Monthly Archives: February 2020

Last Updated on August 17, 2022

Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom is a large undertaking, something that takes a lot of planning and attention to detail. After all, you’re creating a unique space that you’ll use almost every day for many years to come. The first part of any project is designing your space, of course. But it’s not the only thing you need to consider when it comes to your project. Choosing which cabinets, flooring, and countertops to go with takes careful consideration.

Once you’ve selected the perfect countertops, flooring, and cabinets for your kitchen or bath, it’s time to have them installed. But, when it comes to the installation, who do you choose to get the job done right? Granite and TREND Transformations wants to help you cut through the red tape. We have broken down the benefits of using in-house installers from the place of purchase over outside contractors. Here’s what you need to know:

GT White Kitchen with Stainless Steel Stove

In-House Installers:

When it comes to working with installers contracted with the company you purchase from, there are a few significant benefits you need to be aware of.

  • Peace of Mind: In-house installers are specially trained to know the characteristics of their company’s materials and the proper method of handling them in the event of any unforeseen obstacles. This is a huge advantage and gives consumers the confidence and peace of mind knowing their countertops, backsplashes, flooring, and cabinets will be installed correctly according to product specifications.
  • Cost: Installation costs are typically built in, eliminating any hidden or last-minute surprise charges to the bill. Knowing what you will be paying upfront helps to alleviate stress down the road. Remodeling any part of your home is stressful enough—no need to add additional worry about hidden fees!
  • Timely Installation: Consumers can rest assured that their products will be installed in a timely fashion based on in-house scheduling. Retailers will typically schedule installation times at the time of purchase and provide a set day and time, taking the guesswork out of the installer’s availability. This allows consumers to tailor their own schedules around the installation, eliminating any stress or disruption in their daily lives. Additionally, as the installers are already working with familiar products, they can complete the installation in a timely manner. This ultimately saves you valuable time!

One-Stop Shop

You don’t have to keep track of multiple companies or contractors. Using an in-house installer allows you to have a single point of contact for your project.

 Benefits of Using Granite and TREND Transformations:

  • When you choose Granite and TREND Transformations to perform your installations, you get even more benefits! At Granite and TREND Transformations, we do not use subcontractors to install our countertops – all installers are employed by the franchise and are specially trained to install Granite and TREND Transformations’ products.
  • Installation costs are built-in to all Granite and TREND Transformations’ estimates.
  • We offer quick turn-around times on most jobs since there is little to no demolition required with our revolutionary countertop overlay installation process. Most kitchen installations are completed in as little as one day and bathroom installations are typically completed within 2-3 days (depending on the job).

GT Bathroom Counter with White Vessel Sink

Third-Party Installers:

  • Reputation: Using an outside contractor can be a hit-or-miss situation when it comes to finding a reputable company. Experts agree to get at least three estimates and check local agencies for consumer reviews and comments. It’s also a good idea to make sure the installer carries appropriate bonding and insurance and can provide references and even a portfolio of their work to give you an idea of how the finished project will look.
  • Selecting the Slab on Your Own: Purchasing quartz or granite countertops from a company without in-house installers could mean you’re visiting stone yards to select the slab yourself. If you choose to go this route, experts suggest hiring an expert installer to accompany you when making your selection. This will allow the installer to inspect the slab to ensure that it’s free from any faults or weaknesses that you may not be able to recognize. Plus, they will make sure you are ordering the correct size and specifications for your space. Remember, this expert advice comes with a price so be sure to include any fees into your budget.
  • Cost: The need to hire an outside installer/contractor for your countertop install could mean higher out-of-pocket expenses to you. You may find a better price on the slab, but the installation costs could off-set those savings. Costs will also vary greatly between contractors, so make sure you ask around and get multiple quotes. Don’t settle for the first quote you receive.
  • No Warranty: Keep in mind that you may not have any recourse or warranty if you choose to purchase your materials first and hire an outside contractor to install your countertop after the fact. This could result in higher out-of-pocket expenses to you if something goes wrong.

Working With Granite and TREND Transformations

Is your home ready for a new kitchen or bath? We have ample products to choose from so you can create the kitchen or bathroom you’re envisioning. Our beautiful etheriumTM by E-Stone surfaces can turn your space from ordinary to extraordinary.   Leave the stress behind and contact Granite and TREND Transformations for your free in-home design consultation. Once you’ve selected the perfect products, we can install your new kitchen or bathroom in as little as one day with no messy demolition.

 

 

Last Updated on February 18, 2020

Color is all around us and whether we realize it or not, it has a subtle but significant effect on our mood and well-being. “Color psychology” is the new buzz phrase today and homeowners are embracing it when they’re ready to choose a new color scheme for the interior of their homes. This year, Classic Blue (No. 19-4052) is the Pantone Color of the Year, but with hundreds of colors to choose from, following these simple steps can make the decision more “palatable.” This month, Granite and TREND Transformations is putting the power of color in your hands by spotlighting the best ways to use color in your home.

  • Choose a Small Room or Area: Experimenting with a small bathroom, hallway or even an accent wall is a great starting place if you’re not sure about color. Choose an area that can be painted quickly so that you can see your results right away to determine if it either makes you happy or you need to change it. It’s always a good idea to pick a favorite color from your favorite rug, accessory, artwork, or furniture piece that will “draw in” a color to be used as an accent or the main event. You can make a big impact in a small bathroom by adding some color.
  • Determine the Mood of the Room: Selecting the right color or even color palette for a room can have a direct impact on your mood and energy.
    • Master bedroom: When choosing colors for your bedroom, you should ask yourself if you want the feeling to be restful and soothing or more intimate and dramatic. A neutral color palette is usually comprised of cool, soft colors like blues and greens that tend to create a more soothing feeling, and stronger, more vibrant colors like reds and oranges create more intensity.
    • Dining and living rooms: Determine if you want these rooms to have a formal or more social atmosphere. Neutrals and deep blue-green tones create a formal feeling, while warmer and contrasting brighter colors command a fun and social atmosphere.
    • Children’s rooms: As much as parents like to make their children’s rooms bright and cheery, it is best not to choose colors that are too bright, since some have been known to lead to irritability and overstimulation. Experts suggest that some of the best choices are eggshell, light blues, pale yellows and lavenders.

There are so many fun and easy ways to create character in your home just by selecting the right color scheme for you. Whether you’re one to be more monochromatic or have a flair for drama and distinctiveness, here are some different ideas to help stimulate your creative juices to find the best color palette to suite you and your home:

Combining Cool and Warm Colors

This dining room strikes a beautiful balance– thanks to the cool blue accent wall and grey upholstered window seat. The green velvet chair and glassware round out the look while the green throw pillow adds just the right touch of contrast for a dramatic look.

Dining room with blue accent wall and grey upholstered window seat

Small Spaces with Big Color

Small spaces can handle deep, bold colors. This small area makes a statement with the deep crimson walls and dark purple curtains while also giving the space a purpose.

Work desk in front of deep crimson walls and dark purple curtains

Varied Finishes Add Character and Class

Using different paint finishes on different walls in the same room is a creative way to add character and personality. Adding a feature wall of mosaic tile can add vibrance and a focal point to the space, as seen in the kitchen below.

Black granite accent wall behind fireplace

Other color tips:

  • Decorate light to dark from bottom to top – your darkest color should be on the floor, slightly lighter on the walls and the lightest color on the ceiling.
  • Use colors you look good in – literally look at the color of your clothes and use those as a guide for your interior décor. If you wouldn’t wear anything in forest green, don’t make your living room walls that color.
  • Colors next to each other on the color wheel should be used for informal spaces, like blue and green.
  • Use the 60-30-10 rule – in every room’s décor, make sure to use 60 percent of a dominant color, 30 percent of a secondary color, and 10 percent an accent color.
  • Decorate honestly – if you put colors and décor in your home that represent you and what you like, people will appreciate it and respect it.

Colors naturally evoke emotion. That’s why when you stand in a red room you might start feeling hot. The chart below illustrates why colors evoke certain emotions and which rooms they lend themselves to.

Emotional Effects of Color

Is your home ready for a color makeover? Let Granite and TREND Transformations be your design partner. Contact us today for your free in-home design consultation to learn more about our beautiful etheriumTM by E-Stone surfaces.

Last Updated on February 13, 2020

Winter weather can give anyone cabin fever, especially if you have little ones at home. Be honest. How many times can you hear, “I’m bored,” before you’re ready to snap?

This month, Granite and TREND Transformations shares some easy and fun indoor activities for kids to keep them entertained during the winter. We’ve even found some out-of-the-box ideas to give back to your community and to nature. Some may require a little help from you, but once you’re set up, it will be time to find yourself a quiet corner (wishful thinking) to enjoy some rest and relaxation.

Make a birdfeeder

This fun project is an easy and caring way to teach children about nature while keeping them busy indoors. The best part is after it’s placed outside, everyone can enjoy some birdwatching as the feathered friends feast from your winter gift to them.

GT Birdfeeder made with pine cones hanging outdoors

  Here’s what you’ll need:

  • One pinecone (the bigger the better)
  • Peanut butter
  • Metal screw
  • Bird seed
  • String or twine

Directions:

  • Spread peanut butter onto the pinecone
  • Pour birdseed into a bowl
  • Coat pinecone with birdseed until it’s completely covered.
  • Insert small screw into bottom of pinecone and secure twine
  • Hang pinecone (now a birdfeeder) outside on your favorite tree

 

Karaoke/Dance Contest

GT Teenagers singing with microphone and confetti

Want to get the kids off the couch and off their phones? Try cranking up the music and have a karaoke and dance contest. Music and dancing are great indoor activities to keep kids active while giving them the opportunity to express themselves. If you don’t have a karaoke machine, lip-syncing to your favorite songs can be just as fun. Set the “stage” with toy microphones (hairbrush handles work just as well), put on some fun outfits and clear an area for a dance-off. Think of it as a modern-day version of musical chairs – without the chairs. They’ll need refreshments during and after their show, so be sure to keep water and snacks nearby.

Build a Fort

GT Children reading book with flashlight in tent

Kids love to build forts. And parents love homemade forts because they are a budget-friendly indoor activity to keep kids busy for hours. We say “budget-friendly” because you can build forts from items found around the house. All you need to do is gather any blankets that you’re not too attached to (they might get soiled along the way) along with all the pillows you can find. If you have any large boxes (like some carry-overs from the holidays), take them out, too. Boxes make great retreats. Give the kids some flashlights for extra fun and they’re ready to go. Either clear a space or allow the kids to find their own niche and let them build away.

Make Greeting Cards for Nursing Homes or the Homebound

GT Children laying on floor coloring

Kids love to color as a way of expressing themselves. Making handmade greeting cards is a heart-touching and thoughtful indoor activity to spread kindness to those who may be lonely or need their spirits lifted. Plus, it carves out family time while demonstrating the goodness of giving back to the community.

Have an Indoor Picnic

GT Hands of kids eating pizza on the floor

It may be too cold outside for a picnic. But you can still keep the fun going inside by having an indoor picnic. Lay a blanket on the floor and place pillows all around. Prepare your kids’ favorite finger foods, snacks and drinks (maybe some cocoa) and you’ll have a picnic setting within the comfort and warmth of your home. To warm things up even more, turn on the oven, but be sure to teach your kids the safety of staying away from hot surfaces. Once the oven is preheated, bake some cookies for a sweet treat. It’s a great way to keep little hands busy while warming up the house a little more.

Now is great time to start thinking about a kitchen or bathroom renovation. Contact Granite and TREND Transformations today for a free-in home design consultation. Our beautiful etheriumTM by E-Stone surfaces may be just what you’ve been dreaming of for your home.

Last Updated on February 4, 2020

Modern Day Valentine’s Day Ideas for Couples – and Singles

Valentine’s Day is taking on a new twist as couples and singles alike are celebrating this day of love in a whole different way. You don’t have to be in love to celebrate Valentine’s Day. In fact, one of the notions behind the holiday is to simply show your love – whether it be to a significant other, friend, family member, or even showing yourself some love with a “me” day.

Yes, the traditional hearts, roses and chocolates are here to stay, but the pressure of planning the perfect date night (or the stigma of not having a date) is being replaced with more relaxed and friend-friendly celebrations.

GT Red Roses and rose pedals on kitchen counter

And, don’t forget the month of February is a great time to show your home some love, too. Granite and TREND Transformations’ beautiful etherium® by E-Stone surfaces can make ordinary kitchens and baths extraordinary – with most jobs completed in one day.

This month, we have put together some fun ways of how everyone – singles and couples – can celebrate their best Valentine’s Day.

Couples night

Gentlemen: You can ease up on booking the trendiest restaurant in town this Valentine’s Day – unless that’s your plan. Romance is finding its way into unsuspecting and familiar places, making this day of romance less cliché and a bit more thoughtful. And, ladies: You can switch things up for your man by surprising him with some of his favorites, too. Here are some fun Valentine’s Day ideas to keep the romance alive on the holiday and throughout the year:

  • Home is where the heart is—What better place to spend a romantic evening than in the comfort of your own home? Busy restaurants can take the romance out of the night. Here are some fun ways to spend a romantic night together at home:
    • Champagne and music—Set the mood with your favorite love songs while sipping champagne or your favorite cocktails.
    • Candlelit dinner—If you choose to cook, it’s best to plan the menu in advance. Some couples love cooking together, while others would rather order in. Either way, setting a beautiful table and sharing your favorite meal together with no interruptions is a great way to enjoy a stress-free Valentine’s Day dinner. And don’t forget to include chocolate in the menu. Try chocolate-covered strawberries or a decadent chocolate dessert. It’s a natural aphrodisiac. Enough said.
    • Karaoke—Yes, karaoke. It may sound silly but lip-synching to your favorite songs is liberating and a fun way to spend the night together while enjoying each other’s company. The best part is that even if you can’t sing, your partner will love your carefree spirit in a no-judgement zone.
    • Movie night—Skip the lines and advanced ticket purchases and enjoy a movie night at home. Pop your own popcorn and munch on your favorite snacks while cuddled up on the couch in your comfy clothes. With the advent of streaming services and numerous cable channels, you can have access to thousands of movies. (Just be sure to decide on what movie to watch before the night begins.)
    • Video games—Ladies, this may not be your thing, but it might something your man likes to play. Indulge him for the night, and surprise him with some video game time. You can play together or have him teach you if you’re not familiar. It’s a great way to compromise – especially if he just sat through a romantic comedy movie with you.
  • Plan an activity—Skipping the restaurant scene and planning an activity is a great way to spend time together while experiencing your similar interests. Whether you surprise your partner or plan together, spending quality time with each other is what counts. Here are some cool Valentine’s Day ideas on how to spend the day, along with some others – depending on where you live in the country:
  • See a concert, play or show
  • Go hiking or camping
  • Go ice skating or skiing
  • Take a nature walk
  • Take a hot air balloon ride
  • Take a scenic drive and stop along the way for a romantic lunch or picnic
  • Plan a treasure hunt

Galentine’s Day Ideas

Single ladies are embracing Valentine’s Day with their BFFs by doing what they love most: Sharing stories, cutting loose, and having fun. Whether you’re hosting your own Galentine’s Day party or going out with your friends, we have some fun ideas for single ladies to celebrate the holiday together.

  • Singles party—First things first. Remove the romance and make it all about celebrating individuality and independence. Decorate your space with red and whites. (Skip the hearts.) Plan a fuss-free menu with a specialty drink or cocktail. (Be sure to offer non-alcoholic selections, too.) Organize a game night where everyone can get involved to keep the night moving along. If you’re having just a few of your besties over, make it more relaxed and ask them to come dressed in their comfy clothes or even pajamas. Surprise them with fuzzy slippers or a box of chocolate, and maybe plan a movie night with comfort food and snacks. And don’t forget to make time for camaraderie. You may want to crank up the music and have a dance-off. Dancing is a great stress-reliever and can be one of the best ways to relieve yourself of any burdens you’ve been carrying.
  • Night on the town—Going out on Valentine’s Day with your friends is a great way to show the world you don’t need a partner to feel loved and have fun. Choose a great restaurant, order some champagne and enjoy a fabulous dinner together, or plan a paint night or night on the town. Consider chipping in for a limousine or even a day of pampering at a fabulous spa or salon.

 Gentleman’s night

Guys matter, too. (Sorry ladies, it’s not always about you.) Men have feelings and aren’t thrilled about being alone on this day either. Here are some Valentine’s Day ideas for single men:

  • Treating themselves to a massage or beard trim.
  • Buying themselves something they’ve had their eye on for a while.
  • Lighting up a cigar and sipping a good whiskey, cognac or scotch.
  • Hanging out with friends and watching a sporting event, playing billiards, darts, or even a friendly poker game.

Contact Granite and TREND Transformations for a free in-home design consultation and see how easy and stress-free the process can be.