Our Designers’ Favorite Kitchen Countertops Right Now

Contributed Blog by Jordan Fuller, Pratt Home Builders Interior Designer

Over the last few years, kitchens have become more unique and specialized because as some say, the kitchen is the heart of the home. There are so many components and aspects that go into a kitchen such as the cabinet, color palette, countertops, hardware, appliances, backsplash, and flooring. It’s a perfect place to express the essence of those who live there, and can provide a mood to tee off of the the whole-house design.

Pratt offers around 35 different countertops that range from Granite to Quartz for homeowners to choose from while they are in Design! Countertops are typically one of the main focuses within a kitchen or a bathroom that hold many different attributes which affect the way the kitchen or bathrooms are visualized. Regardless of the space, countertops are constantly used and hold high visual impact within a room.

Here are my top 5 countertops, in no particular order, that can change the look of your space and how to turn your kitchen into the heart of your home!

 

1. CALACATTA GOLD – QUARTZ

Calacatta Gold is our highest tier countertop we offer at the moment here in the Design Center at Pratt Home Builders. Quartz has become a major trend over the last few years in the design community due to its minimal maintenance, high scratch resistance, stain & acid resistance along with a high impact resistance as well. This quartz pairs well with just about every cabinet color we have to offer.

 

2. BLACK PEARL – GRANITE

Black Pearl is a beauty within itself and makes a bold statement, so it’s perfect for customers who want higher drama or a sleek look in the kitchen. This specific countertop is a granite composition which is a natural stone. Black Pearl Granite is well-loved not only for its attractive aesthetic, but also for functional properties such as easy cleanability, family friendly, high durability and a high heat resistance. Paired with a light color cabinet, this countertop will make its own first impression that is timeless and eye-catching.

 

3. ETERNAL STATUARIO & ETERNAL CHARCOAL – QUARTZ

Both of the quartz countertops play off of one another and compliment each other when installed in the same room. Recently one of our other designers, Rebecca, had a client that chose these two countertops for their kitchen – one for the kitchen perimeter and the other for the island. The light and delicate veining between the two contributes to create a high contrast and bold look within the kitchen once it is installed. Although the two quartz countertops stand greatly on their own, when combined, they create a unique pairing to match your personality & style for your home!

 

4. SIBERIA – GRANITE

With the plethora number of countertops we offer at Pratt, Siberia is one of my top choices for granite. The black speckles within the natural stone stand out against the white milky base color. My favorite design with Siberia is a white or grey cabinet with black hardware to bring out the black speckles within the granite. I have seen this done with a black kitchen / bathroom faucet or champagne bronze as well. This specific countertops speaks for itself with the luxury of also having low maintenance, a unique look and having a stain resistance protection.

 

5. UBATUBA – GRANITE

Here at Pratt, this specific countertop comes STANDARD with no additional charge while clients are in design. Since I have been at Pratt, this countertop has been chosen many times whether it was for a kitchen, a main bathroom or even guest bathrooms! UbaTuba is a darker granite that showcases black and brown within the stone itself. I personally love when materials and products can be viewed differently when we pair it with different surrounding finishes. One of my favorite ways to style this certain granite is with our boardwalk stained cabinet and with either black or bronze hardware / plumbing finishes. OH – and did I mention this granite is standard?

Our Designers’ Favorite Kitchen Countertops Right Now2024-02-20T19:35:27+00:00

10 Unique Chattanooga Valentine’s Day Dates

This month, our guest blog is brought to you by Chattanooga Relationship coach Brock Olsen.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and Greater Chattanooga and surrounding areas are thriving with date-worthy venues and activities to bring a bit of creativity and fun to your date nights to celebrate love all month long.

1) Candle Making

At Good Fortune Soap, you get to make your very own candles for home! During this laid back candle make experience you create your own scent and a mixologist will serve you warm wax for you to make your candles and you get to name them! This date usually lasts about an hour.

2) Antiquing With a Fun Twist

The Refindery is an eclectic mix of antique, industrial, vintage and, architectural finds. This is one of my favorite rainy days date ideas, grab a coffee at Be Caffeinated and get lost in this McCallie treasure trove! It’s such an amazing place that allows you to have fun conversations about all the amazing items that may be nostalgic to your childhood or spark your curiosity and have you asking, “what is that?”

3) Take Flight

Lookout MTN Flight Park is only 20 minutes outside of Chattanooga and offers hang gliding and paragliding flights! You and your partner take turns with a certified instructor where you get to experience breathtaking views from 1500-3000 feet above the Chattanooga valley. They also offer overnight accommodations on their resort in the form of campgrounds and cabins.

4) Flower Power

Joli Jardin Flower Farm & Shop is a gorgeous European flower market located on Main Street. You’ll know it by the eye-catching frame of flowers that surround the beautiful building. The entrance itself wows, and the services are impeccable. Joli Jardin offers the option for customers to either attend their monthly workshops that show how to create floral arrangements & wreath, or to simply bring your date and take stunning photos as you build your own bouquet together.

5) Coffee, Food, & Art In Europe…Sort of!

The Bluff View Art District is one of my favorite spots in all of Chattanooga. You’ll often feel like you’re lost in a romantic European city as you and your date walk the cobblestone sidewalks, sample fresh-baked bread, and admire the outdoor sculptures of the riverfront. Rembrandts will be your first stop as you’ll both love warming up with coffee and chocolates, and tarts. Then  indulging in handmade pasta at Tony’s, and walking around admiring the art from local artists throughout the sculpture & art garden.

6) Italian Renaissance Dining

Alleia with its low lighting, rustic interior, and beautifully presented dishes, Alleia is easily one of the most romantic restaurants in Chattanooga. My wife (who I like to think has impeccable taste since she chose me) begs to go here every date night! Start your evening with artisan cocktails and seasonal wines before moving on to elegant Italian fare that’s been handcrafted with locally sourced ingredients.

7) Immersive Dining Elegance

Zaya Korean Steakhouse takes you on a quest for a sizzling date night. Picture dim lights casting a warm glow, soft jazz melodies filling the air, and an ambiance that promises an extraordinary experience. This hidden gem seamlessly merges the elegance of a fine-dining steakhouse with the vibrant flair of Korean BBQ, setting the stage for an unparalleled evening– seize the chance to savor a perfect blend of steak and Korean BBQ elements at Zaya, crafting a date night adventure like no other.

8) South Of The Border Flavor

Taqueria Jalisco Ania is one of my and my wife’s favor spots in town for any night of the week but also for special occasions. The flavors from the kitchen feels like home cooking because they are inspired and brought to life by the owners mother who used her own recipes from whe she was a child. Enjoy their full tequila & mezcal bar and stunning ambiance that makes you feel like maybe you’re not in Chattanooga anymore.

9) The Best Cocktail Address

Whiskey Thief is one of my favorite spaces in Chattanooga as it overlooks 3 of Chattanooga’s most sought after destinations, the Hunter Museum, Walnut Street Bridge, and the Bluff View Art District. As the sun sets you and your date can enjoy over 100 kinds of whiskey for your next Old Fashioned or ask any of their master mixologists to craft you both a signature concoction that is all your own. Food menu options are provided by White bird, the hotel’s restaurant which provides locally sourced cuisine.

10) Keeping It Discreet ?

Company Chattanooga is one of my favorite speakeasy establishments in the city. Down the back alley away from prying eyes, this carefully hidden place behind a bookshelf provides a romantic ambiance that immediately takes you back to a bygone era, illuminated by Edison bulbs and candle lit copper top bar, you and your date will enjoy the cozy yet alluring atmosphere with a menu to match.
For more amazing date ideas, follow Brock Olsen: The Dating Expert @thebrockolsen to stay tuned for the full ’25 Chattanooga Date Ideas’ list to be published March 2024.
10 Unique Chattanooga Valentine’s Day Dates2024-02-06T16:46:41+00:00
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