Lopez’s Kitchen remodeling project
In addition to implementing countertop upgrades, adding light to the space was important. The kitchen lacks windows, and, as a result gets limited sunlight, making it dark most of the time. This, along with the grey-beige paint covering the walls and the dark speckled granite countertops made the kitchen feel too “brown and blah.”
Lopez’s goal for the renovation was, as she put it “to brighten the kitchen while infusing a few more modern touches that more accurately captured our transitional style.”
Durable and aesthetic quartz countertops in ideal shade of white
With a need to replace her cracked and crumbling granite countertops, Lopez turned to Atlanta Stone Creations to help diagnose the problem and help her find a more durable countertop option that also fulfilled her design needs. The goal was to find something to introduce more light into the space without having to set in motion a string of additional, costly improvements to the walls, backsplash and cabinets.
Lopez and Atlanta Stone Creations worked together to find the ideal shade of white to complement the existing kitchen design features. With the wide variety of white quartz in the marketplace, it was imperative to find a shade that could coordinate with the brown tones in the kitchen, without being too cool, busy or dark. Many of the white shades available were too stark, yellowing the color of the cabinets, which was not the desired effect.
Interior Design Style and Quality – Top considerations for new countertops
As Lopez recalled, “I had to find something that would marry the traditional elements of the kitchen that were staying, with the new, modern touches I was bringing in. Something stark white or more contemporary with a large, drastic veining wouldn’t have blended. I wanted something that could lend itself to multiple styles, and something that could compliment both cream and white cabinetry. I also needed to veer away from some of the marble-looking quartz finishes that had more blue-gray tones.”
And, after her experience with the cracked granite surface, quality was the top consideration in finding a new countertop, which served as the focal point of the renovation.
LX Hausys VIATERA Soprano quartz – Lopez’s choice for kitchen countertops
Lopez first looked at countertop colors from competitor lines, but found that their cool tones didn’t complement the warmer hues already utilized in the space.
After taking a look at LX Hausys’ VIATERA line, which offers a range of warm whites, she decided upon Soprano for her countertops. The surface’s creamy base featuring marbling in soft hues of gray and gold made it the ideal color to blend with the cream-colored and glazed cabinets and tiled backsplash that were already a part of the kitchen.
While VIATERA met Lopez’ needs for remodeling the kitchen, the line’s broad spectrum of colors and large selection of both warm, cool and neutral whites make VIATERA an excellent selection for new construction projects as well as upgrades.
And, since VIATERA quartz products are composed of 93% quartz, the countertop offers superior strength and a durable surface, assuring Lopez that the cracks and crumbles she experienced with granite are a thing of the past.
· VIATERA Soprano quartz surface from Musica Collection
A cream white entwined with darker shade, the Soprano quartz surface harmonizes ideally with any setting and surrounding due its attractively neutral color tone.
Order a sample, find a supplier, and learn more about LX Hausys VIATERA Soprano quartz product.
Quartz is the New Go-To For Kitchen and Bath Countertops
For many years, granite was the undisputed champion of countertops, and everyone seemed to want granite for its natural luxury and durability. According to an article in Architectural Digest, nearly 64 percent of new homes include granite countertops.
In the last few years, quartz has been gaining ground on granite for its design versatility, superior durability, and low maintenance. According to a survey by Kitchen and Bath Design News, 33 percent of kitchen dealers and designers named engineered quartz the fastest-growing kitchen countertop by demand.
Granite is still popular, but quartz countertops, like the VIATERA brand from LX Hausys, are catching up quickly. So, what is it about quartz that’s making it so popular? And how does quartz stack up against other countertop materials, including granite, porcelain, and laminate based on design, hygiene, maintenance, durability and costs? Let’s find out.
Quartz Countertops Benefits
· Versatile Design and Applications
Quartz counters come in a wide range of colors and patterns, some of which closely resemble the beauty and elegance of natural stone, including marble and granite. Quartz can also be installed to minimize seams and create a cohesive surface across expansive counters, backsplashes, and kitchen islands.
· Safety and Hygiene
Quartz countertops resist stains and prevent bacteria and fungus from penetrating the surface thanks to a nonporous surface. The average kitchen countertop carries 2,000 to 4,000 unseen bacteria, and more than two-thirds of food-born diseases start in homes, according to this video from LX Hausys. Quartz provides safety and peace of mind for homeowners concerned about germs and cleanliness.
· Easy Maintenance
Unlike granite or natural stone, quartz is easy to maintain and doesn’t require sealants or annual maintenance— regular cleaning with soap, water or a mild cleanser is all you need.
· Great Durability
As one of the hardest materials available, you won’t have to worry about quartz scratching, chipping or cracking with everyday use and wear. Quartz also protects against moisture, dirt and contaminants better than granite, natural stone and other materials.
Quartz Countertop Disadvantages
· Up-Front Costs
Quartz countertop cost ranges from mid-level to high-end. It’s not as expensive as marble or granite, but it’s an investment. However, it’s an investment that requires little maintenance, no sealing, and lasts longer than many other countertops.
· Heat and UV Light
Dark countertop colors may be susceptible to some fading with prolonged UV light exposure, and you’ll want to take care with hot pans and pans to avoid heat damage.
Where quartz meets the edge
When it came to installation, the Atlanta Stone Creations crew was able to create a perfect seam by lining up commonalities between the slabs. The fabricators also created a straight, eased edge that was used on surfaces throughout the kitchen, including the breakfast bar and sink area.
By utilizing straight edges as opposed to a beveled edge, the sharp angles created further modernized the traditional space. To give the surfaces on the kitchen’s island a thicker appearance, the fabricators created a mitered edge, cutting the slab at a 45-degree angle.
VIATERA Edge Profile
LX Hausys Surfaces offers a wide selection of edge treatments. Select from a simple rounded corner to the complex multi-toned, multi-tiered rolling edges that add that special finishing touch to your solid surface counter.
Beveled Edge – Maintains the surface’s thickness, but with a ¼” or ½” angular top edge.
Bullnose Edge – A completed rounded edge.
Eased Edge – A slightly rounded top edge that still maintains the surface’s thickness.
Ellipse Edge – Rounded top and bottom edges with a flat face.
Knife Edge – A sharp, blade-like edge.
Reverse Ogee Edge – Similar to Roman Edge, but reversed.
Roman Edge – An elaborate ogee-style edge design inspired by Roman architecture.
Roundover Edge – A semi-circle rounded top edge.
For more information on our edge treatments, please consult your local area distributor or fabricator.