6 Pink, Yes Pink, Kitchens

I'm a pink girl, I always have been.  I tried to deny it for awhile as a teenager because I didn't think it was cool, but now I'm not cool anyway, so I embrace my love of pink.  :)
I haven't met too many people who are neutral about pink, it's usually a love or hate thing.
Maybe if I was single I would think about doing a pink kitchen, but I know there is no possible way that my husband would even allow a drop of pink in our kitchen! 
So today I'll just show pictures of fun, pink kitchens.

I think this first kitchen from LivingEtc is my favorite kitchen of the day.  I like that it's not overwhelmingly pink and it's a good color of pink.  The backsplash is painted glass and the countertops are concrete.  The sofa is amazing, but I'm not loving the rug.  I think white or grey quartz countertops would be awesome in here.

Modern Kitchen by New York Cabinets & Cabinetry LEICHT New York / LEICHT Westchester

I like that this kitchen from the Nest Egg blog is pink only on the painted walls....the least inexpensive part of the kitchen to change when you are ready for a change and want to paint your kitchen yellow or turquoise or olive green instead.  The countertops look to be granite.

Eclectic Kitchen by Laguna Beach Photographers Jeri Koegel Photography

Eclectic Kitchen by York Kitchen & Bath Designers Patricia L. Caulfield, LLC

Okay never mind, this last kitchen is tied for my favorite of the day.  The picture is from UK Glass Products.   The backsplash is painted glass and I think the countertops are probably quartz.

So, anyone out there want to admit that they either have a pink kitchen or want a pink kitchen???

8 Amazing Outdoor Kitchens & Tips on Using Granite Outdoors

I don't know about you, but we probably spend more time in our backyard enjoying this beautiful fall weather than we do in the summer.
Now is a great time to finish up that outdoor kitchen that you've been meaning to build for years.  :)
Enjoy it for another month and then it'll be all ready for a full season next year.
Here are eight really beautiful outdoor kitchens to get you motivated & inspired...

Traditional Patio by Sacramento Architects & Designers Debbie R. Gualco

Eclectic Patio by Houston Interior Designers & Decorators Dena Brody, ASID, RID

Traditional Patio by Charlotte Kitchen & Bath Designers Fireplace & Granite Distributors

Patio by Jacksonville Landscape Architects & Designers Cascade Outdoor Design

Here are my tips for using granite outdoors... 

• Go with a light color of granite if possible.  The darker colors get HOT, especially if they have the sun hitting them directly.
• Darker colors are better for areas that have a lot of freeze/thaw though.  This is because the darker colors of granite are more dense. 
• If possible, have the countertops under a cover of some sort.  Whether it's an awning or canopy or whatever.  The less rain, snow and dirt on the countertops the better.
• Use 3 cm (or thicker) granite if possible and don't laminate the edge.  The countertops will just hold up better/ longer.  If you want a laminated edge though just be sure that your fabricator uses a glue for the laminations that's specifically made for outdoor applications.  
• Cover your countertops during the winter months.   
• Use a reputable fabricator.  You don't want to waste your money paying for sub-par fabrication and/or installation.

Mediterranean Patio by Carrollton Landscape Architects & Designers Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

Eclectic Patio by Shallotte Home Builders Blue Sky Building Company

Tropical Patio by Los Angeles Interior Designers & Decorators d | studio\

Traditional Patio by Wichita Interior Designers & Decorators Tiffany Farha Design

Whiteout Wednesday: 5 White Kitchens with Farmhouse Sinks

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.
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It seems like we are doing more and more kitchens with Farmhouse sinks. 
Especially white kitchens.

Farmhouse sinks (aka: apron front sinks) have become an increasingly popular sink option in the past couple of years for traditional and even contemporary style kitchens.

Farmhouse Sinks are generally selected for two main reasons.  

1) The look.  A lot of people like the look of Farmhouse Sinks and want them to be a focal point in their kitchen.

2) They are so dang practical!  If you are an avid cook and use your kitchen a lot you'll love a Farmhouse Sink.  It's low maintenance and easy to clean.  They are large enough for your big baking sheets and stock pots. 

Today I have five really beautiful white kitchens with Farmhouse Sinks.  Enjoy!

Photo: House & Home.  Sink is from Kohler.

Photo: Molly Frey Design

Photo: Better Homes & Gardens

Traditional Kitchen by Excelsior Design-Build Firms Lake Country Builders

Traditional Kitchen by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Fiorella Design

I found this fun article on Kludgy Mom blog with tips on what to look for when buying a Farmhouse Sink.  She speaks from experience, check it out here.

Behind the Scenes on Instagram

We've been on Instagram for about 6 months now and we're loving it!
It's been so fun to "meet" people from around the world that are a part of the stone industry.    Everyone from stone masons, stone quarry owners, kitchen designers, stone fabricators and more.  I love seeing other people's amazing work!
I also really love following diy-ers, other interior designers and local businesses.  I'm kind of addicted.  :)

I like to share our "behind the scenes" photos on Instagram.

I share LOTS of shop photos....

I think it's fun to see our work in progress...

I'm always taking pictures of beautiful slabs, whether they are in our shop or out at the slab yards...

And, because I'm one of "those people", I also occassionally share pictures of my adorable dogs...   :)

If you are on Instagram please follow us!

@mgsbydesign

Chroma: More Than a Unique Countertop Material

Chroma by 3Form is a solid translucent surface that is available in more than 10,000 colors.  This monolithic material contains 40% pre-consumer recycled materials.  The options are endless with this material. 
Chroma is...
•Durable - solid and sturdy for a variety of horizontal or vertical applications
•Formable - can be shaped to accommodate radius curves
•Renewable - surface can be renewed after years of use
•Structural - thick and stable for engineered load bearing applications
•Translucent - amazing clarity for unrivaled light transmission

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Chroma is engineered to be resurfaced and re-colored multiple times, qualifying it for the company’s Reclaim Program, keeping it out of landfills when it reaches end of life.
It can be coordinated with other 3form materials, such as Varia Ecoresin and Pressed Glass, through the C3 color-matching system. Chroma is available in 1/2", 1", and 2" thicknesses

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We have worked with Chroma a couple of times as countertops.  It's been fairly easy to work with and it always looks so great when it's all finished. 
Also, Chroma is manufactured right here in Salt Lake City!  So if you are looking for a locally made countertop, Chroma is a fantastic choice!

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All info from 3Form's website.

3 Fun Kid's Baths

I personally am not a huge fan of the over-the-top themed Kid's Baths.  You know, the bathroom that once the child is 16 he looks ridiculous showering in a rubber ducky tiled shower. 
I guess if you have all the money and patience in the world to redo your bathroom every five years to keep up with the growing child that's fine. 
Most people don't have that kind of money, time or patience though.  I suggest designing the bathroom so that it can grow with the child.  If you really want to get your rubber duckies in there maybe keep it with the shower curtain instead of the tile.  :)
Below are some pictures of Kid's Baths that I think are great.

eclectic bathroom design by los angeles interior designer Abbott Moon.

These flowers are vinyl and just stick on.  They are from Pottery Barn Kids.  I wonder how well they stick in a steamy shower though...

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4 Beautiful Soapstone Kitchens

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What do you think about Soapstone?  Would you use it in your own home?

5 Beautiful Stone Fountains

Goodbye summer.  :(
I know it's technically still summer (for a few more days anyway), but it's definitely cooling down here in Utah and it's feeling more & more like fall every day.  Autumn is my favorite season, but I'm really having a hard time saying goodbye to summer this year!
So, maybe this post is more wishful thinking... but I thought I'd show some pictures of stone fountains today in beautiful, green, summery yards. 

This first one is probably my favorite. I love the simplicity of it. I also think the beautiful setting makes me love it even more.

Photo: Sunset Magazine

Contemporary Landscape by Issaquah Landscape Architects & Designers Darwin Webb Landscape Architects, P.S.

The fountain below is handcrafted from pebbles. Pretty cool right?

Photo: Land Art

I love, love, love Stone Forest.  They make ridiculously beautiful sinks & bathtubs.  They also make beautiful fountains, like the one below!

Photo: Stone Forest

Traditional Landscape by Boise Interior Designers & Decorators Judith Balis

FAQ Friday: Does Granite Have a Completely Smooth Surface?

For the most part the answer is....
Nope.

Traditional Kitchen by Traverse City Tile, Stone & Countertops Stratus Marble & Granite

Many granites contain pits and fissures that are natural characteristics of the stone. Some granite colors exhibit these characteristics more than others, and the lighting of the room can make these marks more or less visible.
There are a few colors that some customers just can't handle because the veining and surface fissures look like scratches and cracks to them.  The Marron Cohiba (aka Antique Brown) pictured below is one of those colors.

Traditional Kitchen by Bellevue Kitchen & Bath Designers Todd Brickman designs

On the other hand Absolute Black granite (pictured below) looks and feels pretty darn close to perfectly smooth.

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