Planking at Work...Halloween Style

Somehow we got on a Planking kick today. (What is Planking? Go here.)

This is BJ planking across the bottom of our staircase in our showroom. 

Of course he did it "Halloween Style".  And yes, he did scare me by coming up behind me with that dang mask!

Happy Halloween!

10 Great Orange Colored Kitchens

Happy Halloween!
In honor of the day of orange & black I thought I'd post some pictures of really great looking kitchens that use orange.

Photo: Seattle Modern

contemporary kitchen design by santa barbara interior designer Maraya Droney Design

Photo: Apartment Therapy

modern kitchen design by minneapolis general contractor Vision Homes & Remodeling

Photo: Apartment Therapy

Photo: Spiral Style

Photo source.

Photo: Fresh Home

contemporary kitchen design by san francisco architect Mark English Architects, AIA

Photo: HGTV

Orange is a strong color.  It seems like people have a love-or-hate relationship about the color.  I haven't met anyone that is neutral about it, especially when it comes to using it in their home.
How do you feel about orange?  Would you use this color in your decorating?

Slab Sunday: Meteorus granite

Today I'm featuring a granite color that I just love.... Meteorus.

Meteorus is quarried in Brazil. 

When you look at it from far away it basically looks black with silver. If you get up close or the sun is shining on it just right though you can see all the beautiful detail in this stone. The background is a silvery black and then it has these beautiful purple/red spots of garnet in it.

Photo: The Stone Network

I had a customer a few years ago tell me that the garnets looked just like black cherries cut in half.  She used it in her kitchen and could never remember the real name of it, so from that day forward we all had to refer to Meteorus as "Black Cherry".   :)

I really like this color with a Brushed Finish as well. It ends up looking really soft and beautiful.

Photo: Dietrich Homes

Meteorus is a stone that is more difficult for fabricators to work with due to the varying hardness of minerals within the slab. Be sure to hire a reputable and experienced fabricator if you select this granite.

Photo: The Whole House Company

We actually  use a slab of Meteorus as our entrance sign into our slab yard...

Photo: MGS by Design

Notice the sink in the photo below.  It looks like it is custom made out of the Meteorus granite.
I love the description that the website of the photo below gives Meteorus... "close up it is black, grey and silver with layers of what look like bamboo shaped leaves cris-crossing. To top it off there are cherry red berry shaped flecks throughout. It’s like on of those Japanese screen paintings made by some Zen master with a sweep of a brush stroke. Stunning!"
I could not have said it better.  :) 

Photo: Simon Thomas Pirie

Meteorus is available in 2 cm and 3 cm slabs.

Saturday Link Up!

Here are a few things from around the web that I enjoyed this week....

• A Traditional Kitchen Goes Modern on Shelter Pop.  Be sure to check out the 'Before' photos.  It looks like soooo many of the kitchens here in Utah (sadly including my own).  The 'After' photo (below) gives me hope. 

Photo: Shelter Pop

• The pictures of Artistic Tile's Danby Quarry Tour on their Facebook page are pretty cool.  I wish I was invited.  ;)
• Interior Designer Harry Daniell went on the aforementioned Danby Quarry Tour.  You can read his account on his blog.

Photo: Artistic Tile

 

FAQ Friday: What color of stone should I put on my fireplace?

Today's question comes from one of our reader's, Krista, from South Carolina...
"Hi Steph.  Your blog has helped me have my 'Dream Kitchen'.  I did white cabinets with a dark gray Soapstone for the countertops with white subway tile.  It was finally all finished up about a month ago and  I love, love, love it!!!  I wouldn't have dared use Soapstone if I hadn't read all about it on your blog.  Also, I was totally inspired by your weekly Whiteout Wednesdays! 
My next project is our Great Room which is basically right next to the kitchen.  I have a fireplace front and hearth that I'd like to do in slab.  I don't want to do Soapstone on it because I'd like to keep it all white.  I was thinking of doing one of the white marbles like Calacatta Gold, Statuary Vein or maybe even Carrara.  It's a pretty big area that will have slab on it, so whatever I use will be the focal point of the room.
My question for you is twofold.  1) Does marble (especially white) hold up okay on a fireplace? and 2) Do you think it would look good to use a white marble if I have Soapstone in the kitchen?  
Thanks for your help!  Again, I couldn't have done my kitchen without you!  :]"

Thanks for the email Krista and for all the nice compliments! 
You are totally on the right track in my opinion.  I think Soapstone and the white marbles were meant for each other.

Marble does great on a fireplace.  Typically you don't have any acids on your fireplace and you also don't really have to worry about staining.  Be sure to keep it sealed and you shouldn't have any problems.

I'd probably recommend the Statuary Vein because of how dramatic it is.  It would make a fabulous focal point.  Just be sure to pick a slab of marble that has the same colors of grey that your Soapstone has.

Here are some pictures I found on Houzz of fireplaces with white marble.

contemporary family room design by other metros interior designer Atmosphere Interior Design Inc.

eclectic living room design by los angeles interior designer Malgosia Migdal, ASID

asian living room design by new york interior designer Olga Adler

contemporary home office design by dallas interior designer Beth Dotolo, RID, ASID, LEED AP

contemporary living room design by seattle interior designer Garret Cord Werner

Thanks again for the question Krista and good luck!

If you have a stone related question that you'd like to see answered here please send me an email.
Have a great weekend!

Carrara marble Master Bath

I've been posting about a home we recently finished up the countertops in with contractor Tiek Built Homes and Interior Designer Caitlin Creer.

Today I have pictures of the Master Bath.
We did 2 cm Carrara marble on the vanity and the bench in the shower.  The edge detail is a 3/4" Square Polished edge.

The Carrara looks really great on the brown cabinets.  A lot of times people think they have to use white cabinets with white marble.  As you can see here, that's not the case! 
Notice the rectangle sinks.  I love the look of a rectangle sink, I'm pretty sure I'll go rectangle when I re-do my Master Bath.  We actually sell sinks as well and these did come from our stock.

To see pictures of the Master Bedroom (it's really gorgeous) go here.  Caitlin Creer Interiors did a beautiful job with it.
Also, if you've missed my posts of the rest of this home here are the links...

• Kitchen
• Powder Bath
• Fireplace Hearths in the Living Room & Family Room

All photos by Meikel Reece courtesy of Tiek Built Homes.

Whiteout Wednesday: 5 White Bathrooms

White kitchens and baths are definitely the hottest trend I am seeing right now. It's also the subject I get asked about the most. From white Carrara marble to white quartz there is a lot to consider when using white countertops.
Whiteout Wednesday is a weekly feature where I show five kitchens and/ or baths that have used white in a beautiful way.
If you have a white kitchen or bath that you would like to see featured here please email me.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Yesterday I told you all about my new love Pinterest.
Well, today I found all five of these baths via Pinterest.  See how handy it is? :)
Enjoy!

Photo: Houzz

modern bathroom design
Via Houzz.

Photo: House of Turquoise

Photo: Decor Pad

Photo: Colour Me Happy

Breccia Capraia Marble Coffee Table

Check out this table we recently made for one of our suppliers, Adamas Stone.  It's in their new showroom and I just love it with the Barcelona chairs.

They set it on pieces of wood so they could pick it up again.  They are adding a rug that will go under it.  :)

The edges are all Mitered for a monolithic look.  The marble is Breccia Capraia from Italy.
It has some crazy beautiful purple veining, but it's mostly pure white with grey veining.

Photo: MGS by Design

In other news, I was interviewed yesterday for a feature called A Measure of Success on the In Good Measure website.  Check it out here.

Last, I have to tell you about my newest obsession....Pinterest.
Are you all on it?
I was an early signer-upper, but I had not really gotten into it until just recently and HOLY COW. ... I now spend way too much time on there!   
Anyway, if you aren't on Pinterest yet I think you should be.  :)

Guest Post: The Wet Bar and It's Bar Sinks

Today we have a Guest Post about Bar Sinks.  To read my post Fun Bar Sinks that I wrote in February go here.  

For those who live to entertain, a wet bar and bar sink are a sure bet to take your home to the next level and make it the perfect venue for an incredible evening with your guests. And the best part is, with a well decorated wet bar awaiting you in your basement, you don’t even need extravagant, high-priced luxury real estate in a picturesque Connecticut town (or some other state in New England) to have guests flocking to your new home hot spot. Just gather up some fun guests, tasty drinks and your wet bar will be filled with smiles and your bar sink with empty glasses in no time (when you throw a party at home, the only DD you need is a designated dishwasher).
Before we go too far, you may be wondering why have a wet bar? Well, if being the beloved host isn’t enough, some of your hobbies may really benefit from having a wet bar. If you’re already a home brewer or want to learn to be a better home brewer or are into wine making at home, then having a wet bar to serve your drinks is only logical (just make sure you have a wine chiller, too). If you’ve already devoted a lot to making your basement a great hangout spot, adding drink serving capabilities can kick it up a notch or three. Building a wet bar at home can also be a fun do-it-yourself project with your friends and family that can yield lots of quality bonding time and create some great memories. Lastly, building a wet bar with a cool bar sink can increase the value of your home if you ever decide to put it on the market.
So now that we have you motivated to get going on your own home wet bar, it’s time to talk about the bar sink that will accompany it. Earlier this year, we wrote about Fun Bar Sinks, and while previously these cornerstones of granite greatness may have been relegated to "just get it done" status, you now know there are some cool bar sinks out there that may have you thinking twice for what deserves a place at your wet bar. In this edition, we’re back with more cool wet bar sinks, as well as some sinks for those who want a more traditional or classic look to their wet bar.

1. 
   

   Kohler K-6448-NA Crevasse Bar Sink with Cynchronus Rinsing Technology

   
   This prep sink is great not just for a wet bar, but for any kitchen prep work. The beauty of this stainless steel sink from Kohler is its ability to quickly and easily get rid of waste with the touch of a button. Simply press the button on top and watch your waste slide right into the garbage disposal. So whether you’re cutting up some citrus for a drink or veggies for a dip, you can get right back to the party, make clean up and disposal a breeze, and impress your guests with the touch of a button.
   
   
   
   
2. 
   

   Houzer CTB-2385 Contempo Zero Radius Undermount Trough Bar Sink

   
   This art deco inspired urban chic bar sink from Houzer is the ideal sink for the tasteful minimalist who demands a contemporary design. Made of stainless steel and with a lifetime warranty, this sink is perfect for those who want a contemporary look to their wet bar.
   
   
   
   
3. 
   

   Bates and Bates B1414H.2 Moderna Octagonal Bar Sink with Hammertone Pattern

   
   This bar sink from Bates and Bates defines a classic and luxurious feel with its elegance. The Hammertone pattern and wide variety of materials that it is manufactured in, from copper and bronze to nickel and silver, means there is a choice for everyone. The impression it will make on your guests combined with its quality and durability will make you glad you splurged for this beauty.
   
   
   
   
4. 
   

   Elkay MYSTIC 2717CB 31" Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Bar Sink

   
   Whether you use it as a bar sink or a prep sink, this highly functional and innovatively designed bar sink from Elkay is a highly functional sink you will enjoy using. With its convenient placement of a cutting board and charming aesthetic, you’ll be sure to use this sink as often as you can. Be prepared for a lot of positive comments from your guests about this sink at your wet bar.
   
   
   
   
5. 
   

   Blanco 440204 Diamond Anthracite Silgranit Drop In Bar Sink

   
   As we get closer to your traditional sink, we bring you this extremely durable bar sink from Blanco. The black finish on this granite bar sink gives it a striking look from afar, but as we get up close, its hygienic qualities allow it to resist absorbing odors and bacteria and give it a unique stone feel resistant to scratches and stains. A classic look with a modern twist, super durability, and cleanliness make this bar sink a great choice for your home wet bar.
   
   
6. 
   

   Moen 22245 Camelot Stainless Steel Bar Sink with Faucet

   
   This is the ultimate classic bar sink from Moen. Its simple stainless steel finish and overall design make this no frills approach perfect for those on a budget but still want the kind of quality Moen is known for.
   
   

So those are our list of cool new bar sinks for your home wet bar. What did you think? Please leave your comments below, and if you enjoyed this article, share it with your friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, or any other sites you use, we’d really appreciate it.

BIO: Daniel Rosenhaus writes for AERO Manufacturing a leading manufacturer of industrial and commercial grade stainless steel sinks. . However, he always likes to keep up on the fun side of remodeling for his home and has just recently finished his new home wet bar and looks forward to entertaining guests in his kitchen and not in a showroom.

Saturday Link Up!

I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful fall weekend!
Here are just a couple of articles from around the web that I liked this week and wanted to share.
Enjoy!

• 10 Elements of Today's State-of-the-Art Kitchens on Houzz.
  

contemporary kitchen design by san francisco design-build Harrell Remodeling

• Great Material: Illuminated Onyx on Houzz. 

contemporary kitchen design by sydney kitchen and bath Impala Kitchens and Bathrooms - Petra Mallia

Guest Post: Granite Gurus: Amazing Granite Ware, Everywhere!

Today I get to take the day off and turn the blog over to Arcadian Lighting for a Guest Post.
Enjoy!  -Steph

Hi all! I'm Jenn and I'm one of the lucky writers at Arcadian Lighting, an e-commerce website that specializes in top lighting ideas and light fixture trends around the world. I write about home decor every day and one thing that I've learned is this: some of the most striking elements in interior design come straight from Mother Nature, and that includes granite. I love the look and feel of granite, and I frequent The Granite Gurus to stay on top of this unique industry. I'm excited to present readers with my own granite post today - thanks for having me! Granite on countertops and other work surfaces may be a relatively newer trend, however amazing granite ware was found everywhere in the last 19th and early 20th centuries, and today it's making a major comeback. Displayed in kitchens and dining rooms, and illuminated by a great light fixture, these eight spaces feature amazing granite ware everywhere.

1 A chic collection

This antique cupboard is opened to reveal a colourful collection of granite ware bowls, while a louver door is also tucked with mugs in the same material.

2 A mix of old and new

The dinnerware is decidedly modern but the granite ware coffee pot is used to showcase a bouquet of fresh daisies. The white, blue, and yellow setting is a stylish presentation of old and new.

3 On a lamp

These unique ceiling lights feature granite ware shades and would mesh beautifully in a classic country kitchen. The pendant light shape gives it an updated boost.

4 Blue and white granite ware

Granite ware pitchers displayed on open kitchen shelving pull double-duty as not only vessels but also decor. The contemporary ceiling light balances out the classic look of the space.

5 As plant pots

Antique-looking granite on modern-day plant pots is an interesting juxtaposition and would be a great addition indoors and out.

6 Going green

The swirly pattern of this green granite ware is a fun twist on the traditional yet it still features the blue lip that granite ware is known for.

7 Marvellous materials

Granite ware is mixed with coloured glass, crystal, and china for a veritable melange of dinnerware and glassware spanning the centuries.

8 Tea pot

This granite ware teapot pulls double-duty as a planter - perched on an antique red stool is adds loads of personality to the corner of this deck. Lighting up your granite ware on your mind?

Check out some of our unique light fixtures at Arcadian Lighting for some inspiration!!

Images: ( 1/ 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 )