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As you may be aware, a substantial portion of a kitchen or bath budget should be allowed for countertop materials, and many designers are choosing not one material in a space, but combining several materials and finishes for added visual interest. Beyond your budget, several factors should be considered when choosing the right surface for your space. There is no shortage of information on the characteristics of granite, marble and quartz, and since these are used rather frequently, it’s likely you know a bit about them. For this reason we have chosen to share a few materials that we use and that you may not have considered; wood, glass, stainless steel, zinc and copper.

Below we will share a few basic characteristics of each, giving you a better idea whether or not these are suitable options for your lifestyle. For a more in-depth analysis, visit www.craft-art.com. Wood: A wide variety of not only species/colors are available, but depending on your personal style, you can select a smooth, like-new finish or an Old World distressed look. A variety of edges are also available, much like you would expect with natural stone. Wood surfaces are excellent at resisting stains, but are susceptible to some wear as a result of heat, scratching and water. Wood tops, if damaged can be repaired and  restored.

 

 

  Stainless Steel: While stainless is often associated with commercial kitchens, this hard-wearing surface can provide a touch of modern style with the benefit of low maintenance. Stainless is resistant to heat, scratching and moisture, perfect for the serious home cook, but keep in mind that serious scratches and dents cannot be repaired.

 

  Zinc: From the same color family as stainless steel, Zinc provides a warmer feel. The same benefits of stainless apply (heat, stain and moisture resistant) but zinc can be polished, returning the metal countertop to its original condition. The color of zinc will change with age.

Copper: Like zinc, copper is resistant to moisture and stains, but this reddish brown metal surface will develop a patina with age that will vary from mild to strong. Should serious damage occur, copper is not replaceable. Colors and edges are limted.

Glass: Countertops made of glass offer a wider variety of options than you might imagine including two thicknesses (1/2" and 3/4"), custom shapes, frosted (a highly scratch resistant option), clear (with a visible green tint), ultra clear (no visible green tint) and a variety of textures and colors. A color coating matching any specified registered color can also be applied. An example of this “exact match” process can be seen below in pink.

Ask your Beck/Allen designer for more information on the unique Craft-Art countertop products.

Photography provided by www.craft-art.com.

New York Showroom

Location

Architects & Designers Building
142 East 50th Street
New York, NY 10244

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday: 09:00 – 17:30
Sunday: Closed

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+1 (212) 794 0157
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London Showroom

Location

42 Morpeth Road
Victoria Park
London E3 8LD

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Sunday: Closed

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402-663-9161
info@yourcompany.com

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As part of our continuous effort to stay on top of the latest industry trends and new product introductions we sent our design team to the annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Chicago last month. They returned to St. Louis with cameras and notebooks full of inspiring new ideas and a firm grasp on where kitchen and bath design is headed in 2012.

We’ve asked a few of our designers to share their personal favorites from the Show. Here’s a look at what caught the eye of Serena Williams.

 

 

 

The design of this wavy ventilation hood from Wolf offers limitless creativity.

We’ve come to expect nothing less than spectacular from Ann Sacks and the Petrified Wood collection does not disappoint.
Each piece of tile displays unique knots and rings for a one-of-a-kind, exotic look.

From Kalamazoo, the Artisan Fire Pizza Oven delivers the ultimate pizza to your modern, outdoor kitchen designed for open door cooking. It’s a stainless steel, gas-fired oven with a countertop design—so no installation required. After a 45-minute preheat the Artisan Fire Pizza Oven can bake a Neapolitan-style pizza in less than three minutes. See for yourself in this video demo.

The Galley is a multi-functioning workstation and sink. It’s great for prep work or as a buffet when entertaining. The two tiered design allows for the use of multiple accessories including cutting boards, colanders, a drain rack and stainless bowls. Place cutting boards across the sink’s opening to create extra counter space or fill the sink with ice to display cold food and drinks–watch this video for a demonstration.

For information on integrating any of these exciting new products into your kitchen design, contact a member of our design team. Watch for our next post for more KBIS favorites from Beck/Allen designer Linda Thomas.