Metropolitan Home and Showtime have teamed up again this year, following the success of last year’s Showtime House with even bigger and better plans for this year’s installation. This time, 14 renowned designers will transform not one, but two New York penthouses into the ultimate multimedia showhouse with rooms inspired by Showtime’s 6 Original Series; Californication, Dexter, Nurse Jackie, The Tudors, United States of Tara and Weeds. Each piece of the rooms, from flooring to countertops to furniture to window treatments, will be inspired by elements of the 6 shows.

One local blogger gave the public a sneak peek at the designer’s sketches and intended designs straight from Metropolitan Home. While last year’s centerpiece muse was Dexter, this year’s seems to be Hank Moody (character played by David Duchovny) of Californication. The hit show fuses Hank’s hometown of NYC with his latest place of residence, Hollywood, and all the sinful temptations that come with it. With Hank, Hollywood, sex, and bad habits as their inspiration, designers Markus Dochantschi, Susannah Drake, and Joannah Kornak for Holly Hunt each interpreted the sinful plotline as fuel for their stunning spaces.

For Dexter, who’s been leading a much different and conflicted lifestyle in recent plotlines of the show, designer and former TV Producer Marie Aiello created a Foyer/Gallery, Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen and Terrace to capture the many sides of this complex character played by Michael C. Hall. Whether Dexter is passing through the foyer, hanging out in the living room with the kids, or thoughtfully cutting vegetables on the kitchen countertops with a newly sharpened knife, Marie Aiello has designed a space to accommodate the many sides of Dexter. “I want my space to speak to Dexter’s conflict and inner torment but be rendered in not so obvious ways. Each room is sophisticated and seductive but not too pretty,” says Aiello.

From Showtime’s Press Release: Building on last year’s success, Showtime is incredibly excited to once again partner with Metropolitan Home for this one-of-a-kind experience,” says Len Fogge, Showtime Executive VP, Creative & Marketing. “The combination of the latest in innovative modern design and Showtime’s cutting-edge programming forms an organic environment where consumers can physically experience and explore the Showtime brand. The house allows visitors to get a deeper insight into the characters and storylines that solidify Showtime as the premiere destination for compelling programming.”

This year’s line-up of incredible design talent includes Marie Aiello, James Biber, Christopher Coleman and Angel Sanchez, Markus Dochantschi at Studio MDA, Susannah Drake, Francine Gardner, Holly Hunt and Joannah Kornak for Holly Hunt, Andrew Kotchen and Matthew Berman of Workshop/apd, Paul Latham, Piero Lissoni, Kara Mann, Richard Mishaan, and Surfacedesign. Each designer has been assigned a room and an inspiring Showtime series, such as Californication, Dexter, Nurse Jackie, The Tudors, United States of Tara, and Weeds. Interior designers from the Savannah College of Art & Design are also creating an innovative entryway for the showhome.

Today’s top brands will integrate their products within the house including premier sponsor Time Warner Cable and preferred partners AKO, Alessi, Benjamin Moore, Blanco, CaesarStone Quartz Countertops, Crystallized – Swarovski Elements, Elica, Flou, Kraftmaid, Miele, Molteni & C, Napoleon, and Swarovski Crystal Palace.

 
A recent LA Times Article reported on sponsors occasionally donating thousands of dollars in high-end goods to home builders and designers. In exchange, manufacturers expect owners to open the homes for occasional public touring.
 
Some savvy Southern Californians have figured out how to get new green homes for practically nothing. An increasing number of entrepreneurs have persuaded companies such as bathroom fixture maker Kohler, quartz countertops manufacturer CaesarStone, appliance manufacturer Dacor and cabinet designer Bazzeo to provide free or discounted materials for newly built or remodeled homes. Nearly a dozen such houses have sprouted around Southern California. Virtually all are in the $1 million-to-$2 million range, though the freebies enabled owners to spend significantly less.
 
Why would a manufacturer be willing to donate as much as $100,000 worth of products to a home owner? This story is a hint to the answer: publicity. Think of it as swag on a grand scale. Just as a fashion house may give away its latest handbag so it can be seen attached to the arm of a much-photographed starlet, manufacturers of home appliances, countertops, fixtures and finishes are giving away their goods in hopes of being noticed in high-profile modern homes.

The catch: The homes have to showcase environmentally friendly design. Some manufacturers are going after projects with the U.S. Green Building Council’s highest rating for sustainable design and building practices. Others go for green homes with celebrities attached to them. Regardless of who owns the place, manufacturers expect the homes to open for occasional public touring — sometimes for a whole year — and owners to discuss the virtues of the products in question, be it a CaesarStone countertop or General Electric appliance.
 
Such arrangements are nothing new. Traditional show houses, often sponsored by a magazine or a nonprofit organization raising money for charity, call for designers to make over a residence for free, often using products that are donated in exchange for a promotional push. What makes the new green show houses different is not only the emphasis on sustainability, but also the fact that they often are, first and foremost, private residences owned and inhabited by the builders themselves, whose living space essentially becomes a billboard for sponsors.
 

One recent house like this sponsored by House Beautiful magazine was the Kitchen of the Year, which showcased CaesarStone quartz countertops, Kohler & Viking appliances, and KraftMaid cabinets and boasted celebrity designers Christopher Peacock and Ina Garten. This kitchen had a large opening in New York City’s Rockefeller Center. The publicity was amazing, and it even made appearances on Good Morning America. So if you don’t mind opening your home up to the world, then cruising for sponsors to help build your dream green home may be right up your alley.

Finally, it’s time for the unveiling of this year’s Kitchen of the Year! House Beautiful rebuilt famous chef Ina Garten’s kitchen in the middle of Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center. Here are some highlights from the most talked about kitchen in America, with tips from the designer Robert Stilin.
 

Kitchen Island: “I like an island you can work on but that can also be a gathering place for coffee or a casual dinner,” says Kitchen of the Year designer Robert Stilin. The kitchen features KraftMaid cabinets, Viking range and hood, CaesarStone countertops, Kohler faucet and sink.

Useful Space: “Bar stools at the island are a must,” says Stilin. “I love to have my breakfast and read the paper at the island. And my son, Dylan, and I eat a casual dinner at our island every night. I think this is how most people want to live today.”

Simple Kitchen: “People who really cook, like Ina, prefer their kitchens to be simple and efficient,” says Stilin. “It’s back to basics!” Open shelves keep everything within reach near the stove range and eco-friendly, easy to care for quartz countertops by CaesarStone.

Dishware on Display: “We couldn’t do it at Kitchen of the Year because of space, but nothing beats a walk-in pantry,” says Stilin. Seen on display are simple and elegant white plates and dishes from Crate & Barrel with beautifully shining Hotel Silver bowls, tray, and coffeepots.

Organized Drawers: “Function, function, function,” says Stilin. “Kitchens have to look good, but things have to work.” A two-tiered cutlery drawer in KraftMaid cabinets saves space and keeps flatware organized.

Kitchen Sitting Area: “Kitchens are the new living space,” says Stilin. “They should have room for cooking, dining, and a comfortable seating area.” Seen in the sitting area are a beautiful fireplace and large comfy chairs and ottomans.

Computer Desk: “Don’t forget a spot for the computer,” says Stilin. Here we have a simple desk with Toshiba laptop.

Dine-in Kitchen: “Today, kitchens are the core of the house,” says Stilin. “You have to be able to cook in them, but you also have to be able to live in them.” A bright and cheery dining area features Restoration Hardware trestle table, and slipcovered chairs from Lee Industries.

Spice Drawer: The Kitchen of the Year doesn’t need a lot of gadgets to keep things organized. “Kitchens are about function, not about all the bells and whistles,” says Stilin. Spices are organized and within reach.

Sideboard: Antique console with celadon bowls, platter, and vase from Lucca.

Outdoor Grill: Herbs, vegetables, and flowers on the deck next to the Viking grill.

Rockefeller Center: Overlooking the Rockefeller Center Rink Bar, Sunbrella awnings cover the deck by Trex at the site of the 2009 Kitchen of the Year. Thousands of people are flocking over to see America’s most beautiful kitchen with eco-friendly and elegant yet affordable features such as KraftMaid cabinets, a Viking range and hood, CaesarStone countertops, and a Kohler faucet and sink.

July 14th, 2009, 6:47 am · Nancy Luna, Staff Writer

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill is testing consumer reaction to a more upscale restaurant in Irvine – a prototype eatery that offers bolder food flavors, a more intimate dining experience – featuring quartz countertops – and cocktails.

The restaurant, which underwent a massive remodel last winter, will soon add margaritas and Mexican beer to the menu — a first for corporate restaurants run by the Cypress-based fast-casual chain. (A Baja Fresh franchisee in Huntington Beach recently received a permit to serve margaritas.)

The alcohol is expected to compliment new food additions at the prototype restaurant, which features dishes such as Kogi Korean BBQ tacos, cilantro lime rice and spicier salsa bar offerings.

Also new:

• Wooden chairs and tables with CaesarStone countertops have replaced bar stools and metal tables at the remodeled restaurant, located in the same center as Gelson’s market.

• The Irvine restaurant expects to get its permit to serve margaritas and Mexican-branded beer by next month. The margarita will be served in a 12-oz. tumbler on the rocks. Dine-in only! If the test is successful, “we would consider rolling out margaritas and beer in more locations,” said Baja Fresh President Chuck Rink. In fact, “in preparation for this, we have applied for (permits at) 13 more locations.” Stay tuned.

• Food and drinks are no longer served in paper ‘boats’ and cups for dine-in customers. Instead, the restaurant uses real silverware, plastic cups and melamine plates. Tortilla chips are also brought to your table in a basket.

• The salsa bar features 7 salsas, including two new spicier salsas. It has also added fresh, pickled carrots — a common table offering at many authentic Mexican restaurants. A new fresh tomatillo salsa has been so well received that the chain plans to debut it soon in all Baja locations, Rink said.

• A redesigned menu board promotes customization of Baja Classics such as burritos and salads. It recommends a “step by step” ordering process that is similar to how you order at Chipotle Mexican Grill.

• The Irvine eatery is also testing new meals such as Baja Kogi tacos and burritos. It is also serving cilantro-lime white rice as a side dish. (Later this week, look out for a review of the new Kogi tacos)

The redesign and menu makeover is a test only concept – one that could dictate what the “Baja Fresh of the future” might look like, said Rink.

Irvine Baja address: 5633 Alton Pkwy. (949) 551-2252

For more information about CaesarStone quartz countertops please visit: www.caesarstoneus.com.

Original story: http://fastfood.freedomblogging.com/2009/07/14/baja-fresh-testing-restaurant-of-the-future-in-oc/27993/

Bazzèo, known for manufacturing Eco-Centric & sustainable kitchen products, launched its new kitchen collection at DWELL ON DESIGN (DOD). Dwell on Design is the premiere Modern Design Show on the West Coast and was located at the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 26th through June 28th, 2009.

The main showpiece of Bazzèo’s DOD presentation was the award winning GAIA in “Gunmetal” Grey, Oak Eco-Veneer. Some key eco-sensitive design features highlighted Bazzèo’s partnerships with such companies as FAGOR, energy-efficient appliances manufacturer, and CaesarStone, quartz countertops manufacturer. This partnership also featured the first US showing of CaesarStone’s new countertop material made from 45% post-fabrication, recycled quartz.

“We were very pleased with the response to Bazzèo from both the consumer as well as the residential design professional,” remarked Iko Aviv, founder and chief designer of Bazzèo, “the reception to our earth-friendly cabinetry has far exceeded our expectations”. He went on to say “It was very clear to us that the American home owner is ready for a clean and modern, earth-friendly kitchen.”

The GAIA collection, as well as all Bazzèo products, meet, and in most cases, exceed LEED guidelines without compromising quality, flexibility and finishing options. All Bazzèo products are manufactured in the USA to a strict quality control standard with certified recycled and recovered wood materials. Bazzèo cabinets, countertops, and other kitchen & bath products may contribute towards specific LEED credits under the US Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) criteria. Through their products, designs, and worthwhile partnerships, Bazzèo has continued to show America that green design can be sleek, modern, and sustainable, if it combines all the right features.

For more information regarding Bazzèo Kitchens, other Bazzèo products as well as high resolution photography, please visit www.bazzeo.com. And for more information about CaesarStone quartz countertops visit www.caesarstoneus.com.

CaesarStone, the original quartz surface manufacturer, will once again be a part of House Beautiful’s Kitchen of the Year. This is the second year for the unique installation, which is set in New York City’s Rockefeller Center.
 
The first year saw CaesarStone’s countertops in Misty Carrera (4141), which were one of the focal points of the room. This year the company is proud to be adding their Raven (4120) countertop surfaces to this exciting dream kitchen.
 
The Barefoot Contessa is pairing with the project this year. Ina Garten, Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa, best selling cookbook author and House Beautiful Contributing Editor will be adding her unique design and lifestyle. This year’s design will be inspired by Garten and designed by Robert Stilton.
 
The Kitchen of the Year will be open daily from Monday, July 20, through Friday, July 24 (2PM – 4PM on Monday and 9AM – 5PM the rest of the week. Each day, tours and demonstrations on everything from kitchen design to product sampling will be offered. A complete schedule of events can be found by visiting the Kitchen of the Year at www.housebeautiful.com/KOTY.

 
About CaesarStone
CaesarStone is the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Miami, FL; New York, NY and Atlanta, GA.CaesarStone produces premium quartz surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.
 
Offering a lifetime warranty, their countertops are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from Good Housekeeping Research Institute in addition to ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), GREENGUARD certification, a member of USGBC (The U.S. Green Building Council) and NSF (public health and safety) certification.
 
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For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company’s website at www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

CaesarStone, the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer, will be drawing a close to its Dream Design Contest on September 30th of this year. Dozens of beautiful and innovative designs have already been entered in this unique contest, introduced this year. Cash prizes will be awarded to thirty winners whose designs are chosen. The projects can be in any room or form as long as CaesarStone is the sole surface used.
 
The entry period for the competition began April 1st of this year. Entrants were asked to go to CaesarStone’s website and enter any project where they used CaesarStone beginning March 1, 2009 to the final entry date of September 30th.
 
Designers need to go to www.CaesarStoneUS.com/dreamdesign to enter their projects. From there they will need to fill out a form, give a brief description of their design and upload at least five photos of the project. The winners will be chosen by a panel of judges by quality and beauty of the design.
 
The following are the cash prizes:
 
1st Place: $5,000
2nd Place: $4,000
3rd Place: $3,000
4th Place: $2,000 (Six Winners)
5th Place: $1,000 (21 Winners)
 
 
All of the winning designs will also be featured on the CaesarStone website. For details, rules and regulations go to www.CaesarStoneUS.com/dreamdesign.
 
About CaesarStone
CaesarStone is the original quartz countertop & surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Miami, FL; New York, NY and Atlanta, GA.quartz countertops & surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.
 
Offering a lifetime warranty, their countertops are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from Good Housekeeping Research Institute in addition to ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), GREENGUARD certification, a member of USGBC (The U.S. Green Building Council) and NSF (public health and safety) certification.
 
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For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company’s website at www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).
 

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

Van Nuys, CA (June 1, 2009) CaesarStone, the original quartz countertop, is once again part of HGTV’s extremely popular Green Home Giveaway. The home, which is in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, features CaesarStone’s Chocolate Truffle and Smoky Ash surfaces throughout the eco-friendly home.
 
Chocolate Truffle and Smoky Ash are both part of CaesarStone’s Color Expressions 09 Collection, which features eight new colors. The two colors are both made with post consumer recycled materials, making them the obvious choice for this project.
 
“CaesarStone quartz countertops were a fantastic green feature in last year’s HGTV Green Home,” said Jack Thomasson, Professional House Planner. “Their introduction of countertops with greater recycled materials made them an even greener choice for this year’s project. “
 
The Green Home Giveaway began this year on April 19th and ends June 5th. The winner is the proud new owner of the 2,430-square-foot contemporary Spanish-style cottage which features construction and design elements that contribute to an energy efficient, cleaner and healthier living environment. This year’s home received a Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and earned an Indoor airPLUS label from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
 
CaesarStone found this to be the perfect project in keeping with its eco-friendly practices. It was the first quartz surfacing company worldwide to carry global standard ISO 14001 certification for environmental protection in its industry. This means that in and outside of their plant, everything done is according to its environmental management policy whereby they maintain safety standards to protect all workers, observe eco-friendly production processes, and do their utmost to work only with eco-friendly suppliers. CaesarStone’s continuous mission is to keep the planet as beautiful as its products.
 
About CaesarStone
CaesarStone is the original quartz surface manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Miami, FL; New York, NY and Atlanta, GA.countertops & surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.
 
Offering a lifetime warranty as of February 15, 2008; their products are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from Good Housekeeping Research Institute in addition to ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9001 (quality management standard), GREENGUARD certification, a member of USGBC (The U.S. Green Building Council) and NSF (public health and safety) certification.
 
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For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company’s website at www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).
 

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

Kitchen is where we spend major part of our time during a day at home. A run-down kitchen can easily spoil the fun of an off-day. Having an appeal of aesthetic decor in it can not only lift your mood but also ensures that food is prepared in hygienic surroundings. Renovating kitchen with quartz countertops can add new colors to a dull kitchen and brighten-up anyone’s day.
Till few decades back, the choice of quartz countertops was limited to wealthy individuals, a tradition which has been long broken by the concept of modular kitchens. Today individuals and families want kitchens to be compact and jazzy.

Quartz countertops have recently gained a lot of attention due to their beauty and home owners prefer them for their durability and low-cost price. Combining ground quartz with a coloring pigment and a binding agent can give a dramatic boost to its life. There are many different shaped- edges stones to select from, most common being crown moulded, rounded, marble and granite patterns. The natural beauty of a quartz kitchen countertop complements any style of cabinets, from sleek cosmopolitan styles to rich French country lines of wood. Available within the range of $41 to $65 per square feet including the installation cost, this antique stone adds warmth and character to any kitchen whether it’s a remodel or a new build.

Quartz is the one of the only maintenance free countertop available in the market. It has a nonporous nature which makes it bacteria, mold and mildew resistant and need to seal or treat it with chemicals is eliminated.
The most widely used quartz countertop is Silestone which is widely used across different countries. Known for combining timeless beauty, sophisticated elegance with innumerable strength and versatility, Silestone is a superior choice when it comes to décor of home surfaces.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

NEW YORK HOUSE magazine, announced today that Bazzèo was awarded the Innovative Green Design Award (IGDA) for Kitchen Design. A panel of four independent judges rated Bazzèo on a criteria of green and sustainable design and manufacturing practices as well as innovation and overall aesthetics. Nancy Meyer, editor of NEW YORK HOUSE magazine said, “The judges felt that Bazzèo, both the product as well as manufacturing processes were exceptional and deserved the distinction of winner in the Furniture/Kitchen category.”
 
For the competition, Bazzèo submitted the Gaia in oak eco-veneer and frosted glass. The doors and drawer fronts as well as paneling are created using a reconstituted oak veneer over a ¼” compressed laminate core or ¼” frosted glass front mounted on a 4 piece aluminum frame. The veneer doors and drawers were finished using a water-based, non-toxic stain. The Bazzèo cabinet box is made from 100% recycled as well as recovered wood waste and is held together with a formaldehyde free resin. Besides the earth-friendly cabinetry, the presentation features energy efficient appliances by FAGOR and a recycled quartz countertops from CaesarStone.
 
In addition to innovative design, Bazzèo was awarded in part for its green manufacturing practices. The state of the art, BAZZEO factory is a real-world example in sustainability with its “Zero Waste” resource management system, whereby all waste is collected and recycled into new materials. “At BAZZEO, the reduction and elimination of waste has always been a fundamental manufacturing element at Bazzèo” said Iko Aviv, President and Founder of Bazzèo. Mr Aviv went on to say, “We are very honored to be recognized by NEW YORK HOUSE for our hard work and dedication to green manufacturing and design.”
 
CaesarStone is also recognized for its sustainability, from the manufacturing process to the end product, CaesarStone’s quartz countertops are created with recycled, raw materials, in a clean and energy efficient environment. All their products are nonporous, stain, scratch, and heat resistant as well as committed to cleanliness, safety, and low maintenance.
In conjunction with the GreenBuildingsNY conference, the award will be officially presented to Bazzèo at the Green Design Networking Reception on June 16th, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
 
CaesarStone is the original quartz countertop manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Miami, New York, and Atlanta.CaesarStone produces premium quartz countertops, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.
 
For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company’s website at www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).
 
Original Story: http://www.phatguru.com/?p=7243
 

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

CaesarStone, the original quartz countertops manufacturer, and Dwell® magazine announced that Hayato Takahashi’s Curve Table was awarded first place in the Challenge Your Imagination design competition. Takahashi won the grand prize of $5,000. The competition required designers to create tables that are sustainable, innovative and challenged conventional thinking about how CaesarStone can be used.

Jonah Takagi’s Deconstructed Prism Table and Sven Schroeter’s Keybeam Table won second and third place respectively; both designers were each awarded a $1,000 prize.

The competition was launched last year at the Dwell on Design® modern design event in Los Angeles and culminated at the 2009 AIA Expo in San Francisco where the final entries were displayed and the top three entries were named. The judging panel, which included members of the Dwell and CaesarStone creative teams, reviewed 240 entries to select six final designs. All finalists were able to work with a CaesarStone fabricator to actually create their designs.
 
 
The other finalists included Efrain Velez for the O-Lithas Table; Troy Carlson for Table Cleavage; and Eric Mackey for the Turnstone Table.

 
All finalist tables will be exhibited at the Dwell on Design LA event held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, June 26-28, 2009.

 
 
About CaesarStone
CaesarStone is the original quartz countertop manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Miami, FL; New York, NY and Atlanta, GA. CaesarStone produces premium quartz countertops, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

 
 
 
Offering a lifetime warranty, their products are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from Good Housekeeping Research Institute in addition to ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), GREENGUARD certification, a member of USGBC (The U.S. Green Building Council) and NSF (public health and safety) certification. Dwell and Dwell on Design are registered trademarks of Dwell, LLC

 
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For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company’s website at www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

 
Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

Here are the most common materials used in countertops.
Laminate
What it is: Layers of paper topped with a thin coating of plastic, then glued to plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).

Pros: Laminate resists stains and comes in a slew of colors and fun patterns, such as zebrawood.

Cons: If you slice through the top layer, you’ll need to replace the entire countertop. Laminate can buckle under high heat, and seams are visible where pieces meet.

Cost: $10 to $30 a square foot.*

*Price ranges include installation.
Solid surface
What it is: Molded resin.

Pros: Often referred to by the brand name Corian, it is stain-resistant and nonporous and ranges in color from bright blue to earthy beige. “Some shades mimic the look of smooth concrete,” says Melissa Birdsong, vice president of trend, design and brand for Lowe’s.

Cons: Scratches can be gently sanded out, but the material may be scorched by hot pots and marred by knives.

Cost: $35 to $80 a square foot.
Marble
What it is: Crystallized limestone, typically with gray or beige veining.

Pros: It’s classic. “Like the Parthenon, marble gets better with age,” says Matt Aanensen. It is heat-resistant and features a cool-to-the-touch surface that’s ideal for rolling dough.

Cons: It’s prone to chipping, and acidic foods, like lemons and tomatoes, can cause stains and deep scratches. It should be sealed annually. You’ll have to apply a poultice to suck stains out.

Cost: $40 to $100 a square foot.

Tip: Marble and granite vary from slab to slab, so if you’re particular, visit a stone yard to pick out your own piece.
Stainless steel
What it is: Sheets of metal.

Pros: Stainless-steel surfaces are heat-resistant and nonporous, so they will stay bacteria-free. “There’s not much you can do to hurt it, and the look never goes out of style,” says Tracey Overbeck Stead, an interior designer in Austin, Texas.

Cons: It’s generally a fingerprint magnet. However, smudges are not as noticeable on a brushed or matte finish. Stainless steel can also scratch easily.

Cost: $70 to $120 a square foot.
Concrete
What it is: Cement, water, sand, stone and pigment formed into a slab.

Pros: “The surface is incredibly smooth,” says Paula Flanagan, an interior designer in Chicago. And it’s customizable. Tint it to match a paint color, embed it with shells, and choose any thickness.

Cons: It may crack when exposed to extreme temperature changes. It also needs to be sealed annually and waxed every couple of months.

Cost: $80 to $120 a square foot.
Engineered Stone
What it is: This material is 93% quartz particles mixed with various resins and pigments. Brands include CaesarStone Quartz countertops and Zodiaq.

Pros: It’s as tough as nails. There’s minimal variation from slab to slab, and it comes in bright colors, such as race-car red and aqua blue. It won’t scratch or scorch, and it never needs to be sealed.

Cons: Seams are visible, and the edges may chip.

Cost: $45 to $90 a square foot.
Paper composite
What it is: Paper pulp bonded together with water-based resins. Richlite is one of the main brands.

Pros: It’s made from a renewable resource. It’s also heat- and scratch-resistant and exceedingly smooth to the touch (you won’t believe it was made out of paper).

Cons: Red wine, juice, and mustard may stain it (they can be tackled with warm water and a scrub pad).

Cost: $90 to $120 a square foot.
Soapstone
What it is: A natural, porous stone, usually gray in color. You might remember it from high school chemistry class, as it was used to top those old lab tables.

Pros: It can handle hot spots and doesn’t stain.

Cons: You’ll have to smooth out scratches and help the stone oxidize (or darken) evenly by occasionally applying mineral oil. The stone is soft and thus susceptible to chipping.

Cost: $50 to $100 a square foot.
Wood
What it is: Solid slabs of hardwood (usually maple, oak, cherry, walnut or teak) or butcher block (pieces of hardwood glued together). Wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council comes from sustainably managed forests.

Pros: It takes on character as it ages.

Cons: It can warp, stain, burn and scratch and must be sealed annually. Wood absorbs bacteria; disinfect it after exposure to raw meat or fish.

Cost: $40 to $65 a square foot.
Limestone
What it is: A sedimentary rock consisting mainly of calcite.

Pros: Limestone features minimal veining and varies from slab to slab. It can withstand high heat.

Cons: It stains easily and must be sealed at least once a year. You’ll need to use a poultice of baking soda and water to draw out tough stains (such as the rust ring from your husband’s shaving can). It’s also prone to scratches, nicks and chips.

Cost: $60 to $100 a square foot.
Granite
What it is: One of the hardest natural stones on earth, ranging in color from basic black to pink.

Pros: Granite has become the upgrade of choice in kitchens and baths for good reason. It is nonporous and extremely durable and can hold its own against hot pots. The varieties are endless, and no two slabs are exactly alike. A few types come presealed.

Cons: Seams are visible. Most granite needs to be sealed annually.

Cost: $40 to $100 a square foot.
Recycled glass
What it is: Ground-up glass mixed with concrete.

Pros: This eco-friendly material can withstand heat, resists scratching, and comes in many colors and thicknesses.

Cons: Dropping a heavy pot or pan on recycled-glass countertops could cause the surface to crack or chip — and the damage can’t be repaired. Some kinds are slightly bumpy. You’ll need to seal it once a year, and it can show fingerprints.

Cost: $100 to $190 a square foot.

By Carolyn Weber, Real Simple

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