Academy Blog


Multi-Level Kitchen Islands that Create Personality

Multi-Level Kitchen IslandsKitchen islands have become increasingly popular in kitchen design; adding a new workspace for food prep and central area for social gatherings, they also add a new dimension and another layer of design to your space. If you’re looking for ways to make a visually flat kitchen design more appealing, adding a dose of personality with a multi-level kitchen island can do the trick. How can you make this element functionally and aesthetically pleasing? Here are a few examples to give you ideas for your own kitchen upgrade.

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Countertop Pairings for a Black and Gold Kitchen or Bath

black and gold kitchen and bath Interior design changes are always evolving; all-white kitchens and gray kitchens just had a moment with popular kitchen and bath design. Now, black and gold kitchen or bath design is on-trend. At one time, it was considered unthinkable to pair black finishes with gold hardware — gold went with white, while silver went with black. Today, however, you can not only pair whichever metals you like with your black or white kitchen or bathrooms, but you can even mix metals.

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Just How Durable are Porcelain Countertops? 

How Durable are Porcelain Countertops?We’re all fairly familiar with porcelain pieces in kitchen and bathroom spaces, thanks to the prevalence of porcelain sinks and toilets. However, innovations in porcelain have led to an ever-expanding catalog of applications for this beautiful material, including countertop slabs. 

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White Granite Countertops that Look Like Marble

White Granite Countertops That Look Like MarbleThere’s nothing quite like stunning, white countertops to create a statement style in your kitchen or bathroom. Not only does white inherently make a space feel bright, airy, and clean, but it can also be used to create an atmosphere of tranquility or add a show stopping focal point, depending on what you pair it with.

When you think of white countertop materials, you might naturally lean toward marble. With options like Calacatta or Carrara, you’ll get the cool white background and gray striations that make these popular varieties instantly recognizable.

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Kitchen Island with Granite Countertop Design Guide

Kitchen Island with Granite CountertopGranite not only offers a stunning addition to any kitchen space — thanks to dramatic patterns that add depth, dimension, and visual interest to every slab — but it’s also a homerun for functionality.

Granite boasts a 6-7 rating on the MOH’s scale of mineral hardness, making it one of the hardest, most durable natural stone types used for interior design. When properly sealed, it is also resistant to heat, scratching, etching, staining, and other forms of damage. However, homeowners must still be weary of spills and harsh cleaners, as certain chemicals and abrasive substances can prematurely damage the sealant.

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How to Pair Cherry Cabinets and White Countertops Effortlessly

Cherry Cabinets and White CountertopsIf you’re in the beginning of a kitchen remodel or update, there are a lot of factors to consider along the way. Everything from choosing the right countertop surface and color to coordinating it with the other components in the room can be challenging. One question we are often asked by homeowners is how to pair warm, cherry kitchen cabinets to white kitchen countertops, as cherry cabinets are a popular design staple in the kitchen.

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What You Need to Know About the Matte Countertop Trend

matte countertop trendInterior design styles are constantly evolving, which can make it difficult to get on board with temporary trends. However, when you remodel your kitchen, you can generally expect trending materials to hold up for several years or more, by which time you may be keen to upgrade anyway. Today’s trends could become so ingrained that they simply serve as one of many popular stylistic choices for decades to come.

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From Traditional to Contemporary: 8 Marble Fireplace Surrounds

marble fireplace surrounds-academyMarble is a classic countertop surface that’s known for its luxury, timeless beauty and pristine aesthetic. While you can choose beautiful options in marble to grace your kitchen and bathroom countertops, and even flooring throughout your home, this natural stone is also a popular choice for fireplace surrounds. You might be surprised to find that it works equally well for both traditional and contemporary looks, which means you can pair it with nearly any architectural style.

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