A little revisit to a recent concrete countertop project helps to demonstrate the rationale and inspiration behind some of the design decisions that we make when contemplating an upcoming project.  Always a collaboration, of course, between artisan and client – the concrete results incorporate the designer, the owners and their respective environment, be it a home or business.

In this particular case, we knew that the kitchen remodel included a multi-colored slate tile backsplash and the existing natural cherry custom cabinetry. The situation required a little thought about the proper means of tying this together. we opted for a subtle gray/green sage base color for the countertop, with some black sand (recycled coal slag!) added for texture, and a series of one inch square glass mosaic tiles, backpainted in tones to coordinate with the slate’s amazing range of color. These were arranged in a fourquare pattern and embedded at three different locations in the tops. Seen in context, it all makes perfect sense. And that’s why we love what we do – reasons to be cheerful.

Foursquare tiles in Sage

We installed a simple, elegant concrete countertop recently in a peaceful hilltop home in western Massachusetts home which amply demonstrates the “less is more” principle. While one can accomplish  many design concepts through the concrete medium, it requires restraint and a discerning eye to draw on the appropriate techniques and options to create an element that “belongs” and that works with the surroundings, instead of clamoring for attention. This is a deliberate response to the environment and to the dwellers within… A true collaboration of the conceptual and the corporeal.

This project was a change-out of countertops, appliances, sink and fixtures, and a new backsplash. The existing cabinets were handmade of cherry and had aged to the quintessential  orangey-brown that gives cherry its great warmth. The appliances were black with stainless steel; the undermounted Blanco granite composite sink was matte black; the  accompanying fixtures chosen in brushed stainless finish; and the new backsplash was to be a multi-colored rainbow slate.

The concrete countertop base color choice was “Sage”, a soft gray/green that went exceptionally well with the cherry wood. A nice dose of fine black sand was added and lightly ground to add texture and draw in the appliance and sink components. A series of  backpainted glass mosaic tiles in a foursquare pattern was embedded at three different locations, eanch tile a different color suggested by the slate backsplash tiles (still to be installed). A simple eased square edge and a matte sealer finish completed the collage, and a new concrete countertop was subtly inserted into the picture, part and parcel by intent.

PS – Hopefully we will have some additional finished images of the  big picture after the splash is completed and the whole project wrapped up. Stay tuned!