skip to main content

advice on mixing countertops, please

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

We are redoing our kitchen due to an insurance claim. While everything is out, I'd like to update things and mama goose and others here have helped me come up with a better layout.

Some of the costs will be covered by insurance, but they will not cover things like most of the cabs and none of the countertops. Since we did a reno about 8 years ago, we are not able to put a lot of our own money into this and I am trying to save costs wherever I can.

We are planning to move the range to a new wall where there will be more prep space on either side. That will leave a hole in the granite where it was. I was thinking of getting a piece of wood counter (possibly butcher block) to fit in that space as well as a piece for the right side of the range to balance it out. The island would also have the same wood top.

We are planning on having walls, backsplash tile and upper cabs all the same shade of white to try and tone down the busy-ness (I know 2 tone cabs aren't everyone's cup of tea, but I love it).

Here is a shot of the wall where we'd remove the range and add wood counter. I think the microwave will stay on a shelf where it is now.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

beachem
8 years ago
Take out the tiny piece of granite on the left so that you have all wood from where the granite ends. This will make it look intentional.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
8 years ago
How long is the top to the right? Maybe replace it all.
Related Discussions
mixing ice plants? please recommend other plant mix
Q
Comments (1)
I would tear it all out and put in Lantana. Although every year it needs to be cut back some otherwise it will get leggy. I have seen it in purple and yellow. Lantana can get 18 inches high though. Nurserys have it in flats in spring you'll need about 5 and likes full sun. You might still find it in 1 gal containers but that will cost you a lot more.
...See More
Mixed cabinet colors in house. Advice Please
Q
Comments (7)
Not sure if this helps or not, but we're doing a mix of stain and creamy cabinetry in our kitchen, the trim is SW creamy throughout the house EXCEPT in the study which is stained. We have french doors to the study that are stained on both sides and they are the only stained doors in the house. Our built-ins are the same SW Creamy as the trim, EXCEPT the bead board in the back is stained, as is the mantle. Obviously, I love both stained and painted wood so it was important to me to have them both. In your situation, I can't see why it wouldn't work to have a white kitchen and stained cabinets in an adjacent room. I think the key is to find a way to make the white kitchen warm, since stained wood is naturally warm. Just my very unprofessional 2cents :-) Here are some pictures of our house (in progress). Kitchen (all the granite is Brown Antique but some of it is covered with white paper) Family Room Study
...See More
Tomatoes, hay, and planting mix? Advice please!
Q
Comments (2)
Hi Rebecca Welcome to the forum! About your plans on growing tomatoes here, you are right on the timing and the planters. You have a good source of hay and manure, it is good for raised garden beds and mulching like Carol said. My containers soil is either Al's mix (container forum) or if I don't have it ready made I use 2 parts any good potting soil mix with 1 part of pine bark fines to lighten up. I make a lot of sauce when is tomato season, any tomato can be made into a sauce not only the paste tomatoes, I use a combination. It might be a good idea for you that is new to growing tomatoes to plant at least 2 different varieties and see what does the best for you, each season is an opportunity to try something new, eventually you will have your favorites. Have a good tomato season! Silvia
...See More
Mixing cabinet hardware to save $$$ {advice please!}
Q
Comments (4)
Hi Sativa, thank you for your ORB vote. This bathroom will predominately be used as a guest bedroom en-suite bath and on occasion, an alternative master bath as needed. The open spaces are for decorative trash bins. I wanted open spaces in #54 for rolled bath towels. I wanted the center section to look more like a furniture piece and larger since the height of the bathroom with the vaulted ceiling is 14’ and I wanted something grand to fill that space. The center section upper cabinet will also be mirrored since the space above the counter on either side have windows. Also, the linen closet (not shown) is very small and will be filled with cleaning supplies as well as a broom and a vacuum cleaner. I wanted the center cabinet to hold all other bathroom related needs but all stored very decoratively and not cluttered when guests open and peak in
...See More
daisychain01
Original Author
8 years ago
Good idea beachem. It will probably make it more stable as well.

Joseph, the whole wall is 12 feet. There is a sink under the window. I agree the ideal would be to replace it all, but I'm doubting whether we can afford it - especially if there is another option. I have no idea what stone goes for these days, but I think it was several thousand for that one piece 8 years ago when we got it.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
8 years ago
Take the small piece to a fabrication shop and see if you can find a match. It's a longshot, but worth it.
daisychain01
Original Author
8 years ago
I actually have a matching piece from a small counter area that we will be removing that (I think) would fit the space. However, I'm not sure I'd want a seam right there. Don't you think that would look worse?
new-beginning
8 years ago
my last house had butcher block on either side of the range, and then the balance of the counters were granite - it was a "U" shaped kitchen so at least 50% more granite and butcher block but I loved it.
eam44
8 years ago
If the seam is done well it will not show, and honestly, if your kitchen is not large, you want to stick with one counter surface if possible. It looks as though the tiny piece of stone to the left of the range is not counter height (or actually level) - is that correct? This would be a good opportunity to level things out. Contact your stone guy and see what he can do. Good luck!
daisychain01
Original Author
8 years ago
"If the seam is done well it will not show"

That is exactly what I'm worried about. I was kind of hoping to use the extra piece beside the range, but it would probably look more intentional if I put the wood next to the range instead. Then I can use the extra granite to go in the empty space and hope that whoever the contractor gets actually knows how to make a seam.

It's a bit of a headache trying to reuse as much as we can, but it is also kind of fun and sometimes the way things end up when I'm trying to save money can be pretty cool.
mama goose_gw zn6OH
8 years ago
When you remove the extra piece, lay it against the existing counter to see if the pattern 'flows'. You never know how a seam is going to look until it's done, and in this case there won't be a replacement for a bad seam.

I think wood that matches the island, taken to the wall, would look OK there, and it will kind of follow the lines of the MW shelf. (It will also be great for kneading bread dough. I found out today that you can proof bread dough in the MW--thank you mrspete.) Using wood on each side of the range doesn't mean that you can't use it in the corner, too, as long as it's functional. If someone raises an eyebrow about the wood (and I'll bet it will never happen), tell them it's part of your baking zone. ;)

Related Stories

TASTEMAKERS Book to Know: Design Advice in Greg Natale’s ‘The Tailored Interior’

By Grace Chamia

The interior designer shares the 9 steps he uses to create cohesive, pleasing rooms

KITCHEN DESIGN Smart Investments in Kitchen Cabinetry — a Realtor's Advice

By Tiffany Carboni

Get expert info on what cabinet features are worth the money, for both you and potential buyers of your home

Straight-Up Advice for Corner Spaces

By Shawn Gauthier

Neglected corners in the home waste valuable space. Here's how to put those overlooked spots to good use

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Design Tips Learned From the Worst Advice Ever

By Mitchell Parker

If these Houzzers’ tales don’t bolster the courage of your design convictions, nothing will

KITCHEN STORAGE Knife Shopping and Storage: Advice From a Kitchen Pro

By Tiffany Carboni

Get your kitchen holiday ready by choosing the right knives and storing them safely and efficiently

THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE Sound Advice for Designing a Home Music Studio

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

How to unleash your inner guitar hero without antagonizing the neighbors

LIFE Get the Family to Pitch In: A Mom’s Advice on Chores

By Alison Hodgson

Foster teamwork and a sense of ownership about housekeeping to lighten your load and even boost togetherness

HEALTHY HOME How to Childproof Your Home: Expert Advice

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Safety strategies, Part 1: Get the lowdown from the pros on which areas of the home need locks, lids, gates and more

DECORATING GUIDES Decorating Advice to Steal From Your Suit

By Sophie Seeger

Create a look of confidence that’s tailor made to fit your style by following these 7 key tips

FARM YOUR YARD Advice on Canyon Farming From L.A.'s Vegetable Whisperer

By Annie Thornton

See how a screened garden house and raised beds help an edible garden in a Los Angeles canyon thrive

Sponsored

A.I.S. Renovations Ltd.

15 Reviews

Custom Craftsmanship & Construction Solutions in Franklin County

More Discussions

Omega cabinet shaker door outside edge profiles

2

Kitchen remodel in my future

9

contractor chooses kitchen

13

Matt tiles - quality issues out of the box

12

help with kitchen design!!

1