Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

While the clothes steamer is a kitchen superhero, it's not invincible. The steam cleaning method works best on non-porous surfaces like quartz and stainless steel, where the steam can work effectively. Non-porous materials prevent the absorption of moisture, making them unlikely to get damaged by the heat and water in the steam.

Unfortunately, porous surfaces like wood and marble, even when sealed, are not ideal candidates for periodic steam cleaning due to the microscopic openings in their surface. The moisture can damage these materials, compromising their integrity over time. Excessive moisture absorption can lead to swelling, warping, or discoloration, particularly in the case of wood. Also, since steam is hot, the heat it generates can cause the countertop material to expand, and then contract when it cools down. This expansion and contraction cycle can stress porous structures, potentially leading to cracks or other forms of structural damage, especially in materials like marble.For porous countertops, opt for gentle, non-abrasive cleaners or specialized solutions recommended by the manufacturer. Disinfecting wipes are also effective for quick sanitization. Remember to follow proper cleaning guidelines for each specific material to ensure longevity and performance.

So, while the clothes steamer can be a kitchen cleaning game-changer, it's essential to tailor your approach based on the countertop material. By adopting the right cleaning method, you can maintain a kitchen that's not only visually appealing but also a safe, hygienic haven for all your culinary adventures.

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Grab This Laundry Staple To Give Your Kitchen Counters The Cleaning Of A Lifetime - House Digest

Kitchen countertops are possibly the hardest working element of the kitchen. A well-chosen work surface not only combines beauty and practicality, it can also be the star feature of your kitchen.

Busy, family kitchens need tough, hardworking kitchen countertops, not only to withstand a daily onslaught of use but to look contemporary, and stylish and complement your kitchen dcor. Designers are increasingly inspired by kitchen countertop trends to help finalize their choices, and Fixer Upper duo Chip and Joanna Gaines are no different.

A concrete counter, similar to the one in Joanna Gaines's Gristmill Kitchen, is a popular modern option, but also a controversial one that comes with many pros and cons, according to experts. Designed to withstand plenty of heavy-duty use, concrete comes in a range of standard concrete-mix colors and can be combined with pigments for stronger colors. Polished concrete countertops are flat and smooth, but concrete is porous and can stain. Concrete is also heavy so extra reinforcement may be required.

The use of concrete in our homes has had a resurgence in recent years, but this porous material, known for adding an industrial touch, comes with its limitations.

If food spills are left on concrete for a long period of time, it can cause staining. You may need a touch-up kit to minimize the appearance if this happens. You will need to use a food-grade sealer or finishing wax to prevent water and stain absorption. Concrete is an incredibly durable material, but is also prone to scratching.

It is also important to be aware that concrete can crack. Shrink-reducing additives and anti-crack reinforcing can help prevent larger cracks. Sudden temperature changes are the main cause so it's vital to introduce heating slowly and carefully. Choose a specialist installer with a quality track record. The finished surface should offer a good depth of tone and luster, with a hard-wearing finish.

If you do love the urban, industrial appeal of concrete, all is not lost. Hardwearing, easy to clean, and dust-mite resistant, its little wonder polished concrete surfaces are so popular. The industrial look is very on trend too, plus it pairs beautifully with timber kitchen cabinets for a 'rough luxe' look that is very of the now.

Make do like Joanna Gaines and team concrete counters with unfinished wood kitchen cabinet ideas, as seen in her on-set kitchen, used to film the popular cooking show, Magnolia Table. The balance of old and new is truly captivating. Plus, unpainted, oak cabinet kitchens, especially when paired with modern amenities and surfaces, are an aesthetic we predict will top kitchen trends in 2024.

Rattan Round Fruit Basket

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Joanna Gaines' controversial kitchen countertops come with these pros and cons | - Homes & Gardens

When you have marble countertops in the kitchen or bathroom, wiping up spills promptly is crucial, especially when dealing with acidic foods or beverages. Acids, found in items like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar, can etch and stain marble surfaces. In the kitchen, other common acidic culprits include red wine, coffee, and tomato-based sauces. When left unchecked, these spills will penetrate the porous nature of marble, leaving stubborn stains that are challenging to remove without a deep cleaning or sometimes even a professional refinishing service, which can be both inconvenient and costly. If left alone, these acidic substances can also seep into the marble, causing discoloration.

While the kitchen is a high traffic area for acidic substances, in the bathroom, products like perfumes, toiletries, and even toothpaste may contain acids that can harm the marble surfaces. Prevention is key, and avoiding prolonged exposure of acidic materials to marble is the first line of defense.

To minimize the risk of stains, it's best to use cutting boards, coasters, and trivets. When spills occur, immediately blot the affected area with a soft, damp cloth to prevent the acidic liquid from seeping into the pores. Opt for a pH-neutral stone cleaner and gently wipe the surface. Periodic sealing of marble countertops creates a protective barrier, enhancing resistance to stains. Regular maintenance, cautious usage, and swift cleanup are the keys to preserving the pristine allure of marble countertops in both the kitchen and bathroom.

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Common Mistakes To Avoid If You Have Marble Countertops - House Digest

Epoxy or resin-covered countertops became popular over the last couple of years due to TikTok. Amateur home renovators have shared this DIY project with their followers when updating their houses on a budget, touting it as a cheaper alternative to buying new countertops. When you search "epoxy countertops"on the platform, you get thousands of hits, giving you an endless parade of inspiration and how-to knowledge on how to do it in your own home. Rather than buying marble or quartz slabs which can cost on average$60 and $70 per square foot, respectively you can just buy a tub of epoxy and paint on faux veins to achieve a similar result. However, these results are meant to be temporary rather than permanent.

On average, with proper care and maintenance, epoxy countertops can last up to 10 years, which sounds like a lengthy amount of time. However, you have to be careful how you treat them. You can't let spills linger, or they will stain the resin; you can't put hot pots and pans on it without scorching the surface; and you need to avoid harsh cleaners, or you'll fade the surface. Some kits recommend only usingone-fifth of an inch of resin, which makes the surface more prone to peeling or cracking. Other times, DIYers don't prep the surface area well enough, which can lead to faster bubbling and peeling, leaving behind a weathered look.

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The Popular Countertop Trend The Property Brothers Want You To Avoid At All Costs - House Digest

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.

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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.

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

Share0 Photo: City of Fort Wayne

FORT WAYNE, Ind. Demolition work began Tuesday at the former Pepsi site on N. Harrison Street downtown.

Mayor Tom Henry and the Community Development Division led the launch of the demolition process.

At the end of last year, the Fort Wayne City Council voted 8-0 to approve funding for the demolition of the former Pepsi distribution facility near downtown Fort Wayne.

In May 2022, the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission acquired the 7-plus acre distribution facility located at 1207 N. Harrison St. for $4.5 million.

The city says the vision for the property is a mixed-use center of activity that provides a more compatible use for the adjacent neighborhoods, supports public investment in the Riverfront public space, and brings additional private investment into the city.

Riverfront development continues to be a shining star bringing residents and visitors alike to enjoy recreation, shopping, dining, employment, and more, said Mayor Henry. Im looking forward to what this important parcel of land will be able to do for our community and region.

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City begins demolition of former Pepsi facility downtown - WOWO

Miamis Building Department approved a permit earlier this morning for total demolition to clear the site where Brickells St. Regis Residences is planned.

A 17-story building built in 1966 is currently on the property.

According to demolition permit filing, a total of 211,121 square feet will be totally demolished, at an estimated cost of $1,127,000.00.

The BG Group LLC is listed as the demolition contractor.

The demolition permit was first applied for in June 2023.

The new St. Regis Residences tower is planned to rise 48 stories, or 639 feet, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects.

in June, Miamis UDRB reviewed and approved the design of the new tower.

In July, the Federal Aviation Administration approved the towers permanent height at 630 feet above ground, or 639 feet above sea level.

In August, a construction permit for the new tower was applied for, with review underway as of this morning.

(Images: Binyan Studios)

A model of the tower in the new sales gallery:

(image: Related Group)

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Total Demolition Permit Approved At Brickell's St. Regis Residences Site - The Next Miami