Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring marriage of natural stones in our latest kitchen project! Step into a world of rustic elegance with our farmhouse-style kitchen that beautifully showcases the irresistible pairing of Pizarra Verde Slate and Blue Tempest Quartzite.
Pizarra Verde Slate
With its earthy green hues, this stone adds a touch of organic charm to the space. The subtle variations in color and texture create an inviting atmosphere that embraces the rustic aesthetics of a farmhouse kitchen. Its inherent durability ensures your kitchen will stand the test of time while maintaining its striking appeal.
Blue Tempest Quartzite
This stone effortlessly captures attention with its captivating blues and greys, reminiscent of a serene coastal landscape. The natural veining dances across the surface, creating a symphony of elegance that instantly elevates the ambiance of the entire space.
A kitchen design plays a crucial role in the functionality, efficiency, and overall aesthetics for the space. One of the most important things while planning your kitchen is to consider how you move while cooking, how intertaining this layout will be and your daily activities.
We brought you today 6 different layout ideas for you to inspire from.
1. The Galley Kitchen
Ideal for compact spaces, the galley kitchen is composed by two parallel countertops with a walkway in between. This layout maximizes efficiency by creating a seamless workflow. This type of kitchen is particularly great for one-cook households, adding excellent storage solutions along the walls.
2. The L-Shaped Kitchen
This kitchen layout forms an “L” shape and it’s the most common, utilizing two adjacent walls. The L-shaped kitchen provides counter space and storage options utilizing less space. You can also add a dining area or an island. This floor plan helps efficient work triangle and promotes a great traffic flow.
3. The U-Shaped Kitchen
Ideal for larger kitchens, the U-shaped layout offers three walls of cabinetry and countertops, forming a U-shape. This design provides great storage and workspace solutions. With its configuration, the U-shaped kitchen enables couples or friends to work simultaneously while maintaining an efficient work triangle.
4. The Island Kitchen
Perfect for open-concept layouts, the island kitchen adds a centrally placed island. This versatile addition provides extra storage, countertop space, and serves as a secondary seating area. The island kitchen provides a social and interactive atmosphere, making it ideal for entertaining guests while preparing meals.
5. The Peninsula Kitchen
Similarly as the island kitchen, the peninsula layout includes a connected countertop extending from a wall or cabinets. It’s a partial room divider while providing additional workspace. The peninsula kitchen offers a balance between an open and closed floor plan, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
6. The One-Wall Kitchen
Perfect for studio apartments or compact spaces, the one-wall kitchen features all appliances, countertops, and storage in a single wall. This layout maximizes space and adds a minimalist aesthetic to the space.
Whether you prefer the efficiency of a galley kitchen, the versatility of an island or peninsula, or the spaciousness of a U-shaped layout, each plan offers unique advantages. Absolute Stone Design offers countertops that will enhance even more your kitchen’s beauty and functionality, creating a seamless blend of style and practicality.
With its captivating beauty and incredible durability, Andes Quartzite is the natural stone that will elevate home and commercial projects to new levels.
Andes Quartzite is ideal for those looking for a durable and low-maintenance natural stone that also embodies eco-friendliness.
Its unique veining and subtle color variations makes each slab of Andes Quartzite is truly one-of-a-kind, adding personality and design to every room it is added to.
No two installations of this natural stone are the same, allowing customers to showcase a distinctive masterpiece from nature.
TAKE A LOOK AT ANDES QUARTZITE SLAB
STONE & MAINTENANCE
Quarried in Brazil, Andes Quartzite can be seamlessly added into residential and commercial projects. Whether you’re planning kitchen countertops, elegant bathroom vanities, or an outstanding fireplace, Andes Quartzite will add sophistication and timeless beauty to your space.
The stone offers resistance to heat, scratches, and stains ensuring that your investment will withstand the test of time, even in high-traffic areas.
It also resists bacteria and mold growth, requiring only a simple routine cleaning to keep its lustrous appearance intact.
THE PROJECT
We are so happy for being part of exquisite projects like this, built by Starwood Builders, renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and quality craftsmanship.
One standout feature we love is the full height backsplash in the kitchen. The Andes Quartzite perfectly complements the overall design, creating a stunning focal point that captivates the eye.
We present you Taj Mahal quartzite leathered, the star of our recent kitchen renovation project in Richmond, Virginia!
In this project, we worked with Vaden Renovations to completely transform the client’s outdated kitchen into a modern and open-concept space. One of the standout features of this renovation is the stunning Taj Mahal quartzite leathered countertops. This natural stone blends warm tones of beige, gray, and cream with subtle veining to create a beautiful and durable surface that is perfect for any kitchen.
What is Taj Mahal Quartzite?
The natural stone is known for its durability and timeless beauty, making it a popular choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of luxury to their spaces. It is formed from quartz particles that have been cemented together by natural silica deposits, giving it a unique and distinctive appearance that is unlike any other stone.
Another advantage of Taj Mahal quartzite is that it is relatively low-maintenance. Unlike some other natural stones, it does not require frequent sealing or special cleaning products to keep it looking its best. Simply wiping it down with a damp cloth and mild soap is usually sufficient to keep it clean and looking like new.
Finally, the leathered finish that was chosen for this project adds an extra dimension of texture and character to the already exquisite stone. The leathering process involves brushing the surface of the stone with diamond-tipped brushes, which creates a textured, matte finish that is smooth to the touch. This finish not only looks stunning, but also adds an extra layer of protection against scratches and other types of damage.
The Project: Before and After Pictures
If you’re in the Richmond area and looking for high-quality natural stone countertops and custom fabrication services, visit us at Absolute Stone Design. We would be honored to help you bring your kitchen renovation dreams to life.
Summer is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to renovate your outdoor kitchen than now. One of the most important components of any outdoor kitchen is the countertop. But with so many materials to choose from, how do you know which one is right for your space?
How to Choose the Right Material?
When it comes to outdoor kitchens, durability is key. You want a material that can withstand the elements, as well as the wear and tear of cooking and entertaining. The best material for outdoor countertops is granite. This material is known for its strength, heat resistance, and low maintenance requirements, making them ideal for outdoor use.
What Granite Should you Choose?
Silver Pearl Granite is a highly recommended option for outdoor kitchens due to its elegant appearance and resistance to scratches, stains, and heat. At Absolute Stone Design, we recommend the Leathered finish for this stone as it stays cooler during summer months.
Don’t wait until summer to start your outdoor kitchen renovation. Now is the time to get started so you can enjoy your new space all season long. Upgrade your outdoor kitchen with durable and stylish countertops like Silver Pearl Granite, and make the most of your summer entertaining.
When you think about a sophisticated and elegant home, what comes to your mind?
Marble has been used on all kinds of projects for thousands of years now, such as monuments, statues, construction in ancient civilizations like Rome and Greece. Nowadays, marble continue to be used in high-end design projects such as in hotels, government buildings, theaters, homes, etc.
We Present You Branco Cachoeiro Marble
Branco Cachoeiro Marble is quarried in the Cachoeiro de Itapemirim region of Espirito Santo, Brazil, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal for the production of high-quality marble. The unique veining and color pattern of this stone give it a unique look and its shine is associated with elegance.
In what types of projects is it recommended to use Branco Cachoeiro?
As a versatile material, this marble can be used in many different project such as countertops, full height backsplashes, fireplaces, coffee tables, coaters and so on.
Maintaining Marble
Taking care of marble is an ongoing action:
Clean spills immediately: Marble is a porous stone that can be easily stained by spills. To prevent permanent damage, clean spills immediately using a soft cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner.
Avoid acidic cleaners: Acidic cleaners can etch the surface of your marble, causing it to lose its shine and become dull. Instead, use a pH-neutral cleaner.
Use coasters: Placing coasters under glasses, mugs, and other items can help prevent scratches and etching on your marble surface.
Avoid abrasive cleaners: Abrasive cleaners, such as scouring pads or powders, can scratch the surface of your marble. Instead, use a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge to clean it.
Seal your marble: Sealing your marble can help protect it from stains and scratches. We recommend sealing your Branco Cachoeiro Marble every six months to ensure maximum protection.
If you’re a fan of granite, you’ll know that there are countless color and veining options available, making it challenging to find the perfect stone that suits both your style and needs. That’s why we’re excited to introduce you to Sienna Bordeaux granite today.
This stunning granite that is known for its warm and inviting colors, intricate patterns, and exceptional durability. It is a popular choice among homeowners, designers, and builders, thanks to its unique appearance and exceptional physical properties.
About the Natural Stone:
Sienna Bordeaux granite is a type of natural stone that is quarried from various locations around the world, including Brazil, India, and Madagascar. It is a type of granite that is characterized by its deep red and burgundy hues, which are accented by lighter veins and swirls of cream, gold, and black. This stone is available in a variety of finishes, including polished, honed, and brushed.
Where to apply it:
Countertops: Sienna Bordeaux is an excellent choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops, thanks to its exceptional durability and resistance to heat, scratches, and stains.
Flooring: This natural stone is also a popular choice for flooring applications, as it is durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic and can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room.
Wall Cladding: It is often used as a wall cladding material, particularly in commercial and public buildings.
Fireplace Surrounds: The warm and inviting colors of Sienna Bordeaux make it an excellent choice for fireplace surrounds, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any living space.
Outdoor Pavers: A popular choice for outdoor applications, such as patios and walkways, thanks to its exceptional durability and resistance to rain and sun.
The Project
Our clients were looking to make a statement with their kitchen remodel and we think they nailed it. One of their top priorities was to have a big, centered island that would connect all the important sections of the kitchen. They also wanted a material that would complement the neutral color scheme and showcase its properties in a flowing, organic way.
Over the centuries, marble has had a special place in the heart of builders, designers and architects around the world. The natural stone not only adds sophistication to the project, but increases the market value for its premium characteristics.
Quarried in Italy, the Calacatta Borghini Marble is known for its unique white background with bold grey veins that varies between thickness and density.
Is this stone a good fit for your project?
Calafata Borghini Marble | Richmond, Virginia
How is This Marble Formed?
This is a type of metamorphic rock that was created during the re-crystallization of limestone after intense heat and pressure. In its composition, the Calacatta Borghini marble has calcium carbonate that is the component responsible for the white color. The distinguished veining in this Marble are a mix of different sizes, shapes and thickness of grey. In the example above, you will also find a golden nuance that can be found in some slabs.
Where to use Calacatta Borghini Marble?
This is a versatile natural stone that can be used in so many different projects. You will find it a great fit for key projects, considering the elegance of marble. Here are some of the uses of Calacatta Borghini Marble:
Countertops: Calacatta Borghini Marble is a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Although it is a timeless type of stone, Marble can be sensitive to scratching and staining, so we highly recommending taking the proper care such as sealing and regular maintenance.
Flooring: Calacatta Borghini Marble is a great choice for flooring in high-traffic areas.
Backsplash: The veining of this marble adds an eye-catching visual for full height backsplashes.
Walls: You can also apply the stone to create stunning accent such as shower walls, coffee table, fireplace surround, etc.
Calacatta Borghini Marble – Richmond, Virginia
How to Maintain the Calacatta Borghini Marble?
This natural stone can last for years if taken the proper care. Here are some tips for maintaining the beauty of Calacatta Borghini Marble:
Sealing: It is important to seal Calacatta Borghini Marble to protect it from stains and scratches. A high-quality sealant should be applied every 6-12 months, depending on the usage.
Cleaning: Clean the stone regularly with a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge. Abrasive cleaners or scrubbers will scratch the surface.
Avoid acidic substances: this is a very sensitive stone to acidic substances like vinegar, citrus juices, tomato sauce, wine, etc. These substances will etch the surface of the marble, leaving dull marks. Clean the spills immediately to avoid damage.
Pro Tip
Avoid heat: Although Calacatta Borghini Marble is heat resistant, it is still important to avoid placing hot pans or dishes directly on the surface.
When it comes to choosing granite for your next project, you may have heard terms like “entry level”, “mid-grade” and “high-grade” thrown around. But what do these terms actually mean, and how do they impact your decision-making process?
Let’s break Granite down!
Level 1: Entry level
The most affordable granite option is entry-level granite, also known as level 1. In this type of granite, the pattern is simple and consistent, with few variations in color and pattern. The stone generally comes from larger quarries and much more availability. The entry-level granite option is a great choice for those on a tight budget or for projects where cost is a major concern. Some options: White G, Luna Pearl, Silver Pearl, Black Pearl, New Caledonia, Azul Platino, Black San Gabriel, Ubatuba, etc.
Level 2: Mid-grade
Compared to entry-level granite, mid-grade granite offers a wider range of colors and patterns. It is often sourced from smaller quarries. The mid-grade granite option is a good choice for those wanting to achieve a higher-end look without investing a lot. Some options: Absolute Black, Colonial White, Fantasy Brown, Silver Grey, Viscount White, etc.
Level 3: High-grade
High-grade, or Level 3+ granite, is a greater option compared to the two previous ones. It offers different patterns with a wide range of colors and veining. The high-grade granite is sourced from smaller quarries with more limited availability, which drives up the cost. Some options: Milky Way, Blue Dunes, Yellow Delicious, Absolute Cream, etc.
Levels 4, 5, 6+
It’s important to keep in mind that the levels don’t end at 3! You can get granite grades as high as 6+ for a really high-quality stone. That includes the most unique and exotic granite. These types of granite are ideal for those who want a luxurious and high-end look for their project. Some options: Copacabana, Blue Bahia, White Eyes, Alaska Gold, etc.
There are different levels of granite; all are excellent in quality, but the availability on earth may affect the price.
Consider your budget, your project size, and your personal style preferences when choosing granite.
When you step into this space, you understand how much details count on developing an interior design project. From picking up the materials, to giving the final touches, creating a space that connects personality and function takes dedication.
First thing you see when entering this kitchen is the big island contrasting the dark wood with the bright quartz countertops. Then the outstanding range oven and the range hood perfectly matching the elements of the perimeter, such as the full height backsplash and the golden accents.
Compac Unique Calacatta was the material chosen to create a funcional and sophisticated ambiance to space. A stunning quartz surface that replicates the classic beauty of natural Calacatta marble, making it a popular choice for bathroom countertops and shower walls.
