More Countertop Options ....

Last week I mentioned marble countertops being around for decades. It is true. They have enjoyed fans since America was founded, especially in homes of the wealthy. They also enjoyed commercial success, being popularly used for drug store fountain bar tops throughout America in the 20's through the 50's.

Even the little one street town my grandparents lived in had a long marble counter top where I sat enjoying a float or ice cream sundae. Marbles weakness impacted its success. It did stain and scratch easily and thus,  lost its appeal. Ceramic tile counter top options began to take over in the the 1940's  and 50's. Solid Surface or Corian began to corner the market following tile.

Cararra Marble is not for everybody because it is a softer stone than granite or quartz. Being softer is an inherent characteristic of the material which is why it is enjoying a renaissance.  People  who love the nostalgia of  Art Nouveau  up to Mid Century decor trends prefer marble because it does age and show wear or the distressed look that is so popular right now. 

Another favorite of mine is Honed Soapstone. I love this look! It is classy and unique as well as traditional. Soapstone is a soft , non porous, natural stone. Despite it's softness, it is very resilient. It is always a dark shade, nearly black and has a honed or dull finish. It is an excellent heat insulator that cooks absolutely love!

One important point however, is to make sure the Soapstone is of the architectural grade, which is denser that artistic grade is used. A sculpture would use the artistic grade to sculpt a piece of art. It is much too soft for use in a kitchen or bath. Maintaining soapstone is easy to maintain with simple soap and water. It will last for generations.  Many clients love to make their soapstone counter top area or sink a focal point of their new kitchen. It blends perfectly with any black and white themed design.

The pictures below of black and gray soapstone display the variations of the product that is typically mined in Vermont or the Appalachians Mountain area of the US. It is also being imported from Brazil now.

 

Wood Counter Tops in bathroom setting and kitchen settings are becoming very popular again after a few years of being forgotten. 

The old style kitchen with a peninsula jutting out into the room has been replaced with perimeter cabinets along the walls and a floating island that is featured 30 to 40 inches from the wall counters. Combining to looks in one design has been a delightful result. 

Perhaps the island cabinets contrast with the perimeter cabinets. Maybe the island is constructed with painted cabinetry. They accent the stained wood cabinets along the walls. It is dramatic, beautiful and creative for those who love an area to "pop" and stand out. 

Recently wood counters have enjoyed a new place in the spotlight as dramatic island counter tops.

Wood must be maintained by being oiled occasionally. Being a natural product sensitive to moisture requires understanding that it can expand when exposed to dampness and contract exposed to dry conditions. Like fine furniture special products are available to care well for beautiful wood.

We have been sharing old and new options and we have not even mentioned some of the newest and most innovative products you may want to consider.  Next week , I will add some you have probably never thought of that you may want to consider. It is getting very exciting to design new kitchen and bath spaces!

Sara Baldwin Design