Marvel Industries has come up with a fantastic idea for your kitchen sink.

 

This new kitchen sink design with a butcher block is shaped to make cooking and cleaning up as simple as ever. Here at Style on a Shoestring we are always looking out for new and innovative ideas to incorporate into your home.

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.

Custom cabinets are cabinets specially made to meet the space and design specifications of your kitchen. While they do cost more than stock or semi-stock cabinets, they are generally well worth the extra money and the longer waiting period between placing and receiving your order. Because they are manufactured by experienced cabinetry craftsmen using superior methods and materials, they look better and hold up longer than other cabinetry options in the long run.

What’s the Difference Between Custom and Stock Cabinetry?
Most stock cabinets are made of inferior materials which wear quicker, fall apart faster, and may not be manufactured very soundly in the first place. The goal of a stock cabinet maker is to mass produce  cabinets at a breakneck pace, ensuring customers a generic product that arrives at their home in a minimum amount of time (usually less than 4 weeks).

Stock. Most stock cabinets are made of particle board materials covered with veneer or imitation plastic wood, presenting a number of problems. For starters, particle board cabinetry tends to flake with use, causing the veneer (often held on by cheap glues) to come off the cabinets as the subsurface degrades. On top of that, particle board is notorious for coming apart. Because it is a less dense material, fasteners tend to pull out and shelving bows under the weight of dishes. Considering your cabinets hold some of your most prized and fragile possessions, it’s important to ask yourself whether you’re willing to risk your dining set in order to save a few bucks.

Custom. Custom cabinets, on the other hand, are almost always constructed of solid hardwood, eliminating the flaking, sagging and eventual degradation that is part of cheaper materials. Add to that the natural beauty of properly stained hardwoods, and it’s clear that custom cabinets are the way to go. Also, with the amount of competition out there, these custom cabinets may be more affordable than you think. It’s definitely worth looking into when you decide to add new cabinets to your kitchen or anywhere else in the house.

Concrete counter tops can be a good choice if you have counters that are unusual in shape. These designer counters are often cast right in your kitchen for a custom look. However, the price tag for these unique counters is high and may be beyond most people’s budget.

Pros: These counters are heat and scratch resistant and can be color-tinted. They can be finished to look exotic and unusual. And there are new treatments  available to eliminate cracking and additives to reduce porosity.
Cons:  Cost is mid -to -high range due to custom work; cracking is possible if not treated properly. These counters can look somewhat industrial ; and if not sealed they can be porous.

Stainless steel countertops not only look sharp and appealing, they’re also very resilient. They’re water resistant and non porous so no water can harm the material itself. They add elegance and clean lines to any kitchen. Below are a few pros and cons to consider when looking at stainless steel counterops.

Pros: Since water can’t build up in the material, there is no chance for mold, bacteria, or other germs making this a very hygienic cooking surface. Also, it’s heat resistant, which means that you can place hot pots and pans on it without risk of heat damage. The metal is flexible and can be made to fit almost any kitchen. Also the metal is shiney and can make the overall appearence of your kitchen space seem bigger.

Cons: Stainless steel counters can aquire dents and scratches over time if not used properly.  Fingerprints and smudges can be an ongoing problem, especially if you have small children. Also, they must be cleaned very carefully. Harsh chemicals can actually stain the metal. These countertops are not cheap  and should be installed by a professional.

Laminate counters are made of plastic-coated synthetics that carry the trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart.  They provide a smooth surface to work on and the pieces are cut to size and are finished on the ends.
Pros: You can buy laminates in variety of differnet colors. They are  easy to maintain and are very durable. More importantly, they are inexpensive if you are on a tight budget.
Cons:  Any scratches or chips are very difficult to repair. Seams will show and end finishing and front edge choices can quickly add up.

Wood countertops add a beautiful and warm look to a kitchen. They are  available in a wide variety of colors and finishes. Hardwoods, such as maple and oak , are most often used as countertop woods.
Pros:  They are easy to clean.  Wood or butcher block counters offer a smooth surface to work on. Also, they can be sanded and resealed as needed.
Cons:  These countertops can be damaged by water and stains over time. All scratches must be oiled or sealed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If not cleaned properly bacteria can become a problem. Also, you never want to cut anything directly on the wood.

Ceramic tile is a great choice for countertips. It is relatively inexpensive when compared to granite and is durable and easy to clean. Also,  because it’s installed a section at a time, it can be done by most resourceful homeowners. Many local home improvement stores offer classes on how to install tile countertops.
Pros:  Placing hot pans and plates on the tile won’t damage it. It is very easy to clean. Also it comes in a wide variety of prices,  colors, textures and designs.
Cons:  The tile counter surface is uneven and tiles can easily chip or crack. If grout lines become stained they can be time-consuming to clean. Custom-designed tiles are very expensive.

Granite has become the countertop of choice when money is no object. It adds a defined elegance to any  kitchen. The beauty of this natural stone can change the look of even the most modest of kitchen spaces. Below are a few of the pros and cons to consider when looking at granite countertops for your kitchen.

Pros: Granite holds up well to heat. It also comes in a wide variety of  beautiful colors and patterns. It looks permanent and substantial and should last a lifetime. More importantly,  it adds to the resale value of your home. 
Cons: Granite is very expensive but it is becoming more affordable as it becomes more widely used. It does requires maintenance which includes periodic sealing. It absorbs stains and can crack if stressed.

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).