Shearn

The Lost Whiskey Cabin stands on a rocky bluff overlooking Virginia's countryside.

Choosing a kitchen or bathroom countertop can be nerve-wracking, and we understand why—they can be one of the most expensive aspects of a renovation, with the added responsibility of impacting the aesthetics of a space. Read on as we work our way through the pros and cons of seven of the most common countertop materials.

No whiteware here. In this moody apartment in Berlin, multi-toned charcoal gray subway tiles make up the backsplash, which contrasts with the pop of rosy color on the kitchen cabinets.

The two, season-specific wings of the L-shaped plan are separated by a covered breezeway.

Nine shipping containers form the basis of this new multigenerational house near Denver.

Fronted with full-height, double-glazed openings, the studio frames east-facing views of the creek-bed and beyond.

City Cabin | Olson Kundig

For added flexibility, the designers have inserted a rotating table that can pivot outward to accommodate larger gatherings.

Protected by a roof overhang, the sunken lounge provides sweeping southeastern views of the city and fjord beyond.

Frontage of the house

“There are a lot of well-loved, well-used pieces that were destined for this house,” Andrea says of the couple’s furniture collection. They placed a solid alder Homestead table from Whittier Wood Furniture in the office, which also overlooks the pond.

Completed in 1953 by architect Harry Nakahara, this home sits at the end of a cul-de-sac in Berkeley Hills and was specifically designed to take advantage of the panoramic views of the Bay Area bridges, city skyline, and Mount Tamalpais. The majority of the home's original features—including the layout, finishes, and light fixtures—are still intact, while specific updates to the kitchen have been made.

For the renovation of their midcentury ranch house in Chicago, Trey Berre and his wife, Maria Ponce Berre, compared bids from three contractors, ultimately hiring ABO Construction. The total budget for the project climbed to $174 per square foot after it was discovered that the roof had suffered rain damage and needed to be replaced for $40,000.