Monthly Archives: January 2017

Last Updated on October 26, 2021

Your countertop plays center stage in your kitchen and bathroom design. But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which material is best suited for your lifestyle?

This month, Granite and TREND Transformations explores the pros and cons of quartz, concrete, slab granite countertops, and more to help you choose the best surface for your home. And if you’re not familiar with our beautiful line of etherium® By E-Stone surfaces, you’ll be surprised to learn it is the only engineered stone in the world, with Microban® antimicrobial technology built right in so your countertops stay cleaner for longer. Now that’s an advantage that works like a “pro”!

Which countertop surface will you choose? Let’s get started to find out!

Quartz

Bathroom backsplash with blue painted walls and marble counters

contemporary kitchen with large island

As one of the industry’s fastest growing markets, the quartz countertop (or engineered stone) is trending as a popular choice among homeowners because of select benefits that set it apart from ordinary granite. Our etherium® By E-Stone line of surfaces are stain, scratch and heat-resistant. Plus, they are available in a wide range of colors and patterns that can turn your space from ordinary to extraordinary. Quartz is a perfect fit for many areas of your home: kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, shower walls, tub surrounds, as well as fireplaces and flooring. Did we catch your attention? Check out our Design Inspiration page to help spark your design creativity.

Pros of Quartz Countertops:

  • Stronger than ordinary slab granite, which makes it extremely durable
  • Will not scratch as easily as other surfaces
  • Heat-resistant
  • Nonporous, so it is more resistant to stains
  • Does not require sealing
  • Won’t promote the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew
  • Often has a shimmer or sparkle that many homeowners find appealing
  • Easy to maintain, which makes it an ideal choice for bathrooms as well as kitchens, and beneficial to families with young children or the elderly, who may be susceptible to viruses or bacteria

Cons of Quartz Countertops:

  • Seams are visible 

Concrete

Large kitchen with white & gray counters and flooring with rustic decor

Known for adding a unique texture and color to a room, concrete countertops have been trending as a hot choice for today’s homes. Don’t let the name fool you. Just because they are made from a mix of general-purpose mortar, sand, and pigments, they can be customized to add uncompromising beauty to your home.

Pros of Concrete Countertops:

  • Customizable by staining or adding pigments to transform the surface into a unique look of granite or other natural stone
  • Heat-resistant
  • Virtually indestructible
  • Recyclable

Cons of Concrete Countertops:

  • Requires sealing
  • Can be hard on glasses, dishware and glassware
  • Stains easily
  • Porous in nature, making it likely to absorb and retain moisture

Slab Granite

Still considered one of the most appealing countertop choices because of its beauty and durability, this type of granite stands out for its natural stone characteristics, which make each slab unique for color variations, patterns, and shading.

Pros of Slab Granite Countertops:

  • Durable
  • Scratch-resistant
  • Stain-resistant
  • Heat-resistant
  • Water-resistant (when sealed)
  • Unique variety of colors and patterns

Cons of Slab Granite Countertops:

  • Expensive
  • High maintenance

Granite by Granite and TREND Transformations

L shaped granite foreverseal countertops

Granite and TREND Transformations engineers its own granite countertops to outperform ordinary slab granite by using a special proprietary product called ForeverSeal®, a polymer resin used to help strengthen and permanently seal the surface. This process enables us to produce engineered stone, which possess the following qualities that outperform natural slab granite.

Pros of Granite Transformations Granite

  • Stronger
  • More durable
  • Virtually maintenance-free
  • Never needs sealing
  • Stain-resistant
  • Scratch-resistant
  • Heat-resistant
  • Can be installed in as little as one day

Recycled Glass

Long before it became fashionable, Granite and TREND Transformations declared a commitment to implementing real-world processes that protect and preserve the Earth’s resources. We are proud to offer a vast selection of beautifully designed recycled glass countertops. These countertops are made from both post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled glass, which are then combined with varying binding substances. As with the previously listed surfaces, we use our own exclusive ForeverSeal® polymer resin in these countertops, which sets them apart as among the strongest and most durable models on the market today.

For homeowners who are looking for an exciting and new eco-friendly option in countertops, recycled glass is topping the charts for adding a modern and fresh look to kitchens and baths. And did you know that glass countertops could also be designed to be tempered, translucent, backlit, or even embedded into concrete? Pretty cool.

recycled glass countertops

Pros of Recycled Glass:

  • Heat-tolerant
  • Beautifully dramatic appearance
  • Scratch-resistant
  • Easy to clean
  • Eco-friendly
  • Nonporous (won’t stain unless set in concrete)
  • Customizable

Cons of Recycled Glass:

  • Can be chipped or broken
  • Fingerprints and water spots will be visible
  • Vulnerable to acidic substances

Marble

marble counter and backsplash

White marble bathroom

There’s no denying that marble is one of the most luxurious and timeless materials in the world. It therefore comes as no surprise that engineered marble countertops are trending as one of the hottest looks in today’s most stylish homes. Granite and TREND Transformations has captured the old-world style of marble and made it part of the etherium® By E-Stone collection. With all the advantages that come with our engineered stone collection, choosing marble for your kitchen or bath is an easy choice when you’re seeking a timeless and elegant look.

Free Design Consultations

Does your kitchen or bath need a refresh? A new kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity from Granite and TREND Transformations may be the perfect solution to making your home more beautiful than ever. Contact us today to schedule you free in-home, or virtual, design consultation.

Last Updated on January 16, 2017

According to Nancy Collop, MD, director of the Emory Sleep Center in Atlanta and president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, most of us need about seven or eight hours of sleep each night. Not getting enough of those precious ZZZ’s will not only leave us feeling sluggish and reaching for caffeine or other stimulants during the day, but can lead to health issues down the road.

If getting better sleep is one of your New Year’s resolutions for 2017, here are some easy tips to help you and your family fall asleep easier and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face your day:

  • Your Bedroom – A Sanctuary for Sleep

Keeping your bedroom dark, cool and quiet is a winning combination for setting the tone for a good night’s sleep. Using dark shades or curtains on your windows is an easy way to keep light out. To keep noise to a minimum, experts suggest using sound machines, running a fan, or even wearing earplugs to help diffuse outside noises that can come from traffic and neighbors (among other distractions). Studies show that most people sleep better when the temperature in their bedrooms is on the cooler side (around 65 degrees). A cooler room can aid in better quality sleep.

  • Stick to a Sleep Schedule

Jet lag isn’t just for travelers. Those of us not getting adequate sleep can feel like we just travelled around the world. Setting a schedule where we go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day can keep our bodies in sync (or circadian rhythm). This natural sleep/wake cycle is critical to maintaining good sleep habits and for being able to wake up feeling energized.

  • Power Down Electronics

Artificial light emitted from TVs, laptops and smartphone screens can play a major role in suppressing melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate sleep. Research suggests powering down your electronics at least one hour before bedtime. Listening to music or an audio book are great alternatives and can help you relax for a peaceful slumber.

  • Skip the Nightcap, Caffeine and Nicotine

Research suggests the avoidance of alcohol, caffeine and nicotine before bedtime can greatly increase your chances of getting a restful sleep. Alcohol has been known to disrupt sleep patterns and may cause nightmares and sudden awakenings.

  • Make Bedtime a Family Affair

School-age children require more sleep than adults. A study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) revealed that only 20% of adolescents are getting the recommended nine hours of sleep.

NSF suggest the following sleep guidelines for children:

Ages 3 to 5 – 11 to 13 hours

Ages 5 to 10 – 10 to 11 hours

Ages 10 to 17 – 8.5 to 9.5 hours

Ages 18 and over – 7 to 9 hours

Following bedtime rituals such as taking a bath, brushing teeth and story time are great ways of keeping children on a routine and maintaining a consistent nighttime regime.

  • Clear Your Mind – Don’t Count on Counting Sheep

Most of us would agree that our minds act like tape recorders at the end of the day, playing back the day’s events and clogging our minds with stresses, “to-do” lists and general worries. Experts agree it’s best to get out of bed if you’re having a difficult time falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night. It can be more stressful flipping around in your bed trying to fall back to sleep. One good tip is to write down everything that’s on your mind or anything that is pressing for the next day. Getting it all out of your head and down on paper is a great way to clear your mind and organize your thoughts.

We hope you’ve found these tips for a better night’s sleep helpful.  For more information on Granite Transformations, or to schedule a free in-home consultation, please visit us at www.granitetransformations.com.

 

Last Updated on January 22, 2020

Granite Transformations offers a spectrum of European-style glass and mosaic tiles that can be designed to beautifully enhance any room in your home.

We have selected an array of varying designs using both Granite Transformations products and others to offer you some creative ideas on how to use tile accent walls.

This striking accent wall brings a simple elegance to a seemingly quiet room.

accent-wall-1

Product: Granite Transformations Mosaic Liberty Opal Mosaic Tile

Wood tiles are one of the hottest trending materials today. Their earthy appeal brings a classic rustic feel to the room while adding interest and sophistication.

wood-tile-accent-wall

Here, the fireplace is the focal point. Mosaic tile encapsulates the hearth and wall, adding depth and grandeur.

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Vertical subway tile brings a modern, urban feel to this bathroom. Its classic style lends to unchartered design possibilities and allows the homeowner the freedom to express themselves however they choose.

Subway Tile Bathroom Vertical

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product: Granite Transformations Subway Amber Mosaic Tile

Dark tile brings a sense of the 1970’s to this retro room, as it is reminiscent of when wood paneling was a hot trend. The look is captured by the color, as the tile brings a feeling of luxury and charm to the room.

dark-tiles-accent-wall

With the stove as the focal point, this homeowner chose to enhance the area with a pearl-like mosaic to offset the shine of stainless steel.

mosaic-glass-accent-wall

Product: Granite Transformations Liberty Diamond Mosaic Tile

For more information on Granite Transformations, or to schedule a free in-home consultation to see how you can achieve one of these looks in your home or create one of your own.