Designer Answers: Countertops

Designers field a variety of questions and concerns regarding the seemingly unlimited options available to consumers. Within any category–countertops, tile, hardwood, carpet, furniture, lighting–how does one narrow it down? What options are the best options, when aesthetics, maintenance, durability and value are all factors to consider?

Today, we’re excited to launch our “Designer Answers” series. Eheart designers are interviewed about various interior finishes and product, hopefully answering some frequently asked questions while also giving you insight into their personal style and preferences.

To start us off, Emily shares a wealth of knowledge (and a dose of witty humor) about countertop options.

Q: What’s the difference between granite and quartz?

Emily: Granite is a naturally occurring stone that comes straight from the earth. “Granite” is a fairly generic term that is utilized for a number of stones that, in truth, aren’t really granite. Quartz is made from natural stone, and is combined with a filler of some kind (depending on the manufacturer). Some use resin, some use polyester, some use other fillers.

Q: Is natural stone high maintenance?

Emily: Depends which one you pick. Not all granites are created equal. Some are more porous (typically, lighter colors) and some more brittle (for example, Cosmos) than others. Most natural stones require a small amount of maintenance that can typically be handled with a topical cleaner that maintains the seal on your slab and some require a re-seal every few years.

Q: Can I put marble on my bathroom vanity countertops?

Emily: Go for it, but don’t call me later! You can have your pick of surfaces, but some marbles are more porous than others, and some are quite sensitive. Check the labels on your cosmetics, lotions, and potions and make sure you don’t have a spill with your nail polish remover. That said, I’d put marble in a bathroom sooner than I would a kitchen.

Q: How do you feel about Corian and other man-made solid surfaces?

Emily: I’d rather die than use Corian, but I’m really enjoying the beauty of man-made solid surfaces that have been coming out recently (Cambria, other quartz products, etc).

Q: If you got to design your dream kitchen tomorrow, which countertop surface(s) would you select, and why?

Emily: Almost without a doubt, I’d pick Kodiak granite. It’s beautiful and has a nice blend of whites, creams, taupes, and a touch of black.

Q: What’s the average price point for granite?

Emily: I try my best not to answer this question, because there are so many variables, it usually feels like I’m lying. We can turn a quote around in about 1 day, so give us the opportunity to do it right. That said, most people’s kitchens cost about $5-8,000 and most master baths cost between $1500-3000.

Q: What’s your opinion of soapstone?

Emily: It’s beautiful, but I don’t love it for myself. It looks especially great when you oil or wax it. Also, it is a soft stone, comparatively, so that’s something to be mindful of.

Q: Concrete looks great, but won’t it chip and crack easily?
Emily: It’s fiberglass reinforced, so it’s not an extension of your driveway. It’s a whole new animal. Enjoy it for what it is!

Something New…Something Wonderful

Words almost aren’t good enough to describe how I feel about these new products showing up on my desk recently. Talk about take your breath away gorgeous. They are new, refreshing and dramatic that aren’t for the faint at heart…

Featuring Antiqued Mirror Tile, Visage, by Ann Sacks! How does it get any better than this!?

Featured in Ann Sacks Nottingham Collection, these colors and shapes are sure to get anyone’s attention. Giving you that simple uniqueness you have been looking for.

Wanting a little more natural, earthy feel? Wood and/or leather tiles might be the way to go. You didn’t read that wrong – tiles are now being made of wood and leather! Where, oh where could this creative industry going next?!

If you have been looking for that show stopper, creative, unique tile for a room in your home….I just found it!

Don’t be shy…BE BOLD

Countertop Primer: Natural Stone

People often come in curious about different materials being used on countertops these days. Sometimes, I don’t think the answer is as quick and easy as expected! The world of Interior Design, continually gets more creative and adds products and styles daily. Exciting? Yes! Overwhelming? It can be, but that is where the Eheart Design Team comes into play!

NATURAL STONE:

– Granite is the most common natural stone in which people are familiar. Being the least porous and seeming to have over 100 different varieties, this natural stone is a great place to start to see if it works with your style.



– Soapstones style versatility allows your imagination to go almost anywhere! Contemporary, yes. Colorado, definitely. Traditional, absolutely! And anything else in between. Soapstone definitely offers a uniqueness that is hard to find.


– Marble makes my heart sing. While it seems to be a classic traditional element it can easily be used in a timeless modern home. Its characteristic to stay cold make marble every bakers dream kitchen countertop! Many people being a little more cautious of marbles characteristics you often find marble being used a littler traffic areas, such as the bathroom.

– Limestone and Travertine are great countertops primarily for bathrooms. Being on the softer side of all natural stones, it is definitely more temperamental than granite. You can’t beat the look with just an all around soft, calmness. Try it out in that powder bathroom you have been wanting to spruce up!



Join me Thursday as I continue priming you on the world of countertop materials!

First on the Block to do…Something other than Granite

It seems the trend is still and will continue to be solid surface countertops. With that being said, your initial thought to that is probably granite slab countertops. Here is a quick look at a few more options for you.

CONCRETE

Having more color options than ever, concrete once again can give you a few different looks depending on your style. Contemporary, Rustic, Spanish!



STAINLESS

Why not?! This isn’t just for commercial kitchens and if it holds up there it will surely withstand your kitchen! I have seen this in updated French Country, Classic Traditional kitchens with a Carrara Marble Island and Modern/Contemporary Kitchens mixed with a Black Antiqued Granite. Try combining stainless with warm wood cabinets and floors, it doesn’t have to be a cold look.

QUARTZ

Don’t get confused on the branding game on this one. Quartz is quartz; ground up quartz with an epoxy resin to create the color. Focus on the color when looking for quartz, not manufacturer; whether you get Silestone, Caesarstone, or Zodiaq they are all quartz slab products that you will adore in your kitchen for a lifetime!

GRANITE

If you are still wanting granite countertops. Try out a granite that has an Antiqued Finish. It gets rid of that high gloss finish and adds a slight texture that gives your countertops a wonderful natural finish, but soft leather touch! What about a different edge detail, or shape for that matter?! This island not only has a Double Ogee Step-out edge, but it has great curves to add a great Old World look.

Don’t be afraid to take your countertops that one step further to really accomplish and create that look you are going for. Remember, the sky is the limit when it comes to creativity in design so don’t get stuck in rut and don’t be afraid to ask if something is possible or not!? We love to try new things!

Favorites: Carrara Marble

There are a few things I am consistently drawn towards. Carrrara Marble is one of those timeless classics I love for almost every design. Open any design magazine and you are guaranteed to see Carrara in there somewhere! Scroll through the pictures and notice the subway tiles, herringbone pattern, hexagon, basketweave, trims and moldings all in Carrara Marble; and that is just the beginning!

With so many sizes and shapes available, your design options are endless. Here are just a few unique tiles I love!

12″ x 24″ Textured Carrara Tile & 8″ x 16″ Multi Textured Carrara Mosaic
(Up close this multi textured mosaic is the perfect combination of polished, honed and split face finishes)
12″ x 12″ Carrara Basketweave and 12″ x 12″ Weaved Basketweave (Yes! It really is dimensional!)
12″ x 12″ Bullet Carrara Mosaic & 12″ x 12″ Magic Carrara Mosaic
12″ x 12″ Carrara/Glass Mosaic
(Add glass and quickly discover a timeless modern edge)
Add last but surely not least, here are a few pictures of some great Carrara fireplace surrounds.

Let your imagination run wide with one of my favorites! How can you incorporate Carrara in your house?!