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 décor.
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.
