New Countertop Materials--sort of!

Plastic Laminate countertops and Cultured Marble countertops have been around for a long time but they both have made some interesting strides in finishes that I am really excited to share! 

Formica has introduced the FX series of countertops.  It is an exciting series of Granite-Like colors unlike their regular series! 
The have the look of granite and what is most impressive is that they have a texture to the finish that feels and looks more like a honed granite.  They are BEAUTIFUL!   We are very excited about them.  The price higher than the regular matte laminate finishes but fall well below Honed Granites!  We have several large samples to show and they look like slabs of granite! 

The other Countertop material that I am excited to talk about is the Cultured Marbe that is made of recycled materials.  They use crushed walnut shells, green bottles, glass, beer bottles, and mason jars.  The tops have a transulency that is beautiful and the best part is that they are in the same price point as our mid-priced cultured marbles!  Finally a "green" product with a reasonable price tag! 

The best part of this business is the constant innovations!  Every day something new comes out.  Sometimes it is terrific like these 2 products are! 

Before and After

I just got back from visting a job site and the changes in the room are dramatic!  Removing a wall between the dining room and the kitchen has made 2 dated, tiny cramped spaces into one great space!  Now there is enough room for a great island with seating and the dining room table.  No one is cramped and each space is used daily.  The white cabinets and black countertops give the room a Rejuvanted look.  They are clean and stylish without being too trendy.  Blue walls, black hardware, and stylized window treatments give the room trendy punches that can be changed at a moments notice!  It is fun to see these projects when they are finished and are being used!  This one was a sheer joy to be involved with!  Enjoy the Before and After snapshots I took! 

Cleaning your cabinetry

What's the best thing to clean your cabinetry?  Our cabinet manufactureres recommend that you use a polish that doesn't contain silicon.  Guardsman is a good one.  I have purchased it at Dahl's and have seen it at the "Box" Stores.  Use this when you need a good polish.  Daily Cleaning is simple.  Damp rag, wipe off with dry cloth.  Don't use the same rag that you used to wash your dishes!  Even if you clean it out it still contains detergents that are potentially damaging to the finish.  On that note, don't clean your handles with any cleaner.  Just a damp rag followed by a dry one.  Most hardware has protective coatings that will erode with chemicals!