P dub- Counter Advice

Ree, are we on a first name basis, can I call you Ree? Which do you think is more informal, P-dub, or Ree? When are we going to do lunch? Do you have any trips to California planned?

OK- your counters- this is what you said:

The kitchen cabinets are in, and Terry and Jerry have put plywood countertops on
them to give us an idea of how they’ll look. We’re still making final decisions
about countertop materials, and since we have a lot of countertop area to cover,
we’re looking for ones that won’t be prohibitively expensive. I’m thinking of
concrete (no color; just naked [but sealed]), butcher’s block, and/or marble,
but not fancy schmancy marble. And maybe galvanized steel. Don’t laugh; we have
it at our farm, and it’s cheap and rather charming.
What counter top
materials am I missing? What’s cool and hip and not typical

My advice?

1. Concrete is not terribly inexpensive, averaging over $100/ square foot where I live. Unless, perhaps, you have a special source. Great look- I would love it in your place.



2. Butcher block- No- too much "wood."




3. Marble... I love the look of marble. At the firm that I worked for down in LA- we were not ALLOWED to use marble in the kitchen because it is too porous. So- great look- LOVE the look- but beware- it would be a shame if it were to stain. I would love a honed limestone... But again- not the most practical of surfaces.




4. Galvanized steel? Interesting. I have not seen it done- but it sounds cool.
   
   My suggestions:

1. I liked your concrete idea- it is a great look.

2. Slate: Used for centuries to create stylish weather resistant roofs, slate's natural beauty and strength are finding their way into the kitchen. Befitting of a roofing material, slate is durable, hard and fireproof. Luckily, it's beautiful, too, making it a prime choice for homeowners seeking a counter top that will make a statement. Its low absorption rate keeps stains at bay, though you may want to seal regularly to add a further dose of protection.

Soapstone: (picture above) Often referred to as "the original stone counter top," early settlers in New England relied on the durable material for their own counter tops. Far from a high-maintenance top, soapstone's inert nature means acids won't etch the material, and stains can be rubbed out. Mineral oil treatment will bring out a darker, richer color. Make a powerful statement by combining with a soapstone sink.

Quick tip: As you investigate your natural stone options, consider functionality first, then this: do you want a stone that will look brand new 10 years from now, or one that will take on the patina of age? Let your answer help guide your choice.

To clean: Stone is a natural product, and cleaning is fairly simple, though be sure to follow specific instructions for your stone. Monticello Granite, the first nationally available counter top company, recommends that stone surfaces be cleaned with a few drops of a neutral cleaner, stone soap or mild liquid dish washing detergent. Always avoid products containing abrasives, lemon, vinegar or other acids, as well as scouring pads.

Also- consider re-cycled glass- Made of 85% recycled glass- this is "in" because it is "earth-friendly" :). This is also more of an option for a place like P Dub's- because it lends itself to be that juxtaposition of shininess in a rustic interior, whereas true glass is just too modern.

Paper-base- Say sayonara to stone. Richlite’s paper-based countertops provide a durable-as-stone and heat and stain-resistant surface that's more than just a unique countertop alternative. Used in commercial kitchens for years, Richlite is available in six colors including sage, slate black and nutmeg. Using only sustainable materials, Richlite is the first company to offer hemp-based countertops, which are both heat and stain-resistant. Cost: $65-$75.


Personally, I think in a kitchen like the one you are doing, I would do a counter that is not the focal point- something with a dull surface- a simple color- The focal point of the kitchen should be the hood... which I will discuss next time :)

So- anyway... call me :)- we'll do lunch!

Wallpaper Wednesday

This paper is a spin on grass cloth. I love this one. The texture, the pattern, the richness... I can imagine this one in architectural niches or entry way walls. I would put it on an accent wall behind a nice buffet or console table. What do you think? Are you as big a fan as I am?- or not so much?

Paper by Ronald Redding, of course- he rocks.

Cool Cheap Find

If you read my blog regularly, you know that I really love Roman Shades. Generally speaking, I really love nice expensive custom made Roman Shades. On Black Friday I went to IKEA with my sister, and saw their super inexpensive Roman Shades. They start at 24 inches wide, at $19, and go to a 55 inch width, for only $39. Now imagine finding some cool fabric, cutting it the right size, and affixing it with perhaps some stitch witchery. (OK- so I can't sew- but if you can, I guess you can use a sewing machine- Tamlynn- you can do that, the rest of us will iron on the fabric with some stitch witchery :)- And there you have it, a super affordable, Roman Shade.

Wallpaper Wednesday

I am in the process of finding the perfect wallpaper for a client. These are some of the ones that I am looking at. Which is your favorite?

2

3

4

5

Mine? So far in my hunt, I like #5. The golden color will bring out the shades in her granite, the background will look great next to her cherry cabinets, and go very well with her furnishings. I like the simple elegance of the pattern.

Don't Do It!

Christine,

I'm ready to re-do our master bedroom. I'm having trouble deciding (or knowing) what I should do with a large room that has a vaulted ceiling and a "plant" shelf. Standing at the door to the room, the vault runs up from right to left (the right side being the natural ceiling height of 8').

Currently, the walls are just white, with a border at the natural ceiling height of 8'. I'm going to take that down, and would like the wall in the picture to be an accent (dark) color. I just don't know where to stop the wall paint. Should I bring the ceiling color down to the 8' mark, and put up something like crown molding, or run the wall color all the way up to the ceiling? And which color (wall or ceiling) should be painted up on the plant shelf?

Your advice is much appreciated.
Trish Stukus

Dear Trish,

It all depends...

1. I don't see a bed on this wall?? This is one of my "rules." Accent colors are sometimes over used and poorly used. Any time that we are not in an extremely modern/ contemporary setting (which I can see that we are not)- an accent wall in a bedroom should only be used on the headboard wall. Why? Well, the headboard wall should be the focal point wall. The accent wall color should be on the focal point wall. If you split your focus, your room will never feel right, and (if it were not for this very helpful blog:)- you wouldn't ever know why.



2. OK- so let's say you just moved your bed- this is now the headboard wall. How high should you go... etc. Well- that depends- do you want a more contemporary feel, or traditional?

Traditional beds- like the one above, would be better off with a nice large piece of crown moulding, and - well- no accent wall at all. Accent walls are more conducive to a more contemporary setting.So- if you are going traditional- ix-ne the accent wall idea. But- is it not such a traditional look?Say- like this? or...A platform bed- like this? OK- go for it- do an accent wall- go ahead and carry the paint around to the vaulted area- or not- you can go either way... but are you sure you want it to be chocolate brown???? If you have a wood bed, I would not have the background to your headboard in brown. Choose a color that is a good contrast with the wood. Contrast is your friend :) OK- so you are ready to go- unless I have talked you out of your idea, and your color . Send us pictures - we love to see before and afters!

Beds from Bernhardt

Wallpaper Wednesday

Both of these papers, in the foreground and background are "high texture papers." With them comes a richness that absolutely "makes" the room. I love the cherry blossom pattern. For me, cherry blossoms have been up there with "butterflies" lately. I think it is the hot new pattern. And yes- I know these things. Pottery Barn has butterfly Christmas ornaments. I told you butterflies were the thing- and now- I am telling you- it's cherry blossom patterns. This is your Interior Design Meteorologist- signing off.

One More Eames

Did you ever watch Frasier?

Oh, I did. It is one of my favorite shows. So well written, fabulously funny characters, and a great apartment. I wanted to show you another of my favorite Eames chairs, as a continuation of yesterday's post. There it is, do you see it?

Up, on the wood floors, black leather...

There- behind the ironing board, from the famous "A Valentine for Niles" episode.

It is the Eames Lounge chair. See- great chair huh? Another classic.

The Perfect Addition

Styles come and go. This is one of the frustrating aspects of decorating some time. You purchase the perfect chair, you love it. Five years later you still love it! Seven years later you wonder if you should recover it.. Ten years after purchase, you no longer like it. Fifteen years later you HATE IT. It is out of style, and all wrong.

One way to avoid this cycle is by using classic, timeless pieces. The stool in the photo is designed by the fabulous Charles and Ray Eames. It comes in three distinct profiles, and is NEVER going to go "out of style." You read me right, never. This stool was designed in 1960, and is still manufactured and loved today. It has become a "classic."