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Luxury Kitchens: Top Countertop Materials

7/26/2016

When designing a kitchen, most people focus so much on the cabinetry that goes into the space that by the time they get to the countertop and backsplash choices, they're worn out and exhausted from all of the decision making. There comes a time in every project where you need to take a break and look at the big picture. Kitchen countertops are a key piece in your luxury renovation or new home design. As a horizontal surface, they draw a lot of attention and tie together the entire décor of the room. As we dive further

into the sea of kitchens, this series will help you establish some much needed direction in the variety of stone available. Remember, as with any project, you want to constantly weigh style vs. price vs. longevity and maintenance. Depending on your budget, the needs of your household, and your style preference, your choices here is going to vary. There are no bad decisions, just different options to suit your personal needs.

To start there are many different materials to choose from when picking out countertops:

Quartz
Quartzite
Granite (Honed or Polished)
Laminate
Butcher Block

Live in Chicago or the North Shore?
Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498. 

Live your luxury.

Written by Aija Rozentals
Edited by Kyle Thomas

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The Evolution of the American Kitchen

7/7/2016

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American kitchens have grown to become more than just a space for cooking, but also a place where generations of kids do homework and their parents catch up on missed emails. The era of the "super kitchen" has arrived and it's here to stay! With the support of open floor plans being widely used in luxury remodels and new construction of homes, it makes sense that the kitchen is at the center of the design.

Bigger expectations mean bigger budgets. The 'super kitchen,' as a concept, embodies the family room, living room, and office on top of the normal functions of the kitchen. Often, this may challenge homeowners to define where the kitchen ends and the rest of the home begins. What was once a simple kitchen remodel becomes a whole new layout as the epicenter of the house!

So what are the new features that have redefined the kitchen? Well, it starts off with some high-tech and high-end options! Consider this: you're cooking on your newly remodeled kitchen island, and you find yourself looking for a place to charge your phone. Some options would be installing pop-out outlets directly into your counter tops or dedicating a section of your counter to a wireless charger.

Imagine dishwashers that are as quiet as a whisper, full-sized televisions to keep the kids (or spouse) entertained, or a hidden warming drawer to keep dinner hot for when you're running a little behind schedule.

The technology doesn't stop there! With the increased need for quality coffee to match your busy lifestyle, many people are adding elaborate built-in coffee and drink stations, with specialized faucets for sparkling water and soda. Also, temperature controlled wine refrigerators are becoming a staple in the kitchen as well!

Surfaces, seating, and storage are the three common areas where people are expanding their budgets and opening up their wallets in recent years. The new "super kitchens" usually include separate seating and cooking areas by merging the kitchen into other rooms.

Allowing 6-8 people to comfortably sit at a countertop is the new ideal number in kitchen seating.

But don't be fooled, this doesn't include the eat-in dining that usually holds 4-6 people as well. Along with the extra seating comes extra counter space, but not how you would typically expect. More often you are seeing a second island in these "super kitchens.” Typically, the second island is not fixed and is a pull-out from the main island or on casters. These islands are mainly allowed for prep so the main island can accommodate other family functions.

Not only is the tech improving in the new "super kitchen" but the design is, as well. Homeowners are now hiring designers to design kitchens with creative and decorative solutions. Bringing out more "wow" factors in kitchens, designers are creating elaborate back splashes and matching the decor throughout the house.

To make room for the rest of the family to join in, designers are also putting in small office stations. Building office and craft storage allows for computer workstations as well as a place to store recipe books and miscellaneous papers.

Everyone is improving their kitchen in different ways, but overall homeowners are looking for more of a visual "wow" factor while entertaining their family and guests.

Whatever your needs are, be sure to talk with your designer. They’ll be able to bring that extra expertise, creativity, and flair to your home.

GET A COMPLIMENTARY KITCHEN QUOTE NOW!

Live in Chicago or the North Shore? Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling. 773-960-0498.
Live your luxury.

Written by Aija Rozentals
Edited by Kyle Thomas

0 Comments

Luxury Kitchens: Top Countertop Materials

To start there are many different materials to choose from when picking out countertops:

The Evolution of the American Kitchen

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Luxury.

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Luxury Kitchens: Top Countertop Materials

To start there are many different materials to choose from when picking out countertops:

The Evolution of the American Kitchen

Stay up to date on the latest ​Tips & Trends from Amber Golob Interiors ​Subscribe today!

Live Your ​Luxury.

Stay up to date​ on the latest Tips & Trends from Amber Golob Interiors Subscribe today!

Archives

Stay up to date on the latest
Tips & Trends from Amber Golob Interiors
Subscribe today!

Live
Your
Luxury.

Stay up to date
on the latest
Tips & Trends from
Amber Golob Interiors
Subscribe today!