What’s one of the first things Terri-Jo Geddes reminds clients planning a kitchen or bath renovation? You have so many more options than quartz.
Of course, for many homeowners, quartz will indeed be their go-to choice, but Geddes' message is simply to consider all your options, along with the pluses and minuses of each, before deciding.
"As a designer, my job is to present clients with all the different possibilities," explains Geddes, a Millwork Specialist with MAC Reno Design Build in Saanich.
Geddes has designed many kitchen and bathroom spaces over her career, and the offerings continue to evolve according to trends, technology and other factors.
So, while quartz may be the right choice for many, it's always a good idea to at least explore other opportunities, based on considerations such as your budget, design style, lifestyle, environmental factors and timelines.
Aesthetics – Do you want your counters to stand out or blend in? Those who favour a bold show-topper will find some wild granite possibilities, for example. ("Granite can be like a work of art," Geddes says.) Others might like a quieter quartz that mimics carrara marble, or, for those who like a bohemian or more rustic look, tile could be an ideal solution, with its array of different looks and price points. And, since our eye tends to notice vertical elements over horizontal ones, the backsplash will typically focus our attention, so it makes sense to consider that in conjunction with the countertop discussion.
Longevity – Like many design elements, from flooring to cabinets, countertop materials and styles go in and out of fashion. Some also last longer than others. If longevity is important to you, whether for the cost or environmental reasons, choosing a timeless or transitional design – one that bridges modern and traditional aesthetics – likely makes the most sense. In addition, natural materials like marble, quartz, granite or soapstone, for example, are long-lasting.
Practicality – Consider your family needs and cooking habits. Wood or butcher block can look lovely in a farmhouse-style kitchen, but can show stains, knicks and scratches. If you like the patina of "life," however, that can be the perfect result. Other materials, like quartz or marble can be susceptible to stains from acidic liquids like lemon juice, vinegar or red wine, but as long as spills are cleaned up, they are resilient, Geddes says.
Price – When it comes to price, Geddes refers to good, better, best. Granite will fall in the "better / best+" category, for example, while stainless steel sits in the "best" category for cost. Marble? That depends where it's sourced from. Imported marble can be firmly in the "best" category, but Vancouver Island marble can be a more affordable, close-to-home option. "Available in Vancouver Island white, grey or black, Vancouver Island marble can be very cost-effective," Geddes says.
What it's made of – If environmental considerations are important to your material choices, you’ll want to explore both the sustainability of the various products, including how they're sourced or produced (comparing quick-growing bamboo to slow-growing oak, for instance), but also how they can be disposed of after their useful life – can they be recycled into something else, for example?
Countertops are a key element of any kitchen or bathroom renovation – ensure you're asking the right questions to get the counters that work for your family and home.
To learn how MAC Reno Design Build can help you create the kitchen or bath of your dreams, visit macreno.com or call 250-384-6091.
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