Vetrazzo Countertops are the newest rage in Green Design. It is a product made from recycled glass bottles, windshields, glass windows and also decommisioned traffic lights! This product is very durable and easy to maintain. Many compare it’s strength to granite, as well as it’s scratch and heat resistance.  85% of the surface is glass which cannot stain, however certain types of liquids like red wine, lemon juice or vinegar may etch away the surface if not cleaned promptly.  Other types of countertops such as butcher block or marble have an aged look over time, but Vetrazzo will not age and will stay beautiful and new forever if taken proper care. Vetrazzo cleans up with simple soap and water since it is mostly glass.

Vetrazzo countertops are the new trend in the design world today. If you would like more information Style on a Shoestring would be more than happy to provide that for you.

Here are a few tips for taking your tiny bathroom and making it feel much more open and roomy. Switch out your large vanity for a pedestal sink, but keep in mind you may lose some storage. You can always add in a narrow, tall storage piece. The color White for the furniture, toilet, pedestal sink, etc will always help make the room look larger. Try a clear vessel sink, the more see-through the better. Pay attention to what your bathroom mirror is reflecting. It could change the amount of light in the room. If you use a shower curtain then make it somewhat see-through, and avoid really dark colors. This will help extend the space and will feel much more spacious without knocking any walls down. If you always feel cramped inside of your shower but cannot afford to re-design it then, try to use a specialty shower rod, called the Arc. www.arcsandangles.com Here is their website, take a look. 

The best way to survive a remodel with no hassles is to hire someone else to take care of it and go away on vacation! Unfortunately this is not possible for all homeowners because they either want to be involved or it is not feasible with their job or lifestyle. Even if you cannot get away for a long extravagant vacation, planning to get away even to a friend or family members home is a smart choice. Plan your getaway when your home will be the messiest with dust and debris, or when your water will be turned off, etc.  Your kitchen is by far the hardest space to live without, so preparation before the remodel is very important. Here are a few things to remember before the demolition takes place.

1.      Make sure you pack up everything in your kitchen because there will be a lot of dust in the air. Don’t pack dish soap or dish towels

2.      Set up a temporary kitchen outside of a bathroom or laundry room.

3.      Have extra water around for when the water is turned off, which will be often. 4.      Purchase paper plates, plastic forks, spoons, cups, etc. (pretend you are shopping for a camping trip).

There are many options out there for countertops, but which one is the best for you?

Corian: is very durable, stain-resistant, has solid color and comes in many colors, patterns and finishes, although matte is the best to avoid scratches. But be careful because it can be damaged by hot pans.

Laminate: is also very durable and stain-resistant and comes in numerous colors, patterns and textures. This product has many downsides: it can be damaged by hot surfaces; it tends to show dirt easily and will scratch over time; it can mildew and is not repairable. Although this may be one of the cheaper options, in the long run it will not be the smartest investment for your money.

Silestone: This product is very hard and durable and resists stains, scratches, burns and even bacteria. There are many different color options and it is very easy to clean. The only downside is that the seams are visible.  It is very affordable so if you have a small space to fill then this is a great option.

Soapstone: This product is very dense, durable and resists stains, water, heat and overall wear. The greatest part is that each piece is very unique. The only downsides are that you many need to occasionally oil it and that is can be scratched.

Simplicity: Not many people know about this product. It is extremely hard, durable with very little maintenance. It resists stains, scratches, heat and bacteria and does come in many different colors. The downside is that the seams are visible, so again it would be best in small areas.

Granite: This is the most well known product used for countertops. It is very hard, durable, and resistant to stains, scratches and heat. Each piece is completely unique. The downsides to this product are that sometimes some finishes are hard to clean, the seams can be visible. It may stain or mildew if not treated properly, and does need to be polished regularly.

Butcher Block: This is a very inexpensive option with a great warm wood look, but can be damaged by hot surfaces. It needs to be cleaned and oiled often. It is also can be dented, scratched and damaged by water.  

Stainless Steel: A very contemporary option. This product is very durable and easy to clean with resistance to heat and stains. This product does scratch easily and shoes spots. Some say that it can be a noisier option but sleek and clean looking at the same time. It is a great option for that contemporary look.

Concrete: A new product out on the market is cast concrete. It is very durable, heat resistant and comes in many colors and textures. You can even have seashells or any other object embedded in the countertop. This product must be sealed often and can typically be expensive. It is important to make sure the person or company installing this product has had experience. Concrete can give a very contemporary, urban or industrial look to your space. It is becoming extremely popular.

These are all great options, all with their pros and cons- think about what you want out of your countertop as well as how much you can afford. If you are having trouble deciding on a material to choose for your bathroom or kitchen renovation, Style on a Shoestring can always help you make that choice.