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A Practical Buyers Guide to Save You Money
By Jeff Downing,
Downing Designs |
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Glass countertops are an
incredibly beautiful and artistic choice for a kitchen or bath
countertop. With retail prices running from $175 to over $300
per sq ft , it is wise to understand how we can maximize their
visual impact, while reducing the total expenditure. Many
clients contact us looking for a 50 sq. ft. glass kitchen
countertop. For a typical 1.5" thick glass top that’s $15,000.
After we resuscitate them, we gently explain that it is not the
total amount of
glass countertop being used, but rather placing
it to maximize impact within the overall statement you are
trying to make. Not to simplify, but most of our clients fit
into one of two categories: 1) "Modern Marine" These clients love all things aquatic, and desire to use surface elements that remind them of tropical destinations. 2) "Linear Modern" These clients simply love glass and desire to have a unique, linear glass countertop that is the focal point in their kitchen or bath. By understanding how you work, serve, and entertain in your kitchen, you can decide which surfaces are "High Value" and which are "Lower Value". Typically, Islands and High-bars are "High Value" surfaces because we congregate there most often. Now, our "Lower Value" (and less expensive) countertop choices must be still be complementary and reflect the overall design theme. For our "Modern Marine" clients, we have developed a beautiful, sandy white concrete countertop, which has shells, mother of pearl, etc. embedded and polished. The surface looks and feels like a well-worn seashell. When coupled with a glass island and/or high-bar with a wavy textured edge, and bottom, it is a magical blend. Much like a walk on the beach the balance of sandy white concrete with the light aqua glass is very harmonious.  For our "Linear Modern" clients, we can offer either polished or textured edges with textured bottoms in a variety of colors from ultra-clear, to deep blue. Setting glass against minimalist colors such as pure white or black can really make a glass surface pop. The below picture shows 1.5" thick glass set atop black granite…with only natural window lighting. When the client saw this, they cancelled any further discussions about "adding" lights. We have several examples on our website of glass embedded in concrete and lit, please take a look at our galleries. This fusion is exceptionally unique and can be combined with large or small amounts of glass cut to any form you desire. Below is a 2" thick concrete slab with a 1/2" piece of glass embedded, and polished with edge lighting.  Lighting
from the edge or with halogen lights above adds drama to any
textured glass countertop. Lighting techniques add immensely to
the look of glass. Our discussions always show clients how the
intensity and angles of ceiling lighting can take your glass to
the next level. Glass in your home can be affordable, especially
if we allow for it to serve as the focal point in our design.
With an honest self-assessment and expertise in planning, it
does not have to break the bank in order to serve as the focal
point in your kitchen or bath.
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