Interior Design with Julia Luttrell
Custom counter makes a unique gift
Yes Martha, there was a time when something as simple as �faux-finishing� a wall or a piece of furniture, was thought to be a relatively bold decorating move that took a certain amount of adventuresome spirit.
However, the many design shows seen on television today have exposed people to the limitless world of possibilities in design. They have become much more sophisticated and open to allowing designers to attempt unique concepts, explore unexpected ideas and test the limits of our imagination. It is an exciting time to be a designer.
Design is an obsession for most designers and it has often been said of me for example, that if I were dropped on a desert island, the first thing I would do is decorate the cave. Finding new and unexpected uses for ordinary construction materials gives me a creative rush especially.
I�d like to share that excitement with my readers, so here�s a great idea for an excellent item that�s fun, functional, fabulous and it will fit into almost any existing home d�cor.
This gorgeous counter top is not just a pretty face. Because of its resilient finish, it�s not only functional, but also virtually maintenance free! Because it�s made from the most unexpected of construction materials, plain old concrete, it makes a wonderful conversation piece, which will make it a focal point in any space.
It can be applied to any existing piece of furniture and used as a kitchen island. In a foyer, you can throw your keys on it without damaging the finish. In a steamy bathroom it can take the abuse of daily use and always look fresh and elegant.
And hey, in the spirit of the oncoming holidays, it would make a remarkable gift that will keep on giving, for that special someone in your life.
If you�re not up to creating it yourself, you can always buy them a �design gift certificate� and have it done by the experts. I�ll guarantee you�ll be talked about and fondly remembered for this unique and thoughtful gift.
How to create this custom counter top
You will need: some wood moulding, easy-mix concrete, a single decorative ceramic 12 by 12-inch floor tile, water base varnish and colourant to tint the varnish with.
For the purposes of our example, this counter could be put onto a cabinet about
42 by 21 by 35-inch high. If you don�t have one, try it on a second hand chest of drawers for instance, for a charming �shabby chic� look.
First apply a wood moulding all around the outer edge of your existing top. The width of the moulding is determined by the fact that it must sit �proud,� above the existing counter surface, by about 3/8� to frame the top and create a sort of �tray� effect.
Fill this �tray� area with pre-mixed concrete. Yes, that�s right, concrete, trust me, you�ll love it. Make sure you don�t fill it right to the top because you must leave enough space to be able to set a single 12 by 12-inch floor tile into the centre of it.
Smooth it into a flat surface, using a straight edge. Now get a beautiful single 12 by 12-inch decorative floor tile. Splurge a little here. Buy something truly exquisite, but also be certain it has its own border as part of the design. Set the tile in the concrete, on the diagonal, in the centre of the tray. Let it sit until it is totally set and cured.
Now comes the final design trick. It is the application of the coat of a tinted varnish applied to the concrete that truly brings this functional surface to life. You want it to still be recognizable as concrete. After all, it�s the unusual use of concrete as a counter surface that is part of its charm.
To visually soften the impact of the concrete, a smooth, blended colour needs to be mixed into the varnish, so that the final finish has a warm tactile appearance, which invites you to touch it. Mixing a colourant to the water base varnish is not something you should try yourself however.
Too much colour will result in a cloudy effect, so this is where the well-skilled creative expertise of a superior paint store is required to mix it for you.
Look for a store with a proven track record of association with excellent designers. Here in Sudbury, I use my favourite store on Barrydowne Road to translate my unique concepts into the desired effect, however, you may have equally talented folks in your own neighbourhood.
Your counter will have all of the fabulous function of granite, without the cost and you will be delightfully astonished at the subtle understated charm of the muted tones of the tinted varnish. It creates a beautiful frame for the single ceramic tile to stand out like a jewel and become the star of the show.
I hope you enjoy a happy holiday and please keep writing to the Feedback function at the bottom of this page. Hearing from you is what it�s all about and your input is what ignites my imagination.
