GRANITE

As the homeowner, you might have your heart set on a certain look. Granite typically has proven to be the most-used material, says HGTV. No two pieces are the same, and it comes in a plethora of shades such as greys, whites, beige and corals.  With granite, you also get to choose your finish. Simmons Custom Granite points out that while certain finishes reduce the visibility of stains, all finishes can make your stone more durable, bring out the stone’s vibrant colors as well as reduce the porosity of the granite slab.

Polished, honed and brushed are the most popular finishes. Polished ranks as number one, as it will enhance the rich colors of your granite stone with its high gloss shine. They are also the easiest to maintain. As the least porous finish, polished counters don’t need to be sealed as often as the other types. Honed granite countertops, while looking as smooth as polished countertops, don’t give off granite’s shine. However, it doesn’t show scratches as easily, either.  If you’re looking for a casual feel in your kitchen, a honed granite countertop is a great option. Brushed granite goes the opposite way, giving off a rough look and bringing out the natural characteristics of the stone. With no shine whatsoever, brushed granite hides smudges and fingerprints better than the others. Homeowners should plan to clean daily to avoid staining and adding a polish to help reduce absorbency and staining. Brushed granite has always been a good option for outdoor entertaining; only more recently has it been a choice for indoors.

Beyond granite, other natural stone materials, like marble, limestone and soapstone, require delicate use and greater care. Don’t forget that all stone countertops must be sealed periodically.

WOOD

Plank-style wood countertops are gaining popularity, as more and more designers are turning to it for the striking effect it has in the kitchen. A wood counter invites a warm, homey feel into a kitchen, and is always a conversation-starter. Today’s products make them easy to clean and maintain, as any scratches can be easily sanded out. Whether you choose the mild grain pattern of Hard Maple or prefer the more rustic flow of Ash for your wood countertop, wood offers a magnificent look every time. Make sure to oil seal the surface regularly to prevent water damage.

OTHER STONE OPTIONS

HGTV lists quartz as a favorite countertop material. Quartz countertops are virtually maintenance-free, as well as resistant to scratching, heat, acid, stains and impact bruising. They also point to marble, which helps to disguise wear and hides light stains. Marble is pricier, but looks worth every penny paid for it, but will require regular sealing with something acidic to prevent etching.

STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless steel adds a modern, industrial look to your kitchen. The metal surface goes well with any color and all spills don’t stain, just wipe ‘em up with a cloth and mild soap. It’s also the most hygienic countertop out there as the metal inhibits bacterial buildup.

GLASS

Glass counters offer a sleek look, as well as many other benefits. Its nonporous surface makes it stain resistant and hygienic, just like stainless steel. Tempered glass that is at least an inch thick will offer the greatest durability.

Concrete countertops, which can be completely customized with pigments, are gaining popularity. Concrete is available in three different finishes, says HGTV: trowel (smooth), ground (sanded to expose the sand aggregate) and pressed (a tool is used to reveal marblelike veining). It mixes well with other materials like glass, tile and marble to create a singular, eye-pleasing look. Concrete is also energy-efficient; as the temperature in your home rises, the concrete will capture the heat and release it when the temperature goes down. However, keep in mind that sudden changes in temperature may cause concrete to warp or curl.  Damp sponges left on the counter can cause discoloration and acidic spills may etch the surface. Its best to seal them up to four times per year and wax with a paste every two to three months.

While deciding on your countertop material, keep in mind all color options as well. The Spruce offers great tips on this decision.

J. Sweet Construction has many years’ experience designing luxury countertops for the most discriminating customers. Look at our Gallery for examples, and contact us today so we can get started on your project.

The post COUNTERTOP OPTIONS first appeared on Dragon Horse Ad Agency.

Choose a wall, maybe an accent wall, and cover the whole thing with mirrors. Mirror is inexpensive and will make your bathroom appear brighter and larger. And hey, more mirror, the easier it will be to get dressed and check your look before presenting it to the world, yeah?

Terrazzo, that graphically speckled surface, has resurfaced as an option for your 2019 bathroom do-over. Its freckled pattern, complete with a few blemishes (It’s a look…), gives Terrazzo that pizzazz that works well with most design styles. Just watch out for the original Terrazzo movement’s color choices of salmons, pastels and yellows. Opt instead for a brighter, more modern color to complement your bathroom.

Another trend in 2019’s bathroom surfaces is white and grey marble, says Ariel Okin of Ariel Okin Interiors. A timeless classic, marble works in both traditional and modern designs and works well for resale value. Quickly replacing tiled, grouted shower floors and walls, man-made materials like quartz and porcelain tiles look like natural stones, hold up for years, and never go out of style. Designer Carolyn Pressly concurs that a luxurious large marble slab floor also acts to hide liner drainage lines beneath. Sandblast it for a non-slip surface, match it to the walls and this bathroom will speak for itself.

Wasn’t it just yesterday you were scraping old wallpaper off the walls of that fixer upper you invested in? Well guess what, wallpaper is BACK, and would look stellar behind your guest towels. Since its returned in the 2000s, rest assured the prints available nowadays are as thoroughly modern and hip as you’d imagine. HGTV’s got some great wallpaper ideas.

Hyphen Design Director Allison Petty suggests a neutral color palette as something that will work for years to come. “To keep it feeling modern we love using a monochromatic element throughout the whole space,” she offers, “For example, using all of one color or material (such as the color green or all marble tile) is a great way to achieve this, classic tile and motifs can be incorporated still but using all of one material creates a fun jewel box-like look to the space. You can still stay neutral and make it feel like something really special.”

Halden Interiors’ Principal Kesha Franklin insists that the spa bathroom trend has officially returned, and recommends basic black as a bold, sultry look to evoke an indulgent high-end experience. You could put a piece of statement art on that black wall, insists designer Anne Hepfer, who declares that 2019 is all about making an artistic statement. That art piece will also provide a pretty focal point.

The bathtub is set to make a comeback in 2019, utilizing Art Deco influences, notes Ms. Okin. With nods to old-world craftmanship, stand-alone soaking bathtubs from Kohler and Waterworks are making a statement, as is off-kilter placement. Like in a corner. It frees up space, insists designer Alison Milne. The Spruce lists their eight best bathtubs of 2019 here, its favorite being the American Standard Cambridge 5-foot bath tub with left-hand drain, to get specific. Like copper? The Heisenberg 5.7 ft. handmade pure solid copper freestanding claw foot bath tub will make that statement loud and clear. Check out the complete list for some additional bathtub ideas.

As for fixtures, ditch the chrome, says House and home. A buttery brass is all the rage, especially in white bathrooms with lots of marble. Brass with all its shine will pop against a smart marbl-y layout.

Whatever you choose for your bathroom update, be sure to call J. Sweet Construction for all your remodel needs. We’ll get it done right the first time.

The post BATH DESIGN TRENDS first appeared on Dragon Horse Ad Agency.