Carrara Marble

Today is all about Carrara marble. I am in search for the perfect slab—which is easier said than done. I decided I want to use white carrara marble in our kitchen, and since we're currently living in a construction zone, I need to make a decision soon. We traveled to Triton, Alabama last Saturday to see the slabs at the Triton Stone Group. I've heard you know when you find the one, but I'm still not sure if I know. One of the slabs was a little too gray for me, and the other had a large darker gray area.

possibly too gray?

 

I know these are natural stones, but I'm still not crazy about the contrast on the left.

When we got there the cute sales rep/designer said, "Hi, I'm Hadley." I said, "I'm Hadley!" We had so much in common it was beginning to get weird. She was so helpful and said we possibly could avoid the dark gray area and make a large "run" on the island from the section I like. The fabricator is coming out today to do an official template of the kitchen, so we shall see...

 

Carrara marble has rich history.  It has been used in construction and sculptures for centuries.  The Pantheon and Trajan's Column in Rome are constructed out of it.  Michelangelo's David, was carved from Carrara marble. For Michelangelo, Carrara marble was valued above all other stone. 

Above is a picture of the Carrara quarry in Italy.

And since marble is softer than granite, it will scratch and stain easier.  I know I want my marble honed and it is essential to SEAL your marble.

Thankfully while we were there I picked out my white subway tile and grout. One more thing checked off the list. I also picked out our sink and faucet, so now I need to figure out this marble slab. Wish me luck! 

Oh, and in case you want to learn more about marble, I found this blog post and this blog post very helpful.

Kitchen Design - Round 1

Happy Wednesday everyone. To incorporate my "Wednesday Words of Wisdom" posts, I'm featuring  this signed print my mom gave me a few years ago. She had interior designer Suzanne Kasler sign a page from her book Inspired Interiors, and she wrote, "Hadley, Design makes a difference." click here to read more.

I've always loved this and have it hanging next to my desk, along with my favorite John Derian plate and a small abstract painting from the very talented Sarah Otts.

SO...that being said, on to my kitchen! All-things kitchen related have consumed my mind lately. We're in the process of slightly remodeling our kitchen. I've been dreaming about doing this for years, and our changes are minimal but will make a huge impact. Here's what we want to do:

1) Paint cabinets (probably Benjamin Moore Linen White since it's what I used for my desk cabinets in the kitchen, and I love it)

2) New Countertops

3) New sink/fixtures

4) Subway tile backsplash

5) Add a small island/extension with two stools so that people can sit in the kitchen (and so I can sit with Calder and feed her in her high chair)

Here are some kitchens I keep coming back to. I carry pics of these in my little binder and many of these kitchens I've loved for a  l o n g  time.

 

You'll notice a theme here. I love white kitchens and I love carrara marble. It's what I've always been drawn to and have envisioned in our kitchen someday.  However, I'm still open to suggestions because I am a little worried about the maintenance of marble. BUT, I've also heard (and read) many people say the maintenance is not as bad you'd think and they'd buy carrara marble again. 

I've also researched great marble alternatives (such as Cambria quartz counters in torquay). See this post and picture below for more details. But, I have some slabs in my kitchen, and the marble still takes the cake. we shall see...

Any suggestions and comments are welcomed. I'll definitely post pics as we begin and hope to make some progress soon!

Wednesday Words of Wisdom

Short and sweet.

I believe this with all my heart and am thankful I love what I do.

Calder at 6 months

We're having such a fun summer with our little Calder-bear. I know I'm sure I'll say this at every age because it keeps getting better and better—but 6 months is my favorite age! She's showing more and more personality, learning how to sit up, and she loves playing in the water and trying new foods.

We had a blast at the Dukes house in Shubuta, MS. Calder and Lelia had a big time together!

 

 We went to Chattanooga to see Grandaddy and Susu.

 

My good friend Meg has 3 boys (and another on the way!). We rode the carousel with them at Coolidge Park in Chattanooga, and I think Calder developed a few crushes...

 

 We love to sit up like a big girl!

Learning all about vegetables at the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning...

she could jump all day long...

holding our own bottle too :)

 
and making tons of messes!

 Crawling is right around the corner...

 Such a little ham!

 tolerating kisses from Bea

 Peaches are our favorite!

Best friends! Calder, we love you more than you'll ever know.