We love our pets. In fact, we love them so much that millions are owned in the U.S. alone. Recent data from the American Veterinary Medical Association shows that approximately 65% of U.S. households own at least one dog and about 56% own at least one cat. That’s a lot of furry friends! Ask any pet owner and they’ll tell you their pets are a part of the family. And as we all know, after you’ve been away for a long day, your pets can’t wait to see you again.
Unfortunately, our evenings are busy cooking, cleaning, and doing evening chores. The great news is that you can still enjoy quality time with your beloved pets while in the kitchen. When you create a welcoming and comfortable space for your pet, they can join you as you spend time in your kitchen area.
So, how do you make family time in your kitchen more pet-friendly? Keep your furry friends in mind as you begin designing your new kitchen space. To help you out, we have gathered together some fun and interesting ways to turn your kitchen into a pet-friendly space.
Keep It Easy to Clean
When we talk about keeping it easy to clean, we often think about our countertops. After all, that is where we prepare our food. But when you have pets trying to hang out next to you as you work, you also need to think about the lower surfaces.
Choose kitchen cabinets that won’t show dirt and slobber marks as clearly. Whether you’re doing a full overhaul or just a cabinet refacing, you may also want to consider a material that doesn’t dent or scratch easily. A great choice is RTF cabinets from Granite and TREND Transformations. Easy to clean with just soap and water, and dent-resistant, they are an ideal option for pet-friendly kitchens. RTF cabinetry is also available in a wide variety of colors and styles, so you can fully customize your space.
Durable Flooring
We may not want to admit it, but our pets can leave our floors a mess. Whether it’s muddy paws on a rainy day or an accident while still in training, our floors need to hold up to whatever comes their way. Hardwood floors are not pet-friendly since they stain quickly and can dent and scratch easily. Today’s homeowners are opting for tile or granite flooring, which is easy to clean and maintain.
Granite and TREND Transformations offers the ideal flooring for the kitchen of your dreams that will also withstand the antics of your pets. Durable flooring options are available in a wide variety of materials, are water-resistant, easy to clean, and offer countless choices to suit your particular design style. A fantastic option is the granite collection. It is non-porous in nature and is also stain and scratch-resistant, so your pets can run free!
Countertops
If you have a cat or even a small dog, you know that no matter how hard you try to prevent it, they always end up on top of the counter. With particularly delicate countertops, this could lead to scratches or dents that cannot be fixed.
Protecting your countertop surfaces from wear, tear, and stains will keep your new kitchen looking beautiful for years to come. You can achieve this and get the countertops of your dreams with Granite and TREND Transformations. Our etherium® By E-Stone surfaces are stain- and scratch-resistant. We offer a wide selection to choose from, including quartz, marble, and recycled glass.
Island Dreams
Let your kitchen island double as the perfect hideaway for your pet. This clever built-in bed allows your dog or cat to join you during family time while keeping them out from under from your feet.
You enjoy family time around the kitchen table, so why not give your pet their own space, too? A feeding station is not only a great way to give your pet their own space to nibble, but also a convenient way of keeping everything in one place.
If you have a fenced-in yard, then a doggy door is a great way to give your furry friend the freedom to let him or herself out. It’s a dog-friendly interior design idea that is a win-win for you and your dog. And while it is called a “doggy door”, we know some cats who like to use them too!
Cats and dogs love to look out the window, so why not give them their own window seat to scope out the outdoor scene? You’ll love knowing where they are, and they’ll love the fact they have the best seat in the house. Plus, a washable pad helps keep the area clean and fresh.
For those times when you need to keep your pets away from the hustle and bustle, a sliding pocket door can be your “other best friend.” It’s another great dog-friendly interior design idea that is ideal for your pet-friendly home.
Now that we’ve covered some pet-friendly kitchen designs, it’s time to shed (pun intended) some light on other ways to make your home a place that is pet-friendly – from a décor perspective, of course:
Choose the right fabric – Some fabrics like velvet, corduroy, velour and chenille can be magnets for pet hair. Instead, choose smooth tapestries and synthetic fibers that can stand up to shedding and sharp claws.
Select the right paint – You may not be aware of it, but your walls can attract fur, which makes for an unattractive home. Avoid highly-textured walls that can be difficult to clean. Instead, opt for satin or semi-gloss paint that can help repel fur and keep your walls looking fresh and clean.
Consider the flooring – We may not want to admit it, but our pets can leave our floors a mess. Whether its muddy paws on a rainy day or an accident while still in training, our floors need to hold up to whatever comes their way. Hardwood floors are not pet-friendly since they stain quickly and can dent and scratch easily. Today’s homeowners are opting for tile or granite flooring, which is easy to clean and maintain, and both of which Granite and Trend Transformations can offer you.
How Granite and Trend Transformations can make your home pet-friendly
Granite and Trend Transformations can help make your kitchen – and home – more pet-friendly by helping you design a space that will work for all your needs (as well as your pet’s needs). We’ll help you select the best materials for the job, including countertops and surfaces that are stain and scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and will hold up against whatever your life may throw at it (including what may come from your pets).
Our design team enjoys working with our clients to select just the right products to create the pet-friendly kitchen they envision. We will work with you to ensure that not only are your style choices met but any functionality needs as well.
Are you ready to start planning your next home remodeling project? If so, find a Granite or Trend Transformations location near you and call to schedule your free in-home design consultation today. Our team is ready to answer any questions you may have!
Last Updated on July 11, 2018
If you’re in the market to buy a new home, you may have considered buying a fixer-upper. But how do you know if it’s the right option for you? Maybe you’ve been watching those reality television shows that give you a glimpse into the process, but the truth is, what you see isn’t always reality!
This month, we’ll help you weigh your options to see if buying a fixer-upper is the right decision for you.
Why you should buy a fixer-upper
Let’s face it, buying a fixer-upper house can be like finding a diamond in the rough. Older homes are known for having charm and characteristics not found in today’s newer structures. Plus, with some time and money, you could possibly double your investment. Whether the real estate market is hot, cold or flat, the truth is that any time is a good time to buy a fixer-upper, since the sale is immune to the temperature of the market. Sound good so far?
Here are some other reasons to consider a fixer-upper:
Save thousands of dollars on your potential dream house.
Live in a larger house in a desirable neighborhood (or better school district) that you may not have been able to afford elsewhere.
So, the question remains: Do you have what it takes to embark on what might seem like an insurmountable task?
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Do you have the vision and creativity to see the potential of what an older home has the potential to become?
Do you have the money needed to put into the renovations?
Do you have the skills to do some of the work yourself or enough cash on hand to hire someone?
Do you have the time to commit to the renovation?
Do you have the patience to live in a work zone while the renovations are going on (or another place to live while the work takes place)?
Are you willing to become a weekend warrior?
If you answered “yes” to most of the questions, then buying a fixer-upper may be the way to go.
Getting the renovation done
There’s no way to sugarcoat the fact that renovating a fixer-upper can be a long, tedious, and oftentimes stressful process. You can count on things going wrong (and sometimes very wrong), but with the right game plan and careful planning, you’ll be happy you stuck it out.
Here are some things to remember if you decide to take on a fixer-upper:
Determine a fair purchase offer (fair market value if the house was in good condition minus the costs of upgrades and repair costs).
Hire a reputable inspector to determine if the house is sound and to uncover any hidden issues in need of repair or replacement (e.g. termites, foundation issues, etc.)
Hire a reputable contractor to determine costs and if repairs are doable and cost-effective. (Get a written estimate.)
Hire professionals for any electrical, plumbing, and roof repairs.
Set a budget and build in a 10-to-20 percent buffer for unexpected expenses.
Expect delays and unexpected issues.
Pull permits, if necessary.
Invest in quality materials, because now is not the time to skimp.
Plan on doing some of the work yourself to save money.
For all the great reasons to buy a fixer-upper, there are a few that might well have you running in the other direction.
Here are some red flags to look out for:
Buying a house on a hill is never a smart idea. It can slide and cause foundation issues, not to mention the accompanying sloping lawns that are difficult to mow, driveways that are not flat, and having to lug groceries uphill.
Think twice about buying the house if you don’t like the property it’s sitting on. Remember that while you can change the house, you can’t change the location. If there’s not enough yard space already, there never will be.
Be on the lookout for hidden repairs – those ones you can’t see with the naked eye – which include electrical systems, plumbing, foundation upgrades, and extensive roof repairs. These significant improvements often do not raise the value of the house and can be extremely costly.
When repairs and renovations outweigh the ROI.
How Granite and Trend Transformations can help
After all is said and done, buying a fixer-upper can be a rewarding experience. After all, you’ve just designed your home exactly the way you wanted it (hopefully within budget), with all the modern amenities to suit your individual lifestyle. And don’t forget about saving on your energy bills. If you replaced windows, doors, flooring and appliances, then it’s like having money in the bank.
Kitchen renovation by Granite and Trend Transformations
When it comes to renovating your home, Granite and Trend Transformations can be your one-stop shop for all your kitchen and bathroom design needs. Our design experts will help you lay out the space (by how you want it) and select the right materials to fit your needs as well as those of the space. Additionally, our trained, certified installation team will install everything for you, so you won’t need to deal with multiple contractors; everything is done by us and we’ll guide you through the entire process. This will take some stress off of you and leave you better equipped to deal with anything else that might be going wrong with your fixer-upper at the time. Granite and Trend Transformations offer attractive cabinetry, stunning glass mosaic tile backsplashes, and beautiful, durable countertops and surfaces to help turn your fixer-upper into your dream home. Visit our Design Inspiration gallery for a firsthand look at our most popular kitchen and bath designs. Contact us today for a free in-home design consultation and see how easy it is to get started.
Happy house hunting!
Last Updated on July 4, 2018
Just as you can’t judge a book by its cover, the same goes for thinking natural stone countertops are better than engineered stone countertops. Let’s face it: Most people think natural stone is the “real deal,” so anything else just doesn’t stack up. The truth is, today’s homeowners are “seeing the light,” as the benefits of engineered stone countertops make it the better choice.
What is engineered stone?
Unlike natural stone, which is harvested from the Earth, engineered stone is a cut above. This is because it is made from real stone and then combined with a strong resin to make it even more durable and stronger than natural stone. Granite and Trend Transformations uses ForeverSeal®, a proprietary sealing ingredient which makes its surfaces stronger, more durable, and easier to maintain than natural stone – which is porous and costly to seal, replace and repair. With ForeverSeal® mixed right into the product, customers have peace of mind knowing their countertops will look beautiful for years to come without the need to ever be sealed. It’s luxury without the maintenance.
Why engineered stone is better
On the surface, natural stone and engineered stone can be virtually identical. In fact, consumers are doing double takes when they see how some of the latest engineered stone countertop designs are bolder and more exotic than ever before.
Extremely durable – Engineered stone countertops are unlikely to chip or crack and are heat, stain and scratch-resistant, as well as resistant to stubborn bacteria, mold and mildew, which makes them a truly hygienic choice (especially in bathrooms).
Low maintenance luxury – Unlike natural stone countertops, which need to be sealed every year, engineered stone countertops never need sealing, thus making them easier to care for.
Beautiful, consistent look – The look of engineered stone is consistent throughout, so what you see is what you get. This is not the case with natural stone slabs, which can include unsightly veins, inconsistent coloring and major pattern variations.
Eco-friendly – Engineered stone is nonporous, making it a safer surface than natural stone, which is porous and can be a possible breeding ground for bacteria. In the case of Granite and Trend Transformations, you’ll also be doing your part for the environment as our unique overlay process prevents tons of waste from entering landfills each year.
Guaranteed for life – Granite and Trend Transformations is committed to quality. That’s why our countertop products are backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty to give you the peace of mind you deserve for lifelong beauty.
Range of colors and styles – you can’t get the same range of colors and styles with natural stone countertops that you can with engineered stone countertops. Check out the selection of countertops and surfaces from Granite and Trend Transformations – you’re sure to find something you’ll love!
Seeing is believing
Would you like to see how engineered countertops would look in your home? Look no further than Granite and Trend Transformations. Contact us today for a free in-home design consultation. Our trained design consultants will bring the samples to you, so you can see for yourself, in your home. And as most jobs can be completed in as little as one day, your dreams of new countertops may be closer than you think.
Guaranteed for life – Granite and Trend Transformations is committed to quality. That’s why our countertop products are backed by a 
