Welcome to the Cultivate Blog!

Kitchen Chatter:

by Katherine Rice | Jul 11, 2012 0 11

Photo:

Courtesy of Cultivate

Photo by: Courtesy of Cultivate
Designed by: Courtesy of Cultivate

Who doesn’t dream of their perfect kitchen? One that’s filled with inspiring color, beautiful appliances and a functional layout, whose overall design feels like an extension of everything you love. After all, the kitchen is the center of the home and for most of us, the hub of our life.

But if you’ve ever tried to make that vision a reality by embarking on a remodel—or even just a refresh—you know that the process can be overwhelming. I know how you feel. I have been through it myself a few times, which is exactly what inspired me to start Cultivate.com, a destination that makes the kitchen remodel a lot less overwhelming.

Here at Williams-Sonoma, we’ve made ourselves experts in the kitchen. We’re curators of fine cookware and editors of style, and now we want to help you realize your dream kitchen too. The space that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to cook in. The show kitchen and the working kitchen.

It’s no secret—there are a lot of choices to be made to create your perfect kitchen, from tile to appliances to backsplash and countertops. Then, there’s always the defining question: how much it will all cost? And, maybe even more importantly: will all the pieces look good together? We are here to help!

We’re introducing this blog so that we can add some heart and soul to your remodel journey, whether you’re in the midst of countertop selection or simply dreaming. Every day we’ll curate for you the best kitchen products and services so that you know where to shop without having to sift through dozens of options first. We’ll also share the latest trends and help you decipher which will last and which will (and should!) disappear. Plus, we’ll provide loads of dreaming and inspiration potential.

You will be hearing much more from me and the Cultivate team. Our blog, Countertalk, will be led by our resident design aficionado and lover of all things kitchen, Sarah Latta. Sarah will bring together top designers, magazine editors, chefs, and writers to share their wisdom and tricks of the trade—and, of course, share her design knowledge along the way too.

We invite you to pull up a stool and join our conversation. Be sure to check back often for a healthy dose of inspiration.

Katherine and the Cultivate team

It would be great to get a summary article from cultivate on the durability of, and special care recommendations for, a great variety of countertop choices, i.e., glassos, granite, lava stone, marble, quartzite, soapstone, stainless -- a one stop shop thought article with pictures of each. This site is a great resource!

Thanks for such a great resource. I'm building a new house in Florida near the beach and planning a casual beachy open floor plan kitchen/great room. Builder is offering a two-level island between the rooms with sink in lower level, but I can get what I want. Is a bilevel counter dated? All I see are cabinet or table heights on Cultivate. Is this the latest in comfort and convenience? Thanks

Counters are such a personal choice! Bi-level islands are great for concealing things like food prep, utensils, etc. It also helps break up the level between you and your guests if you plan to have the higher level for bar seating. However, I personally want to have the space more open and be closer to my guests so I chose a countertop island that is cabinet height and I love it! Also, if you have low ceilings, I think counter height is perfect! Thanks for being a part of cultivate!
Katherine

Cultivate.com has so many great ideas!! Currently, I am not renovating my kitchen but looking at all these kitchen designs and tips makes me want to start! Thanks for sharing! Can't wait to see more!

And thank you for joining, we are glad to have you!
katherine

I really want marble countertops, but everything I read says don't do it. Can I seal the marble and hope for the best? Suggestions please! White granite is just not the same!

I would highly recommend sealing your countertop when using marble, or granite. I have done it before, and found that it help up quite nicely but I am a bit of a neat freak! I now have stainless countertops and I feel much better knowing that they can be scuffed up and spilled on with no anxiety for me! To ask more questions and find answers from experts in the know, please check out our "ask and share" tab on the site. Thanks for joining cultivate!

In the process of kitchen renovation. need Recommendations on kitchen - I want a big, rectangular deep sink, stainless steel - good quality, low sound and good drain. Looking at elkay, Franke,,,,can't decide.Thanks for your help

Elkay and Franke are both good choices. You can't go wrong with either option, so pick the size and style you like best. If you're in the midst of your reno, you may want to check lead times for the options so you can eliminate any that will take a long time to get.

I am knee-deep in tile and countertop samples. So happy there's finally somewhere to turn!