It might seem obvious that waterfall countertops need to feature veining that continues across their entire design, but doing so is actually pretty hard to achieve. It needs to look like it came from one giant slab, but you usuallycan't get a slab large enough to achieve this effect. Because of this, using natural materials like marble, travertine, or granite can't guarantee you will have matching veining down the sides. To give you some context, the average marble slab is 10 feet long and 6 feet wide, but the average island is 6.5 feet long. This is usually the industry standard for slab size because producing something larger increases its weight and the difficulty of transporting and installing it.

So, to create a waterfall effect, you have to use a manufactured material such as quartz instead. Since it is manufactured rather than naturally made in the ground, this allows you to customize the vein placements, allowing you to have them match up. However, people who don't want quartz and instead have their hearts set on natural materials often need to choose between the material or not having the veins perfectly lined up. According to Napier, it's better to have the veins match.

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Erin Napier Shares An Essential Feature Every Waterfall Countertop Should Have - House Digest

Amazon is offering an exciting 45% discount on the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker. This compact, stainless-steel powerhouse is capable of producing 26 lbs of ice in two different sizes every day. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, this machines sleek and modern design will complement any space.

Featuring soft-touch electronic controls and LED indicators, the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker makes the process of producing ice simple and effortless. With no installation required, you just need to plug in the unit, add water, and the machine starts creating batches of ice. Thanks to its 2.3-quart reservoir, you can produce a significant amount of ice without constantly refilling it.

Arguably, the most alluring aspect of this machine is its practicality and convenience. You dont need to worry about a bulky design or complicated setup. This ice maker fits comfortably on your countertop, making it an excellent addition to your kitchen, mini-bar, or office space.

Whether you are hosting a party, having a family gathering, or looking to satisfy your chilled drinks cravings on a hot summer day, the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker is an excellent choice for consistently providing fresh ice.

With energy-efficient operation and environmentally friendly refrigerant, this ice maker is not only good for you, but also for the environment. The built-in air outlet fan ensures the unit runs smoothly and quietly, allowing for ice production without disruptive noise.

Dont miss the chance to get this compact, efficient, and stylish addition to your beverages preparation at a highly discounted price. Access this deal on Amazon today and revolutionize your experience of having chilled drinks at your convenience with the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker. The discount makes it an absolute steal!

This article was generated by an AI engine which may produce inaccurate information.

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Experience Ice-Making Effortlessly with Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker, 45% Off - The Inventory

Of course, there is no perfect countertop material, so even quartz has downsides. "The downside with this material is that it can be difficult to repair if you have a crack in it or a chipped corner," Jason Pietruszka told House Digest. However, cracks and chips are not common with quartz and often occur after improper installation, low-quality materials, extreme temperatures, or being hit by a heavy object. As long as you take care to maintain the stone, it should stay in good shape for years to come.

Because marble is porous, it's not always the best material for the kitchen. However, quartz's non-porous nature and some slabs' ability to appear like marble make it a good alternative. "It doesn't look fake like a porcelain slab,but sometimes it can be obvious that it is not 100% authentic marble," warned Pietruszka. "So you do have to be cautious of the product and look you are going for."

As for alternatives to quartz, Pietruszka said, "I would only ever recommend natural stones, porcelain (but only for backsplashes!!), or quartzite. If I had to pick a top recommendation, quartzite would be it. It is basically a quartz slab, but they mix in real pieces of natural marble. This ends up enhancing the look and feel of the product tremendously. You get all the benefits of using quartz, but the upgrade of having it look so much closer to real marble."

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Our Real Estate Expert Tells Us The Best Type Of Countertop Material For A Large Kitchen - House Digest

As an avid cook with a sizable collection of cookware, dishware, and small appliances, countertop space is valuable real estate in my kitchen. While I love cute olive oil bottles and salt and pepper grinders, these smaller items usually end up tucked away in a cabinet due to a lack of designated space to display them.

To make my kitchen counter more functional and aesthetically pleasing, I recently turned to a trend Ive been seeing all over my social media feedfooted serving boards. They can be used for anything, including holding small kitchen tchotchkes, organizing spices, protecting surfaces from hot dishes, and presenting food on dinner-party tablescapes.

During a recent Target run, I struck gold with this raised wooden trivet from Joanna Gaines Hearth & Hand with Magnolia line, and you can grab one for just $25 while the darker finish is still in stock.

Target

Even though I have a few serving boards already, I was drawn to this footed style because I loved how it can double as a countertop organizer when Im not using it to entertain. The elevated element added some dimension to my otherwise simple countertop setup of lined-up appliances.

The large surface area (10 by 13 inches) means its big enough to act as a landing spot for so many small items, and I like that the raised board protects the surrounding surface from scratches, spills, or hot foods. Ive found that it is easy to clean small spills like oil and spices by quickly wiping off the surface, though the brand doesnt recommend submerging it in water.

Shoppers agree, with one saying that its great for serving and displaying snacks, cheese, fruit, desserts and more. They also added that it is sturdy enough to hold even heavy serving dishes and platters. Plus, it can be used for more than just kitchen countertops. Another shopper noted that they absolutely love this trivet for decor and candles in their bathroom.

While I love this footed wood serving trivet in my kitchen, Hearth & Hand with Magnolias line at Target also has many more serving boards to choose from. Keep scrolling for a few more options that will quickly upgrade any countertop or table.

Target

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Our Shopping Writer Loves This $25 Trivet from Joanna Gaines' Brand - Food & Wine

Vastu Tips For Kitchen: Expert Tells Things To Keep In Mind While Choosing Countertop  HerZindagi

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Vastu Tips For Kitchen: Expert Tells Things To Keep In Mind While Choosing Countertop - HerZindagi

Twenty years ago, when filmmaker Nancy Meyers featured a honed black granite countertop in her movie Somethings Gotta Give, she set off a design trend that reverberated throughout kitchens across the U.S. Two decades later, and interior designers are reporting a black countertop resurgence. The color exudes elegance and drama while making a bold statement, says Joe Carline, a partner at Kligerman Architecture & Design. Plus, it provides a sophisticated canvas for expressing design ideas.

Ahead, design experts share why you should consider a black countertop in 2024.

Black countertops are chameleons and can adapt to pretty much any kitchen stylewhether theyre enhancing an ultra-modern design, adding drama to a farmhouse setting, or evoking a coastal chic or cozy cottage vibe. Their versatile nature allows for both an elevated and relaxed aesthetic.

Black countertops effortlessly adapt to various design styles to create a cohesive feel, says Becky Shea, creative director at BS/D, who likes pairing them with natural woods, softer color palettes, and casual decor.

Choosing complementary accessories is key to making black countertops work in any style kitchen, notes Marie Cloud, owner and principal designer at Indigo Pruitt Design Studio. With coastal and cottage styles, for example, black countertops add contrast and depth against lighter and softer elements.

Ashley Maddox, a kitchen and bath designer at District Cabinets, loves accessorizing black countertops in French country kitchens. Picture pewter-colored cabinets, funky art in vintage frames, and a large wood dining table."

Annie Schlechter

Black countertops function as a neutral, creating contrast against white or light cabinets. However black-on-black can be daringly chic, especially in a sleek, modern kitchen, says Ross Padluck, a partner at Kligerman Architecture & Design.

Black countertops can also look earthy and warm against natural or ebonized wood. I love bringing a look together by mixing an all-black painted wood island, a lighter perimeter cabinet, and a black countertop, says Laura Bischofberger, a designer at J. Banks Design.

For a moody combination, Lucy Penfield, founder and creative director at Lucy Interiors, likes to team black countertops with deep green or Bordeaux cabinetry. Its like velvet and leathersultry and luxurious, she says.

A matte finish on a black countertop offers an understated elegance with minimal reflection, while a glossy finish results in a polished, high-end look.

A matte usually works best in a more traditional setting, while a glossy surface is sleeker and looks more modern, says Padluck. I once put honed granite black countertops in a 19th-century home and it appeared as if theyd always been there. I also installed a polished black marble countertop on a bar in a contemporary waterfront beach house and it looked perfectly at home.

With a matte finish, reflected light wont compete with the details of the stone and will be easier to maintain and hide imperfections. A polished finish exudes a luxurious appeal, but I prefer to lean into a quieter, understated matte for a subtle yet impactful presence, says Shea.

Jay Wilde

Some believe a black countertop will make their kitchen feel smaller. But its actually quite the opposite, says Maddox. Black countertops add depth and dimension, opening up and visually expanding a space. Maddox suggests choosing a stone with subtle veining, as solid black can come off as monolithic, he says.

The only time you should avoid black countertops, says SethBallard, founder ofBallard+ Mensua Architecture, is if theres not a lot of natural or artificial light in the room. Things could feel a bit claustrophobic, he notes.

Strategic illumination of pendant lights, under-cabinet lighting, and statement chandeliers is important when you have dark countertops. The key is balancing ambient and task lighting to enhance visibility and prevent the kitchen from feeling too dark, along with using under-cabinet lighting and pendant lights to illuminate and accentuate the space, says Cloud.

If youre implementing LEDs, experts suggest using warm, white 2700K bulbs. The last thing you want is for your kitchen to feel like an operating room, shares Padluck.

Whites, grays, and muted colors all create a balanced backdrop when it comes to black countertops. Its called neutral harmony, where you allow the countertop to shine without overwhelming the space, says Carline.

A variety of flooring can be paired with black countertopsfrom ebony wood to black and white marble. I love a white oak floor and a bone white wall withblack countertops, shares Christina Kim, the owner and principal of Christina Kim Interior Design.

Black countertops will show fingerprints and smudges more, especially under bright lights and in glossier finishes. Look to textured materials to help hide smears, suggests Ballard. Something like Absolute Black polished granite requires very little maintenance. Adds Cloud, The good news is dirt and crumbs dont show up on black countertops as much.

When choosing a thickness for your countertops, consider your overall vision and the style of your kitchen, says Cloud. A thin black countertop contributes to a minimalist aesthetic, while a thicker one will add substance to a space and can withstand more weight.

My go-to with black countertops is a 1--inch thickness with an eased edge, says Penfield. But a -inch countertop with a minimal overhang can look great in a modern setting. Shea prefers a 2-inch thickness with an eased edge. I like a profile that adds a sense of volume.

John Gruen

Black countertops can create a luxurious and dramatic feel in places like a home office or library. Bischofberger loves one on a bar paired with brass accents, while Penfield finds them equally as elegant in a powder room or pantry.

However, Maddox doesnt recommend putting black countertops in a bathroom, You dont want to risk toothpaste and soap stains, she says.

Its all about creating the right balance using the other elements in the room. Im actually all for the moodiness! says Cloud. However, I like to pair a black countertop with a lighter or more colorful backsplash, plenty of lighting and natural elements to keep the space feeling welcoming. Carlene often introduces elements including open shelving and glass cabinets to stabilize the dark drama of a black countertop.

Vibrant colored accessories can infuse energy and prevent a moody atmosphere, while a softer hue can work as well. Consider pairing black countertops with something unexpected, like pale blush, suggests Penfield.

A black countertop can be timeless, but its important to update any finishes to keep things fresh. Replacing cabinet hardware, for example, is one way to do so, says Ballard. Its all about incorporating finishes that are trending to keep black countertops feeling current.

Better Homes & Gardens WERNER STRAUBE

Theres a lot to consider when choosing a black countertop for your home. Here, Zach Epstein, presidentand chief product officer at Artistic Tile, shares the pros and cons of the most popular offerings.

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Black Countertops Are Making a ComebackHere's How to Get the Look - Better Homes & Gardens

When you use Windex or other cleaners that are corrosive, acidic, or abrasive on granite, you risk damaging the seal that protects the stone. Without the sealant, granite countertops are prone to absorbing liquids, which can cause the stone to harbor bacteria. Using Windex once on your granite countertops might not seem like it's doing much harm, but this can take away the beautiful shine and wear away the sealant, leaving you with dull, unprotected countertops. With the seal broken, your granite is more prone to absorbing liquids and staining.

Continual use of harsh cleaners like Windex may even cause small holes or cracks, known as pitting, to form in your stone. Though Windex is basic rather than acidic like other cleaners that are harmful to granite, the ammonium hydroxide it contains is meant to cut through grease and dirt, and it will do the same to your countertop's seal.

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Using This Popular Cleaner On Granite Countertops Is A Big Mistake - House Digest

One key advantage of buying new countertops online is the convenience. Online platforms provide a wide variety of options, so you can browse and compare styles and prices without leaving the house. Some make it easy to plan the whole process out on their website, like Lowe's which allows you to order custom designs based on your measurements and schedule an installation. To ensure you are getting a high-quality product, carefully check the product descriptions, photos, and reviews. For custom laminate countertops head toHome Depot, which has a range of designs starting at $24.30/square foot. The customer reviews describe the patterns and what the experience was like with the installers. Warranty information and return policies are some other things you need to know.

Still, there's only so much you can know about a product before inspecting it physically. While online platforms provide detailed information, variations in color, texture, or quality may be tough to gauge virtually. This is especially challenging when dealing with unique materials. For example, one of the mistakes everyone makes with marble countertops is buying them online because all slabs are different and need to be viewed in person. Another potential drawback with buying new countertops online is the shipping process, which has the potential risk of damage during transit. You could probably receive a refund or replacement based on this but it would stall your renovation.

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Buying New Countertops Online: Good Idea Or Renovation Mistake? - House Digest

The appeal of Jasmine Roth's kitchen design comes from variation. Though it is common for all materials to match in a kitchen, Roth sees the beauty in mixed materials. She chose a leather-finished quartzite for the perimeter counters. The leather finish is not just attractive; it's practical, too. It does not scratch or stain like other quartz or quartzite finishes. The black porcelain of the island is smooth and mimics a more traditional countertop. She told the homeowners that it's a sturdy surface to write or draw on, since the island is also flanked by chairs.

Roth's use of contrasting colors makes this renovation pop. The combination of black and white is chic and eye-catching."I'm super excited because we have two different materials. We have that leather-finished quartzite that's going on all the perimeters, and then we also have, to kind of offset that, the really smooth, dark porcelain that's going to be on the island," Roth said (via Realtor).

Her trick shows you needn't have the finest marble for a glamorous kitchen. That is why we predict mixed-material and dual-tone countertops will become a design trend in 2024. It is a unique approach to styling a room that has seen little innovation over the past few years.

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HGTV's Jasmine Roth Introduces A Countertop Trend That's Bound To Take Over In 2024 - House Digest

Its easy to play with the styling of your interior and stay aligned with the latest design trends. Add new accessories, swap out soft furnishings, bring in a new piece of furniture, or repaint some walls. But there are some areas of your home which once designed will prove trickier to change. Your kitchen, for instance, is a big investment, and once in place, most of us would rather it stayed put for a good while.

If you want your kitchen to look as good in a few years time as it does now, youll need to steer clear of passing trends, and opt for timeless combinations that you wont get bored of because theyll always look good. With a myriad of cabinet colors and countertop materials to choose from, it can all get confusing and overwhelming, so I spoke to interior designers who create beautiful, timeless kitchens, and asked them to share their go-to combinations that youll be sure to love now, and for a very long time to come.

When looking to create a timeless aesthetic, neutral colors and natural wood will always be relied on. Theyre easy on the eye and prove a solid base to hold layering trends around. But all those color lovers out there neednt worry. The experts shared that bold and colorful can have a timeless appeal too. The secret is in choosing the correct combinations and tones. So here are the 5 modern kitchen ideas for cabinet and countertop pairings designers swear by, to help you create a space you'll always love.

(Image credit: Caesarstone)

One of the most classic kitchen color combinations of all time, a light cabinet paired with a dark countertop will always look elevated. The secret is in the balance. Keep the dark as an accent on your countertops and paint the cabinets light. Like any true classic, this look stays relevant, and designers keep coming back to it time and time again. Dark worktops are a rising trend in kitchen design, CaesarstonesHead of Design, Mor Krisher, tells me.

Im a big fan of dark countertops paired with pale cabinetry and metallic accents like brass, copper or steel taps and handles, adds the expert. If in doubt on which dark and which light colors to pick, stick to black for your countertops and an off-white for your cabinets. The classic combination is a staple of elegance in design and a safe bet for a luxurious look as long as you make sure the materials you use are of good quality (both black and white show off any scratches or marks easily, so think durability).

Pairing a dark surface with light cabinetry and flooring will help to keep the space feeling open and neutral, says Mor. This is especially beneficial if you want to create a cozy atmosphere, but your kitchen isnt vast in size, he adds. If your kitchen is on the smaller side, using a light color is a great way to create the illusion of space, while the darker accent will give a grounding feel and add interest too. Keep the combination modern and stick to off-whites for your cabinets as opposed to brilliant whites. These will look softer next to your dark countertops.

(Image credit: Erick Kruk. Design: Cdot Design Studio)

Oak is one of the most popular materials for a kitchen due to its durability, natural look, and affordability compared to other types of wood. With the right maintenance it will last for years, making it a great investment, while the natural look has a relaxed, timeless appeal.

Natural oak cabinets with light stone countertops are a classic that will never go out of style, Nicole Levin of Barnes Vanze Architects tells me. When choosing your countertops, think natural tones that wont clash with your cabinets, like beige, brown, sand or stone grey. Granite or quartz are great countertop material choices that look modern now and will stay relevant in time too, while a marble surface with veining in warm tones will always look impressive and elevate the look of any kitchen.

(Image credit: Old Brand New. Design by Dabito)

Our love for green isnt going anywhere. Derived from nature, its easy to live with, and easy to pair with other colors too. Its no wonder green kitchens are having a moment. And of all the greens that have come and gone with the passing of trends, sage is a shade so easy on the eye and natural, it feels like a breath of fresh air in a home.

A green kitchen is a bold choice, but it can have undeniable appeal especially when combined with burnished brass hardware and sleek white worktops. For the look to stay timeless, make sure the green you pick is as nature inspired as possible, steering clear from anything too artificial. Interior designer Ami McKay agrees and thinks that 'earthy green painted cabinets look great when paired with light quartz countertops'.

(Image credit: Brent Lukey. Design: Minett Studio Architecture & Design)

Right up there with green on our list of favourite timeless kitchen cabinet colors is dark blue, or navy. Contrary to what people often think, dark kitchens arent always sombre or austere, says Caesarstones expert, Mor.

While greens look fresh and natural, a dark blue is still a bold choice, but with a more classic presence, creating an expensive, more imposing look. If you love bold colours, your kitchen could be the perfect place to employ a dramatic navy tone, says Tom. Think dark and dramatic tones of blue for your cabinets. The point of this color is to create a strong look, so stay away from pastel shades that arent as visually striking.

Add an element of contrast to your dark kitchen with light countertops. White and cream accents, such as a sleek white marble-look worktop, can help to create a modern and fresh look and a deep blue kitchen is a great way to uplift more rustic elements in the room, such as a brick feature wall, adding to a striking design effect.

(Image credit: Aaron Leitz. Design: Lisa Staton)

White oak has become very popular with the rise of Scandi inspired aesthetic, and its no surprise. It's a shortcut to a minimalist kitchen while keeping its warmth, and its neutral character makes it very easy to live with. Perfect for creating kitchen design schemes that feel relaxing and welcoming, a white oak material for your cupboards looks even better when flat sawn, a cutting technique which keeps the woods unique arch shaped grain.

Interior designer Ami thinks natural white oak flat sawn cabinets and black soapstone countertops make a beautifully timeless pairing while keeping that contemporary edge. Take the black throughout your kitchen as an accent, and add black light fittings, or hardware, for a cohesive scheme.

Price: $79.99 for 1 gallon Advance Interior Paint

Green kitchens look fresh and inviting, just make sure you pick a very natural tone.

Price: $74.99

A black faucet will make light oak cabinets and dark countertops look modern.

Nightlife Dark Blue Paint

Price: $26 for 1 quart eggshell finish

Dark blue kitchen cabinets have a timeless look when paired with light countertops.

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5 Timeless Kitchen Cabinet and Countertop Combinations These Color Pairings Will Always Work - LivingEtc