7 Materials For Creating The Perfect Kitchen Countertop

The kitchen countertop has to be able to take a lot of abuse including the heat of pots, cutting and knives and abrasive cleansers. The ideal countertop should be able to stand up to heat and the sharp edge of a knife.

Let us take a look at 7 of the most popular kitchen countertop materials being used today:

Granite - A natural stone, granite is a popular choice for it’s classic beauty and durability. Granite is the hardest and densest of the natural stones. It can create a kitchen countertop that is extremely scratch resistant and can keep its luster longer than most materials. granite slabs are the most expensive of all kitchen countertop surfaces, although it is still considered a very practical material in that it is virtually indestructible.

Marble - Another natural stone, marble is considered to be the height of elegance and will last longer than most kitchens. It is however, is very expensive and requires some care: acidic foods such as orange juice will etch the finished surface of a marble kitchen countertop.

Slate - Because of it richness and beauty slate is usually used in interior applications such as kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks or fireplace surrounds. It can be used in either modern or traditional kitchens as well as in combination with marble. Slate is durable, strong, and can withstand hard use. It is less expensive than marble

Concrete - This is one of the biggest trends in kitchen countertops today. It is a good look for clean, industrial and contemporary kitchen designs. Available in pre formed sections or poured and formed on-site. Concrete is a good material for unusually shaped counters. Concrete kitchen countertopsare expensive, require a sealant and must be treated with care. The countertop can crack if the concrete should contract. Concrete can be stained any color. The most popular color is a natural gray tone. The top layer can be finished as desired.

Corian - A solid surface material that first became popular in the 1990’s It is highly recommended by kitchen countertop experts. It is a totally manmade product and is not porous. As a solid surface it can easily be repaired if scratched or burned.

Stainless Steel - Advantages include very hygienic, easy to clean, has ability to stand up to exteme wear and heat. Stainless steel can provide a great look for an ultra modern kitchen. Some disadvantages with stainless is that it can be noisy and that scratches can develop.

Tile - Tile surfaces can be tough, hard-wearing, takes hot pans, heat and stain resistant as well as beautiful. There are many types of tiles including ceramic, porcelain, quarry, glass, natural stone and mosiac. Available in many colors, sizes and textures. It has good design flexibility. Tile can often be used for trim or backsplashes. The downside of tile is that the grouts can be easily stained. Also the tiles can become chipped or cracked.

James Mahoney is the owner of Kitchen Designers Idea.com. Learn about today’s kitchen design ideas by visiting his site at Kitchen Designers Ideas.com. If you liked this article and would want to subscribe to his information packed newletter visit: Kitchen Designers Ideas.com

patio design

Have you ever thought about building your own outdoor patio furniture? As long as you have the right tools and the right resources you can build almost any type of patio furniture you can think of. If you are a parent you can even kill two birds with one stone by spending a little bonding time with your kid or kids building patio furniture. I would recommend starting off using cedar, pine or redwood as your building materials. It is better to start with these types of woods because they are usually much cheaper so messing up won’t be as bad as it would with more expensive wood like teak. I would highly recommend avoiding trying to build your own furniture from teak because teak is super expensive.

Building resources for Outdoor patio furniture include building plans, diagrams and usually lots of pictures. Building plans can often be located in magazines, books and online. There are books ranging from eight dollars to thirty dollars. There are also videos available that walk you through the process of building a specific piece of furniture step by step. For instance, for fifteen dollars you can buy a video online that shows you how to build a putter shed. You will need to locate tools and lumbers as well. Tools can be purchased in hardware stores most notable Lowes and Home Depot. Lumber can be purchased from a variety of different manufacturers. To find a lumber deal in your area check online or check your phone book.

1. Outdoor patio furniture ideas
2. Resources for building your own furniture

More about patio design

Colour Your World With Art

When you buy art, you may think you not consciously choosing a colour scheme so much as buying something which appeals to your eye. You may prefer certain subjects for your pictures, such as land or seascapes, but certain colours, which do appear in these types of painting do evoke inner feelings and emotions. We know that some colours are calm and restful, some are hot, fiery and emotive.

Apart from colours used in actual artworks, it is easy to change the look of a picture with the window mount or frame used for it’s display. Certain colours which may be used to mat a picture with can appear to alter colours used in the execution of a painting. You will not see this unless you actually place different coloured mountboards around a painting. Then you will see how different a painting can look. By selecting the correct colour mount, you can make a good painting look fantastic!

Next time you go out to buy artwork, instead of letting the subject dominate your choice, why not work out what feeling you would like the painting to add to your room. Do you want something to liven you up when you look at it; get the blood pumping, or do you want a picture that brings a sense of calm peace to a room? You can easily use colour to serve these purposes. So, how does different colour affect the senses?

Red - An intense colour, it stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It wakes you up, even agitates you……. It is also the color of love.

Pink - Is more tranquilising. Research has suggested that this colour makes people calmer. One prison painted their cells pink and it reduced aggressive behaviour among the inmates.

Orange - The bright, happy, stimulating colour. Also associated with learning, which makes it great for a children’s room.

Yellow - The colour associated with brightness and fun, although it is the most difficult color for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering. When used in small amounts however, it produces a warm sensation.

Green - The colour which symbolizes nature. Very easy on the eye, green is used in hospitals a lot because it is believed to relax patients.

Blue - The colour of the sky and the ocean; on of the most popular colours. It is thought to cause the opposite reaction to red. Evoking tranquillity blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals. However, too much blue can be cold or depressing.

Purple - A luxurious colour, associated with royalty. Although feminine and romantic, it is a colour rarely seen in nature so can appear artificial.

Brown - The most reliable colour; the colour of earth and which is abundant in nature. The favourite colour of many men, it implies genuineness although this colour can also be sad and wistful.

Black / white - Sleek, stark black and white have to be used with care in order not to look sterile and artificial. Great for bold abstract artworks though.

So, next time you decide to buy artwork for your home or business space, have a think about what feelings or emotions you want to evoke beforehand. Don’t simply pick a subject that you are ‘comfortable’ with such as animals, landscape or florals. Be adventurous; chose a different subject or go for evocative abstracts in colours that appeal to your senses.

Gail Miller is a professional artist whose
artwork is a visual feast of colour and fun.
Her fascination with bold colours and fluid,
expressive shapes and line are evident in
funky abstracts, sinuous nudes, vibrant still
life paintings and lively townscapes.
Visit her website at http://www.gailmiller.com