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22 | Kitchen & Bath Design News | February 2015 Creative Countertop Designs By Kim Berndtson Unique materials, applications and color combinations create cool countertop designs with an artistic twist. I n today's kitchens, countertops are much more than just a work surface. They also serve as an integral part of the design, and often as a focal point for the space. The growing number of countertop materials ofered by manufacturers makes it easier, and in many cases more fun, to design with countertops that command at- tention. Consider the opportunities provided with materials that range from natural stone and quartz, solid surface and wood to glass, metal, recycled materials and more. Add a bit of creativity with interesting angles, mixed materials and LED lighting, and every client can have a unique statement piece designed specifcally for them. This month, KBDN features several kitchens with countertop designs that feature plenty of "cool." MATERIALS USED: Jerusalem Grey limestone; cold-pressed steel (raised island) DESIRED LOOK: With the goal of blending a rustic retreat with urban chic, Triggs created this Lake Tahoe getaway for a fun-loving fam- ily of four. Utilizing salvaged and reclaimed wood and industrial metals, this year-round vacation home exudes a sense of warmth. "The family was all about fun, family and friends. We strived to keep that rustic Tahoe feel but placed a premium on edgy over stodgy." ACHIEVING THE LOOK: "I knew I didn't want the typical heavy, knotty wood look…I'm tired of it. Instead, I wanted to create a contempo- rary, urban feel…without compromising the history of the gold rush days." To achieve that goal, she created a cohe- sive color palette in grey that includes the Jerusalem Grey limestone countertops as well as the raised metal island top. The metal top has industrial rivets that mirror those in the bar stools and complement the massive custom range hood sculpted from cold-pressed steel. The kitchen also features salvaged materials, including pendant chandeliers made from bas - kets designed to catch minnows. MOST CREATIVE ASPECT: "The Jerusalem Grey limestone is stunning! There is subtle movement in the stone and the grey color is gorgeous." COUNTERTOPS' ROLE IN THE KITCHEN: "The countertop and the backsplash end up being a main interest in the room so you want them to look great." TRENDING COUNTERTOP MATERIALS: quartz- ite. "It looks like marble but is durable like granite. I'm also using more famed and textured surfaces, in particular those by EuroStone." MOST UNUSUAL COUNTERTOP MATERIAL USED: plate steel. "We used it for the island and allowed it to wear down, adding charac- ter to the space. I've also designed a marble countertop that was cut on the bias, creating linear lines for a contemporary look." Photo: Philip Harvey Photography DESIGNER: Tineke Triggs, associate ASID, designer/founder, Artistic Designs for Living, San Francisco, CA