Tag: kitchen decor

Posted on

Oynx Countertops

Onyx.  Not the first material one thinks of for countertops.  But this stone is wonderfully beautiful.  Wonderfully rare.  And wonderfully unique.  Onyx makes a statement.  In a way most other materials can’t.   And match onyx up with some tasteful backlighting – and you have a look and an effect you simply can’t match.

onyx_countertop_02_large

However before you choose Onyx – there are a few things you need to know.

Onyx is fragile.  Onyx countertops typically include a fiberglass backing compound to strengthen the slab and keep it together.  Onyx is not extracted in slabs from the ground like other countertop stone materials.  Onyx slabs are much smaller in size thus…

Onyx is soft.  This can be a ‘wear’ problem.  It scratches easily.  Also another danger is acidic liquid.  Meaning, if you spill vinegar, red wine or lemon juice on onyx you can dull or scratch the surface.

Maintenance is required.  Onyx needs to be sealed properly and then cleaned with a special stone cleaner at frequent intervals to make it less-prone to scratching and staining.

Onyx is expensive.  Actually, onyx is THE most expensive countertop material currently available. kitchen-classic-white-tuscan-italian-kitchen-decor-with-black-granite-countertop-also-white-light-bulb-faux-bronze-chandelier-in-black-onyx-tuscan-italian-kitchen-decor-610x457

So… after all these negatives, you ask why would one bother with onyx.  Well, there is no denying the sheer beauty of the stone. It comes in a variety of colors and the “veining” adds contrasting colors to make these slabs look like works of art.

The light hits it and instantly brightens up the room. For even more appeal, try backlit onyx, which has a wonderful glow that you can’t get any other way.

If you want a standout kitchen or bathroom – onyx countertops will give you exactly that.

499727923_788

44stone_crystalagate_kitchen_3874929_std

img14

Black-Onyx-Countertops

onyx-countertop-backsplas

tylerco-slablite-LED-backlighting-panels1

If you are considering new countertops in onyx or any other stone material and would like referrals to excellent contractors or if you have questions as to how upgrading your countertops may increase the value of your home, feel free to call or text me at 412-613-4466.  Or email me at sold@ericmckenna.com

Go back

Your message has been sent

Posted on

20 Kitchen Countertop Materials

Do you think you know all your kitchen countertop options?  I’d be willing bet you may not!

Since we are on a kitchen theme recently at EricMcKenna.com, how about some different options for kitchen countertop materials?

Lee Wallender at About.com presents this great article outlining 20 different materials that can be cut and used for kitchen countertops. granite-countertops-in-kitchens-pictures-itkb3sed

Of course there are the most thought of materials including granite, slate, quartz, tile and laminate, but Lee outlines other options including concrete, stainless steel, soapstone, recycled glass, paper composite, recycled aluminum, reclaimed wood, zinc and even bamboo.

Lee provides photos of each example as well as some of the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ associated with each.  While not every material is practical for every kind of use or family lifestyle, there certainly are some beautiful finishes available by simply thinking outside of the box.  And if one’s goal is to add a unique touch to a kitchen project, a different countertop material may be just the thing.

You can read Lee’s complete article at About.com right here

If you are considering a complete new kitchen project or a simple kitchen ‘redo’ and you have questions about how this project can improve the value of your home, feel free to call or text me at 412-613-4466.  I can also be reached by email at sold@ericmckenna.com

Posted on

About That Kitchen

Depending who you ask, the kitchen is the most important room in the house.  Especially when selling your home.

Opinions.  We all have them.  Yet when it comes to selling your home, many real estate professionals consider your kitchen as the most important room in the house.  Knock the buyer out with a fantastic kitchen and it often means the difference in your home being purchased – or another. kitchen2

In this day and age, the options for kitchen layout, color schemes and themes are quite vast.  And while ‘trends’ come and go, there remains so many viable design directions to consider.  I found this great article by Jaymi Naciri of Realty Times who takes a moment to offer bold suggestions to get your kitchen possibly headed in a whole new direction. Her overall message in this article is to avoid the bland and make your kitchen a standout – if not even a bit festive.

Her ideas include vibrant shades of cabinets as opposed to traditional white, greys and muted tones.

Another idea is to go black.  Described as ‘soothing’ and even ‘sleek and bold’, the use of black can be very modern and striking if designed correctly.

The article also suggests that wallpaper is making a comeback for kitchens with the desire for many to make their kitchen walls more colorful or to add a striking, contrast pattern.

The industrial and rustic trends in home decor continue to be sought after by homeowners and now these trends are making their way into kitchens.

It’s also suggested that something as simple as a lively backsplash can make an impressive change to a kitchen decor.  Patterned backsplashes with texture draw the eye in and create visual interest.  Sometimes just enough to add that needed touch to an already great kitchen.

You can read Jaymi’s complete article here.

If you are thinking of selling your home or have questions as to what kind of kitchen remodeling you could do to better prepare your home for market, please feel free to call or text me at 412-613-4466. You may also email me at sold@ericmckenna.com