Design Perspective: Mixed Granites and Accent Tiles March 3, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Ceramic/Porcelain, Design Perspectives, Natural Stone , add a comment
This kitchen is a good example of how to use multiple granites in one room. It also shows how you can use contrasting accents of the same material. Let’s dive in and talk more about what’s happening in this room that’s worth noting from a design perspective!
The colors in the room blend and compliment each other very well together. The silver and black flecks in the granite on the countertop and the floors subtly tie the plumbing and appliances together.
The use of a slab of granite on the countertops, the granite backsplash and the same granite cut into tiles on the floor shows how you can use the same material in different forms.
On the floor, there are granite dots placed in the intersections of the granite tiles. Some might say that the number of “dots” on the floor draws too much attention to the floor because the rest of the room is so simple and that a better use of the granite accent dots may have been to use less of them. Others may argue that the floor with all of the dots serves as a focal point for the room.
From an installation standpoint, using the same material for the accent tile as the field tile (main tile) helps with the ease of installation because the materials are the same thickness.
The good thing about this kitchen is that all of the major cost items in this room are all neutral choices. If the homeowners of this kitchen would like to change the look in a few years, they can easily do that with a BOLD paint color or wall covering. Another way to add some punch or WOW to this kitchen would be to add a backsplash. Adding a backsplash made of the same granite may be a little too much of a good thing, but a complimentary ceramic or porcelain tile or a stainless tile might be a nice addition.
What are your thoughts on this kitchen? What would you change? What would you add down the road?
Natural Stone and Ranges of Color and Movement September 9, 2009
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Natural Stone , 4comments
Natural stone can be an intimidating purchase when you first start shopping for new hard surface floors.
Are you the person that says: “I don’t want a floor that busy!” or ” I only want it if each piece and look the same” or “I would get tired of a tile with all of that pattern”. We’re here to help you understand how to shop for natural stone and overcome some of the common obstacles that come along with it.
One thing to keep in mind when looking for natural stone floors or tiles that are made to look like natural stone is that you want to look at more than one piece of the tile or stone to get a feel for what it will actually look like. Place a few pieces on the floor and walk back several feet from the selection of tiles. This will give you a more accurate feel for how the whole floor will look when it has been installed. Most people tend to look at one sample about 4 inches from their faces. Think about it, how often are you looking at your floor from only 4 inches away!?!
When looking at a floor as an overall picture rather than one single tile or piece, you begin to see that the more range of color and movement a floor has, the more it has to offer. For example, think about a room full of white tile. Now think about a room full of stone with lots of colors and movement. Which one is going to be easier to keep clean and hide dirt? Which one are you going to grow tired of more quickly? The more range and movement a floor has, the more it will hide dirt AND the more color options you have to pull from if you decide to change the colors in your design scheme. White or a solid color can get old and boring very quickly. Floors with color and movement allow you to change the things around the floor giving you a fresh new look without being limited.
Because natural stone is a natural product, it will have variations in color, sometimes texture and pattern. Don’t be intimidated by this. These features make your floor unique. Because no two pieces of stone look alike, you can have the same type of stone floor as your neighbor, but it can look completely different due to its origin. Who wants a floor that looks just like someone else’s? Celebrate the beauty of the range in color and pattern and embrace its uniqueness. Natural stone floors are timeless and stylish options that you can plan to live with for many, many years.
Call us today or come in to our store to give natural stone a chance. Our professional and qualified sales staff are here to help you every step of the way.
For more information on natural stone, click here. For information on natural stone tiles that are in stock, click here.
