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Archive for the ‘Granite and Trend stone’ Category
Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

A lot of designers and home owners alike are apprehensive about using granite in their kitchens and bathrooms because they see it as a massive, permanent design feature, much like a tattoo in their space that they can never remove should they grow tired of the effect. However, this is simply not the case, because if you take the right approach to the granite surfaces in your home, there is no reason why they cannot grow old with you in your home. Here are a few tips on how to keep your granite surfaces looking chic and trendy as time passes.
Altering Your Colour Scheme
Installing granite is commonly thought to give a clean, minimalist feeling to a space, but the truth is that it is an incredibly versatile material. Selecting a more neutral shade from the granite palette is ideal because you can alter the colour scheme around the stone whenever you want. A pale grey can work well with a darker colour system of blacks, neutrals and creams, or equally well with brighter oranges, or sea greens. The key to adding longevity to your granite areas is to adapt the colours around it so that you can show it off or calm it down.
Redecorating Can Change Everything
As mentioned above, there is an automatic assumption that granite works best in a minimalist setting, but unless you want to redecorate your house every time you change your seasons, you are going to have to come up with a few ways of “dressing” your stone. The minimalist look is simple and clean, but there is no reason why you cannot add tasteful art, or change the whole feel within a space around the art. Nothing is stopping you from creating a neo-classical bathroom with granite surfaces, or going retro with your use of stone. Embrace the versatility of the material and change your decorations, not your finishes.
Maintenance
Another great tip for keeping the granite appealing is to always make sure that it is in the best condition possible. Newer granite surfaces are glass coated, and this requires buffing. In general, you should avoid scratches, use granite-specific cleaner, and make sure that any minor imperfections are dealt with timeously. All of these tips can keep that lustre, shine and strength that make granite such a popular material for homes.
This guest post was written by freelance writer Victoria. She is currently studying the Canadian Law Directory and the Canadian Real Estate Directory.
Tags: buffing, colour scheme, granite, installing granite, maintenance, redecorating
Posted in Design, Granite and Trend stone, decorating, home improvement, remodeling
Monday, January 23rd, 2012

When you use granite, be it in your bathroom or kitchen, you are sending a distinct message. This material more than vulgar marble or cold steel lends itself to a balance of practicality, wealth, and style. Too many home owners use granite in a way that does not fully capture the power and cleanliness of this wonderful stone. Here are a few tips on how to get the very best out of your granite surfaces.
Location, Location, Location
Granite is so attractive because it is versatile. Positioning it as a splash back is a practical application, as is using it as a floor or kitchen surface, but why not make the most of it. Granite aficionados will point out the beautiful seem, shading and composition of quality stone, and this is well worth showcasing. Kitchens lend themselves to bold statements with granite – broad horizontal stripes can expand your room and make it look unique. Create a statement piece with your granite instead of tucking it away and you will come to love the space for it.
Lighting is Crucial
Like most stone, granite takes on a different appearance depending on the way lights and shadows fall across its surface. One of the more unusual ways of drawing attention to your spectacular granite is to light it with lights that capture the drama of a piece. Every home has standard lighting on the granite, but why not use a shifting optic light, or perhaps some back lighting to create a sense of drama and uniqueness? There is no reason why stone should fall into the background of your home.
Clash Colours
Adventurous colours are always great if you want to bring aspects of a space to the fore, but people do not ever think to clash natural material with bright colours. The result is dark rooms that are all natural, but end up looking flat. Rather incorporate a combination of natural stone (well-lit and positioned) against a splash of colour, like blood orange or electric blue. The contrast will add depth and interest, and finally you will get the stone popping out in the manner that it should. It sounds simple, but the difference is immediately evident and tangible.
This guest post was written by freelance writer Victoria. She is currently learning about small business website builder.
Tags: Bathroom, colours, granite, kitchen, lighting
Posted in Design, Granite and Trend stone, home improvement, interior design, remodeling
Friday, November 4th, 2011

Applying granite tiles and surfaces in the bathroom is a fantastic way of contrasting colours and textures if done correctly. Choosing the right shade and style of granite surfaces can be a huge pay off when combined with the right fixtures, colours and decoration. The first thing you may notice when you come to choosing the right type of granite textures and colours for your bathroom is that there are a range of products available. Be it smaller tiles, useful for lining the side of your bath and breaking up colours, larger tiles which are ideal for covering a large surface area on walls and floors, or granite surfaces and fixtures to match your chosen colour scheme. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at the types of granite available to you and how they can be applied stylishly in your bathroom!
Bathrooms are one of the rooms in our homes with which we can truly impress family and guests, and by combining modern colours with stylish sink, bath, or shower models we can really add that ‘wow’ factor. Consider shopping around to find some matching granite fixtures such as luxurious and fashionable granite basins and sinks, this can help to give your colour scheme more consistency and certainly a touch of class. Apply this thinking to shower enclosures too; modern and well fitted granite tiles combined with the large panes of glass on your shower can look fantastic. Highlight these features with some well positioned lighting to give your luxurious bathroom a warm, comforting glow.
Darker granites such as the Nero range found in stock at Granite Transformations can look great when combined with rich, vibrant colours as well as contrasting it with whites and creams. For example, in the summer you may choose to re-colour the upper section on your wall with a fresh mint green; darker shades of granite can accompany such a dynamic colour with ease.
As the winter season approaches, you may choose to switch to warming colours such as creams and beiges. These can be matched with darker granite textures just as well but may benefit from a lighter shade if you are looking to bring more light into the room. Finally, consider the colour of your bathroom flooring beforehand; if you are interesting in purchasing granite tiles for your Bathroom Suite then this could truly be the icing on the cake. Matching the colour and texture of your granite wall tiles with granite flooring can bring the entire room together, and give you a fantastic looking room to relax and unwind in.
Written by Daniel Travis-Brown on behalf of Bathshop 321 Bathroom Suites. Follow him on twitter @DanTravisBrown
Tags: Bathroom, colours, flooring, shades, shower models, tiles
Posted in Bath Transformations, Design, Granite and Trend stone, home improvement
Saturday, April 16th, 2011

Anyone who is considering granite countertops for their home or business inevitably admires the beauty and sophistication granite can bring to a living or work space. Besides aesthetics however, there are other important considerations to keep in mind when deciding on granite countertops. Safety and efficiency will likely be amongst your chief concerns. Keeping these in mind, our franchise experts advise against using tiles to make your new countertop. Instead, they recommend pasting a new custom-fitted granite overlay to your old counter as the best option in all regards.
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Posted in Countertop Overlay, Granite and Trend stone, Uncategorized
Monday, March 14th, 2011
Installing custom granite countertops in your home is a prominent way to define the style of your unique space. While creating a customized counter might make your wallet start to tremble, there are some easy and affordable ways to create a custom look without breaking the bank.

Pick a countertop that fits.
Traditional countertop installation involves giving up use of your kitchen while a team of contractors rip out existing furnishings and mount new counters in the space, possibly damaging your floors and walls during the demolition period. This installation process can take anywhere from several days to several weeks. Time is money, and more time spent kicking up dirt and dust in your home is certainly less money you have to spend on achieving the custom look you want.
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Tags: custom counters, custom countertops, custom kitchens, granite countertops, hoem remodeling, kitchen counters, kitchen countertops, kitchen remodeling
Posted in Benefits, Design, Granite and Trend stone, kitchen remodeling
Monday, March 7th, 2011
Since the dawn of domesticity, granite countertops have been the bee’s knees of classy kitchen surfaces. Today, however, tuned-in business owners are realizing this natural material has uses far beyond the housewife’s cutting block. The same key functions that have been attracting homeowners to granite for decades offer even greater advantages for a productive workplace.

Granite Transformations work at a Marriott.
To create this stone, various minerals combine deep below Earth’s surface as molten rock cools slowly, giving granite its trademark crystalline appearance. The density of granite, contributed to its volcanic origins, prevents bacteria, mold and mildew from forming on its surface. This quality ensures your products, equipment and employees will stay clean and healthy in their work environment.
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Tags: commercial installation, commercial remodeling, granite bars, granite counters, granite countertops, granite for restaurants, granite install
Posted in Design, Granite and Trend stone, Services, Tips/Advice
Friday, February 25th, 2011

Win a trip to Italy!
It’s hard to miss it as the banner is splashed across our homepage, but it’s true! You can win a trip for 2 for ten days (TEN days!) to Italy by merely telling us what you love most about the products we’ve installed in your homes. We’re all ears (and eyes if you’re into the video message thing).
Everything is included from the flight out of North America, to the hotel that will house you and your partner, to the car that will ferry you around the rolling Italian countryside, through the heart of the Roman ruins, and past some of the finest wineries and granite fabricators on the planet.
We’re proud of the work that each and every one of our franchises performs. It all starts with the right materials and we’re happy to be using Trend Stone, Trend Glass, and Trend Mosaics for many of our installations. If you’ve had work done on your home by Granite Transformations, whether it be a new countertop, vanity, fireplace surround, bathtub, bar, backsplash, or shower let us know! We love to hear from happy customers who to this day love the gorgeous and durable combination that the Trend line provides.
So go ahead, enter the contest. It started on February 25 and ends September 16th, 2011. By simply creating a video or writing an essay about why you love your Granite Transformations kitchen or bathroom you could get a chance to enjoy Italy lavishly. Check the rules and guidelines before you enter. Have fun, and continue to enjoy those Granite Transformations home installations!
Tags: Bathroom remodeling, giveaway, glass countertops, glass mosaics, granite countertops. trend stone, granite transformations, kitchen remodeling, promotion, trend glass, trend mosaics
Posted in Fun Facts, Fun Ideas, Granite and Trend stone
Thursday, February 17th, 2011
Last week’s granite bar post got us thinking: outdoor kitchens are a pretty nice deal if you can swing it. For every homeowner or homebuyer, outdoor entertaining is a must have in their households.And new trends in design are aiming precisely to open-air constructions of rooms that usually have an indoor concept, entering the kitchen. What most designers and homeowners around the world are discovering is that an outdoor kitchen can be both functional and attractive, not to say original.

A sit down and dine outdoor space.
“The outdoor kitchen is not an area looked at as a ‘work’ space, but it is a place to express hospitality and creativity – and to enjoy family and friends”, said Barbara B. Berry, sales associate with Downing-Frye Realty.
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Tags: granite bars, granite countertops, granite fixture, granite kitchen, home remodeling, kitchens, outdoor kitchens
Posted in Design, Granite and Trend stone, Tips/Advice, kitchen remodeling
Friday, February 11th, 2011
With people spending more time in their kitchens today, home makeover trends are paying extreme attention on transforming this room in the most enjoyable part of a house.
With this exciting journey ahead, you must keep in mind that granite countertops for your center island and wraparound breakfast bar deserve the most care in your remodeling plans. After all, these features play vital roles as the highlights of your kitchen.

Granite bars go great outside.
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Tags: bar countertops, bars, granite bars, granite countertops, home bars, home installations, home remodeling, kitchen remodeling
Posted in Countertop Overlay, Design, Granite and Trend stone
Tuesday, January 4th, 2011
Well, how did it go? Did your kitchen, bathroom, and living room pass the test? The countless judgmental eyes of friends and family didn’t bat even a single lash at your older than new home decorations and fixtures? You would be in the minority, my friend, if someone during the holidays didn’t say SOMETHING about the countertop material, cabinet color, rug color, fireplace color, kitchen tile choice, tub design, and any other element of your home that is ripe for evaluation.
Perhaps it could be some sort of resolution. A resolution to stop hoarding home fixtures of years past. If you feel a new countertop of cabinet is feasible, than it very well might be. It can also be the time to update things like lighting, the paint or wallpaper covering your walls – really give your home a television-style makeover. You have it in you.
Take a look at the options at hand for countertops:
Granite - Durable, elegant, comes in a variety of colors. Not porous, holds up to stains and heat. A very fashionable choice, and one that has been popular long before you knew what countertops were, and will be long after you’ve moved on.

A rustic looking granite countertop.
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Tags: bathroom remodling, Cabinet Refacing, cabinets, countertops, home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, new countertops, new kitchen, New Years, renovations
Posted in Cabinet Refacing, Countertop Overlay, Design, Granite and Trend stone