Some Ideas to Consider …

  • Guidelines for Selecting White Marble Counters

    Are you a fan of Italian white marble counters? Italian white marble is one of the most popular countertop and backsplash choices in kitchens today, but, how much do most people really know about it? The gallery images below include a lovely kitchen with a marble countertop from our Country Club Homes, Inc. luxury home portfolio.

    Country Club Homes, Inc. recently uncovered an excellent Cultivate.com article about Italian white marble, with some very interesting and useful guidelines to guide kitchen designers and homeowners through the selection process of Italian white marble for counters. Here are a few helpful facts from the article:

    The three primary types of white marble are Bianco Carrara, Statuary White, and Calacata; all quarried from the Carrara region of Northern Tuscany. All three are noted for their fine qualities of background whiteness and the color and movement of the veins.

    The article states that, “Each marble type has its own special qualities, and the simplest way to tell these materials apart is to use the “Background and Vein Color” rule.” The more expensive grades have the whiter and cleaner background and more evenly distributed veining. The demand for white marble far outstrips the supply. All are a product of nature and no two are alike.  Be sure to spend the time looking at the actual slabs, and once you find the one or ones that you like, mark it and don’t let it go.

    For other important details about the variations between Bianco Carrara, Statuary White, and Calacata marbles; and slab fabrication, read the rest of the Cultivate.com article – it’s interesting reading! If you are planning a new kitchen remodel, or a custom new home design; contact Country Club Homes, Inc. of Fairfield County, CT, for award winning architectural design expertise.

    Images via Cultivate.com and the Country Club Homes, Inc. Portfolio

  • At Your Service: Ideas for the Perfect Butler’s Pantry 

    A butler’s pantry, originally used to plate meals and store silver, is a tradition from the 1800s that has enjoyed a revival in recent years. Usually positioned between the kitchen and dining room, a butler’s pantry is a wonderful custom element for people who love to entertain at home. While butler’s pantries from the 19th…

  • 2016 Trend: Cutting-Edge Home Automation System

    Do you have a cutting-edge home automation system in your home? Smart homes used to be thought of as something of a frill to many. Today, these electronic systems enhance the way we live in a simple yet revolutionary way bringing elegance, simplicity, convenience, flexibility, security and sensibility to our lives. A strategically and well-planned…

  • Escape the Elements: Cold Climate Home Design Ideas

    Another New England winter is upon us and while we may pride ourselves on our hardy natures, it’s still smart to do whatever we can to design our homes with ample comfort and protection from the elements. Here are a few home design ideas to make your home a safe and sturdy haven during the winter…

  • Design Pros Call it – Hottest Appliance: Convection Steam Ovens

    Sub-Zero and Wolf revealed the results of their 2016 Kitchen Design Forecast at “Design Pros Call It.” Below are key findings from their poll: Open floor plans are still in demand. Formal dining rooms are a thing of the past. White is still the most popular color in the kitchen while new neutrals and accent…