Microtopping finish by Ideal Work

The selection of backsplashes and countertops represents a pivotal aspect of kitchen design, blending aesthetic appeal with functional necessity. While backsplashes offer extensive creative freedom to establish a kitchen's mood or reflect a client's persona, countertops, despite their practical role, contribute significantly to the overall beauty of the space. When these two elements are harmonized, they elevate the kitchen's design to an exceptional level. This article compiles insights from various designers who share their projects, demonstrating how backsplashes and countertops collaboratively create visually pleasing and highly functional kitchens. Genevieve Trousdale, principal designer at Circa Genevieve, emphasizes integrating nature into kitchen designs. She often uses natural stone, such as Elegant Brown Leather quartzite countertops, and stained oak cabinetry. The quartzite, with its brown, taupe, and deep-sea green hues, provides a grounding yet seductive horizontal surface. Custom oak cabinetry, featuring mullions designed to resemble a mountain range, complements the natural theme. Frosted glass in the upper cabinets mimics the sky, enhancing the outdoor ambiance. The backsplash, hand-painted with an olive tree on glossy white ceramic tiles, further extends the nature theme, symbolizing the client's desire for a unique kitchen that brings the outdoors in. An adjacent wall showcases a single olive branch with a bird, along with a metal pot rack for copper pots, adding both storage and display. The versatility of the white tile also allows for varied design treatments, as seen in another project where metal accents are used with the same tile. Lauren DeBello of Lauren DeBello Interiors notes the rising popularity of zellige tile for backsplashes due to its handmade, unique texture and timeless appeal. While white and ivory are common requests, DeBello successfully incorporated blush-colored zellige tile for a client seeking a 'wow' kitchen with a touch of pink. The tile is extended from countertop to ceiling on the focal wall, with floating shelves accentuating the height. White cabinetry and Vadara's Carrara quartz countertops, featuring subtle gray veining, ensure the backsplash remains the central design element. DeBello highlights quartz's durability and ease of maintenance as key reasons for its popularity among her clients. She also advocates for extending countertop material to the backsplash for a sophisticated, easy-to-clean look, and finds pleasure in assisting clients with these crucial selections. Rebekah Zaveloff, design director and co-founder of KitchenLab Interiors, employs a holistic approach to material selection, considering the overall vibe of the kitchen. She evaluates light and dark tones, colors, and the 'language' of each material, ensuring a balanced design where statement pieces are complemented by quieter elements. Zaveloff observes current trends such as zellige and hand-painted terracotta tiles, as well as marble with brass inlays and multi-stone mosaics. Antiqued mirror is also used in butler's pantries for light reflection. Full-height quartzite or marble backsplashes remain popular for modern projects. She prioritizes honest conversations with clients about material characteristics and maintenance to guide them toward informed decisions, especially concerning materials like marble. In older homes, Zaveloff often creates layered looks by mixing materials like natural stone, ceramic tile, and beadboard. An example includes a renovated 1890s home with Carrara marble countertops, a butcher block island, and a painted brick wall with subway tile, aiming for vintage authenticity. Mel McDaniel, founder of Mel McDaniel Design, encourages clients to prioritize personal happiness over trends in finish selections. In one project, she designed an eclectic French kitchen with vibrant colors and patterns, including black painted cabinets, a black and white checkered floor, and a rich blue True refrigerator. A New Ravenna Kelp Forest Alexandrite mosaic tile backsplash in blues and greens served as a unique focal point. McDaniel emphasizes that backsplashes can be a canvas for special design elements. For bold backsplashes, she recommends quieter countertop materials like quartz or natural stone, ensuring durability and easy maintenance. In this instance, Cambria Portrush quartz, with its soft white foundation and navy veins, was chosen to complement the striking backsplash. McDaniel sometimes starts with the backsplash to fully explore its design potential, recognizing its significant role in defining the kitchen's vibe. Erin Judge, studio director and senior designer at Kelle Contine Interior Design, focused on authenticity and raw materials for a new-construction home. In the kitchen, visible steel beams, wood accents, and concrete floors set the tone. A blackened steel ventilation hood, flanked by hidden cabinets, is contrasted by a small stack mosaic tile backsplash from Ann Sack’s Savoy Collection. The metallic glaze and Graphite colorway of the tile provide shimmer and texture, while its smaller scale balances the hood's heft. Caesarstone’s Organic White quartz countertops, with a waterfall edge on an 11-foot island, offer a soft white, consistent surface without excessive veining, meeting the client's preference for understated finishes. Judge notes the popularity of durable, low-maintenance quartz and quartzite. She often extends countertop material to the backsplash for a clean, contemporary look, especially with bold veining or texture. Porcelain slabs are also gaining traction for their varied textural patterns beyond natural stone, offering design flexibility and durability. #Backsplashes #Countertops #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesign #NaturalStone #Quartzite #ZelligeTile #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends

This article highlights the transformation of a high-rise galley kitchen in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey, owned by Ivee and Sam Fromkin. Perched on the 18th floor, the apartment offers panoramic views of the Shrewsbury River, the Atlantic Ocean, and the New York skyline. After 25 years, the existing kitchen, which had become worn from daily use and frequent entertaining, underwent a significant renovation to maximize space and modernize its aesthetic and functionality. Ivee Fromkin, an interior designer herself, spearheaded the renovation. The initial galley kitchen was constrained, prompting her to raise the ceiling to create a more open feel. A wall separating the kitchen from the dining room was removed, allowing for a more fluid connection between the spaces. To further enhance the kitchen's footprint and functionality, 4 feet were incorporated from the adjacent dining room. This reclaimed space allowed for the installation of a counter with seating for four, strategically angled to provide diners with optimal views. Despite retaining a galley layout, the redesigned kitchen feels considerably more spacious. Ivee emphasized the importance of accessibility and efficiency in her design, noting that during cooking, everything is within easy reach. The renovation also included significant appliance upgrades, such as replacing a single wall oven with a double oven. A notable addition is a refrigerator featuring French-style glass doors, which Ivee describes as a "gem" for its aesthetic appeal. Material selection was a crucial aspect of the renovation, balancing beauty with practicality. The countertops were chosen in hammered black granite with a dull finish, contrasting with the shiny black granite floors that were original to the apartment. This choice was deliberate, as the dull finish helps conceal fingerprints and dust, making maintenance easier. The rough edges of the countertops also add a textural element and visual interest to the space. Glass-front cabinets were installed, offering both a decorative element and practical visibility, allowing the Fromkins to easily locate items. The backsplash features white Carerra marble, cut in two different sizes to add visual depth and interest. The walls were painted white, with a subtle touch of pale lilac used inside the tray ceilings, providing a "tiny pop of color." The reconfigured layout also created space for a dedicated bar area on the dining room side, where the Fromkins proudly display their collection of cocktail shakers. The article mentions that bar stools, purchased in 1990, were revitalized with crisp white slipcovers, chosen for their easy washability. This choice inspired Ivee to use the same pure-white cotton fabric for slipcovers on all the living room furniture, ensuring durability and ease of cleaning, especially with grandchildren actively using the space. Completed in 2008, the kitchen continues to maintain a chic and contemporary appearance. For the Fromkins, it has become the central hub of their home, where they enjoy dinner at the counter each night, savoring the sunset views. The breathtaking views from their apartment are cited by Sam Fromkin as a primary reason for their continued enjoyment of the residence. #HomeRenovation #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesign #HighRiseLiving #SpaceMaximization #LuxuryKitchen #MonmouthBeach #HomeDecor #ApplianceUpgrades

This blog post focuses on the design and installation of built-up crown molding, offering insights into creating visually impactful cornices for interior spaces. The article, part of a larger video workshop series by Tucker Windover, emphasizes that even simple crown molding installations can be significantly enhanced through thoughtful design and precise execution. The author begins by showcasing various crown molding profiles, ranging from single-piece designs that are straightforward to install to more complex, multi-piece profiles that combine four or five individual components to create a grander aesthetic. While the workshop specifically features a more elaborate crown molding, the foundational design principles discussed are broadly applicable to diverse crown molding projects. A key aspect of the article is the introduction of custom-made jigs designed to streamline the crown molding installation process. These jigs are presented not only as time-saving tools but also as instruments for increasing the accuracy of the work. Specifically, the article highlights jigs for marking the layout directly on the wall, ensuring precise measurements and alignment. Another jig is detailed for facilitating the accurate cutting of crown molding at the correct angle, which is crucial for achieving seamless joints, especially in corners. Furthermore, a jig for securely holding the molding piece during the coping of inside corner joints is explained, illustrating how these specialized tools simplify complex cuts and improve the overall finish of the installation. The series includes a comprehensive breakdown of the installation process, starting with an introduction and moving through creating mockups, making the necessary jigs, coping inside corners, and finally, the full crown molding installation. The content is part of a larger 'Finish & Trim Carpentry Project Guide' which covers various aspects of interior trim, including trim design, tools and materials, interior trim basics, window and door casings, baseboard and crown molding, wainscot and paneling, mantels and fireplace surrounds, and coffered ceilings. This specific article falls under the 'Baseboard and Crown Molding' chapter, indicating its specialized focus within the broader subject of finish carpentry. The guide aims to provide trusted and comprehensive guidance from professionals for achieving perfect trim details in any room of a house. The overall objective is to equip readers with the knowledge and techniques required to elevate the interior aesthetics of their homes through well-designed and expertly installed trim elements. #CrownMolding #InteriorDesign #TrimCarpentry #HomeImprovement #DIY #WoodworkingJigs #FinishCarpentry #MoldingInstallation #HomeDecoration

The article highlights the often-overlooked potential of ceilings in interior design, referring to them as the "fifth wall." It emphasizes that special ceiling treatments can significantly enhance a room's ambiance, drawing on the wisdom of renowned designer Albert Hadley who championed their consideration. Contemporary designers and homeowners are increasingly exploring various materials and decorative techniques to transform ceilings from simple white surfaces into integral design elements. In older homes, particularly in New Orleans, high ceilings were historically used for cooling, grandeur, and natural light, often featuring detailed plaster medallions. Interior designer Betsey Hazard notes the practice of custom-making and replacing these medallions to restore original architectural charm. Beyond historical restoration, the article delves into diverse modern approaches to ceiling design. Wallpapering, for instance, introduces pattern and creates a cozy atmosphere, aligning with current trends like cottage core and granny chic, as demonstrated by clients like Sara and Keith McCullogh who used floral wallpaper in their daughters' rooms. Paint offers versatile options for ceiling treatments. Architect Wendy Kerrigan advises using darker colors for high ceilings to create intimacy and lighter colors for low ceilings to expand the space, with exceptions for achieving specific moods. She illustrates this with examples such as pairing pale pink walls with a magenta ceiling in a bedroom or color-blocking a family room ceiling with a smoky green to define areas and create a more intimate feel. High-gloss or lacquered finishes are also presented as a way to add glamour and drama through reflection, as practiced by designer Penny Francis who used a glossy moss-green ceiling to complement vintage velvet chairs. The article further explores artistic and architectural enhancements for ceilings. Murals, ranging from formal to playful, can be customized or even applied using DIY peel-and-stick options for a high-impact, cost-effective solution. Architectural elements like lattice work, as seen in Maureen Stevens' garden-themed study, or custom-cut, plaster-coated two-by-fours in a foyer designed by Ware Porter, add dimension and a "wow factor." Other structural treatments include fretwork panels, coffered ceilings, beams, paneling, and beadboard, which can be incorporated in new constructions or added to existing ceilings using prefab materials. While adding architectural components can enhance a room, Hazard cautions against over-complication in low-ceilinged spaces. The article also mentions upholstering ceilings with fabric for a Grandmillennial aesthetic or tenting with cloth for a fantastical, luxurious touch. Conversely, stripping away ceiling features or even the ceiling itself to expose the roofline, as Kerrigan did in her carriage house, can create a sense of age, airiness, and architectural interest. For new constructions, features like groin vaulted foyer ceilings, as proposed by Hazard for a French Provincial-style house, contribute to a refined, Old World aesthetic. Ultimately, designers emphasize that effective ceiling design requires intentionality and synchronization with the overall interior, considering every surface from "top to toe." Practical tips are provided, including using darker colors for high ceilings and lighter for low ones (unless aiming for coziness), employing high-gloss finishes for glamour, using the same wallpaper on walls and ceilings for a cohesive feel, and pairing a sky-blue ceiling with white walls to evoke an outdoor sky. It also advises attention to structural support when altering ceiling height and ensuring the ceiling design aligns with the home's overall style. #CeilingTreatments #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #Wallpaper #Paint #ArchitecturalElements #HomeImprovement #DesignTips #ResidentialDesign

This article, drawing insights from designer Celerie Kemble's book "Black & White (and a Bit in Between)," offers practical advice on selecting the appropriate paint finish for various interior spaces. Kemble emphasizes the enduring appeal and versatility of black and white as a design foundation, noting its adaptability for adding or subtracting elements over time while maintaining cohesion. She explains that in a black and white scheme, the introduction of other elements like gilt finishes, wood tones, or colors creates a dramatic accent. The article then details different paint finishes, outlining their pros, cons, and ideal applications. Flat finish paint is presented as suitable for concealing wall imperfections due to its minimal light reflection, offering a classic, old-world aesthetic. However, its delicate nature makes it prone to showing scuffs and fingerprints and difficult to clean, thus recommended for low-traffic areas or ceilings. Eggshell finish provides a slightly more durable alternative to flat paint with a similar low sheen but remains somewhat challenging to clean and easily marked, making it appropriate for most rooms except those with high kid traffic. Semi-gloss paint, which reflects a significant amount of light, is highlighted for its ease of cleaning. Its main drawback is its tendency to reveal every wall imperfection, brushstroke, and roller brush's "orange-peel finish," necessitating a good skim coat on walls before application. This finish is ideal for doors, trim, casework, bathrooms, and kitchens. Venetian plaster is described as a finish that can appear modern and sleek when applied with the right pigments and gloss, despite its old-school perception. Its durability is a key advantage, as its integrated tinting minimizes the visibility of scratches and dings, and higher gloss versions are easy to wipe clean. The labor-intensive application, often requiring professional expertise, and the difficulty in painting over it are noted as its main disadvantages. It is recommended for spaces where a special and deep finish is desired to elevate the wall's integrity. Finally, high-gloss paint is featured as a spectacular option for impeccably skim-coated rooms, offering a less expensive alternative to real lacquer. Achieving an ideal, lacquer-like finish requires significant effort, often involving light sanding between coats and several applications, making it expensive to execute well. The article also mentions the potentially shocking price of darker high-gloss colors. This finish is best reserved for rooms requiring drama and a distinct, special-occasion feel, such as dining rooms, entry halls, powder rooms, and libraries. #PaintFinish #InteriorDesign #CelerieKemble #HomeImprovement #DIYPainting #WallFinishes #HomeDecor #PaintingTips