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Most kitchens have the same essential elements: cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. Most of the visual interest in the room depends on their variations in the materials and finishes. One area that is usually an afterthought in the design process is the backsplash.

The walls in between your kitchen countertops and overhead cabinetry may be minimal, but they have a significant impact on the look and feel of the room. Backsplashes of your kitchen counters also serve an essential function. Food, oil, and dust may accumulate over time. Moisture may seep into the walls and cause watermarks or discoloration. Without any design treatment, over time, they can make your kitchen look dirty and dull.

If you are looking for a way to dress up your kitchen, here are the latest trendy types of backsplash that you might want to try to incorporate in your design:

Reclaimed wood

Wood planks can warm up your walls and give them a rustic feel. The natural pattern of grains and knots and the deep variations of color on their surface make for an exciting backdrop. Properly treated and sealed wood will work great against stains and splashes.

Marble

Although it is one of the more expensive options, marble adds a luxe feel to any space. As a backsplash, it will be easy to clean and maintain and will last for many years without needing replacement.

Subway tile

One of the hottest trends in backsplash material is the use of subway tile. They can be laid vertically, horizontally, or in herringbone patterns. They add just enough character without being too distracting and can make traditional kitchen designs look more updated.

Mirror

A great way to dress up your walls and make your kitchen look more spacious at the same time is to use mirror panels. Mirrors also enhance and reflect the light in your space making it appear brighter without additional fixtures. They may require a few extra passes with a squeegee to clean, but the overall effect is stunning.

Embossed concrete

Concrete is an excellent way to customize your backsplash. You can use ready-made tiles for easy installation, or you can stamp your unique patterns. Concrete can also be painted for an even more intricate finish.

Textured Tile

You can add interest and depth to your walls by choosing a tile that has raised textures such as waves or mounds. Try sculptured slab above your counters for instant dramatic effect. These will go great when paired with basic or sleek cabinet designs. The key here is to use neutral colors so that the focus will be on the 3-D effect.

Metal

An unusual but practical material you can use is metal. You can choose to emboss it onto concrete backing, use stainless steel panels, or try finished bronze. Metal will make for easy clean-up jobs and serves as a handy magnet board for your travel magnets and important notes.

Stone

Granite, quartz, or any material used in countertop installation will also function well as treatment for your back walls. Try mixing them up in different patterns or combine them with other materials such as glass tile or rock.

Kitchen backsplashes should complement and enhance your chosen countertop installation. If you want to complete the look of your space and create exciting dimensions in your design, try one of these ideas.

Are you in need of backsplash and countertop installation experts in Seattle? We offer the best quality products and services in the surface industry. Call us today for a free estimate!

When your home is going through a renovation, or if you’re designing everything from scratch, one of the rooms that are fun to design is the bathroom. The bathroom is one of the important features of your house. It is where you wind down after a long day, slide into your tub, and take a long nice bath.

When you’re redesigning your bathroom, you want to keep in mind that it needs to fit your lifestyle and remain timeless. One of the key features of your bathroom would be the vanity top. A choice that would both be durable and stylish would be quartz countertops.

Quartz countertops are so elegant, long-lasting, and provide the luxurious experience you’re looking for. Here are some tips for designing the luxurious quartz bathroom of your dreams.

Match the modern design with timeless pieces

When redesigning your bathroom, you want to remember that its design must be classic, adaptable to the change of trends but still fits your lifestyle. Your bathroom is your escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. You want to make sure that the moment you enter the room, you already feel that you are in a state of calm.

The elegant look and patterns of granite countertops would immediately give you a luxurious feel, especially when paired with minimal bathroom decor and solid light colors for your walls.

Find the perfect base for extra charm

A great designer tip is to look for vintage vanity bases that you could use to place your quartz countertops on. The contrast of the old and modern would give your bathroom charm and personality. Because your bathroom vanity will be the focal point of your bathroom, you want it to make a statement but not throw off the overall look of your bathroom.

Play with colors

Quartz countertops are known for their simple and elegant design. Because of this characteristic, you can basically do any design you want, and it would still match your vanity top. Paint your walls with a nice olive color to promote harmony with your white granite countertop. If you’re not a fan of a dark wall, you can opt to go with an off-white wall, a black granite countertop with a white birch base, and statement decor that will still give you a luxurious bathroom vibe.

Be smart about storage

Though it might be tempting to go full-on and get a his-and-her vanity top, if space doesn’t permit, don’t go through with it and just be clever about your bathroom space. You don’t want to feel like you are cramped up in a small room when all you want to do is relax after a really long day from work.

By opting not to put additional unnecessary fixtures in your bathroom, you’ll be able to give your space more room for movement, and you can get that massive bathtub you’ve always wanted.

Conclusion

A quartz countertop would be the best option that you could select because it can withstand chips, scratches, and environmental stress, making it one of the most durable materials today. After redesigning your bathroom with granite countertops, you wouldn’t want to leave that bath again.

Granite Designer is a granite-quartz fabricator and installer based in Seattle, WA. We take pride in representing and selling top quality granite-quartz countertops from the leading stone suppliers in the region and have the right selection to meet your everyday needs and requirements. Contact us today to learn more about our granite countertops!

Kitchen countertops are a considerable investment in any home, whether they are made of granite, quartz, marble, and so on. You need to take care of them if you want them to last a long time and continue to serve your kitchen well.

Apart from daily cleaning, there are a few big no-nos that you should be careful to avoid. If you’re not careful, you risk damaging your countertops which might lead to further deterioration. Learn to avoid these mistakes by checking out the list below.

1. Don’t Use Abrasives

Abrasive materials, such as pads and scrubbers, should never be used on granite and other materials that are used for a modern kitchen design. Such materials tend to leave scratch marks on surfaces. Additionally, abrasive materials can destroy the sealant film on porous stone countertops.

2. Don’t Let Knives Come into Contact with Countertops

There might be times when you’re in a hurry or are feeling lazy, and instead of reaching out for that chopping board to slice an apple, you just cut it directly on the countertop. The knife then slips and makes direct contact with your granite or worse; you could even slice a finger.

The sharp edge of knives can damage the aesthetics and condition of your countertops. Next time, grab a chopping board or have it already laid out on the counter so you won’t have any excuse.

3. Don’t Use Acidic Cleaning Solutions

Cleaning solutions that contain strong acids can damage granite and marble kitchen countertops. Acidic cleaning products can destroy the sealant film that covers the mineral pores of the granite. On marble countertops, using acidic solutions will react with the material and will leave etch marks on its surface.

4. Don’t Let Vinegar Spills Dry

Vinegar is a good home cleaning solution, but not for stone countertops. When vinegar is left to dry out on a granite surface, it will erode the stone countertops that could cause dents or etch marks, or both.

5. Don’t Leave Spices and Canisters

Spices and canisters spread out on your counter may look aesthetically pleasing, but they’re not necessarily practical because they take up a lot of functional space. If you want to make the most out of your countertops, keep these spices and canisters neatly tucked away in shelves or pull-out trays instead. After all, those granite tops are made for working, not for display.

6. Don’t Leave Olive Oil

Olive oil will spoil when exposed to direct heat and light. Some people tend to have their oils placed on the kitchen countertop, usually next to the stove. If you think that’s convenient, wait until you pour spoiled olive oil into a pan.

7. Don’t Have Papers Lying Around

It’s natural for a lot of homeowners to have documents and other paperwork on the kitchen countertop. If it becomes a habit, you’ll end up with heaps of papers on your countertop that will reduce the functionality of your granite and pose a fire hazard. What you should do is to have a basket or a box to store your documents and keep them organized.

Conclusion

Maintain the beauty of your kitchen countertops, regardless of the material they are made of. A beautiful kitchen can say a lot about your home. Take care of your countertops as they’re a huge investment!

Looking for quality kitchen countertops in Seattle? We have a wide range of choices, and we only work with the best styles. Contact us today for an estimate.

When it comes to a home renovation project, the bathroom is often the most remodeled. You probably think of a new theme for your bathroom, consider replacing your bathtub and shower with new enclosures, or resurface your bathroom countertops and tubs. The same is true for your bathroom surround kits and other accessories. Your ultimate goal is to increase the overall functionality and enhance the aesthetic value of your bathroom.

If you ever plan to pursue a bathroom renovation project, here are five practical tips for you.

1. Set a budget for your bathroom renovation

A vital aspect of your bathroom renovation is your overall budget. Of course, you’ll only pursue a remodeling project that you can afford. You’ll have to spend on various materials for your bathroom project and pay for the installation services of a particular contractor. All these will add to your overall expenses, so check your financial resources and see what you can afford to invest.

2. Consider the maintenance cost of your bathroom

You need to maintain your bathroom, so think about your bathroom models and fixtures and how long they can last before you have them repaired or replaced. Choosing the right materials is crucial in the maintenance cost of your bathroom. Therefore, it’s best to strike affordability and quality when purchasing materials.

3. Identify the sizes of your bathroom models and fixtures

You have to determine the sizes of your models and fixtures and see how they all fit your bathroom. Before purchasing them, measure your bathroom’s space, including the vanity area, toilet part, and tub or shower. Once done, be highly critical of choosing your shower or bathtub enclosures, wall kits, and surrounds. Your ultimate goal is to ensure they all fit your bathroom space.

4. Understand the complex installation of your bathroom models and fixtures

Apart from the size of the fixtures and the space of your bathroom, you have to consider the installation. Depending on your bathroom renovation project’s complexity, you’ll probably hire a contractor to do the job. While bathtub surrounds, enclosures and wall kits are easy and quick to install, other models and fixtures may prove to be challenging. Hence, hiring a contractor becomes imperative.

5. Factor in the surround options and accessories you need

To complete the renovation project, you have to invest in small pieces and details. Apart from the countertops, vanity, and shower or tub, you’ll have to consider accessories like soap tray, towel hangers, and shelves. All these will complete your overall bathroom renovation project.

Conclusion

Transforming your bathroom into a perfect venue for your daily needs is such a great idea. However, doing so is not an easy feat as there are a wide range of bathroom ideas to consider and options to choose from.

Be sure to set a budget, consider the maintenance cost, identify the sizes of bathroom models and fixtures, understand the complex installation, and factor in the surround options and accessories. Ultimately, it’s best to work with the right contractor to turn your bathroom vision into a reality!

It’s time to turn your bathroom into a Zen-like space! We provide quality products and countertop installation in Seattle for your bathroom and kitchen needs. Let us transform your existing bathroom, so contact us today!

Your kitchen countertop is the most important part of your kitchen. Choosing the right countertop material is essential because this impacts the efficiency of completing your cooking-related tasks and allows you to make a statement with its timeless style and elegant look.

Kitchen countertops come in a wide variety of materials, including natural stone such as granite and marble. To help you choose the right kitchen countertop material that is right for you, read the list below to determine and understand their differences.

Prices

When choosing a kitchen countertop, it’s important to consider your budget. As for granite and marble, they do not come cheap and are considered a worthwhile investment. However, marble comes at a much higher price than granite.

Aside from the countertop material itself, don’t forget to take into account the complexity of the job required as this can affect the overall cost of your countertop. Check different countertop contractors first to see which one matches your budget, preferences, and needs.

Maintenance

Both granite and marble countertops require a level of maintenance. This ensures that it will last for many years to come and you can make the most out of your purchase.

Compared to various countertop materials with solid surfaces, such as ceramic tile, glass, laminate, or quartz, granite needs moderate maintenance. On the other hand, marble requires moderate to high maintenance.

When buying a kitchen countertop, make sure that you can keep up with its maintenance needs. For instance, when you accidentally spilled liquids to the surface of your countertop, make sure to wipe it up quickly. Also, avoid placing acidic materials to your countertop.

Durability

If you are choosing to buy between a marble and granite countertop, you must consider the hardness of these natural stones. This plays a major role in the durability of the materials. Both natural stone materials are resistant to heat, chips, and scratches. But since granite is harder than marble, it is generally more durable.

Meanwhile, keep in mind that both natural stone materials are porous, making it prone for liquids to stain and seep through them. While both marble and granite are durable, they should be properly sealed every 1-2 years. Otherwise, juice, oil, wine, and other acidic foods and beverages can damage the surface of the materials.

Appearance

Taking into account the appearance of your kitchen countertop is important to make your kitchen look visually appealing and create an environment where you will enjoy cooking and dining.

When deciding between granite and marble, both are considered beautiful options. Marble has large patterns that have colored veins. As for granite, it has specks that come in various colors, allowing you to choose a color scheme that matches the interiors of your kitchen. Some common colors that you can choose from are pink, red, blue, green, and orange.

Conclusion

Marble and granite make for excellent kitchen countertops because they are long-lasting, elegant, and luxurious. Make sure to remember the differences mentioned above to help you decide which material is best for you.

Whether you need high-quality marble countertops or the best granite countertops in Seattle, turn only to Granite Designer. Contact us today for a free estimate!