Why You Should Upgrade Your Fireplace When Renovating Your Living Room

Why You Should Upgrade Your Fireplace When Renovating Your Living Room

If you moved into a home that already had an existing living room fireplace, there is a good chance that it is a builder grade feature. This means that it was added to the construction as a budget item, and will not be as efficient or aesthetically pleasing as an upgraded fireplace.

Anytime you are planning upgrades in the living room, consider the following reasons to make the fireplace a priority.

Visual Appeal

The eye is naturally drawn to the fireplace in any room, even if it’s plain and outdated. With attractive upgrades to the exterior, it has the potential to become beautiful and inviting.

There are so many options that you can incorporate modern design elements with your own personal style to create an awe-inspiring feature.

Improved Efficiency

Old masonry fireplaces are only appealing for the visual benefit because most of the heat escapes through the chimney instead of projecting into the home. Even worse is the cold draft of air that it lets in when not in use. This makes the HVAC system work much harder to properly control the temperature that is set on the thermostat.

A simple upgrade to improve efficiency is to install a fireplace insert and well-sealed doors to get a much greater level of air control.

Zone Heating

An efficient fireplace that can provide enough heat for a single room allows for the option of zone heating. If you’re home alone or everyone is gathered in the living room, the HVAC system can be set to low or turned off.

The upgraded living room fireplace should provide more than enough heating to keep your friends and family cozy on the coldest nights.

Reduced Heating Cost

Any efforts to increase efficiency of the existing fireplace are going to put more money in your pocket. The less expense you pay for heating in the winter is going to cover any investment you make in the necessary fireplace upgrades.

A lot of household upgrades have the potential to increase value, and the fireplace is a smart place to begin investing. Speak with a contractor to find out the options to improve the look and functionality of your living room fireplace.

Understanding The Background Of Soapstone Countertops

Understanding The Background Of Soapstone Countertops

Selecting a countertop to install is not as simple as choosing the one that looks the prettiest. Soapstone countertops are a great choice if you value very low maintenance, beauty, and the durability to withstand all types of use.

What exactly is soapstone?

Coming from natural quarries, the soapy metamorphic rock has a distinct presence of talc. Soapstone Slabs that have a lower talc content are going to make better countertops because they are the most durable. A higher talc content is best for artistic use because it’s very soft and easy to carve.

Soapstone is not going to be as strong as marble or granite, but it’s easy to cut and install. Since the slabs are typically smaller when quarried, it might be necessary to match several pieces for a single countertop.

Why is soapstone such a great countertop material?

Unlike a lot of other popular countertops, soapstone is actually a heat conductor that can withstand direct exposure to a hot pan.

It is not going to etch from acids like harsh cleansers or lemon juice, so it’s great in a kitchen. The nonporous surface is so dense that it is not going to stain, even if dark liquids are not cleaned immediately.

Is sealing necessary for soapstone countertops?

No protection is necessary to keep soapstone looking as perfect as the day it was installed. It actually offers a bit of an environmental advantage because no chemicals are needed for fabrication or care.

What colors are available in soapstone?

All of the soapstone slabs are some shade of gray, but they can feature unique undertones of green or blue.

Every quarry is going to offer a unique material that might have some degree of veining.

What is required for soapstone cleaning and maintenance?

As mentioned, the majority of people that choose soapstone are looking for little to no maintenance. Soapstone resists bacteria and it’s non-absorbent so cleaning rarely requires anything more than soap and water.

If the slab is on the softer side, it is a good idea to add a layer of protection with a cutting board when preparing food. If scratches do show, it is easy to eliminate on your own by buffing with a sandpaper.

9 Trending Ideas for Refacing Your Fireplace

9 Trending Ideas for Refacing Your Fireplace

A worn or outdated fireplace is an absolute waste of what could potentially be the best feature in the entire home. There may be broken pieces of brick or stone accompanied by the wear of soot exposure over the years.

If you don’t feel completely satisfied with the style or condition of your fireplace, it’s time for a full makeover provided by refacing. Whether you choose to undertake the entire project yourself or trust the expertise of a professional, you should begin with a clear project plan according to your desired result.

Stone Resurfacing

Changing the surface of an old brick fireplace is as easy as attaching decorative stone panels. The pieces weigh less than a full stone, but you still get the same advantages of natural beauty and warmth in the room. Coordinate the colors and tones to match the existing decor surrounding the fireplace.

Large Bedroom Interior Stone Resurfacing

Tile Over Old Brick

Another easy solution for covering old brick is to apply decorative tiles to the surface. Larger matching tiles make for a quick project featuring a modern look, or apply smaller tiles for a more intricate design.

Implement Natural Granite

One great benefit of granite is that the natural stone is resistant to high heat. With a wide selection of color options to select from, it’s easy to coordinate the updated granite look with your decor style.

Surround With Paneling

If you’re ready for a large renovation project, add paneling around the fireplace to give it a built-in look. Continue further with the addition of built-in bookcases or other storage solutions that complete the wall.

Natural Gas Fireplace Surround With Paneling

Extend to the Ceiling

Don’t feel constrained to update the fireplace according to the current size. By extending the fireplace all the way to the ceiling, there is more surface to cover with the attractive stones and textures that you install. Stacking thin stones enhances the texture, or use large fieldstones to build charm and character. Preview looks that would go great with your existing interior space by using the stacked stone visualizer tool found here.

Install Your Television

The natural focal point of the average living room is the television set. You’ll want to show off the refaced fireplace once completed, so consider merging the two focal points into one area. Install the flat screen TV above the fireplace and use paint colors or stones to tie the two features together.

Family room with stone fireplace, Install Your Television

Add Wooden Accents

Layer planks of reclaimed wood over the fireplace as an effortless and rugged accent piece. You could also use wood to create columns to one side of the firebox or use it to create an entire mantel.

Complete With A Mantel

Speaking of the mantel, if the existing fireplace in your home is without one, then this should be part of the project. A basic style is easy to achieve if you want the fireplace to seem more complete, or you could go the extra mile to make it an extraordinary architectural focal point.

Complete With A Mantel

Attach Hearth Seating

There’s nothing cozier than warming up by the fire on plush hearth seating. It will come in handy to have extra seating when friends or family visit, and it’s easy to add seating that features extra storage drawers.

Kitchen Remodeling Trends for 2016

Kitchen Remodeling Trends for 2016

The value of your home can easily diminish throughout the years if you do not stay current with design trends. A few modern kitchen improvements will catch the attention of potential buyers to influence the desire to buy. Not to mention the benefit of enjoying the remodel efforts throughout the time that you reside in the home. We have compiled a list of kitchen trends for 2016 so that all of your design choices make sense.

Accentuate Neutral Shades and Natural Materials with Bright Colors

The first thought that most people have regarding modern design is the use of neutrals. Begin the entire design with this timeless element so that you have plenty of options to stylize in other ways. Soft whites, light gray, and browns are all hot shades for 2016, but they are paired with rich accent colors. Natural wood, bamboo, and stone materials are always popular design elements when you want to integrate different textures and colors.
Follow Flemington Granite’s board The White Kitchen on Pinterest.

Modernize with Thin Countertops

Bulk and thickness are quickly being replaced by slim, elegant countertops. Believe it or not, these thin countertops are still resistant to heat, moisture, or shock resistance with the elimination of extra size. A thin countertop is a great feature in a modern design, and quartz continues to lead the material options. There are plenty of eye-catching styles that feature different colors and unique patterns.

 

Simple Cabinetry

Plain kitchen cabinets are never in style, especially if they are worn out and old. Reach for a more spectacular look with frosted doors or decorative drawer pulls. As long as you emphasize clean lines, any renovations that you make are going to enhance the kitchen design. If the walls are already neutral, consider incorporating a touch of bright color to really make the cabinets stand out.

Rich Wood Flooring

Hardwood is always a smart remodel choice that features a multitude of texture options. Implementing rich tones into the flooring design retains the updated look for many years after installation, especially as part of a contemporary design. Warm browns, like mahogany, pair better with a more traditional kitchen style. Gaining popularity this year is the use of gray tones in interior design because it’s an often overlooked neutral option.
Kitchen in luxury home with cherry wood cabinetry

Stylish Lighting, Appliances, and Furniture

Despite what some may say about stainless steel, it’s a classic style that is not going out of style. The polished look is easy to match with other decor and you can incorporate some of the same elements in other parts of the kitchen. If you are looking for something new and unique, black stainless steel finish is available through KitchenAid. When it comes to the lighting aspect, 2016 continues the trend of statement lighting design. Don’t limit yourself to the necessary fixtures because additional lighting options make it easier to change the ambiance to suit your mood.

Metal and Glass Accents

Enhance the elegance of your kitchen with a mosaic tile backsplash or a mixture of metal materials. Glass is easy to incorporate into a tabletop or cabinet doors for a more open, chic style. Even if you prefer the look of cool metal options, both are very easy to clean and maintain.

Whether you want to update your kitchen according to next year’s trends, or you prefer to stick with timeless home improvement elements, we have plenty of ideas to offer. Set up a visit with our designers through the contact form so that we can help you pick out new materials and complete the remodel project to your specifications.

How To Choose The Perfect Natural Stone

How To Choose The Perfect Natural Stone

 

Adding the timeless charm of natural stone to your home is a smart investment, even if it’s only incorporated into small details.

Granite is one of the most recognizable and common stones, but there are so many other material options that you should consider.

If you prefer a more unusual option, onyx could provide a very unique feature in your interior design. As long as you do the research regarding maintenance requirements, it will be easy to find the right product among the vast world of natural stone types.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Try to find your natural stone locally if possible by touring different design centers and showrooms in the area.

Most companies allow you to browse samples so that they can order a stone similar to your preferred style. However, you need to understand that the slabs are each unique and it might be more of an advantage to actually visit our showroom. This ensures that you will get the exact slab that you want to use in your home design.

Not everything is about looks, but it’s a great place to begin narrowing the choices. Consult with an on-site expert to discuss the qualities of the stones you are most interested in using.

Once you have picked out a stone, decide on the finish that best suits your installation plan. A high polish is unsuitable for a bathroom floor, but it looks great as a countertop.

Some stones hold up better with specific finishes because they mask scratches that are likely to accumulate on softer surfaces. Matte or honed stones look the most natural, but a distressed stone offers the charm of an aged appearance. Discuss your preferred style and always ask to view samples to help you choose the perfect stone.

Granite

Granite is a valuable option in areas that require hardness, such as a kitchen countertop or fireplace surround. It can take on damage if you are careless, but it’s pretty difficult to create stains or scratches.

Granite Kitchen Countertop

Limestone

Limestone is exceptional as a bathroom surface or kitchen floor if you choose a quality piece. Maintaining the unique texture is easy if you take care to have it resealed as often as needed.

Limestone Bathroom

Marble

Marble is best for tub surrounds, a vanity top, backsplash, or flooring if the conditions of the area permit installation of a softer stone. It is absorbent, but take precaution when adding protection because lighter slabs may darken if a sealant is applied.

Marble Countertops

Onyx

Onyx is a translucent stone that features striking colors, such as jet black and bright white. Once sealed and polished, the stone can take on a very high gloss that is great for a vanity top or bathtub surround.

Woodland hotel - onyx bar countertop

Sandstone

Sandstone is naturally dense, but the actual level of durability may vary greatly from one slab to another. If you do intend to use as a bathtub surround or kitchen floor, consider having it sealed every few months to maintain the surface.

Sandstone Bathroom

Slate

Slate features a typically matte surface with unique clefts that offer an unusual appearance in flooring and countertops. Preservation does involve sealing, and you should limit cleaning to very neutral products.

Slate Kitchen Countertop

Soapstone

Soapstone is ideal for kitchen countertops and fireplace surrounds because it is very resistant to heat. Sealing is not recommended, and you can remove most scratches by lightly sanding or applying mineral oil.

Soapstone Countertops

Travertine

Travertine is very porous and actually has an appearance similar to a sponge, but the holes can be filled before installation. Otherwise, expect to make a constant effort to keep the countertop clean and dry.

Modern colorful Travertine bathroom tub area.

You are welcome to reach out through the contact form to schedule a tour of our natural stone showroom.

What are the latest styles in commercial restrooms?

What are the latest styles in commercial restrooms?

There are people with actual phobias of public restrooms because they have a reputation of being unsanitary and ugly. Consider the ambiance of the bathroom in your business to recognize the need to complete some important updates. It should be easy to find solutions that will make employees and customers feel comfortable and safe. You may decide that a few small updates are sufficient, or it might require an entire remodel to achieve your ideal modern design.

Touch Free Fixtures

Think about how many restaurants you avoid simply because they have a disgusting restroom. No one wants to feel that they are being exposed to filth and bacteria that could potentially cause a serious illness. The usual culprits are contaminated toilet seats and floors, but your greatest risk of exposure is actually during the process of hand washing. A total of 19 different bacterial phyla were identified by University of Colorado scientists collecting samples from public restroom surfaces. It’s not even safe to touch the exterior of a soap dispenser because it’s being contaminated regularly throughout each day.

Commercial restrooms are implementing touch-free soap dispensers, flushing mechanisms, hand dryers, and faucets to help visitors avoid contact with germs. It’s also easier for facility owners to maintain cleanliness with these innovative features.

Sustainable Materials

Public restroom products are put to the test each day by enduring frequent use during business hours. Manufacturers are beginning to recognize the value of using sustainable materials to improve the overall lifespan of their products. Engineered stone used as countertop surfaces is created from recycled materials to ensure a more durable final product. In fact, most recycled and renewable materials are suitable for heavy usage in an environment that is often damp or humid. High Density Polyethylene plastic is another recycled product found in most modern commercial restrooms.

Luxurious Design

Visitors are more likely to visit an establishment that offers a sophisticated and updated restroom. Stainless steel, granite, and other stone products are becoming trendy because they offer exceptional bacteria resistance and cleanliness. It’s easy to sanitize natural stone flooring, especially if you compare it to the grimy reputation of traditional laminate. Granite countertops are sleek, non-porous, and have the ability to make every business feel like a high-end establishment.

Get in touch with our team of designers by completing the contact form to find out about our commercial restroom solutions and products that we offer.

Get Your Money Back With These Top Kitchen Upgrades!

Get Your Money Back With These Top Kitchen Upgrades!

Increasing the value of a home with interior renovations is a goal that most homeowners have, especially if they plan to put their property on the market. As you already know the area that you should focus on the most if you want a return on the investment is the kitchen. This room has so much potential, especially if the home was built many years ago and has never gone through any upgrades.

Focus on the following areas of your kitchen and add natural or engineered stone whenever possible to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck.

Countertops

Upgrading outdated laminate countertops with natural or engineered stone is going to increase the value of your home exponentially. Why? Simply because natural stone and solid quartz countertops sell! It seems everyone wants granite these days – We’ve even noticed that renters are asking for these high-end countertops, too.

If you appreciate the appearance of a softer material, like marble, consider the option of mimicking it with a more durable engineered stone. CaesarStone, for example, manufacturers an exceptional line of low-maintenance, high-performance products that are created with the same visual features of natural marble or limestone.

Granite Kitchen Countertop

Cabinets

Think before you completely rip out all of your outdated cabinetry and end up sacrificing a large part of your budget. Refacing is a logical option if the cabinets are sturdy enough to keep. The least expensive way to update is to apply a fresh coat of neutral paint and get new cabinet pulls and knobs. Avoid doing anything that would turn off a potential buyer that may not appreciate your unique taste.

Walls

Collaborate with an engineer and electrician to find out any safe options for taking down walls or creating partitions. Open spaces are more appealing because it makes the room seem larger and brighter. This is really important if the room is on the smaller side because buyers may overlook a home for this reason alone.

Appliances

Don’t clutter your space with large appliances that are designed to do more than you need. If you want a return on your investment, the best thing to do is skip any big-ticket items that you don’t actually need. Consider the ways that you use the kitchen to entertain and cook so that you only upgrade the features that you will use the most.

Flooring

Stay away from laminate, linoleum, and vinyl when you have the option to upgrade to hardwood or stone flooring. Hardwood is very durable and attractive, but stone is going to provide more unique options. Granite kitchen tiles come in different colors from neutral beige to more unusual greens or blues. Travertine tiles are a great long-term investment because of the easy maintenance and are visually stunning. If you do decide to go with stone flooring, do the research to ensure that it’s suitable for the traffic and potential for exposure to spills in the kitchen.

Complete the contact form to begin working with our experienced team of designers on kitchen upgrades that are sure to provide a return on the investment.

With So Many Eye Catching Granite Countertop Colors, Which Do You Choose?

With So Many Eye Catching Granite Countertop

Every year more and more homeowners are discovering the benefits of granite countertops in their kitchens and baths. This surface is available in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, beige, blue and red. With so many options, it is a suitable option for any number of kitchen designs.These tips can help you choose the right color so that you will be happy with your granite countertop for many years to come.

Modern Look With Dark Granite

If you are looking for a modern look in your kitchen, you may prefer to choose a dark granite color. Dark granite pairs well with a contemporary-themed kitchen and is eye-catching when used with white cabinets. The surface is rather eye-catching when it is used in a kitchen that has stark white cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

Bold accents, like bright colored bowls on a kitchen island or an orange candles would also work nicely in such kitchens. Adding stainless steel appliances will make your kitchen even more eye catching.

In the Kitchen. Granite Countertop, Sink,

A Classic Look with White Granite

White granite countertops are classic and timeless, giving your kitchen or bath a luxurious yet comfortable look. If your kitchen or bath is small, white countertops will make the room feel open and airy, making your friends and family feel welcome.

White granite works well with dark cabinetry, lightening up the room and eliminating the feeling of stuffiness that dark cabinets can often create. To hide stains from cooking or beauty products, which can occur during normal wear and tear, consider a white granite countertop with a pattern .

White kitchen with white granite tops, island and hanging pot rack

Timeless Neutral Granite

Neutral colors in granite are perfect if you are seeking a subtle yet versatile look for your kitchen or bath. Neutral colors are elegant and allow you to accessorize with a wide variety of colors. Neutral granite is one of the most popular colors as it works with virtually every style of kitchen or bath, whether you are seeking a modern or a classic look.

Neutral colors work well with wooden cabinets and subdued wall colors as well as in rustic rooms with wooden floors and pedestal or country sinks. Like white granite, it may be advisable to choose a neutral granite with a pattern to help hide any marks that can occur during normal use, such as food spills, scratches or beauty product marks.

Timeless Neutral Granite

Choosing the right color granite is important as granite can last forever. Complete our easy contact form for more information on choosing the perfect granite color for your kitchen or bath.

Natural Stone Flooring is Trending, Here’s What You Need To Know

Natural Stone Flooring is Trending, Here's What You Need To Know

Every homeowner can appreciate the use of natural stone pretty much anywhere in the home. It has become trendy over the last few years because there is so much versatility in the ways that it can be used, from tiny tiles to large countertop slabs. Marble and granite are materials that most people are familiar with, but onyx and travertine are unique options gaining popularity.

Before you commit to a particular stone flooring, consider the options based on the requirements in the area of application. As long as you do the research, you are sure to find a material worth making the long-term investment.

Absorption Rating

Manufacturers use a specific rating of each material to specify how porous and absorbent it is. This provides an indication of how easily it will accumulate stains and take on damage. These 4 levels rank from the most absorbent to the lowest.

  • Non-vitreous: This type of tile should never be installed in an environment that might become damp because it will be damaged.
  • Semi-vitreous: Although these tiles can stand up to some moisture, they will require maintenance when exposed.
  • Vitreous: Ideal for mid to low traffic areas, this type of flooring tile material features the standard absorption level.
  • Impervious: High traffic and commercial applications require these liquid resistant materials because they are very easy to maintain.

Grading Your Materials

Thickness, size, condition, and shape are some of the qualities referred to in the material grading system.

  • Grade 1 is given to uniform materials that are of the highest quality.
  • Grade 2 materials typically have minor irregularities, chips, and other defects that prevent complete uniformity.
  • Grade 3 is typically used in rustic decorations or accent pieces because they have major flaws and are highly irregular.

Is Friction Important?

It’s not always necessary to choose a material with low traction, but this measurement is important in high-traffic applications. In most environments, a low coefficient of friction basically means that it’s going to get slippery. Flooring materials need to have a .6 dryness coefficient or higher to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Indoor vs Outdoor Rating

Use the above factors to decide if different natural stone materials are suitable for the application area. An outdoor environment is going to expose the material to dirt, moisture, and other elements that could cause damage. Avoid using non-vitreous materials outside and make sure that the coefficient of friction is high enough to prevent slipping hazards.

Oxidation

A problem that can arise when working with natural stone materials is the potential for iron to be present. It’s not man-made so there is no way to control the composition. If applied outdoors, iron will eventually oxidize and begin to degenerate through rusting.

We encourage the use of natural stone tiles and look forward to helping you decide on the best option for your desired applications. Call to schedule appointment or stop by to take a look at the options in our showrooms.