Link Enlarge

Yacht Style: Small Spaces with Big Personality

lagnappe March 14, 2019 Furnishings, Tips & Tricks 0

Who hasn’t dreamed of living aboard a luxurious yacht? Floating on the ocean and visiting any island you want with all the comforts of home sounds pretty nice…

While most of us can’t afford a mega-million dollar floating palace, you can steal some of these design ideas and make your home feel like a million bucks (with a touch of nautical style, of course)!

The nature of yacht life is dealing with spaces that are smaller than typical homes. This is never more evident than in the kitchen. Because yachts sometimes have smaller appliances and prep space is limited, getting creative is the name of the game!

Small kitchens in homes are no different. Keep functionality at the forefront, but add touches of your personality in with things like unique backsplash tile or easy-to-clean flooring that has more personality with a funky pattern.

Another way to deal with small spaces: mirrors. Mirrors make any space look bigger, and it’s no different on sea than on land. The beautiful Mrs. Happy yacht utilizes mirrors in spaces that may normally feel cramped to help open them up and evoke more breathing room.

Image courtesy of CYI Charters
Image courtesy of CYI Charters

Lighting is a really important way that interior designers work to change the way a room looks and feels. Good lighting can make all the difference, and bad lighting can really make a space feel smaller.

Some top tips for lighting…

  1. Maximize natural light first. But don’t forget that the sun does go down! Pay special attention to where you spend time after dark, then make sure those areas are lighted well.
  2. Watch the wattage. If the bulbs in the lighting fixture don’t match the feel of the room, the entire piece may feel out of place. You wouldn’t want really bright lighting in a space that should be relaxing (like a bedroom), just like you wouldn’t want low, soft lighting in the kitchen, where you need to be able to see well.
  3. Light your way. Take a note from yacht lighting and think about places that aren’t easy to see in the dark. There are plenty of unique ways to light staircases and hallways so that lighting is both elegant AND functional.
Image courtesy of CYI Charters

Want to incorporate some of these ideas into your own home? Let us help! Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more info.

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

Link Enlarge

How to Choose Lighting for Every Room in the Home

lagnappe February 4, 2019 Lighting, Tips & Tricks 0

This comes as a surprise to many people (and clients!), but you don’t have to keep the lighting that was in your home when you bought it. It’s true! There are so. Many. Options. Gone are the days when a single light fixture in a room was sufficient or that all the fixtures need to be the same throughout the house. Here are some ways to choose lighting for any room in your home, as well as some different types of fixtures to spark your imagination.

Size is a top thing to consider when choosing a fixture. A good basic equation to keep on hand is to add the length of the room plus the width of the room, and that measurement in inches should be the approximate diameter of your light fixture:

Width of room (10 feet) + Length of room (12 feet) = Diameter of light fixture (22 inches)

This equation will keep the light fixture on scale with the rest of the space, and keep lighting from either overpowering or looking oddly small.

Use is something else to make sure and consider before installing lighting. If the living area is used for relaxing and entertaining, there’s no need for lots of bright fluorescent lights. The kitchen, however, is not the place to be without adequate light.

Lastly, haven’t you always wondered how high lighting is supposed to be? For pendant lights, measure 66-72 inches from the floor to the bottom of the fixture. For lighting above a dining table, hang the fixture 28-36 inches from the table top to the bottom of the fixture. Where people may be walking underneath the fixtures, like in living areas, bedrooms or hallways, leave a 7-foot clearance when possible. If you have shorter 8-foot ceilings, a lower-profile fixture is the way to go (keep reading for more info!).

In addition to HOW to choose a light fixture, it can be hard to know what KIND to choose as well. Here are some basics:

Flush Mount/Semi-flush Mount

These fixtures hug the ceiling or hang just a few inches down. They offer the “low profile” mentioned above, and are great for smaller rooms or rooms with lower ceilings.

Pendant

Pendant lighting has become more popular in the last few years, and it can often be seen in kitchens, though pendants are making their way into every room of the home. A pendant light – or grouping of pendant lights – hang from long cords or bars and can be quite dramatic.

Chandelier

A “classic” lighting fixture, the modern chandelier is a far cry fro your grandmother’s, dripping in crystals (though those are still around too!). Chandeliers can be made from anything now, and are often used to fill larger spaces.

Floor and table lamps

Lamps are another way to add light to a room without needing to hang anything. From architectural pieces to timeless lampshades, the possibilities are endless.

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

Link Enlarge

3 Times Hiring A Designer Really Pays Off

lagnappe November 29, 2018 Tips & Tricks 0

It’s easy to see some of the advantages of having an interior designer at your disposal for a home project. Check out our blog here for more  reasons it’s usually a good idea! But it’s also easy to say “no” to  hiring a designer, whether it seems unnecessary or too expensive. In case you’re on the fence about beginning a project, here are three times you’ll be very glad you hired a quality interior designer to help!

Choosing a design

When this part of a project seems so simple, how can an interior designer pay off? By letting you rest easy with your final decision. It’s really easy to overthink every little detail, and even when you think you’ve got what you want, are you sure it really goes with the rest of the design? Interior designers know what looks good together, and can even provide suggestions that you may have never thought of yourself. This wealth of knowledge can be your best friend and not only help you stress less about the choices you’ve made, but also make your project even more than you imagined it could be.

Remodeling

Even if you know exactly what you want your home to look like, when it’s time to remodel a space, the sheer number of decisions and tasks that go into the project can become overwhelming. When you have an interior designer by your side, you’ll have someone who can manage that task list for you. A remodel project isn’t simply picking paint and tile. If you’re making a big transformation, it could involve moving walls or making building adjustments, as well as decor elements and furniture choices. The bigger the project, the more valuable a designer becomes. They can not only help save your sanity but also help you save money by finding different ways to achieve the outcome you’re looking for!

Negotiating with Vendors

It can be a tricky business talking with different vendors to get the products and services you need for a design project. While you most certainly are a  capable person, it’s hard to know if you’re getting the best possible deal. A good interior designer will give you at least two distinct advantages. First, they will already have relationships with many vendors. This means they may get special pricing or can help lubricate communication or shipping channels if needed. Secondly, even if you choose a vendor they don’t already have a relationship with, they have a broad knowledge of products and services and will be able to help you get the best possible bang for your buck.

If you have a vision for how you want your home to look and feel, we want to help bring that vision to life. Call or visit us at the show room! www.Lagnappe.com/contact

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

Link Enlarge

Mixing Old and New Home Decor

lagnappe October 29, 2018 Furnishings, Tips & Tricks 0

Refreshing your home doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul of a room or knocking down a bunch of walls to make the space look new. You can bring a fresh new vibe to any room and keep up with interior design trends by sprinkling in new elements with pieces you already have in your home. Here are a few tips for successful mixing!

Add Color

Sure, it sounds simple – because it is! Adding a new hue can totally transform the look and feel of any room. And there are plenty of ways to do it:

  • Paint. Choose a bright new color for an accent wall, or change the entire room completely. It will feel brand new in an instant.
  • Furniture. Instead of buying a whole set of new furniture, find one new piece in a bold hue that will give the room a new edge.
  • Accessories. Adding in a few new home accessories in eye-catching colors is an easy and inexpensive way to brighten up the space.
  • Textiles. From new curtains to a comfy pillow or throw, new textiles create a softness in your home and are a great place to add accent color.

Layer

Who says you can only use one rug? If you have one you love, find a complementary pattern or choose a new neutral to layer under or on top of your current rug. This small change can really shift the way a room feels – from the ground up.

Layering doesn’t have to only mean rugs or floor coverings. A fresh new window covering to go on top of your blinds or alongside your curtains can spruce up your natural light sources.

Go Big OR Small

When it comes to artwork, it can be tough to know how to correctly fill a wall. A good rule of thumb is to pick one wall to be a focal point. Choose big, bold artwork that covers a lot of area, or pick a number of smaller works that coordinate into a gallery-type formation to draw the eye into the room.

Another way to create big bang for your buck on walls is choosing interesting wallpaper. THere are SO many more options now than your grandmother’s damask, and a dramatic wallpaper print could take a room from boring to bold. Whether you go with a repeating pattern throughout the room or a graphic print for an accent wall, this new type of wall covering could be easily changed again and again as your preferences do.

Repurpose

Old things can be made new again with a little time and effort, and they can make for big changes in your home. Have an old chair you love but hate the fabric? Breathe new life into it by reupholstering with a fresh fabric. Have a seamstress or tailor create new slipcovers for your couch pillows to incorporate more color or texture into your living area. Stain a dining room table with a dramatic dark color or sand and paint the table a bright new hue.

Just because the room looks one way today doesn’t mean it must stay that way forever!

We love projects big and small. Contact us today to begin designing your dream space: https://www.lagnappe.com/contact/

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

Link Enlarge

Color Forecast 2019

lagnappe September 26, 2018 Furnishings, Tips & Tricks 0

Every year, the major paint companies, as well as Pantone (the major color-matching experts) put out their favorite colors and predictions for upcoming trends. In 2019, we’re seeing a great mix of cool tones perfect for island homes that want a touch of the ocean indoors. There is a surprise in the mix, but what’s a good color story without some contrast?

While nobody can ever fully predict the future, if you’re looking to update your home in the coming year, let these trends guide your choices.

As always, if you have an idea for your perfect room and want a professional’s opinion, give us a call!

Reflecting Pool

The folks at HGTV  have chosen this lovely turquoise shade as their 2019 color of the year. Reflecting Pool is a cool tone that works will with nearly any neutral color, allowing for a bright pop of color to make a statement.

Blueprint

Paint pros Behr have chose Blueprint as their featured hue for 2019. Another cool tone, it looks fantastic in any room of the home. Paired well with warm neutrals and metallics, it’s a lovely choice for a Caribbean home as it is reminiscent of the sky and sea.

Night Watch

This lovely jewel-toned green evokes a lush green rainforest or a deep emerald. PPG Paints chose Night Watch and predicts to see this deep color on accent walls, cabinetry and door colors. Taking a note from fashion, a deep green is a timeless color that will last.

Cavern Clay

Sherwin Williams deviates from the crowd a little with a warmer shade in Cavern Clay. Like its name suggests, the rocky color has tones of red and orange, and pairs well with soft neutrals like creams and beiges. Add a touch of metallic brass and this color will light up any space.

The folks at Pantone have yet to release their 2019 pick, but you can be sure to see a blog about it here when it is announced!

What colors are you thinking about trying in your home?

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

Link Enlarge

Hiring an Interior Designer: What are the costs?

lagnappe September 16, 2018 Furnishings, Tips & Tricks, Uncategorized 0

One would think that decorating and designing your home would be an easy task. You know what you like, so how hard can it be, right? Once you start the design process – even for a single room – you find that there are many more details to consider than simply picking out paint and furniture.

From remodeling an entire kitchen or bath to a simple refresh of your master bedroom, good design is an art. A good interior designer can truly make your dream home come to life, and they do a lot more than you may first expect. Design isn’t free, however, but it can be well worth your time. Let’s take a look at a few ways an interior designer works and what they may charge for their services.

Concept Design

Even if you don’t have a designer

Creating A Budget

You may think you have a budget figured out, but chances are a designer will help you figure out what your dream bathroom will actually cost. In a sense, you’re paying someone to help you figure out what you’ll pay for a project, but this kind of service may actually pay off bigger in the long run. A bonus of this service would be that if you have a designer help you create a realistic budget, they are already on board for sticking to it if you choose to hire them to do more work.

Project Management

Many people struggle to find the time to begin a project, let alone seeing it through to completion. Paying an interior designer is a good way to alleviate some of that task burden since this is what they do all the time! Make sure you and the designer have an understanding of approximate costs associated with project management, so you’re not surprised with an unexpected number at the end of the project. That being said, don’t expect a designer to do this for free. If you’re not spending time on it, they are, so they should be paid for that time.

Styling and Staging

After the floors are finished and the walls have been painted, the furniture has been purchased and the art has been delivered, everything needs to find its place. Styling a home is often a favorite service of interior designers because it’s the “make everything look pretty” part of a project. Once the theme has been determined and all the pieces have been purchased, putting it all together can be a rather large task.

A designer has the know-how to create a cohesive space out of all of the pieces that you’ve accumulated in a way that doesn’t look cluttered. Hiring a designer to take on this part of a task can be an economical way to get a space looking great without a ton of renovation.

Cost

Most designers charge by the hour. This range can be anywhere from $50-200 per hour, but you can always ask if your designer would work out some other form of payment. Some designers offer a “menu” of services with different pricing levels depending on what you want and need. Good communication is key to ensure your designer has the skills to complete your project and that you work well together and they understand your vision.

Have a question about what Lagnappe can do or what your project may cost? Please contact us via email, call 340-643-7289 or make an appointment to visit us at the studio. We can’t wait to create something with you!

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

Link Enlarge

7 Tips for Styling A Coffee Table

lagnappe August 16, 2018 Furnishings, Tips & Tricks 0

The living room is one of the best  and easiest rooms to accessorize since it’s a space that gets used a lot, especially for entertaining. The coffee table is a natural place to show off some of your style, but without some forethought, it can become cluttered really quick. These tips can help you create a beautiful, cohesive table that everyone can appreciate.

Keep it Balanced

The rule of 3 works well here. By dividing your coffee table into three sections, it can better help you decide what goes where. Odd numbers are also pleasing to the eye and three areas are easier to style than by being overwhelmed by the one large area of the entire coffee table. Have a good balance of large and small items so that the table doesn’t look either cluttered or cumbersome.

Add Contrasting Height

As part of having a balanced table, adding items of different heights keeps things interesting. A vase of tall flowers draws the eye up into the room, while a bowl of shells brings interest down.

Light it Up

Candles are a natural choice for a table, but be mindful of small children or animals that may be at just the right height to get into things. Lanterns or candles in tall hurricane vases is another lovely way to add some sparkle to the coffee table.

Choose Sides

If your table is large, rather than trying to cover the entire area, choose one end to add items to and style it appropriately.

Don’t Forget the Green

A small, low-maintenance houseplant (think succulents!) is a great item for a coffee table. If you’re not interested in keeping something alive, a small vase of fresh flowers can also bring in a natural element.

Stash and Store

The coffee table is often the hub of the main living area, and all kinds of stuff ends up there. Using baskets, trays or bowls can help contain clutter and keep heavily-used items at easy reach.

Make it Yours

Don’t put out items that are just for show. Make the space tell a story of your personal passions, travels and life. Have a favorite coffee table book? Don’t let it collect dust on its cover; open it up to a beautiful photo and encourage guests to peruse its pages.

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

Link Enlarge

Spring Green: Revive, Refresh, Renew

lagnappe March 28, 2018 Furnishings, Kitchens, Tips & Tricks 0

Welcome to the second installment of our spring color blog series! As a designer, I often hear people tell me they want to add color to their homes, but are afraid to do so. In this series, we focus on a color scheme and some simple, fear-free ways to incorporate it into your home. We may throw in a bold idea here or there, too! Did you miss our blue post? Check it out here.

The Caribbean is lush and vibrant, and nothing says “refresh” like the color green.

The kitchen is a great place to liven up with some green. Without having to drastically change the entire room, painting a kitchen island cabinets creates contrast and a lively place to entertain and gather.

  
A SUPER simple way to invite more green into the home is to literally, put greenery in your home. Live plans purify the air and bring some of the natural beauty of the islands indoors.
A subtle way to add some green hues to a room is to paint some shelving. Rather than changing the color of the entire bookcase, by opting to paint just the back, the color remains subtle but still catches the eye.  
  A little bolder but still not overbearing, bright curtains, pillows and styled shelves make this living room feel fresh.
Green as an accent color is always a sure bet. Grab some complimentary pillows, throws or rugs and you’re in the fresh business.
  A teal-green tiled backsplash and shower wall are great ways to add some color to the bathroom. This is a great option if you’re not interested in going bold with a printed wallpaper or all-over green tile.
Feeling a little bolder? This cool palm print wallpaper is a fresh addition to a bathroom. It will feel like a natural spa and add some interest to a typically “boring” room.
  Changing a room’s paint or wallpaper is an obvious way to update the space, but choosing green doesn’t have to be an “out there” decision. Softer hues are calming, and perfect for a place where work needs to get done, like an office.

 

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

calypso-villa-3
Link Enlarge

5 Signs It’s Time To Hire A Professional Interior Designer

lagnappe November 9, 2017 Furnishings, Tips & Tricks 0

If you’ve ever made the decision to tackle a home improvement project or redesign, you may or may not have a sense of how much work is involved. It sounds easy at first:

  • Pick some paint colors
  • Choose a new light fixture
  • Shop! Install! LOVE!

The good news is that YES, choosing the colors, fabrics and finishes can be very fun. But the bad news is this: it takes a LOT of work. More work than you may be prepared to do on your own. Many people think that going it alone will help them save money. In the end, we’ve found that while your initial cost may be low (designers can’t work for free!), you end up spending more in the long run because you aren’t getting exactly what you want, so you keep buying more and more stuff to get you where you originally envisioned.

Whether you’ve hit a roadblock and are ready to have a pro come in and save the day or if you already know you don’t want to go it alone, here are five signs that it’s time to hire a designer.

Afraid to Take the first Step

You may be a fan of home improvement TV shows and get so inspired when you see what the hosts do to improve someone’s home, or you may get an idea from a great magazine or article you read online. But when it comes to your own space, it’s hard to know where to begin. You see your home every day, but a designer can come in with fresh eyes and help you put a plan together to get the result you want. They can take the fear out of dipping your toe in the design pool and get you excited about jumping into a project!

Overwhelmed!

There are a LOT of choices out there, and it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in options. From paint colors to furniture and window treatments galore, choosing elements you not only like but work together well in a room takes some finesse. Designers have an eye for creating spaces that are not only functional but beautiful, and having someone take the lead can reduce your stress and help you feel more at ease during your renovation or redesign. If you tell your designer you’re overwhelmed, they can narrow down hundreds of choices so that you can focus on what’s really important to you.

Ideas on Paper. Only.

Perhaps you have the perfect design already worked out. Great! Now, do you know who to hire to get that fantastic tile work done? How about where to buy your new favorite pillows? Does that store ship to the Caribbean? What’s a good price for renovation work? Sometimes implementing a great idea takes more knowledge than the average person has. An interior designer does this all day, every day and can help connect you with the right contractors and vendors to make your vision come to life.

Can’t Visualize End Product

Sometimes it’s hard to picture the sofa you love from one place going with the paint color you picked working with your new flooring. And don’t even start on extras and home accessories. If you know what you like when you see it but have a hard time envisioning everything working together, a designer will have a great eye and can tell you if your ideas are all headed in the same direction.

A designer can also make recommendations that you may not be thinking about but could really make a big visual difference in your home.

Don’t Have Time

Plain and simple, good design takes time. Have a professional take some of the tasks off your plate so you can get the project DONE and then enjoy it.

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

Lag.KitchenRemodel.10.20.16
Link Enlarge

How To Choose New Countertops

lagnappe July 31, 2017 Furnishings, Kitchens, Tips & Tricks 1

Remodeling a kitchen can be one of the most rewarding home renovation projects, but also one of the most overwhelming. There are a lot of details that go into creating your dream kitchen, and we can help! Countertops are one of the most-desired kitchen upgrades, and these tips can help you decide what kind works best for your life and style.

Different Materials

There are many different types of countertop options on the market today. These popular styles each have their own personality, benefits and costs.

  • Granite
    • When sealed, this natural stone gives a kitchen countertop lots of character with little upkeep needed.
  • Ceramic Tile
    • One of the most durable options, ceramic tiles make for an eye-catching kitchen counter. Even though the tiles themselves are durable, all the grout can make for difficulty when cleaning.
  • Laminate
    • Sometimes scoffed at by designers, plastic laminate counters have lots of affordable finishes and styles that can work in any kitchen.
  • Quartz
    • Engineered quartz is made of ground quartz, resin and pigments, making it available in nearly any color imaginable. It’s nonporous surface make it great for combating water, food particles, and bacteria in kitchens. It’s not cheap, though!
  • Wood
    • Beautiful butcher block-style counters bring a warm, natural feel to a kitchen. Even high-quality options like teak sometimes don’t fare well for high-traffic counters like kitchens. Wood countertops can sometimes be used as accents on islands or other prep surfaces.
  • Soapstone
    • Resistant to bacteria and other cleaning chemicals, soapstone is a more expensive option but lasts a long time.
  • Recycled glass and cement
    • While not cheap, recycled glass can offer a really unique and beautiful addition to a kitchen. It sometimes resembles sea glass and can bring a touch of the sea into the home. Cement counters are durable and hold up to the island elements.

Top Tips

Budget is always a concern when remodeling or redesigning a space. Aside from knowing what different materials cost, here are some other tips to remember when choosing a countertop:

  1. Get samples to take home and see what works well with your current appliances. Are you willing to paint your walls? If not, make sure the countertop you choose works in your color scheme.
  2. Compare the different samples at different times of day, with and without the lights on. Materials can appear differently in natural and artificial lights.
  3. How do the people in your home use the kitchen? If you have small children, a more durable and easy-to-clean countertop will be your best friend. If you don’t cook much or want a “higher-end” look, going with a more luxurious counter may fit your vision better.
  4. Ask your installer if their bid includes removal and disposal of old countertops as well as installation of the new – your designer can help with this part!
  5. Don’t be afraid to mix materials to fit your needs. If you love the look of butcher block, consider using it in part of the kitchen for serving rather than preparing food, and a more durable surface elsewhere.

Ask A Designer

A professional can help you get the exact look you want and stay within your budget. Lagnappe has great connections with suppliers and quality contractors in the Caribbean and can help you get the result you want.

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.