Countertop Quandry

Q: I will be building a new home in the spring and am wondering about the pros and cons of recycled glass countertops in the kitchen and bath.

A: Recycled glass countertops are appealing. Just the thought of all those millions of bottles and glasses being recycled and repurposed fits nicely into our ecological thinking.

This trendy product is durable and available in a variety of colour mixes that suit any style. The glass particles add a lovely colour and subtle shine.

However, it is expensive and not as easy to source as stone and solid-surface countertops.

Recycled glass is combined with cement and is porous, so requires sealing after installation and every year or so, best done by a professional.

Icestone suggests a layer of wax applied after sealing to prevent acidic liquids from staining. Find more information through company websites such as icestone.biz.

The bathroom counter shown is Icestone’s White Pearl. The backsplash of coloured glass tiles is a stunning contrast, and shows the design versatility for bathrooms and kitchens.

Q: My husband and I are building our retirement home and taking our cue for the kitchen from the 1950s Gaffers and Sattler range we inherited. The range is chrome and white and we’ve chosen other chrome pieces, including bar stools, lighting fixtures and vintage small appliances. The large kitchen has a four-foot by six-foot island. We have found a pot rack that has two lights built in but wonder if it would look out of place. Is it too modern?

A: This is a personal choice. Some cooks love to have pots and pans on display, and the look works with any design from vintage to modern.

Pot racks take up visual space, especially if they are in the middle of the room. Think about all the chrome and accessories you will have on view and take care not to get too cluttered. Otherwise, your choice sounds great, and the rack is a clever design.

Q: We are fixing up our home to sell. The kitchen appliances are in good working order but are white. We’d like to make the room look more modern but can’t afford to replace with stainless steel. What tips do you have to update the decor? The bathroom could also use help.

A: Today’s kitchen accessories are so gorgeous they could sit on your coffee table. Dress up a plain white kitchen with stylish accents.

Invest in new mixing bowls that sit on the counter, a bright container filled with colourful kitchen utensils, and a modern toaster in a bright colour rather than the usual chrome. Choose a fresh stack of kitchen towels, and use some for show.

You can primp your kitchen with these and take them with you when you move.

Same approach for the bathroom. Spruce up with textured towels, cream dispensers, and lovely big bars of soap.

This column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle.

Email questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.