Monthly Archives: January 2012

Different Counter Choices

Posted on by Nest Interiors

It is important to be aware of the style and durability of the different types of counter surfaces when making a selection for your kitchen or bath. New materials are constantly being introduced into the market place and there are now more choices to select from than ever before. What surface might have the best look for your home might not be the best solution for your lifestyle. Below we list some options that homeowners often times overlook. Don’t forget: you can mix your materials, apply one material on the main counter tops and an alternative material on your island or pantry bar.

Zinc
Like most design trends- Europe had this one first. Zinc has been used in Europe for counter surfaces for a while and just started becoming known in the states within the last few years. The zinc is actually sold in sheets in various thickness (usually ranging somewhere between .02″ to .03″) and welded together at the seems. Being a natural material, each piece will vary from the other providing differences in the color ranges. For the most part zinc is a durable counter surface- it is subject to minor scratches, anything large can be sanded out. It is naturally antimicrobial, will naturally patina, and should not be directly cut on. The price to get a Zinc counter top will run you in the ballpark of $100-125 per square foot.

Stainless Steel
Stainless countertops are a great way to give a kitchen an industrial feel. Commonly used in commercial applications, stainless counters are know for their ease of cleaning, and heat, stain, and bacteria resistant qualities. This great looking counter surface is vulnerable to scratches and dents and will show fingerprints. A non-directional finish will help minimize the appearance of scratches. Its price tag ranges from $100-200 per square foot.


Glass
Glass counters give a very contemporary look to a kitchen or bath. Because of its translucent / transparent quality glass can be back-lit, giving it a fun modern feel. Glass counters are available in wide variety of colors, textures and thicknesses. It is a non-porous material and it is not recommended to set hot cookware directly on it. Scratches can be polished out, and standard glass cleaner is the most maintenance it will require. Glass counters are expensive- ranging from $150-300 per square foot- as for why it is commonly used in small amounts.

Wood
Wood can be used in a butcher block format for kitchens or baths and give a warm natural feel to a space. Many people are surprised to find that wood counter tops are antimicrobial. Commonly domestic species such as walnut, oak, and maple are used but exotic harder woods are becoming more popular. The strips of wood are glued and laminated together. Wood counters will show scratches, will require a regular wipe down with mineral oil and will show stains. The price range for wood counters vary from $30-150 per square foot.

Choosing a countertop for your project? Give Nest a call to help guide you though the process. 882.NEST (6378)

Contemporary Design – Phase 1

Posted on by Nest Interiors

The Challenge:

Turn this traditional living space into a contemporary media lounge.

-Need enough seating for up to 17 people

-Incorporate both the 8′ movie screen and the fireplace as focal points of the seating area.

-Open up living space to kitchen

-Space plan so there is a comfortable, intimate seating arrangement while maximizing the floor space.

- Create a modern space with warmth.

-Keep two large windows at the end of the living room.

-Had to keep the step up around the fireplace because of piping that runs beneath.

-Do something with the side door and basement stairs.

the space




preliminary sketches



Extend the existing half wall to a full wall and lengthen it to create a hallway that can access the side door and basement stairs, while hiding them from the interior view of the room. The opposite side of the wall houses the movie screen, television, and media accessories. During phase 2 and phase 3, the media wall will be further developed to create an organized mudroom/closet area, back-lit columns, open shelving to accommodate the clients media accessories, etc. The three sided fireplace is custom designed to divide the living/media room from the kitchen while keeping the spaces open to each other for socializing. Varying ceiling heights, soffits, lighting, and wall bump outs will be utilized in the space to add visual interest.

preliminary 3d rendering/material choices

 


Slate, onyx, wood, and glass are some of the materials that will be used in the space.

Check back often to see phase 2 and phase 3 of our contemporary design project.