Design Notes
Countertops are often underappreciated and underrated in the design world. They are the true workhorses of any space, as they are used regularly and withstand a great deal. We chop, pound, knead, spill, and more all over these smooth surfaces, yet they continue to function day after day. Unfortunately, they are not meant to last forever. Experts recommend replacing them every 10 to 15 years, especially if signs of wear and tear are evident, such as stubborn stains, chips, or cracks. Find a detailed list of reasons here on why you should replace your countertops. When shopping for countertops, itis essential to ask specific questions that can help you determine which one is right for you. To make it easier, we have compiled a list of the top five countertop questions, along with our best answers.
Which Countertop Is Easiest To Maintain?
This is an important quality to consider in your next countertop purchase since no one wants to spend more time cleaning than necessary, especially when you have little ones to care for. It is always an essential question to ask your designer or when you visit your local dealer to pick out your new slab. When it comes to countertops, quartz offers a beautiful look and is one of the easiest to maintain. It does not stain because it is non-porous. There is an added bonus to the non-porous aspect, which minimizes the amount of germs present in the kitchen and can give you peace of mind regarding your family’s health. Countertops made from granite, while always offering a stunning look, do require regular sealing. Quartz is a great choice for those who don’t wish to spend hours trying to keep their countertops clean and maintained. For more comparisons, you can read an article from FloForm, which shares information about several countertop materials.
Which Countertop Is The Most Durable?
When making a decision that involves a large investment, durability is a crucial factor. The goal of any home renovation is to create a space that is functional and perfectly suited to your family’s needs, and it is not something that is done every other year. Choosing a new countertop involves selecting a material that is going to last and stand up to everyday usage. When looking for a countertop that is both elegant and durable, Granite is the number one choice, though natural is not the only option available now. Engineered granite is making a statement in the design world, as it possesses all the desirable qualities of natural stone, but with a few added bonuses, such as enhanced durability. Granite, whether engineered or natural, can withstand high temperatures, meaning it can resist burn marks. It is also able to withstand scratches and dents, making it durable and resilient. It is also a good option for those with health concerns since it can resist bacterial growth. It is worth mentioning that quartz has also been named a top performer when it comes to durability since it is a man-made material. Both are good choices. The decision will come down to what is best suited for your family. This is where an experienced designer can be of help when trying to narrow down your best option.
Where To Put Countertop Seams?
A new countertop can transform your bathroom or kitchen into a space that looks brand new. The solid surface can make everything amazing and give you the added prep space you have been wanting. When you look at countertops, they seem seamless, as if they are just one big piece, but that is the work of a good fabricator and the precision cuts they make. The placement of your countertop seams is an important one and should be given good thought. A large kitchen island can involve multiple pieces that need to be assembled in a way that makes it look like one, preventing issues with dirt buildup if the seams are not installed correctly. Some things to keep in mind when selecting your countertop are the size of the slab. To minimize the number of seams, try to find one that can cover a large portion of the intended area. Places that should be avoided for seam placement include the sink, as it will create a weak spot due to minimal support. Darker-colored slabs can make it easier to hide seams, and having the seams near a natural breakpoint can also help.
Which Countertop Is Heat Resistant?
Kitchen countertops will be exposed to a lot of heat, especially from those who love to cook on a regular basis. Heat-resistant countertops are an important aspect to consider when selecting your new look and will make cooking easier since you are not worried about setting something hot down, like a pot or pan. Granite again tends to come out on top; the natural stone can handle a hot item with ease instead of having to place a trivet or hot pad first. This tolerance to heat comes from the fact that granite is formed under a tremendous amount of high temperature, paired with high pressure. Having the ability to simply enjoy cooking in the kitchen without worrying about a hot pad nearby is a great bonus to a new countertop. Countertops are meant to act as a large prep space where you can spread out and express your creativity with ease. It is also beneficial in the bathroom if you use heated appliances such as a curling iron on a regular basis. This should be one of the top questions you ask your designer when selecting your countertop material.
What Countertop Goes With White Kitchens?
Color is a crucial factor when choosing new countertops, as they are meant to last a long time and are not easily replaced every other year, making this decision significant. White kitchens remain a popular choice for cabinet colors as they pair well with other colors and blend with just about every style, including traditional and minimalism. While there is no truly right answer since your home is a reflection of you and should be enjoyed, designers caution against using only one color. Contrast is a beautiful element of design, intended to add visual interest and depth to a space. Dark countertops look absolutely stunning against white cabinets, both in the kitchen and bathroom. They can also complement a darker island, such as blue and even red, and provide contrast to the white perimeter. If you are not fond of the dark color scheme, you can opt for a soft gray or even off-white countertop, which allows you to stay in the lighter realm without blending everything together. Countertops come in a wide array of colors today, ensuring there is an option perfect for you and your taste.
Greenbrook DesignMany of our clients come to us from an hour or more away, often from the greater Charlotte metro area. A common question we hear is, “Why make the drive to Shelby when there are design centers closer to home?” It’s a fair question—and one we completely understand. That’s why we’d like to share a few key reasons why we believe the experience, service, and value you’ll find at Greenbrook Design make the trip well worth it.
Walker WoodworkingThere are many elements that help assemble the perfect design for your space, such as color, texture, and pattern, but one, in particular, plays a key role in making a statement: the focal point. Without a focal point, a room can feel busy or even boring, as it lacks something that immediately draws the eye. This is one of the reasons it is essential to include a focal point in the design; however, given its critical role, sufficient thought should be given to placing it in the optimal location. How do you design the perfect focal point that stands out without overpowering everything else? How do you best use focal points in a room or design with it in mind? Let’s explore the answers to getting the most out of your focal point.
Greenbrook DesignThe sofa is often one of the first things we notice when entering the living room since it tends to be the largest object in the room. We love to stretch out to watch TV or curl up under a blanket to read a book. Sometimes it also ends up being the quick solution to an additional place to sleep when in a bind. Designers have verified that this is a key piece of furniture for the living room, making it a sizable investment when the time comes for it to be replaced. As it is so important to the design, it stands to reason that there should be some things considered before making your next purchase. What things, exactly, should you look for before finalizing your choice, and what makes a sofa perfect for your home? Read on to find out some helpful tips that can assist you in picking your next sofa.
Home is the place where everyone can fully relax and be themselves. It is the center for all of our main activities, but sometimes we need a space that caters to our specific needs, especially when it comes to husbands and wives. This is why his and her spaces were invented: to give each an area to call their own, tailored to function just for them. From bathrooms to bedrooms and even the home office, having something that functions for your unique lifestyle routine can make a big difference in how you accomplish your day-to-day tasks with minimal stress and maximum success. When designing for these spaces, what should you include? What areas matter most, and how do you create the perfect his and her space within the same square footage? Let’s answer those questions for multiple areas within your home.
Walker WoodworkingPersonal Expression Through Design. There is no denying the truth found in the statement, your home is your castle, and who doesn’t want a custom castle? Now, more than ever, there are items available to help you completely personalize your spaces to reflect your unique personality. There is freedom to break the traditional design rules of the past and express yourself in so many ways by combining what you love into something new. Every area of your home should tell guests your story; it should speak to them of the things that matter most to you. By selecting colors, textures, patterns, shapes, and art that accurately reflect your individual tastes, you can achieve that goal. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box and share what matters to you. At its core, that is what design is about: using a combination of varying elements to tell your story to the world.
Walker Woodworking 
Greenbrook Design