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Glowing Granite

Friday, January 27th, 2012

A major complaint that many people voice when it comes to granite is that it is too harsh and unwelcoming. And yes, if that is the approach you want to take, granite can be rather cool and imposing. But with a creative outlook and some expert advice, you can transform granite so that it becomes a warm and natural centre to your home. All you need is a sense of adventure, the right feel and type of stone, and the nerve to follow your heart, and before you know it you will have granite that glows with warmth.

Embrace Nature

For some reason, people who feature granite in their homes tend to forget that they are working with something that has been harvested from nature. Engineered granite is an incredible material because it shows off the natural hues of granite while offering slight improvements. Too many people treat their granite like something that is foreign and alien, and as a result it stands out like a sore thumb. Using a natural array of colours to bolster the image of the rock is a great way to bring out the natural quality of the stone. Work with the colours that you have, and don’t try to disguise your granite – it is beautiful and versatile, and it can easily serve as the focal point of any room. Dress it up and draw attention to the actual surface.

Create an Atmosphere

Any material that is left to operate in isolation is not going to conjure up any significant emotion, and you cannot expect the addition of granite to your home to suddenly make things natural and warm. You need to combine lighting, layout, design and texture to get an atmosphere where granite works. Lead your guests into their granite-floored shower with a granite inlay in the bathroom hallway, set in cream and pale grey. Clash blood orange with bold granite slabs along your kitchen wall to create a sense of excitement and heat. Just do not settle for something you saw in a magazine, and don’t be scared to love a little.

Colour is Your Friend

I alluded to colour earlier. Remember that granite comes in many shades, each with its own mood and texture. Think carefully about what you select, and then maximize that natural warmth with a complimentary colour scheme. Think warm and inviting, not cold and shut off!

This guest post was written by freelance writer Victoria. She has been writing about Precious Metals such as the Australian Gold Nugget Coin.

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No Comments » Tags: granite, nature
Posted in Uncategorized

Keeping Your Granite Chic

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.

No Comments » Tags: buffing, colour scheme, granite, installing granite, maintenance, redecorating
Posted in Design, Granite and Trend stone, decorating, home improvement, remodeling

Giving Granite the Respect it Deserves

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.

No Comments » Tags: Bathroom, colours, granite, kitchen, lighting
Posted in Design, Granite and Trend stone, home improvement, interior design, remodeling

5 Essential Additions to Perfect Your Man Cave

Monday, December 5th, 2011

Man Caves. They’re becoming more and more prevalent in society, and with good reason. After all, who doesn’t need his very own private place for watching football games, drinking beer (Brandy, if you’re a classy chap), or simply sleeping?

No matter how you slice it the fact still remains: The only people who don’t like Man Caves are people who don’t have Man Caves. Whichever side of the camp you’re on, I’ve got 5 additions that will turn your Man Cave into a perfected fortress of solitude.

5. SOMETHING MADE OF MAHOGANY

Mahogany_Furniture Since the first Mahogany tree got cut down and chopped into pieces, men everywhere have turned to the deep-colored wood to express their prowess. Also known as The Great Mediator (solely by me, but it’ll catch on), Mahogany is the one wood that appeals to both men of brawn and brains. Whether you invest in a wall-length bookshelf, or whether you adorn a corner of the room with a gun cabinet, this masculine wood is the only material you should humor.

4. A POKER TABLE

Another staple in the Realm of Manliness, a well-placed poker table can turn any average Man Cave into a private slice of Monte Carlo. You can find them online, and they come in both standard and Hold ‘Em formations. Whatever your taste in a game of cards, you’re covered.

3. A HOME WET BAR

This should really be a regular fixture in every house, but since that won’t happen I will maintain that no Man Cave is complete without one. Put it somewhere convenient, and stock it with all of the best liquors money can buy. They’re simple enough to make on your own, or you can buy one. Either way, you’d be remiss if your private wet bar didn’t include a top made out of our next item on the list…

2. GRANITE SURFACING

Say it with me now: Granite. The word itself sounds manly, so that’s a good indication that you’ll need to include it in your Man Cave plans. It’s versatile, durable, and handsome – just like us! If you’re using it as a surface for your wet bar, you can slice limes or mix drinks without having to worry about whether or not it gets wet. Me personally? I would recommend using it to adorn our final ingredient to the perfect Man Cave…

1. A FIREPLACE

Men have been dramatically sitting in front of fireplaces since, well, the first fire pit made by our ancestors. Fireplaces give any room an unrivaled ambiance that will enhance any Man Cave 100 fold. Even if you think you’ve got the perfect Man Cave as is, you don’t have squat without a fireplace. Do yourself a favor, though; get a real fireplace, not one of those cheesy electronic ones.

Of course these are just suggestions, and you can take them or leave them if you’d like. However, I know you’ll kick yourself ruthlessly around the block if you look back and think about what could have been had you listened to me. Trust me: I’ve been in many a Man Cave, and the best ones make use of the above ingredients.

What do you think? Did I miss something “essential” when compiling this list? Add your thoughts at the bottom!

Jordan Siron is a freelance writer living in Florida. He excels at screenwriting, short stories, copywriting, and creating sell sheets.

No Comments » Tags: granite, Man Cave, remodeling
Posted in Design, home improvement, remodeling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

No Comments » Tags: counter tops, countertop, countertops, glass, granite, kitchen, recycled, stone
Posted in Countertop Overlay, home improvement, remodeling

Installing Your Granite Countertops

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

granite countertop

So you’ve finally come around to remodeling your kitchen. You’ve picked out your designs, calculated your estimates and overcome that vague sense of dread that comes with the prospect of destroying a part of your home in order to make it better. Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start the dirty work.

If you’ve decided to feature granite countertops in your remodel, – and why wouldn’t you? – but have never installed granite before, refer to this quick install guide for help with the basics of counter installation. Without the right tools, it can be a frustrating process. But a little artifice, perseverance and plain old elbow grease (which is hard to find in stores but can be ordered by some online retailers) will guide you through the task and towards new kitchen nirvana.

For the purposes of this guide, I’m going to assume that you have already selected, purchased, measured and cut your granite. That way we can get right into the actual installation. Let’s go!

Step One – Shut off plumbing and remove any fixtures (sink, etc.)

Before you start tearing away parts of your kitchen, make sure you’ve shut off the water in the house. Then, begin disconnecting the plumbing underneath the sink so that when you remove the sink and any other fixtures, they don’t bring any pipes with them. You can loosen a sink by using a crowbar or ply bar to break through any caulk before lifting the sink right out of the counter.

Step Two – Raze the Countertops!

This may be the most difficult/cathartic part of the process. Most countertops are glued to their wooden foundations and in order to pry them off, you’ll need some tools. The wide putty knife can be used to effectively wedge down behind the portion of the counter that rests against the wall. Once you have some leverage, you can hammer a pry bar into the space and pull that piece of the counter off, without damaging the walls.

The actual counter will be a bit more difficult. Most laminate countertops are affixed with screws and glue, so you’ll have to hunt down those screws, and that could mean spending some time under the sink and in the cabinets. In my experience, it’s best to use some power tools here; these screws can be pretty stubborn, and a simple screwdriver might drive you to the depths of insanity. Once you’ve removed the screws, use the same technique to break the glue as explained above.

Step Three – Shut Off Power and Remove Appliances

The final step of prep is shutting off electricity and gas to the appliances and pulling them out to make way. If you have a gas range stove, make sure it’s off and simply pull it out from the wall (Tip: lay a blanket down and transfer the stove to it, so you don’t scratch your kitchen floor up). If you have a dishwasher, you’ll need to remove it to get at screws that are likely keeping the countertops attached. Dismantle those screws and remove any remaining traces of the old countertops. Things are about to get interesting.

Step Four – Install the Granite!

The moment we’ve all been waiting for… is here! Unless you have a means to pick up and transport the granite yourself, it will likely be delivered by a team of people who are capable of installing the stone. Granite tops, when cut and ready to install, can weigh into the hundreds depending on the extent of remodeling you plan on. If you are doing this all by yourself, at least have some friends help you bring the granite into your home.

If you haven’t cut the sinkhole out yet, you’ll have to do that with dry-fitted granite and a jigsaw. Every sink is different; some need to go in before the granite is laid on top, and vice versa.

Once everything is fitted and ready to go, begin applying half-dollar dollops of glue on the plywood, which will serve as the new foundation for the granite.

At this point you’ll want to caulk the seams so everything holds together. Begin this by placing masking tape on either side of the seams you will be caulking. To fill in the seams between the granite pieces, mix some polyester-based resin with some color in order to match the paste with the stone. Mix in some hardener, and then you’ll have about five minutes to apply the mixture to the seams before it hardens completely. Remove the masking tape so the mix doesn’t dry onto it.

Let everything dry for about 30 minutes and then smooth the seams out with a seam stone.

Et Voila! A new kitchen! Of course, there are more than four steps to installing granite countertops, and you’re likely to run into one or more problems in the process. Since every project is different, I can’t troubleshoot for you, unfortunately, but follow these basic guidelines and refer to any user experiences on this or another site in order to get one step closer to beautifying your kitchen and losing those lame countertops you’ve had since college.

Thomas Stone is a home improvement blogger for Sears and other prestigious brands. In his free time he enjoys DIY home improvement projects.

No Comments » Tags: appliances, countertop, countertops, granite, kitchen, plumbing/ fixtures, power tools, Remodel
Posted in Uncategorized

Two Popular Countertop Options For Your Kitchen

Monday, November 21st, 2011

two-popular-countertops-img1

Even if you spend an entire day researching all of the different countertop options for your kitchen, you probably wouldn’t be able to even scratch the surface. Let’s examine two of the most popular and hardworking countertops that your money can buy.

The best countertops for you are the ones that are going to compliment the way that you work in the kitchen as well as fit into your budget.

One of the most popular countertop options are granite countertops. The look of granite is timeless. They’ll never go out of style and they are a perfect fit for busy kitchens.

If you love to cook and bake then you’ll really appreciate the functionality of granite. Bakers appreciate them because they can work their dough right on the surface of the counter without having to put down any parchment paper.

You’ll be able to knead your dough right on the surface, use a rolling pin to flatten it out, and cut out shamrock shaped cookies for Saint Patrick’s Day without having to put anything on the countertop other than some flour to keep the dough from sticking.

If you like to cook, you’re in luck too. Granite can take the heat from your hot pots and pans without you having to use a trivet or search around for an extra pot holder. You’ll be able to take a hot casserole dish right out of the oven and put it on top of your countertop. The first time you do this you’ll probably be nervous about damaging the countertop. I know I was. But I was absolutely amazed when I moved that hot cookware to the sink an hour later. The surface of the countertop looked exactly the same as it did before I put the dish on it.

A popular alternative to granite countertops are quartz countertops. They offer you all of the same benefits that granite countertops do, with one major exception. You never have to seal a quartz countertop. It’s the biggest difference when you compare quartz vs granite.

Depending on the granite countertop that you choose you will have to seal it every 12 to 18 months. This is because granite is a natural stone and natural stones are porous. By sealing the countertop you fill up those pores, and prevent stains from settling in.

With quartz countertops you can completely avoid this annual maintenance. That’s because of the way that they are manufactured. They are made by combining crushed quartz and a resin. When the resin cures it has none of the pores that have proven to be occasionally problematic with granite countertops.

The only other difference between granite and quartz countertops is their appearance. Both are beautiful in their own right. They both have a beautiful luster that shines when polished. Quartz countertops however, are available in solid colors. Granite countertops are veined with different, but complimentary, colors worked through the stone.

There are lots of websites about quartz countertops. But if you enjoyed this article in particular, you can find more articles by the same author over at http://www.quartz-countertop.info.

No Comments » Tags: colors, countertop, granite, quartz
Posted in home improvement, kitchen remodeling

Bring Nature into Your Bathroom

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

An outdoor bathroom is a portal that brings the outside world in. Use natural finishes, and keep things simple.

There is an overall trend in design, particularly in bathrooms, to either have part of your bathroom outside or open to the elements, or to mimic the world outside in the design and layout of the bathroom itself. Both trends are very powerful design statements that are intended to make you feel at one with nature, and thus naturally relaxed. There is a genuine attempt to remind the home owner that they are the master of their domain, and having a bathroom in this style is guaranteed to make you feel like the king of the world around you.

Outside bathrooms

This trend is extremely popular in areas with great climates – Australia, South Africa etc – and actually started out in the tourism industry. Game lodges offered rooms with outdoor bathroom facilities, not standing separate, but merged into the room itself. More often than not, the shower or bath itself is located in an alcove that is exposed to the elements. The space is finished in natural materials like wood, slate or granite, and should offer a view of the world outside. Bathing on a balcony that is open to the world but still private is really quite an experience.

If you are designing a home from scratch, then you will need to keep the outside space in mind. You will need access to water and plumbing, as well as ample room – having an outside bathroom is useless if it is cramped. Think luxury and space. Also, you should take into consideration privacy issues, and design some kind of cover that protects the client from prying eyes that can ruin their intimate bathing experiences.

Design the room itself so that it is an extension of the world outside – the bath or showers are portals that bring the outside world in. Use natural finishes, and keep things simple. Large windows will extend the feeling of emersion in nature.

A natural bathroom

If you like the idea of an outside bedroom, but don’t have the nerve or inclination to go all the way, you can use a few of these tips to create the effect without actually having it.

Firstly, detail is the key. Everything in the room should suggest a naturalistic outlook. Go for muted, earthy towels, natural hand and body products, and stone or wood finishes. An arrangement of indigenous flowers can add that special touch. Go for a pebble or slate finish in your shower, that offers a truly outdoor feel, and invest in a wide shower head – you will feel like you are showering in the rain, plus you will save water at the same time.

This guest post was written by Victoria. She is currently studying Banks and the Mortgage Calculator.

No Comments » Tags: Bathroom, Design, flowers, granite, natural bathroom, natural finish, nature, outdoor bathroom
Posted in Bath Transformations, Design, Environmentally Friendly, home improvement

Using Granite in your Bathroom

Thursday, October 13th, 2011

Your bathroom is the room in your home where you go to relax, re-centre yourself, and go over the events of your day. Bathrooms of old were often loud and colourful in an attempt to distract from the functional aspect of these spaces, but modern designers are moving towards a simplification of the space, and one of the materials that they are increasingly drawn to using is granite. Here are three reasons why granite is perfect in the bathroom.

Durability
Using stone furnishings in your bathroom makes sense on a number of design levels. Firstly, it is incredibly durable, and granite in particular is not likely to crumble or crack because of moisture damage. This sturdy stone is ideal for bathroom floors, tiling, shower floors, and shower tiling. The hardy rock is guaranteed to withstand any onslaught from the bathroom elements that in the past were responsible for so much unsightly damage.

Colour
Granite comes in an extraordinary array of colour variations, from the subtle to the extreme. Most shades are based in a very metallic grey, but seems of colour that range from black to blue are present upon closer inspection. This is ideal for the neutral palette that has accompanied the bathroom design revolution. Designers want to keep the bathroom as a clear, clean space that afford you privacy and comfort, and using granite as a soothing colour base, many designers will incorporate colours that will achieve this effect.

Feel
Granite is a very warm stone, despite its cooler, neutral colour, and this warmth is becoming popular with home owners across the globe. The soothing, smooth rock, which has enough textural variations to add depth, will add to a naturalistic, modern days in ways you would never have dreamed of. Even if you do not opt for granite tiles, a basin or countertop, or possibly a focus piece in granite, will automatically make you think of nature, as if your shower is a waterfall that you alone can access. This link between granite and rugged nature is a powerful draw card that contrasts nicely with many modern bathroom design trends.

Your bathroom is a sanctuary, and may be one of the few places in your home where you can be genuinely alone. Think about using granite if your bathroom needs a revamp – it will not let you down as a design choice.

This guest post was written by Victoria. She loves learning Canada FAQ such as about the finance in Canada.

No Comments » Tags: Bathroom, color, comfort, design trends, durability, feel, granite, materials, modern bathroom, revamp
Posted in Bath Transformations

Using Granite in your Kitchen

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

Modern kitchen design trends tend towards a more minimalist outlook, with muted, natural palettes that allow the designer to use functional appliances as accent pieces. Granite is ideal because it can be quickly and easily laid down as a countertop, or on the wall. The fact that granite is relatively easy to manipulate means that you can create large, slab-based designs, traditional tiles, or unusual inlay designs in your kitchen.

Your kitchen is the hub of your home. How often do you find yourself on the phone to your best friend with your kids at your feet while you cook up a storm? This bastion of homeliness and comfort is a very personal space, and you need it to reflect your diverse personality while still maintaining its functionality. Traditionally, homemakers would choose kitchen furnishings and finishes that were made to withstand the harsh hygiene demands of the kitchen, and as a result, your choices were limited to wood, linoleum, or marble. But nowadays, design conscious home owners are turning to granite as a stylish solution to their kitchen needs.

Unlike marble which can seem cold and elitist, granite is a warm, versatile material that reveals hidden depths of colour, texture and warmth throughout your home. It is great in the kitchen because it is easy to clean, sturdy and solid, but with the added design benefit that it comes in a range of colours and styles that will accentuate this central room.

With many designers and home owners alike becoming drawn to a more naturalistic, uncomplicated feel, granite is becoming the material of choice in kitchens, particularly for countertops. The sturdy material is durable enough to handle all of the punishment that it inevitably receives in the kitchen, and in many cases people even feel comfortable using the granite countertop to roll dough, cut meat and prepare food. The hard, warm, earthy feel of the stone is calming and solid, and with the ever-increasing interest in the material within the design world, the price of this wonderful material is becoming more and more suited to the average family’s budget.

Granite is a great choice for the kitchen – stylish, homely, comfortable, durable, and easy to clean. Whatever your kitchen preferences, consider granite as a very real contender for sprucing up the most important room in your home.

This guest post was written by freelance writer Victoria who loves decorating her home with art!

No Comments » Tags: appliances, budget, colour, comfortable, countertops, granite, kitchen, modern kitchen, stylish
Posted in home improvement, kitchen remodeling