I'm obsessed with Carrara marble in kitchens.
I've spoken of my obsession here before.
That's Brook's old kitchen of Velvet and Linen fame.
So pretty...and yet she has moved on to a bigger and better kitchen.
I'd be happy with that one.
This looks like the best apartment ever.
Very old world vibe in this kitchen. Notice the bun feet?
Lots of marble on the island.
This kitchen is covered in marble and I adore it!
Love the simple vibe of this kitchen.
The stove and the stove nook plus the marble and cabinets I think are so great in this kitchen.
Plus its my dream to have a vintage stove like that.
Here is why I am thinking about marble today....
Two years ago I bought a little sofa table to use as a kitchen island in my galley kitchen.
I loved the look of it but it lasted in there only two months.
It was just in the way.
It now is in my back bedroom used as a tv console.
At which it works nicely.
But I couldn't give up my wanting an island even though my kitchen is small.
So one day at work last August, we got in a new little bedside table.
A very small bedside table and it occurred to me that it would be just the right size to
work as an island in my kitchen.
That got my wheels turning trying to think if I had such a table already.
I came home and realized...I had this table that really was kind of in the way in the hall.
I'd been using it as a phone table for a phone that never gets used.
I took it into the kitchen and it was perfect!
It just needs some wheels on the bottom so it can roll around.
I would have taken a photo to show you today but the batteries are dead in my camera and
searching the house found me none.
Anyway...that's an old photo from when it was in the hall.
So then I think...if it just had a marble top!
I went to work the next day and asked one of the girls if she knew where I could get a remnant of
marble to make a top for my island.
She called up her Dad who works in construction right then and he said...
"I've got a piece right here. I'll throw it in the truck."
I couldn't believe my good luck!
I thought she'd just tell me where was the best place to go looking for
such a thing...not get me a piece!
So she hauls it to work for me a few days later. It's bigger than I need.
It's like 20x30. I wanted 18x18.
Now...here is the problem.
It was free! free! can you believe it?
But the cost to get it cut is going to be like $150 which is why that has not happened.
I hate spending $150 - that ruins my whole do this for no money thing.
So I've been at a stand still on this project ever since.
Although the table has been in the kitchen all fall and its working nicely.
I can't justify spending $150 to get it cut when I was trying to do this project for little or nothing.
What to do? I'm sure I'll have to break down and pay the $150.
I also still have not installed the above kitchen faucet.
It's been sitting in its box for almost a year at my house.
These projects are just a small beginning to all the things that I need to do around here
and guess what?
My Christmas tree is still up.
Yes, now its at the embarrassing stage.
I was going to take it down today.
But I did nothing instead.
Which wouldn't have been so bad but I did nothing yesterday too.
There is always tomorrow, right?
Not a great start to my New Year.
I'll admit I was very tired from all the activities of the last part of 2013.
That's my excuse. I needed to rest.
I'd been sick too...but I'm well now...so I really don't have an excuse.
But really, tomorrow the tree must come down!
I'm also thinking about uncovering the brick chimney in my kitchen.
Doesn't the brick look wonkey and charming in that image above?
Last thing I need to be doing is chipping away at the walls though when I have so many
other things that must be done.
Also, Sherwin Williams is having a sale this weekend and it would be the perfect time
for me to buy more paint so that I could paint my dining room to match the living room.
I can't seem to focus at the moment.
I know...make a list and just go down the list, one thing at a time.
One thing at a time.
but start with the tree
20 comments:
I have Carrera marble in my kitchen and I love it. The funny thing is that the marble itself wasn't that exorbitant in price, it was having the edges cut that was so pricey...so I know what you mean about having a piece cut.
I'm sure you've considered this and there must be a reason why it won't work, but why not keep it that size and place it on the table? Would it fit in your kitchen? Gives you a larger working surface.... you could try it and see!
~ Violet
Floor tiles are made in 18"x18" sizes.
Why not buy just one for the island and save the bigger marble piece for another day when it's going to be exactly what you need for a different project. Happens to me all the time. ;-)
I am obsessed with marble in the kitchen as well so can understand your dilemma! I am with Lynn - save this piece and get a floor tile. No one will ever know!
I am obsessed with marble in the kitchen as well so can understand your dilemma! I am with Lynn - save this piece and get a floor tile. No one will ever know!
What about finding someone to make your table just a little larger on top? I had a similar issue a few years ago when I got a piece of carrara that was too small in width and too long in length for an old cabinet I found curbside. So we added some trim to the width and some brackets and shelves on the length ends to make it look evened out. Where there is a will there is a way!!
One thing at a time- don't get overwhelmed! I love the marble and would try to find a way to make it work. Love the faucet too!
Some good ideas in the comments. I was wondering if looking for a table near that size. Are the edges rough or would it work as is with the right table.
I am in the not being able to concentrate state of mind as well. My tree is up but ready to be put away. The rest is down but not stored away. My daughter and her children came after Christmas and just left on Monday. That's my excuse, hah.
I could have written this post, down to the part about the marble. I had a large piece given to me that is just an inch too big for the surface it needs to sit on, and it's pricey to have it cut down. It's for the surface of a server, and I've always wanted it to have a marble top, so I'll probably cough up the cash. Same for the ADDecorating, as my husband calls it, and the tree. We leave ours up through the sixth, but since we're pushing the tenth I guess the party is over.
My blue Santas are across the room, staring at me. Yet here I sit, comfortable in my chair. I think I'll stay sitting.
Nita, that is funny because I just remodeled a kitchen in a house in Tulsa and used Carrara marble and the same lights as in your 3 pic except in chrome. I love the look and hope it doesn't stain.
Have you checked out Lowe's? The Lowe's here will cut tile at no cost. They can only say no. I also like the idea of using the 18 x 18 tile. You might even be able to find some edge pieces.
My tree is down but everything is waiting to be packed up in my guest room. It's my goal for the week to get that done.
Traci
I love all those kitchens you featured. Love the marble too, but had to settle for look alike laminate unfortunately. maybe one day I can get the real thing. I have to take my tree down too.. first it took me ages to put up and now it's taking me ages to take down! take care, Maryann
The marble is so pretty. I love it too. Buy a marble pastry board for your little table. http://www.ebay.com/itm/RSVP-International-18x18-in-Marble-Pastry-Board-6000-/400570680506
or
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-RSVP-International-18x18-in-Marble-Pastry-Board-FREE-SHIPPING-/230926395897
Carrera marble was my first choice for my kitchen... BUt it's way out of my budget! Still, I was thinking of using a very small part of marble on a kitchen cart, like you want to do on your island.
http://modvintagelife.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/carrara-marble-in-kitchens.html
Ok, so the surface of the table is smaller than the service of the marble block. I don't see a problem there. You don't need to cut the marble. Just put it on the table. Really, don't see point in cutting it.
I hope you resolve your issues soon. One at a time!
Greetings,
Carpet Cleaners Bayswater
Well if it makes you feel any better, I still have 27 trees up. Thank goodness only 5 of them are decorated. I love carrara marble as well. It's just so gorgeous. I need to get me some.
OK I bet you can find someone to cut that little marble piece for you at no charge. Where someone else is having work done take it over and say can you cut this for me while your at it? LOL
Love the brick chimney in the kitchen just the way it is
I love all white also, now I wish I had white floors in my kitchen, my nest adobe will be all white
We just had Alabama White marble put in our master bath. I really wanted it for our kitchen, but we're coffee, tea, and red wine drinkers, so we went with the Silestone that looks just like marble and distressed walnut.
The only problem with the Silestone is you have to use trivets: If you can't hold it in the palm of your hand, the countertops will be damaged if you don't use a trivet.
We went round and round about what to use for countertop materials, and I think we made the right choice.
I love your idea for a mini island. Do you know anyone with a wet saw? If you do, he or she could help you cut your piece of marble down to size.
Have a lovely weekend! I love these kitchens you shared with us…they are all so pretty!
xo,
RJ
I seriously considered installing marble countertops in our renovated kitchen, but so many counter installers recommended against it, due to the fact that marble stains and etches so easily. Given that my husband and I are not great at cleaning up spills, we elected to go with honed granite. However, I agree with you -- I LOVE Carrera marble, too, and read not too long ago that a designer doesn't mind the aging that comes from the etching and staining . . . so my next kitchen may very well have marble countertops.
Also, I agree that I'd love an exposed brick fireplace in a kitchen because it lends such a cozy look.
Kim
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