Recently, someone asked us what we recommend using in the kitchen for countertops. Although every project is unique, we do have our favorites.
Carrara Marble is at the top of our list for kitchen surfaces. In a honed finish it can look modern or traditional.
Some people are wary of using marble in a kitchen as it has a tendency to stain. From our perspective, if staining does occur, we prefer to think of it as a patina that adds depth to the stone over time. Take a look back at the great Italian and French designs and you will notice marbles are the centerpiece of their kitchens and restaurants.
If you are still concerned about staining, there are other practical and attractive options on the market. Most recently, we have been turned on to some interesting granites, which we usually shy away from. Specifically, Black Absolute granite in a Honed or Riverwash Finish. It has a masculinity and depth of soapstone, yet is amazingly durable. We recently used the Black Absolute Granite in the Riverwash finish at a home in the Los Feliz Oaks.
For our modern projects, we also use quartz materials, usually the Caesarstone brand, in which our favorite colors are Lagos Blue, Blizzard and Cinder.
Lagos Blue Blizzard Cinder
They look similar to natural slabs, are available in honed finishes, and are also very durable. We used Ceasarstone in Blizzard at a home in the Hollywood Hills.
Carrara Marble is at the top of our list for kitchen surfaces. In a honed finish it can look modern or traditional.
Another classic, which is similar to Carrara is Calacatta Gold Marble.
This elegant marble has warm green and yellow veining that mix beautifully with tile backsplashes. Both of these marbles come in slab or tile format. Ann Sacks is
one of our preferred vendors for stone and they stock a variety of cut
mosaic tiles in Carrara and Calacatta.
Some people are wary of using marble in a kitchen as it has a tendency to stain. From our perspective, if staining does occur, we prefer to think of it as a patina that adds depth to the stone over time. Take a look back at the great Italian and French designs and you will notice marbles are the centerpiece of their kitchens and restaurants.
If you are still concerned about staining, there are other practical and attractive options on the market. Most recently, we have been turned on to some interesting granites, which we usually shy away from. Specifically, Black Absolute granite in a Honed or Riverwash Finish. It has a masculinity and depth of soapstone, yet is amazingly durable. We recently used the Black Absolute Granite in the Riverwash finish at a home in the Los Feliz Oaks.
Lagos Blue Blizzard Cinder
Your kitchens are probably my favorite of all the rooms you design. Your taste is absolutely impeccable. I am so glad that Flipping Out is back so that we can see more of your fabulous designs and Jeff's crazy antics. Thank you for starting this inspiring blog.
Posted by: Paloma of La Dolce Vita | June 20, 2008 at 09:07 AM
My dream kitchen will definitely have carrara marble countertops, a subway tile backsplash, and white cabinetry.
I have to say, your kitchens are quite possibly my favorite of your rooms. Always gorgeous, classic with a modern twist. I really loved the kitchens in Jeff's Valley Oak home (with the Circa Reed Chandeliers) and in your Queens Road home last season.
Posted by: Paloma of La Dolce Vita | June 18, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Thank you for starting this blog! I am really looking forward to more design tips and insight. Loving this already!!!
Posted by: Sasha | June 16, 2008 at 09:27 AM
I am loving the insight that you are giving in your blog posts! My kitchen is due for a makeover (my house was built in the late 80s, and I have been in it for 11 years), but I am waiting for one of the major appliances to break before doing anything. I currently have what was top of the line at the time: corian. As out of date as corian is, I love it. It is very soft and smooth, and cleans up beautifully. I cook virtually daily, and am a messy chef, so the marble scares me. Hopefully my appliances will last a few more years until I can clarify my thoughts on a new countertop!
Posted by: Things that Inspire | June 03, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Can you list the manufacturer of the white cabinets in the above picture? Thanks.
Posted by: wolf | May 26, 2008 at 08:58 AM