Tag Archives: Rock’interiors

Surface Doctors: Protecting Your Investment

I am in the process of finishing up my personal kitchen remodeling project and recently discovered Allan and Eric from Surface Doctors, who applied Granite Shield’s sealing process to my new Honed Carrera Marble countertops.  I was first introduced to them by Laura at Rock ‘interiors who fabricated the countertops.

Our before and after kitchen transformation, I have to say, is amazing!! Now, I am just waiting on the final component to be installed – the tile backsplash!

Countertops are a worthwhile investment to your home and for us; we wanted the marble to withstand life’s little accidents in the kitchen with acidic juices, red wine and vinegar.

(Above) Allen and Eric applying the sealer, and then buffing the surface with a cotton cloth to ensure the sealer is properly applied. Overall this is a 4 step process that takes about an hour and half.

Care and maintenance is another part to maintaining your investment. Allen and Eric were great in providing us with two natural stone cleaners recommended by Granite Shield.

Curious about natural stone on the surface areas of your home give us a call. Be sure to also check DLL’s previous blog post Lauren wrote about marble countertops.

I’ll keep you posted on the final result of our kitchen–so stay tuned!

Hilaire

Images: DLL

Current Projects: A “Timeless” Kitchen Remodel in Raleigh

Raleigh, NC Kitchen Remodel Design Lines (4)

When I began with my clients, they started with a traditional kitchen with stained wood cabinets that closed in the room and made the space feel dark.  The client really wanted an updated kitchen but not the “farmhouse” feel that the rest of the house took on.   What we did not want to do is create a kitchen that did not blend with the other portions of the house.  My goal as the interior designer was to create a classic and timeless kitchen but incorporate details such as the faucet design and sink layout typical of a “farmhouse” kitchen. 

Raleigh, NC Kitchen Remodel Design Lines

We started with the layout of the kitchen.  Being that the kitchen was a small space we used the painted white custom cabinetry to allow visually for the space to feel larger.  The beautiful contrast between the hardwood floor finish, the perimeter white cabinetry, and the darker wood stained island really added character to the room.  As an interior designer, I wanted the kitchen to flow well for the client; so not only was I working to create an amazing kitchen aesthetically but also functionally.

Raleigh, NC Kitchen Remodel Design Lines (2)

What I love about this kitchen is that we used a polished Calcutta Marble back-splash and paired it with a leathered granite.  The old vs. new contrast really works for this style kitchen.  I also love the contrast between the bridge faucet in the polished nickel and the darker leathered granite.  Leathered granite can really give you a sense of “old” feeling and is very durable for a counter-top surface. 

Because there was not a true “window” that the sink could go under, we created this amazing trim detail to offset the sink.  This also became a place to really showcase the Calcutta Marble back-splash.

Raleigh, NC Kitchen Remodel Design Lines (3)

This kitchen is a show stopper to me.  I can only say “wow” when I step back and look at it.  Even though the space was small we created such a breathtaking kitchen that visually feels larger. 

All of the appliances, the faucet, and the sink were purchased at Fergusons.  The back-splash came from Triangle Tile and Stone.  The counter-tops were fabricated through Rockin ‘teriors and all the contracting was done by Rob Taylor

I really enjoyed designing this kitchen and hope that the client really appreciates all of the design elements.

Ashley

Award Winning Interior Design | Raleigh, NC