Counter culture: Options limited only by budget

When renovating your kitchen or bathroom, one of the big decisions is the countertop. They have now become a major part of your kitchen's decor, a color and material that bring the whole room together. And, of course, they must be practical. Today's choices are immense — long gone is the singular option of a granite top in three shades of brown.

There are many options depending on your budget, so many that it can feel a bit overwhelming. From traditional marble and granite to the newest in solid surface and concrete, there is a product that will suit your life- style. I have discovered two new materials that are worth your attention: PaperStone and IceStone. These countertop materials are both made from recycled material, are strong, durable and beautiful.

PaperStone, www.paperstoneproducts.net, as its name suggests, is made from three types of paper: 100 percent recycled cardboard, 100 percent recycled office paper or virgin fiber. Because it is made from post-consumer paper waste, petroleum-free resins and organic dyes, it is one of the greenest architectural surfaces on the market today. A PaperStone countertop is water- and abrasion-resistant and comes in a luscious array of colors, including straw, mocha, cabernet, slate and plum. There are natural color variations seen in PaperStone, just as you see in real stone, which gives the surface depth and elegance.

IceStone, www.icestone.biz, is made from 100 percent recycled glass that is mixed with cement to produce a highly durable and beautiful concrete surface. The mixing of nontoxic pigments and various glass colors and sizes creates a wonderful range of colors. Color names indicate the variations, including jade snow, white pearl, Tuscan sunset and heirloom gray.

Debbie Travis' House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. E-mail: house2home@debbietravis.com.