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10 Of The Coolest Countertops Available

Saturday, December 3rd, 2011

For many kitchens, the countertop is the main focal point of the room. It’s the first thing that catches your eye when you walk in, and it’s one of the most used areas of the kitchen. There are tons of options when it comes to countertops, and a host of things to look for when choosing one; aesthetics being one. If cool is what you’re looking for, then cool it is. Here are 10 of the coolest countertops you’ve ever seen.

Courtesy www.apartmenttherapy.com

Courtesy www.apartmenttherapy.com

1. This countertop is one of the coolest counter tops made. It’s made from agate, a hard, fine-grained stone. It’s actually a sliced piece of agate that was completely submerged in a resin before being framed in stainless steel. Can you say WOW!

Courtesy www.homeinfurniture.com

Courtesy www.homeinfurniture.com

2. If you’ve only got a limited amount of countertop area this glass countertop will definitely give it that cool factor you’re looking for. This glass-top countertop can give any kitchen a facelift like no other.

Courtesy www.remarkablekitchens.com

Courtesy www.remarkablekitchens.com

3. The way this countertop blends together the counter and the table is just plain cool. It’s made of granite and it’s a great design that would look great in a country kitchen or a waterfront kitchen. Granite is more affordable than a lot of people think, too, so don’t let the cost of granite countertops scare you away.

Courtesy www.1800recycling.com

Courtesy www.1800recycling.com

4. Now here’s a countertop concept that stretches the imagination when it comes to glass countertops. How about upping the glass countertop wow factor with one that’s made from recycled glass? Talk about a unique countertop. No two are the same, and you can even choose a color. Nice!

Courtesy www.momoge.com

Courtesy www.momoge.com

5. Here’s one of the coolest countertops ever designed. It’s made from natural alabaster stone, and it’s partially handmade. But that’s not the coolest part. It’s also got a built-in light which accentuates the alabaster’s natural beauty, and really makes the countertop stand out among everything else in the room.

Courtesy www.homeinfurniture.com

Courtesy www.homeinfurniture.com

6. Can you say cool? Doesn’t it look like the faucet and sink are floating in a pool of water? This glass countertop is definitely unusual and certainly deserves a place among the top cool countertops.

Courtesy www.wickedcoolconcrete.net

Courtesy www.wickedcoolconcrete.net

7. Whether you’re an avid cook or you just like to mess around in the kitchen now and then, this is a real unique countertop. It’s made from concrete, and its multipurpose capability is definitely a cool feature.

Courtesy www.colourglass.ie

Courtesy www.colourglass.ie

8. This striking colored glass countertop is another list-topper.  Not only is this one of the coolest contemporary countertops you’ve ever seen, but you can get one in more than 40 different colors! That’s right…40 different color schemes that can accommodate any décor.

Courtesy www.granite-world.tk

Courtesy www.granite-world.tk

9. This natural granite countertop has that super-sleek look that captures the eye when you enter the room. The double-tiered design adds great character, too. It’s just that design flexibility, paired with reasonable granite countertops cost, that makes granite a double-dipper on this list.

Courtesy www.championstonedesign.com

Courtesy www.championstonedesign.com

10. Bet you’ve never seen a countertop quite like this one before. That’s because the odd shape makes it a one-of-a-kind work of art, and it rounds out the list of 10 Of The Coolest Countertops Available.

The Cheapest Renovations You Can Do To Your Home That Have The Biggest Impact

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011
Cabinet hardware on display in a home store. F...

Image via Wikipedia

When it comes to the value of your home, performing small renovations can have a big impact. There are several key areas that will make a big difference in the sales potential of the property. It will also ensure that the current inhabitants are living in comfort and can enjoy a pleasant atmosphere. The most important areas of the home that can be greatly impacted by a renovation are the kitchen and bathroom. It is not always necessary to spend a lot of cash on these renovations. Most can be accomplished for under $1,000 by the do-it-yourself homeowner. The renovations that can have the most impact need not be time-consuming or done by a professional.

Curb appeal home is another important factor in the value of the home. For those who wish to sell their home quickly, it is amazing what a difference an attractive car in the driveway can make to the perceived value of the home. Those on a budget can visit used car search engine websites that allow for the quick finding of a suitable vehicle. The kitchen of most homes receives a lot of traffic and is often the focal point of the home. This is where people gather together and prepare meals. An outdated and messy kitchen is very off-putting and can instantly ruin the look of the home. Fortunately, it is very easy and inexpensive to completely overhaul this much-used hub of the home.

Refinishing or re-facing the cabinet doors is something that will dramatically change the look of the kitchen. The cabinets are left in place and only the doors are changed. This can be accomplished by going to a hardware store and purchasing new doors, or simply stripping off the old paint and putting on a new coat. Another part of the kitchen that is often worn out from much use is the counter-tops. This will require a bit more work, but the talented DIY-er will be able to easily accomplish this task. The desired material for the surface is up to the homeowner and there are many styles to choose from. Changing the floor by either putting in a new style of linoleum or installing tiles can give a contemporary look to any kitchen.

Painting the walls a more attractive and modern color will add eye-appeal and make the atmosphere more inviting. Simple measures like putting attractive new appliances on the counters and changing wall-outlets and door knobs can create a new look for very little financial outlay. The next area of the home that should always be up-to-date is the bathroom. It is easy to change the vanity and sink. Many large hardware stores carry kits that can be quickly installed. The walls should be painted with a flattering color and accessories replaced with newer versions. Shower curtains can be replaced, as well as towels and soap dishes. Putting in new flooring will add a modern look. The bathtub can receive a new coating and may not need to be replaced. These seemingly small improvements will have a huge impact on the home.

Granite Countertops: Tiles Are Tiresome

Saturday, April 16th, 2011

Granitecountertop

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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Glass Countertops – The True Story

Friday, April 8th, 2011

So if you read the Granite Transformations blog you probably know that we offer glass countertops, though many people don’t exactly know what that entails. We are familiar with standard stone-based options like granite, marble, silestone, and soapstone. The idea of glass countertops is intriguing – a shiny, smooth surface that can come in a wide array of colors, perhaps a wider array than than can be found within a stone-based inventory. Is it durable? Yes! Let us explain the process.

Vetro Moretti Trend Glass

Vetro Moretti Trend Glass

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The Unique Beauty of Granite Bar Countertops

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.

Granite bars go great outside.


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Operation Refrigerator Cleanup

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

You might be sporting a pristine new kitchen or a set of appliances that would put the Food Network kitchens to shame, but that’s simply no excuse for a cluttered, disgusting fridge. Many of us can become light hoarders when it comes to certain items that upon evaluation seem so ready to be thrown away its not even funny.

Fix it! Fix it!

Fix it! Fix it!

Let’s break down a list of things that could use some disposal.

1) Condiment Evaluation – Do you have more than two bottles of ketchup sitting in your fridge? Do you have condiments you don’t even like in your fridge? Worse yet, do you hoard condiment packets like duck sauce and relish? Well, if that’s the case you simply need to unclutter. Condiments are generally inexpensive and no one likes a crusty, back of the fridge mustard that no one knows when the last usage date was. Toss em!
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New Year’s Resolution … Home Remodeling?

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.

A rustic looking granite countertop.


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Kitchen Trends for 2011

Friday, December 3rd, 2010

If you’re remodeling your kitchen or simply updating the design you currently have, here’s a  list of fun kitchen trends to look out for once the ball drops in a little more than a month!

Bright Appliances.

Colorful appliances and cooking accouterments can add an unexpected element of fun to your kitchen. They are an easy way to breathe life into an otherwise bland kitchen. Kitchenaid offers a wide array of colorful countertop appliances, including stand mixers, blenders, and toasters in a spectrum of eye-popping colors. There’s something delicious about the nostalgia these vintage-inspired items arouse.

Lightly colored, highly functional.

Lightly colored, highly functional.

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Countertop Cleaning – We Make it Easy

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

Stain-resistant…Heat-resistant…Scratch-resistant…Smell-resistant!!

It shouldn't be this unpleasant.

It shouldn't be this unpleasant.

Unlike other countertops, granite doesn’t absorb odors or constantly remind you of your pre-bamboo cutting board period and your serious underestimation of what an 8-inch chef’s knife can do.

Gist: Granite Transformations countertops are an affordable update; moreover, they’re extremely easy to clean and to keep looking clean. Sound good?

The secret is in the…diamonds.

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Kitchen Counter Installation

Friday, October 1st, 2010

Kitchen counter installation is an involved process, to say the least. When choosing countertop material you’re also choosing how to spend the days of installation – in your home or outside of it. If you choose a thick slab like traditional granite, marble, or soapstone you’ll probably want to escape the confines of your home as the contractors will be ripping out chunks of your island, countertop base, and making a general mess of things for about a week or more. If you’ve got new cabinets to compliment the new countertops then, well, fuggedaboutit!

Looks like a whole lot of disruption.

Looks like a whole lot of disruption.

You have to prepare yourself for the noise and debris and you’ve got to account for your stress levels rising. What if there was a different way?
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