Even as Europe stands knee-deep in economic uncertainty, EuroCucina 2012, which was held April 17-22 in conjunction with Salone Internazionale del Mobile at the Milan Fairgrounds in Rho-Milan, Italy, seemed fairly abuzz with activity. Aisles were sufficiently populated to require vigilance for circulation, and booths were well packed to make photography challenging.

Nevertheless, The Europeans have taken quite an economic hit in the last four years, said Giulio Petrilli, VP of project sales for Snaidero USA, and EuroCucina regulars, such as Petrilli, noticed a smaller footprint. According to show organizer Cosmit, while this years outing boasted 166 exhibitors (up from 151), total exhibition space was down from 32,652 to 26,894 sq. m, and attendance experienced a slight dip from 297,460 to 292,370 for the combined event, which also included a furniture accessories component and the International Bathroom Show.

KITCHEN ART

Regardless, the biennial kitchen extravaganza still had much to awe visitors, if not in the number of new innovations, then in sheer artistry. Whereas American shows tend to be more product-focused in their displays, here, booths were often fully accessorized and dramatically illuminated to stoke ones imagination, emotions and viscera. Some displays took a real-life approach, such as SieMatics three BeauxArts vignettes, which were created by Mick De Giuliowho also designed the cabinet lineto be easily transferable to an actual home, and Marchi, an Italian maker of traditional and transitional kitchens, segmented its booth into four elaborately furnished environments, each inspired by a bit of Americana and each in near move-in condition. Others incorporated everything from paper sculptures and plastic flamingoes to crockery, oversized light fixtures and groupings of common household and food items to convey an attitude, a mood or frequently an atmosphere of warmth and domesticity.

Marchis booth was beautifully outfitted with several fully furnished vignettes depicting Americana

As in previous years, many of the kitchens on display were prototypes, noted Petrilli and Amir Ilin, president of Kche+Cucina and North and Central American sales manager for Pedini USA. This makes sense, as several featured mammoth peninsulas or multiple islands bridged by countertops outfitted with stools. Some islands curved, sloped and/or terminated in a casual dining table, seating or a shelving unit angled to break up the long horizontal lines. All required lots of space, which runs contrary to the reality of European kitchens. In Europe, most people live in apartments, so the kitchens are much smaller than what you would find in a catalog or at a show, Ilin said. EuroCucina is like a fashion show, so youll see things that may never go into production, such as large islands that could easily dwarf the roomiest of kitchens stateside. However, Ilin added, prototype or not, the products set a trend or provide a direction.

WOODEN APPEAL

One highly visible trend was a raw, sawn-wood look that some may recall from last years inaugural LivingKitchen show in Cologne, Germany. In fact, Petrilli thinks it may have originated in Northern Europe, where pronounced graining and rustic wood effects have long been favored. Shown in medium- and dark-wood tones, as well as gray, and often paired with countertops formed of large wooden planks that appeared as if sliced from a tree, the back-to-nature look was pervasive in Milan, but Petrilli and Ilin are doubtful about its success. Both Snaidero and Pedini introduced it a few years ago and it never took off, Ilin said. Customers liked it, but they didnt buy it. Sometimes you need products that make people ooh and aah, but then they move on. Moreover, Petrilli said, The Italian market has gone strictly into the lacquers, which account for 90 percent of Snaideros business and tend to be less expensive than wood. Italians, in terms of a general market, are downscaling their kitchens because of the economy, and theyre basically choosing lacquer.

Minacciolo went back to nature with its Natural Skin kitchen in cooked pine.

Other popular finishes at the show included glass (especially in the frosted variety), metal and laminates, which hold appeal no doubt because of their affordability. Some companies experimented with textured concrete, ceramics or stone on cabinet doors, drawers and sides, and countertops, which were either very thin or very thick, were served up in a variety of materials. Yet despite the selection of finishes, colors in general veered toward neutral with white, gray and wood tones dominating the exhibits. Ilin noted, From a psychological standpoint, when the economy starts to slow down, things become softer, and colors are less bright and gutsy.

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The Art of Economics

Organizing Kitchen Countertops
Kitchen countertops seem to be the perfect place for people to dump things. Learn how to keep them clear and organized.

By: Cathy Bates

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Organizing Kitchen Countertops - Video

By Michele Lerner January 2 at 7:25 AM

Frustrated first-time buyers may be more successful if they opt to look at newly constructed buildings in the tight Washington real estate market.

Becca Russell-Einhorn and her husband, Waseem Abu Rakia, had been outbid by other buyers for two resale homes, but when their real estate agent suggested that they look at a one-bedroom loft at 2920 Georgia Ave. NW in Columbia Heights, their dream of homeownership became a reality.

We ended up choosing a two-bedroom home because we plan to stay here for five to 10 years at least, Russell-Einhorn said. We feel like we got an amazing deal because we had looked at lots of smaller units in other buildings for the same price, plus we were able to get a corner unit with lots of windows.

Chris Hook, another new resident at 2920 Georgia Ave., had been looking for a home to buy for 18 months and stopped into the building on a whim. I really like the contemporary finishes in the building but also the fact that its a relatively small building without outrageous condo fees, Hook said. Plus the price is great for the size of the units. Ive looked at studios that were priced the same as the one-bedroom homes here. I could live right on U Street for more money and less space, or live here within walking distance of U Street.

Hook is moving from an English basement, so hes particularly excited about the big south-facing windows that fill his new home with natural light.

Attention to detail: Linde Development, which built 2920 Georgia Ave., started in the 1920s constructing townhouses in Logan Circle, says Kurt Rieschick, sales manager with McWilliams Ballard.

About 20 years ago, Art Linde took over Linde Development and has been focusing on apartments and condo development, Rieschick said. He pays a lot of attention to details, and even better, he takes constructive criticism really well. He talks to buyers at every one of his buildings and then makes improvements based on their feedback.

Some of the details Rieschick points to are the sanded-in-place hardwood flooring and pocket doors.

At 2920 Georgia Ave., the floor plans have been designed efficiently so that they seem larger than their square feet. Every unit has at least one floor-to-ceiling window, large closets, a full-size washer and dryer, and hardwood flooring. The baths have porcelain tile flooring, and each kitchen has white quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and European-style cabinets in high-gloss white or Graffiata Planare, a darker wood tone.

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Big windows, attractive details at 2920 Georgia Ave. condominiums

Cleaning is not fun. And as the kitchen and bathroom are potentially the messiest rooms of the house, cleaning them is usually most neededand most dreaded. Luckily, the advent of antimicrobial surfaces and other self-cleaning materials are making these spaces less and less of a hassle to disinfect. Repelling or resisting bacteria, dust, mold, mildew, stains, waterspots or fingerprints, these products are making kitchens and baths easier to keep clean.

In general, toilets with antimicrobial agents in the coating have fewer stains and odors than untreated bowls, said Ann Porter, CKD, of Kitchen Studio of Naples, Inc. in Florida. Faucet aerators enhanced with antimicrobials experience slower growth of bacteria, mold and mildew. Antimicrobial caulks degrade slower and stain less than untreated brands.

Antimicrobial can be a broad term and confusing term, however. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the use of antimicrobials and the types of claims the manufacturers can make. Typically, antimicrobial products have been made or treated with a chemical substance approved and registered by the EPA to inhibit growth of bacteria, molds and fungus. Although these agents do not keep items entirely clean, they do aid in colorfastness, reduce staining and odors and decrease the breakdown of the material, increasing its durability.

Manufacturers are only permitted to claim that the product itself is protected from such microbes, not that the antimicrobial properties of the treated article will protect people. The EPA is concerned that if consumers do not understand the benefits of antimicrobials in products, they may alter their basic hygiene practices and place themselves and others at risk.

The key point to remember is that products treated with antimicrobial agents are not classified the same as a product intended to destroy bacteria, mold or algae, said Porter. Those products are registered with the EPA as antimicrobial pesticides.

Debate has arisen over whether or not antimicrobial products are safe. The level of risk depends on who you ask, said Porter. Think of the pesticide as a topical antibacterial cleaner. Some people believe anything stronger than vinegar or hydrogen peroxide is harmful. Lysol and chlorine bleach are considered pesticides and are regulated by the EPA. Antibacterial cutting boards, towels, sponges and other goods are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission but the EPA must grant permission for the use of an antimicrobial agent in these products. More studies are underway to assess whether antimicrobial products are potentially harmful.

In the meantime, following is a roundup of some products that promise to ease the pain of keeping a clean kitchen and bathroom.

[1] Silestone Countertops With its built-in antimicrobial product protection, Silestone quartz countertops are a clean surfacing option in the kitchen and bath. Antimicrobial product protection inhibits the growth of microbes, such as odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew. While antimicrobial product protection does not protect users from food-borne illness and is not a substitute for normal cleaning practices, it does result in countertops that are easier to clean and stay clean. In addition to being a safer surface for areas where food preparation takes place, Silestone has received certifications from the National Sanitation Foundation and the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute for protecting the quality of indoor air because it has low-to-no emission (off gassing) of toxic chemicals. For more information, visit http://www.SilestoneUSA.com.[2] Nano-tec-USAs NanoBionics Architectural Products NanoBionics treatments can make various surfaces in a kitchen or bath virtually self-cleaning. Nanotec-USA has products for treating stainless steel, marble, granite, composite countertops, most solid surfacing countertops, ceramics (including painted ceramic-coated appliances), glass, grout and plastic found in many bath and shower set-ups. The compankys NanoBionic treatments work by anchoring specially engineered Bionic nanoparticles directly with the molecules of the treated surface to create a permanent protective nanoscopic mesh, similar to the skin of a shark. These tiny new structures provide water- and dirt-repellent features as seen in nature. The treated surfaces will be easy to clean or, in many cases, self-cleaning. For more information, visit http://www.Nanotec-USA.com. [Editors Note: No photo available.]

[3] Miele Chef Microwave with Clean Touch Steel Mieles Chef Series microwave oven features Clean Touch Steel technology, a specially treated steel that virtually eliminates fingerprints and scratches while letting the natural stainless steel shine through. The oven also wipes clean with a damp cloth, reducing the need for special polishes or potentially toxic chemicals in the home. The complete Miele oven collection comprises convection, speed, steam and microwave ovens. Matching lift doors with Clean Touch Steel are also offered to hide small appliances such as mixers and toasters. For more information, visit http://www.MieleUSA.com.[4] Blancos Silgranit II Sink Blancos Silgranit II sink, now available in a warm biscotti color, is made of a patented formula of 80 percent granite and 20 percent acrylic resin. This combination is stronger than granite alone and is completely nonporous and scratch- and stain-resistant. Silgranit II is resistant to temperatures over 536 degrees Fahrenheit and stands up to acid, chips and impact from dropped plates, pots and more. It also defies the effects of hard water deposits and wipes or rinses clean. Extremely hygienic and safe for preparing food, its indelible colors will never fade. Featuring the look and feel of natural stone, Silgranit II comes in six colors and 21 shapes, including double bowl, super single bowl, bar and prep sink styles. For more information, visit http://www.BlancoAmerica.com.[5] Top Knobs Top Knobs unique sealed finish gives its product an even look that will never age or show wear. The oils from ones hands can change the color of a finish over time, causing heavily used knobs and pulls to look different from others in a kitchen or bath as their finish is rubbed off. A proprietary sealed finish protects the light patina and natural distressed look so every knob maintains its color and finishand is backed by a lifetime warranty. One of Top Knobs latest collections is the Aspen Collection, which is handcrafted from art-grade bronze ingots, with 180 elements ranging from $8 to over $200 per piece. For more information, visit http://www.TopKnobsUSA.com.[6] DuPont Corian Solid Surfaces Low-maintenance DuPont Corian solid surfaces are nonporous, do not require sealing andwith proper, easy cleaningdo not promote the growth of mold, mildew or bacteria. Corian solid surfaces can also be renewedstains and scratches can be easily removed to restore it to its original appearance. They can be used for numerous applications throughout the home, including countertops, backsplashes, vanity tops, interior wall surfaces and tub and shower surrounds. Designing coved backsplashes and integrated sinks with Corian makes for seamless surfaces in the kitchen and bath, eliminating hard-to-clean joints. The material is available in more than 100 colors, including tranquil (shown). For more information, visit http://www.Countertops.DuPont.com.[7] LG Induction Cooktop LGs cooktops with induction technology deliver efficient cooking times and fast speed-to-boil performance that are not only more energy efficient, but also offer a cleaner, safer cooking environment. Because only the pan is heated and not the ceramic cooktop surface, spillovers do not cook or burn onto the cooktops. With just a quick glance of the centralized Intuitive SmoothTouch Controls, users can see which heating elements are activated and easily wipe off spills or spots on the cooktop that are not in direct contact with pans while the cooktop is in use. For more information, visit http://www.LG.com/us/appliances. [8] Whirlpool Resource Saver Double Oven Range Whirlpools Resource Saver Double Oven Range fits in the same cutout space as a regular-sized range and provides the benefits of a double oven without the built-in cost. In addition, the double oven is equipped with an eco-friendly SteamClean option, which spot cleans either oven in 20 minutes and is recommended for cleaning light spills on the bottom of the oven cavity. Simply pour 1 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of the oven cavity, close the oven door and push the SteamClean button. At the end of the cycle, wipe the bottom of the oven, easily removing oven soils. When used routinely, it reduces the need for frequent self-clean cycle use, which can create a strong odor. In addition, the ranges eco-friendly Schott Ceran cooktop minimizes cleanup with a smooth glass surface that withstands intense heat without cracking or chipping. http://www.Whirlpool.com.[9] Kohler Flipside Showerhead In addition to four distinct showering sprays in one, Kohlers four-sided Flipside Showerhead features a MasterClean sprayface. This type of faucet sprayface has silicone nozzles that withstand mineral buildup and can be cleaned simply by rubbing the sprayface with your fingers. For more information, visit http://www.kohler.com.[10] Sterling Plumbings Shower Doors Sterling has developed CleanCoat technology, a factory-installed special surface treatment that prevents dirt and water minerals from collecting on surfaces. Included on all Sterling Frameless shower doors, CleanCoat prevents droplets from streaking and keeps the glass doors looking cleaner longer. The companys door tracks also take the sweat out of cleaning. Traditional shower doors run on a W-shaped track with grooves and channels that tend to collect water and soap scum buildup, making them difficult to keep clean. By contrast, Sterling bypass shower doorsboth framed and framelessfeature smooth or semi-smooth tracks that are devoid of these crevices, therefore reducing buildup and debris. In addition, the doors offer maximum access to the bottom tracks, making the latter easy to wipe clean. For more information, visit http://www.SterlingPlumbing.com.[11] Sherwin-Williams Duration Home Interior Acrylic Latex Paint Duration Home Interior Acrylic Latex Paint from Sherwin-Williams is ideal for high-activity and high-moisture areas like the kitchen and bath. The washable latex coating allows most stains to wipe clean with water, and its antimicrobial formula resists mildew growth. Available in a variety of finishes and colors, the paint is also low in VOCs and odors for better indoor air quality. For more information, visit http://www.Sherwin-Williams.com.[12] Native Trails Copper Sinks The natural ability of copper to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria makes sinks and tubs, like those handcrafted of recycled copper by Native Trails, perfect for helping to disinfect a kitchen or bath. Scientific evidence now shows that copper kills 99 percent of bacteria, including super bugs like MRSA, within two hours of contact. Research also has shown that H1N1, commonly referred to as the swine flu virus, likewise does not survive on copper. Based on a review of the studies and its own independent lab tests, the EPA earlier this year announced that copper has antimicrobial properties, capable of killing bacteria as well as viruses. For more information, visit http://www.NativeTrails.net.[13] American Standards EverClean Systems and Surfaces American Standard offers the EverClean surface on sinks, toilets and toilet seats, as well as the EverClean system in its whirlpool and airbath systems. EverClean is a silver-based, permanent surface that inhibits the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew. On the toilets and sinks, it makes the surface super-smooth, repelling dirt and toiletries from accumulating, so the products stay cleaner longer, even after years of use. The EverClean finish comes standard with the Champion 4 series, Cadet 3 series and FloWise toilets. The EverClean whirlpool system is unique to American Standard whirlpools and airbaths. It is molded directly into the water circulation components to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew on the pipes. For more information, visit http://www.AmericanStandard-US.com.[14] Deltas Addison Kitchen Faucet Deltas Addison kitchen faucet has several features that make life easier on the cleaning front. If hands are dirty, Touch2O Technology lets you turn the water on with a tap of the wrist or elbow anywhere on the spout or handle. The Touch-Clean system features spray holes made of soft rubber, allowing the user to easily wipe away mineral buildup with a wipe of the finger. The Addison also features DIAMOND Seal Technology, which uses InnoFlex waterways as well as the DIAMOND valve. This lead-free waterway system ensures that water entering the faucet does not come in contact with metal contaminants. It also provides protection from leaks and drips by reducing the number of potential leak points and is easier to install. Harnessing the durability of diamonds, the leak-free valve lasts up to 10 times longer than the industry standard. For more information, visit http://www.DeltaFaucet.com.

[15] Bemis Toilet Seat Bemis Manufacturing Co.s redesign of its popular plastic toilet seat is now available in a premium version that incorporates the EasyClean & Change system and DuraGuard, an antimicrobial agent integrated into the seat. The EasyClean & Change system allows the seat to be lifted off with a simple twist of the hinge cap for easy cleaning (or replacement) while the mounting bolts stay in place. By inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause stain and odors on seats, DuraGuard not only promotes better hygiene but also delivers a cleaner, fresher feeling. For more information, visit http://www.BemisMfg.com.

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Easy-to-Clean Products

When one looks at thousands of houses over the course of a year, poring over listing photo galleries with almost Talmudic concentration, they can begin to run together. Then there are homes that stand out, often for all the wrong reasons, but occasionally for good ones: excellent decor, riveting architecture, or something hard to define that we'll just go ahead and call "soul." Here are the most beautiful U.S. homes put on the market in 2014; not necessarily the biggest, or the grandest, or the most expensive, but the ones that stuck with us.

A short run-down of our qualifications: said homes had to be beautiful and well-photographed inside and out (see the honorable mentions for homes that failed either category but were still quite nice). Only detached homes were considered, which means we left apartments, condos, and townhouses off the table, and didn't touch anything in New York City, which is just as well, because our colleagues at Curbed NY came up with this awesome list.

Location: Austin, Texas Price: $4,500,000 A home that has received multiple additions from differing architects over the course of 35 years has no right to expect to remain a cohesive, pleasing whole, but this Austin showpiece manages the trick, in no small part because of the excellent landscaping by owners James David and Gary Peese.

Location: Los Angeles, California Sold For: $6,250,000 Gah, Andy Samberg and Joanna Newsom's new(ish) home. They bought Moorcrestthe famed 1920s house where Mary Astor and Charlie Chaplin once livedin an off-market deal, so technically it shouldn't even be on this list. Whatever, what a dream palace, here it shall stay.

Location: Rancho Mirage, California Price: $2,300,000 This landmarked example of what one Curbed commenter called "pristine MCM at its classiest and finest" was commissioned by pioneering radiology cancer surgeon Henry L. Jaffe from architect William F. Cody, on land he bought from his patient, Groucho Marx.

Location: Palm Springs, California Price: $2,195,000 Clark Gable's all-pink Palm Springs home is almost as studly as he was.

See the article here:
Year in Curbed 2014: The Hands-Down Most Beautiful Houses for Sale in 2014

The call for a spa-like space seems to repeat itself in the bath design industry lately, but a true retreat results from more than calming aesthetics.

View this bath gallery here.

To me, a spa-like space is a room with clean lines and a place for everything, said designer Roxanne Kopelcheck of Hamlet, N.C.-based Ritz-Craft Custom Homes.

The foundation of the retreat began with an open space that includes a separate soaking tub and walk-in shower. Lined with tile on the floors and walls, the easily maintained shower offers a built-in shampoo niche, a corner bench seat, a rain-style showerhead and a hand-held showerhead.

Plus, there is no shower door to clean, added Kopelcheck. Homeowners can forget the agony of endlessly scrubbing away at hard water stains.

North Carolinas sandy coast inspires the shower tiles tan tones, while white painted maple cabinets and faux granite countertops contribute to the overall neutral palette.

The challenge with this design was making a large space feel intimate, said Kopelcheck. However, we were able to accomplish a cozy atmosphere by placing elements on each wall of the room and by utilizing gray tones mixed with tan and cream accents.

Another challenge for this design was staying on budget. By using a mix of high-end finishes and price point materials, the team created the ideal design without pressing the original cost. High-end, drop-in, square-bowl porcelain sinks are countered by price point countertops, and the open storage design for the cabinetry also saved money by reducing the total amount of wood needed in construction.

Even though the team saved on the wood used overall, the bathroom still boasts two separate and spacious vanities.

The reason for two vanities was pretty simple there always tends to be one spouse who requires more space than the other, said Kopelcheck. Splitting the vanities and putting them on opposite walls gives each person their own space and helps reduce those cranky morning exchanges.

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Stress-Free Space

Vanity tops must play the dual role of being durable and capable of standing up to water, soap, cosmetics while serving as an ample work surface for morning rush hour in the bathroom. This is no place for delicate, porous (read: easy-to-stain) surfaces. At the same time, the vanity top can be a focal point and a connecting point, where wood cabinets below meet tile wall above, for instance.

The surface you choose for that countertop depends largely on your budget and taste.

Granite and marble. In a master bath, it pays to install granite or marble, which attract buyers at resale and give the vanity top a rich, sleek look. And with affordable grades of granite available on the market today, you dont have to empty your wallet for this feature. You will, of course, spend more on granite than laminate, but the result is a surface that can handle heat and wear. Be advised: granite must be sealed to repel grease (which you could run into in hair products and such). Marble stains easily, while granite stands up to most stains.

Solid surface. Quartzite materials are incredibly durable and low-maintenance. Scratches are easily buffed out with fine-grade sandpaper, and the surface can handle high heat (curling irons and all). The cost is comparable to granite and marble.

Laminate. Economical and available in a range of finishes (including those that look like solid surface or granite), laminate is a go-to vanity top material because of its versatility. It stands up to water and is relatively stain-proof, but it will burn, dull and dent.

Tile. The downside of tile countertops is the maintenance: Grout lines inevitably trap gunk. But tile can be laid in a pattern, it comes in a vast array of colors (ceramic) and finishes (natural), and the artistic detail that can be applied makes this a surface worth considering.

Wood. Wood vanity tops must be well sealed because these porous surfaces are susceptible to water damagerot, that is. This is mainly a concern in seams where sinks and faucet fixtures are installed. However, wood offers a warm, inviting feel and an organic look if a butcher-block type counter is used. Keep in mind this is thicker in width and, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), you might need to modify plumbing connections.

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Choosing Bathroom Countertops | Bathroom Design - Choose ...

A favorite during the groovy 1960s and 70s, laminate kitchen countertops are enjoying a second wind as an affordable, durable, moisture-proof, and surprisingly attractive replacement for your homes worn kitchen countertops.

Shop around and youll find a nearly unlimited selection of richly colored solids, midcentury patterns, and enticing-to-touch textures. They mimic:

What is Laminate?

Laminates are made with layers of paper, including a decorative layer, and melamine resin. Generally, the thicker the product, the more durable and costly itll be. Higher-end laminates offer 10-year warranties. Fancy edge treatments beveling, ogees, and bullnose kick up the costs, too.

In the past, laminate kitchen countertops looked like poor copies of materials, such as wood and stone, because reproduction qualities were poor, and the finished product depended on a repeating pattern about 18 inches wide.

Today, advanced photographic technology creates laminates that look more like the real thing, and unique patterns can be up to 5 feet wide wide enough to create an entire granite kitchen island with no repeating pattern.

Also these days, laminates are made with some percentage of recycled materials, such as FSC-certified wood wood thats harvested sustainably.

Quick Cost Comparison

In general, laminate kitchen countertops are your least expensive option. Compare the costs with other countertop materials, as shown for an average kitchen with 30 linear feet of countertops, installed:

Will Laminate Last?

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Laminate Kitchen Countertops | HouseLogic Kitchen ...

Stone countertops have a solid beauty that's ageless and crosses all style boundaries. Whether you're an ardent traditionalist, love the charm and ease of country living, or prefer lean and clean urban contemporary, chances are that stone will enter into your design scheme in some form.

Lighting, cabinetry and flooring are all important in the kitchen, but many designers say countertops often create the wow factor. Surfaces such as granite, quartz and Corian have eclipsed economical laminate, and homeowners looking for something even more exotic can opt for soapstone countertops, marble and limestone. Here's a look at some of the options:

Granite's durability and beauty are the main reasons for its appeal. Granite is available from sources as diverse as China, India and Quebec. The color selection is virtually unlimited. The price of granite is determined mainly by its coloring and patterning.

Granite is porous, and depending on wear, it should be periodically resealed. Stains should be wiped up promptly.

Natural quartz products are composed of more than 90 percent quartz, which is 10 times harder than granite and mixed with a resin. They're nonporous, and many come with a 10-year installed warranty. And for those who may not appreciate the often-inconsistent patterning of granite, quartz is extremely continuous, with no dramatic variations in color or pattern.

While quartz does have seams where pieces are joined, it doesn't have to be sealed and just requires a periodic wipe-down with soapy water. Cosentino's Silestone line has introduced a selection of quartz products with built-in Microban, antibacterial product protection that deters growth of bacteria, mold and fungi.

Soapstone, which comes from Finland, China and Brazil, is quarried like granite and quartz and is composed primarily of magnesite, dolomite, chlorite and talc. It's anywhere from 300 to 400 million years old, and the talc gives it a soft, warm appearance and touch.

Because it's nonporous, it's completely resistant to bacteria growth. It was originally used for masonry heaters and is used for countertops in forensic and science labs because it's impervious to virtually any type of chemical. No sealing is required, so a hot pan can be placed directly on it, and the surface can be used for dough preparation.

For the first month, soapstone should be periodically rubbed with mineral oil to bring out the beauty of the stone and its marbling. Matching sinks can be created, and it can be used as a backsplash or as flooring. Unlike granite or quartz, soapstone doesn't require the extra cost of installing a substrate (countertop support such as a subfloor).

Reprinted with permission from NKBA

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Granite, Quartz and Soapstone Countertops | Kitchen ...

Granite - Silestone - Corian - Quartz - Marble - Travertine

Dreaming of new countertops to refresh and restyle your bathroom or kitchen design?

Looking for detailed information to learn about all the options, features, pros and cons of the many different types of countertops for your bathroom or kitchen remodeling project?

How about floor tile... a kitchen backsplash... or outdoor kitchen?

Or countertop care & cleaning advice?

Well, you're at the right place... It's all here!

Choosing the best countertop for your project is a big deal. It's fun and exciting!

The right choice will... (keep reading below...)

update your style, enhance entertaining, improve the function of your kitchen or bath, provide years of enjoyment and add significant value to your home.

However, it can be a challenge to sort out all the incomplete, inconsistent, conflicting and confusing information circulating online and elsewhere regarding the features, benefits, performance, installation, cleaning and maintenance of the various counter top materials.

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Countertop Guide: Granite Countertops, Marble, Silestone ...