Thursday, June 10, 2010

Counters – It’s a Wrap

Part of the appeal of a pretty counter is the edge detail.

The fabricator needs this detail to cut the stone and determine the price. A more complicated edge requires more hand work, making the price go up. The width of the slab also comes into play in determining what design will and will not work. In my bathroom my marble was thinner so I went with a simple cove design, while the kitchen slab was nearly twice as thick, so I requested double ogee.

I have a kitchen in my save file just for the counter edge. In fact I provided it to my fabricator when he cut my last counters. You could also provide a piece of molding for reference. Either way, be specific and pay attention to the little details. In the end these are what make a room something more than everyday “off the shelf”.

Switching gears…

Yesterday I couldn’t wait to get home – my counters and backsplash went in. I wish I could have been here, but walking in, I felt love at first sight. It was even better than I imagined...

I went to meet with the fabricator last week to help layout the templates on the stone and mark exactly where they made the cuts. It would have been easier to let them make the call, but being there allowed me to choose exactly what veining is shown where. In addition we were able to get everything out of one slab. This alone saved me more than a few pennies… When they pulled out the slab, I remembered why I picked it in the first place – very pretty...

The week before they created the templates. I made a few last minute adjustments - adding a curve above the range to mirror the shape of the oval window above it, and a double ogee finished edge on the top of the backsplash. Imagining it is one thing, but seeing it all firsthand is way better! In fact the curve is my absolute favorite part.

Yesterday it all came together, and my installers did a 5 start job. Believe me getting the main counter up the stairs in one piece was not an easy task. Today the masonite will come up off the floor leaving me with a lot of dusting to do.

I'm getting there...but there are still alot of little things that still need doing: the final finishing and touch-ups, fabricating the metal grills below my appliances, getting the oval window molding plaster cast, installling my sink and diswasher, painting, adding shelves. Just making the list, makes me realize it's not quite here yet. But for now I’m feeling good, and thankfully just in time for the weekend. Either way I’m happy…rain or shine.

The kitchen shown here is not mine but the layout is very similar and the simplicity, refreshing.

3 comments:

MaryBeth said...

Kelly, your attention to detail just floors me. I can not wait to see how beautiful your new place turns out. You have me drooling over the description of the edges on your kitchen counter, you will probably bring me to tears when I actually see the photos.

Unknown said...

I can't wait to see the finished product. I have the same feeling I did when I was a child wishing for Christmas to get here! Counting the days...

kelly giesen said...

Thank you! I am looking forward to showing it. I tried to take some shots but the half baked look did not cut it. I I will get some pics eventually.

Funny I was thinking about the night before Christmas feeling myself when I was waiting on seeing it...funny...