Small Kitchen, Big Ideas

Sometimes the small projects can be the most challenging.  Take for example this galley kitchen for my clients, the Molleras.

This home was built in the 1950's and is what I would consider a cottage.  This kitchen had been updated in the '80's, but now it was ready to come into the 21st century.

With a limited budget, we had to decide priorities.  Ideally, we wanted to replace the cabinets.  Instead, we went for a fresh coat of paint, new doors and drawers, some rearranging and just a couple new cabinets to make this kitchen more welcoming and functional.

The Silestone countertops were a must and a last minute slush fund afforded the backsplash upgrade from the slated subway tile.

From the beginning, I had a vision for this black and white checkerboard floor.  It is fitting to the age of the house and the angled lines really helped to open up the space.

Finish off with some new dining furniture and window treatments and lighting and we've got a happy client!

Countertop Questions

There are so many choices out there when it comes to selecting countertops for a kitchen or bathroom.  Probably the most popular is granite.  In slab or tile granite is always a great look and available in such a variety of colors and patterns.

The designer and client can also consider other natural stones like marble, soapstone, limestone, travertine.  Let's not forget the manufactured stone and recycled countertops and concrete!  Of course there is also stainless steel,butcher block, wood tops and laminates, but I'm talking stone and stone-like products here.  There are so many quartz like materials out there.  Here are a few names that might come up: silestone, corian, zodiaq, caesarstone, paperstone, hanstone, fireslate and cambria.  I guess I should also put in cultured marble, but I'm not a huge fan.

So I want to hear from you! What are your favorite stones or materials to use on countertops?  Anything ever let you down, post install?  Anything knock your sock off?

Image and design by Rebecca Ward