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February 2015 | ForResidentialPros.com | 23 MATERIALS USED: slate Paperstone (island); Cambria Cuddington quartz (perimeter countertop) DESIRED LOOK: The hand-painted tile from Pratt & Larsen set the stage for the kitchen's design. "The pattern – while beautiful and timeless – is com- manding, so it was important to fnd a balance with understated countertop materials." ACHIEVING THE LOOK: These clients have Paper- stone in their home in Minnesota and they love it, notes the designer. "I was thrilled to fnally get to use the product because it's been a hard sell because of the price. The concept of paper usually makes people pause too long as well. But I love the matte fnishes, durability and overall concept of this line." MOST CREATIVE ASPECT: "Creativity for the coun- tertops came into play when working through the best height for the island, considering that the cli- ents entertain and cook day to day. I also had to consider the two diferent countertop fnishes and how they played with the backsplash, lighting and cabinet fnished. I liked the idea of not having the two countertop surfaces match…instead carry- ing the charcoal tones in the tile pattern forward to the island while still getting to showcase the bright base of the tile against the quartz." COUNTERTOPS' ROLE IN THE KITCHEN: "Counter- tops are the Amy Poehler of "Parks and Recreation." They are the show-stop- ping work horse…the backbone of the kitchen! The countertop material has to be a surface that relates not only to the overall vision, but is also friendly with the budget and practical in how it is used. This element is critical to the success of the kitchen and it should meet all major points in the design." TRENDING COUNTERTOP MATERIALS: quartz and concrete. "Granite is still having a day, but I don't gravitate toward it. I'm also seeing porcelain slabs trending, which are really awesome. They ofer bright and refective options and are seemingly impossible to burn." MOST UNIQUE COUNTERTOP MATERIAL USED: 3form resin. "I've used these resin countertops as bar tops and bathroom vanities," she says. "They ofer a lot of color and pattern options, and they are fun to introduce into a space that is screaming for a kick of something unusual!" MATERIALS USED: Vetrazzo recycled glass (island); Caesarstone quart z (perimeter) DESIRED LOOK: This family needed a more functional kitchen that could accommodate its four members. They also wanted a design with modern/con- temporary elements and features. "The previous kitchen had a tiny island, with a cooktop, that just wasn't very usable. We wanted to expand the new island to incorporate user-friendly space for work- ing and conversing. Moving the cooktop to a perimeter wall freed up some island space for the addition of a secondary sink, which means two people can eas- ily work in the kitchen. We also removed a walled-in pantry and replaced it with a wall of bamboo cabinetry that includes the refrigerator, wall ovens and plenty of food storage." ACHIEVING THE LOOK: The new kitchen attracts a lot of attention from Houzz visi- tors who are immediately drawn to the vibrant, focal-point island. Its multi-hued recycled glass top sits above a pedestal sheathed with iridescent mosaic glass. "The countertop has a lot of bright col- ors…reds, greens and blues. The rest of the countertops are 'quieter' so the island can make a statement." MOST CREATIVE ASPECT: The new island features a 48" diameter circle at one end that extends the seating area into the previous nook, flling the space while al- lowing for adequate trafc fow around it. "Its shape is friendly for conversation and easily accommodates four people. People can hang out in the kitchen without be- ing in the work zone." COUNTERTOPS' ROLE IN THE KITCHEN: Countertops are an important feature in a kitchen that gets a lot of wear and tear, notes Ellentuck. As such, they need to be durable. However, functionality and beauty are also important. "Generally, people want something they will be com- fortable using over time, with colors that ft the scheme of their homes." TRENDING COUNTERTOP MATERIALS: quartz. "Quartz is number one right now. There are a lot of manufacturers that have a lot of nice products. We are still using granite, which is the go-to choice when someone wants something unique or unusual…something one-of-a-kind. Recycled glass and concrete are popular, too, and one manufacturer ofers quartz that looks like concrete. But it really just depends on what the client is looking for as far as look and function." MOST UNUSUAL COUNTERTOP MATE- RIAL USED: etched glass. "I had one client who used glass as part of a raised coun- tertop. It featured an etched pattern on the undersurface." Photo: Michael Cole Photography DESIGNER: Karen Ellentuck, ASID, Ellentuck Interiors, Seattle, WA DESIGNER: Jennifer Visosky, principal designer, Grace Home Design, Jackson Hole, WY Photo: David Agnello