In a sunny kitchen, the homeowners wanted the look of polished white marble—but not its proneness to chips and stains. State of Grace 12mm-thick porcelain slabs from Crossville, Inc., offer the ideal solution. Photo courtesy of Crossville, Inc.
For many homeowners, modernizing these rooms is more of a necessity than a luxury because the improvements are driven by lifestyle as much as aesthetics. So when we update these spaces, how do we get it all—elegance, ease, and functionality—within a budget?
“How a client lives—or wants to live—in their home is a very important piece of the design puzzle,” says Charlotte-based interior designer Lisa Mende. “It is one of the first things we discuss during the planning phase because it heavily influences the materials that we select.
“If my clients are avid cooks and entertainers, have young children, or just have a penchant for sleek, perfect finishes, I’ll steer them towards durable manmade surfaces instead of delicate natural stone. They don’t want to worry about stains caused by splattered tomato sauce, wet wine rings, or acid etchings from lemons and limes when they’re enjoying the company of family and friends.”
Porcelain wall panels in Calacatta Oro Venato Bookmatch make a bold yet graceful statement in a kitchen designed by Lisa Mende. Just over 3mm thick, this option from Crossville’s Naturali collection boasts a commercial-grade composition that keeps the “skin-like” surface stain- and scratch-free. Photo by Kelli Boyd
Because little or no demo is involved, time and labor are minimal and installation is cost-effective, keeping projects easy on the pocketbook. Crossville products are also easy on the eye thanks to their meticulous detailing and strong resemblance to natural stones such as marble, quartzite, and granite.
“Crossville’s colors and veining are so realistic that it’s hard to tell the difference between what was made by hand and what’s made by Mother Nature,” says Mende. “I have many clients who want the high-end look of polished white marble but without the high-maintenance that comes along with it. Crossville offers the ideal solution by giving them the best of both worlds.”
MORE PORCELAIN PANELS & SLABS IN SITU
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BATHROOM INSPIRATION FROM THE FLOWER SHOWHOUSE
Rustic and refined pieces join to create a calming space in the en suite bath at the 2021 Flower showhouse at Brierfield Farm. Take a video toured by interior designer Mary Evelyn McKee.