Resources Archives - NSG – Granite, Marble, Flooring & Cabinets in Houston and Sugar Land

March 15, 2016

Complete Guide to Custom Closets in Houston

By nsg_wp | Custom Closets, Resources

Closets can be incredibly effective for storing everything from clothes and shoes to beach bags and outerwear – you just need to step away from basic closet designs and enter the world of custom closets in Houston. Follow this guide to help you design the perfect custom closet for your needs.

Custom Closets: A Guide to Your Dream Space

The ideal closet for one person may not be right for you. Learn about a variety of storage ideas you can incorporate in your custom closet in Houston based on your lifestyle and personal preferences. Many of your desired closet features can be determined by your style identity.

Ideal Features in Woman’s Custom Closets

Shallow, velvet-lined drawers with separate compartments for necklaces, earrings and bracelets prevent your favorite jewelry from ever getting tangled again.
An accessory rack can hold scarves, belts and long necklaces.
Adjustable shelves can hold purses, sweaters and other bulky items you don’t want to hang up.
Cubbies showcase your shoe collection.

Features Needed in a Man’s Closet

A shoe rack close to the ground keeps shoes off the floor.
A tie rack organizes belts and ties to make them easier to find and help them last longer.
Shallow drawers store socks, undergarments and baseball caps out of sight.
Slide-out baskets can hold sweat pants, running jackets and other sports accessories.

If you share a closet with your significant other, consider taking one side while your partner takes the other to prevent stepping on one another’s toes.

Figure Out What Style of Closet Fits Your Needs Best

With various features in mind, it’s time to determine how much space you actually need to store you and your partner’s clothes, shoes and accessories. Finding custom closets that meet your needs is a bit of a balancing act. Each type has it’s own specific pros and cons; but here are a few features to think about!

Walk-in Closets

A large walk-in closet in the master suite is of course ideal. The size can still vary dramatically, from a few square feet to the size of a spacious bedroom. The larger your walk-in closet is, the more important dividing the space into separate zones becomes.

For instance, you should designate higher, harder-to-reach places for seasonal items that come and go. The level that sits right at your waist – also known as the “hot zone” – is the ideal place for things you access the most, such as shallow drawers holding socks and undergarments. Finally, you want to keep the floor space open for storing shoes.

If you have the space, your walk-in closet could certainly benefit from a center island. This increases storage and gives you a convenient place to set out clothes and accessories for the following day.

Reach-in Closets

When you have limited space or fewer items to store, a reach-in closet is appropriate. While a classic reach-in closet contains nothing more than a hanging rod and a shelf, you can install a custom closet in Houston to contain so much more. Cube organizers, drawer units, adjustable shelves and multiple hanging rods help you maximize storage space in a smaller reach-in closet.

You can even make use of the door itself by adding hooks to hang jackets on or over-the-door shoe racks to free up space in the rest of the closet. With a knowledgeable closet designer by your side, you can get more out of your reach-in closet than you ever thought possible.

Find Closet Systems That Work for You.

From inexpensive do-it-yourself closet systems to custom wood closets complete with detailed millwork, you have a wide range of systems to choose from.

Coated Wire Closet Systems

Possibly the most basic and affordable closet organization system, the Coated Wire Closet System is easy to install and generally offers limited versatility.

This economical choice is versatile and widely available from the home improvement section of your favorite big-box store.

Wire provides good air circulation and is easy to clean, but it has the appearance of being cheap and temporary. You can also have custom coated wire closet systems done; however, many designers recommend against investing in the money for that.

I would definitely recommend saving for a dream closet if you’re like me and you love organized and luxury spaces in your home. For just a little more money, you can opt for a Melamine Closet system that gives the appearance of a wood stain without the cost. Melamine’s are a great cheap alternative to a custom wood closet.

Melamine Closet Systems

Similar to a laminate floor, Melamine is made of resin-coated particleboard or fiberboard that gives off the appearance of painted or stained wood.

This is another economical choice – and most would argue a more attractive one than wire closet systems – but the quality of melamine varies. It’s really important to sample building materials that your contractor proposes for a project like this, so that you don’t end up with a lack-luster design.

Thicker boards and thermally infused products (as opposed to cold-pressed melamine) are preferred. With a melamine you can save on the cost of building your closet and get alternatives to wood systems.

Not only that, but you can somewhat tailor and customize what your finish looks like without spending huge amounts of money.

Melamine closets in Houston, much like custom wood closets, can be customized and drawn up in a huge variety of shapes and functions.

You can get custom shelving arrangements, drawers and cubbies included making them a crowd favorite.

Custom Wood Closet Systems

When money isn’t a huge object, the favored option for a custom closet is to get custom wood closets. Having a custom wood closet in Houston not only raises the value of your home, but it creates an inviting, luxurious feeling space that you’ll almost never want to leave.

Known for it’s durability and quality, natural wood built closet systems last the longest and resist ware and tare the best. Perfect for even custom kids closets, natural wood is a great way to build a dream closet that you know will last forever.

Wood closets are also preferred because of their strength. Your contractor can build in a seemingly endless array of add-ons to a wood closet without fear of structural instability.

Shop-built wood closet systems are the most attractive option, with features to rival your kitchen cabinets or living room entertain center.

While custom wood is the most expensive option, quality hinges, durable shelves and advanced features make it by far the most desirable.

Get Custom Closet Inspiration

Browse the web to discover different types of closet designs. Let these images inspire you as you plan your dream closet. Print off a few of your favorites and take them with you when you meet with your custom closet designer in Houston. This ensures everyone is on the same page about what you want the finished product to look like.

When you’re ready, please contact Natural Stone Gallery. We can help implement the closet styles, features and organization systems you need to make the most of every closet in your home.

February 15, 2016

custom cabinet options for houston kitchen remodel

4 Best Cabinet Options for Your Kitchen Remodel

By nsg_wp | Cabinets, Remodel Your Kitchen, Resources

Nothing affects both the appearance and functionality of your kitchen the way cabinets do. How do you narrow down the tremendous selection of cabinets available today? Whether you’re considering a total kitchen remodel or you simply want to upgrade your cabinets, follow this guide to help you choose the best Houston cabinets to suit your needs and style.

Glass-Front Cabinet Options for Your Kitchen Remodel

Eclectic Glass Kitchen Cabinets in Pheonix

Traditional Kitchen

Who says cabinet doors have to be made of wood? Create a different look in your kitchen by installing glass doors on at least some of your upper cabinets.

One major reason to choose glass-front cabinets is if you have specialty plates, crystal wine glasses or ceramic dishes you want to show off without taking up valuable counter space.

Another reason is to allow light to pass through peninsula cabinets. These create a really spacious feel and give your kitchen a super elegant look.

The added storage is practical, but if you have a peninsula in your kitchen, you may not like the way it closes off the space even if the glass cabinets allow light through for a more open feeling.

Don’t forget the possibility of decorative glass if you prefer to obscure the appearance of the items you store inside the cabinet. Frosted, etched, stained and colored glass are a few decorative options to choose from.

You can add colored dishes, vases, and knick-knacks to create some colored design elements without over-doing it on your cabinets. As a draw back, custom glass front cabinets DOES mean you have to keep organized.

Eco-Friendly Cabinets

Contemporary Kitchen by San Francisco Architects & Building Designers SB Architects

Whether you’re hoping to do your part for the environment by choosing eco-friendly building materials, or you want to clean up the air in your home, you have several attractive choices when it comes to cabinets for your kitchen remodel.

First, there are these formaldehyde-free cabinets constructed without particleboard, fiberboard or plywood.

These materials use adhesives that release fumes into your home. Bamboo plywood and agrifiber boards are formaldehyde-free for cleaner indoor air.

Another eco-friendly option is to purchase wood cabinets certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This ensures the wood comes from responsibly harvested forests.

Similarly, you can seek salvaged wood from old projects and put it to good use instead of dooming it to the landfill.

Finally, you can choose renewable materials such as lyptus or bamboo, as shown here. These species grow rapidly, yet they boast the same beneficial characteristics as hardwood, which usually takes decades to mature.

Two-Tone Cabinets in Kitchens

Farmhouse Kitchen

Mix-and-match cabinets in Houston are a trend that will stay around for the foreseeable future. When done right, two- or even three-tone cabinets can enhance your kitchen greatly.

This kitchen would certainly still be beautiful even if all the cabinets were brown, but the peacock blue accents provide a sassy energy that breathes life into the kitchen.

If you like the hutch-style cabinets shown here, dare to be bold by painting your own a different color than the surrounding cabinetry. Two-tone cabinets also serve to pull the wall color into the room. This provides continuity to the room and helps everything feel like it goes together without being an exact match.

Flat-Panel Kitchen Cabinets

Contemporary Kitchen by Toronto Interior Designers & Decorators Croma Design Inc

If you love a modern-style kitchen, there’s no better option than flat-panel cabinets. The clean lines have a minimalist appearance so common in today’s modern designs.

Choosing the right hardware to go with your flat-panel cabinets is important for achieving the modern look you want.

The tubular stainless steel bar-pulls shown here match the sharp geometric lines of the rest of the kitchen.

Modern designs tend to combine with industrial materials. In this kitchen remodel, wood cabinets are nowhere to be found.

In their place are flat-panel fiberboard cabinets with a white, high-gloss finish. Black tabs act as functional drawer-pulls and also provide a pop of contrasting color.

Flat panels lend themselves to being painted a bright, bold color, which of course fits the modern theme perfectly.

Choose a color you can live with for years to come so you don’t end up having to paint the cabinets again in just a few years.

How to Decide Which Cabinets in Houston are Best for Your Kitchen Remodel

Even after narrowing down your selection to these five Houston cabinet options, you may still hesitate to select one over the other. For help making a decision that will stand the test of time, work with a full-service kitchen and cabinet design company. Together, you can create a cabinet arrangement to match your current kitchen or design a layout to go with the renovations you have in mind. Your final choice is sure to complement the space and suit your tastes.

To learn more about having new cabinets designed and installed in your kitchen remodel, please contact Natural Stone Gallery today.

January 18, 2016

Custom Cabinets: The Houston Buyer’s Guide

By nsg_wp | Remodel Your Kitchen, Resources

The kitchen is one of the most exciting rooms in your home to renovate, and the cabinets are a popular feature to upgrade. You can expect your remodeling project to make you happy for years to come and provide a high return on investment – as long as you make the right decisions. To take a little pressure off, follow this Houston buyer’s guide to selecting custom cabinets for your home.

Choose a Kitchen Cabinet Style

You have three styles to choose from, which affect the price and quality of your cabinet installation:

Stock cabinets are mass produced and usually available the same day or within a few days of ordering. Sizes, colors and designs are limited, but the price is right if you’re on a tight budget.
Semi-custom cabinets are made to order based on standard sizes and styles. This added flexibility makes it easier to design cabinets to fit your specific needs. Just keep in mind that delivery takes longer because these cabinets are built after you order them. They’re also more expensive than stock cabinets.
Custom cabinets are the most flexible, high-end cabinets you can purchase. They accommodate special requests and work in oddly sized or irregularly shaped spaces in your kitchen. Starting from scratch, a custom cabinet maker can construct just about anything you need. While prices vary widely depending on the size, materials and other options, you can expect custom cabinets to cost more than stock and semi-custom cabinets.

Choose Quality Custom Cabinet Construction

Don’t take it for granted that an expensive cabinet is a high-quality cabinet. Learn what features to look for to help you identify and choose quality construction over a cheap imitation:

Cabinet doors shouldn’t vary much between price levels. Look for doors with solid wood frames surrounding a solid wood or plywood panel, as opposed to a medium-density fiberboard or veneered particle board panel.
Drawers must be well built because they get a lot of use over the years. They should be made of solid wood with dovetail joinery. A plywood drawer bottom should fit grooves on all four sides. Avoid particle board drawers that are simply stapled together.
Hardware affects the life of your kitchen cabinets. Drawers should feature full-extension glides rather than having an integrated side rail or under-mounted double roller. Choose the “soft close” feature if you want to stop drawers from slamming shut. Door hinges, knobs and pulls change the aesthetics of your kitchen and make drawers and cabinets easier to open. Make a selection based on your personal preference.
Shelves should be three-quarter-inch plywood. Thinner particle board shelves tend to sag under the weight of heavy dishes and cookware.

Consider Important Features

Extra features increase the investment cost, but they can make your life easier for years to come. Custom cabinet features to consider include:

Pull-out trash cans
Built-in charging stations for your electronics
Roll-out shelves
Spring-loaded shelves that swing up and out
Built-in pot and pan rack

Choose the Right Installer

To ensure you get everything you want and more from your Houston kitchen remodeling project, be sure to select your cabinet installer carefully. You can count us to provide sound advice and help you make the best cabinet upgrade for your needs and budget. Our quality custom cabinets are sure to add beauty and functionality to your kitchen for many years to come. Contact us for a free quote today so you can get started making your dream kitchen a reality!

January 10, 2016

Designer’s Guide to Quartz Flooring

By nsg_wp | Natural Stone Flooring, Quartz Houston, Resources

If you want to install stone flooring in your home, you’ve made a great choice! Stone adds a natural beauty and elegance that no other material can match. Now you need to narrow down the type of stone you want to install. Learn more about quartz flooring in this designer’s guide to help you make the right choice.

Qualities of Quartz

Quartz is a common mineral found in nature, but quartz tiles are engineered rather than being quarried from a mine. Pure quartz is white or colorless, and adding polyester resins gives it the rainbow of pigments, patterns and veining you’re used to seeing in quartz slabs and tiles. The resins also make the quartz material scratch resistant, stain resistant and nonporous. In this way, the manufactured material has all the durability of expert engineering and all the beauty of a natural stone.

Quartz has a hardness rating of 7. Diamonds are rated at 10, so it’s pretty clear how hardy and scratch resistant quartz is. For this reason, quartz is commonly used for flooring, countertops, shower walls and other high-use surfaces in both residential and commercial applications. The material isn’t easily etched by acidic solutions the way other stones are, and since it’s so hard, you can power wash quartz flooring at pressures up to 1,450 psi, as long as the grout is in good condition.

Limitations of Using Quartz for Flooring

While this stone is incredibly durable, it’s not impervious to damage:

High impact can crack or chip quartz. Fortunately, a professional can repair damage so cracks are nearly invisible.
High heat can scorch quartz tiles. A sudden change in temperature can also cause it to crack.
Quartz is meant for indoor use only. Direct sunlight can cause the pigment to fade and the tiles to warp or split over time.

Benefits of Quartz

When comparing different types of stone tiles, consider these benefits of quartz:

The stone doesn’t require sealing, buffing or reconditioning because it’s manufactured to be nonporous. It sustains its beauty and opulence without much maintenance needed.
The material’s high strength means it can withstand some of the most demanding conditions.
Natural and varying pigments let you choose the precise color you want.
Quartz flooring is a high-traction surface. This means it becomes less slippery than many other stones when wet, making it a good choice for bathroom floors.
If you spill lemonade, wine or other acidic beverages on quartz, it resists etching much better than other types of stone.
With proper care and maintenance, quartz is resistant to stains, mold and mildew.

How to Maintain Quartz Flooring

With such a strong, durable flooring material, maintenance requirements are minimal. Still, it’s beneficial to treat quartz tiles with care to ensure they maintain their beauty for many years to come:

Clean up spills immediately to prevent staining the stone. Blot rather than wipe to prevent spreading the spill around.
Place felt pads on the bottom of wood furniture to prevent scratching the flooring material.
Sweep the floor regularly to remove dust, dirt and sand that can scratch quartz tiles.
Clean the stone flooring occasionally with mild dishwashing soap and warm water. Avoid acidic, alkaline or abrasive cleaners that could damage the stone. Don’t use scouring powders or Brillo pads since these could scratch the surface.

For more information about selecting, installing and caring for quartz flooring, please contact us today!

January 1, 2016

modern wood granite kitchen design in houston

4 Best Kitchen Design Elements of 2015

By nsg_wp | Remodel Your Kitchen, Resources

A kitchen design remodel is one of the most exciting changes you can make in your home. With so many designs to choose from, you may need a little inspiration to help you transform your kitchen. Consider the unique features of the best kitchen designs on the web. Your kitchen design should adapt to your life; your life should never adapt to your kitchen! These 10 designs bring kitchens to the highlights of life.

Unique Kitchen Design Options Worth a Second Look

How often do you forget about the items stored in the back of deep cabinets? Pull-out shelves make sure you can reach everything with ease. By remodeling your kitchen so every cabinet has this feature, you’ll find that organizing and storing things in your kitchen becomes much easier!

This shaker-inspired contemporary space is a beauty to behold! The design is also highly functional. The island features drawers and cabinets on all sides for 360-degrees storage in addition to the shelving behind the island that serves both as a great eyepiece as well was functional storage.

The over-island lighting and under-cabinet lights near the sink make this kitchen a joy to work in, day or night and adds depth the design. Natural lighting floods in creating a great reflection on the granite surface of the island. Natural stone is used in the tile, counter for the island, and even the granite counter top around the sink.

Storage is the key to success in this kitchen. For a bonus, consider an island cook top to make cooking in this kitchen a joy. With the Houston heat, this room is sure to add a cool touch to the home in addition to being easy to clean and light.

Rounded Breakfast Nook for Entertaining

Remodeling your kitchen can be inspired by any number of things; but one of the most common reasons people remodel is to help make more space for their life. Instead of a breakfast nook, consider this kitchen design, which allows your family to enjoy one anothers’ company around the island. The unique round design makes the eating area more intimate and brings dining into the kitchen for space saving convenience.

Another alternative to the traditional breakfast nook, the rounded granite countertop allows even more people to sit and eat right in the kitchen. This built-in nook is the perfect way to bring diners and food preparers together in the kitchen, saving the formal dining room for when guests are over.

When you’re remodeling, make sure to consider your lifestyle. If you’re one to entertain often, consider adding something like the curved bar to accomodate your gifts and make that Friday night cocktail or dinner date much more social. Whether you’re relaxing on Galveston beach or you’re entertaining in downtown Houston, the custom granite counters in this design are perfect for any home.

Custom Closets in the Dining Room Remodel

Custom closets don’t need to stay in the bedroom; a custom pantry can completely transform the function in any kitchen. Walk-in pantries are easier to keep organized when they feature adjustable shelves, pull-out wicker baskets and vertical slots, as seen in this kitchen design.

Even if you only have space for a reach-in pantry, installing shelves on the back of the door is a great way to maximize storage space. You spend a lot of time in your Kitchen, put that time to good use by staying organized and amplifying every ounce of space.

On top of adding value to your home, a custom pantry can add value to your life. The one shown here does a great job of maximizing storage space while maintaining a luxury / high-end feel with the marble counter top to the left. Pantry’s are a great alternative for people who aren’t a fan of having a ton of cabinets and are often preferred because you can visibly see everything you need to get to without going cabinet to cabinet.

The Wine & Reading Island

If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen island, remember: it can be used for more than just storing cookware and utensils. With this unique kitchen design, wine bottles and cookbooks also have a home.

A second sink also makes food prep and cleanup easier, especially when multiple chefs are sharing the kitchen. As with most of the designs in this piece, the storage really makes this kitchen pop, and for those of us that love to entertain, having a solid island is one of the most important aspects to our Houston Kitchen Remodel.

You’ll notice that this space is also fully equipped with a subway tile back-splash and white marble counter-tops. As we discussed in our white marble guide, there’s more than one type of stone that’s more

December 30, 2015

natural stone flooring options in houston

Natural Stone Flooring: What You Need to Know

By nsg_wp | Resources

There’s nothing quite like natural stone flooring to add beauty and elegance to your home, both inside and out. Since stone is an organic material, no two tiles look exactly alike. This is a major draw to homeowners who want to achieve a unique look.

However, before you select stone tiles based on their appearance alone, here’s what you need to know about choosing a natural stone flooring material that will work best for the application you have in mind.

Natural Stone Flooring is Porous – What’s that Mean?

Stone is a porous material, which means it absorbs water and liquid spills. Stone tile manufacturers rate specific materials based on how porous they are. From most to least porous, these include:

Non-vitreous: Don’t use tiles with thisrating in damp environments or they could become damaged.
Semi-vitreous: Tiles with this rating require regular maintenance when exposed to moisture.
Vitreous: This is the standard absorption level for stone tiles. This rating is ideal for low- to medium-traffic areas and can stand up to moisture exposure.
Impervious: Tiles with this rating are ideal for outdoor, commercial and high-traffic areas where you want liquid resistance and very low maintenance.

Quality

Thickness, shape, size and condition are all important when selecting natural stone tiles. The tiles you select may be given one of three ratings:

Grade 1 is for the highest quality stone tiles.
Grade 2 products have minor chips and irregularities that prevent perfect uniformity.
Grade 3 is usually reserved for rustic decorations or antique replicas since they have major irregularities and flaws.

Surface Traction

If you plan to install natural stone flooring outside or next to a pool where it’s bound to get wet, you should look for a higher coefficient of friction. This means when the stone gets wet, the surface doesn’t become too slippery.

Stone Finish

The finish plays a large role in determining what the stone will look like and how slippery it is when wet. Finishing options include the following:

A polished finish creates a glossy, reflective surface.
A honed finish has a smooth, velvety surface and little to no gloss.
A tumbled finish creates a weathered, aged appearance. Chipped edges and imperfections make the stone look like it was just hewn from the mountain.
An antique brushed finish is another way to achieve a rustic, slightly pitted look by replicating the natural aging process.

Natural Stone Flooring Maintenance

Before you decide stone is definitely the right flooring material for you, consider the material’s maintenance requirements:

You should dust mop the floor frequently to remove dust, dirt and sand. These abrasive substances can scratch your stone flooring over time.
Place welcome mats or rugs at all entrances and ask guests to wipe their feet before entering to minimize the accumulation of dust, dirt and sand in your home.
Occasionally clean the floor with a small amount of mild dishwashing detergent or neutral pH stone cleaner. Avoid abrasive bathroom and grout cleaners, scouring powders, vinegar, lemon, and other acidic cleaners. Thoroughly rinse the surface after washing to remove soap residue and prevent streaking.
Blot spills immediately to help prevent staining. Don’t wipe spills as this could increase the stained area.
To remove stains, flush the area immediately with water and soap. Rinse and dry. If the stain remains, a stone stain remover should do the trick. Several applications may be required to remove tough stains.

For more information about selecting, installing and caring for natural stone flooring, please contact us today!

December 16, 2015

Buyers Guide to Marble Stone in Houston

By nsg_wp | Marble Houston, Resources

Looking for Houston marble options to help you remodel a kitchen or bathroom? We don’t blame you; marble is a beautiful addition to many rooms and motifs.

The best way to ensure that you get exceptional stone quality and your renovation goes smoothly is to get the details right. Accordingly, here is a stone buying guide. We’ll talk about the different uses to which you can put marble, take a quick look at various colors you might choose, and talk tips and tricks for choosing slabs and matching pieces.

When you’re done, you’ll be all set to select the best marble for you.

Marble for Countertops

Marble is a common stone for many places in the home. Among the most common uses for marble are

bathroom countertops
showers and bathtubs
fireplaces and hearths
bars in dining rooms or basements
office surfaces
other relatively low-use areas
kitchen islands, countertops and sink surrounds

In kitchens, where many people want to use them, they may be a little trickier to take care of, but the myth that they shouldn’t be used in kitchens simply isn’t true.

A common myth holds that you can’t use marble in kitchen because it will stain. Because it is very porous (like many types of stone) marble will easily absorb liquid that can discolor it. Often when this happens you can’t get the stains back out. However, if you seal it regularly, that won’t happen. Because it looks beautiful and resists heat well, it is often a good choice for kitchens, providing you care for it.

Marble for Flooring

Houston Marble is also excellent for flooring. It looks gorgeous, is easy to sweep, vacuum and mop, and takes on a beautiful shine.

You have to be careful with marble flooring, however. It requires sealant to prevent staining, which makes the surface very slick. Unlike slate or brick or other types of flooring, it can get extremely slippery, especially when it’s wet. Marble might not be the best choice for a high-traffic area that is frequently wet or muddy, especially if you’re running a business. However, as long as you keep it to areas that won’t experience a lot of moisture, or cover walkways in carpet, marble makes for a very elegant statement.

Marble Slab Color Guide

The truth about “Houston marble” is that it actually comes from all over the world! These different species of marble have many different characteristics, ranging from different hues to various veining patterns. What colors you choose to use depends largely on the theme you have in mind.

Most commonly, light colored marbles are used in commercial and residential renovation projects; but there are also a long list of colors that can help you make your project stand out. These colors come from impurities while the marble is being formed.

Among the huge variety of soft marble hues are

Then there are the medium shades, which often have vibrant hues. Consider

Rusty reds
Bright jade greens
Brilliant blues
Stunning oranges.

On the dark end of the spectrum, you’ll find deep browns and blacks, often with flecks of color in them, as well as dark greens and blues.

Matching Marble Colors to Your Theme

When choosing a color, it helps to keep the rest of your scheme in mind. If you want to make sure that your marble will complement your home décor, your paint, your possessions and your lifestyle, think through the following questions before ordering your slabs:

What color will the walls be?
How about the floor?
Will you be using the same towels, dishrags, dishes, window treatments, framed artwork, furniture and so on?
What kind of a “vibe” do you want the room to have? Light colors are often bright and cheerful; dark is understated and serious.
Will you have an accent wall, in which case your marble won’t be the main focus?

If your scheme has several colors and statement pieces all vying for attention, the result can be overwhelming. Stick to one color family and one central point of interest for best results.

Selecting Houston Marble Slab Options

Marble isn’t a fabricated item; it is quarried from deposits in the earth. That makes each slab a unique specimen. If you want to make sure you love your marble, you should choose each piece yourself. Look for long slabs; wherever possible, you want to avoid creating seams in countertops. For floors, the size of your marble pieces will depend on the tiling pattern you’ve selected.

It’s also a good idea to try to match pieces on bathroom and kitchen counters. The effect of two different pieces side by side can be jarring. The secret solution? To choose two pieces cut from next to one another and flip them so they reflect the same pattern. It deceives the eye into thinking a continuous pattern is at work.

If you have any other questions about selecting or owning marble, please let us know!

December 14, 2015

Buyers Guide to Granite Countertops in Houston

By nsg_wp | Granite Houston, Resources

Beach Style Kitchen by Rehoboth Beach Home Builders Echelon Custom Homes

Are you looking for quality Houston granite supplier to outfit your washroom, kitchen, laundry room, office or bathroom with countertops? Do you want the highest possible quality and the best fit for your home, lifestyle and color scheme? Do you feel like you have way more questions than answers when it comes to granite?

Never fear: we’re here to answer some of those questions for you. Choosing stone for your countertops is a big choice, and one you’re going to live with for years – more likely decades. It’s important that you make an informed choice that works for you. Let’s get started.

Houston Granite Countertops

There are several important questions when it comes to buying granite for your countertops, the first of which is, are you sure you want granite? There are several other popular stones for countertops, including marble, though granite is among the most often chosen because it is so gorgeous and durable at the same time.

Another important question is whether you will have a backsplash in your kitchen. This makes it easier to clean up after messes or spills, and ties into the color of the countertops, usually extending up the wall to meet the cabinets. While its common to use the same color, some people elect a different color, or use tiles to make a pattern. It’s up to you.

Choosing the Edge Style for Your Countertop

The next thing to consider is what you want the edge to look like. Are you happy with a simple square edge, or would you like it to be angled or beveled? Some edges have a scroll pattern, while others curve under slightly. Usually your granite slabs will arrive with your chosen edge already cut into the stone. Talk to your contractor or your granite supplier to find out more about edge types, including styles such as:

Flat Eased
Quarter Round Top Bottom
Quarter Bevel Top Bottom
Ogee
Demi Bullnose

… and more.

When to Use Granite

Another important factor is when to use granite. Unlike some other types of stone that have more specific uses – think slate – granite is pretty versatile. You probably don’t want to install it outdoors, where the finish might get ruined, but indoors the sky’s the limit. Use it for the bathroom, the kitchen, the mudroom, the laundry room or to add an accent to bars, dining room sideboards or offices.

Pretty much any time you want a durable stone that will last for decades, granite cuts the mustard.

Granite Color Guide

Granite comes in a wide range of colors, mined from granite quarries across the world. Before making your selection, it’s wise to look through the wide range of available colors to choose the one that’s best for you.

Many granite choices are simple shades like white or black with mottling or veining of different colors. That said, you can also get granite in a huge variety of bright colors, including

red
yellow
gold
green
blue
violet

Other granites are composed of a huge variety of different colors.

There are also manufactured granites, but these aren’t as nice. They have a different texture, and up close it can be obvious they aren’t real. If you want the full effect of beautiful stone countertops, you’re best off avoiding imitations.

How to Select a Countertop Stone

Choosing pieces of granite is highly individual, so while you can have your contractor do it for you, it’s probably best to do it yourself. The best approach is to look at specimens in a showroom to pick the exact type of granite you want.

Keep in mind that not all whites or blacks are the same, and depending on the colors in your kitchen, bathroom or other room, they may or may not mesh. So bring in paint swatches and wood colors with you when you go to look at samples. If possible, look at the slabs themselves and select the ones whose patterns and shapes you like. If not, let your supplier know exactly what you’re looking for and they can order it for you.

Wondering what questions to ask your contractor or granite supplier before signing on the dotted line?

Countertop Buying Checklist

Will you cut the countertop edge for me?
How long is this stone guaranteed for?
How often should I refinish it?
Is this stone recommended for certain areas of the house and not others?
Are there any uses that void the warranty?
Does this stone have a tendency toward staining?

If you’re looking for a Houston granite supplier, we can help. Let us know if you have any additional questions after reading this guide, or if you’re ready to get started selecting your new stone and beautifying your home. We’re here to help whenever you’re ready.

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