Is butcher block in the kitchen a good idea?

Is butcher block in the kitchen a good idea? A lot of people would be concerned that wood is high maintenance. Others would argue that wood bring warmth into the kitchen.  They would both be right. Yes, it is true that wood does require maintenance, but you can seal with a oils. Just be aware that not all oils are food safe, so make sure you get one that is.

I'm not a big fan of using butcher block on all my kitchen counters, but I am a big fan of using butcher block on an island. They gives you the best of both worlds. The warmth of wood, but in a smaller area, where it's easier to maintain.

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How about using just a portion of your counter top as a butcher block? What a great idea. Easier to clean and maintain a small area.

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Butcher block are beautiful, and they do bring warmth into a kitchen. Especially in today kitchen where there is so much cold stone, (granite or quartz) being used. As far as maintenance goes, you can use oil, (like tung oil or raw linseed oil) to maintain it, and you should have no problems. In the event that you do have stubborn stains that won't come out, you can simply sand it down, bringing back the beauty of the wood!!

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Welcome to my Kitchen!

Welcome to my kitchen! In the past 22 years since I've own my home, it has gone through some major transformations. It took 2 years and 4 different phases to complete the look. I though I would share some photos with you to show you my journey, and perhaps to inspire you, on yours!

1992 - The original kitchen!! Ugh! But I saw beyond this disaster.  Mixed-matched cabinets. The boiler was actually in the kitchen (behind the door on the left). As well as the washer!! Don't you just love that light fixture?

Moved in and had to live with what I had for now, but I changed the light fixture and moved the washer  and boiler out of the kitchen.

1998 - Remodeled the kitchen. I had to live with the previous kitchen for 6 years!! But I finally got a new kitchen, with new cabinets, new countertops, and new appliances. Couldn't afford granite countertops or stainless steel appliance, but I was happy with this version of my kitchen.

2011 Time to remodel again!! After living with this kitchen for 13 years, it was time to remodel once again (Phase 1). This time I wanted an "open concept" floor plan. We had to a eliminated a bearing wall. I was adding an Island, but wasn't sure about the size I needed. So I took my blue tape and "drew" an outline of the cabinets on the floor to give me an idea. Looked good!!

What a mess removing the backsplash!

Had to replace the sheetrock when we removed the tiles.

Removed old molding  and replaced it with dentil molding instead. Much better.

Getting new cabinets was too expensive, and refacing was not an options, since I didn't like the materials being used. So I decided to paint my cabinets instead. I hired a company called Stone services. 

Before the painting company came in to paint my cabinets, I wanted to add wainscoting to my peninsula. (Phase 2)

This way when they came to paint, everything would get the same paint treatment.  As you can see from the picture, I did this before I removed the backsplash.

Everything had to be removed  inside my cabinets for the painting. What a pain that was!! Now you're probably wondering why there is painted sheetrock on my walls. This was Phase 3, so I had to live with the painted backsplash for a year!! 

Ok, almost done. The painting was done on the cabinets and the backsplash was added. I even did a feature accent above where the stove will be installed.

New granite countertop (added before the backsplash)

New stainless steel sink. 

As you can see, the dishwasher is black. And since it still worked well, I didn't want to replace it just yet. The refrigerator and stove were replaced, and that was expensive enough!! 

So I used a product called Soft Metal Film. It's adhesive product and looks just like stainless steel. I paid $28 for this project. Not bad!!

Friends and family didn't even notice it wasn't stainless steel!!

Last project (Phase 4). I wanted to continue the wainscoting on the wall.

Almost there. Last project, choosing the color and painting!

2013- Viola!! All done. I love they way it turned out. It took about 2 years,  and 4 Phases, but it was worth the wait. I also love the fact that it didn't cost me a fortune. When it was all said and done, I figured it cost around $20,000, including some labour cost. Much better then $50,000 plus, it would have cost me if I had gutted it all out!!

If you need help selecting colors, redesigning your home, or staging your property, Abella Home Staging & Redesign can assist you! Contact us and lets get started today! 

Granite vs Quartz?

The last 10 years or so, granite has been all the rage when it comes to counter tops. While it still is, quartz is steadily heading towards mainstream. Many people are under the impression that quartz is man-made. Not entirely true. Depending on the quality, quartz is 94% - 96% natural stone. Leaving 4% - 6% man-made. That is due to the bonding polymer agents. 

While granite is 100% natural stone, you are limited to what is produce by nature!

Granite

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Quartz

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You can see from the pictures above, it is a different look. Granite has a more linear look. Quartz has a more speckled look. But not ever piece fits that criteria. Granite, however needs to be maintained. Once a year you need to seal it. Quartz does not. It's maintenance free!! It also has a tremendous selection of colors. Personally I like them both!! And there is nothing to say you can't use them both in your kitchen. I know I did! Which one do you prefer? Or do you have a preference? Either way, quartz is here to stay, and I for one, like that!!

Granite or Quartz? Not Sure?

Granite Vs Quartz: Which is better? We all know that granite has been all the rage for kitchens and bathrooms for some time now. But I see quartz gaining momentum and even surpassing granite. As a Interior Decorator as well as a Home Stager, I try to keep current of what's hots and what's not. And lately, I've notice a trend towards quartz. And with good reason, here why:

1. There is no need to seal quartz, you do have to seal granite (unless engineered) every year.
2. Quartz is less porous then granite, making it more resisted to bacteria.
3. Quartz, although a natural stone, it is mixed with polymers resin, making it the best of both worlds, manmade and natural.
4. Granite, unless engineered gives off gasses called radon, which has been linked to lung cancer.
5. Granite has veins which can crack or chip. Quartz does not.
6. Quartz comes in many different colors.
7. Nothing beats the look of granite natural patterns.

According to the countertop industry trends, there has been a shift from granite to quartz. As a matter of fact, quartz has seen of growth of 13% as oppose to granite 5%. More and more designers and architects are choosing quartz over granite.

So what is quartz? Quartz is a silicone dioxide and forms individual crystals, patterns and colors. Quartz is then manufactured with a mixture of 93% quartz and 7% pigments and resin. The ratio can be change, the lower the quartz material, the lower the price and quality.

Falls of the Ohio State Park

Granite for all its beauty, has flaws. Engineer granite has the flaws engineered out, just like quartz.  Quartz seems to be the better choice, unless it's engineered granite. In which case, they became equal.

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Which ever you chose, you can't really go wrong. It's just a matter of preference.

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