Calacatta Gold marble & Raven CaesarStone Kitchen from MGS by Design

Last year we did the countertops in this beautiful remodel done by Tiek Built Homes.
I'm excited to finally show you the pictures!

Photo by Meikel Reece via Tiek Built Homes

Isn't it gorgeous?!?
Here's a Before picture to show you how dramatic the transformation was....

Photo: Tiek Built Homes

They used polished Calacatta Gold marble on the countertops and for the full height backsplash.  When you have such a stunning marble I really do think you should just carry it on up to the backsplash.  It really shows off the marble, it's a great look.  Plus, it's easy to clean.....no grout!

Photo by Meikel Reece via Tiek Built Homes

The edge detail is a laminated Ogee Square.  I love this edge on marble.

Photo by Meikel Reece via Tiek Built Homes

Photo by Meikel Reece via Tiek Built Homes

For the peninsula the homeowner wanted to use a material that was more durable than the marble, plus they were looking for a contrast.  They decided on CaesarStone quartz in the color Raven.  I love how it turned out!  The Raven is a dark grey, it works really well with the Calacatta Gold.

Photo by Meikel Reece via Tiek Built Homes

The Interior Designer on this job was Caitlin Creer. 
Check out Tiek Built Homes blog for more pictures of this home.  Caitlin & Tiek Built Homes really did such a great job, everything turned out beautifully.

Slab Sunday: Black Slate

You have probably seen Black Slate on a roof or on a floor, but have you seen it used as countertops?
Black Slate comes from quite a few places around the world.  From New England in the U.S. to Spain and Brazil to England and of course Italy.

Slate isn't the most popular countertop material and it's surprising to me.  It's actually a really durable and hard countertop surface. 
The absorption rate on slate is even lower than it is on granite!  Black Slate does need to be sealed, but I personally have never seen it stain.

Contemporary Kitchen by Shelter Island Architects & Designers SchappacherWhite Architecture D.P.C.

Traditional Kitchen by Libertyville General Contractors Century Bay Builders

Slate is a whole different ballgame for countertops than granite.  It scratches pretty easily. 

The first time I ever saw slate countertops was years ago in a home that I was in bidding some countertops.  The slate was in the kitchen and I set my metal tape measure on the countertop.  I kind of slid it when I picked it up and I look down and there is this white scratch.  I totally freaked out thinking I had ruined these countertops!  The lady was really nice and showed me how by getting it wet the scratch went away.  Whew!  ;) 

Deep scratches can also be buffed out by the homeowner using steel wool.

Slate is not a smooth and shiny surface in the first place but you just need to know beforehand how soft it is.  

Photo: Virginia Slate

Black Slate is generally honed though it can be polished.  It can also be oiled like a Soapstone for a glossier look.

Photo source.

Most people just keep a square edge detail on slate.  We have done Mitered and Chiseled edges on slate countertops in the past, it just looks different (obviously) then the same edge on granite.

Photo: Cultivate

Black Slate is available in 2 cm and 3 cm slabs.

Saturday Link Up!

Carla Aston Designed posted an article recently asking Have Granite Countertops Gone Out of Style?  I obviously don't think so.  Go here to see what she thinks!

The kitchen below has granite countertops and it's definitely on trend.   Not out of style at all.  :)

Traditional Kitchen by Toronto Design-Build Firms Capoferro Design Build Group

White kitchens are still crazy popular.  The article 5 Myths About White Kitchens on Cultivate may help put you at ease if you are on the fence about an all white kitchen.

Photo: Cultivate

I didn't realize glass tile dates back to the Romans.  The History of Glass Tile was really interesting to me.  Definitely read it if you have a minute, it's a quick and interesting read.


Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Bianco Romano Granite Kitchen from MGS by Design

We recently installed the countertops in this beautiful new home.
The Kitchen countertops are Bianco Romano granite with a 2 1/2" Half Moon edge detail.

Photo: MGS by Design

Photo: MGS by Design

Photo: MGS by Design

Photo: MGS by Design

Photo: MGS by Design

Photo: MGS by Design

Photo: MGS by Design

Photo: MGS by Design

Photo: MGS by Design

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