Special considerations: Quartzite is a very heavy stone that requires professional installation by a licensed contractor. Looks vary from stone to stone, and since varieties often go by more than one name, make sure to examine and view each stone slab carefully. And consider asking for samples, says Robertson. “You can get a chunk of the stone from a fabricator and do the stain testing yourself at home. If you’re really concerned about what vinegar or lemon juice will do to the counter, try it out yourself.” More: 15 Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials Browse all kitchen countertop guides Find licensed contractors near you
4. Counter height. Different people and tasks require different counter heights. If custom cabinets are not in your budget, one way to vary the finished height of the counter is to use materials of different thicknesses set on standard cabinets. A standard kitchen counter is 36 inches off the floor, but if you have someone tall in your family, 39 inches may be a more comfortable height. Here, a butcher block set lower than adjacent tops gives the person chopping more leverage.
11. Black is back. OK, it’s not like black ever went away, it’s just that we’re finding homeowners are more open to really taking a chance on embracing a heavy dose of the dramatic color in their kitchens. Large swaths of black range hoods, island accent colors and even full-on all-black cabinetry has been popping up a lot lately. Many of the most popular kitchen photos uploaded to Houzz in 2018 featured black or dark cabinets. Pair black cabinets with white walls, backsplash and countertops for a dynamic, sophisticated and high-contrast look.
The new mahogany cabinets came pre-finished in a custom green stain mixed with a brown glaze, adding color to the space without overwhelming it. The backsplash is covered in light blue glass subway tiles that provide a nice blend of classic and contemporary style. Winn used marble-look quartz for the countertops. Shop for glass subway tile
Inadequate Circulation Space Failing to allow enough circulation space can make a kitchen feel cramped and restrict the number of people who can comfortably use the space at the same time, says Jenefer Gordon, principal at interior design firm Eat Bathe Live. “It causes even more issues when your kitchen doubles as a thoroughfare. A lack of space can also make it difficult to open appliances such as the fridge and dishwasher,” she says. Solution: To provide adequate circulation, try to have about 4 feet of space between kitchen countertops, Gordon says. Allow a little more room if there is a thoroughfare leading through the kitchen. “In a small kitchen, [39 inches] would be the minimum amount of space between countertops, but aim for more if you can,” she says.
Calacatta Gold Marble on Island with Fossilized Pistachio Limestone to match the veins on the marble perimeter countertop : This photo shows the richness of the island’s Calacatta Gold marble top with a polished finish. “It has a pretty dramatic vein that’s very wide that runs through it and reflects the colors used in the space,” Shibles says. The darker perimeter counters are fossilized pistachio limestone with a honed finish for contrast. This photo also shows the cutouts used to open the island drawers, where the Holzwarths keep dishes, bowls, silverware and a stainless breadbox. Take the kitchen tour: A Better Design for Modern Living in Rhode Island
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