Montgomery: The Photos

Hello all and happy Monday! I am so excited to share with you the images from our Montgomery project. At this point we only have the kitchen and master bathroom to share. Once the clients get settled and welcome the new addition to the family we will be heading back for more images. Until then enjoy these...

I am just thrilled with the way this home turned out! The clients were as well, in fact she didn't want to leave the kitchen area to do the walk through...that put a great smile on my face. Enjoy your day and I look forward to sharing 2 great guest postings this week with you from 2 of my favorite bloggers. Mel xo

A favorite post: Marble, my experiment...

Here is a re-post of one of my favorite science projects since the 6th grade...

So I did my little experiment with some samples of white marbles from our supplier. Here is the run down of of my findings, and keep in mind I really did abuse it, but I wanted to see what the worst case serious was.

Wine: Stains, little spots here and there are not bad, but if there is a drip on the ring of the glass then be prepared for something like this...

Coffee: While coffee does satin the marble as well it leaves a light yellow mark, unless you know it is there then I really think you will be OK with those. No image since it really does blend in, but yes, it does stain.

Citrus Fruits: What is the worst thing you can put on a marble surface? Try lemons, limes, or any citrus fruit. This isn't a stain or spot that I could look past, it ate away at the polish so there is a texture left. This is bad...very very bad.

Blood: OK, so from cutting steak, not human. We grilled up some flank steak the other night and I left the cutting board on top of the sample, the juices ran across the edge and this is what is left...

Durability: Softer than granite, it scratches when you drag something across it or cut on it (and yes, I know, use a cutting board, but this is my little experiment). Too difficult to get my point across with a pic. The great thing about it being a light color is it will hide the scratches more so than a darker slab.

So, am I crazy enough to use this as a counter-top material in my kitchen? I do keep a very clean and tidy house so I know that the staining will be kept to a minimum. But will I be able to consider the marks and scratches patina, like a well loved leather chair, it can get better with age? To be honest, the citrus test is something I am really going to have to consider...that my friends might just be the deal breaker.

What would you do? Go for it, make a rule of only white foods & drinks in the home, or run as fast as you can away from the maintenance and care that it will take to maintain? Mel xo

Solid slab backsplash

One feature that the hubs and I are considering if we go with a white marble countertop in the kitchen that I discussed HERE is also using the same material as a backsplash, solid slabs to showcase the beauty of the material.

 Image via DecorPad

It works with the marble since is it has just the right amount of movement. Not too much like some granites can, it is a piece of art work just wanting to be admired.

Image via DecorPad

With the simple color pallet you are allowed to take notice of the cabinet details, lighting selection, and overall feel of the kitchen.

Image via HGTV.com

Even with wood it works, it doesn't have to be paired with an all white kitchen like most 

of the images that I found.

Image via Houzz

And this one is my all time favorite kitchens by Brook & Steve at Velvet & Linen. The marble takes centerstage without distracting you too much from the beautiful cabinetry, custom hood, ceiling detail, and dual islands *sigh*.

Image via Velvet & Linen

While the cost will be more I think this is one area where a splurge is appropriate. I, like most people spend most of my time in the kitchen and since it is an open concept plan to the great room I need it to have that jaw dropping wow factor. What are your thoughts, take it or leave it?? Have a fab day! Mel xo

White marble, do I dare??

I have long admired white marble counter tops in kitchens, whether it is Bianco Carrara, Calcutta Gray, or Arabescato Vagli, they are all stunning. It is classic and a if you get the right slab, a piece of art. Do I dare use it in our next home?

 Image via DecorPad

My first concern is the most obvious, the maintenance and care required. To put myself at ease I am picking up a larger sample from our supplier to keep in our kitchen for the next few weeks. I need to see how our life in the kitchen will blend with it, so I will be introducing it to coffee, wine, citrus fruits, and oils, all the things I tend to spill on occasion.

Image via DecorPad

My second concern is the tone to it, it is a very cool material and since we live in a climate with limited warm days and little sun in the winter you have to keep in mind the tones and warmth that the materials in your home carry, I don't want to feel like I am living in a sterile environment.

Image via Lucas Studios

Finally the size, I must make sure that we can get a complete slab for our over sized island. It also has to be the perfect slab, not too much gray and good movement with the veining.

Image via DecorPad

So tell me, if you have used white marble in your kitchen I would love to hear your experience with it, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Thanks so much in advance and I look forward to hearing what you have to say. Mel :)