Last Updated on November 5, 2020
Mood boards. They are one of today’s hottest trends for tapping into inspiration for virtually endless projects and possibilities. And when it comes to interior design, mood boards – or storyboards – are becoming an essential tool for opening a world of design inspiration and creativity for putting together the space of your dreams.
Whether you’re an accomplished mood board aficionado, or if you’ve never heard of this trend, Granite and TREND Transformations invites you to learn more about this fun and creative way to visualize your dream space while discovering new and exciting design trends.
What is a mood board?
Think of a mood board as a collage of motivation and inspiration. Over the past few years, creating mood boards has been kicked up a notch as technology and the digital age have placed the world of inspiration at our fingertips. Whether you choose to create a physical mood board by thumbing through magazines or put one together digitally by searching online sites via your mobile device, mood boards are a great way to organize your favorite looks while keeping up with the latest trends.
What is your mood or story?
Everyone has a story, or two. And moods? They can change by the minute. Mood boards are a judgement-free zone that can give you the freedom to change your mind and switch things up while keeping your design wish list intact.
Inspirational places
Seeing is believing. Imagining your dream kitchen or bath is one thing, but seeing it develop on a mood board can bring these dreams to life. Today’s savvy mood board gurus are turning to social media outlets such as Instagram as well as online sites like HGTV for design inspiration. Check out Granite and TREND Transformations’ Pinterest page and also visit us on Houzz for even more design inspiration. From colors and textures to cabinets and countertop surfaces, designing your own unique mood board puts all your ideas in one place and helps streamline your project when it comes down to choosing the right materials.
Want to create a Mood board? Check this out: 15 Great Tips on How To Create Awesome Mood Boards
Benefits of creating a mood board
Creating a mood board for interior design is fun and easy. And best of all, you can create one at any time and any place. If you need a reason to start a mood board, we have a few that just might spark your interest to start “pinning” on Pinterest or any of your other favorite places. Here are some benefits of creating a mood board:
- Keeps you motivated by having a visual of your dream home or wish list
- Reduces stress by organizing all parts of your project
- Fine-tunes details of your design idea or project, such as colors and textures
- Allows you to add notes, which can help expand on ideas and detail
- Can combine design ideas by mixing and matching styles to get a visual of the final project
Are you ready to tell your story? Contact Granite and TREND Transformations for your free in-home design consultation. Additionally, discover how our beautiful etheriumTM by E-Stone surfaces can add an extraordinary touch of elegance to your home and make your “story” come to life.
Last Updated on December 23, 2019
Whether you’re roasting chestnuts on an open fire or setting the scene for a cozy winter’s night, properly maintaining your fireplace is an important step to ensuring a safe and enjoyable time around your hearth. This month, Granite and TREND Transformations is sharing some important fireplace safety and maintenance tips to get you ready for winter, along with the best ways to get the fire burning.
Safety First
Before you strike a match, it’s important to take some preliminary measures to check that your fireplace is ready for the season. Here are some fireplace safety tips to keep in mind this winter.
- Experts agree to make sure your chimney damper is free of any blockages. Hiring a professional is the best way to have peace of mind in knowing that your fireplace will be operating efficiently and safely.
- Remove any ashes and debris from the firebox. Some experts say leaving an inch of ashes on the bottom of the firebox can act like insulation and help the coals heat faster and retain heat.
- It’s recommended that a fire should not burn for more than five hours.
- Never leave children home alone with a fire burning.
- Opening a window will help the room from becoming smoky.
Maintenance
Following some quick and easy fireplace maintenance tips can help you prepare your home for months of enjoyment.
- For perfect viewing, clean the glass doors of any smoke or heat stains by scraping them with a razor blade when the doors are cool. Then, use a fireplace glass cleaner to wipe the glass clean, and dry with a lint-free cloth or newspaper. A simple solution of vinegar and warm water or dishwashing liquid works just as well.
- The use of manufactured logs, clean seasoned wood, and non-glossy white paper are great ways to burn clean fires in your fireplace. They also help to keep maintenance at a minimum while reducing hazardous smoke.
- Check the adjustments on your dampers or air inlets to make sure the smoke that comes out of your chimney is not dark and smoky. This may indicate your fire wasn’t lit properly or is burning incorrectly. A properly lit fire should emit a thin stream of white steam.
- Protect your floors or carpeting by placing a non-flammable rug in front of your fireplace. You never know when a rogue spark may fly out and possibly damage your floor or carpeting.
Getting the Fire Started
Lighting the first fire of the season can be a momentous event. Here are some important steps to take for building the perfect fire:
- When it comes to starting a fire, kindling is said to be the cleanest and most efficient material to use in your fireplace. Burning resinous wood such as pine or evergreen can cause flare-ups which might leave creosote (a flammable, gummy deposit) in your flue.
- After you have opened the glass doors and pulled the screen curtains open, place the kindling inside and open the damper and a window in the room. (The window only should be open a few inches.) Experts suggest to avoid using magazines or newspapers as some of these can emit toxic smoke – due to the various types of inks used in the printing process – and might send burning ashes up the flue, which could possibly ignite a fire on your roof.
- Flammable liquids such as gasoline or lighter fluid should never be used to light or rekindle a fire since they can cause explosions, serious injury or even death.
- Once your fire is burning, be sure to keep the glass doors open to allow the air to cool your chimney. It’s important to keep the screen curtains closed to prevent any sparks from landing on your carpeting or flooring.
- Always use fireplace tools – never your hands – to handle burning logs.
After the Fire
- Keep the damper open and take caution when it’s time to remove ashes, since coals can remain hot for up to three days after the fire has burned out.
- When it’s safe, close the damper, put on a dust mask, and open a window in the same room as the fireplace. (This will help prevent negative air pressure.) You can now remove the ashes and place them in a metal container. You must then store the container far away from any combustible materials or surfaces, which also includes wooden floors.
We hope you have found these fireplace safety and maintenance tips helpful. Care to know about special surfaces that can complement your fireplace nicely? Learn about our beautiful etheriumTM by E-Stone surfaces. Contact Granite and TREND Transformations today for your free in-home design consultation.
Last Updated on December 18, 2019
We all have our own unique interior design style. Or so we think. With so many options available today, homeowners are second guessing themselves and rethinking – or overthinking – their selections. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to determine which design style suits us best?
Granite and TREND Transformations has taken the guess work out of determining which, out of the most popular design styles, would work best for you with a fun and interactive design style quiz. Discover if your taste is rustic, modern, traditional or eclectic. You might be surprised at your results. Whatever your style, Granite and TREND Transformations has the perfect balance of products which include our beautiful etheriumTM by E-Stone surfaces to create the kitchen or bath of your dreams. We make it easy by recommending products that fit perfectly in your curated interior design style!
TAKE THE DESIGN STYLE QUIZ
What’s your design style? Contact Granite and TREND Transformations for your free in-home design consultation. Discover the new way to renovate – the Granite and TREND Transformations way.
Last Updated on December 13, 2019
There’s no place like home for the holidays. It’s that time of year when going all out is never over the top. From decking the halls to preparing a cozy, well-appointed guest room, now is a great time to unleash your holiday excitement to create a welcoming and festive retreat for your family and guests.
Before you say, “Not another list,” check this one out. With so much to do during the holidays, Granite and TREND Transformations has taken the guesswork out of getting your home “holiday-ready.” The only thing left is for you to check it twice!
Create a welcoming entry way
Nothing says “welcome home” at the holidays more than a festive entryway. No matter your style, hanging a wreath on your front door is a great place to start. Here are some other beautiful ways to decorate your entryway that are sure to entice your guests to walk up to your front door:
- Place potted evergreens or poinsettias at your front door.
- Hang lighted garland around the doorway.
- Place battery-operated lanterns along the walkway.
Deck the halls and other spaces
Today, it’s all about placing holiday touches all around your home. Start by decluttering the main living spaces like your living room, kitchen and bathrooms. This will give you a clean slate where you can create your winter wonderland. Here are some festive and economical ways to add holiday cheer to spaces in your home:
- Create a cozy living room or den by swapping out or adding holiday-themed throw pillows and throws.
- Fill your favorite bowls with pretty ornaments or pinecones to add a touch of holiday cheer to your tables.
- For your kitchen, hang a wreath in the window or doorway, and set your table with some favorite holiday placemats and napkins. Or, consider creating a simple centerpiece of pinecones and fresh greenery.
- Bathrooms deserve some attention, too. Swapping out your everyday guest towels with holiday towels and adding scented candles or soaps are easy ways to make your guests feel special while adding a touch of the season to this space.
- Bedrooms are our sanctuaries. What then could be cozier than a holiday-themed bedroom? Start by dressing your bed with your favorite holiday colors and adding soft pillows and a throw. For an added touch, try setting up a small lighted tree. It’s an easy way to add a cozy feel to your bedroom – not to mention some extra light.
Be our guest
If you are expecting overnight guests this holiday season, now is the time to revisit your guest room. Your home will be their home for as long as they’re staying with you. Here are some ways to make your guests feel welcome, comfortable, and right at home:
- Make room in the closet and dresser drawers. Your guests will appreciate the space to unpack their belongings.
- Dress the bed in fine linens and a cozy comforter. Be sure to have an extra blanket or two on hand for cold, wintry nights. And, if you’re sheets and pillows have seen better days, now is the time to replace them. Your guests will thank you after a well-rested slumber.
- Keep fresh towels and extra toiletries like toothbrushes, lotions, shampoos, and even some holiday-scented bath and shower gels on hand.
- Place fresh seasonal flowers or greenery on a nightstand. Or, for a more special touch, set up a small lighted tree which will provide a cozy atmosphere.
Prep for less stress
Let’s be honest. The holidays can be a stressful time but preparing now can mean less stress later. Now that your home is dressed up in its holiday best, it’s time to get down to basics. Here’s a quick rundown of a holiday to-do list that you’ll be happy you checked over twice:
- Clean out the fridge and pantry. Check for expiration dates, wipe down shelving, and organize according to your holiday needs. Baskets and bins come in handy to keep what you need, where you need it.
- Plan holiday menus to include breakfast ideas, an open house, cocktail parties, and the main event.
- Stock the pantry and freezer with easy “go-to” appetizers.
- Stock up on essentials like bathroom tissue, cleaning supplies, coffee, tea, sugar, flour and other staples.
- Keep a well-rounded bar with essential spirits, mixers, wine, as well as non-alcoholic options.
- Take inventory of your stemware, flatware, and paper goods. Glasses break, utensils can go missing and paper goods will dwindle. Treat yourself to new ones and restock paper goods. Keep extras on hand for unexpected drop-in guests or impromptu gatherings.
- Have your furnace inspected.
- Check the chimney and fireplace and be sure to stock up on firewood.
- Clean the floors and carpeting.
- Test smoke detectors.
- Childproof your home if you’re expecting little ones to visit. Set up a “kid’s zone” with kid-friendly, age-appropriate games. It’s a great break for both the kids and parents while keeping them close enough where you can keep an eye on them.
Are you looking for a quick kitchen or bathroom facelift before the holidays? Learn more about our beautiful etheriumTM by E-Stone surfaces. Contact Granite and TREND Transformations today for your free in-home design consultation.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!
Last Updated on July 14, 2021
It’s rarely been said that one has too much counter space. In fact, lack of counter space is one of the top complaints of homeowners who wished they had more room to make their kitchens function more efficiently. Extending that precious kitchen real estate is easier than you think and doesn’t have to blow your budget. In fact, some minor tweaks can make extra counter space in the kitchen without costing you very much at all.
This month, Granite and TREND Transformations offers some solutions to gaining the counter space you need:
Clear the Clutter: If you are like some multitaskers, your kitchen might very well double as an office that has papers and bills piled on precious counter space. Experts say that at least one square foot of counter space can be gained just by taking paperwork out of the kitchen.
Store Small Appliances: Small appliances (like electric can openers, blenders and stand mixers) should only be kept on the counter if they are used every day. For appliances that are used once a week or less, experts suggest keeping them in cabinets, while those used once a year should go in storage. You will be amazed at the space you will gain and how much sleeker your kitchen will look.
Over-the-Sink Cutting Boards: The concept has been around for a while, but today’s cooks are embracing the idea with a fresh take on a simple solution. With new products on the market, you now have options such as an over-the-sink cutting board with a plastic insert that allows you to slide your freshly chopped food into the tray and carry it to where you need it (instead of the old use-the-knife-and-carry-the-board trick). Others are opting for larger and roomy cutting boards to fit over their cooktops. These cutting boards come in all different shapes, sizes and styles to fit any type of sink (or cooktop) you may have. Some also come with a collapsible strainer. Over-the-sink cutting boards and over cooktop cutting boards optimize limited area and make extra counter space in the kitchen.
Built-in or Pull-Out Cutting Boards and Surfaces: These clever gems are at your fingertips whenever you need them. Whether they are built-in or fit snugly underneath your countertop they are space-saving workhorses that are efficient without taking up too much counter space space.
Fold-Down Countertop: These clever surfaces can make extra counter space in the kitchen by turning an ordinary space into an instant countertop, tabletop or even desktop where your kids can do their homework, for example. It’s the perfect solution for cooking preparation, eating, or whatever you might need it for at the time, and then it folds down until you need it again. It’s a great way to utilize horizontal space without taking up too much room.
Utilize Wall Space: Using a wall mount dish drainer and shelving are great ways to free up space and de-clutter your counter.
Rolling Islands: These countertops on wheels are not only versatile but they can be placed and moved easily wherever you need them. A rolling or portable island can easily adapt into whatever you need it to be – a bar cart, server, or cutting board – it’s the perfect solution for the added space you need in a pinch. Most rolling islands have drawer space and lower shelving or cabinets for extra storage, making them the perfect host for your next party or holiday gathering. Just remember that if you don’t plan on using the rolling island year-round, you’ll need a place to store it. Dining rooms, covered decks or even laundry rooms are good places to park your rolling cart. And don’t be surprised if you find another great use for it wherever you decide to keep it.
Do you need extra kitchen counter space? How about upgrading your countertops altogether? Granite and TREND Transformations has today’s hottest kitchen countertop options. Contact us today to learn more about our etherium™ by E-Stone surfaces and see how you can transform your kitchen from drab to fab in just one day!
