Recycled Glass Countertops- Vetrazzo

Photo courtesy of Icon Stone and Tile

 Products that are environmentally friendly are all the rage today, and it seems that many companies are inventing new products that are “green”. As a Calgary Interior Designer,  I am always on the hunt for items that might appeal to my clients and if these products are environmentally friendly it is such a great bonus! One product that I think is a wonderful option is recycled glass countertops. Last year, Icon Stone and Tile, my favorite Calgary countertop supplier held a party to celebrate the arrival of Vetrazzo. This countertop is made from recycled bottles. It comes in a variety of colors and since each piece is completely unique it makes for an interesting and beautiful choice for countertops. Here are a few of my favorites and projects that they have been used in.

 Alehouse Amber combines a variety of brown and tawny colored glass with a white background. It is primarily made from beer bottles, vanilla, medicine and apple juice bottles. It looks sharp in this modern kitchen with a mix of white and wood cabinets.

Photo courtesy of Icon Stone and Tile

Photo courtesy of Icon Stone and Tile

 Bistro Green with Patina has a darker background and combines a variety of amber colored glass. This countertop is neutral from a distance as illustrated the kitchen below, and it is only when you get up close to it that you notice the dazzling green glass pieces that make it up.

Photo courtesy of Icon Stone and Tile

Photo courtesy of Icon Stone and Tile

This next option is called Chivalry Blue and uses Skyy Vodka bottles for the intense blue glass. In this very dramatic and bold kitchen it pairs wonderfully with the glossy cobalt blue cabinets. If this look is too much for your taste, you could try this countertop in a bathroom with white cabinets and tiles for a more nautical feel. Can’t you picture it in a children’s Jack and Jill bathroom? It’s so much fun and kid’s would love the color.

Photo courtesy of Icon Stone and Tile

Photo courtesy of Icon Stone and Tile

For a softer blue tone, consider the Floating Blue option. The combination of aqua, grey and white glass still offers color but it is more subtle and gentle. Here it has been used in a very traditional kitchen and looks lovely with the marble backsplash and dove grey painted cabinets.

Photo courtesy of Icon Stone and Tile

Photo courtesy of Icon Stone and Tile

Hollywood Sage is a mix of Coca Cola bottles, wine bottles and mineral water bottles in a slightly tinted background. In this clean lined kitchen with a glass brick backsplash it is the perfect countertop.

Photo courtesy of Icon Stone and Tile

Photo courtesy of Icon Stone and Tile

If you are not keen on the colored glass there is the Palladian Grey mix available. This option is very neutral and understated, but still pretty. This color choice will not overpower your room, but still has the good looks of the other more colorful options. In this powder room it acts as a backdrop for the mosaic tile and glass vessel sink.

Photo courtesy of Icon Stone and Tile

Photo courtesy of Icon Stone and Tile

Vetrazzo is a company based in the Bay Area of California and has a great website with lots of interesting information and gallery photos. In particular, they have a video outlining their unique product and philosophy that is worth checking out. The maintenance of Vetrazzo products is very easy and similar to granite. It can etch or stain if an acidic product like lemon juice is left on the surface but it is heat resistant and very strong. Made up of 85% of glass – all of it being recycled, it has won numerous awards and has been called the “Superhero” of countertops by Dwell magazine.

For those of you who are looking for green products for your Calgary renovation, consider Vetrazzo at Icon Stone and Tile for your countertops. It’s also a great selection if you want a showstopper for your kitchen and don’t like the busy pattern of marble or granite. It is easy to maintain, stunning, and environmentally friendly. What more could you ask for in a countertop?

Cheers!