Hey there, design enthusiasts! Welcome back to Pantry Paradise and Week 7 of the One Room Challenge. This week, it’s all about countertops—those hardworking surfaces that add style and functionality to any space.
When it came to choosing the perfect countertop for my pantry, I went with Cambria Quartz in their beautiful Designer Series Kendal, and I couldn’t be happier. In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to source and select the right countertop material for any room. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, bathroom, or pantry, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Countertops aren’t just about looks; they play a crucial role in the functionality and longevity of your space. The right material can handle daily wear and tear, make cleaning easier, and even increase your home’s value.
For example, a kitchen countertop needs to be durable enough to handle heavy use, while a bathroom countertop should resist moisture. In every room, the countertop should complement your design style and meet your practical needs. It’s about finding that perfect balance between beauty and function!
Different rooms call for different countertop materials. Let’s break it down:
For kitchens, you want something durable and easy to clean. Quartz is an excellent choice—it’s non-porous, scratch-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance. Granite is another strong option for kitchens, offering natural beauty and heat resistance. For a rustic look, consider butcher block, but keep in mind it needs regular upkeep.
In bathrooms, materials that resist moisture are key. Quartz works well here too, as does marble, which offers a luxurious look. Just be aware that marble requires sealing to prevent stains. Solid surface materials are another great option for seamless, easy-to-clean countertops in bathrooms.
In laundry rooms, focus on practicality. Laminate is a budget-friendly choice that’s easy to maintain. If you’re going for a higher-end look, quartz is a stylish and durable upgrade.
For pantries, versatility is the name of the game. A quartz countertop is ideal for this space, as it resists stains and scratches while maintaining a sleek appearance. It’s perfect for handling spills, bulk storage, and food prep.
For my pantry, I selected Cambria Quartz Kendal because it checks all the boxes. It’s incredibly durable, making it ideal for a high-traffic area like the pantry. Quartz is non-porous, so it won’t absorb spills or stains, which is a huge plus for a space where food and liquids are often handled.
The Kendal design adds a subtle elegance with its soft veining, making the pantry feel more like an extension of the kitchen. It’s easy to clean—just a quick wipe with soap and water does the trick! Choosing Cambria Quartz gave me the confidence that my countertop would stand up to everyday use while looking stylish and modern.
Choosing the right countertop can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into steps makes the process much easier.
First, identify your needs. Think about how the countertop will be used. A busy kitchen needs a surface that’s durable and easy to clean, while a guest bathroom might allow for a more decorative material like marble.
Next, set your budget. Countertops come in a wide range of prices, so knowing your budget helps narrow down your options. Then, consider the aesthetics. Do you want something modern, rustic, or timeless? Choose a material and design that fits your style.
After that, visit showrooms. Seeing and touching samples in person makes a huge difference. You can compare finishes, colors, and textures to find what feels right for your space. Lastly, get expert input. Talk to contractors or designers who can guide you through the pros and cons of each material for your specific needs.
When the countertop arrives, it’s installation day! The first step is to clear the area so installers have easy access to the space. Coordinate with your contractors to ensure the cabinets are prepped and ready for the countertop.
Once installed, inspect the surface to ensure there are no imperfections. Seeing the countertop in place is one of the most exciting parts of a renovation—it truly ties the whole space together. For my pantry, the Cambria Quartz Kendal countertop immediately elevated the design, giving the room both style and functionality.
A huge thank you to Apartment Therapy and the One Room Challenge for inspiring this journey and celebrating creative transformations. And, of course, a heartfelt shoutout to Cambria Quartz for their incredible Kendal countertop, which has brought both beauty and practicality to my pantry. Your support has been invaluable!
Stay tuned as we approach the final stages of Pantry Paradise. I can’t wait to share the full reveal with you!
Ria's interior design expertise truly made the process an absolute pleasure. Her keen attention to detail is evident in every aspect of her work, ensuring that every element aligns perfectly with the overall vision. What impressed me the most was her unwavering commitment to communication and follow-up. No question went unanswered, and she was always readily available to address any concerns or queries I had along the way.
One of Ria's greatest strengths is her ability to listen attentively to her clients. She took the time to understand my preferences and needs, offering insightful suggestions that elevated the design to new heights. Her recommendations weren't just about aesthetics; they were tailored to optimize functionality and enhance the overall ambiance of the space.
Working with Ria was a collaborative and enriching experience. Her passion for design shines through in every decision she makes, and her dedication to client satisfaction is unparalleled. I couldn't be happier with the results, and I wholeheartedly recommend Ria to anyone seeking a truly transformative interior design journey.
Ria did a wonderful job on designing my space. She really took the time to discuss with me my ideas to get a sense of my needs and style. Her communication throughout the process has been phenomenal so I’ve always known when to expect things from her. She’s been responsive to my feedback and to exploring options that fit my design preference. I look forward to working with Ria on more design projects!
I really enjoyed working with Ria, she was great at taking direction and finding the look you had in mind, but any time you weren't quite sure what to do with a space she was quick to offer guidance. I think she went above and beyond to make the whole process enjoyable and as easy as possible.
I was looking for something more polished for my main bedroom. Ria created a beautiful, custom design plan for me based on my preferences and how we use the room. Would highly recommend.
I needed a rental space decorated after my divorce and I was on a budget. Ria came in and understood what I wanted to accomplish and listened to my feedback throughout the process. Although we went slightly over budget, in the end my home now feels like "me" and is soooooo comfortable and cozy when I need to relax and decompress in the evenings after work.
I debated only giving 4 stars instead of 5 due to being slightly over budget (I wish there was a 4.99 rating), but this was a near-ideal outcome in terms of how much I enjoy the spaces she decorated - so 5 stars it is!!!
Thanks Ria for an incredible job!
ria’s positive qualities in this experience
1. Outcome great. That is bottom line
2. Professional
3. Funny pleasant
4. Very organized
5. On top of things
6. Very reachable
I truly enjoyed working with Ria as my designer. Our house looks beautiful. I would highly recommend her as an interior designer for your home.
Ria did a great job with my project. She was patient and took the time to get to know everything I was looking for. Throughout the whole process she was in constant communication with me about how work was going, what issues came up, and how she was helping to take care of them. She was very frank about prices and timelines, but also worked really hard to help me find the right style and stay within budget. At first I wasn't sure I wanted to spend money on a designer, but I'll definitely be reaching out to her for future projects.
Ria was awesome to work with!!!! She has great taste for design and worked with the ideas i had. She is also very honest and professional. I would definitely recommend her if you are needing a designer!!
