the way real quarried marble forms, with denser mineral deposits in some sections and cleaner stretches in others. Fabricators cutting a large island slab from a single piece will often orient the pattern intentionally so the busiest veining lands somewhere visually interesting rather than getting cut off at an edge. Because the background reads warmer than a stark white, this pattern tends to pair well with brass or matte gold hardware, a combination that has been showing up repeatedly in Chicago kitchen remodels over the past few renovation seasons. Cabinet painters report a similar trend, with more clients requesting warm white or greige cabinet colors specifically because they complement this kind of veined quartz better than a cooler, blue-toned white would. Silestone's Version of the Calacatta Look Manufacturers compete directly in this Calacatta-inspired category, and silestone eternal calacatta gold represents one brand's specific take on the pattern, distinguished by richer gold veining set against a brighter white base than some competing slabs in the same family. Silestone has built a reputation around anti-bacterial surface treatments in addition to the standard quartz durability, a detail some homeowners specifically ask about for kitchens used heavily by families with young children. The veining in this particular slab tends to run in longer, more continuous lines compared to the clustered pattern found in some other Calacatta-style options, which gives large island surfaces a sense of visual flow from one end to the other. Fabricators working with bigger islands, the kind increasingly common in open-concept Chicago remodels, often favor patterns like this because there is less need to worry about seams interrupting a busy, disconnected pattern. Price positioning for this slab tends to sit toward the upper end of the engineered quartz category, reflecting both the brand's manufacturing process and the complexity of replicating that continuous gold veining consistently across production batches. Homeowners weighing this option against other Calacatta-style quartz should ask their fabricator directly about batch availability, since premium patterns sometimes have longer lead times than standard stock colors. Living With Quartz Day to Day Beyond how a slab looks in a showroom or a listing photo, the daily experience of owning quartz countertops matters more once the renovation dust settles. Quartz resists scratching far better than laminate and holds up to the acidic spills, hot pans, and general abuse of an active kitchen without the sealing maintenance that natural stone requires every year or two. That low-maintenance reputation is a large part of why quartz overtook granite in the first place. Heat resistance is a detail that gets less attention than it should. While quartz handles moderate heat well, manufacturers generally recommend using a trivet or pad for very hot pots straight off the stove, since sudden temperature shock can occasionally cause stress marks in the resin binder that holds the engineered stone together. This is a minor precaution rather than a major limitation, but it is worth mentioning to anyone assuming quartz is entirely indestructible. Cleaning routines stay simple across almost every pattern in this category. A damp cloth and mild soap handle daily messes, and the nonporous surface means wine, coffee, and tomato-based sauces do not soak in the way they can with unsealed granite or marble. Homeowners moving from an older stone counter often mention how much less they worry about everyday spills once quartz is installed, which is a quality-of-life change that rarely makes it into the initial design conversation. Choosing Between the Three There is no single correct answer among these three slabs, and that is exactly why they keep coming up together in the same design conversations across Chicago renovation projects. A flatter white with minimal veining suits kitchens where other elements need to carry the visual interest, while a bolder Calacatta-inspired pattern makes sense when the countertop itself is meant to be the centerpiece of an open floor plan. Budget matters too, and it is worth having a direct conversation with a fabricator about where each option lands before falling in love with a specific slab in a showroom. Lighting, cabinet color, and how the kitchen connects to the rest of the home all play into which pattern will actually look right once installation is finished rather than just in a photo. Whatever direction a homeowner leans, seeing a full slab in person under actual kitchen lighting remains the single most useful step before signing off. Photos only go so far once the countertop is sitting in the room it will live in for years.