Corian or Quartz Countertops, What Is Right for You?

 When renovating your kitchen, your countertops are a big part of it. In fact professionals will tell you that one of the most important design elements in your kitchen is your countertops. It is important to choose something that looks good but also something that is low-maintenance and durable. Corain and Quartz are two popular choices, so which is best? Here are some differences from the experts.

What is Corian and Quartz Materials?

Corian is a brand name and not a type of material, but is is often referred to as the name of a general solid surface material. Corian comes in many colors and the pigments are added to the resin so the color goes all the way through.
“Corian countertops are made of solid surface material, which is a blend of acrylic polymer and natural minerals, offering a seamless, non-porous surface,” explains Kerrie Kelly of Kerrie Kelly Design Studio.

Quartz is a bit different from Corian and can actually look a lot like natural stone surfaces such as granite or marble. “Quartz countertops, are engineered from natural quartz crystals and resins, providing exceptional durability and a wide range of colors and patterns,” says Kerrie.

Which Is More Durable?

Quartz is pretty durable and resistant to stains. Quartz will not scratch, mold and mildew like Corian sometimes will. Corain is still durable but is not as resilient. High tempatures will damage Corian so you cannot put a hot pan directly on Corian counters.

“While hot items shouldn’t be placed directly on quartz, it can withstand some heat as compared to Corian, says Jane Lockhart, founder of Jane Lockhart Design. It can be noisy when placing hard objects on the surface and it can be perceived as hard and cold if you regularly sit at a quartz counter when dining.”

Which Looks Better?

Quartz comes in many more styles and professionals say that is in one of the best countertops for cooking. “Quartz is mostly polished, but there are some options in a matte finish, says Jane. There is a multitude of patterns, colors, and finishes available with quartz, and many that have a layering of colors. Some quartz even has metallic-like gold and silver embedded within them.”

Which Is More Stain-Resistant?

Quartz is more resistant to stain but Corian counters are also resistant. Both are hygienic because there are no seams on the countertops. Both of these types of counters are non-porous and do not have to be sealed. These low maintaince materials do not need to be polished and spills are cleaned off easily.

Which Is Easier To Design With?

Corian is definetly the easier of the two to design with. This material has a higher percentage of binding resins that allows for greater flexibility in terms of shape.  “Corian is very moldable, allowing you to create a seamless sink or rounded corners, says Jane. There truly are no seams, so the opportunities are endless in terms of what length can be used or shape created. It is soft to the touch and relatively quiet when placing dishware or hard items on top. It is matte sheen, making it less of a visual statement than a glossy finish.”

Corian cost between $45 to $65 per square foot and quartz cost from $50 to $200 per square foot. “While Quartz can be more expensive than some other materials and may not withstand high heat as well as natural stone, their resistance to etching and staining is unmatched,” says Kerrie.

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Seven Small Changes That Will Make A Big Statement

 The housing market is still booming and many homeowners are still turning to renovations vs. buying a new home. In fact, budgets for renovations are rising due to the need for larger kitchens, outdoor spaces and smart home innovations. Here are some small changes that you can have done to your existing home that will make a big impact on the style and look.

Silestone for Countertops

Instead of using granite or marble, use Silestone for new countertops. Granite and marble are desired high end materials, however they are hard to maintain. The new Silestone is made using a patented HybriQ+ technology meaning the products are made out of 20% recycled raw materials, 99% recycled water and 100% renewable electricity.

LED Bulbs and Lighting Made with Responsible Materials

LED light bulbs are a fabulous way to help the planet because they consume less energy. There are many independent companies that will use eco-conscious materials to make lamps, pendants and chandeliers. Bicycle Glass Co. is one that makes high-end fixtures out of 100% recycled glass and David Trubridge makes pendants out of sustainable wood. If you are purchasing wooden items, always look for the Forest Stewardship Council- certified (FSC) label.

Silestone for Tile Backsplash

Ceramic tile has been the go to for a backsplash, but the process of making tile can be a little harsh on the environment. It uses a lot of energy to fire, press and dry the tiles and then the grout and the grout sealer that is used to install the tile can possibly have high levels of VOC’s (volatile organic compounds). These VOC’s can cause health issues for homeowners. Using a Silestone backsplash is the solution to eliminating these problems. The product is made out of renewable resources and can be custom sized so the slab fits the whole area.

Opt for Eco-Friendly Paint

Paint is an easy way to spruce up a space in a short period and with little out of pocket. Traditional paint contains high levels of VOC’s that are emitted in your home while the paint dries. A great greener and healthier option is Clare Paint which has zero VOC’s and is Greenguard Gold-certified and The Real Milk Paint Co with zero VOCS that is made with 100% organic materials. Look for the Greenguard Gold- certified label which means the products have low chemical emissions.

Silestone for Flooring

Concrete floors are made with natural elements but are not carbon-friendly. In fact, around 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the production of concrete. It also accounts for one-tenth of the world’s industrial water use. Silestone floors come in several different hues and are made with a carbon neutral process.

Natural Fibers and Textiles

Instead of using synthetic fabrics that are treated with chemicals, use natural fibers and textiles that are composed of recycled materials. Certain chemicals like adhesives and flame retardants let off harmful VOC’s. Textile waste is also bad for the environment but is being eliminated by using recycled fabric and mixing them with new materials. If you are interested in a rug, get one that is made out of organic cotton, linen, jute or sisal.

Remember to look for labels that say the materials are safe for you and for the environment. Using materials that are made out of recycled materials are a great way to help with the environment. The greener we are today, the better life will be tomorrow.

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2022 Kitchen Trends To Use In Your Home

The new year has brought new trends and design ideas for your kitchen. Here are 15 unique ideas to use in your kitchen this year.

Glazed Tile Backsplashes

This is all the rage in 2022 for your kitchen. Glazed tiles are covered with enamel or liquid glass before they are fired in a kiln. This process gives the glazed tile a nice shiny look. These tiles come in all different colors, sizes, shapes and designs. They can be incorporated into any style of home.

Mixture Of Modern And Vintage

This is like a sweet and salty delicacy. A modern farmhouse design has used this platform but this year it has bumped up a bit. Now modern materials, cabinets and appliances are mixed with a couple of large vintage elements. An example would be taking a modern kitchen space and adding a vintage-style kitchen island.

Statement Range Hoods

This trend has been around and is still going strong. Homeowners love a statement range hood because they are sleek and eye-catching. They definitely create a focal point in the kitchen. If you have a range hood, a budget-friendly idea would be to cover the existing hood with inexpensive untreated wood.

Statement Lighting

Kitchen lighting is always a great way to add a designer dynamic touch. Statement lighting is a great way to do this. It adds an artistic element as well as creates an eye-catching look.

Natural Elements

Using natural elements in the kitchen is a big trend this year. Natural elements not only bring the outdoor elements indoors, they also give a calming refreshing feel. These materials include stone, greenery/plants, wood and natural light colors.

Wire Mesh Cabinetry

Glass cabinets have been a nice touch in an upscale kitchen. This year the trend is now wire mesh panels. The wire mesh panels give a nice rustic and vintage feel without giving up a sense of sophistication. Wire mesh panels can be brass, gray or black and can be made out of all types of wire.

Captivating Color Combinations

Color combinations that are well thought out and planned can make a huge impact in the kitchen. This year, black and dark blue combined with white and gold accents are popular. This gives a stunning look because of the balance between light/warm colors and dark colors.

Eye-Catching Statement Marble

A big trend in solid countertops this year is strongly veined marble. It comes in all colors and levels of veining. Marble has always given a space a luxurious and upscale look. To be even more dramatic, designers are taking the marble up making it the backsplash.

Wood Finishes

Just like the natural look, natural wood finishes are back in style. A great way to incorporate this is using a butcher block countertop. Natural wood tones are warm and inviting.

Mixed Wood Finishes

Using a mix of wood finishes and colors is a great option for this year. Thinking outside of the box is the way to go this year. A great example is to mix different colored cabinets such as a mix of brown, black and white cabinets.

The Green Trend Continues

Green is a popular color this year. A great way to do this is using green cabinets in your kitchen. Green is calming and gives a simplistic and subtle look to the kitchen. Using olive green cabinets with white counters is in demand.

Natural Light

Like natural wood and natural elements, natural lighting is always a must. This year this is used in a designer's tool belt. Natural lighting gives the kitchen an open and bright eye-catching feel.

Tuxedo Kitchens

Last year the trend was all-white and now it is using dark and light. The new trend is called the tuxedo kitchen. This is where two colors are incorporated in a light tone and a dark tone.

Pet-Friendly Accents

Pets are a big part of many homeowners' lives. Adding pet-friendly accents to the kitchen is a no-brainer for animal lovers. These can include built-in water and food bowls or a built-in pet bed. This not only is a convient idea but is also a great way to save space.

Glass Partitions

A glass partition is an awesome option especially when you have an open living space. A glass partition will help keep noise and odors down from the kitchen and give a nice stylistic element to the kitchen. These can come in many different styles and colors.

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Tips To Take To Get a Higher Value on Your Home

 One of the first rooms a buyer looks at is the kitchen. The kitchen has become the heart of a home, and its functionality and appearance are important. This is the reason why kitchens are the most popular room for renovations. Remodeling a kitchen can be very expensive and a lot of work, but will add value to your home. Here are six tips to follow if you want to spruce up your current kitchen.

1. Paint or refinish your kitchen cabinets

This is a simple or cost-effective way to update your kitchen space. Outdated or dingy cabinets can harm a kitchen's look. If you decide to change the color of your kitchen cabinets, make sure to choose a color that blends with the color scheme of your home. Another simple idea to update your outdated cabinets is to replace the hardware.

2. Add a kitchen island

Every buyer loves more counter space. A kitchen island not only gives extra counter space but storage as well. A kitchen island can drastically open up the room by offering depth and making more efficient use of the space. Kitchen islands not only are a great place to prep food but also can be a great place for additional seating. A nice kitchen island can cost upward of thousands depending on the size, materials, and accessories. If you are on a tight budget, a nice freestanding table can make a great kitchen island.

3. Install new energy-efficient appliances

Energy-efficient appliances are a great way to save energy and cut down costs on utilities. Switching your existing appliances to energy-efficient appliances is a great way to start. When purchasing new appliances look for the Energy Star label.

4. Consider updating your kitchen floor

Kitchen floors get the brunt of the mess in a kitchen. They take a beating from hot food spills, foot traffic, and appliances being moved across the floor. Replacing your old flooring can give your kitchen a facelift. Remember to choose durable and easy-to-clean flooring. Great materials include tile flooring, hardwoods, or artificial wood alternatives.

5. Install a backsplash

A backsplash behind an oven is a great way to protect from harsh spills and build-ups. It also makes it easier to clean them up. Having a backsplash above the kitchen countertops can add dimension and color to your kitchen.

6. Update lighting

Poor lighting in any space is a no-no. A kitchen can look very dingy with poor lighting. Try updating your lighting fixtures with energy-efficient LED bulbs. These will not only brighten up your kitchen but will also add to your energy savings. Adding track lighting and dimmers are another great idea to add ambiance to the space.

A major remodel or a minor remodel with both do wonders for your kitchen and adds value to your home. A Realtor can help you determine how much value can be added.

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