by the editors of
Southern Accents
Kitchen Essentials: Surfaces
When it comes to remodeling, the materials are so numerous that the process can be dizzying, so we asked our panel of experts for guidance, from countertops to flooring
"For kitchen flooring, I usually specify wide-plank chestnut, longleaf pine, or antique French terra-cotta."
-- Michael Imber, architect, San Antonio

"Most of my projects have honed (unpolished) stone countertops. The honing reduces the reflection of overhead lights and is older in appearance. Americans are finally less obsessed with a pristine environment and realize that patina is charming. Now I can install marble in the kitchen and not be frightened of a midnight call about how to remove a wine stain from a client's Calcutta Gold countertop."
-- Matthew Quinn, kitchen and bath designer, Atlanta

"I like wood, antique terra-cotta in a hexagonal pattern, limestone in a random pattern, and painted wood."
-- Carolyn Malone, designer, Atlanta

"My favorite countertop material is marble. It should have minimal veining, which will add the greatest drama. Be sure to incorporate the kitchen's color palette with the stone choice."
-- Ruard Veltman, architect, Charlotte


OUR FAVORITE COUNTERTOP SURFACES
· Calcutta Gold Marble: it's elegant and has a warm cast.
· Carrara Marble: it's timeless and pure in color.
· Honed Granite: it's virtually indestructible but not shiny.
· Oiled Wood: it has a mellow patina that works well with the rooms in the rest of the house.
· Poured Concrete: it's versatile in color, size, and shape and can be poured seamlessly.
· Quartz: it's durable, low maintenance, and consistent in color.
· Soapstone: its lack of gloss gives the surfaces a softer feel.
OUR FAVORITE FLOORING SURFACES
· Porcelain Tile: it looks great in spare, modern kitchens.
· Stone: as in limestone or granite.
· Wide-Plank Wood Floors: the clear winner among our experts. It marries well with other types of flooring in a house, adds the look of age, and is timeless.
· Terra-cotta: it feels old-world.


RESOURCES: Michael Imber, 210/824-7703; Carolyn Malone, 404/264-9509; Matthew Quinn, 404/261-0111; Ruard Veltman, 704/540-5620; antique terra-cotta flooring by Cavendish Grey, 212/838-2727, cavendishgrey.com.
 
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