Kitchens are truly the metaphorical heart and hearth of any home, so it is natural that we want to optimize this critical space for functionality, aesthetic design, and visual appeal. Of the many elements to consider when planning a kitchen renovation - appliances, backsplashes, cabinetry, the list can go on and on - countertops stand out as especially critical. While a countertop must be practical for the everyday purposes of food preparation, style is important, too, given its centrality as a focal point in the overall kitchen design.
There are a plethora of materials to choose from when considering a new kitchen countertop, and the array of choice can be overwhelming. Two of the most popular choices on the current market are granite and quartz, yet we find that many people are often confused as to how these two materials differ. Below, we outline the key differences between granite and quartz, along with details on upkeep so that you can make the best choice for your next kitchen reno.
Granite: The Long-Standing Favorite
Granite has been the top choice of countertop for many years now, and it is easy to see why: it is a stone material that, when polished, offers a sleek and luxurious look to any kitchen. Granite is also available in a multitude of colours and patterns and can certainly add visual interest to any kitchen. It is important to note that granite is a natural stone, which means that upkeep is required to keep a granite countertop looking its best. Acidic liquids such as citrus juice, wine, and vinegar, along with foods like tomato sauce, can eat into the granite if not promptly wiped up. Even standing water left on a granite countertop can eat into the polish and should be promptly removed. Finally, it’s also imperative that granite countertops are sealed regularly. We recommend once a year.
Quartz: A Rising Star
An increasingly popular choice of material for kitchen countertops is quartz. Like granite, quartz offers the appearance of glossy, sleek stone and also comes in a variety of colours and patterns. Unlike granite, however, which is 100% natural stone, quartz is engineered stone using 95% ground quartz mixed with 5% polymer resin. The engineered aspect of quartz makes it the more durable material of the two. In addition, being non-porous, quartz is also more resistant to staining and corrosion. Although you will still want to take close care of a quartz countertop, there is no need for annual resealing, as with granite. Finally, quartz can be less expensive than granite, although there are many variables that can impact costs.
Of course, homeowners are not confined to granite or quartz for their kitchen countertops. Stainless steel, wood, marble, onyx, soapstone, travertine, even glass and concrete are lux options.
Planning your next kitchen reno and confused about which countertop material is best for you? Reach out to Napier Valley to discuss your options and needs!
When renovating your home, we often contemplate things like home layout, window placement, paint colour and furniture selection. Our goal is to elicit a specific feeling when we walk into a room. One thing we often overlook is the importance of light in a room. Specifically, natural light. Here are some tips on how to effectively utilize natural light in your next home renovation.
Assess Your Space:
Before you make any large decisions about your renovation, first we should examine the rooms and how natural light is currently being used. Which rooms get the most morning light? Which rooms get light only in the evening? Understanding how your home currently gets natural light will help when making these renovation decisions.
Maximize Windows and Doors:
When making your layout decisions, the easiest way to increase natural light is to simply increase the number of windows and doors. This could be done by enlarging your current windows, adding more window slots, or even creating a skylight. When it comes to doors, the easiest way to improve natural lighting is to swap out your current doors with doors that have glass panels, such as French doors.
Choose Light Colors:
Now that we have increased the amount of opportunity for light to enter our room, how can we modify the room to give the impression of more light? One of the simplest ways to do this is to opt for lighter colors when painting your room. Lighter-coloured paints reflect more light when it enters the room and give the impression of a brighter, fuller space. Consider colors such as eggshell, pale gray, or various pastel colors.
Open Floor Plans:
Creating an open floor plan can expand the sense of space in a home. This can facilitate the flow of natural light. A window that normally only receives afternoon sun can now help spread light throughout the other rooms in the home. Combining these two aspects of home design can create a sense of spaciousness and connectivity.
Trim Foliage:
Exterior landscapes can have a significant effect on how light enters your home. Something as simple as trimming foliage around windows and doors can create a dramatic improvement in how much light enters your space.
By incorporating these strategies into your next home renovation, you will harness the most powerful energy source of all. Natural light will fill your room in ways you never expected, causing you to rely less on artificial light. All of this, and you can look forward to having a brighter and more inviting living environment.