The Design Collective Group, Inc.
  • Welcome Home
  • Who .
    • Contact Us.
  • In My Humble Opinion
  • What .
  • When .
  • Where .
  • Why .
  • How .
  • Portfolio .
    • Living Spaces
    • Kitchen Spaces
    • Bedroom Spaces
    • Bathroom Spaces
    • Club Design
    • Office Design
    • Other Spaces
    • Recents Spaces
  • Get This Guide
  • Providence Project
  • Condo Project
  • Monte Sereno Project
  • La Quinta Project
  • Rancho Mirage Project
  • An Artful Home Project
  • Testimonials + Awards
  • Client Access
  • mitchscott
  • Project Portfolio
  • thompsonhardesty
  • Alta Residence
  • Phillips
  • Bella Cara Way Residence
  • SilverSands
  • johnstevecabana
  • DunnCapitalFinal
  • NickbargCashen
  • 3D Renderings
  • Makie Residence
  • Sun City Palm Desert
  • 67 Canejo Circle Residence
  • Citrus Renovation
  • WardGade
  • M Bathroom @ Citrus Country Club
  • TrilogyCMCDesignConcepts
  • PCA-Interior Finishes
  • Ledesma Residence
  • Olivier MBath
  • Ritchie Great Room

Counter Intelligence: It Is All About The Choices

5/26/2014

5 Comments

 
PictureThere are many choices for counters.
As designers, we help our clients make certain important decisions in the design of their home. And whether that be a kitchen or a bath, one of those decisions addresses countertops since they play a significant role in the design of those spaces.   

Many choices and options are available for counters and making such a decision is an important and key element and something not to be taken lightly.  Certainly natural materials such as granite, stone, marble and slate are timeless choices.  And man-made materials such as solid surface products that include quartz as a part of their content are wise and smart since they can provide a cleanable,  virtually seamless installation. 

But there are several other materials worth consideration if only for accent materials. 


PictureGlass counters can be polished or frosted, colored or not.
• GLASS

The first is glass.  A thick, translucent slab of glass is tough, sanitary and has a pleasant tactility, while still remaining easy to clean. Available in a huge variety of colors, finish and patterns, it certainly isn't the least expensive choice but can provide a certain "glitz" to a kitchen or a bath.  

It is important to use cutting boards so as not to scratch the glass but as important, keep knives razor sharp. 


PictureJust out, Nanotech will become a timeless classic.
• NANOTECH

The most unusual alternative countertop recently introduced at EuroCucina, the trade event for kitchen and bath cabinetry, came from Italian designer Arrital, courtesy of Arpa Industriale. Referred to as a “nanotech matte material,” the Fenix NTM countertop is anti-reflective, anti-fingerprint, self-healing, and soft to the touch without being... well, soft. It felt great under our hands, and looked great. 


PictureWhen combined with other materials, wood can be great.
• WOOD

Solid wood and wood-finished countertops have become most popular in recent years, often contrasting with or overlaid on a stone or synthetic material. Choices include everything from mahogany and ebony to light pine and even bamboo. Often paired with matching cabinetry to create a minimalist yet warm look, there is some minimal maintenance and care required to keep the counter looking fresh. 


PictureConsider stainless counters for accent spaces.
• STAINLESS

For some of us designers, stainless is nearly as played out as granite. But when combined with other materials, it can be a real standout.  Stainless counters gleam under light, are pretty indestructible and make a dramatic statement.  One might consider using this material on an island or perhaps at a wine bar or accent counter.  


PicturePorcelain or ceramic tiles are never out of style.
• TILE

When it comes to countertop finishes, tile is pretty old school. It’s a style that’s generally beholden to a certain era or area—especially homes of the 40x and 50s.  

They stand up to a lot of wear - except for minor chipping that can occur with a lot of use.  In bathrooms, tile can provide a texture and a pattern that can provide an added dimension. Plan on sealing the grout on a regular basis to keep a clean look and avoid a dingy appearance. 



PictureConcrete counters can be made off site or right in the space.
• CONCRETE

More and more people are realizing concrete’s value for making countertops. Shapes of concrete countertops are only limited by imagination and the ability to build the forms. 

With the use of color pigments and in combination with various aggregates including glass and metals, the spectrum of colors and patterns  available in concrete countertops is virtually limitless.  One thing to keep in mind is that concrete counters must be occasionally sealed to prevent stains. Creating a concrete counter can be labor intensive so prices are often as much as natural stones like granite and marble.


PicturePaper tops have been around for more than fifty years.
• PAPER

Paper.. really?  Bet you never ever thought paper would make a countertop but it can be quite effective.  Products made from compressed, recycled paper provides a non-porous surface and a lifetime of stain resistance since it absorbs virtually no water. The paper "matt stone-like surface" is extremely rigid and dense, lending to additional applications beyond countertops and mars may be sanded or rubbed out with an abrasive pad. We used to see these as lab counters in college and they would stand up to all sorts of abuse. 


Picture
Still confused?  Too many choices?  Keep in mind that your choice should be just as much about the function as the visual effect.  Price may influence your decision, but keep in mind that you are going to live with your choice over the years... perhaps even decades.  And the price per square foot stretched out over a decade equalizes the choices we shared in this post. 

And STILL CONFUSED?  

We can help.  Call us for a complimentary consultation and we'll help provide some direction and advice.  After nearly three decades of practice, we can give you the kind of well informed guidance to make your decision the most proper and appropriate one.

• Voice: (760) 322-3784
• Email: CLICK HERE

5 Comments
Gary Teal
10/17/2014 10:28:11 am

What about costs? Are these options for people who want a show-room kitchen and have unlimited budgets? Or might one or two of them turn out to be a choice that ends up being economical to fabricate to specs, ship and install?

Reply
Michael A Thomas, FASID, CAPS link
10/20/2014 12:19:23 am

Gary, thanks for your question + comment. As to cost, it is not easy to determine as much depends on the quantity, the type of installation and the complexity. Probably the least expensive counter from the choices above would be tile and we've done some pretty awesome tops using patterns, shapes and colors of tiles.

For tight budget projects, check out plastic laminate manufacturers like Formica and WilsonArt which have come out with some terrific patterns that nearly defy anyone from knowing they are laminate, especially when mixed with a splash of tile, metal or even mirror. Hope that is helpful to you.

Reply
Gene
4/21/2015 12:58:15 am

Agreed Gary, the cost per square foot on a "typical install" should be given with each type of material.
Cost is an object to any intelligent person. Budgets will differ, but in my experience, wealthy people dicker harder on projects when spending larger amounts of money. Very few times have I heard someone say, cost is NO object!

Reply
Walt Tilson
4/19/2015 05:23:56 am

I noticed that your (it is yours, right?) description of nanotech counters is oft plagiarized. My question is where do I see such a counter if I live in the hinterlands call Northern Michigan? Any ideas?

Reply
Michael Thomas
4/19/2015 11:27:58 pm

Walt,... nanotech countertop material isn't readily available YET - at least from any distributor I know of here along the west coast of the US and would have to be imported from over the pond.

For you in Michigan...I might suggest that you travel to the Merchandise Mart in Chicago as there are several great kitchen showrooms ( open to the public) that often feature cutting edge materials long before they are introduced anywhere else in this country. And if you go, check out the remarkable Kohler showroom. It is a treat for the senses. Should you find a source, let me know.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Michael A. Thomas, FASID interior designer in Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ
    ................................................. • Michael A. Thomas, CAPS, FASID is a passionate interior designer that constantly examines the impact design has on the human experience.
    Michael is an award winning interior designer based in Palm Desert, CA. He is a  Professional Member of the American Society of Interior Designers and a member of the ASID College of Fellows.  

    As a Certified Aging In Place Specialist, he creates smart looking spaces that are safe and secure and create homes for a lifetime.

    And with thirty plus years in the profession, he has honed his humor, elevated his passion for design and sharpened his wit to not take anything too seriously except his design work. 
    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Archives

    April 2022
    January 2022
    September 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    June 2019
    September 2018
    March 2018
    October 2017
    August 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    October 2016
    August 2016
    April 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    June 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    May 2012
    February 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2007

    Categories

    All
    Aging In Place
    Baby Boomers
    Case Study 101
    Design Trends
    Frank Lloyd Wright
    Interior Design
    Kitchen
    Remodeling
    Taliesin West

    RSS Feed

©1996 ~ 2022 The Design Collective Group, Inc. • All Rights Reserved •
73-350 El Paseo, Suite #103,  Palm Desert, CA 92260
​Voice: 760 - 322 - 3784  
 All Photos, Images + Text Are Copyrighted + Cannot Be Used Without First Obtaining Permission.  -- 2022.
  • Welcome Home
  • Who .
    • Contact Us.
  • In My Humble Opinion
  • What .
  • When .
  • Where .
  • Why .
  • How .
  • Portfolio .
    • Living Spaces
    • Kitchen Spaces
    • Bedroom Spaces
    • Bathroom Spaces
    • Club Design
    • Office Design
    • Other Spaces
    • Recents Spaces
  • Get This Guide
  • Providence Project
  • Condo Project
  • Monte Sereno Project
  • La Quinta Project
  • Rancho Mirage Project
  • An Artful Home Project
  • Testimonials + Awards
  • Client Access
  • mitchscott
  • Project Portfolio
  • thompsonhardesty
  • Alta Residence
  • Phillips
  • Bella Cara Way Residence
  • SilverSands
  • johnstevecabana
  • DunnCapitalFinal
  • NickbargCashen
  • 3D Renderings
  • Makie Residence
  • Sun City Palm Desert
  • 67 Canejo Circle Residence
  • Citrus Renovation
  • WardGade
  • M Bathroom @ Citrus Country Club
  • TrilogyCMCDesignConcepts
  • PCA-Interior Finishes
  • Ledesma Residence
  • Olivier MBath
  • Ritchie Great Room