Do: Always Opt for Marble
Making the case for natural materials might be easier said than done, but Stein stands by her stance on using marble countertops whenever possible. “Composite and synthetic stones have done an incredible job of marketing, so much so that I can see clients getting physically tense and panicked when looking at marble,” she says. But engineered options aren’t as indestructible as they’re made out to be. “In a honed finish, and with basic upkeep, marble is much more durable,” she says. Unlike the alternatives, it can also be rehoned and resealed if your metal candlestick happens to leave a rust mark (like one client’s did). Basic marble in California can run $25 to $28 per square foot. For something a bit more beautiful with flecks of gray and brown, for example, expect to spend at least $38 per square foot. And a really exquisite piece (think: clear veining and colors), she notes, can go as high as $100 per square foot.
Don’t: Skimp on the Plumbing
“People don’t always understand why there is such a price difference on plumbing,” says Stein, but she points out it’s the difference between plastic and brass fittings. “I always specify lines that are known for durable elements such as metal drains, brass valves, ceramic cartridges, and metal escutcheon plates,” she adds. Plastic (although more affordable) wears easily, leading to snapped handles or leaky valves—it’s worth paying a little more up front rather than dealing with the cost of repairs later. Stein also prefers matte brass when it comes to plumbing, which is why she chose California Faucets’s almost-black Bella Terra bronze finish—its dark silhouette pops against the kitchen’s sleek, neutral cabinets and simple tile backsplash.