2014

Grey is “the” top color in design and interiors this year. Quartz is the fastest growing surfacing material on the market. Put the two together and you’ve got a sleek, sophisticated surface that’s a great backdrop for any style of décor.

Whether you’re working on a shower, backsplash, floor, fireplace surround, or another surface you’re covering with tile, it’s important to choose a tile that will stand up to scuffs, spills, cleaners, and the other factors that can wear on a surface.

When it comes to using natural stone in the kitchen, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. There is no rule that says all of your countertops have to match. In fact, we’ve noticed a real trend towards mixing countertop materials in the kitchen. This can make a bold statement and help to create a distinctive focal point in the overall design.

We love weathered finishes. We also love materials that create a distressed look without having to wait half a century for the natural weathered patina. Neolith’s Iron Collection offers a great alternative to actual reclaimed materials, especially since it also offers a durability unmatched by most surfacing choices today. Plus, they’ve added two new options to the collection, both of which are designed to provide more depth of pattern and contrast.

Are you planning to attend Architecture Boston Expo (ABX) 2014 today? There’s still time to check out the most current ideas in design, construction, building materials, and technologies! This week, we at Marble and Granite, Inc. joined over 400 exhibitors on the tradeshow floor demonstrating the remarkable qualities of ColorQuartz.

When it comes to countertops, granite is still the number-one choice made by homeowners. But did you know that quartz surfaces such as ColorQuartz aren’t too far behind? Quartz surfaces are catching up because folks are now realizing that these materials have a lot to offer. In other words, the choice isn’t necessarily black and white.

The word Neolith literally means “new stone.” But ask manufacturer The Size about this ultra compact, super slim material, and they’re likely to tell you it could also be called “new and improved stone.” Formed from natural raw materials and engineered to astounding degrees of durability, Neolith is having a profound impact on the North American surfacing industry. As one of the largest East Coast distributors of Neolith in the U.S., we’ve watched the demand for this innovative material grow over the past year, reflecting the success Neolith is experiencing overall in the North American surfacing industry.

We’re stone and surfacing experts, not interior designers. However, our customers commonly ask us for suggestions when it comes to cabinetry and countertop color combinations. So we make it a priority to know the latest color and style trends so that we can make sensible suggestions that give our clients the beautiful end results they desire. One surface we’ve recently had fun “color matching” is ColorQuartz in French Tan.

Ask any kitchen or bath designer about some of today’s top trends, and they’re bound to mention the shift toward “seamless.” Whether it’s in the form of integrated appliances, disguising switches and outlets so they are barely noticeable, installing shower drains that allow tile to be set right in the drain for an uninterrupted appearance, or the blending of one living space into the next (such as the kitchen and adjacent family room), continuity is a key to good design. When it comes to surfacing, going “seamless” offers a blend of practicality and modern style.

 Q: I hope you can help settle a “debate” between my wife and I. We’re remodeling our master suite. We’ve been shopping for white marble for his and her vanity tops in the bath. We’ve been seeing Calacatta and Carrara marbles. I say they’re the same thing, but my wife insists that we go with Calacatta. Is there a difference?