Frequently asked questions about natural stone countertops

What is granite?

Granite is a common widely occurring type of rock, which is granular and crystalline in texture. Granite consists mainly of quartz, mica, and feldspar. Granites can range in color from black to pink. By definition, granite is an igneous rock with at least 20% quartz by volume. Granite is always hard, tough and flexible, making it useful in a wide range of construction applications.

What is marble?

Marble is a common widely occurring type of metamorphic rock, primarily consisting of calcite and dolomite. Marble is formed by the metamorphism of limestone. Marble is typically white to gray in color. Marble often has irregular colored marks due to the presence of impurities such as clay. Marble has been used for centuries in sculptures and construction applications.

What is the difference between granite and marble?

1. Durability Marble countertops are softer than granite countertops so they stain and scratch easier than granite countertops. Granite countertops contain quartz, so it is hard to stain or scratch and can withstand high heats that will dull marble countertops. With that said, Italians have used marble for years. The more stained, scratched, and dulled the surface, the more desirable to them!2. The look Marble countertops and granite countertops can look very different. Granite countertops are typically granular in nature and are considered busy. Marble countertops have a flow to them, not as many breaks or busyness.3. Maintenance Marble countertops need your utmost attention and care. Acids, metals, and heat are all enemies of marble. Granite countertops are stronger and need less sealing and care.

Where in the world do natural stone slabs come from?

The answer is everywhere, from Texas to Australia. The top exporters of natural stone slabs used for countertops are Brazil and Italy. Both countries buy quarried blocks from around the globe and then fabricate the blocks into slabs to be used for your countertop!How long will natural stone countertops last?Your granite, marble, quartzite, onyx, or limestone countertops are already thousands of years old. As long as you desire your countertops they will last.Will natural stone countertops increase the value of my home?Yes! Natural stone countertops are the most desired solid surface material in the market place. Most people love natural stone countertops and most realtors will tell you that not only is it easier to sell your home if you have natural stone countertops, but they increase the value of your home!How do I best maintain my natural stone countertops?The old rule of thumb is to never use anything you wouldnt use on your hands. Never use powdered cleansers or abrasive pads to clean your stone. Even soft scrub type cleaners contain pumice, which is powdered volcanic stone, and might damage your stone countertops or floors. Never use any product which is acidic; this includes substances like ammonia or many common liquid cleaners such as Windex. You should always use sealers and cleaning products designed specifically for natural stone or simply warm soapy water.

How much do natural stone countertops cost?

Natural stone countertops vary in price due to desirability, availability, and transportation costs. The price now varies from $30/psf to $300/psf.

How long will it take me to get my new countertops?

Once we have measured your countertops and have all the information we need such as edging, color, thickness, sinks, ect. We can install your countertops 7 days from when all complete information has been collected.

Where else can I use natural stone slabs in my home?

Whatever you can imagine, we can help you achieve. Some people use natural stone slabs for wall art, fireplace surrounds, tub decks, floors, windowsills, backsplashes, and the uses go on and on.

Have more questions?

Please contact one of our experienced sales consultants:

Phone214-221-0365

EmailTiara@texascounterfitters.com

Read more:
DFW Countertops|Dallas Countertops|Granite|Marble|Quartz ...

Laminate CountersLaminate surfaces are inexpensive, available in a range of options, and easy to maintain. The downside is that they are not heat tolerant, and edges and seams are generally visible. They also scratch and chip easily, which is not easily repaired.Solid Surface CountersWith no visible seams, lots of patterns and colors available and a renewable quality that allows cuts and scratches to be blended out, solid surfaces (which are basically a plastic) have several advantages. The downsides are that theyre not heat resistant, are pricier and require professional installation.Granite Countertops, Marble Countertops and Other Natural StonesGranite, slate, soapstone, quartz, marble, limestone and gemstone all fall under this category. Long-lasting natural stone has an organic beauty and is more heat tolerant than other surfaces. It also expensive, and its porous quality requires sealing maintenance to prevent stains.Engineered Stone CountertopsEngineered stone mimics natural stone, yet combines the properties of real stone with other ingredients to eradicate its porosity and maintenance requirements. This option, however, can be expensive depending on color choice.Wood and Butcher Block CountertopsGreat for a cutting surface, wood and butcher block options give the kitchen a warmer aesthetic than stone. Wood surfaces are susceptible to water damage if not properly sealed, and can dent and scratch easily.Metal CountersMetal surfaces, including stainless steel, copper or pewter, are heat tolerant, non-porous and sanitary. Like wood, though, they also can scratch and dent easily.Concrete CountertopsSurfaces created from concrete or cement have the ability to incorporate inlaid decorative details or useful implements like trivets. However, theyre prone to hairline cracks and are extremely heavy.Composite/Recycled CountersEco-friendly and similar to natural stone, recycled products are warmer to the touch than other options. Because theyre naturally made, they may fade over time.Lavastone CountersThis unique application of volcanic lava hardened into a stone-like consistency is heat, scratch and stain resistant and nonporous. However, because its uncommon, its expensive and hard to come by.Tile CountersTile surfaces come in an endless variety of styles and colors, are heat tolerant and durable, and can be very affordable depending on the chosen tile. Due to grout lines, theyre not very easy to clean.Glass CountersThis hygienic, non-porous surface is simple to maintain, heat tolerant, stain resistant and available in many styles, colors and textures. They can be expensive, show fingerprints and water spots, and can crack easily.

Read more here:
Kitchen Countertops | Houzz

Exceeding Expectations with Every Job!

We at Starwood Distributors take immense pride in exceeding the standards of our industry with our second to none customer service and high quality products! Our expert sales and design team stay ahead of all the latest trends and styles when it comes to all the products that we sell. We are happy to share our vast knowledge of products with our customers, and we take the time to answer any and all questions. Our experts can help you find the best product with amazing possibilities!

At Starwood, we carry a complete selection of interior shutters, blinds, shades, floor coverings and exterior windows that are well within your budget. Whether you are considering a traditional look or an elegant appeal, you will find it at Starwood! We carry the finest name brands, and as an added bonus, we bring our showroom DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR. We take the time to get to know you and your needs. Our knowledgeable design team will help you with paint colors and dcor choices. Once your project has concluded, we follow up to ensure that the work performed emulates our reputation. Our companys extraordinary work ethic, professional installation skills and unbeatable customer satisfaction is what has continued to make our business successful.

We are DFWs Leading Expert in Window & Floor Coverings. We offer the highest quality services at competitive prices. This is in large part due to the Starwood Distributors team of experts. We have a team that is second to none! Our highly trained installers are friendly, on-time and courteous. Our skilled craftsmen at work are something to watch. You can trust them to get it right, no matter the product or location. They are trained by working as apprentices with senior installers before they head out on their own. Our experts know windows wholly. They know the little imperfections that lead to problems and have the techniques to solve them. Our administration employees who handle logistics and individual customer job detail are very efficient and handle their work with a lot of ease. We strongly believe that every good job is truly a team effort. Our team cooperates, so that they deliver the most to our customers. Our team also focuses on the vision of the business which is to provide the highest quality window coverings, floor coverings, exterior windows and specialist design.

Most people have heard the old saying, you get what you pay for. Well, if you have had a bad buying experience from one of those slick ads offering to good to be true prices, then you know how true that saying really is. At Starwood Distributors, we have heard some crazy stories over the years and we feel your pain. We strive to give our customers the best buying experience from the first appointment to the final installation. At Starwood, we work hard to find top quality products, installed by real professionals, and sold at honest prices. Let us save you some time, money and a lot of frustration. No gimmicks. Just real value!

We proudly serve the Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and Houston,and surrounding areas. We guarantee the lowest possible price, and will beat any competitors bid. Its as simple as providing us your invoice from the other company on their company letterhead. If you would like an estimate, please call us today for a Free In-Home Consultation or complete our online request form.

We welcome the opportunity to serve you!

See more here:
StarWood Distributors Quality Windows and Flooring for ...

Largest selection of the latest in kitchen countertop & bath surfaces!Public Welcome!RemodelNew constructionResidentialCommercialSDF is the fabricator you been hearing about, Using the latest in technology, Our quality and service cannot be beat!A cut above Since 1986Granite - Marble - QuartzRecycled Glass - Porcelan Kitchen & Bath countertop surfaces,Tile & much more!Ph:(850)-484-8401 Toll free: (800)-806-6583

Old school craftsmanship using the latest in digital technology

Solid Design Fabricators Inc. is a locally owned and operated company, serving Pensacola and surrounding areas since 1986. We specialize in premium quality Natural stone & Quartz counter tops, vanity tops, wet bars, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, Tub surrounds and much more.

Here at Solid Design Fabricators, We have taken old school craftsmanship and combined it with the latest in digital technology to offer our customers the highest quality Natural stone and quartz countertops ion the Gulf Coast!

Unmatched design capabilities

Perfectly matched seams with veining and movement from piece to piece. Our layouts include seams, angles, radius work, sinks, faucets & appliances. No surprises! You will see exactly what you are getting in a color 3D layout of your project, with the slabs of your choosing . Any changes can be made quickly and easily. We will encourage the latest in custom and special designs, to create a unique and personalized project.

FaroTemplating: Capturing digital input from your job site within a 1/32 of inch accuracy, our digital templating allows your project to actually be traced to a laptop computer on the jobsite capturing every detail. Every cut is scribed to the wall

Being the oldest Granite fabricator from Mobile Al, to Destin Fl, our experienced staff has an extensive background in kitchen design, interior finishes and the latest in natural stone & quartz design..

Our showroom has full kitchen displays for our customers A large stone yard in Pensacola. Our professional staff are always on hand. We service all types of customers, ranging from the do it yourself remodeler to the custom homebuilder..

See the rest here:
SDF Granite countertops

BRIDGEPORT. W. Va. (WDTV) -- Of the many countertop materials out there, you mightve overlooked concrete, which offers unique customization, appearance and strength.

Concrete countertops are very versatile and durable, but remember, it can be a pricey option, so be sure you know youre going to like it before you install," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List.

David Barnes wanted something different, and chose extra-thick concrete in a gray tone that lightened his kitchen.

I want to go really thick, I dont want the thin countertops, I actually just want to make a statement, and so really with that and I also just being able to choose the color, the finish and the texture of the concrete, thats just kind of why I chose it, said Barnes.

Barnes entrusted his counters to Schurger Concrete Abstracts, which uses a mix unlike normal concrete.

Its kind of like overly-engineered concrete, so its actually much, much stronger than sidewalk concrete, and theres additives, things like that to make stronger, make it last longer, said David Schurger, of Shurger Concrete Abstracts.

Schurger also creates fireplaces, mantles and even concrete tablecloths.

If clients give us a little more artistic liberty, thats when the cool stuff happens, said Schurger.

So how long will it last?

The Hoover Dams still drying, and Romans have been doing it for a couple thousand years, so way longer than anybodys lifetime, Shurger said.

Visit link:
Angie's List: Choosing concrete countertops - WDTV

Two explosions were reported on Aug. 31 at the flood-hit Arkema plant in Crosby, Tex. (Reuters)

Early Thursday, while Texas wrestled with Hurricane Harvey's aftermath, a powerful reaction belched fireandblack smoke from a chemical factory in Crosby, Tex., 30 miles northeast of Houston.The factory, operated by French chemical company Arkema, lost power in the flood. The refrigeration system used to cool tractor-trailer tankers full of chemicalsfailed.So did the backup generators. There was a popping noise, officials said. Then awarmtanker, full ofliquidorganic peroxides, erupted into flames.

Organic peroxides are extremely flammable, noted the company in a statementon its website Thursday. Arkema said it expected more fires to start and planned to allow the chemicals to burn themselves out.

They're actually very marvelous, said chemistWilliam Carroll,an adjunct professor of chemistry at Indiana University who has worked with organic peroxides for many years. You use them in a way that they fall apart and do so at very specific temperatures. Oneorganic peroxide can be tailored to break up at 30 degrees Celsius [86 degrees Fahrenheit], while another will do so at 40 degrees. The trick is to keep them safely below those temperatures sometimes frozen solid, or, in the case of the Arkema plant, stored as chilled liquids.

When peroxides heat up, they react. Thursday, around 2 a.m. local time, the materials did exactly what they're supposed to do, Carroll said. They decomposed.

A peroxide compound contains two linked oxygen atoms. The peroxide you're perhaps most familiar with, hydrogen peroxide, is a chainof two oxygen atomscapped on both ends with a hydrogen atom. Peroxides are useful because the chemical bond between the oxygen atoms is so unstable. Oxygengreedily snatches electrons from other atoms. Thisrapaciousness makes oxygen a flighty partner when bonded to itself.

Michelle Francl, a chemistry professor at Bryn Mawr, has an antique glass container labeled peroxide in her office. A laboratory safety officer who caught sight of the jaralmost bolted until Francl gave her assurances that it was scrubbed clean. Had it contained dry peroxide, she said, the jar could havecombusted at a jolt.

Peroxides arebasically tiny little molecular canisters of oxygen, Francl said. Theyre designed to break apart and be highly reactive. Its like having a whole bunch of fragile glass molecules.People have used hydrogen peroxide's fizzy instability tobleach hair, disinfect wounds not always arecommendedtechnique and, at high concentrations, propel rockets.

Organic peroxides substitute the hydrogen caps for clusters of carbon plus other elements.There are many kinds of organic peroxides, with almost as many uses. Benzoyl peroxide, as an acnemedication, tears apart proteins inskin bacteria. Arkema advertises a wide range of peroxide products: not just to defeat zitsbut also to kick-startpolymer reactions, to improve the color of resins, to create plastics for pipes and countertops.

Your plastic kitchen countertop, of course, isn't in danger of spontaneous combustion. When manufacturing plastics, the reactive peroxide is aspark, not a building block. Once the peroxide kicks off thea chain reaction,the resulting moleculesbraid together in astable polymer. The beauty of peroxides is their ability to keep the reaction going, churning out free radicals. Every time a radical touches something it turns it into a radical, Francl said. Its like zombies.

It's no coincidence that Texas isthick with chemicalplants, situated alongside natural gas and oil refineries. Where there are fossil fuels there are carbon byproducts, a key component of organic peroxides. Youmight hear oil and think of fuel. But chemists think of lots of little carbon frameworks. Like Lego, Francl said.

And the choice to construct the chemical plant in a rural area was no accident, either, Carroll said. You won't find such a factory in downtown Houston. They're acutely aware that they're working with a reactive material, he said, that has to be handled in a certain way.

The Arkema plant is far from the first to have an accident with organic peroxides. Between 1980 and 2001, there were about a dozen accidents severe enough to trigger reviews from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, Francl noted, including a previous event in Crosby in 1998. A handful took place in Pasadena and other nearby Texas cities.

On Thursday, a deputy with the Harris County Sheriffs Office sought treatment for inhaling fumes, The Washington Post reported. Other organic peroxide accidents have resulted in injuries. In 2008, in Edmonton, Alberta, nine people were hospitalizedafter a peroxide holding tank caught fire. (Terrorists have put organic peroxides to the most horrific use. Bombingattacksin Manchester, London, Paris and Brusselsinvolvedtriacetone triperoxide or TATP, a compound also known as mother of Satan.")

If there is a silver lining to the peroxide accident Thursday,thechemicals' reactivity means that they wont stick around in the environment. The chemicals will burn too quickly for floodwaters to sweep any of the liquid away. This is an acute event, not a chronic one, Carroll said.

What's left after such a chemical reaction? Smoke, but mostly carbon dioxide and more water.

Read more:

Blasts, chemical reactions rock chemical plant in Texas amid continuing Harvey flooding

The health dangers from Hurricane Harveys floods

Catastrophic flooding beyond anything experienced in Houston and expected to worsen

Storm victims takeshelter at Houstons convention center arriving by foot, bus and dump truck

See the rest here:
The 'extremely flammable' chemical behind the fire in the flooded Texas plant - Washington Post

Most things look better grouped together, junk on your countertops, decorating accessories and even people. It's true, you can throw your keys, wallet and pocket contents on the counter and feel disarray, but if you bunch it together in a bowl a small sense of order comes to life. Our kitchen countertops began getting cluttered with various cooking necessities, especially the go-to spices we use so often. This led me to search out a small tray that could wrangle all the mess and bring some comfort to my overstimulated eyes.

As I looked around, I didn't want to pay the price I saw on many trays, plus none of them matched the dcor I pictured in my head. That's always the point when my DIY wheels start churning and my own solution comes to life. If you have a messy spot or are looking for some simple base dcor pieces try my new favorite trickput some feet on it.

By adding some cute little bun feet, a rusty old baking pan becomes a farmhouse-style tray to house spices. Put some feet on an old roasting pan lid and a large dcor tray is born. Feet do a few things. First, they add height, which is always helpful in decorating. A variation in height, texture and scale are three important ingredients in the recipe of a delicious vignette. Second, feet get metal off your counter surfaces. If a rusty pan or metal tray sits on a surface and gets wet, it can transfer rust onto your counter. Nobody needs a quick solution that leads to a bigger problem. Wooden ball feet are also less likely to scratch a countertop surface than metal. I might know that from experience. Most of all, little feet make a transformation complete by taking the ordinary and elevating it.

Here is how you make a quick and easy footed tray:

1. Gather an old pan, roaster lid or shallow box that fits your space and intended clutter.

2. Spray paint pan or tray if it needs a color change. If you are using a rusty pan you want to seal it with a matte gloss spray paint.

3. Get four wooden drawer pulls or doll heads from the craft store. These have a flat edge to them so they secure nicely to an item.

4. Stain or paint wooden feet to match your dcor.

5. Flip your pan over and attach feet to the bottom of your pan using a strong adhesive glue such as E6000 or Gorilla Glue. Allow to dry completely.

6. Fill with kitchen counter clutter and breathe a sigh of relief!

Home dcor solutions don't have to be fussy or expensive. Chances are you have some old pans in the donate pile at your house that you could put to good use. Trust me on the gathering bit, a unified front fosters peace in all things.

Kim Jones is a Texas A&M graduate and Bryan resident who writes about creative and inexpensive decoration ideas, garage sale makeovers and thrift store finds. She blogs at huntandhost.com and can be reached at huntandhost@gmail.com.

Read more from the original source:
Customize trays to elminate countertop clutter - Bryan-College Station Eagle

Junior League of Springfield's annual Tour of Kitchens fundraiser shows off some of the most beautiful kitchens in 417-land all for a good cause.

By Jenna Dejong Photos by Brandon Alms

DISCLAIMER: The information in this article was fact checked and accurate at press time, but 417 Magazine cannot guarantee its accuracy indefinitely.

See six gorgeous, thoughtfully designed kitchens in person at the Junior League of Springfields fourth annual Tour of Kitchens. The organization was built on the ideals of serving others in the community through fundraising efforts and volunteering. To fund some of their projects, Junior League has planned a day full of demonstrations and samples that keep mouths watering from start to finish. Guests load onto a shuttle and are whisked away on an escorted tour to six homes in Highland Springs. During their visit, guests can admire the style and architecture of each gorgeous kitchen as local businesses create some of their most loved meals and recipes. Chefs from Metropolitan Farmer,MaMaJeans Natural Market, Shakers Bartending, Barley Wheat & Rye Social House and more are at the ready to cook up crowd favorites or new tasty treats. Guests start the day at 10 a.m. in the parking lot of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame where a shuttle picks them up and takes them to Highland Springs to begin the tour. At the end of the event, VIP attendees are invited to attend an after party at the Highland Springs Country Club.

The Louth Kitchen (above)

A large kitchen is needed for all of the 18 members of Jim and Suzanne Louths family. The kitchensfloorplanis arranged in such a way that makes hosting and gathering comfortable and functional.The medium blue island acts as a hub for those who are grazing on delicious snacks; the refrigerator is within easy reach, and a pullout microwave is ready for use at just the touch of a button. A large pantry is set to the side and houses a wine cooler and workstation for whipping up a quick batch of cookies. This secret area is key tokeeping the mess out of view from the rest of the kitchen.

The Hicks Kitchen

Combining Kyle Hickss rustic style and Stacy Hickss traditional tastes, the couples kitchen is a room filled with various shades of browns, blacks and grays. The kitchen is set up for the ultimate hostingpast the large island, the room opens into a larger space set up with a cloth sofa, two chairs, a television, a kitchen table and a piano. The area is the perfect setup for mingling and interacting with the host and hostess as they use their indoor grill, ice maker and trash compactor to serve and delight guests with the tastiest of treats.

TheHazelriggKitchen

Chris and JenniferHazelriggs kitchen is organized like a foodies dream. Not quite traditional, but not contemporary either, this transitional kitchen is picturesque in tones of white and gray. Pull-out drawers equipped with reinforcements store heavy dishes within reach, and others are lined with built-in utensil organizers. A large white island with granite countertops offers more space to prepare and serve mouthwatering dishes. To top it off, the appliances in the kitchen were picked with careful consideration and the intent to make cooking and baking feel like an art form.

The Miner Kitchen

Fresh is the first word that comes to homeowner Marta Miner when she looks at her combined kitchen and dining room. Inspired by West Coast homes in Los Angeles, Marta and Jeremy Miner ensured their kitchen and dining room are flooded with natural light from the oversized windows. Their kitchen has a light color scheme complete with white countertops, light gray walls and stainless steel appliances. The kitchen is equipped with two islands, one of which houses a wine cooler. The Viking stove has six burners, and sitting below is a double oven, making cooking and preparing food easy and quick.

TheHerschendKitchen

The first thing you notice in the newly renovated kitchen at Michelle and AustinHerschends home is the eye-catching white-and-gray backsplash. Acting as a focal point, the backsplash is a modern twist that compliments the rest of the houses traditional style. The kitchen itself is spacious and makes for easy interacting. The large islands black countertop was replaced with white marble, and the room was recently updated with small touches like switching light fixtures and door handles. When you walk in, you cant miss the gas oven, breakfast nook and a coffee bar with a wine cooler sitting below.

TheMantalaKitchen

This space owned by Dr. MarceloMantalaand MayLylahChua-Mantalahas the creamy feel of a rustic Italian kitchen. With rich hues of brown, gold and tan, the kitchens color scheme and decor make those who walk through feel as though they are entering a different world. Most of the cabinets have glass doors or no doors at all, and on one side, the wall has a large opening looking into the adjoining room. In the center of it all sits an off-white island with a black granite countertop that offers seating to guests while the host and hostess bustle from either end of the kitchen.

Meet 417 Magazine's 10 Most Beautiful Women. Learn about the local charities that they represent, then see them walk the runway at Indulge on September 14.

Bob Noble's private Rivercliff property offers a secluded space for his invitees, but he's looking to a future when the Finley River views are open to the public.

5 Pound Pup is an extension of 5 Pound Apparel that includes mans best friend and gives back to the community.

Go here to see the original:
Go Inside Highland Springs' Most Beautiful Kitchens - 417mag

When tenants step into Halifax Lofts, the high, spacious hallways will take them back to the days when hundreds of students were bustling through to get to their classrooms that have now been transformed into modern, stylish lofts.

Those classrooms are the very things that lend the old Halifax Elementary School to being favorable to these types of projects, according to Echelon Resources developer Edwin Gaskin.

Just looking from the outside, one can see how the classrooms provide that type of structure for rooms.

Within the 30 units, there are roughly eight floor plans with most apartments being one bedroom, but there are some with two bedrooms.

With these historic redevelopments, you dont often get cookie cutter because youre working around existing walls or features, said Gaskins.

Inside the rooms are grey, black and brown granite countertops alongside black and silver appliances that Gaskin said were actually voted on by a group who follows them on Facebook.

Some rooms still have a touch of the classroom such as a chalkboard down the side of the living area, and one may spot where lockers used to sit.

One of the rooms is specifically unique, the former cafeteria.

Because these are done as part of the National Parks Service Guidelines, we actually had to preserve this space as open, said Gaskin.

It lends itself to a very unique buyer as the former cafeteria now has an open floor plan for the bedroom, kitchen and living area in a 2,818 square feet studio apartment.

The only rooms it has are the bathroom, laundry area and closet space, and the tenant will have his or her very own stage.

We actually already have a buyer for this unit, said Gaskin. We realize that not all of these rooms appeal to every buyer, but we cater to the young professional. That creates an expectation of both style, fashion and security, and we try to deliver on those fronts.

Each tenant will enter the building using a key-swipe entry, and Gaskin has the capabilities and security cameras to keep an eye on all entrances, common areas and hallways of the facility, even from the convenience of his smartphone.

There are five exterior entrances, and some of the units have their own private entrance.

Outside of the main building are what used to be mobile unit classrooms that are now more private rooms.

Additions have been added to the units, and they have incorporated the historic outside of the former classrooms to the inside of the apartments.

These units are in the ideal location to enjoy the 4.2 acres that Halifax Lofts sits on.

Residents of Halifax Lofts also have ample amount of parking and dumpster service, and these apartments are positioned in a safe, quiet neighborhood that is located minutes from the town of Halifax.

That very neighborhood also has been helpful in the aesthetics of the building that houses various photos of old classmates, basketball teams and Girl Scouts that adorn the hallways.

One of the Girl Scouts in this photo actually donated it, and we have people who come in here and name who the individuals are in the photos, said Gaskin.

Even though the lofts offer a contemporary appeal, the building still lends itself to nostalgia for former classmates, and individuals will have the chance to reminisce at a grand opening this fall.

No date has been set at this time, but Gaskin is aiming for late September, early October.

The town and county have been very good to work with, said Gaskin.

Several of the lofts have been leased, and tenants are expected to begin moving in within the month.

Halifax Lofts is their fifth project with the other closest redevelopment being in Chatham.

Interested individuals may find more information about these pet-friendly lofts with rents that range from $800 to $950 a month on their website, HalifaxLofts.com.

Halifax Lofts also can be found on Facebook, and individuals can receive information by emailing halifaxlofts@gmail.com or calling 434-830-1580.

Read more from the original source:
At Halifax Lofts, a taste of nostalgia - YourGV.com

Kitchen islands are command central. Playing host to everything from homework to happy hour, islands are often the most popular spot in the house as well as a stunning showcase of style.

It used to be that islands played an important role in allowing homeowners to gain more countertop for cooking, but its really taken on a whole new life in todays kitchen, said Stephanie Pierce, director of design and trends for MasterBrand Cabinets, its more about creating a focal point within the space for social and family interaction, in addition to the food prep.

Designer Denise Bosley, owner of Denise Bosley Interiors in Sierra Madre said, If homeowners can fit an island, they will have an island.

In many cases, the bigger the better.

The popularity of open floor plans has resulted in larger islands that serve as a kitchen workhorse, Grand Central for socializing and a piece of custom furniture that connects spaces and creates flow.

If an oversized island is on the wish list, however, Bosley advises clients to think it through. You have to consider things like the type of stone you want to use, said Bosley, if you do want a really large island youre going to have seams and some people dont like that.

Bosley said one 11-foot island she installed required a seam down the center to merge two slabs. You dont see it in pictures, and it becomes an afterthought then you build this big island and think, oh, boy.

Paul LEsperance, co-owner of LEsperance Design in West Hollywood said when it comes to countertops, his clients are requesting Neolith, an ultra-compact surface material manufactured by combining raw materials found in glass, porcelain and quartz under extreme heat and intense pressure.

Everybody wants the beauty of Calcutta marble, said LEsperance, but they dont want the upkeep this is selling like crazy.

Bosley agreed. People want marble, but they know its not practical for most family kitchens, she said, weve been using a lot of quartz, and a lot of new [manufactured] materials coming out that look like marble.

Upgraded islands also boast bigger sinks. Its not just a small prep sink anymore, said Bosley. People are using them to wash dishes and share during prep.

Divided sinks are out too, LEsperance said: Everybody wants the big trough, farm sinks in stainless steel or enamel.

The biggest news in islands, however, is color.

The island is a great opportunity to provide some personality with color or warmth with wood tones, so we are seeing islands being utilized a lot as an accent element.

Everybody wants to paint their cabinets right now, said LEsperance. Theres a little bit of a revolt from white so the first project people jump on is an island because its not like redoing all the cabinets.

Well do white perimeter cabinets, said Bosley, and color on the island. Navy blues, beachy shades and bold greens and blues are trending.

Blue is definitely the number one pick for kitchen accent colors this year, said Pierce, and its all shades.

Hague Blue from Farrow and Ball is beautiful, said LEsperance, you know with [inspiration from the] islands, people can go a little more wild.

For your design inspiration, we pored over our photo archives for some of our favorite kitchen islands. Enjoy!

Bonnie McCarthy contributes to the Los Angeles Times as a home and lifestyle design writer. She enjoys scouting for directional trends and reporting on whats new and next. Follow her on Twitter @ThsAmericanHome.

Ten hot design trends coming your way in 2017

Will this be the color of 2017?

Disappearing glass walls create magic for high-end homes

Painting you front door a new color can be done in a day and hello, curb appeal

See the article here:
Kitchen islands are getting bigger, better and more colorful than ever - Los Angeles Times