Last Updated on January 7, 2020
Move over “baby boomers.” The 2015 report from the National Association of Realtors on generational trends revealed that millennials are now the largest share of home buyers in America today, totaling 32% (with a whopping 68% of them being first-home buyers). As these numbers are expected to grow, the home improvement market will be seeing an increasing demand across the board.
With millennial totals topping approximately 90 million people, this generation (born between the years 1981-2000) already own about 20 million households in America. Although that figure may seem small by comparison, it’s a relative number considering the median age of a millennial today is 23.
Some reports cited student debt as a major factor which may be holding some millennials back from buying their first homes. The overwhelming trigger, however, is a change in their household size (which includes marriage, having children or planning to start a family). Student debt is considered an investment for their future, and this desire for higher education makes millennials the most educated generation to date. Experts say factors such as their education, diversity, tech-savviness and desire to succeed will be vital components to the economic success of our country in the future.
Current trends reveal that millennials are more willing to purchase homes that are “fixer uppers” rather than buying new. This way, they can customize their home to match their wants and needs. This generation has shown a tendency toward embracing DIY projects, which also makes the process more affordable in the long-run. With that being said, a staggering $1.3 trillion in direct spending by millennials is fueling the home improvement industry to capitalize on this growing market.
Recent reports suggest home work spaces and casual entertaining areas are of high importance to millennials when either looking for a home or doing their own renovations. They thrive on the work/play philosophy and are dedicated to finding that perfect balance in their new homes.
Granite Transformations is the perfect choice for millennials to consider when they’re ready for a kitchen or bath renovation. With most jobs completed in one day (and with little or no demolition), they can transform their space in no time while still working on other DIY projects around the home. It’s a great way for them to see progress without the wait. And since Granite Transformations offers products at the forefront of the latest trends in the remodeling industry, millennials can really explore their options and choose the best materials to fit their new home and design style. Explore our latest line of quartz countertops from our new Trascenda Collection.
Last Updated on January 6, 2020
In recognition of Earth Day (on April 22), we are focusing on the importance of using sustainable products and practices when it comes to home remodeling. The “green” movement continues to take center stage as homeowners have become more aware of their surroundings and are making conscious efforts to keep their homes and families safe from environmental toxicity.
The practice of sustainable design for you, as a homeowner, includes increasing the efficiency of how energy, water and materials are utilized in your home, while at the same time ensuring that the impact on your family’s health (and that of the environment) is reduced – now and through the life of the home. By reducing consumption of non-renewable resources and minimizing waste, you can create a healthy and productive environment.
There are many benefits to embracing this philosophy that will not only impact you, but also have lasting effects on our environment, economy and social settings. For example, the environment will greatly benefit by conserving and restoring natural resources, while economy will benefit by reduced operating costs. And the optimization of life-cycle performance and social settings will be improved by cleaner indoor air quality and enhanced occupant health and comfort.
Granite Transformations is dedicated to advancing eco-friendly products and services and making a difference in the way people think about green construction. We have incorporated this philosophy into our manufacturing and installation processes, including one popular method of upcycling that we pioneered by using the signature blue glass from recycled SKYY Vodka bottles in our mosaic tiles and recycled glass countertop products. Our recycled glass countertops are made up of up to 72% post-consumer recycled glass, in combination with man-made semi-precious stones, to create shiny and alluring dynamic surfaces unlike any other on the market. We are devoted to converting waste materials into beautiful, functional works of art that turn your house into a home that you’ll love forever. Check out our blog, which features several articles about how to design an eco-friendly home.
We don’t stop there. We take great care in our installation process by utilizing the framework of the existing countertop to eliminate the need for demolition – which saves millions of pounds of construction debris from being sent to landfills. And since our recycled glass countertops are only 1/4″ thick, we use less natural resources to produce them. The comparative lightness in their weight also plays a part as less energy is required in the shipping process of these slabs. In addition, our recycled glass, quartz and granite surface materials do not produce any volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, and we guarantee the quality of air within the indoor environments where our products are used.
Our dedication to using eco-friendly products and services has awarded us certifications and recognition by several national green-building organizations. Granite Transformations is NSF-certified and a member of the Green Building Council. Granite Transformations’ recycled glass products are GREENGUARD-certified and LEED-certified.
You can learn more about Granite Transformations’ green building practices and products by visiting the eco-friendly section of our website, as well as by scheduling a free in-home design consultation.
Last Updated on January 22, 2020
If you’re one of many homeowners receiving a tax refund this year, you might be considering some options on how to use your hard-earned money. One of the best places to invest your tax refund is in your own home through a kitchen or bath remodel. Whether you’re planning on staying in your home or thinking about selling down the road, updating your home provides an excellent return on your investment (ROI) and a great way to freshen up your space for yourself and your family.
Experts agree that the investment of no more than 15% of your home’s total value could recoup a return of at least 80% (with kitchen remodeling coming in much higher at an average of about 98.5%), provided you don’t go over budget.
The smartest strategy for the highest ROI is to go with a conservative approach. For the kitchen, a simple update that consists of new appliances, a new granite countertop and maybe some new features can enhance your home’s sales appeal. The same strategy applies for the bathroom. A new countertop, sink and faucet (or maybe even new lighting) can transform your bathroom with updated touches that will keep your home trendy and beautiful. Granite Transformations can help you transform your kitchen or bathroom (on a large or small scale) both quickly and easily. Even a small update can make a huge difference.
The return on your investment isn’t everything. If you’re planning on staying in your house for a while, a kitchen project should reflect how your family will benefit from the changes. Select the right materials and layouts that work best for you based on your personal preferences, aesthetics and functionality (rather than ROI). You will acquire more years of enjoyment in your home before you ever think of selling it.
Granite Transformations offers a beautiful selection of quartz, recycled glass and granite countertops, mosaic tile backsplashes and cabinet refacing choices to suit every need, style and budget. And with little-to-no-demolition required for installation – and most of the work is completed in one day – your home can be transformed just in time for your next spring gathering. The best part of doing a remodel with Granite Transformations is that your everyday life will not be impacted by the renovation; it will be finished before you know it with the most beautiful, unique, hand-made materials that all of your friends will be in awe over. Let your tax refund work for you by investing it in your home. It’s the one place where you’re guaranteed to not only enjoy the benefits, but also gain a second return on your investment in the future.
Schedule a free in-home consultation design consultation today and watch your dream kitchen or bath become a reality.
Last Updated on April 11, 2016
In a world of uncertainty, one thing is certain: we all have our own unique personality traits. This month, we are highlighting design tips for creating the perfect space in your home based on your Myers-Briggs® personality type. Whether you’re an extrovert, introvert (or fall somewhere in between), you will find a perfect balance of creativity and design to make your home all your own.
Once you have an idea of what your personality type is (for example, ENTP or ISFJ), we will break it down letter-by-letter to see what each trait reveals about designing a space that’s best suited for you. Let’s get started!
How You’re Energized
Extroversion (E): If you’re considered an extrovert, or have tendencies to fall into this category, then you thrive on creating spaces for entertaining. Your desire leans toward creating a home with a welcoming and comforting atmosphere that will be well-suited for get-togethers and random drop-ins. Open layout designs that have plenty of seating make you the happiest. You also make it a point to have either a well-appointed guest room or a comfortable couch for those overnight guests who just can’t get enough of your company.
Introversion (I): If you’re more of an introvert, then you most likely enjoy spending some alone time in a private retreat to recharge your batteries. When thinking about the perfect space for you, consider creating a special area of your home for reading or relaxing that is away from the action. Loft living is not the best choice, so if there is more than one introvert in your family, you may want to consider spaces with walls or mini-retreat areas.
How You Gather Information
Sensing (S): This personality type tends to be very practical and is a present-minded thinker that typically doesn’t have too much stuff, so paring down is not usually a problem. If you find yourself weighed down with too many things, however, you might want to consider using a capsule wardrobe, or white, sleek, simple counters and cabinets (or other ideas designed for minimalist living). Form over function is the best concept for you when choosing the design for your space.
Intuition (N): You probably know this already, but you always trust your instincts. Making decisions for yourself and not adhering to the norms or other people’s advice is the way you roll when it comes to doing what is best for you. Finding yourself questioning why you chose a certain paint color or where to hang a picture is not out of the ordinary for someone like you – who follows their intuition. You may tend to have unexplained satisfaction in knowing you indulged your wants – because it was the perfect choice for you.
How You Make Decisions
Thinking (T): If you’re more of a thinker, you’re known for your analytical skills and being an ace at strategizing – always coming up with the perfect solutions. This makes designing an open forum, as you won’t conform to conventional ideas about room layouts or traffic flow. You, alone, are the best qualified to determine what designs will work best for you and your family.
Feeling (F): You are guided by your feelings and most likely considerate of others. Gift giving, doing for others and performing acts of kindness are ways that direct your life path. So, when it comes to designing your space, you’ll keep all things in mind in order to make life better for everyone. If entertaining and baking are your passions, be sure to create spaces to support both.
How You Approach Life
Judging (J): If you fall into this category, you already know that you live by routine and are extremely organized. You live by planning things in advance and following a step-by-step pattern. Having calendars and to-do lists on display and investing in home organizers is the way to go to keep everything that’s on your mind in plain sight and right at your fingertips. You also prefer spaces that are built for specific purposes and have ultimate functionality. So, be sure to create spaces that meet your specific needs, like this walk-in pantry.
Perceiving (P): You are known to most as a free spirit and one who likes to mix things up. Keeping your options open makes you feel uninhibited, since you like to make things up as you go along. This personality type likes to redecorate often. Try finding new ways to use old furniture and switch things up to keep your home looking fresh and different.
We hope you found this ‘design by personality’ exercise fun and informative. Granite Transformations is by your side to help create the perfect space that’s right for you. Schedule your complimentary in-home design consultation today and see how we can help you achieve a design that’s best suited to your personality. Our teams of dedicated, experienced professionals are ready to help you get started with a kitchen or bath renovation.
Last Updated on January 21, 2020
Tapping into your personal style of home décor can be an exciting endeavor. Granite Transformations makes the process seamless by helping you coordinate the perfect combination of cabinets, countertop and backsplash to create the beautiful space you’ve always dreamed of.
In this blog, we are featuring contemporary styles that showcase the perfect combination of products from Granite Transformations to reveal the look and feel you’re striving for.
Contemporary Style
Contemporary Design Style is the perfect balance of modern and chic. This style is expressed through clean lines and a fresh take on elegance. Keep in mind that “less is more” when trying to achieve a contemporary look. Smooth profiles and a strong emphasis on line and form are two essentials of good design. When choosing shades, experts say to go with undertones that add interest. (An example of this would be cream with a touch of green). Overall, contemporary design is all about what isn’t there as much as what is. Open spaces can take on a more sculptural quality and are well-suited for large-scale furnishings, art and accents.
Contemporary Kitchen: Look #1
Contemporary Kitchen: Look #2
Contemporary Kitchen Featured Products
One of the beauties of designing a contemporary kitchen is the freedom to use elements from varying styles. Most often, the look includes cutting-edge design and technology and the use of new trends and materials. Homeowners are opting for sleek, stylish designs with high-functioning electronics (like built-in coffee makers, high-performance hoods, and induction cooktops, as examples). When it comes to choosing the right materials, experts say “what’s old is new again” – with a new twist on functionality and the use of multiple, layered materials with pattern and texture. Quartz and glass countertops are among the hottest trends in kitchen design (without having to worry about maintenance concerns). Glass mosaic tile backsplashes are becoming a favorite with homeowners, who can now express their personalities through the use of different materials. (Some say it’s their new unique kitchen accessory that allows them to express themselves.)
Contemporary Bathroom: Look #1
Contemporary Bathroom: Look #2
Contemporary Bathroom Featured Products
When designing a contemporary bathroom, experts say to think minimalistic. Unbroken horizontal lines are the foundation to setting the tone. Cabinets and vanities will have sharp, clean edges, smooth surfaces, single panes and basic hardware – without moldings, face frames or any type of ornamental accents. Countertops are typically quartz. Asian themes work well for a contemporary look, and they follow a more stripped-down approach and leave the space feeling clutter-free. To add interest and drama, designers may use contrasting colors to create a “wow” factor. Overall, contemporary bathroom designs are for those who like everything in its place, lending to a clean, neat and clutter-free space.
You can achieve these looks (and so many more) by choosing Granite Transformations products. If you are interested, schedule a free in-home design consultation for a free estimate today.
Check out our beautiful new quartz colors from our Trascenda Collection here.
