Monthly Archives: July 2019

Last Updated on January 6, 2020

Today’s pool owners are designing their pools with glass mosaic tiles. This hot trend in pool design captures the beauty of these stylish tiles to create pools that are works of art for backyards across the country.

Here are some reasons why glass mosaic tiles are a good choice for your pool:

Durability

Glass tiles are among the sturdiest surfaces for pools and spas because they resist chemical corrosion and other damage caused by changes in temperature. Glass tiles also last longer than other types of pool interior surface materials such as plaster or fiberglass. This is because glass can maintain its integrity for a lifetime.

Unmatched beauty

Your pool is the ultimate backyard accessory. Adorning it with glass tiles is not only a stylish way to add beauty and sophistication to your pool; its iridescent qualities also bring a sense of peace and tranquility. Glass also has reflective qualities to make your pool appear larger. Since mosaic tiles can be expensive, they can be applied only in certain areas of the pool – such as the steps, benches, the perimeter, the shallow end – to give your pool and upscale and luxurious look without breaking the bank. Mosaic tiles also have the power to evoke emotion in a similar way that gemstones do.

Vast selection of styles, colors and sizes

Many homeowners choose mosaic tiles because of the extensive selection of different colors, shapes and styles. The sky’s the limit when it comes to selecting pool tiles. Granite and TREND  Transformations offers an exquisite selection of glass mosaic tiles in a variety of styles, colors and sizes with a handmade artisan quality that outshines any other.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting the best glass mosaic tiles for your pool:

Set a budget

Every project should begin with a realistic budget and selecting glass tiles for your pool is no exception. There’s no doubt you will have a wide variety of tiles to choose from, but keep in mind there’s also a wide price range as well. Establishing a set budget beforehand can help guide you toward certain tiles and away from others, so you don’t go off the deep end (no pun intended).

Safety first

It goes without saying that the surface around your pool will be wet, so it’s important to select mosaic pool tiles that are slip-resistant to prevent slips and falls. Since the type of tile you choose for the outside of your pool (such as pool edges), will be different than the ones on the inside, be sure to have them treated to increase traction. It’s also a good idea to inquire about frost-proof tiles for colder weather.

Quality installation

Glass tiles can be tricky to install, so make sure your installer knows the material and has experience with pool tile installations. Inexperienced installations can cause uneven grout lines and even breakage very early on.

Your favorite color

Blue, blue, and more blue. That’s the standard for most swimming pools, but today’s savvy homeowners are switching it up by blending colors or trying something completely new. Green glass is on the climb as one of the hottest new color trends in glass pool tiles. Pool designers are also seeing the use of neutral colors (like tans) to get away from the standard blue. It’s important to note that experts agree: Blue and white glass tiles are preferred since they allow for better depth perception in deeper water; not to mention they reflect light well. Using dark floor tiles can distort that perception, making it a possible safety hazard since it makes it harder to judge the depth of the water.

As with any new design, it’s important to decide on a motif that blends with your home and personal style. Some people want to create a tropical paradise, while others are looking for a classic Mediterranean feel. Whichever you decide, it’s best to choose colors that are appealing to you and your sense of style.

A work of art

You can design a work of art for the bottom of your pool – like this amazing butterfly and palm fronds design pictured below. This can only be accomplished with mosaic tiles. This design was created for the Gallery Plaza in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but the craftsmanship and beauty would certainly carry over to a private residence as well.

Granite and TREND Transformations has a vast range of mosaic tile colors, patterns and styles, as well as custom options. Find a location near you to see mosaic tile samples and receive a complimentary quote for your pool.

Learn about other surprising ways you can use mosaic tiles in your home. Mosaic tiles can bring a space to life on an accent wall. Mosaic tiles offer endless design possibilities – discover them with Granite and TREND Transformations.

Last Updated on January 12, 2022

Marble is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious and timeless materials. In fact, some of the world’s most iconic wonders have been created from marble. Today, this ancient beauty is making a comeback as marble is topping the charts as one of the hottest materials for today’s kitchens and bathrooms. This month, we will showcase our Statuario Collection and suggest some new ways you can bring a touch of history into your home with the latest marble trends for your kitchen and bath, giving your home a modern and beautiful twist.

Waterfall Island

Just the name – “waterfall island” – brings to mind a sense of peace and tranquility. So, what exactly is a waterfall island? Before you imagine yourself on a tropical island with cascading waterfalls, let’s talk kitchens for a minute. Visualize your kitchen island with a standard horizontal countertop. Now, imagine the countertop “cascading” down to the floor on either side as seen in this beautiful photo. It’s a striking example of how our Statuario Collection can add a luxurious statement to your waterfall island. This latest marble trend in kitchen design is making a big splash with homeowners as the choice of a marble waterfall island countertop is becoming a show stopping centerpiece of art in their kitchens.

Here are some benefits of having a marble waterfall island countertop to whet your appetite:

• Adds a timeless and luxurious look to your kitchen
• Allows for an uninterrupted look at the marble’s unique veining
• Pairs beautifully with modern kitchen details such as stainless-steel appliances
• Blends flawlessly into any home style, from contemporary to new traditional
• Can be customized with drawers, lower cabinets, and a second sink
• Great for casual dining and entertaining
• Conceals bar stools

Floor-to-Ceiling Marble Bathroom Walls

Marble creates a show stopping look in any bathroom. From the visual impact of floor-to-ceiling marble bathroom walls to adding a touch of it in other places, this classically luxurious material takes center stage no matter where you choose to use it.

Here are some beautiful examples of how to create floor-to-ceiling marble bathroom walls and special touches:

• Wall-to-wall – For a striking look that never goes out of style, wall-to-wall marble is the way to go. From floor-to-ceiling and all around your bathroom, a wall-to-wall marble bathroom sets the stage for old-world elegance in a modern world.
• Accent wall – Using marble on an accent wall is a budget-friendly way to have the look of luxury in your bathroom without breaking the bank. If your budget is limited, you may want to consider a marble backsplash instead. When it comes to beauty and elegance, a little goes a long way to getting that marble bathroom
• Work of art – Marble stands alone as its own work of art, so it’s not surprising to use touches of it in the right place to create the “wow” marble bathroom factor you’re looking for. Using marble on the front of a tub surround or creating a marble wall design are two examples of how to apply this beautiful material in an artistic way.

Vanity Affair

If marble bathroom walls aren’t your thing, you may want to consider a bathroom vanity countertop instead. Installing a marble vanity countertop is a quick and easy way to show off your design style while gaining the luxe look of a marble bathroom.

Granite and TREND Transformations makes it easy to achieve all of your marble fantasies for the home. This is because our products, like Statuario, can be used in a variety of applications – above and beyond just kitchen countertops and backsplashes – such as bathroom vanities, tub-to-shower conversions, tub surrounds, shower interiors, and flooring, among other uses. To learn more about enjoying the look of the latest marble trends for your kitchen or bath, contact Granite and TREND Transformations for a free in-home design consultation.

Last Updated on February 25, 2021

Choosing a quartz countertop color for your kitchen may be easier than you think. You don’t have to be an interior designer to know what you like and what works in your home. By taking a hard look around your kitchen, you’ll be on your way to exploring the best color coordinating possibilities and choosing the perfect quartz countertop color for your kitchen.

Identify undertones

Identifying the undertones in the room is a great place to start in choosing a quartz countertop color. Look around your kitchen to determine the wood tones of your cabinets, and the paint or wallpaper colors on your walls. Depending on your personal color preference, you can choose complementary colors (such as dark cabinets with lighter countertops) or tone-on-tone, which keeps the colors in the same family.

Choosing the right colors

Choosing the right quartz countertop color is easier than you may think. Here are some simple steps to creating a beautiful kitchen:

• Select a cabinet color
• Choose flooring and a quartz countertop color that pulls in hues from your cabinet selection with just enough pop and contrast to pull it all together.

For example:

• Neutral colored maple cabinets would work well with a mix of light brown, white or gray colored countertops.
• Dark brown or espresso colored cabinets look great with lighter colored quartz countertops, like light brown, white or ivory with golden variants.

Complementary colors

For homeowners who are looking for an elegant, sophisticated look, choosing a complementary quartz countertop color will be their best bet. Here are some examples:

• White cabinets—White cabinets are the perfect backdrop to give you free reign to choose your favorite color combination. Let your creativity be your guide.
• Multiple color cabinets—today’s homeowners are switching things up by using two different colored cabinets in their kitchens. Whether it’s different upper and lower colors or an island showcasing darker cabinets in a white kitchen, the only thing to keep in mind is that your countertop color blends with both.
• Mahogany or cherry wood—red-toned cabinets look fabulous with countertop colors like dark green, green-gray or even greenish-blue with a grey hue. When it comes to appliances, stainless steel looks great with deeper, saturated colors such as red or vibrant yellow and helps reflect light to make the colors feel even bolder.

Beauty aside, did you know Quartz is the new granite in home renovations today? With extraordinary benefits like being non-porous, stain- and scratch-resistant, just to name a few, it’s no wonder quartz is all the rave.

Granite and TREND Transformations offers a wide range of beautifully crafted quartz countertops that can add a touch of class and elegance to your kitchen. Learn more about Granite and TREND Transformations’ exclusive selection of etherium by E-Stone^TM surfaces.  Contact us today to schedule your free in-home design consultation.

Last Updated on July 3, 2019

The summer sizzle is finding its way into today’s kitchens as things are heating up with exciting kitchen trends to transform your kitchen design from ordinary to extraordinary. This month, we will showcase hot kitchen trends for 2019 with some standouts that might even surprise the savviest homeowners.

Colorful Cabinets and Appliances

Adding pops of color in your kitchen design is one of today’s hottest kitchen trends, with shades of blue remaining the most popular color. Colorful cabinets and appliances can pull the room together by tying in hues from other elements such as a mosaic tile backsplash or window treatment.

 Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are topping the charts as sales of engineered quartz beat out natural stone materials in 2018. As light and bright décor gains momentum, white countertops continue to gain popularity as part of the newest kitchen trends with industry experts reporting a significant jump in sales from the previous year.

Engineered Flooring in the Kitchen

Granite and TREND Transformations offers a beautiful selection of engineered flooring that is a true standout in today’s kitchens. All of our surfaces can be used as flooring. (They can even give hardwood flooring a run for its money.) Although engineered wood, vinyl, and laminate are still popular options, stained concrete flooring is anticipated to be one of the new kitchen trends over the next three years as industrial-style kitchens are projected to be the next big thing.

Multiple Small Refrigerators

The days of having one large refrigerator may be a thing of the past as homeowners are changing how they configure their kitchen design. Personalization and customization are today’s buzzwords when it comes to using multiple kitchen refrigerators. Adding several refrigerators and freezer drawers in your kitchen can offer greater flexibility and accessibility.

Motion-Activated Faucets

Did you know more than half of the faucets purchased today have hi-tech features? Motion-activated faucets are among the hottest current kitchen trends, not only for their touchless convenience and sleek design but for economical water-saving benefits. Oh, and did someone mention “food safety”? Imagine rinsing or handling raw meat and not having to worry about disinfecting everything. It’s no wonder motion-activated faucets are becoming one of today’s must-have features in kitchen design.

Hi-Tech Features

One of today’s hot kitchen trends puts the power of technology in the palm of your hand – literally. The top three high-tech features to be on the lookout for in 2019 and beyond are mobile device accommodations which include the ability to control appliances with your smartphone, voice-enabled home automation platforms, and safety technology that alerts a cellphone of an undesirable situation. Read more about smart home technology here.

Mismatched Metal Finishes (Handles and Fixtures)

“Matchy-matchy” is a thing of the past as more than half of today’s homeowners are switching things up by mixing metal finishes such as nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and brushed or satin black. In the picture above, bronze-rimmed fixtures are a beautiful standout against nickel cabinet handles and pulls. It’s the perfect contrast to add beauty and interest to the space.

Expanded Kitchen Islands with Storage

It’s hard to find a kitchen design today without an island. In fact, most homeowners would agree their kitchen island is a favorite feature since it works double duty in one of the busiest rooms in the house. From providing added counter and storage space to offering a casual dining and entertaining area, kitchen islands are a paradise all their own.

Is your kitchen ready for a trendy facelift? Contact us for your free in-home design consultation today and see how quick and easy it can be to try out the newest kitchen trends.