Ebby Halliday Real Estate News

Considering a kitchen remodel? Not all countertops are created equally.

With so many options on the market, it can be hard to decide what countertop material is right for your kitchen. While it may be tempting to choose a countertop based on aesthetic alone, it’s important to consider the durability, cost and maintenance before making a decision.

Here are some popular options and need-to-know details about each.

Granite

Once only found in high-end kitchens, granite has made its way to the heart of more and more homes. This durable, natural stone comes in a vast array of colors such as beige, black, brown, red, white and green. Because of its porous nature, granite must be sealed on a yearly basis. Even when properly sealed, it’s important to wipe up oils, wines, acids and sodas immediately, as well as use a stone cleaner for routine cleaning.

Cost varies depending on color and complexity, but has become more affordable with granite’s increase in popularity.

Quartz

Quartz, often resembling granite or marble, is an engineered mix of mineral and resin. This extremely durable, low-maintenance material is a great alternative for busy kitchens. Quartz is harder and less porous than granite, so it doesn’t require sealing or polishing. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and looks great in both traditional and contemporary kitchens. Quartz is scratch, stain, heat and acid-resistant.

Because quartz is manufactured, it doesn’t have natural color variations and vein. When shopping, looking at a small sample rather than a big slab will suffice.

Marble

Marble is a timeless and stunning option for a traditional or contemporary kitchen and is usually the most expensive. Carrara and Calacatta marble are synonymous with luxury, and instantly give your kitchen an elegant look. However, marble is very porous and has a high probability of becoming stained. If you choose marble, it’s important to seal it frequently and properly. Also, be wary as chips and scratches may occur.

Wood

Those opting for a warm, traditional cottage kitchen may gravitate toward butcher block-style wood countertops. These countertops require regular maintenance in order to maintain the wood’s natural beauty, so it’s recommended that you oil the surface with a mineral oil every four to six weeks. If not properly cared for, wood countertops will warp and crack.

On the plus side, properly sealed wood countertops are sanitary and you can cut directly on the surface without damaging knives. Wood is also heat-resistant, which means you can place hot pots and pans directly on the surface.

Laminate

Laminate is perhaps the most cost-effective option available. Not only is it durable, it’s also low-maintenance. Laminate is a great selection for those on a budget, and it comes in far more options than the familiar wood copycat – both neutral and bright colors are available. Laminate countertops are water-resistant but susceptible to scratches and heat damage, so be sure to use cutting boards and trivets when preparing and serving food.

The holiday season is just beginning, and there’s a good chance you may be hosting family or friends. Here are some quick tips that will make your guests feel extra special during their stay.

Cheat Sheet

Create a home cheat sheet that provides your guests with the Wi-Fi code, instructions to turn on the television, garage code, and anything else they may need. Be sure to include your address, landline number and any emergency contact information.

Spare Samples

Have tons of hotel freebies and sample products lying around the house? Put them all in a jar in the guest bathroom. Your guests will like the availability of extra products, especially if they may have forgotten something.

Lovely Florals

Placing fresh flowers or plants in the guest room adds brightness and freshness that anyone will appreciate. Bonus points if your foliage is festive!

Cozy Essentials

To create the ultimate retreat for your guests, put a basket in the corner with items that will make them extra comfortable. Think soft throw blankets, magazines, bottled water, snacks and a reading light.

Freshening Up

Be sure to leave extra towels and washcloths in the bathroom so guests will always have dry ones. An extra toothbrush is always a nice touch.

Clean Scents

Adding a candle or diffuser to the guest suite is always a good idea to make the area warm and inviting. It’s best to find neutral scents – think fresh linen or clean cotton. If you’re feeling extra fresh, a small bottle of room or linen spray is another great addition to the room.

Sweet Treats

A jar of candy canes is a festive and decorative way to offer your guests a midnight snack.

As temperatures drop, so often do our hopes of having full flowerbeds. But winter doesn’t have to be dull and bleak. When updating your landscape for wintertime, there are a variety of plants that enjoy cooler temps.

Whether using native Texas or non-native plants, here are five plants for adding color and texture to your winter garden.

Christmas Fern

This robust, glossy fern is a great option for a border or accent plant. Although it won’t flower, ferns are easy to grow and stable in the right conditions. The evergreen fronds grow in clusters that will increase in size over time.

Coral Honeysuckle

Great for a fence or trellis, this high-climbing vine can often bloom sporadically in January and beyond, especially in a warm spot or on a south-facing wall. The beautiful clusters of red or coral flowers will attract hummingbirds and large butterflies, and it has glossy evergreen foliage.

Ornamental Cabbage and Kale

These low-maintenance fall and winter plants become more vibrant as temperatures drop. They provide unique texture to a landscape or flowerbed with their colorful foliage. Cabbage leaves are broad and flat while kale leaves are ruffled, and the plants cover a lot of space. Leaves can be cream, lavender, purple and bicolor green/white, and can survive several frosts.

Pansies and Violas

A popular bedding choice for cooler temperatures, pansies and violas bloom continuously through fall and spring. The plants come in a variety of colors, such as yellow, purple, red, white and lavender, and also look great as a border or in containers.

Winterberry

Also known as possum haw, winterberry is an iconic plant in the holly family with bright red or orange berries. When it loses its leaves, the berries are left behind and will last until spring. However, be cautious when planting this one: the berries are poisonous and should be kept away from children and pets. This holly is great for homemade wreaths during the holiday season.