What Countertop is Best for You?

We expect a lot from our countertops. They need to be durable yet easy to care for, stylish and timeless-looking. There are a number of factors to consider in your decision. Some surfaces, such as engineered stone and stainless steel, are sturdy and practically maintenance-free. Others, such as Carrara marble, are as elegant as it gets but trickier to care for. Budget and the style of your home also play a large role in the decision making ie. butcher block looks great in a country kitchen but may not work in a modern space. The good news is that there are more choices than ever to select from. Since there are so many types of countertops I narrowed it down to what are my favorites. In addition to the (4) below you can choose from metal, plastic laminate, recycled materials and concrete. I can understand why making a decision can be so difficult but hopefully this abbreviated guide will help you out in the future.

Stone
It’s no secret that natural stone has become the new countertop material of choice. But there is more to selecting a stone countertop than considering color and vein pattern. Granite and marble are the most popular options, but are very different when it comes to durability. Granite is extremely dense and wears well. Years after it is installed it will still look like new. Marble is a different story because it’s much more porous. Most manufacturers recommend using a sealer, but even then acids such as citrus juice, vinegar, and wine can etch the surface. Some people actually really like the patina look of marble. To reduce the appearance of etching (stains), you can get a dull, honed finish rather than a polished finish when buying marble. Prices vary widely depending on the material chosen, but most basic stones run from about $90 to $130 per square foot, installed.

Engineered Stone
Engineered stone countertops such as CaesarStone, Zodiaq, and Silestone combine natural quartz with a resin binder to make extremely hard and durable countertop. They have many of the same characteristics as granite and are nonporous, scratch resistant, and heat resistant. They also require next to no maintenance and will look new for years. Engineered stone also offers great consistency of color and detail, both across a single piece and from countertop to countertop. Engineered stone countertops typically cost about $60 to $80 per square foot, installed.

Solid Surface
One of the big advantages of solid-surface countertops like Corian and Wilsonart is their versatility. Made from acrylic and other plastics, they can be easily shaped and routed, and individual pieces can be seamlessly bonded together. It also is available in tons of colors and patterns. Solid-surface countertops are also nonporous and require no sealer, so they’re really easy to keep up If you get a scratch all you have to do is have it buffed out. Solid surfacing ranges from about $40 to $80 per square foot, installed.

Wood
Wood countertops have stood the test of time and remain a favorite option for homeowners looking to add a little warmth to the kitchen. When selecting a wood counter top the two things you need to consider are the type of wood and the orientation of the wood. Maintenance requirements vary widely for the different types. For end-grain countertops that will be used as food prep surfaces, a monthly coating of mineral oil is recommended. Other wood counters can be sealed and given a hard waterproof finish with polyurethane. The average wood countertop costs about $120 to $150 per square foot.

My Love of Wallpaper

If you are one of the many people who think wallpaper is a thing of the past you are terribly wrong. As a designer, I still cannot think of a better way to complete a small space than using one of the amazing textured or patterned papers that are on the market today. I noticed recently that ads for homes on the market actually advertise that all wallpaper has been removed and that walls have a fresh coat of paint, most likely Benjamin Moore Navajo white. In some cases I can agree with them (old outdated and overly ornate paper), but generally speaking I think wallpaper gets a bad reputation. With the vast array of choices out there, there’s no reason why you can’t find great wallpaper that you’ll love so much you will have it up for many years to come.
I love using wallpapers, especially in powder rooms and dining rooms or feature walls. From natural woven textures to papers that shimmer because they contain tiny glass beads throughout, how could you not find that more exciting than paint?! Trust me, there’s something out there to suit everyone. Some of my favorite vendors to check out are: Osborne and Little, Schumacher, Thibaut and Nina Cambell.

Spring Flowers

The crocuses and tulips are blooming and it is time to brighten up your homes with these Spring Flowers. After a long winter of snow and frigid temperatures there is no better way to bring the warmth and sunshine into our homes than with cut flowers.

According to Home and Garden these are the most used cut spring flowers to use this season:

Spring
• Pussy willow (Salix discolor), yellow tulips, and blue hyacinths. Dynamic yellow and blue flowers mixed with a touch of the fuzzies boldly herald the arrival of warmer days.
• Bridal wreath and lilac is Soft and sweet. This white-and-purple duo is deliciously fragrant, too.
• Chinese forget-me-not yellow Heliopsis, and white fever few. Petite blue, yellow, and white posies that will make you smile.

If you are lucky enough to have a yard and pick your own flowers that is wonderful but if not I suggest hitting up farmers markets. They typically have good prices and the flowers are fresh. Another great spot for fresh flowers is Whole Foods. Remember that arrangements can be simple and understated. You don’t need to over do the arrangements with too many types of flowers or scents. I have included some great vases for you to use as inspirations. Happy Spring!

Tufting

When you ladies are in discussions with your significant others about what type of furniture to get I have found the perfect option. It is both feminine and masculine at the same time…Tufting! You can use it on so many different types of applications and it is an easy project that you can even do at home yourself.

Tufting is classic, it’s elegant and it can add personality to even plain furnishings. Tufted chairs, tufted headboards, tufted ottomans and tufted daybeds, to name a few: tufting works wonders on almost any upholstered or leather piece when it comes to upping its chic ness factor. Whether it has a lot of covered buttons, just a few, or rows of indented stitches that pull at the fabric, solid tufted fabric always looks special and catches the eye.

Here’s a simple way to tuft a sofa pillow:
1. Get 4 very large, matching buttons (the size of half-dollars) that coordinate with your color scheme.
2. Take a pair of relatively soft, flat decorative pillows and sew two of the buttons back to back in the center, with heavy thread, until taut. This should create one center indentation on each side, if the buttons are well secured. Repeat with the second pillow and you’re done.
Enjoy the Project!

Power of Pink

In the spirit of the recently passed Valentines Day I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you about the power of my favorite color…PINK.

There are so many different shade of pink: Salmon, coral, hot pink, fuchsia, blush, flesh and rose. All of these shades provide feelings of caring, tenderness, self-worth and acceptance. This description can also be attributes for a room. A pink room will be a peaceful and calm environment.

Studies have shown that the color pink calms heart-rates, making it difficult for one to get upset in its presence. It has even been used in opposing team locker rooms and prison cells. The softer the shade the more delicate the feeling the room will convey. All shades of pink become more sophisticated looking when combined with black, grey and shades of blue.

Even though pink is often labeled a girlish color, the several rooms in the pictures below show how warm and sophisticated a pink room can be. Don’t be afraid to give it a shot!

How to Make a Small Space Feel Larger

Lots of people live in a small home, a small room, or just a small space. Not only can small be beautiful but it is also easy and practical. Regardless of your reason for living in a small space you will have to make some compromises in your décor in order to not feel cramped.

Here are some simple suggestions to make a space feel larger.

Clear out the Clutter: Nothing makes a space feel smaller than having too much stuff. Organize what you need and get rid of what you don’t. With things neat and organized the space will definitely feel much larger.

Choose Soft Light Colors: Dark rich colors make a space feel cozy and intimate where light cool colors make a space feel open and airy. Light blues and greens are great options.

Coordinate Wall and Furniture Colors: When you contrast colors it has a tendency to break up the space and make it feel choppy. Your eye will wander from one piece of furniture to the next rather than the room as a whole. In a small room this makes the space feel even smaller.

Lighten up the Space: Any room will look larger if it is well lit. You can accomplish this by getting rid of heavy window treatments and by adding more lighting.

Even if you just choose to do one of the four I promise you that your small cramped apartment will feel larger in no time. Good Luck.

Magic of Candlelight

When you are designing a room one of your main objectives may be to create a warm environment where people feel comfortable and at ease. Sometimes this is not so easy if you have a very cool space with minimal textures and lighting. Even in the coolest rooms or on the snowiest of days, you can always create warmth by lighting candles which will give off a warm amber glow.
Candles can be used in casual, sophisticated, practical, fun and elegant applications. They are also very cost effective in comparison to flowers. Almost any type of candle can be used in a centerpiece, and you don't need to stick with only one style at a time. They can be mixed and matched in whatever pattern or freeform design you'd like. Try using some different types: Pillars, votives, tea lights, floating candles, jar candles and tapers. Also don’t be scared to mix colors. In the right application this could be very attractive. I do suggest staying away from scented candles. The strong smells can easily overpower what you are serving and may unpleasant to some.
If you are using candles as a centerpiece on a long table, an easy way to create depth and extra light is by placing a mirror underneath the different size pillar candles. The light from the candles will reflect in the mirror and give a really nice warm sophisticated ambiance. Water is also a great reflector of light and looks great when you float candles in a hurricane or bowl. Going back to last weeks post you can always get personalized candles. These are great for weddings; perhaps in the bathrooms.
If you are hosting an outdoor summer party or a wedding at the beach, luminaries are a simple and cost effective way of creating a dramatic entrance or pathway. If you are worried about fires you can also now purchase battery powered votives that set off great light.