2013

“I’ve heard that quartzite is a great choice for my kitchen countertop, but that it’s prone to etching. Is this true?” A visitor to our Milford, CT showroom recently posed this question. In short, quartzite is not bullet-proof, but it is considered an exceptional material for use as countertops. Here’s why…

A kitchen’s backsplash can help set the tone for the entire room. Much like a piece of bold statement jewelry or a simple diamond pendant, it can be the finishing touch that pulls a whole look together.

In the past, the kitchen “work triangle” was thought to be sufficient for all of the jobs that took place in the kitchen. That was then. 

Natural stone flooring can add organic warmth and tranquility to any space. From slate and marble to limestone and granite, natural stone tiles add unique personality wherever they’re used. But keep in mind that no two stone types- or tiles- are the same. So be sure to do your homework and know which material is right for your particular project.

Kitchen and bath remodels are a lot of work. Since they involve the intricate systems of a home like plumbing, heating, cooling, and electricity, they also tend to take a long time. This leaves you without your vital necessities such as a toilet, shower, oven, stove, sink, and more while the work’s being done — which is inconvenient to say the least. But Neolith from Spanish manufacturer THESIZE could help alleviate remodeling woes, speeding up the process and creating less chaos. 

We know you love quartz. It’s a surface that’s not only beautiful and practical, but also very easy to maintain. Engineered quartz surfaces, such as Caesarstone, are the perfect combination of nature and technology. And while it is exceptionally easy to care for, there are some definite no-nos when it comes to cleaning.

Although it’s not obvious to the naked eye, rocks do absorb water. This came as a pretty big surprise to a recent customer who couldn’t figure out why a salesperson would try talking her into “non-porous” quartz surfacing for her busy family bathroom. “It’s a hard surface! How can a natural stone countertop absorb water?” she wondered.

 Granite vanity by LDa Architecture & Interiors; photo via Houzz

Slate may not be as popular as its marble and granite cousins, but it has many qualities that make it a great choice for kitchen and bath surfaces. More than just a “nice personality,” slate has some genuine attention-grabbing attributes.

There was a time when the hearth was primarily made of brick. But this was also when it did most of the legwork when it came to cooking. Today’s fireplace is far more aesthetic than it is functional, and the materials it’s made of are as diverse as the owners of the home itself. The material you choose for a fireplace surround makes a strong design statement. And no matter what your style preference, there’s a material to help you reflect your unique personality. 

Love the look of white marble, but not a fan of the “lived in” look? Try white granite.