A lot of what is discussed on this blog has been about kitchens. Although we do a lot of kitchens, we do just as many bathrooms. Bathrooms are slowly changing to a place to relax after a long day, so why not indulge a little? So what have we seen lately?
Vessel sinks– Undermount sinks may be a thing of the past. Vessel sinks are starting to become very popular in many bathrooms
Granite– Many people are moving more towards granite rather marble because of its low maintenance characteristics
Dual Vanities– Homeowners like the idea of his and her sinks, but having dual vanities gives homeowners their own space
Heated Floors– No one likes getting out of the shower or bath and stepping on a cold floor, so why not heat it?
Separate room for the toilet- Homeowners are starting to have a separate room within the bathroom for the toilet.
Entertainment area– Many bathrooms have televisions mounted on the walls
When most people think of a solid surface such as granite they automatically think of a polished looking surface. But, there are different finishes that a stone can have. For example, most marbles we prefer to put a honed finish on because scratches are less noticeable. Honing is a process that we only do to marble.
This is a picture of a honed piece of marble.
Granites can also have a less polished look. This different finish is called antiqued. The antiqued finish has a leathered feel to it. The shine is gone and the stone looks lighter. Also, the antiqued look will also lessen the visibility of small veins through out the stone.
This is a picture of African Tapestry Antiqued. Notice the lack of shine.
These looks can calmer and not as bold as the traditional polished look. They look great and are a wonderful option if you want something a little different.
Recently, I have noticed a lot of new trends emerging in respects to counter top surfaces. I have been talking about the different stones that are out there, and ones that we sell here at Italian Marble & Granite. But, I think I should address some of the new trends that people are interested in.
Butcher Block/Reclaimed Wood
Can stain
Absorbent
Cannot cut on, need cutting board
High Maintenance-Monthly sealing and oiling
Can dry up and crack if not properly maintained
Poured Concrete
Not durable due to sealers
Cannot place pots and pans directly on the surface
Cannot cut directly on the it, need cutting board
Joints tend to be large.
Stainless Steel
Heat and germ resistent
Scratches
Shows finger prints
Pewter
Will show little dents
Scratches
It is a softer metal
Many people want their kitchen to look environmentally friendly. But what is more environmentally friendly than natural stone, such a granite and marble. As mentioned earlier granite is the most durable of surfaces, and marble is not always the best choice for a kitchen. Another misconception is that granite and marble is more expensive. Well that is not the case because granites are marbles cost the same amount as CaesarStone (quartz surface), and IceStone (recycled glass surface) tends to be more expensive than granite. My biggest recommendation for anyone looking to remodel their kitchen, office, bar, etc is to go to your local granite stores. When clients come to Italian Marble & Granite we show them all the different options such as: marble, granite, IceStone, CaesarStone, Soap Stone, Slate, Onyx, Limestone, and more. But we also tell our clients all the benefits and disadvantages of using the surface. So, I would check out your local stores and see what products they offer and advice they have.
A stone that we just started selling within the last couple years is called Ice Stone. Ice Stone is a mixture between recycled glass and a cement composition. Recycling has become even more important within the last ten years, especially with the Green Movement.
What exactly does a recycled glass counter top look like? It looks a lot like CaesarStone, but has glass pieces throughout the stone. It comes in a variety of colors from reds, whites, and even blues. As one could imagine it does not look very natural. IceStone does not look like granite, but I do not think it is intended to. IceStone is good for people who are scared by the movement of granite and marble. Also, it is good for people who have a hard time knowing that every slab is different. IceStone, much like CaesarStone, is very consistent. What you see, is what you get. Whereas granites and marbles have variation in the slabs. Two slabs of marble may look different even if they are the same type.
IceStone has not been a huge trend here in Buffalo, New York. I am not sure if it due to lack of awareness, or if people prefer the natural stone. What do you think? Would you use it?
Lately marble, especially white marble, has been one of the trends of 2012. White marble is absolutely stunning in kitchens and bathrooms, but is it the best product to use?
We do not recommend marble for kitchens, bathrooms, or public bars. This is mainly due to the fact that marble is very porous. Therefore, wine, makeup, condiments, food, and more can stain the marble. Marble also scratches easily, so you cannot cut directly on it. So a kitchen that gets used very often, or a family with young kids should not necessarily have a marble counter top. BELIEVE US, we LOVE MARBLE. But, sometimes it is not very practical.
Now there are things that can be done, if marble is a necessity in your home. I will not deny that white marble is absolutely beautiful with dark cabinets, so if it is a “must have” there are somethings we can do. First we recommend that we hone your marble. Most counter tops are installed with a shinning finish, polished, but honing gets rid of the shine. The honed finish can hide the scratches easier. Also, we have a special sealer that can make the marble less porous. So, the ability for the marble to absorb wine, lemon juice, and etc are decreased. Applying the special sealer and honing the marble are not going to make the marble as durable as granite, but it will make it better.
Another option for people is to look at a granite that looks more like a marble or an engineered stone, such as CaesarStone. Although they may not be exactly what you are looking for they will be more durable.
A lot of what is discussed on this blog has been about kitchens. Although we do a lot of kitchens, we do just as many bathrooms. Bathrooms are slowly changing to a place to relax after a long day, so why not indulge a little? So what have we seen lately?
