In one of our past homes, we had one section next to the stove that was butcher block, but the rest reg. There is def upkeep to one & doing a small section is much easier than a whole top. Wilson Art & Formica have some really great new laminate choices---for example, if you like granite look, you can get it with these but a matte finish which reads better in a country kitchen.

Good Afternoon, My name is Penny Van Loon from Stoneville Australia, I am one of the sales Representatives. I have been following this page for a few months now and I would love to inform you lovely people that we are indeed bringing Vetrazzo to Australia, We have other exclusive products such as Geoluxe currently in stock and our shipments of Vetrazzo are indeed coming in a few months time. If you are still building or renovating, now is the right time to contact us. :) We are based in Capalaba, Brisbane. And our showroom is in the process of getting displays and plans made for showcasing our stunning array of products. We also have another Representative named Daphne based in Sydney who will also have stock at hand. We currently have a lot happening in the pipeline and we are hoping to have our launch towards the end of Oct beginning of November. Please don't hesitate to visit our website to view the products we have on offer. www.stonevilleaustralia.com.au If you would like to contact me direct please email me at; penny@stonevilleaustralia.com.au or call me direct on 0411583048. Warmest Regards, Penny Van Loon Key Account Representative Stoneville Australia

Hi Lil, I believe your original plan works much better than the revised version. While the notion of ideal working widths is great, the larger problem here is the post. I worked on a project very similar to this last year where a post could either be connect to, or separate from the island. What we found was that by separating the island the space between island and post became very awkward. It's not enough of a space to comfortably walk through or be seated at the island in front of. Instead of your room feeling open and generous in proportion, it is going to start to feel cramped and awkward. We have a kitchen in our showroom (Kitchen Studio Tauranga NZ) with a 6ft gap between bench and back wall and it works wonderfully. It allows someone to work at the sink and a second at the island with ease. Stick with the original plan. It will feel a lot more spacious, without compromising work flows.

Introduction: Maintaining a spotless home is a continuous task, and while professional cleaning are essential, it's equally important to keep up with day-to-day cleaning routines. In this blog post, we will share ten effective cleaning hacks to help you keep your home consistently clean and tidy between professional cleanings. These simple yet effective tips will make your cleaning tasks more manageable and ensure your home stays sparkling in-between scheduled deep cleans. Create a Cleaning Schedule: Establish a cleaning schedule that suits your lifestyle and allows you to tackle different tasks throughout the week. Breaking down cleaning duties into manageable chunks helps prevent overwhelm and ensures that no area of your home is neglected. Assign specific days or time slots for tasks like dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and bathroom cleaning. Daily Surface Wiping: Take a few minutes each day to wipe down surfaces in high-traffic areas, such as kitchen countertops, dining tables, and bathroom sinks. Use a microfiber cloth and a mild cleaning solution to quickly remove dust, spills, and fingerprints. This habit will maintain the cleanliness and appearance of these surfaces in-between deeper cleanings. Embrace the Power of Baking Soda: Baking soda is a versatile and affordable cleaning agent that works wonders in various areas of your home. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstery before vacuuming to neutralize odors. Create a paste with baking soda and water to scrub away stubborn stains in sinks, tubs, and tile grout. Its gentle abrasive properties make it an excellent natural cleaning solution. Use vinegar for glass and mirrors. Vinegar is an effective and eco-friendly alternative for cleaning glass surfaces and mirrors. Mix equal parts distilled vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and use this solution with a lint-free cloth to achieve streak-free shine. Avoid using vinegar on porous surfaces like natural stone, as it can cause damage. Utilize the Power of Lemons: Lemons are natural deodorizers and disinfectants that can freshen up your home. Cut a lemon in half and rub it on cutting boards to remove stains and odors. Mix lemon juice with water to clean and deodorize your microwave. You can also use lemon peels to eliminate unpleasant odors from your garbage disposal by running them through it. Banish Pet Hair with Rubber Gloves: If you have furry pets, removing their hair from furniture and carpets can be challenging. Put on a pair of rubber gloves, dampen them slightly, and run your hands over surfaces. The hair will cling to the gloves, making it easier to gather and dispose of it. Rinse the gloves under running water and repeat as needed. Vacuum regularly: Regular vacuuming is crucial to preventing the buildup of dirt, dust, and allergens in your carpets and rugs. Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner with strong suction power and use it at least once a week. Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas and areas where dust tends to accumulate, such as around furniture legs and under beds. Microfiber Magic: Microfiber cleaning cloths are a must-have for maintaining a spotless home. These super-absorbent and lint-free cloths trap dust and dirt effectively. Use them dry for dusting furniture, blinds, and electronics. When slightly dampened, they work wonders for cleaning glass, stainless steel appliances, and other smooth surfaces without leaving streaks. Organize and Declutter Regularly: Keeping your home clean is easier when everything has its place. Regularly declutter and organize your belongings to minimize dust accumulation and make cleaning more efficient. Implement systems such as designated storage containers, shelving, or baskets to keep items organized and reduce clutter in your living spaces. Involve the whole family: Cleaning shouldn't be a one-person task. Involve your family members in maintaining the cleanliness of your home. Assign age-appropriate tasks to each family member and establish a cleaning routine that everyone follows. This not only lightens the workload but also instills a sense of responsibility and pride in maintaining a clean and organized home. Conclusion: By incorporating these ten cleaning hacks into your routine, you can keep your home spotless and fresh between professional cleanings. Establishing a cleaning schedule, utilizing natural cleaning agents, and involving your family in the process will make cleaning more manageable and help maintain a clean and inviting home environment. With these simple yet effective tips, you'll enjoy aconsistently clean home that you can take pride in.