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Domestic Jewels
The right materials can be just the ticket to creating a memorable space
By Kristen Mucci
February 06, 2006
Adding funky jewelry to a simple outfit can create a standout ensemble. Accessorizing the kitchen can be just as easy with the right materials. An eclectic design, fashioned by a combination of surface options, will command attention through its individuality. A little extra "oomph" on accent pieces like the island, pantry, backsplash and counters can go a long way.
Jewels for the kitchen
With gold and silver making regular appearances on fashion runways, it is no wonder that they are now a popular accessory choice for the home as well. Copper and stainless are common selections for accent pieces, especially for use on an island. Similarly, metal inserts in gold, pewter, copper or brushed nickel add that extra pizazz when placed in a backsplash or a counter.
Jewel-like tones can also be found in mosaic glass tile, which is growing in popularity due to its design flexibility, almost limitless color options and its nonporous, stain-resistant surface. It is popping up everywhere, from walls and floors to counters, islands and backsplashes. "I believe we are just touching on what glass can do," said Laura Birns, asid, Laura Birns Design, Del Mar, CA. Though breakable, the tile can vary in opacity, luminosity, texture and color to create an endless combination of design options.
Thinking outside the box
Less conventional materials can sometimes cost a bundle, but for clients with a flexible budget, they are often worth every cent. Lava-stone, a glazed volcanic rock that is nonporous and available in a wide array of colors, can offer a fun design option, as can semi-precious surfacing, which literally is jewelry for the kitchen. Offered by CaesarStone, the individually cut stones are bound together with a mineral binder, creating a truly unique alternative. Birns got creative in a recent kitchen design, using woven bamboo as a surface material. "I applied lots of layers of sealant to protect against spills," she said. "It is important to maintain non-traditional surface materials to keep their effectiveness." 
A rapidly renewable resource, bamboo adds an exotic look but is an environmentally friendly option. Birns recommends opting for other sustainable products, including recycled glass, aggregate combinations, cement, stainless steel and fossil stone. She predicts significant growth of the trend toward "green" choices. "Technology and those who are looking to create a healthy environment are developing incredible materials," she said.
A little bit of this, a little bit of that
There are a lot of beautiful materials out there but sometimes too much of a good thing can be dangerous. "Depending on the surface material used, one must always be aware of the practicality of use," said Birns. For instance, butcher block, made of layers of compressed wood, can add warmth to the space and is ideal for the food prep area (it won't dull knife blades), but its porous qualities give it a tendency to stain. Stainless can be striking on a smaller application, like an island, but can look clinical (or covered in fingerprints) when used throughout an entire space. Tile inserts add the perfect decorative accent for a backsplash or counter but lose their effect when overused. Concrete looks terrific and can be easily customized, with options for insetting decorative elements such as metal or gems, however its high cost and the possibility of cracks often limit its use to smaller areas.
For practicality, as well as looks, a little bit goes a long way with most decorative materials or you run the risk of overwhelming or breaking up the space. "It is important to me that no one material or color stands out," said Birns. She aims at attracting attention to the big picture first. A unique piece will eventually catch the eye upon closer look. "Seeing the detail is more a design moment of discovery, like an 'a ha!'"
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