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Getting Your Kitchen Ready for Spring!

Spring is finally approaching, bringing summer fever with it. Don’t let your house chores get in the way of all of this season’s potential. Here are 3 steps for getting your kitchen ready for spring, leaving you more time to sit back and enjoy some rays!

ORGANIZE

Spring cleaning comes with one of the most time-consuming jobs of all: organizing your home. Not only do you have to clean out the refrigerator to make room for your new market veggies, but you also have to declutter the pantry, cupboards, and those countertops. We suggest starting with your least favorite area and working your way to the fun part, the fridge (mostly because you can have a few strawberries here and there as you work!)

DECORATE

Break out those spring decorations! That includes all of the bright colored flowers your heart desires. Don’t forget to switch out the winter tablecloth too! Fruits can also be a fun (and edible) decoration this time of year, bringing a nice pop of color to your counter space. Spring is not only a good season for redecorating, but also for remodeling. If you are looking to add a better and brighter countertop to your home, check out some of Cutstone’s products today.

CLEAN

It’s called spring cleaning for a reason! Cleaning is always easiest when you start from the top and work your way down. Make sure you dust all of those hard to reach places first, that way you can clean up the aftermath when you get to a lower level. When cleaning counters, check to make sure you are using the right product for your stone. You can check out the best way to clean each countertop here, here and here. Once you are finished with the up high areas, mop the floors and call it a day. Time to let those countertops and floors dry. Plus, you’ve earned yourself a nap.

Wanting to make a few new spring addition to brighten up your kitchen space?

Contact Cutstone today and we’ll get you started toward designing the home of your dreams!

3 Excellent Countertop Choices that Aren’t Granite

There is no denying that granite is a great countertop choice for just about any homeowner. It’s classy and elegant, yet low-maintenance compared to other natural stones. Aside from its natural beauty, it holds up strong against everyday use (when sealed correctly!), like spilled makeup products or curling irons in the bathroom, or knife blades and hot pans in the kitchen. For these reasons, our staff always recommend granite to homeowners but sometimes granite is just not in the budget, especially when you choose an expensive color or high-end slab.

While most homeowners tend to head straight to the granite, there are many other countertop choices available that you may love even more. Here are a few of our favorite non-traditional countertop options that we think will make you forget all about granite! And if not, then at least it will make your kitchen or bathroom stand out.

SOAPSTONE

We’ve mentioned before how much we love the look of this countertop – especially in a kitchen or bathroom with bright colors. It’s smooth, matte finish, deep hue and impressive durability makes soapstone a great option for homeowners who are looking for something truly unique in their space. While marble and granite are both durable when properly maintained, soapstone is the only natural surface that isn’t affected by spills, and no fancy cleaners are needed to keep the surface clean. Just a little soap and water will do.

QUARTZ

Scratch, heat and stain resistant, quartz is one of the most reliable natural stone materials for high-traffic kitchens and bathrooms. This engineered surface mimics the smooth, sheen surface of popular natural stones like marble and granite, yet is non-porous and super low-maintenance (no sealer needed!).

TRAVERTINE

The classic pattern and earthy tones of this beautiful stone are sure to brighten and warm up a drab space. From polished floors to tiled showers and vanity countertops, you would be surprised just how many ways travertine can be used in your home! While this natural stone is particularly sensitive to acidic liquids and is likely to stain and etch with properly sealing, there are many precautions you can take to keep it looking its best. So don’t shy away from a beautiful stone like this!

Want to talk to a professional about which stone is best for your home project?
Give Cutstone a call and we’ll get your going on designing the space of your dreams!

4 Ways to Achieve a Beautiful, Southern Kitchen

There is no question that in the South, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Modern and purposeful, Southern kitchens are packed full of personality and are a true hub for entertaining during football season, holiday get-togethers and the occasional dinner party. Whether you embrace a shabby chic look or opt for a more sophisticated farmhouse style, a hint of southern flare in the kitchen is always on trend here in Birmingham. Looking to give your home a splash of Southern Living? Read on for a few helpful hints!

THINK OPEN-CONCEPT, ALWAYS

When it comes to the South, kitchens are all about food and entertaining, which means you will need plenty of space. If you’re planning to rework your kitchen design, consider choosing a layout that creates a connected space for both cooking and hosting. Not only do open-concept plans make a small space seem larger by removing “dead” space in your home (like that formal dining room that is rarely used or long, awkward hallways between rooms), but they also are much more functional. Shared spaces encourage guests to mingle with the cook, rather than to isolate the two!

WORK WITH THE BONES

While the architecture of a historic home (high ceilings, crown molding, and lofty windows) really capture the Southern charm, these elements aren’t always realistic for homeowners. Unfortunately, most modern homes don’t incorporate that traditional charm anymore. Instead of adding in costly remodels, think about working with your home’s existing bones. Is there a way to knock down a wall for additional space? Can you rework the cabinetry to create more storage for those farmhouse-style drawers? A little redesign will help get that historic feel without going too over the top (or spending a lot!).

ADD A LITTLE PERSONALITY

The easiest way to bring in that country feel into your home is to add a touch of personality. Southern homes are effortlessly beautiful, blending rustic elements with vintage pieces seamlessly. Whether it’s a distressed kitchen table, a deep farmhouse sink, a rustic barn door, weathered wood floors or wrought-iron fixtures, your options are endless. Think about your overall home design and work in elements that fit your style. Many country homes have similar features, such as shiplap walls, wooden bar tops, and creamy marble counters, but that doesn’t mean that’s the only way to achieve southern chic. One of our client favorites is the Calacatta Black marble, which goes perfectly with warm colors if you choose to paint your walls and cabinets. If you aren’t looking to spend a lot, think about adding a few vintage finds into your space, like flea-market plates, candlesticks or an old brass teapot.

FOOD, OF COURSE

Ah, the most important part! In order to achieve a southern home, delicious casseroles and creamy desserts are a must. If you really want to add the perfect touch, head over to the local Birmingham market,  Pepper Place  and pick you up some home grown veggies for your dinner table. Trust us!

In need of new countertops to help transform your Southern kitchen?
Contact Cutstone today and we’ll get you started toward creating the home of your dreams!

Budget Tips for Kitchen Remodels

The first thing you typically notice when you walk into someone’s kitchen is one of three things: the cabinets, the counters, or the floors. Of course, everyone’s goal is to have the most unique and well-designed kitchen, but that doesn’t make it any easier with all of the expenses that come with it. Whether your kitchen needs a total renovation or just a few updates here and there, here are some ways to get the kitchen of your dreams, without the heavy price tag.

CABINETS

New cabinets are typically one the bigger expenses of a kitchen renovation, so why not work with what you have? If it is a simply a matter of outdated cabinet color or design, consider giving them a fresh new look with a little paint. A shade of white is a great choice if your goal is to brighten up your kitchen. On the other hand, if there is no turning back from the damage done to your cabinets, consider sprucing them up with new doors or knobs. Salvage what you can of your cabinets and go from there.

COUNTERS

Although the team here at Cutstone can be a little biased towards our products, granite is a solid choice for a countertop upgrade. This stone is the easiest to find, making it one of the least expensive to install. With our wide selection of the beautiful material, there is sure to be the perfect match for your unique kitchen. If you plan to splurge a little, try out of a few of our other stone countertop options!

FLOOR

While hardwood floors are the most popular option nowadays, dare to be different! Travertine tile has been a secret favorite of homeowners due to its incredible durability, easy repair and smooth natural surface. This type of material is a great choice, and one that we are positive will leave your kitchen looking priceless.

Need a new sink for your home? Contact Cutstone today and

we’ll get you started toward creating the home of your dreams!

Polished, Honed or Brushed Granite finish? How to Choose

When it comes to countertops, granite is one of the most popular choices. With its visual appeal, durability and easy maintenance, it’s often easy for homeowners to decide on granite. But even after choosing the material, there are many other options to consider. Not only do homeowners have to choose a color and an edge profile, but they also have to choose a countertop finish.

Most stone surfaces come in a variety of finishes, but the most popular choices are Polished, Honed and Brushed. Here’s how you choose the best finish for your kitchen project.

POLISHED

Polished granite is achieved through a process of grinding and buffing until it acquires a shiny, reflective appearance. The final product is a sleek surface that is both glossy and elegant. Glossed surfaces tend to resist stains better than other finishes, and may not have to be resealed as often as other finishes. If you are placing your countertop in an high-traffic area, then a polished granite is a smart choice.

HONED

Also known as “matte,” this type of finish is achieved through a grinding and sanding process to reveal a satiny-smooth appearance. Due to the characteristic dull sheen, stones with a honed finish do not show color and texture quite as well as the others, but homeowners still like this type of finish because of its ability to conceal flaws in the material.

BRUSHED

Brushed is considered one of the most high-maintenance finishes because of its manufacturing process. To create a brush finish, the material is brushed gently until it achieves a textured and worn-in appearance. Surfaces with a brushed finish will have little to no sheen, making the colors and veining of the material more subtle. Brushed finishes also have a slight texture making it an interesting addition to your space.

HOW TO CHOOSE:

Choosing the right finish for your countertops ultimately depends on the intended use and your personal design preferences. If your countertop will be placed in a high-traffic, busy area, then a polished granite may be your best option, as it requires little maintenance and is the most reflective of the finishes. However, granite is a naturally durable material so as long as you follow a regular cleaning and sealing regime, all three can still be a good choice for busy homeowners.

Other considerations that may influence your decision include the price and availability of the finishes. Being the most popular choice, polished finishes are often in stock and are the least expensive, while a special order brushed finish may take a dent out of your countertop budget. Shop around and see what’s available in your price range to help you make the best decision for you.

 

Need help deciding on the finish of your granite countertop? Give us a call to set up
 an appointment and get the process started toward the kitchen of your dreams!

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