5 Amazing Granite Countertop Colors

While quartz countertops gain popularity, granite countertops are still the ideal choice among homeowners and residential construction trends. You can choose from several granite countertop colors from the latest design trends. Here are the most popular granite countertop colors.

Spectral

Spectral is a consistent stone, available in whites, greys, blacks, and creams. It is a neutral option that pairs with almost any cabinetry and blends well with ceramic or glass tiles.

Giallo Ornamental Light

Giallo Ornamental Light is a basically white granite. It is a very cost-effective option, if you want whiter countertops. While it is known for its golden, beige and creamy tones, it also comes in bronze, gray, and light brown.

Rio White

This is a mid-range granite with a soft grey and white pattern. It is a great economical substitute for White Carrara marble.

Artisan White

Artisan White is a bolder granite with chunks of grey and black on a pure white background. If you want a budget alternative to marble with deep dramatic veining, considered Artisan White granite.

Black Pearl

Black Pearl granite, especially one with a leathered finish, is the hot countertop trend right now. If you want some contrast with your white cabinetry, or a bolder statement, Black Pearl Leathered is a perfect choice.

There are endless, even overwhelming, options in granite countertop colors but you can rest assured when choosing colors from this list. To learn more about quartz countertops, call the best quartz kitchen countertop installation company in Chicago, IL, Chicago Stone Source & Remodeling or call 630-313-9491 Today.

Types of Granite Countertop Finishes

Granite countertops instantly add luxury to your kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor area. Once you’ve chosen the granite countertop and your edge profile, you need to choose the type of finish. Selecting the finish is important since it provides the stone its unique texture and appearance.

There are three types of finishes you can choose from – polished, honed, and rough.

Polished Finish

The most common granite countertop finish is polished. It provides an elegant appearance to the countertop and highlights the color of the stone. The granite countertop is polished by grinding heads with progressively finer abrasives. This type of finish is easier to maintain and can be buffed and re-polished without an expensive repair or replacement.

Honed Finish

The honed finish provides a smooth feel minus the gloss of the polished finish. As a result, you get a modern and casual feel along with the elegance of granite. Scratches are less visible with this type of finish than with a polished finish.

Rough Finish

You can choose from several types of rough finishes – brushed, leathered, antiqued, and vintage. Each of these types of finishes provides a slightly different rough appearance but they all bring out the natural character of the stone. A rough finish is great for outdoor countertops where the stone will be exposed to impactful elements, such as sunlight. To learn more about quartz countertops, call the best quartz kitchen countertop installation company in Chicago, IL, Chicago Stone Source & Remodeling or call 630-313-9491 Today.

3 Important Considerations for your Basement Remodeling

Whether you have lived in your home for a long time or you have recently bought a new one, an unfinished basement, calls for remodeling. Here are 3 signs that your remodeling your basement is a good idea.

Odors

Mold or mildew growth caused due to water damage or poor construction can cause unpleasant smells and odors in your basement. It may mean replacing the carpeting, wood flooring, tiling, or even some parts of the walls so that basement can become livable again.

Outdated

Carpeting, shelving, flooring, and fixtures that may have looked great when you built or bought the house years ago, would appear outdated now. Many basements may not need a complete remodel but if parts of your basement are falling apart, it is time to remodel those parts of your basement.

Change in Needs

As your family grows, your basement needs would change. For example, your basement was an amazing man cave but with a growing family, you may benefit from converting it into a play room for the kids. And if your kids are grown up and have moved out, you may want to turn the basement bedrooms into a library.

There are so many reasons why a basement that was good for your family may need remodeling to suit your family’s needs later.

Talk to an experienced basement remodeling contractor before you get started. If you are looking for basement contractors and home remodeling services, talk to Chicago Stone Source & Remodeling or call 630-313-9491 Today.

How to prepare for a kitchen remodeling project?

The kitchen is often the busiest space in a house, and remodeling it can be a challenge. Here are a few ways to make the transition as easy as possible as you remodel.

Assess your present kitchen

The first step to create a dream kitchen is to assess your current one. What are the things you are you happy with and what would you like to change? Is there an area that you would want to see altered or become a more functional space? For example, do you have to run around your kitchen while preparing meals?

Your kitchen remodel contractor can help you redesign your kitchen so that the appliances, cooking utensils and the storage is in close proximity with each other. You should also have ample counter space.

Evaluate your lifestyle

How much time do you spend in the kitchen and how do you spend the majority of this time? If you spend most of your time in the kitchen, your remodeling project should be focused towards making your space more functional and comfortable. If you entertain a lot, you may need plenty of seating – perhaps a large island with sufficient space around it.

Consider your dream kitchen

To have the kitchen of your dreams, discuss your ideas and vision with your kitchen remodel contractor. Share any ideas you may have gathered from magazines, Pinterest boards, etc. To learn more about quartz countertops, basement remodeling and kitchen innovation services in Chicago, Illinois, talk to Chicago Stone Source & Remodeling or call 630-313-9491 Today.

Give your old kitchen a Modern Makeover!

The kitchen is often the most-used space in your home. From preparing and eating meals, to family discussions, your family probably spends a lot of time in the kitchen. If your current kitchen is old, unappealing, or is simply not working for you anymore, it might be time to give it a makeover.

Modern convenience

If you have an older kitchen, it is likely that you’re missing out on the cool new modern features that come with modern kitchens. Here are examples of a few features you can add during a kitchen remodel are:

Pot filler – You can have a tap added above the stove to easily fill pots. No more hefting water across the kitchen trying to prevent it from splashing out!
Extra dishwasher – Adding a second dishwasher means you don’t have to worry about dirty dishes piling up ever again.
Kitchen island – A kitchen island can be used for so many purposes – for meal prep, eating together, kids’ homework, projects and so much more!

Modern flooring

Kitchen flooring is an extremely important part of your kitchen. If your kitchen floor is aging, it can make the entire kitchen look very dated and unappealing? Wouldn’t you want more durable and resilient kitchen flooring? Choose a new flooring that blends seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen design.

Modern storage

Your kitchen may have come with standard storage. But no two households are alike. Discover the incredible benefits of custom cabinetry when you remodel your kitchen. Share your needs and vision of the modern kitchen with your remodeling contractor so that they can come up with the perfect kitchen storage solutions for your home. If you are looking for the top Chicago home and basement remodeling contractors, talk to Chicago Stone Source & Remodeling or call 630-313-9491 Today.

5 Steps for a Successful Kitchen Remodel

If you have your eyes set on a beautiful kitchen and are planning to remodel your kitchen, here are a few things you must consider first.

Why Remodel

You certainly want a prettier kitchen. But look at other factors why you are remodeling. Are you looking at creating more space for entertaining? Do you want to add to your property’s value? Do you want a more open kitchen? Take your time to decide what you really want from your new kitchen.

Budget

You may not be hard pressed for money but it is always a good idea to budget. The cost of your kitchen remodeling project will depend upon the scope, the materials, the structural changes, the contractors and more.

Plan Well

Plan well in advance about what you really want. Make a drawing of your kitchen, along with measurements and check what you can fit into your kitchen without cluttering it. Consult your remodeling innovation services contractor about the choice of materials and fixtures so that you are on the same page and you can avoid any delays.

Quality is Top Priority

Since you may be spending a great deal on your kitchen, you obviously want the remodel to last. Always choose high quality materials and contractors, even though they may look a little expensive upfront. Think long-term and cost effectiveness.

Plan to Live Without a Kitchen

Be prepared that you may have to live without a kitchen while yours is being remodeled. You may have to eat out or think of meals you can prepare without using your oven or stove. You could also set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere in the house while your kitchen is getting a makeover. If you are looking for quartz countertops and kitchen innovation services, talk to Chicago Stone Source & Remodeling or call 630-313-9491 Today.

4 Exciting Bathroom Countertop Material Options

While kitchen countertops need to be durable since they often take a heavy beating from heat, cold, knives and spills, bathroom countertops are free of such risks. This means you can look at more options and relax a bit when it comes to choosing a bathroom countertop.

GRANITE

Granite is known for its natural elegance as well as its. It’s resists stains and once sealed, it’s the easiest to care for. Granite can be a little expensive upfront, but its durability makes it more than worth its cost.

MANUFACTURED QUARTZ

This is a synthetic composite comes that is available in a wide variety of colors and styles. Manufactured quartz is durable and easy to maintain. But it is a bit more expensive than granite.

TILE

Tile is durable and affordable. Tiles also come in colors and patterns allowing you to create unique and beautiful designs. However, maintenance can prove to be tricky because you have to deal with grout.

SOLID SURFACE

Solid surface materials are ideal for customization as they can be molded to fit any specs. It is non-porous and doesn’t allow mildew growth. It’s also easy to clean.

You could give your bathroom a makeover by simply updating your countertops. Regardless of what you choose for your bathroom countertops, an experienced remodeler can make your vision come to life. If you are looking for the best Chicago home remodeling and basement contractors, talk to Chicago Stone Source & Remodeling or call 630-313-9491 Today.