--- title: Dramatic Before and After Combines Quartz, Recycled Glass and Stunning Reclaimed Hemlock description: Eco-friendly Toronto home combines reclaimed wood, quartz countertops and a recycled glass island for a kitchen that's fresh, inviting and sustainable. image: https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Catherine-friis-toronto-design-vetrazzo-recycled-glass-countertops-alehouse-amber(1)-1.jpg --- Polycor Companies - [Polycor](http://www.polycor.com/) - [Rock of Ages](http://www.rockofages.com/) - [Swenson Granite](http://www.swensongranite.com/) - [Hardscapes & Masonry](https://hardscapes.polycor.com/) - [Shop](https://boutique.polycor.com/) # [![Vetrazzo](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/vetrazzo-en2X.png?width=177&height=31&name=vetrazzo-en2X.png)](https://www.vetrazzo.com/?lang=en) - [Professionals](https://www.vetrazzo.com/professionals/?lang=en) - [Architects / Designers](https://www.vetrazzo.com/professionals/architects-designers/?lang=en) - [Dealers / Fabricators](https://www.vetrazzo.com/professionals/dealers-fabricators/?lang=en) - [Consumers](https://www.vetrazzo.com/consumers/?lang=en) - [Contact Us](https://www.vetrazzo.com/contact-us/?lang=en) - [fr](https://www.vetrazzo.com) - [ko](https://www.vetrazzo.com/?lang=ko) ![Search](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ico-search-big.png?width=14&height=14&name=ico-search-big.png) - [Products](https://www.vetrazzo.com/products/?lang=en) - [Portfolio](https://www.vetrazzo.com/portfolio/?lang=en) - [Know-How](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/?lang=en) - [About](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/about/?lang=en) - [Handcrafted with Care](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/handcrafted-with-care/?lang=en) - [Sustainable Development/LEED](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/sustainable-development-leed/?lang=en) - [General Questions](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/general-questions/?lang=en) - [Find a distributor](https://www.vetrazzo.com/find-a-distributor/?lang=en) - [Blog](https://blog.vetrazzo.com) - [Order a sample](https://boutique.polycor.com/product-category/samples/?pa_brand=vetrazzo) [![Vetrazzo](https://www.vetrazzo.com/content/themes/theme_vetrazzo/images/vetrazzo-en2X.png)](https://www.vetrazzo.com/?lang=en) - [fr](https://www.vetrazzo.com) - [ko](https://www.vetrazzo.com/?lang=ko) ![Search](https://go.polycor.com/hubfs/migrated/Vetrazzo/ico-search-big.png) Ouvrir navigation - [Products](https://www.vetrazzo.com/products/?lang=en) - [Portfolio](https://www.vetrazzo.com/portfolio/?lang=en) - Know-How - [About](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/about/?lang=en) - [Handcrafted with Care](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/handcrafted-with-care/?lang=en) - [Sustainable Development/LEED](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/sustainable-development-leed/?lang=en) - [General Questions](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/general-questions/?lang=en) - [Blog](https://www.vetrazzo.com/blog/?lang=en) - [Find a distributor](https://www.vetrazzo.com/find-a-distributor/?lang=en) - Professionals - [Architects / Designers](https://www.vetrazzo.com/professionals/architects-designers/?lang=en) - [Dealers / Fabricators](https://www.vetrazzo.com/professionals/dealers-fabricators/?lang=en) - [Consumers](https://www.vetrazzo.com/consumers/?lang=en) - [Contact Us](https://www.vetrazzo.com/contact-us/?lang=en) - [Order a sample](https://boutique.polycor.com/product-category/samples/?pa_brand=vetrazzo) Polycor Companies - [Polycor](http://www.polycor.com/) - [Rock of Ages](http://www.rockofages.com/) - [Indiana Limestone](https://www.indianalimestonecompany.com/) - [Swenson Granite](http://www.swensongranite.com/) - [Hardscapes & Masonry](https://hardscapes.polycor.com/) - [Shop](https://boutique.polycor.com/) # [Blog](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/) ## Dramatic Before and After Combines Quartz, Recycled Glass and Stunning Reclaimed Hemlock Posted by [Steven Schrenk](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/author/steven-schrenk) Find me on: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenschrenk/) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/DesigninStone) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Catherine-friis-toronto-design-vetrazzo-recycled-glass-countertops-alehouse-amber(1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Catherine-friis-toronto-design-vetrazzo-recycled-glass-countertops-alehouse-amber(1).jpg?width=6628&name=Catherine-friis-toronto-design-vetrazzo-recycled-glass-countertops-alehouse-amber(1).jpg)When an eco-conscious family wanted to transform an outdated kitchen they turned to designer [Catherine Friis](http://www.oaa.on.ca/firm/-Catherine-Friis,-Architect/55013) to create an eco-friendly and stylish space reflective of the Toronto woods just outside their door. What was once a brick red room weighed down by dark granite and visually weighty traditional cabinetry is now a light, bright space with an unusual mix of modern, recycled materials.   ![Catherine-friis-toronto-design-vetrazzo-recycled-glass-countertops](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Catherine-friis-toronto-design-vetrazzo-recycled-glass-countertops.jpg?width=750&name=Catherine-friis-toronto-design-vetrazzo-recycled-glass-countertops.jpg) *Photos by: [Roy Belding](http://www.roybelding.com/home.html)*   *Join me now for a conversation with the designer about her Baby Point project.* ### Tell me about the home and the homeowners - What is their overall style? Lifestyle? What were they looking to achieve in the design of their new kitchen? The homeowners are a family of four.  Their style might be considered eco-eclectic. They are very energetic and active. They travel a lot and are extremely energy conscious and wanted to use green and local products wherever possible.  The kitchen/dining/family space was the last bastion of the previous owner’s style. The clients wanted to open up, brighten and modernize the space to suit their active and casual lifestyle.  The space faces north and before felt heavy and dark and there was no flow through the kitchen to the dining area. Since the family likes to cook together we decided to have an island instead of a peninsula. ### It looks like the kitchen is open to both the outdoors and the living room. How did you relate the spaces? The garden and ravine are just outside so it was like bringing the outdoors in. ### This space incorporates a unique mixing of materials. So very different and yet they work so well together. How did you come up with this design? Well interestingly, my client was at a luncheon and the centerpiece became the inspiration for our color palette - green, cream, wood.   ![Inspiration for Kitchen colour palette-052500-edited](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Inspiration%20for%20Kitchen%20colour%20palette-052500-edited.jpg?width=400&name=Inspiration%20for%20Kitchen%20colour%20palette-052500-edited.jpg)   Plus there was an existing fun green leather sofa in the family room that helped and there were some great stone pieces of the original exterior walls that were left exposed by the previous owner’s renovation so we chose to have these as accents. I think our themes would be considered organic, recycled, eclectic, easy modern. Young and fresh like the family.  ![catherine-friis-vetrazzo-toronto](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/catherine-friis-vetrazzo-toronto.jpg?width=6719&name=catherine-friis-vetrazzo-toronto.jpg) ### What were the factors that led you to choose Vetrazzo for the island material? The clients had found the recycled hemlock at [Cabinet Furniture](http://www.cabinetfurniture.ca/) and wanted to use it for the dining table top.  The hemlock came from the docks in Lake Ontario.  Ron Briand from Cabinet bought the lot and was making furniture from it and he was willing to do what we needed to help us with the kitchen. So that was the starting point.   ![catherine-friis-vetrazzo-kitchen-reno-before-and-after](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/catherine-friis-vetrazzo-kitchen-reno-before-and-after.jpg?width=1200&name=catherine-friis-vetrazzo-kitchen-reno-before-and-after.jpg) *Dining table chandelier by [Atelier Cocotte](http://ateliercocotte.com/) in Montreal, through [Design Republic](https://mydesignrepublic.myshopify.com/) in Toronto. Dining chairs and bar stools by Knoll, sourced through [Hollace Cluny](http://hollacecluny.ca/). The custom cabinetry is by [Copacetic](http://thecabinetshop.ca/).*   We went to [Ciot Technica](http://www.ciot.com/usa/en/tecnica/index.sn) for tile and while we were working on one of their big tables with our piece of reclaimed wood and the inspiration photo, we looked down and noticed this amazing material we were working on - [Alehouse Amber Vetrazzo](http://vetrazzo.com/product/alehouse-amber/?lang=en) - was a perfect compliment to our palette, plus is was made from recycled glass - so that was a bonus. We wanted some white to brighten up the north facing room and so we decided on Caesarstone’s Blizzard for the secondary surfaces because we wanted the Vetrazzo to be the star.   ![](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Catherine-friis-toronto-design-vetrazzo-recycled-glass-richilieu-1.jpg) *Friis installed a [Richelieu](http://www.richelieu.com/ca/en/category/kitchen/wastebins-and-recycling-centers/recessed-waste-containers/recessed-waste-container/1033627/sku-806015SS) recessed compost container directly into the island. Subzero and Wolfe appliances were sourced through [Tasco Appliances](http://www.tascoappliance.ca/). Sink and faucet sourced through [Taps](http://www.tapsbath.com/home.htm).*    ![Catherine-friis-toronto-design-vetrazzo-recycled-glass-countertops-alehouse-amber](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Catherine-friis-toronto-design-vetrazzo-recycled-glass-countertops-alehouse-amber.jpg?width=6625&name=Catherine-friis-toronto-design-vetrazzo-recycled-glass-countertops-alehouse-amber.jpg)   ### Was the goal to incorporate recycled and reclaimed elements or were they chosen for look?  Color, look, sustainability, durability, uniqueness, all those requirements went into all the decisions, but everything was so beautiful there was no compromise in function or style.   ### ![Catherine-friis-toronto-design-vetrazzo-recycled-glass-countertops1-1](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Catherine-friis-toronto-design-vetrazzo-recycled-glass-countertops1-1.jpeg?width=6358&name=Catherine-friis-toronto-design-vetrazzo-recycled-glass-countertops1-1.jpeg) ### Have you ever used Vetrazzo before? What was your experience like with fabrication and installation? It was my first time using Vetrazzo and the contractor [Harper House Contracting](http://www.houzz.com/pro/oliviaharperrr/harper-house-contracting-ltd-and-odesigns) said [York Fabric](http://yorkfabrica.com/) did an excellent job.  You know every project has its own character as I try to collaborate with the client - their needs, their style and some reflection of the character of the house.  I try not to be married to a style other than clean, classic lines.  And this was great fun because most Toronto clients are afraid of color and these clients definitely weren't!     ***See more designer pairings for Vetrazzo in a variety of styles. Download the free lookbook here.***   [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/401758/928deb16-b65f-40b4-89ab-f1b4e59cdb68.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/401758/928deb16-b65f-40b4-89ab-f1b4e59cdb68) Topics: [Alehouse Amber](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/topic/alehouse-amber) ### Mindfully Made **Recycled Glass Countertops** Vetrazzo recycled glass surfaces were hatched in Berkeley, CA in 1996. With 16 of our colors boasting Cradle to Cradle Silver certification, our commitment to sustainability is more transparent than ever. Truly a great American innovation, Vetrazzo is the original recycled glass surface proudly made in America. ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Coastal Inspired (17)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/coastal-inspired) - [Sustainable Design (16)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/sustainable-design) - [Kitchen Design (15)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/kitchen-design) - [Palladian Gray (12)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/palladian-gray) - [Interior Design (11)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/interior-design) - [Millefiori (11)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/millefiori) - [Floating Blue (9)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/floating-blue) - [Alehouse Amber (8)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/alehouse-amber) - [Made in America (8)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/made-in-america) - [Ruby Red (8)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/ruby-red) - [Vetrazzo recycled glass (8)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/vetrazzo-recycled-glass) - [Bathroom Design (7)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/bathroom-design) - [Cubist Clear (7)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/cubist-clear) - [Bartops (6)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/bartops) - [Bistro Green (6)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/bistro-green) - [Charisma Blue (6)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/charisma-blue) - [Chivalry Blue (6)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/chivalry-blue) - [LEED (6)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/leed) - [Martini Flint (6)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/martini-flint) - [Neutrals (6)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/neutrals) - [Bretagne Blue (5)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/bretagne-blue) - [Amethystos (4)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/amethystos) - [Cobalt Sky (4)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/cobalt-sky) - [Countertops (4)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/countertops) - [Fair Pearl (4)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/fair-pearl) - [Glass House (4)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/glass-house) - [Aqua Current (3)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/aqua-current) - [Coffee House (3)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/coffee-house) - [Destination Inspiration (3)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/destination-inspiration) - [Outdoor spaces (3)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/outdoor-spaces) - [Patina (3)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/patina) - [Umbo White (3)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/umbo-white) - [interior (3)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/interior) - [Commercial Projects (2)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/commercial-projects) - [Emerald Coast (2)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/emerald-coast) - [Environmental Impact (2)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/environmental-impact) - [restaurant design (2)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/restaurant-design) - [Cool Titanium (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/cool-titanium) - [Islands (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/islands) - [Outdoor living (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/outdoor-living) - [Polycor (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/polycor) - [Renovation (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/renovation) - [Sea Pearl (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/sea-pearl) - [To the trade (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/to-the-trade) - [beach house (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/beach-house) - [coastal living (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/coastal-living) - [designer (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/designer) - [outdoor kitchens (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/outdoor-kitchens) [![Vetrazzo](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/vetrazzo-footer.png?width=182&name=vetrazzo-footer.png "Vetrazzo")](https://www.vetrazzo.com/?lang=en) ### NEWSLETTER Keep up with the latest trends - [![Facebook](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hubfs/2016/facebook-ico.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/vetrazzo/) - [![Twitter](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hubfs/2016/twitter-ico.svg)](https://twitter.com/vetrazzo) - [![Instagram](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hubfs/2016/instagram-ico.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/vetrazzo/) - [![Pinterest](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hubfs/pinterest-ico-1.svg)](https://www.pinterest.com/crhomedesign/vetrazzo-recycled-glass-countertops/) - [![Houzz](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hubfs/houzz-ico.svg)](http://www.houzz.com/vetrazzo) [![A Polycor Inc. 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