Granite Countertops- SO Yesterday!

For nearly two decades, granite has been the number one choice for kitchen countertops. Like its predecessors laminate and solid surface, granite will soon become a thing of the past. The theory is that once a material is found in apartment complexes and tract homes, it's on its way out. So what's next? Here are few a new options:

WOOD & COPPER

The trend now is toward warmer and softer materials like wood, copper and soapstone. The most popular woods for counters today are walnut and teak sometimes paired with copper. Both require more maintenance than granite. Wood needs frequent sanding and oiling, while copper requires buffing and polishing.

SOAPSTONE

Some soapstone is mined in Georgia and some people feel that soapstone is more subdued and warmer than granite. It looks old immediately and achieves an attractive patina with use. It can also withstand hot pots and pans.

FIRESLATE

The material has become more popular in the last few years as a material for counters, but it has been around since the turn of the 20th century when it was invented to shield the undercarriages of trolley cars from sparks clicked up from the tracks. It is made of a mixture of cement, sand and recycled paper.

GLASS

For a sleek, modern look, some people are choosing seamless sheets of textured glass."ThinkGlass" has a line of luminous and glacial-looking solid glass countertops that are more sanitary than granite and just as durable.

TERRAZZO
New terrazzo products made of recycled glass are also generating enthusiasm. Vetrazzo and IceStone are manufactures who make this product. Both products are as durable as granite, are less porous and therefore more stain resistant. Resealing is recommended every year or two.

ENGINEERED STONE

This is a quartz composite surface that is manufactured by Silestone and Caesarstone. The appeal is a soft more uniform look than granite. Engineered stone is virtually maintenance free and is available in a wide range of colors. While it looks like stone, this material is non-porous. It does not stain or require routine applications of a sealant.

VOLVIC LAVA

THIS IS HOT (no pun intended). This product once fired, becomes seamless and looks like a polished gem stone. It is oh so GORGEOUS! It will not stain, chip, scratch or scorch and it stands up to acidic foods. Lava Stone is expensive, and because the factory is located in France, they can fill only about 200 orders from the United States a year.

GREEN MATERIALS

There are kitchen counters made of recycled paper or sustainable wood pulp by companies like Richlite and PaperStone. They are made of layers of paper or pulp mixed with pigment and a resin binder that are pressed together with tremendous force. The product is extremely strong and water resistant. (the material is also used for cutting boards, rain guards and skateboard ramps). This material has a soft texture and mimics those qualities of soapstone and holds up well to hot pans and spilled foods. Scratches disappear after scouring with a Scotch-Brite pad and an application of linseed or mineral oil.

Interior Decorating and Design in 2009

The photos below are from wonderful clients that moved to Texas recently from ATL! They built their dream home and are now enjoying knowing that everything they see and experience in their home each day is ALL they wanted...many professionals worked on their home. I was one of those pros hired and went through the whole process. These are just a couple shots of their home...the Kitchen & adjoining Living Room in framing stages and after completed. We still have decorating to do in this spectacular home...more pictures from their home to come again later!

2009 is off to an unusual start financially for most...With the odd economy, folks are debating on whether or not to buy or build new homes in this great "Buyer's Market" or just stay where they are and Update (dreaded word of most husbands), Remodel or ReDesign.

I have met a few of both lately...

New and current clients that have decided to build and hire me to review their architectural plans, go over material selections, color choices and an overall professional opinion of how they can achieve the perfect personal touches they desire in their dream homes.

On the flip side, I have new clients each week that love their location and sorta love their homes....but would REALLY fall in love w/ their spaces again if they could affordably update.

That's where Creative Solutions comes to the rescue in both cases!

Reviewing your builder plans in detail is a must for new construction. Spaces could end up being wasted or impersonal when just a little tweak here and there could have made all the difference are crucial to get right in the building phases. Most homeowners know what they want, but the actual process of building a home is to say the least, overwhelming for most, and simple things get left out or just passed over due to the "hurry and get it done" mentality. Building a home is an everyday addition to the normal "to-do list" we have, staying atop what is going on and how things look throughout the process is vital. There are always unavoidable hang-ups, hold-ups and mess-ups, but a good builder knows how to get you through all those rough spots. In the end, working with true professionals make the process, dare I say, enjoyable?! The end result will exceed your vision if you take the time to use the advice and knowledge of those "in the business"...TIP: Do your homework on your architect, builder, potential tradesmen, Interior Designer/Decorator, Landscaper, etc. to find who you can best work with personality-wise and has the professional qualities you desire.

Regarding general Residential Updating, Remodel and Redesign if you decide to take that route...It is most important to have realistic goals in mind in relation to your budget & work to be done. Going through your home and making an extensive and comprehensive list of everything you dream of doing from inside/out top to bottom is the best place to start. From the list, you can get bids, go price materials, find ideas, get advice, and finally form a budget with a realistic idea of what you can afford. You may find you want to update your entire kitchen, but in order to afford some of the big ticket items, you should keep your cabinets and just paint them. Or maybe a granite tile fits the budget better than slab granite being installed to replace your counter tops. There are many ways to get the look and feel you want in your home while staying in your budget. Having a professional guide you or oversee the project for you is a great way to ensure your budget is spent accordingly and the experience is positive. Creative Solutions specializes in taking your budget & dream list and making it a reality for you to enjoy!

Make sure and post your puzzling design questions!!