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Need to Update Your Kitchen? Try a New Countertop!

Itching for a new look in your kitchen but don’t want to replace your cabinets? A new granite or marble countertop is the perfect solution! Read below for a few insider tips on making your installation a success.

1. When selecting an edge profile, consider not only the appearance of the edge, but the function as well. Will it feel comfortable to your arms as you are leaning on the countertop at the bar? Does it have a sharp edge that might be more prone to chipping if hit by a pot? Will it’s shape cause spills to “wrap” around the edge of the countertop and back towards the cabinets?

2. Make sure you are present when the fabricator comes to template your cabinets. This is when they take exact measurements and/or make a template that will be used to create the shape of your countertop. Inevitably, a question will arise as to how to address a particular area, and you will want to be a part of that discussion. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

3. Ask to be a part of the layout process after the templates are made. This is when the fabricator physically “lays out” the templates on your slabs to determine where the stone will be cut. Being a part of this process will allow you to put that beautiful vein directly in the middle of the island or to avoid the dark spot in the slab that you dislike. Not only is this part important, it is also lots of fun . . . like putting a big puzzle together!


4. Request that all faucet holes be drilled on-site. This will ensure that the faucet is placed exactly where you want it and will help you avoid any costly mistakes.

The images above were taken as I helped lay out the templates for a client’s new countertop at Absolute Stone in Cary. Visit them at http://www.absolute-stone.com/ to browse their showcase gallery and peruse their stone selections.

Have a question about installing a new countertop? Ask Stephanie by clicking the title to this blog and posting a comment in the “Comment” section at the bottom of the page.

Thoughts From Our Readers

2009 is on the horizon and the ladies at Design Lines, Ltd. would like to hear from our readers on what you want us to keep blogging about in the new year! Thats right we care about our readers and welcome any and all feedback.

Comment below by clicking on the title of this post or you can email me at hpickett@designlinesltd.com

Ribbons & Tags

We are anxiously awaiting the launch of the Pear Sqaure Event on November 1st, 2008. Currently we are putting over 200 tags on all the sale items. WOW that makes for a big SALE! Now the question will be where do we put all the items? So exciting- stay tuned for the arranging and the display of chocolates on Monday!

Email us with any questions at hpickett@designlinesltd.com

ASID Showhouse: On the Boards

We’re currently working on an exciting ASID Designer Showhouse in Raleigh. Design Lines will be designing a “work-in and work-out retreat,” the powder room & vestibule, and a living room. Our designs debut in May. At the moment, our designs come to life through presentation boards—allowing someone to touch and experience the space before it is finished. At Left and below: Molly’s Presentation Boards for her “work-in, work-out retreat”

Brittany’s Powder Room Design

Judy’s Living Room

ASID Raleigh Showhouse 2008

The Women’s Club of Raleigh and the Carolinas Chapter of ASID are partnering once again for this years ASID Showhouse. Proceeds will benefit Hospice of Wake County as well as other community organizations and programs supported by the Woman’s Club of Raleigh.

ASID is the largest national organization for professional interior designers with over 34,500 members who have passed its rigorous acceptance standards.

The Carolinas Chapter ASID held a lottery drawing to choose approximately 25 from over 250 local area ASID designers to effect the two Ramblewood townhomes. Each designer will make over a specific space in the house. The finished houses will open to the public on May 10 – June 1, 2008. With 26 designer spaces this will be a truly treat for the eyes. Design Lines has four of these designer spaces, located in 3615 Rolston Drive.

Judy Pickett will be creating the living room, Molly Simmons will be creating a “work-in and work-out retreat” in a second-floor bedroom, Brittany Ruch has the small, yet accomodating Powder Room and Lauren Bishop will design the laundry room.

Be sure to check the blog for exciting updates!

Happy New Year!


We have returned! We had a great holiday break with family & friends and are happy to be back to work, creating unique designs with our clients in mind for the year 2008. Be sure to read about our resolves and resolutions for the new year in blogs to follow. My numero uno goal? Keeping up with this blog!


Our Christmas Card Photo (we found ourselves suprisingly photogenic this year) comes from Blinson Photography.

Award Winning Interior Design | Raleigh, NC