Introduction
Debbie Tiblier
The New Year always brings with it thoughts of new beginnings and fresh starts. For many that may mean a new diet or exercise program. For me it has usually meant asking myself what room I can redo this year, and contemplating a diet if I indulged too much over the holidays!
I am going to start my new design series for this year by giving you suggestions on how to freshen up that major heart of the home: the kitchen. For those of you who have worked with me in the past, you know that I try to make the design process an enjoyable one, by keeping it as simple and uncomplicated as possible. The biggest trend recently for kitchen updates or total remodels is to start with new granite counter tops. I am going to start each series with a granite selection and build upon that with flooring selections and paint colors to coordinate. There will be links to direct you to sites to view the products and as always, I am always available in the showroom to assist you with any designs questions.
NEW VENETIAN GOLD
Venetian Gold aka New Venetian Gold
One of the most popular and most versatile granites to work with is New Venetian Gold, or some may simply call it Venetian Gold. New Venetian Gold is one of the lighter granite selections and it has a very neutral pallet. It has the warmer, more golden, neutral tones, with black/grey veining, and random garnet flecks. It is often the choice of home builders or those who plan on selling their homes, because it a granite most everyone can work with. Whether you wish to do a total look, or prefer to accent with bolder colors, New Venetian Gold will work well for anyone who likes a warm, neutral base color.
Emser Tile's Piazza, Color: Di Spagna
Flooring tiles:
There are numerous elections for ceramic or porcelain tiles which will coordinate with New Venetian Gold. For this granite, I usually suggest staying with the same pallet when selecting floor tile. Some of my favorite tiles to use with this granite would be Emser Tiles’ styles Morfos or Piazza. Most any color in those two styles will work and both styles have a variety of sizes of tiles available for patterns or to use as a backsplash option. If you like a tumbled, rustic look for your tile, Emser Tiles’ Tivolti would also be a great option. These tiles are in various shades of the golden neutral tones.
Smoky Topaz
Wood Flooring:
Wood flooring is becoming a very popular option for kitchen flooring, and many styles and stain colors will work with New Venetian Gold. Bruce Hardwood selections from the American Exotics collection, style American Treasure, colors Oxford Brown and Smoky Topaz will work very well for those staying with the neutral pallet. My entire Bucks County display from Wood Flooring International will also work well. For those who may have neutral cabinets and want a contrast, the red/purple cherry stained woods blend beautifully with the garnet flecks in the granite, and can provide a sticking contrast. The exotic woods like Brazilian Cherry and Tigerwood can also be a great alternative. The warmer stain colors are most likely going to be the best selections, with golden overtones, if you plan on staying with the neutral pallet.
River Bed, Color: Radiant
Vinyl:
For those wanting vinyl tile or vinyl wood plank options, Mannington’s Adura line is an excellent option. For the wood look planks the Adura Zebrawood, Coolibah and Spalted Georgia Maple would be excellent selections for a definite statement on your floor. The Golden Oaks patterns will also work well for the neutral pallet. For the tile look, these pattern will coordinate: Athena, Cypress, or Corinthian Coast.
If sheet vinyl is your preference, these Vinyl styles from Armstrong will give you the neutral tones: Natural Fusion- Plaza Mayor, Cushionstep- Mountain Edge Red River, and Memories- River Bed. If you prefer a darker color, or more contrast, Armstong Strata-Max-Cheswick Terra Umber will work great.
DalTile's SA58 Mosaic Backsplash
Backsplash:
The backsplash is your place to either make a statement or provide a backdrop. If you want to provide a backdrop, any of the tiles listed earlier will work well for a backsplash. They come in various sizes, so if you want to get creative and do a pattern, you will have many options to work with. With New Venetian Gold, more often than not I have used a natural, tumbled travertine for the backsplash. The Beige, Ivory and Mocha colors will all work. If a statement is what you are after, Dal Tile’s Caramel Travertine Glass Blend Mosaics SA58 or American Olean’s Visionare Glass Mosaics- Evening Shadow VA94, will definitely get you that “wow” factor. Those tiles can be used for the total look or cut into pieces to accent with either the natural stone or tile options.
Samples of all the selections I have suggested are available in our showroom. Feel free to make an appointment or just drop in and see me!
Happy Decorating,
Debbie
BR Carpet Presents 