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Counterbalance
AFTER
T H E L AT E S T I N C O U N T E R T O P O P T I O N S Solid surface countertops in a light color, along with white cabinets open up this kitchen. The dark-stained wood floors add impactful contrast Photo courtesy of Candice Olson Kitchens & Baths.
BEFORE
Countertops are the center stage of every kitchen. We naturally tend to focus on that surface area, be it a tiny galley kitchen or a grand gourmet kitchen. But counter surfaces don’t just get to sit there and look pretty, they have to put up with food prep messes, hot pans, frozen foodstuffs, a parade of small appliances, and all the non-cooking items that always seem to linger on kitchen counters. The spectrum of material choices ranges from Formica to granite to quartz to concrete. With countertops being such well-used surfaces, what is the strongest, most durable countertop surface material? “Quartz-based countertops are the most durable with granite not far behind,” says David Leva of Dream Maker Kitchen & Bath. “Concrete is strong but requires regular maintenance due to its porosity.”
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WROUGHT IRON FURNITURE
Excellence in Iron
281-446-4244 • 2803 FM 1960 E • www.ironplus.com 3 miles East of Hwy 59
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11330 Northwest Freeway Houston, TX 77092 (290 West b/t 34th & Antoine) 713.957.0003 Phone 713.957.1450 fax M-F 10-6:30 • Sat 10-6
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www.pulloutshelf.com 49
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ABOVE: This Caesarstone Blizzard 2140 solid surface quartz countertop pairs well with Mid-Century Bertoia barstools.
Leva says good ol’ laminates, such as Formica, are not as hard as stone and quartz products, but have been used for decades and can be quite adequate for kitchen countertops. “My parents have had the same Formica in their kitchen for over 35 years and it still looks fine even if it is not fashionable,” says Leva. “Quartz-based tops are more durable than granite, because, in LEFT: Timeless marble countertops add understated elegance. Photo courtesy of Kitchen & Bath Concepts.
CONSIGNMENTS FINE FURNISHINGS ESTATE FINDS • ANTIQUES 9,000 Square Foot Showroom Open 7 Days Per Week New Inventory Arrives Daily
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713.942.2277
DOORS & ACCESSORIES
Beautiful custom mahogany and ash doors and fabulous beveled glass designs handcrafted on location!
TEXAS CONCRETE EFFECTS, INC. polishes every floor to the smoothest finish attainable with the same diamond polishing equipment and technology used on fine marble and granite surfaces. Color is unleashed from minerals that naturally occur in the concrete through the use of genuine acid stains. The finish will never peel or bubble.
TEXAS CONCRETE EFFECTS
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BEAUTIFUL NATURAL LUSTER SMOOTH AND REFLECTIVE MARBLE QUALITY FINISH FINE DETAILED MARBLING FOUND NATURALLY IN THE CONCRETE UNSURPASSED SCRATCH RESISTANCE– THE FLOORS ARE SEALED FROM WITHIN LOW TO NO MAINTENANCE A FLOOR PROVEN TO ADD BEAUTY AND VALUE TO YOUR HOME USE OF GREEN, LEED CERTIFIED, INDUSTRY PROVEN PRODUCTS AND EQUIPMENT ONLY FAMILY RUN BUSINESSOWNER SUPERVISES AND WORKS ALL PROJECTS.
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HOUSTON I BRENHAM I BEAUMONT I CONROE I VICTORIA 51
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addition to being strong, they are non-porous and resist stains,” says Leva. He warns that granite left unsealed is not stain-resistant and notes that most wood countertops are made to cut and wear and be resurfaced several times. “Quartz-based countertops are unparalleled when it comes to durability and reliability,” says Leva. “It is produced by several companies including: Silestone, ECO, Caesarstone, Okite, Staron and others.”
Caesarstone Carbone solid surface counter tops create a dramatic pattern in this modern kitchen.
SECURITY WINDOWfilms that
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FALCO CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Since 1976
• Remodeling Specialist Interior & Exterior • Outdoor Kitchens • Room Additions • Patio Rooms • Painting • Granite & Tile • Hardie Siding • Windows & Doors • Fire-Flood-Wind Insurance Claims www.falcoconstructioninc.com Kitchen and Bath Remodels
281-797-1430 Mobile 281-999-0163 Office 52
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14034 Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77079
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ALL CABINETS
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Call for FREE ESTIMATES
832.582.8708 www.usacabinetco.com Over 35 years of experience with kitchen and bathrooms 5201 Mitchelldale St., Suite B-10. Houston, TX 77092 • Mon-Fri, 9-5 • Evenings and Weekends by Appointment
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project Leva explains that quartzbased materials tend to be more consistent in coloration than most granites. Granites tend to have the most movement, which is also called veining and flow. OTHER FACTORS
Beyond durability and appearance, there are additional considerations when choosing countertop surface materials. Factors, such a noise, glass breakage, stain issues, upkeep, are worth
Wilsonart’s Corinthian Limestone countertop paired with their Silver Travertine bull nose-edged island countertop.
ECO CONSTRUCTION Kitchen & Bath Specialist
PATIO COVERS Aluminum & Composition
Hablamos Español
1124 Rosenburg (25th at Ave. L) GALVESTON, TEXAS 77554 409-763-6161
You Break’em... We’ll Fix’em! Window Coverings: Blinds Pickup & Delivery Shades Available Shutters Most repairs can be made on-site
City Blind Repair 54
I
The Islands Best Kept Secret
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Call George @ 281-685-8657 • www.ecoandyou.com
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Custom Picture Framing International Art Jams World Clothing The Original San Miguel Shoe Home Decor Accessories Local Art Antiques And Much More!
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281.734.5368 keith.txstone@gmail.com
281 830-5680 www.vollmercustompools.com 55
project thinking about. “Wood is probably the quietest countertop material and the most forgiving if a glass hits it,” says Leva. “Granite and quartz-based materials are extremely dense and rigid and could cause anything that hits it to break.” PRICE CHECK
Of course all of these materials vary in price. “The least expensive countertop material is laminate—products like Formica and
Caesarstone Concrete countertop helps to create visual continuity in this eco-friendly home.
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BOUTROS CONSTRUCTION ALL
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281.376.6262 • 1.800.301.6262 57
project Wilsonart,” says Leva. All of the rest are probably pretty close in price. Some rare colors of granite cost more than some quartzbased materials but some common granites can be quite a bit less.” He also notes that prices are determined by many factors, including color, thickness, edge profile and more. The easy part? Once ordered, new countertops can be installed in just one day!
Traditional kitchens can become dramatic by using contrasting tones of granite. Photo courtesy of Traditional Designs.
FLOOR DECOR
One who arranges detail, form & color
Residential & Commercial Design
CARPET • HARD WOOD • LAMINATE • STONE/TILE • COUNTERTOPS
• Remodeling concept to completion
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(Using existing furnishings)
• Custom furniture, upholstery, window treatments • Curb appeal: Exterior elevation modification, landscape design TX Lic.#811180 ACR-2242
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R U B I N ’ S Custom Rugs and Fine Carpet
Custom Rug Work Room Wall-to-Wall Carpet
•
Binding Service
3130 Rogerdale Rd., Suite 150 • www.rubinscustomrugs.com
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National Wood Flooring Association
713-977-6382 3416 Fondren Rd • Se Habla Español
CUSTOM GLASSWORK • Etchings • Transoms • Sidelights • Beveled Doors • Stained Glass • Stained Glass Domes Over 20 Years of Experience on Residential & Commercial Properties. • Dramatic Uplighting • Delicate Moonlighting • Feature Lighting
• Tree Lighting • Low Voltage Lighting • Security Lighting
• Shower Enclosures
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On Site Repairs
ART GLASS BY WELLS
Since 1962 12307 Chimney Rock • Houston, TX 77035 (713)729-3699 • www.artglassbywells.com
DESIGN & ESTIMATE
Don’t Rip Out the Tub Just Because It’s Rough & Old!
Clearly Different • Clearly Superior Since 1983 New showroom displays featuring the latest trends & technology
Before
Tile Refinishing 00
375
$
After
LIMITED TIME OFFER: $295 FOR TUB RESURFACING!
• CABINETS • COUNTERTOPS • CULTURED MARBLE • TILE • TUBS • APPLIANCES
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281.970.1075
™
Bay Area Kitchens (281) 338-2737 • www.BayAreaKitchens.com 17306 Hwy 3 @ Medical Center Blvd. - Webster To the Trade to the Public - Since 1983 • Appointments Recommended
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project Resources CREATIVE TOUCH INTERIORS Peggy Hull, ASID, 713.529.7681, www.mycreativetouch.com DREAM MAKER K&B David Leva 281.242.2112, www.dreammakerhouston.com BAY AREA KITCHEN & BATHS 281.338-2737, www.bayareakitchens.com BV GENERAL CONTRACTOR SERVICES 832.893.2457, www.bvgeneralcontractorservices.com FSD FLOORS & REMODELING 281.463.9222, www.floorspringdesignz.net GRAND STONE 832.678.5100, www.granitecountertopsofhouston.com TRADITIONAL DESIGNS Dave Allum 713.463.8500, www.traditionaldesignsltd.com Peggy Hull, ASID, added a stainless steel island to this all white kitchen. The result is light, bright and clean.
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Every Yard has the potential to be
Extraordinary That’s what we do in the Zone. Landscape Design & Installation l Maintenance l Irrigation l Drainage l Hardscapes l Arbors
GLASS, MIRROR & WINDOW SERVICES We match any competitor’s offer. • Custom Shower Enclosures • Antiqued Mirrors • Decorative Wall Mirrors • Custom Table Tops • Mirrored Walls • Window Replacement • Picture Frame Glass • Crystal Repair
Fountains & Ponds l Outdoor Lighting & Mosquito Systems l Ornamental Fencing l Outdoor Kitchens
713-523-7369 1020 W. Gray Houston, Tx 77019 sales@bobbittglass.com www.bobbittglass.com
Call to schedule a consultation.
713.819.0466
www.zoneninelandscape.com
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