Touch of Glass

To add shimmering interest to this South Carolina kitchen, designer Linda H. McClain, CKD, of Signature Kitchens in Charleston (signaturekitchens.net), specified a 1-inch-thick glass breakfast bar. The blue-green tones of the glass coordinate attractively with Blue King granite countertops and slate floor tiles elsewhere in the room. Photograph: J. Savage Gibson.

We've seen natural stone, synthetic stone, metal, wood, and even paper countertops. So what's the next big thing? According to many high-end architects and kitchen and bath designers, it's glass. “People are getting bored with the same old materials,” says designer Robert Schwartz of St. Charles of New York in New York City (stcharlesofnewyork.com). “For about the same price as better granite or marble, glass offers a crisp, soft contemporary alternative.”

Crystallized glass can be molded into any shape and comes in long sheets sized like granite, so you can get a big island without a lot of seaming. The polished, opaque surface is also heat and stain resistant. “You can put hot pots right on it, and it's impervious to oils, wine, lemons, and red wine,” says Schwartz.

Crystallized glass complements stainless surfaces in this New York City kitchen by designer Robert Schwartz.

Granite can get costly if you go for a really thick stone, but, crystallized glass can be affordably built up to any thickness you want. For instance, set two 3/4 -inch-thick pieces, set on top of each other mitered and sanded at the edges, give the appearance of one thick slab.

The only downside is that the color choices are limited to white, beige, and light gray. And if that's too plain, or if an entire kitchen of glass counters seems like overkill, consider using the material as an accent on an island or breakfast bar.

Glass counters are available through kitchen and bath designers, or look online for fabricators in your area. —Carolyn Weber, Senior Building Editor

Comments

[Nancy Nelson]

I am requesting information regarding the glass tables on the January/February cover of Home Magazine.

[Nancy Nelson]

I am requesting information regarding the glass tables on the cover of the January/February Home magazine. I would appreciate any information. Thank you.