Joanna101 asks...

"I am interested in having a dark, manufactured stone in my kitchen. What is the difference between Caesar Stone and other manufactured stones. Also, which brand do you recommend and why?"

Hi Joanna, a very good question indeed!  To start with let me say that Caesarstone is a particular brand of manufactured or reconstituted stone benchtop.  There are a few other brands on the market, (two many to list them all here) such as Essa Stone and Quantum Quartz being produced by different companies.  The main point to note is that some kitchen installation companies will only use one brand, even if asked for Caesarstone.  There is very little difference between these major brands.

Of the above brands, I suggest Caesarstone for my clients.  This is mainly due to the different ranges available.  Such as Classico, Supremo, Motivo and Concetto depending on the desired outcome.

I consider the above ranges as the 'entry' level of reconstituted stone benchtops.  Hence they preform as such.  They are still strong, water and mildew resistant and low maintenance so the real choice comes down to available colour, the application and budget.  As per every benchtop, they will mark, chip, stain, scratch etc.

To step up to the next level, I suggest either Staron or Corian.  Again different brands from different companies.  This level is actually a blend of natural mineral and acrylic resin.  This allows for 'Thermoforming' of the benchtops into flowing curves or sculptured structures.  You can integrate splashbacks and sinks to create a benchtop with no creases where dirt and bacteria can hide.  Another main benefit of this surface is that the joins are almost invisible and it is renewable and repairable.  Even after years of use.

The best preforming 'dark stone' benchtop is Granite, hands down.  This is what I suggest to all my clients that are interested in a dark benchtop.  However it also comes with a high price-tag.  Each piece is individual and if you are looking at this as an option, you should view and select the actual slab they are going to use to create your benchtop.

The above is a brief answer and please visit Kitchen benchtop and kitchen countertop blogs by clicking on the links.  Also feel free to contact me if an In-home Q&A is preferred.

Nicole, via facebook, asks....

 Should you use the same tiles in all the wet areas of the house even if the rooms don't meet each other?

The current trend in house design is very much 'open-plan' with colours and finishes similar throughout.  Where the space is divided by walls or rooms, the idea is to maintain flow through your home by extending the finishes and colours into these new rooms.

I would definitely use the same floor tiles and wall tiles in all the wet areas throughout your home.  Even with the rooms not meeting each other, the use of the same tiles maintains this flow.  Even down to the feature tiles, if used.  Some might think that feature tiles within the toilet and laundry is a little 'decadent' but these small details all help to maintain the flow throughout your home.

To achieve this is a lot easier if you are building a new home.  Although check with your builder as most do have a specification on the tiling for the wet areas and this might need to be changed.  

If renovating you might also need to include the cost of removing any existing tiles when working out your budget.

If you are after a more traditional look, then still use the same tiles in the wet areas but not necessarily the same tiles as in the rest of the house.

Jo, via facebook asks...

 What colour walls really set off artwork? and do different types of artwork look better against different colours?

At first glance, people might think this is a very easy question to answer.  However artwork comes down to  your personal taste.  It is as individual as each artist and each person is unique.   You only choose artwork that 'speaks' to you directly.  Even if you are purchasing a particular artist or style.

So, generally speaking...
 The more colours you paint on your walls and the more features you highlight, the more your artwork needs to compete for attention.

Traditionally walls would be one colour, ceilings another, trims another and doors another.  Further colours might be used if you have extra high ceilings, picture rails, breeze ways and other architectural features.  

The best colour scheme to make your art the statement is monochromatic.  That is, using as few colour variations as possible, as artwork usually stands out best against a neutral background.

Monochromatic doesn't necessarily mean white!  It can be in any shade.  The life of this scheme comes from the use of differing colour strengths and finishes.  This provides subtle highlights whilst not obviously competing against the artwork.

Or, if you are a little more daring....

The other option is to select your wall colours individually for each piece of artwork you are wishing to display.  This 'extends' the boundaries of the artwork past the frame to include the wall.  It generally works best with abstracts rather than the more traditional styles.

He are a few insiders tips when using this scheme;

• less is more - only one or two pieces per room
• maintain the flow with the one colour for your skirting boards
• use the same flooring throughout

In conclusion, there is no definitive answer that covers all options.  A professional Colour Consultant is able to devise an individual colour scheme around you, your home and your artwork.

Your Questions answered....

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It really is that easy!

Decorating for Christmas

How to fit Christmas into your Decor?

Christmas is typically a season of excess!  Excessive decorations, some might even say gaudiness!

At least it is only for a season!

The thing to remember is that Christmas is only for a short period.  It is all about giving, family, friends and merriment.  So enjoy the season!

To help on the decor side, pick a colour scheme for your decorations.  My tree is always decorated in blue and silver.  Other combinations could be red and gold, green and red, black and white just to name a few.  At this time there is no right or wrong.  Do resist the temptation to add more colours.  Now is when we pare back with less is more!

Tie this back to your Christmas table with your decorations.  Table runners, napkins, crockery all in matching hues of your tree!

Christmas decorating is saved!

Wishing you and your family every happiness over this Christmas.