concrete, granite, quartz & other Kitchen Countertops
Portfolio of Innovative Countertops
By John Filippelli
February 2008
 When it comes to unique countertop applications, the secret seems to be, quite simply, “dare to be different.”
These are the sentiments of Mark Rosenhaus, CKD, for New York, NY-based Rosenhaus Design Group, who offers: “The more different the application, the more interesting it is for people.”
Indeed, with the individualized tastes of luxury homeowners come a slew of available style options as manufacturers and fabricators try to keep up with the ever-evolving tastes of consumers.
In fact, there seems to be an “anything goes” attitude in regard to countertops, that is, as long as they reflect the client’s personality.
“There are many different materials and colors [available] so that you can easily satisfy the functional [needs]. The hard part is to get it the way they want it because most people can’t articulate their emotions,” Rosenhaus adds.
While trends vary widely, today’s counters seem to be leaning toward cleaner edges for a Euro-inspired look, an eclectic mixture of materials and colors and even some recycled content, proving that it’s possible to be eco-friendly and user friendly at the same time.
Nancy Moon, owner of Beckony Kitchens & Baths in Colorado Springs, CO, notes: “What we’re finding is [clients wanting] different countertops for different areas. So we’re doing a lot of wood tops, including teak, for instance.”
However, innovation does not only come from style, adds Patricia Gaylor, interior designer for Little Falls, NJ-based Patricia Gaylor Interiors.
Gaylor, who specializes in green design and kitchen and bath renovation, offers: “The main concerns are in regard to heat- and stain-resistance. People are very concerned about those issues.”
Moon notes: “Ultimately, the clients who want to spend the money want something that is ‘them’ and reflects their individuality.”
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