Countertops, Backsplashes and Hardware

Your countertop says a lot about your kitchen. The countertop is a pivotal design element that works in sync with your color scheme, cabinets and backsplash. It serves as a focal point and sets a clear mood for the space. Choosing a countertop is not as straightforward as you might think. The kitchen design market is filled with different counter materials, each one as unique as the next. Your countertop is your kitchen workspace, and as such, you will want to look beyond aesthetics into the nitty-gritty of countertop performance and how you will use it.

Prospective buyers often get confused when researching quartz countertops because they come across seemingly contradictory adjectives, like “natural” and “man-made.” The truth is, both of these adjectives apply to engineered quartz. Engineered quartz is approximately 93% natural quartz and 7% resin and other additives. In other words, it’s real, authentic quartz used within a man-made manufacturing process. Quartz’s engineered fabrication process translates to endless style options. Since additives, like pigment, are combined with quartz aggregate in the factory, manufacturers can create a full spectrum of aesthetics. You’ll find quartz in a diverse array of colors, patterns, and textures.

The clear advantage of quartz countertops over natural stone countertops is that quartz is non-porous. The resin incorporated directly into the manufacturing process functions as a strong sealant. That means you don’t have to worry about routinely resealing your quartz surface. The non-porous, set-and-forget feature of engineered quartz is often a deciding factor for kitchen remodelers. The biggest maintenance-related drawback to quartz is that it’s not heat-resistant. You can’t put down a hot pan or pot directly onto its surface without running the risk of making permanent scorch marks.

Typically, a backsplash is lighter than your countertops. Bright kitchens are vibrant and inviting, so consider white, beige, light grey, and pastel colors for the backsplash. Go with a marbled design, shaped tiles, or contrasting grout to add contrast if you prefer a bold look. When it comes to designing a kitchen, from the backbones of the kitchen like cabinetry to tiny little details like handles, there are so many decisions to make and this might be overwhelming. However, among all these features, a backsplash is the most fun and personalized decision. There is an endless variety of kitchen backsplashes. Glamorous glass tiles, sleek hexagons, or classic subway tiles.

The cabinetry in your home provides important storage space and is a frequently used addition to your room design. Make your cabinetry a reflection of your design style by choosing hardware for cabinets that complements the door and drawer fronts you selected while coordinating with the rest of your décor. There are many hardware options to choose for your cabinets, including knobs and pulls, latches, hinges, drawer slides and back plates to name a few. Hardware comes in a variety of metals, colors and styles. We are here to help you choose hardware essentials that are right for your project.