A study room in the home reflects the personalities of the family members who use the space. It depicts intellect and should be designed accordingly. This space requires a quiet noise free zone to be created. The space should give a sense of calm and balance to its user in order to work effectively. A table and chair is a necessity in the space however; your table and chair should be customized according to your requirements. The correct height and size to suit; and a comfortable chair to improve concentration and increase work rates. These small elements are a vital part of the space.

Depending on how this space will function, many users require an endless amount of storage space. Storage can be both visible and hidden depending on your style preferences. Visible items would typically be stored on shelves whilst items your rather keep hidden or private may be stored inside cupboard units. A balance should be created by having a combination of both. Think of items that will be used most and have fun whilst organising your space.

Lighting in any space is an important factor and the same would be in a study area. Dull lighting will be bad for your eyes and concentration, so make sure the room is well light and airy. Too dim or bright lights can create barriers or glare within the space. Find a balance that suits your vision perfectly. A table light is also a nice feature that functions well.

 If your space allows create an alternate seating area, this becomes a nice feature in the room and a secondary space for seating. A reading bench by a window is a perfect example; it is quite popular and can be very calming. Wall finishes are also important. Generally a rule of thumb would be to go lighter on your walls and this creates openness to your space. A darker room tends to become intimidating and creates a resistance towards using that particular space. Don't be afraid to bring in a feature wall but bear in mind the balance you are trying to create.

Another pleasant feature is inspirational quotes or artwork and it can be used to motivate the end user. It brings in a feature element that adds life to the space and something nice to look at on those days you need inspiration or become a bit bored. A home study space is not merely about studying or work. It can be a playful space allowing you to relax as well. All the human sensory elements can be engaged to make this space comfortable and relaxing, from touch and texture; to sound and music; or smell and a fragrance. This allows you to take breaks between working hours. Designing your ideal home study can be super fun and a unique experience.

Many kitchen spaces are quite large and this allows for endless design opportunities. One aspect many home owners request in the kitchen area is sufficient gathering space for friends and family as well as extra worktop space. A kitchen island is the perfect tool in providing both. The island design should be based on form and function. Ultimately the size, shape and style of the kitchen influence the type of island to be designed for the space. A few modern island designs to inspire you:

What's the best way to set up a kitchen? If you've been cooking for any length of time, you've either figured this out for yourself, in your own kitchen — or you are still looking for that magic solution. This diagram might not be how your kitchen actually looks, but the way it divvies up the space is useful information for any kitchen. Here's what we can learn from it. If you've ever planned out a kitchen, or even just read enough cooking blogs, you've no doubt heard of the kitchen work triangle (the idea that in an ideal kitchen, the line drawn between the refrigerator, hob/stove, and sink creates a triangle within which the cook can easily and efficiently move about).

But some say it's more useful nowadays, given the variety of kitchen sizes and arrangements, to think not in terms of a triangle, but in terms of work zones. You probably can't change the placement of the refrigerator, or where the sink is in your kitchen, but you can change your relation to these spaces and what you choose to store and set up in their vicinity. Here are five things we learn from this diagram that you can apply to your kitchen — no matter its size or shape!

The basic work zones to think about in your kitchen are as follows:

• Consumables zone: The area used to store most of your food. This may actually be split into two zones: one for your refrigerator (fresh food) and one for your pantry or food cabinets (dry goods, oils, etc.).
• Non-consumables zone: The area used to store everyday dishes, including plates, bowls, glasses, and silverware.
• Cleaning zone: The area that contains the sink and dishwasher (if you have one).
• Preparation zone: The area where most of your kitchen prep happens. This may be a stretch of countertop, or a kitchen island.
• Cooking zone: The area that contains the stovetop, oven, or range, and possibly the microwave.

Most kitchens can be divvied up into these areas. Even if you have a tiny apartment galley kitchen, you still probably have the essentials: a fridge (consumables zone), some cabinets (non-consumables zone), a sink (cleaning zone), a little countertop space (preparation zone), and a stove (cooking zone). Once you've mapped out your zones, you're ready for the next step.

The point of dividing your kitchen into zones is so you can store things in the right place to improve your cooking flow! For example, knives, mixing bowls, chopping boards, spices, and other prep utensils should be stored where you do most of your prep work, in the preparation zone. Cooking utensils, pots, pans, and bakeware should be stored as close to or near the stove or oven, in the cooking zone.

Digging into the details on this a little more, this diagram notes you should store your everyday dishes (the non-consumables) right next to the cleaning area, or where your sink and dishwasher are.

This makes a lot of sense when you think about it. What are you normally unloading from the dishwasher? All your everyday plates, glasses, and silverware! So whatever cabinet is closest to your dish rack or dishwasher, that's where you should store your dishes if possible.

Another thing we noticed in this diagram is how the prep area is situated next to the stove. We agree. We note that one of the most important things in setting up a kitchen is to have adequate counter space close to the stove. Ideally you shouldn't have to take more than a few steps to put your prepped food into a pot on your stovetop, or in the oven.

If you don't have a lot of existing countertop space next to your stove, this is where you need to get creative! Whatever space you do have, clear it off and prioritize it as a prep space. Remove the microwave and move the fruit bowl! You need that space to chop vegetables or mix ingredients, so let it be just that.

When that's still not enough, you might consider adding a small kitchen island.

Of course, keeping items precisely within their zone isn't always entirely possible if your kitchen is tiny and you need to, say, store your bakeware on top of the cabinets, or the only available pantry space is in a cabinet across the room from the fridge. But this idea of seeing your kitchen as a collection of zones and grouping things together by their purpose is something to work towards! There will always be exceptions unless you have a perfect kitchen. (Does anyone?)

One of the most important design decisions when it comes to interior design in the home lies in the selection of your finishes. Every room typically needs the perfect floor or wall finish which becomes a feature or compliments the rest of the elements in your home.

Whether you have a blank space, stuck in an aesthetic rut, want a subtle hint of texture or would like to add an exquisite feature. A simple go to that does not require much thought would be the herringbone pattern.

It is a simple arrangement of rectangles creating a v-shape similar to a weaving technique. It originates from the Roman Empire where they were used in building the roads and some even date it back to the Egyptian jewellery designs. You would think this "ancient" pattern has become a thing of the past but its beauty still intrigues the eye and creates a sense or texture and movement.

This old school design element can be used in a unique modern manner in living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms or even bathrooms. As a wall finish, floor finish, kitchen or bathroom splash back, furniture design or even on doors. Its effect can be manipulated depending on your style through your colour and texture selection of material. Solid, dark, wood grain or light airy. It can also be combined with other patterns or solid colours depending on your preferences. It is a great tool to add a feature in any room. "Art is pattern improved by sensibility".

Have you found the perfect cosy home, in the right area or have you realised your current kitchen simply does not give you enough space? So why not work within this space and make best use of what's available. Depending on your layout you can redesign using the existing parameters to be functionally ideal and still aesthetically satisfying. Whether it is a single wall, u-shape or L-shape kitchen, every space can be designed well.

Planning is essential to a perfect kitchen and is dependent on what works for you. Create zones which can serve singular or multiple functions, for example your wash up and prep area can work as one; your cooking, coffee and microwave area as one; or your pantry, storage and cold area as one. The use of the right finishes and colours will make your kitchen appear visually larger than reality, so stick to light colour tones to bring an openness but don't be afraid to play with different patterns and textures, large scale appears greater to the eye, all applied in proportion.

The correct lighting is vital; a well light room will appear bigger than a dark room. Hang pendant lights if the space allows bringing light and different levels into the kitchen. Adding breakfast seating can double up as a dining area or even movable seating which can be hidden when not used. Removing wall units takes away the bulky looking kitchen but adding shelves to replace them will provide storage. Remember tall units require space and provide storage but keep them to a minimum or a single wall/ area. An island on wheels can be quite useful as extra work surface and can be rolled away to create space in the kitchen. Select slim-line ornaments and appliances to give you space.

Do not clutter! Always remember to keep it clean and simple. – "less is more".

If you are a coffee lover, you probably enjoy a good brew at home rather than running to cafés to savor your favorite cup of java. You can create your own unique coffee station right in your own kitchen using your essential coffee making accessories. By selecting a special space to place all of your coffee making essentials, you will be able to enjoy your favorite cup that much faster and impress your guest as well! You can use your kitchen counter, side tables, carts, a cabinet, or have a coffee bar custom built to suit your style. Here are a few tips to help you organize and stylize your very own coffee station.

HOW TO CREATE THE BEST HOME COFFEE STATION

The Counter Coffee Station You can style your own coffee station right on your own kitchen counter! If your counter is small, use a base, like a tray, to put all your coffee essentials in a group to decrease clutter. You can also add a shelf above your coffee machine to place cups, coffee, and other essentials. If your counter is large, simply arrange your station in a way that expresses your individuality by adding a coffee pot, unique cups, and whatever you like.

Carts and Side Tables Using a side table or cart is great. They allow you to contain your coffee stand to a particular area creating a coffee station nook in your kitchen. Moreover, a large or medium sized kitchen can easily handle a rolling coffee bar created from a kitchen island on wheels. This can be fantastic if you are entertaining guests and want to display all the coffee making gadgets you use to make a great cup of coffee.

Customize It! You can customize your coffee station by creating a special cabinet to place all your coffee necessities. A customized coffee station is a great idea. You can close the station when it is not in use; thereby, making your kitchen appear less cluttered. There are many ways to customize a coffee space, built in cabinets and shelves with swing doors or a type of opaque roller blinds work too. You can have lights fitted at the top of your nook or use a lamp.

Sophistication, Mystery and Power!
Black Beauty? No I'm not referring to the horse but rather your kitchen. The colour black has taken the kitchen by storm, literally. Opposing the typical all white kitchen design, and from the other end of the spectrum it simply brings a unique beauty to any space.

With its inherent sophistication and modern appeal, the colour black is a new trend that is dominating the entire kitchen. From the cupboards doors, countertops, taps, sinks, handles and appliances including decor and accents; designers are going for all black everything look. The colour itself creates an elegant atmosphere yet still strong and masculine.

So don't be afraid to make this bold statement.

For the latest in smart tech and push-button convenience, look no further than today's kitchens. Truly modern kitchen amenities are not only technologically savvy, but also offer exceptional energy efficiency, durability, and ease of use. Here are 10 innovative ideas.

Smart Hobs
Forget cleaning around plate tops. The Thermador Masterpiece Series Freedom Induction Hobs breaks free of traditional limitations to offer the largest fully usable cooking space on the market. This sleek hob is equipped with a full-color touchscreen interface and state-of-the-art technology that enables it to recognize the shape of your pots and pans, heating only the surfaces you need.

Steam Ovens
Steam ovens cook food with heat generated by boiling water in a built-in reservoir. These appliances are available from many manufacturers, and most today also function as convection ovens. But the steam oven's real claims to fame are its easy to clean interior, faster cook times, and the moist, flavorful foods it produces.

Custom Refrigeration
How would you like a combination fridge, freezer, and wine cooler that fits seamlessly into your kitchen? Miele's just that. It's not just their customizable widths and cabinet-depth installations that make them special. With separate compressors for each fridge and freezer section, their design eliminates flavor transfer, so your ice cubes will never taste like your leftovers.

High-Efficiency Dishwashers
The Bosch Benchmark dishwashers go beyond the water-saving, energy-efficient models that have been ob the market. They're virtually silent and feature touchpad controls and flexible loading—and they even project the remaining cycle time onto the floor in large, easy-to-read numbers.Enter your text here ...

Messy hands in the kitchen usually make for drippy, germy faucet handles—but not with a one-touch or touchless faucet, available these days from many manufacturers, including Kohler and Moen. Cutting raw chicken or rolling out dough? No problem. The high-tech sensors in these fixtures allow you to wash up without gunking up your faucet.

Cabinet Built-Ins
In today's cutting-edge kitchen, cumbersome cabinets need not apply. The future of cabinetry is replete with rollout shelves, built-in compost collectors, and blind corner accessories that leave no space wasted. And now that more new cabinets are made from recycled materials, you can feel doubly good about your next renovation. The cabinets shown here, made from reclaimed vintage oak veneer panels, make an environmentally friendly statement in the kitchen.

LED Lighting
Because LED's take up so little space, they can be stylishly incorporated into undercabinet lighting, drawers, and cabinet interiors. Energy-efficient LED lighting is available in a wide array of colors and lumens—and, perhaps most important, they generate less heat than incandescent or halogen globes, so they help keep the cook cool.

Engineered Work Surfaces
Today's engineered stone countertops combine the vibrant colors and patterns of natural quartz with tough, nonporous resins, resulting in countertops that are unmatched in their durability and resistance to scratches, stains, and germs.

Coffee from the Tap
There are no shortage of innovative appliances to make your next cup of coffee. But if money is no object, consider the smartphone-controlled TopBrewer. It may look like a simple, graceful faucet, but it's actually the world's smallest milk foamer and the fastest countertop barista. With one of these on deck, you're never more than 30 seconds away from a perfect espresso—or cappuccino, or macchiato, or even hot water for tea.

Tea Time
Wake up to boiling water with this WI-Fi enabled teakettle. Controlled by your smartphone and synchronized with your alarm clock, the iKettle will heat water and keep it warm for up to 30 minutes.

With regards to the title of this articles post most people have already got their favorite. That's an excellent position to be in, but given that you are here reading this post we will assume that you are undecided. Gloss or Matt Kitchen? What one is the best? Well, put quite simply, it all boils down to 'Personal Choice'.

The popularity of matt or gloss changes over the years. During the past year or so there was a real move towards a matt finish being the most sought after. Gloss had a few years 'of fame' in between then and now ... however, in 2019, we can quite confidently say that matt kitchens will soon be the most popular. We would predict that the popularity of a matt finish will continue well into the mid 2020's.

The key to achieving the right look in both styles is by choosing a quality product and installation. Matt and gloss kitchens can form the basis of a visually stunning design that is timeless in appearance, easy to maintain, and very durable. But if you compromise on quality, then you risk having a kitchen that lets you down in the years ahead.We have now established that a high-quality product is essential for a successful gloss or matt kitchen; however, the problem still remains on how to choose between a gloss or matt kitchen!

Gloss Kitchens
The quality of installation is essential to your kitchen's appearance, but it is also important to realize that gloss kitchen colours can look slightly different in appearance under different light settings. Eye level units will, in general, reflect more light but you can also reflect other colours. It might be worth considering the installation of LED lights which will alter the visual appearance of the doors. This is something that we have done on many occasion and can work really well in both matt and gloss kitchens but especially well with the reflective properties of a gloss door. The effect of light in the space is an elegant look, but an added bonus is that reflected light also creates the impression of a larger area, particularly within lighter gloss kitchen colours. Ideal for some smaller kitchen spaces. The smoother the surface and lighter the colour, the more light is reflected, and the bigger and brighter a kitchen space will appear. High Gloss white can really help maximize the space.

Gloss kitchens are easy to wipe clean making them a stylish and practical choice for families, amateur cooks, or pet owners. Gloss kitchen finishes are widely accessible in a range of materials, colours and prices too.

• Can make small spaces appear bigger
• Easy to clean- A wide range of colours
• Can mark easily

As suggested by its name, it is different from the gloss kitchen because it has a non-reflective surface for a more subtle look.The matt kitchen has a more solid base of colour than a gloss kitchen as it doesn't rely on a light source to maintain its colour.

The matt kitchen can be described as one of understated class and elegance and convey a feeling of pure luxury.

The matt kitchen, like the gloss kitchen, is durable, scratch resistant and also easy to clean, but with the added benefit of fingerprint and smudge marks being less noticeable. As with gloss kitchens, white doors will give the impression of a bigger space, but to a lesser degree due to the lack of reflection. However, graphite or charcoal grey is proving to be extremely popular... and looks absolutely stunning.

• A look and feel of luxury and elegance
• Easy to clean
• A wide range of colours
• Finger marks less obvious

So is a gloss or matt kitchen best? Ultimately, it's still about personal preference, so it's actually not about what is best, it's about what is right for you. At Weizter we have plenty of examples of both, and we would be happy to meet up to show you samples in person so that you can make a proper comparison. Above all, we suggest that you recognize that high quality is the key; even if it's not the lowest in price, the quality of your kitchen is what will remain when the 'price tag' has long been forgotten!

We think kitchens and the last thing on everyone's mind - after choosing the colours, the door profile, the style of the kitchen, the configuration and orientation of the cupboards in the kitchen, we think of the handles. 

When I say we, I say the client. 

This accessory used in and throughout the kitchen that could either make or break the look of the kitchen cupboards or even break the budget of the kitchen, we think of last. Which although can be a minimal item/discreet item/afterthought as well as the last thing on the list, is just as important as the style and colour of the kitchen,

Gola System
The Gola system is an integrated handle system pre-cut into the cupboards. Cutting the handle into the cupboard as opposed to the door or drawer having a fixed protruding handle.
Pros

• Sleek and seamless kitchen - aesthetic
• Safe for the family – no knocking the protruding handles
• Easy to use

Cons

• Can get dirty, dust, grease, oil etc can get into the handle
• You lose cupboard space
• Expensive

Tipmatic or Push to Open
A mechanism where you push on the door panel and the door pops open (like a pen) you put your fingers in the open space and pull the door open.
Pros

• Sleek and seamless kitchen - aesthetic
• Safe for the family

Cons

• Very finicky and it is much more difficult to set it up correctly
• Very high maintenance as you will forever clean the doors from constantly touching it
• Discriminatory against those with mobility issues
• Not only must doors be pushed to open, it must also be pushed to close (more work)
  
• After a mere few weeks, most clients get frustrated with these push to open systems
• Highest chance of it not working after 3-5 years, requires the most maintenance

In this day and age, just about everyone who has a job has to bring work home with them, in some cases, it is a stack of paperwork or work that has to be done from your laptop. On the other hand, if you are not office-bound, would it not be beneficial to have a dedicated area to sort out the household bills and correspondence? Here are some ideas for home offices that will help you to get work done while at home.

A dedicated home space helps you put aside distractions that might occur in your household and focus on work. This could also serve as a place for kids to do their homework or just a place to read. Whatever your preference, these are the most important aspects that a home office should have.

Storage should be the top priority in your home office design, this is to store things like papers, books, and office supplies. Surface space, so one has enough room to work on, deep drawers, and high-quality material.

  Your home office layout should serve your workflow and creative process, it should be functional but also reflective of the things that motivate you. Your work area should also be ergonomically sound. To give your work area a personalized touch, bring in family photos and travel souvenirs you have picked up along the way. There are many options when it comes to having an office at home so determine what is best for you and your family.

Our Automated Closet represents a revolution in wardrobe design. and makes it possible to organize, store and easily find one's garments. Carefully and cleverly designed it is suitable for any architectural context. The Automated Closet is a practical and innovative solution for the luxury home and offers that touch of class to a traditional wardrobe, and even doubles the number of garments which would usually be stored in a built-in cupboard. It delivers the garment to the end user, making the action of rummaging through hangers a thing of the past.

Contrary to what one may think, our Automated Closets are particularly adapted to smaller houses, precisely because space is limited and has to be used in the most rational way possible, including blind corners. Seasonal change overs are no longer a problem with this system: just make the conveyer rotate and get the right clothes for the new season in a wink!

We design, manufactured and install stunning automated closets in melamine and laminate materials available in gloss, matt, painted and textured finishes. Compared to traditional static closets, this system offers many practical advantages and makes the most of available space, even when the storage space is in inconvenient, awkward or inaccessible locations. For the home this takes a practical and elegant leap into the future. Available from WEIZTER throughout Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Free State.

Get Yours HERE: https://weizter.co.za/.../bedroom.../automated-closets

 Pros for Corian
- Stain resistant
- Bacteria resistant
- Many colour variations
- Can integrate a sink with the countertop making it seamless
- Easily repairable
Cons
- Low scratch and heat tolerance

Pros for Stainless Steel
- Heat resistant
- Easy to clean
- Adds value to your home if used for industrial design purposes
Cons
- Prone to water mark staining if not cleaned in time
- Dents and scratches easily

Concrete Countertops vs Butcher Block

When looking at kitchen or bathroom countertops for that matter, we have a variety of application that can be used throughout. 

In a previous blog we spoke about the 2 main ones used in the "war" as of 2022 – granite vs quartz. But there are more on offer that need not only an honorable mention but an in depth review so you can make a more informed decision before you get to the sales rep who will help design either your kitchen or bathroom.

The next weapon in the arsenal to look at is:
Concrete and butcher block countertops. These are used in more for a industrial modern type design style or even a country or farmstyle looking design style in the home, perhaps even the bathroom vanities.

They can be used to add a warmer natural feel into the kitchen. Which I would advise solely as an island detail as opposed to the entire countertop throughout the kitchen.

Pros for Concrete Countertops
- Its easy to manufacture. They can be bought or if you are very handy, you can make it a DIY project maybe to bond with your kids
- Reasonable
- Very heavy duty and durable

Cons
- It takes a minimum of 28 days to completely cure
- It cracks over time
- High maintenance – needs sealant consistently

Pros for Butcher Block
- It is very user friendly – you can chop and cut and slice directly on to the wood
- It adds an warmth to the kitchen, not hard cold stone
- Very durable if taken care of properly by sanding and resealing if and when its needed

Cons
- Solid wood prices fluctuate like inflation, making it inconsistent in pricing and very expensive
- Soaks in stains and water – the wood can swell if not taken care of properly
- Can withhold bacteria in the wood which can contaminate the food

Kitchens can be greatly enhanced just by adding proper lighting, in this day and age there are numerous colors and designs when it comes to lights, so it is vital that your designer guide you through the various ways in which you can place your lighting, Aesthetics can be enhanced by more lighting, either through highlighting certain aspects or saturating the space altogether.

Your kitchen lighting design should be based on three layers of light.

• 1.Task lighting being the brightest of the three, this is to highlight your countertops, sinks, island, and any area where food preparation and cleaning occurs.
• 2.Ambient lighting is much softer and is used to highlight areas like entrances and exits as well as walls and the floor.
• 3.Accent lighting, in between task and ambient lighting in brightness, can be used to highlight architectural features or inside your glass cabinets to show off your fine china.

When you have incorporated all three layers you will achieve the right level of lighting in your kitchen. this also helps to minimize shadows which is often a result of the exclusive use of overhead lighting.

LED Lighting In modern kitchen design

Many choose open-plan kitchens. Do you want your kitchen to look warmer, more vibrant, or unique? It is very simple, just add LED strip lights strategically placed by your designer, to transform your kitchen, Remodeling your kitchen is all about finding a balance between ergonomics, aesthetics, and exclusivity. Proper lighting is what makes or breaks its appeal. Led strip lights combine convenience with saving energy LED strip lighting is definitely on of the must-haves of 2022 kitchen. Let us show you how!

The evolution of "your kitchen" has taken a fascinating approach in terms of how it started its journey to where we have arrived, at what would be considered your "current-day" kitchen. Without too much of an exaggerated jump in time, if we were sent back a mere 100 years, what would the typical kitchen look like? 

Generally, the space was created with one thing in mind, preparing and cooking food. Essentials took on a different meaning altogether. We didn't have use for the defined storage spaces we have today. Washing machines, dishwashers, and fridges were nonexistent features back then. They needed a large stable workspace, a place to store utensils & cutlery along with a stove and some rudimentary form of refrigeration, usually an ice box (apparently they had ice delivered every few days through the services of "Icemen", read to the end to see one).

Today, the kitchen has become the heart of the home, often, the first room people gravitate towards when entering and in my experience, it's always where the house keys, car keys and cell phones end up. Coffee makers, Tall freezers, Wi-Fi routers, "home telephones" (if they are even still a thing), and all sorts of unique nuances that ultimately develop the character of the space itself have to be taken into account when creating your space in the world today.

Most kitchens designed within the last 50 years have incorporated the peninsula or island element, specifically to create a space to entertain guests, whether it's them helping with the food, doing homework under the keen watch of mom, or just a casual friend enjoying a glass of wine, it's become an essential in most South African homes today.

Since time immemorial and with the  expeditious advances in technology, appliances have had the most prevalent impact, from a kettle that boils your water to a washing machine that cleans your clothes, a trove of appliances is essential and usually makes up a large portion of your kitchen, whether it's through functionality or cost.

The standardisation of cabinets was another huge leap forward, essentially countertops were installed at whatever height was comfortable for that individual. Nowadays, each arbitrarily defined section of your kitchen is extremely customisable, with an emphasis on subjectivity and individual functionality over simple reason.

Every aspect of your kitchen today is highly evolved, from the materials used, to the method of production &  overall installation process followed. Current layouts are defined through decades of improvement and thorough scientific understanding, every detail, every variation, and almost every single option has been refined to maximise efficiency and aesthetic appeal. 

Next time you make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, just reflect and think to yourself, how easy was that?

Your kitchen is made up of so many important parts, the boards making up the carcasses and doors, the handles, the taps and what we're going to talk about today is… the kitchen counter tops.

Many a client, when we ask them what countertop they are looking for, they usually answer with "marble" or "granite." Only the curious would ask what the difference is. Not knowing that they have more options than just the four I'm going to mention below – Quartz, Porcelain, Marble, Granite.

The main difference between the 4 is that 2 of them are engineered – meaning man made and the other 2 are natural – meaning they come from rocks and quarries all over the world.

When talking about the pros and cons on engineered vs natural stone.

Pros of natural stone:
- Although ill-advised, you can put hot pots on the counter but only for seconds at a time, the heat will travel to the weakest point making your stone weaker and weaker over time,
- The colour variations are endless
Cons
- Marble will stain and soak up that stain making it difficult to impossible to return to it's original state
- Your knives will become dull over time
- Expensive

Pros for engineered stone:
- Better at resisting stains than natural stone because it's less porous
- Barely imperfections when look at an overall slab
- Can be made to custom size and shape
Cons
- More brittle
- Expensive
- Less heat tolerant
- Colours are frequently discontinued