We love when our clients trust us enough to do a second project for them. In the case of this couple looking for a NYC Pied-a-Terre – this was our 4th! After designing their homes in Bernardsville, NJ and San Diego, CA and a home for their daughter in Orange County, CA, we were called up for duty on the search for a NYC apartment which would accommodate this couple with room enough for their four children as well! What we cherish most about working with clients is the trust that develops over time. In this case, not only were we asked to come on board for design and project coordination, but we also helped with the actual apartment selection decision between locations in TriBeCa, Upper West Side and the West Village. The TriBeCa building didn’t have enough services in the building; the Upper West Side neighborhood was too busy and impersonal; and, the West Village apartment was just right. Our work on this apartment was to oversee the design and build-out of the combination of a 3,000 square foot 3-bedroom unit with a 1,000 square foot 1-bedroom unit. We reorganized the space to accommodate this family of 6. The living room in the 1 bedroom became the media room; the kitchen became a bar; and the bedroom became a guest suite. The most amazing feature of this apartment are its views – uptown to the Empire State Building, downtown to the Statue of Liberty and west for the most vibrant sunsets. We opened up the space to create view lines through the apartment all the way back into the home office. Customizing New York City apartments takes creativity and patience. In order to install recessed lighting, Ray devised a floating ceiling situated below the existing concrete ceiling to accept the wiring and housing. In the design of the space, we wanted to create a flow and continuity between the public spaces. To do this, we designed walnut panels which run from the center hall through the media room into the office and on to the sitting room. The richness of the wood helps ground the space and draws your eye to the lightness of the gorgeous views. For additional light capture, we designed a 9 foot by 10 foot metal and mirror wall treatment in the living room. The purpose is to catch the light and reflect it back into the living space creating expansiveness and brightness. Adding unique and meaningful art pieces is the critical final stage of design. For the master bedroom, we commissioned Ira Lohan, a Santa Fe, NM artist we know, to create a totem with glass feathers. This piece was inspired by folklore from his Native American roots which says home is defined by where an eagle’s feathers land. Ira drove this piece across the country and delivered and installed it himself!!

Designed by Carolina Maholik of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Chantilly VA, in collaboration with Victoriano Home Improvements, this transitional kitchen design features Merillat Masterpiece cabinets in the Martel Evercore door style in two finishes, Dove White (perimeter cabinets) and Riverbed (kitchen island). The kitchen countertops are Cambria Berywn. The kitchen includes a tile backsplash in Elon Opal in Gray 3x12 with a Light Pewter grout and Maytag, Whirlpool and KitchenAid appliances. “The clients were very big on the function of their space,” said Carolina. “The largest issue we faced was finding a balance between brightening and updating the look of the space while also not sacrificing the functionality of their daily lives. Many design iterations brought us back to classic beauty with an updated look that was the main gathering space of their home. My favorite aspect was seeing the once hated window box over the sink be transformed by updating the initial focal point of the space and create harmony with the rest of the space!” “Every aspect of our kitchen was a pleasure, from start to finish. We knew the minute we met Carolina that she would be the right person to design our kitchen and guide us through the process,” said the client. “Because Reico truly values its customers, indicated by both their words and their actions, our confidence never wavered. Carrie responded to all communications nearly instantaneously, and like Carolina, she made us feel like we were the only customers in her world.” “The care that the entire Reico team brought to the table and the patience Carolina extended were much appreciated. She really listens and has talent for sifting through all the talk to get to the best design. We love that our kitchen has a wide appeal and is very us. It is light and bright while remaining warm and inviting.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

Fantasy Brown dolomite went into this kitchen in Gaston, and it's the kind of stone that changes how a room feels the minute the sun hits it. Dolomite has real depth to it, that soft natural movement running through the slab, along with a toughness that matters in a room where people actually cook. The background on this stone runs warm, brown and gold tones woven through with darker veining that breaks up the surface without turning busy. No two pieces off the same block look identical, so we spent real time on the layout, working out where the veining would land across the counters before anything got cut. Templating a stone like this takes patience. We measure the kitchen precise, then we go back to the slab and figure out how to lay the template so the movement in the stone flows the right direction across the counter and doesn't fight itself at the seams. On a job like this one, getting the veining to carry across the seam near the sink or across an inside corner is the difference between a counter that reads as one piece and one that looks like two slabs pushed together. We took our time with it here. The edge is eased, clean and simple, and it lets the stone do the talking instead of pulling attention to the edge itself. That's the right call on a material with this much natural character in the face of the slab. Day to day, dolomite holds up well. It's a hard, dense stone, and it resists scratching better than a lot of people expect, though we still recommend a sealer to keep the surface protected from oil and acidic spills, same as we'd tell anyone with a natural stone counter. Wipe up wine or citrus before it sits too long, use a cutting board, and it'll look right for years. Heat isn't a worry either, you can set a hot pan down without thinking twice. Gaston sits right in that stretch of the Midlands where we do a lot of our work, and it's always good seeing a kitchen come together with a stone this striking. Fantasy Brown dolomite gives the room warmth and texture that's hard to match, and installed with a tight, clean fit, it's going to be the centerpiece of that kitchen for a long time.

Designed by Carolina Maholik of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Chantilly VA, in collaboration with Victoriano Home Improvements, this transitional kitchen design features Merillat Masterpiece cabinets in the Martel Evercore door style in two finishes, Dove White (perimeter cabinets) and Riverbed (kitchen island). The kitchen countertops are Cambria Berywn. The kitchen includes a tile backsplash in Elon Opal in Gray 3x12 with a Light Pewter grout and Maytag, Whirlpool and KitchenAid appliances. “The clients were very big on the function of their space,” said Carolina. “The largest issue we faced was finding a balance between brightening and updating the look of the space while also not sacrificing the functionality of their daily lives. Many design iterations brought us back to classic beauty with an updated look that was the main gathering space of their home. My favorite aspect was seeing the once hated window box over the sink be transformed by updating the initial focal point of the space and create harmony with the rest of the space!” “Every aspect of our kitchen was a pleasure, from start to finish. We knew the minute we met Carolina that she would be the right person to design our kitchen and guide us through the process,” said the client. “Because Reico truly values its customers, indicated by both their words and their actions, our confidence never wavered. Carrie responded to all communications nearly instantaneously, and like Carolina, she made us feel like we were the only customers in her world.” “The care that the entire Reico team brought to the table and the patience Carolina extended were much appreciated. She really listens and has talent for sifting through all the talk to get to the best design. We love that our kitchen has a wide appeal and is very us. It is light and bright while remaining warm and inviting.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

Blue Fantasy granite is one of those stones that stops people in the kitchen doorway. It's got that deep blue-gray base with soft movement running through it, flecks of white and darker gray scattered across the surface, and enough depth to it that it reads different depending on the light hitting it. In this Irmo kitchen it works as the anchor for the whole room, the kind of stone that doesn't need anything else dressing it up. Granite like this comes out of the ground with real mineral variation, and that's part of why we like working with it. Every slab has its own character, so when we template a kitchen like this one we're not just measuring cabinets, we're looking at how the pattern will fall across the counters and figuring out where the seams need to land so the movement in the stone keeps flowing instead of getting chopped up at a corner. That's the part of the job that takes patience more than anything else. Blue Fantasy is a hard, dense granite, and that's exactly what you want in a kitchen that gets used every day. It shrugs off heat, it resists scratching better than most surfaces you'll put a knife near, and it holds up to the kind of daily abuse a real kitchen dishes out. We sealed it before we left so it stays easy to wipe down and keeps its color from picking up any staining, and that's about the only maintenance it'll ever ask for. We kept the edge eased on this one, simple and clean, which lets the stone itself do the talking instead of competing with it. Jobs like this are why we like working around Irmo and the rest of the Midlands. Every kitchen brings its own layout, its own light, its own slab pulled off the yard, and getting it right means paying attention to the details that don't show up in a photo, tight seams, a level install, an edge that doesn't fight the stone. This one came together the way we like to see them, a granite with real presence doing exactly what a kitchen counter should do for years to come.

Designed by Carolina Maholik of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Chantilly VA, in collaboration with Victoriano Home Improvements, this transitional kitchen design features Merillat Masterpiece cabinets in the Martel Evercore door style in two finishes, Dove White (perimeter cabinets) and Riverbed (kitchen island). The kitchen countertops are Cambria Berywn. The kitchen includes a tile backsplash in Elon Opal in Gray 3x12 with a Light Pewter grout and Maytag, Whirlpool and KitchenAid appliances. “The clients were very big on the function of their space,” said Carolina. “The largest issue we faced was finding a balance between brightening and updating the look of the space while also not sacrificing the functionality of their daily lives. Many design iterations brought us back to classic beauty with an updated look that was the main gathering space of their home. My favorite aspect was seeing the once hated window box over the sink be transformed by updating the initial focal point of the space and create harmony with the rest of the space!” “Every aspect of our kitchen was a pleasure, from start to finish. We knew the minute we met Carolina that she would be the right person to design our kitchen and guide us through the process,” said the client. “Because Reico truly values its customers, indicated by both their words and their actions, our confidence never wavered. Carrie responded to all communications nearly instantaneously, and like Carolina, she made us feel like we were the only customers in her world.” “The care that the entire Reico team brought to the table and the patience Carolina extended were much appreciated. She really listens and has talent for sifting through all the talk to get to the best design. We love that our kitchen has a wide appeal and is very us. It is light and bright while remaining warm and inviting.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

Blue Fantasy granite is one of those stones that stops people in the kitchen doorway. It's got that deep blue-gray base with soft movement running through it, flecks of white and darker gray scattered across the surface, and enough depth to it that it reads different depending on the light hitting it. In this Irmo kitchen it works as the anchor for the whole room, the kind of stone that doesn't need anything else dressing it up. Granite like this comes out of the ground with real mineral variation, and that's part of why we like working with it. Every slab has its own character, so when we template a kitchen like this one we're not just measuring cabinets, we're looking at how the pattern will fall across the counters and figuring out where the seams need to land so the movement in the stone keeps flowing instead of getting chopped up at a corner. That's the part of the job that takes patience more than anything else. Blue Fantasy is a hard, dense granite, and that's exactly what you want in a kitchen that gets used every day. It shrugs off heat, it resists scratching better than most surfaces you'll put a knife near, and it holds up to the kind of daily abuse a real kitchen dishes out. We sealed it before we left so it stays easy to wipe down and keeps its color from picking up any staining, and that's about the only maintenance it'll ever ask for. We kept the edge eased on this one, simple and clean, which lets the stone itself do the talking instead of competing with it. Jobs like this are why we like working around Irmo and the rest of the Midlands. Every kitchen brings its own layout, its own light, its own slab pulled off the yard, and getting it right means paying attention to the details that don't show up in a photo, tight seams, a level install, an edge that doesn't fight the stone. This one came together the way we like to see them, a granite with real presence doing exactly what a kitchen counter should do for years to come.

When our client approached us with a budget of $1,000 and a two-month timeline, she was looking to revive her outdated walk-in closet. The old setup was literally falling apart and so cramped that it hardly lived up to the name "walk-in." Our mission was to breathe new life into this space, transforming it into a functional and inviting retreat. We kicked off the transformation by applying fresh paint and crafting custom storage solutions that precisely matched our client's needs. She had been struggling with locating her shoes, hidden away in old shoe boxes, and her handbags scattered throughout. Our solution was a wallet-friendly, adaptable shoe storage system that keeps everything in sight and easily accessible, evolving right along with her collection. One of our client's priorities was ensuring comfort for her adorable, cuddly dogs who love spending time in the closet. We chose a washable rug that not only complements the decor but also withstands the occasional mess, maintaining a cozy vibe. Adding a personal touch, we showcased her cherished wedding shoes and incorporated vintage knobs from her daughter's nursery into the design, making the closet feel uniquely hers. To streamline her daily routine, we introduced a practical, stylish hamper on wheels, enabling easy transport of laundry from the closet to the laundry room. The decluttering process was initially overwhelming for our client. With patience and a fresh perspective, we helped her let go of five bags of high-quality clothes and shoes. This not only cleared up physical space but also made room for new beginnings and experiences in her life. This project was much more than a simple renovation; it was about creating a space that reflects and supports our client's lifestyle, complete with thoughtful touches that make it truly special.

Fantasy Brown dolomite went into this kitchen in Gaston, and it's the kind of stone that changes how a room feels the minute the sun hits it. Dolomite has real depth to it, that soft natural movement running through the slab, along with a toughness that matters in a room where people actually cook. The background on this stone runs warm, brown and gold tones woven through with darker veining that breaks up the surface without turning busy. No two pieces off the same block look identical, so we spent real time on the layout, working out where the veining would land across the counters before anything got cut. Templating a stone like this takes patience. We measure the kitchen precise, then we go back to the slab and figure out how to lay the template so the movement in the stone flows the right direction across the counter and doesn't fight itself at the seams. On a job like this one, getting the veining to carry across the seam near the sink or across an inside corner is the difference between a counter that reads as one piece and one that looks like two slabs pushed together. We took our time with it here. The edge is eased, clean and simple, and it lets the stone do the talking instead of pulling attention to the edge itself. That's the right call on a material with this much natural character in the face of the slab. Day to day, dolomite holds up well. It's a hard, dense stone, and it resists scratching better than a lot of people expect, though we still recommend a sealer to keep the surface protected from oil and acidic spills, same as we'd tell anyone with a natural stone counter. Wipe up wine or citrus before it sits too long, use a cutting board, and it'll look right for years. Heat isn't a worry either, you can set a hot pan down without thinking twice. Gaston sits right in that stretch of the Midlands where we do a lot of our work, and it's always good seeing a kitchen come together with a stone this striking. Fantasy Brown dolomite gives the room warmth and texture that's hard to match, and installed with a tight, clean fit, it's going to be the centerpiece of that kitchen for a long time.

Designed by Carolina Maholik of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Chantilly VA, in collaboration with Victoriano Home Improvements, this transitional kitchen design features Merillat Masterpiece cabinets in the Martel Evercore door style in two finishes, Dove White (perimeter cabinets) and Riverbed (kitchen island). The kitchen countertops are Cambria Berywn. The kitchen includes a tile backsplash in Elon Opal in Gray 3x12 with a Light Pewter grout and Maytag, Whirlpool and KitchenAid appliances. “The clients were very big on the function of their space,” said Carolina. “The largest issue we faced was finding a balance between brightening and updating the look of the space while also not sacrificing the functionality of their daily lives. Many design iterations brought us back to classic beauty with an updated look that was the main gathering space of their home. My favorite aspect was seeing the once hated window box over the sink be transformed by updating the initial focal point of the space and create harmony with the rest of the space!” “Every aspect of our kitchen was a pleasure, from start to finish. We knew the minute we met Carolina that she would be the right person to design our kitchen and guide us through the process,” said the client. “Because Reico truly values its customers, indicated by both their words and their actions, our confidence never wavered. Carrie responded to all communications nearly instantaneously, and like Carolina, she made us feel like we were the only customers in her world.” “The care that the entire Reico team brought to the table and the patience Carolina extended were much appreciated. She really listens and has talent for sifting through all the talk to get to the best design. We love that our kitchen has a wide appeal and is very us. It is light and bright while remaining warm and inviting.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

Designed by Carolina Maholik of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Chantilly VA, in collaboration with Victoriano Home Improvements, this transitional kitchen design features Merillat Masterpiece cabinets in the Martel Evercore door style in two finishes, Dove White (perimeter cabinets) and Riverbed (kitchen island). The kitchen countertops are Cambria Berywn. The kitchen includes a tile backsplash in Elon Opal in Gray 3x12 with a Light Pewter grout and Maytag, Whirlpool and KitchenAid appliances. “The clients were very big on the function of their space,” said Carolina. “The largest issue we faced was finding a balance between brightening and updating the look of the space while also not sacrificing the functionality of their daily lives. Many design iterations brought us back to classic beauty with an updated look that was the main gathering space of their home. My favorite aspect was seeing the once hated window box over the sink be transformed by updating the initial focal point of the space and create harmony with the rest of the space!” “Every aspect of our kitchen was a pleasure, from start to finish. We knew the minute we met Carolina that she would be the right person to design our kitchen and guide us through the process,” said the client. “Because Reico truly values its customers, indicated by both their words and their actions, our confidence never wavered. Carrie responded to all communications nearly instantaneously, and like Carolina, she made us feel like we were the only customers in her world.” “The care that the entire Reico team brought to the table and the patience Carolina extended were much appreciated. She really listens and has talent for sifting through all the talk to get to the best design. We love that our kitchen has a wide appeal and is very us. It is light and bright while remaining warm and inviting.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

Designed by Lauren Hunt of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Charlotte NC, this transitional style inspired kitchen design with small bar area features Ultracraft Cabinetry in the Avon door style with two finishes. The perimeter kitchen design is in the Simply White finish with the finish Black on the kitchen island. The kitchen countertops are MSI Q Calacatta Laza. The kitchen also features a Best Tile Soho Rumba Diamond Gris 4x8 tile backsplash. “Remodeling a kitchen during COVID was certainly a challenge given the delays in the supply chain and while this did extend our timeline, the finished result was well worth it,” said the client. “Lauren had so many great suggestions to make the kitchen work better for us, such as making the most of the lower cabinet areas by adding drawers and selecting a frameless cabinet line that provided more additional space. Cooking and entertaining have never been so much fun! Lauren and our Project Manager Eric are both such great people to work with. I really appreciated their patience as we were trying to make decisions and for their efforts in ensuring all details were addressed. “The clients were so great to work with and incredibly patient,” said Lauren. “We didn't make any significant layout changes from their existing floor plan, so our goal was to maximize functionality using accessories like a lazy susan, spice pullout, and knife/utensil pullout, and to update the cabinetry to match the rest of their beautiful home. We wanted to keep everything very clean and streamlined, so the appliances were flush installed and we tried to minimize the number of stiles and rails on the cabinetry so the kitchen didn't look too busy. The outcome is truly stunning.” Photos courtesy of Six Cents Media.

Designed by Carolina Maholik of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Chantilly VA, in collaboration with Victoriano Home Improvements, this transitional kitchen design features Merillat Masterpiece cabinets in the Martel Evercore door style in two finishes, Dove White (perimeter cabinets) and Riverbed (kitchen island). The kitchen countertops are Cambria Berywn. The kitchen includes a tile backsplash in Elon Opal in Gray 3x12 with a Light Pewter grout and Maytag, Whirlpool and KitchenAid appliances. “The clients were very big on the function of their space,” said Carolina. “The largest issue we faced was finding a balance between brightening and updating the look of the space while also not sacrificing the functionality of their daily lives. Many design iterations brought us back to classic beauty with an updated look that was the main gathering space of their home. My favorite aspect was seeing the once hated window box over the sink be transformed by updating the initial focal point of the space and create harmony with the rest of the space!” “Every aspect of our kitchen was a pleasure, from start to finish. We knew the minute we met Carolina that she would be the right person to design our kitchen and guide us through the process,” said the client. “Because Reico truly values its customers, indicated by both their words and their actions, our confidence never wavered. Carrie responded to all communications nearly instantaneously, and like Carolina, she made us feel like we were the only customers in her world.” “The care that the entire Reico team brought to the table and the patience Carolina extended were much appreciated. She really listens and has talent for sifting through all the talk to get to the best design. We love that our kitchen has a wide appeal and is very us. It is light and bright while remaining warm and inviting.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

Designed by Carolina Maholik of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Chantilly VA, in collaboration with Victoriano Home Improvements, this transitional kitchen design features Merillat Masterpiece cabinets in the Martel Evercore door style in two finishes, Dove White (perimeter cabinets) and Riverbed (kitchen island). The kitchen countertops are Cambria Berywn. The kitchen includes a tile backsplash in Elon Opal in Gray 3x12 with a Light Pewter grout and Maytag, Whirlpool and KitchenAid appliances. “The clients were very big on the function of their space,” said Carolina. “The largest issue we faced was finding a balance between brightening and updating the look of the space while also not sacrificing the functionality of their daily lives. Many design iterations brought us back to classic beauty with an updated look that was the main gathering space of their home. My favorite aspect was seeing the once hated window box over the sink be transformed by updating the initial focal point of the space and create harmony with the rest of the space!” “Every aspect of our kitchen was a pleasure, from start to finish. We knew the minute we met Carolina that she would be the right person to design our kitchen and guide us through the process,” said the client. “Because Reico truly values its customers, indicated by both their words and their actions, our confidence never wavered. Carrie responded to all communications nearly instantaneously, and like Carolina, she made us feel like we were the only customers in her world.” “The care that the entire Reico team brought to the table and the patience Carolina extended were much appreciated. She really listens and has talent for sifting through all the talk to get to the best design. We love that our kitchen has a wide appeal and is very us. It is light and bright while remaining warm and inviting.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

When our client approached us with a budget of $1,000 and a two-month timeline, she was looking to revive her outdated walk-in closet. The old setup was literally falling apart and so cramped that it hardly lived up to the name "walk-in." Our mission was to breathe new life into this space, transforming it into a functional and inviting retreat. We kicked off the transformation by applying fresh paint and crafting custom storage solutions that precisely matched our client's needs. She had been struggling with locating her shoes, hidden away in old shoe boxes, and her handbags scattered throughout. Our solution was a wallet-friendly, adaptable shoe storage system that keeps everything in sight and easily accessible, evolving right along with her collection. One of our client's priorities was ensuring comfort for her adorable, cuddly dogs who love spending time in the closet. We chose a washable rug that not only complements the decor but also withstands the occasional mess, maintaining a cozy vibe. Adding a personal touch, we showcased her cherished wedding shoes and incorporated vintage knobs from her daughter's nursery into the design, making the closet feel uniquely hers. To streamline her daily routine, we introduced a practical, stylish hamper on wheels, enabling easy transport of laundry from the closet to the laundry room. The decluttering process was initially overwhelming for our client. With patience and a fresh perspective, we helped her let go of five bags of high-quality clothes and shoes. This not only cleared up physical space but also made room for new beginnings and experiences in her life. This project was much more than a simple renovation; it was about creating a space that reflects and supports our client's lifestyle, complete with thoughtful touches that make it truly special.

Blue Fantasy granite is one of those stones that stops people in the kitchen doorway. It's got that deep blue-gray base with soft movement running through it, flecks of white and darker gray scattered across the surface, and enough depth to it that it reads different depending on the light hitting it. In this Irmo kitchen it works as the anchor for the whole room, the kind of stone that doesn't need anything else dressing it up. Granite like this comes out of the ground with real mineral variation, and that's part of why we like working with it. Every slab has its own character, so when we template a kitchen like this one we're not just measuring cabinets, we're looking at how the pattern will fall across the counters and figuring out where the seams need to land so the movement in the stone keeps flowing instead of getting chopped up at a corner. That's the part of the job that takes patience more than anything else. Blue Fantasy is a hard, dense granite, and that's exactly what you want in a kitchen that gets used every day. It shrugs off heat, it resists scratching better than most surfaces you'll put a knife near, and it holds up to the kind of daily abuse a real kitchen dishes out. We sealed it before we left so it stays easy to wipe down and keeps its color from picking up any staining, and that's about the only maintenance it'll ever ask for. We kept the edge eased on this one, simple and clean, which lets the stone itself do the talking instead of competing with it. Jobs like this are why we like working around Irmo and the rest of the Midlands. Every kitchen brings its own layout, its own light, its own slab pulled off the yard, and getting it right means paying attention to the details that don't show up in a photo, tight seams, a level install, an edge that doesn't fight the stone. This one came together the way we like to see them, a granite with real presence doing exactly what a kitchen counter should do for years to come.

Designed by Lauren Hunt of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Charlotte NC, this transitional style inspired kitchen design with small bar area features Ultracraft Cabinetry in the Avon door style with two finishes. The perimeter kitchen design is in the Simply White finish with the finish Black on the kitchen island. The kitchen countertops are MSI Q Calacatta Laza. The kitchen also features a Best Tile Soho Rumba Diamond Gris 4x8 tile backsplash. “Remodeling a kitchen during COVID was certainly a challenge given the delays in the supply chain and while this did extend our timeline, the finished result was well worth it,” said the client. “Lauren had so many great suggestions to make the kitchen work better for us, such as making the most of the lower cabinet areas by adding drawers and selecting a frameless cabinet line that provided more additional space. Cooking and entertaining have never been so much fun! Lauren and our Project Manager Eric are both such great people to work with. I really appreciated their patience as we were trying to make decisions and for their efforts in ensuring all details were addressed. “The clients were so great to work with and incredibly patient,” said Lauren. “We didn't make any significant layout changes from their existing floor plan, so our goal was to maximize functionality using accessories like a lazy susan, spice pullout, and knife/utensil pullout, and to update the cabinetry to match the rest of their beautiful home. We wanted to keep everything very clean and streamlined, so the appliances were flush installed and we tried to minimize the number of stiles and rails on the cabinetry so the kitchen didn't look too busy. The outcome is truly stunning.” Photos courtesy of Six Cents Media.

Blue Fantasy granite is one of those stones that stops people in the kitchen doorway. It's got that deep blue-gray base with soft movement running through it, flecks of white and darker gray scattered across the surface, and enough depth to it that it reads different depending on the light hitting it. In this Irmo kitchen it works as the anchor for the whole room, the kind of stone that doesn't need anything else dressing it up. Granite like this comes out of the ground with real mineral variation, and that's part of why we like working with it. Every slab has its own character, so when we template a kitchen like this one we're not just measuring cabinets, we're looking at how the pattern will fall across the counters and figuring out where the seams need to land so the movement in the stone keeps flowing instead of getting chopped up at a corner. That's the part of the job that takes patience more than anything else. Blue Fantasy is a hard, dense granite, and that's exactly what you want in a kitchen that gets used every day. It shrugs off heat, it resists scratching better than most surfaces you'll put a knife near, and it holds up to the kind of daily abuse a real kitchen dishes out. We sealed it before we left so it stays easy to wipe down and keeps its color from picking up any staining, and that's about the only maintenance it'll ever ask for. We kept the edge eased on this one, simple and clean, which lets the stone itself do the talking instead of competing with it. Jobs like this are why we like working around Irmo and the rest of the Midlands. Every kitchen brings its own layout, its own light, its own slab pulled off the yard, and getting it right means paying attention to the details that don't show up in a photo, tight seams, a level install, an edge that doesn't fight the stone. This one came together the way we like to see them, a granite with real presence doing exactly what a kitchen counter should do for years to come.

Fantasy Brown dolomite went into this kitchen in Gaston, and it's the kind of stone that changes how a room feels the minute the sun hits it. Dolomite has real depth to it, that soft natural movement running through the slab, along with a toughness that matters in a room where people actually cook. The background on this stone runs warm, brown and gold tones woven through with darker veining that breaks up the surface without turning busy. No two pieces off the same block look identical, so we spent real time on the layout, working out where the veining would land across the counters before anything got cut. Templating a stone like this takes patience. We measure the kitchen precise, then we go back to the slab and figure out how to lay the template so the movement in the stone flows the right direction across the counter and doesn't fight itself at the seams. On a job like this one, getting the veining to carry across the seam near the sink or across an inside corner is the difference between a counter that reads as one piece and one that looks like two slabs pushed together. We took our time with it here. The edge is eased, clean and simple, and it lets the stone do the talking instead of pulling attention to the edge itself. That's the right call on a material with this much natural character in the face of the slab. Day to day, dolomite holds up well. It's a hard, dense stone, and it resists scratching better than a lot of people expect, though we still recommend a sealer to keep the surface protected from oil and acidic spills, same as we'd tell anyone with a natural stone counter. Wipe up wine or citrus before it sits too long, use a cutting board, and it'll look right for years. Heat isn't a worry either, you can set a hot pan down without thinking twice. Gaston sits right in that stretch of the Midlands where we do a lot of our work, and it's always good seeing a kitchen come together with a stone this striking. Fantasy Brown dolomite gives the room warmth and texture that's hard to match, and installed with a tight, clean fit, it's going to be the centerpiece of that kitchen for a long time.