Friday, August 5, 2011

The Kitchen Chronicles: I'll counter that.

Well, it took a little crying, a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but after our window installers cancelled AGAIN today I got through to the head honcho over there and he sent over 3 poor souls who agreed to work late, miss the football game and get it done tonight. I swear getting this thing installed has been more painful than child birth. They are only 30 or 40% done but it already looks bright and airy down there. I guess it should considering we have a hole in our wall the size of a small car.




Besides displaying my powers of persuasion all afternoon on the phone (which may or may not have been closer to threats of violence) Wren and I also wrapped up our hunt for the perfect counter tops! We have gotten quotes from a handful of fabricators on everything from quartz to Cimstone to Silstone to marble to granite. We thought long and hard about how dedicated we are to getting the 'look' we're after and what we are willing to do to care for these counters and in the end our hearts told us to go with our original instinct and go with marble. Surprisingly many local fabricators told us they would not be willing to install marble in a kitchen. But once we settled on a fabricator to work with we had to decide the type/color of marble and finish and this is where the real debate began.




I found both carrera and gioia slabs that I really liked the coloring of but in the end we went with a carrera and at the last minute decided on doing a honed finish. For those of you who are like me circa 2 months ago and have no idea what that means, it is just the finish of the stone. Honed stones are not glossy in appearance.






Here are a couple of kitchens with glossy carrera and you can see why I like the sleek, chic look of it.







But in the end I feel that the traditional look of honed stone will add a nice contrast in texture to the stainless steel appliances and shiny chrome faucet and door hardware. Plus it seems to have softer lines/veins and the colors feel more muted. As for the edge profile, we went with the traditional look of the square edge like both the kitchens below with honed counters in a 3cm thick slab for added chunkiness.





Thankfully our awesome project coordinator at the fabricators office assured me that since we are going into this with our eyes wide open she doubts we will have any complaints or issues with marble. It sounds like if we keep up on sealing it and don't just let messes sit around they should look as good as new for years to come!




And I promise that once it all comes together I will share all our source info and pricing for anyone interested~

23 comments:

needle and nest said...

Thirty years ago, when my folks were having their house built, my dad used to practice what he called "Donut Diplomacy". Basically, he'd stop by the house every so often bearing gifts of donuts and hot coffee (or similar treat) for the workers. It seemed to work wonders when he wanted to get something done. Happy workers make for more productive workers, right? ;) Anyway, I can't wait to see what the changes look like!

Pine Tree Home said...

You gotta go with your instincts. You'll hear all sorts of horror stories for every type of counter top imaginable. In the end think about what is classic and that is marble. Can't wait to see how it turns out. Enjoy the process.

DustyLu said...

I love all the images! We have carrera marble and it will be the only thing I put into our kitchen! I don't mind the maintenance!!! I even like the imperfections it gets when a stain gets on it! Makes it looked lived in!!! Great choice!!!

Vintage Home said...

...wow ...so exciting ...Love the choices and can't wait to see them!

YoYo said...

We have had carrera in our kitchen now for 8 months and have loved it. It can scratch easily, but it is not noticeable nor does it make us upset. The first scratch is the worst (just like on wood floors), but I agree with DustyLu...It looks lived in and natural, as a kitchen should! You won't regret it!

Sush said...

Oh I love the marble countertops those are the ones I have lusted for! My daughter works as a designer in a Kitchen and Bath shop so we are planning on having lots of fun!

Hugs~

Elissa said...

I cannot wait to see your kitchen when it's finished! You are describing my dream kitchen in these posts! And I agree, go with what you really really love. If you know what you're getting into, you'll make it work if you love it.

Anonymous said...

I have Carrera too. I LOVE IT!! You will love it too. how exciting.
The best best sealer is porous plus 311. works great. I have honed too and love the look of the honed.

The enchanted home said...

I never tire of seeing beautiful kitchens with white marble!! I have been visiting marble yards every day this week! Consider myself a quasi expert..haha. Anyway highly advise you to go with honed, the polished is even more prone to staining and often when people do put in polished (not many) they end up honing the stone...all the marble yards I went to said this, plus I love the aged and sort of old world look of honed marble. I am sure its going to be exquisite!

Unknown said...

Glad to hear so many of you are happy with yours and speak highly of using marble!

And thanks so much for sharing all your knowledge Enchanted!! I hadn't heard that so it is a nice pat on my back for making the right choice LOL.

To The Moon and Back said...

YAY! I love the look of honed marble. Can't wait to see it all come together for you.

Douglas said...

I'm sure it's going to be fantastic! Can't wait to see....Marissa

Rose said...

Me encantei com tudo que vi por aqui.Sigo seu blog e adoro seu estilo.
Bjs.

Kellie Collis said...

These kitchens are glorious! Loving that divine color! Have a wonderful weekend, Kellie xx

laxsupermom said...

Love the look and feel of a classic honed marble counter! Can't wait to see yours in place.

Anonymous said...

The window drama is sucktastic, but I'm glad you were finally able to get someone out there long enough to at least begin installing windows.

As for the marble, the honed look is great! I'm sure the shiny of the appliances will be enough, and marble holds up really nicely over time, I've found. Upkeep is pretty key, but that's true of all stonework. I can't wait to see your completed kitchen!

Christy said...

We have carrera in our kitchen as well. Many tried to sway us against it, but I haven't regretted my decision once! You'll love it!

Ali said...

I'm interested in pricing and details! I've been researching the marble too! I love it! Would you explain the difference pros and cons of honed marble or shiny marble? I wondered if one was more maintence? I'd love more details on how you decided! I love the pictures of the thick honed marble! Beautiful! :) So classic! I'm so excited for you! I'm years away from being able to do my kitchen so its fun to read about yours!

~ Ali

Sixty-Fifth Avenue said...

Bummer about the window installers! That is so crazy! The marble sounds just perfect...I can't wait to see it in place. Our exterior work will be starting in a few weeks, I hope, and feel a bit stressed already.

Valerie@chateaualamode.typepad.com said...

I love watching your kitchen chronicles come together. I think you made the right decision with your counters. So excited to keep watching your incredible dream kitchen come to be for you and your sweet family.

rachel @ Just a Touch of Gray said...

Ekkk! I'm so excited to see how this is going to turn out!

KL said...

I think it's going to look stunning! If our budget allows, I'd like my island to be Carrara marble but I think I wont have a sink in that section! It is interesting to hear the info about honed vs polished too. Can't wait to see your finished room and see source details!
KL

~Grace Happens~ said...

we've had honed carrera marble in our kitchen for the past 2 years. lots of etching has taken place and a few oil stains, but i still love it with all the imperfectoins. we cook and entertain a TON, and it has held up well so far. good luck!

 
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