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.

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.

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

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.

With new countertops, as with any renovation to your home or business, safety is key. Tile countertops have sharp edges that are not safely rounded, as those of an overlay would be. It’s easy to see how this could potentially lead to serious injuries for children or for any other passersby. Our countertops are safe and child friendly and thus have the distinct advantage of providing a safer environment while still maintaining an excellent design.

Efficiency is also an essential consideration. Granite tiles lack this important feature because, by design, they are not as strong as an overlay. Pieces of the tile may loosen and break easily. Granite Transformations’ overlays are bonded to your old countertop, making them exceptionally strong and unlikely to damage easily. Furthermore, this method of installation does not require any construction and takes only one day to complete. The finished product will be a uniquely sleek countertop that could not have been achieved using tiles.

You can learn more about our about how we install our countertops and can have one of our professionals give you a free consultation for your new and beautiful countertop. Remember, with Granite Transformations there is beauty, strength and safety all in one.

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.

On the other hand, custom granite overlays are pre-cut to fit directly over your existing counter space. This process means you can have beautiful new custom countertops in as little as 2-4 days with no demolition or aggravation required. By cutting down on the project time, overlays also dramatically cut down on cost, meaning the same custom granite look can be achieved for much less.

A kitchen decked out in countertop overlays and refaced cabinets.

For ease and convenience, glass mosaics are hard to beat. Custom blends of glass tiles can be assembled to perfectly coordinate with existing color schemes in your kitchen or bathroom. After installing new flooring or putting up a fresh coat of paint, creating a custom countertop to match adds a polished look to the whole room. Glass mosaics also create a perfect accompaniment to new granite countertops. Granite counters can be finessed with a coordinating glass backsplash to unify the entire space.

With the money you will have saved by choosing granite overlay or glass mosaic, you can even consider a cabinet refacing to complete the new custom look. Instead of replacing your existing cabinets, a refacing process allows you to have full use of your kitchen during the installation time. Cabinetry experts are able to take your current cabinets and give them a complete makeover, molding them into a style and finish that matches your new custom look. This process cuts down on the cost of furnishing all new cabinetry while allowing for maximum dramatic results.

Pick any color you desire.

Expanding a custom countertop search to include these new installation methods makes it possible for many people to find affordable design options. The desire to have a custom granite countertop in your home should never have to be compromised by exceptionally high installation costs. Doing ample research before committing to any product or company will ensure you get a beautiful custom countertop that lasts for years to come.

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.

Unlike other more needy materials, granite is as low-maintenance as it comes for natural surfaces. The smooth, polished surface doesn’t absorb liquids, grease or moisture, allowing for quick and easy cleanup of any spills. Fast-paced businesses need supplies and surroundings that can stay up to speed with their daily flow. Granite countertops ensure you’ll spend minimal time cleaning or fixing surfaces so you can devote maximum time to the projects and clients who need it.

Easy maintenance paired with extreme durability make for a product that is suitable in any office or business setting. While there are cheaper countertop products on the market, none of them can stand up to the quality of granite, making your investment more worthwhile over the lifetime of the counters. Five, ten or even twenty years down the road when other surfaces have scratched, stained and warped, granite countertops still look as good as when they were installed.

Bathrooms at Best Buy Theater in NYC

Not only are granite countertops easy to maintain, but they are virtually indestructible as well. As the second hardest naturally occurring material, granite countertops can only be cut and shaped by diamond blades. This toughness makes them nearly impossible to scratch or cut accidentally, ensuring they will retain a clean and refined look for years to come.

To fully enjoy the benefits of granite, think beyond just simple counters in bathrooms and break rooms. Granite countertops make for distinguished desks in reception areas as well as administrative offices. Installing granite tile flooring can also add an air of polish where bland carpeting falls short. For maximum impact, consider a granite-topped conference table where you can wow clients with your professionalism and class.

Granite bars are always a nice touch.

No matter what your commercial needs, custom granite pieces in a variety of widths, colors and textures can be cut to fit your project. Quick installation time means your new desk, counter or entryway can be fully prepared before your next big client meeting rolls around.

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!

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.

To build or remodel a full scale outdoor kitchen, one must decide on a specific style to combine cabinets and backsplashes. Nowadays, with a blink of an eye, you can have a new and elegant kitchen in your backyard to enjoy what life has to offer. And don’t forget that your design will reflect your taste and needs.

Tiki hut style?

To have a practical and functional outdoor kitchen, be prepared to at least equip it with a refrigerator / freezer and a quality grill. Unlike a conventional kitchen, you don’t need to have all the appliances there.

Outdoor kitchens can give you multiple benefits. And the fact that guests and family will be more involved in the cooking is one of the best ones. Open-air activities always tend create collective bonds. The more relaxed everyone feels, the more enjoyable the experience will be, and the more often you’ll want to cook outside.

...or build it closer to the home.

Also, keep in mind that most of the delicious ingredients you love to cook with, such as fish or curry, are easier to prepare outside, due to the lingering odor they tend to emanate. When it comes to enjoying life, fresh air and sunny days, nothing beats the comfort of being in your own house. An outdoor kitchen can give you that advantage.

And what better setting for an ideal al fresco dining and entertaining year-round.

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.

Along with modern appliances and ceramic tile floors, a trendy granite bar countertop has the potential to give your kitchen a sharp and elegant look, without even thinking about demolishing what for many is the heart of their house.

And if you are also looking for an extra magic glow in your kitchen, you will be delighted to know that granite bar countertops are brightened by chrome, silver or any shinny appliance you might have around them. The non-porosity, stain resistant and cero maintenance qualities of granite countertops will release you from the usual headaches associated with household tours. Granite countertops are also resistant to wear, frost, heat, scratches and chemical agents; they are the truly the ideal material for a person that is looking for durability and value in their homes.

They also do well as movable models.

But consider yourself warn. Once you experience the unique beauty of granite bar countertops for your kitchen, you won’t stop remodeling until you have them in every counter, shower walls, tub lines and fireplaces of your house.

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.

Marble - Classic, sturdy, and very attractive. Also quite expensive. Marble can become somewhat porous and erodes faster than granite. A very luxurious option, indeed.

A frosty marble countertop.

Soapstone – Has a very natural look and can instantly upgrade your kitchen, but it is also quite porous and not very durable compared to its stone counterparts on the countertop market.

A dark soapstone counter and sink.

Wood – Want to have a chef-like kitchen? Well, this is a good choice, but what it also is is not very durable. It allows water in and does not hold up well to heat or scratching.

Not durable, but attractive.

Stainless Steel - Very modern looking. Also very industrial looking. This is an easily scratchable, but otherwise very durable material. Won’t shout ‘rustic’ or ‘homey’ though.

Linoleum – Do you have it? If so, it’s time for it to go. Very popular as a budget choice for years, but better options are out there both from a looks standpoint and a durablity standpoint.

What about cabinet options?

Classic molded wood – This is what you are probably most used to seeing. The quality of these cabinets greatly vary, based upon the type of wood, the intricacy of the molding, and the scale of your renovation. This is a classic look that goes with just about any style of kitchen.

Some elegant maple cabinets.

Modern Flat Wood – Capture all the elegance of a wooden cabinet with the modern inflections a flat face, perhaps metal handled, cabinet can offer. Works well with brushed nickel and chrome appliances and fixtures. A clean look.

Minimalist flat wooden cabinets.

Metal – Industrial or modern? It depends on how you spin it. Some people might choose a more maritime, galley-like appearance while other would, and more prominently, choose a metal door with a frosted or clear window. Certainly on the cutting edge.

Plastic – Not exactly what you think. Many people opt for the ultra-modern, glossy plastic finish. This can come in a wide variety of colors, so having a creative mind when decorating can really come into play when choosing a colorful plastic based cabinet.

Ultra-modern plastic countertops.

Glass Doored - A cabinet option that seems to be gaining popularity with each passing year. A frosted or clear blass window on a cabinet door, whether it be wooden or metal, allows for a very open feel, liberating the dishes and appliances trapped inside. It’s a choice worth making, if you won’t grow tired of it.

So look around you! Are you in need of a change. You never know when the home remodeling bug will finally hit.