Request a Consultation
Get a Quote

Maximizing Small Spaces: Tips for Choosing and Designing Countertops

Whether you have a small kitchen or a cramped bathroom, you’re likely looking for ways to maximize your space and make the room feel a bit bigger. You may be surprised to learn that your countertops can significantly impact the look and feel of these small spaces, and the right countertop design can help make these rooms appear more spacious. Here are some tips for choosing and designing countertops that will help maximize small spaces.

Opt for Lighter Colors for Your Countertops

It’s well known that lighter colors can make a space feel more open, while darker colors can make a space feel smaller and more enclosed. This same principle applies to your countertops. They make up a significant portion of your kitchen or bathroom and, therefore, greatly impact how the space feels. Fortunately, many great countertop options can help you achieve your goals. Marble is known for its stunning white color with soft gray veining patterns. Additionally, granite, quartz, and porcelain are all available in a wide range of

[Read More...]
Categories: General

How to Choose a Countertop Color

How to Choose a Countertop Color

As one of the main focal points of your kitchen or bathroom’s design, your counters play a significant role in setting the tone and overall aesthetic of the room. With that in mind, choosing the right color for your countertops is a major decision that you’ll need to be happy with not only now, but also in the long run. So, if you’re not sure how to choose a countertop color, our team at Granite & Marble Design is here to help.

What to Consider When Choosing a Countertop Color

You’re not going to invest in new countertops all that often. So, when you do have new counters added to your kitchen or bathroom, you’ll want to think big-picture. As tempting as it might be to match or complement the color of your counters to the color of your walls, keep in mind that the paint and wallpaper colors are likely to change and evolve as your tastes do. The same goes for your accessories. Those will also

[Read More...]
Categories: General

How Do I Know If I Need My Granite Sealed?

How Do I Know If I Need My Granite Sealed?

Has it been a long time since you’ve had your granite countertops sealed? Perhaps you’ve never had them sealed and this is the first time you’re thinking about the possibility since you’ve had them installed. Whatever the case may be, you might find yourself asking: “How do I know if I need my granite sealed, anyway?” It’s typically suggested that you have your granite countertops sealed once a year, but there are also signs that will indicate it’s almost time for you to have them sealed again.

Indicators You May Notice When It’s Time to Seal Your Granite Countertops

There are a few visual signs to keep an eye out for when the time for a resealing project may be approaching. While it’s not all that common, granite can wear over time. So, if you begin to notice cracks, openings, or etch marks on the surface of your countertops, now is the time to have them sealed so th

[Read More...]
Categories: Granite Countertop

Quartz Countertops Pros & Cons: Are They Right for You?

Modern kitchen featuring dark gray cabinets paired with white quartz countertops

When you want to fall in love again with the aesthetic of your home’s kitchen or bathroom, investing in new countertops is always a smart route to take. Though there are a wide range of materials out there for you to choose from, it’s worth noting that quartz countertops have become a phenomenal option for homeowners. But are they right for your home? Let the team at Granite & Marble Design lead you through the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision.

The Pros of Quartz Countertops

No one can deny the eye-catching beauty that quartz countertops are known for. They’re made of crushed quartz and a polymer resin that acts as a binding agent, and they’re available in a wide variety of colors and styles. With quartz, you have more design freedom than you would with natural stone options like granite. And as attractive as quartz is, it’s ju

[Read More...]
Categories: Quartz Countertop

Do Quartz Countertops Stain Easily?

Do Quartz Countertops Stain Easily?Investing in new quartz countertops for your home’s kitchen or bathroom can certainly be exciting. After all, you’re giving your space an eye-catching new focal point that offers one-of-a-kind beauty. What’s not to like about that? There are plenty of visual benefits to upgrading your countertops with a stunning quartz material, but you may be wondering how well their appearance will hold up over time. Are they always going to look as good as they did on installation day? Such a question might lead to another one: Do quartz countertops stain easily? The good news is no, quartz countertops don’t stain all that easily. In fact, they are highly resistant to stains, meaning their phenomenal look will remain even when accidents happen, whether with spilled drinks or tipped-over sauces.

Quartz Countertops: Stain-Resistant, But Not Stain-Proof

Quartz counters are primarily made of polymer resins an

[Read More...]
Categories: Quartz Countertop

Use of Breathtaking Stone Types Among 2022 Countertop Trends

2022 Countertop TrendsAs you look toward 2022 and start dreaming up some upgrades you want to make to your home’s kitchen or bathroom, perhaps you’ve found yourself researching the top countertop trends for the new year. The good news is, you’ve come to the right place. One of the top 2022 countertop trends is the continued use of stunning stone textures, which is what we specialize in at Granite & Marble Design. Design experts are seeing their clients request more visually interesting materials for their new countertops, and we are proud to be the leader in natural stone surfaces. Plus, when you turn to us, you’ll get an eye-catching countertop that is not only trendy in 2022 but far beyond as well.

Which Surface Best Suits Your Home’s Interior Design & Your Tastes?

When you turn to Granite & Marble Design for a new countertop, you’ll have a variety of exciting options to choose from. We are proud to offer beautiful countertops made from:

5 Things to Avoid on Your Granite Countertops

Person wiping white and black countertop with white hand towelGranite countertops can certainly be a homeowner’s most treasured investment. While many people know there are things that can be done to countertops to keep them protected and looking their best, some may not realize that the realize that certain household items can have an equally adverse effect. Here are five things to avoid putting on or doing to your granite countertops:

1. Anything Acidic

At this point, you probably know that you need to periodically seal your counters. This protective layer is strong, but not totally invincible. Many acidic substances can damage this seal, so it’s best to avoid putting items like vinegar, citrusy fruits, and certain cleaners on your granite countertops.

2. Ignored or Forgotten Spills

We always seem to spill things at the worst times: as the pan is bu

[Read More...]
Categories: Granite Countertop

Are Granite Countertops Porous or Nonporous?

Spacious kitchen with new appliances, white cabinets, and grey/white/black countertopsGranite is a continuously popular material when it comes to countertops as it offers many benefits—most notably its strikingly unique colors and veining patterns. This appearance is due to the fact that granite is a natural stone; however, there is also a drawback. Natural stone is porous, which means it has tiny holes that allow air or liquid to pass through. Since granite is porous, there are some things to keep in mind if you choose it for your countertops.

Stains Are Possible

Completely natural, unprotected granite countertops allow liquid to penetrate the surface. So, any spills that aren’t immediately wiped up can get into the stone and stain it—even water. The beautiful look of your granite countertops won’t look that way for long if they end up covered in various stains. What’s more, if eve

[Read More...]

Should Kitchen & Bathroom Countertops Match?

Bathroom with grey and white countertops and white fixturesPerhaps the most exciting thing about owning a home is that you have the power to design it exactly how you want. This means you get to pick things like the floors, the paint colors, and the countertops. The two most common places for countertops are the kitchen and the bathroom, and as you consider options for these spaces, you might wonder if your kitchen and bathroom countertops should match. It’s your house, so the choice is totally up to you! However, here are a few questions to help guide your decision.

Are the Kitchen & Bathroom Close?

Is the bathroom in question a small powder room that’s right off the kitchen? When the two rooms are in close proximity like this, you may consider matching the countertops for coherency.

What Material Are You Using?

If you’re choosing a natural

[Read More...]
Categories: General

Do Countertops or Appliances Go First in a Remodel?

Kitchen with white cabinets installed but no countertops or appliances yetA kitchen remodel is an exciting process, especially when you’re completely updating every inch of the space. But if this is your first time remodeling a kitchen, it can be daunting trying to figuring out which order different components need to be installed. For example, do countertops or appliances go first in a remodel? This may initially seem like an insignificant detail, but it actually does matter.

Appliances Should Be Installed First

If possible, appliances such as the stove, dishwasher, and refrigerator should be installed before the countertops. Having them in place will ensure that they’re taken into account for the measurements of your counters. Plus, if you’re investing in higher-end countertops, you won’t want to risk technicians damaging them by installing appliances after the counters are in place.

Howev

[Read More...]
Categories: General