When Lily and Marcus asked me to help redesign their kitchen, I could tell from the start—they weren’t looking for a trendy Pinterest board.
They wanted substance. Something refined, enduring, and authentic to how they lived. And at the center of it all? A dated laminate countertop that had seen better days… in 2005.
The heart of their space needed a material that was both stunning and strong. I suggested CAMBRIA Quartz Countertops—and what followed was a beautifully intentional transformation.
Here’s exactly how we did it—step by step.
✨ Step 1: Discover What Truly Matters
Before we talked finishes or edges, I asked Lily and Marcus one simple question: “How do you live in this kitchen?”
Their answers guided everything:
- Mornings full of coffee spills and school lunches
- Dinner parties with close friends and red wine
- Two toddlers with sticky hands and dropped utensils
They needed something resilient—but breathtaking.
🪨 Step 2: Why We Chose CAMBRIA Quartz
I introduced them to Cambria—a high-performance, American-made quartz surface known for its deep, dramatic veining and exceptional durability.
Here’s why it stood out:
- Non-porous: No sealing needed, ever
- Scratch and stain resistant: Perfect for high-traffic use
- Design variety: From classic marbles to bold, modern patterns
- Sustainable: Produced using best-in-class environmental practices
They chose Portrush—a creamy base with elegant navy and gold veining. Sophisticated, but personal.
🛠️ Step 3: Bringing In a Custom Countertop Designer
To bring their vision to life, I connected them with a custom countertop designer who could translate their needs into a plan that was functional and stunning.
Their designer helped with:
- Template precision: Ensuring seamless cuts and proper overhang
- Edge profile selection: A soft beveled edge for subtle refinement
- Integrating a matching backsplash: For continuity and elegance
- Planning around outlets, sinks, and fixtures: Because beautiful should also mean smart
This is where having the right designer makes all the difference—one who sees both the beauty and the blueprint.
🔧 Step 4: The Installation
Within days, the transformation was underway. The countertops were cut, polished, and installed with precision. Seam lines? Practically invisible. The effect? Jaw-dropping.
The light danced across the surface in the afternoon sun. The island became a centerpiece, and suddenly the kitchen didn’t just work—it welcomed.
🏡 Step 5: Living in the Space You Designed
Two weeks later, I got a message from Lily:
“Marcus just said, ‘This feels like a home now.’ And I totally agree.”
That’s the power of choosing a surface that reflects you. CAMBRIA Quartz Countertops didn’t just complete the kitchen. They defined it.
Final Word from Nate Berkus
Design isn’t about extravagance—it’s about intentional choices that create comfort, beauty, and meaning. If you’re starting your own kitchen journey, begin with the surface you’ll see and use every single day.
And if you want it to feel as timeless as it is functional, CAMBRIA is a brilliant place to start.
Pair it with a trusted custom countertop designer who understands your lifestyle and aesthetic, and the results will speak for themselves—for years to come.
