Academy Blog

Porcelain Countertops vs. Quartz: Which Engineered Surface is Right for Your Home?

Porcelain Countertops vs. QuartzChoosing the right countertop surface that’s ideal for your home can seem like an overwhelming task. With an array of materials to choose from, which one will be the most suitable for your home? You may have previous experience with some tried-and-true options, such as granite, marble and quartzite, but what about engineered stone surfaces, like quartz and porcelain, that are quickly growing in popularity? Continue reading to learn the difference between porcelain countertops vs. quartz. 

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5 Unexpected Kitchen Color Trends to Incorporate in Your Next Renovation

5 unexpected kitchen color trendsWe’ve entered a new decade, which is an opportune time to practice “out with the old and in with the new” if you’re considering a kitchen redesign.

If your kitchen is relatively new, an update could be as easy as changing out some colors, such as painting the walls or cabinets. This is especially true if you already have timeless countertops installed and want to complement your existing investment in marble, granite, quartzite, or engineered stone options such as quartz or porcelain.  Of course, a truly outdated or inefficient kitchen space may require significantly greater renovation.

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Color Scheme Series: 6 Countertop Colors for Kitchens with Dark Cabinets

White Vermont Quartzite Bar Top, Armonk, NY

White cabinetry is a popular color choice in kitchens as of late, where many homeowners may tend to prefer a bright, clean and airy aesthetic. However, pairing countertops to kitchens with dark cabinets can warm up your space and create a bold look. Dark cabinetry can definitely impact your selection of natural stone for your countertops. But, which hues are likely to work best with dark cabinets? 

Here are several color schemes that will be sure to help you achieve your preferred look and ambiance when your kitchen features dark cabinetry.

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6 Facts You Didn’t Know about Porcelain Slab Countertops

porcelain slab countertopsIf you’re familiar with quartz countertops, you already know how beautiful, versatile and forgiving engineered stone surfaces can be, which is why they’ve become so popular in recent years. What you may not know is that there are a variety of options available to you, including porcelain slab countertops, that are quickly becoming a go-to countertop surface among homeowners and professionals.

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The Top Kitchen Design Trends from 2019

Kitchen design trends to look out forThere are always going to be timeless trends that permeate interior design. 

But, if you want to achieve a look that’s popular now (or will be attractive to prospective homebuyers in the near future), you might want to peer back on the top kitchen design trends that permeated 2019. Here are a few kitchen design trends that may help inspire your next project.

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Color Scheme Series: How to Create a Stunning White on White Kitchen

Kitchen renovations in Fairfield, CT and Westchester, NYThere’s nothing quite like a classic, white kitchen to make your space feel open, airy and clean. For this reason, white kitchens are always on-trend, but unfortunately sometimes don’t receive more attention from homeowners undertaking a kitchen design or makeover because they can be perceived as being ‘vanilla.’ But that simply is not the case. Here are five tips to create a stunning, white on white kitchen that’s anything but vanilla.

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How to Use Pinterest for Kitchen Design Ideas

How to use Pinterest for your next interior design projectYou know you want to renovate your kitchen, but figuring out how to make the best use of available space, upgrade materials and generally improve the most used room in your house is no easy undertaking for the average homeowner. That said, you don’t need to rely on your interior designer skills to do all the heavy lifting. Continue reading to learn how to use Pinterest for kitchen design ideas. 

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Color Scheme Series: 5 Beautiful Blue and White Kitchen Combinations

 Blue and White Kitchen Combinations

If you’re interested in creating a chic, timeless kitchen space with the addition of stunning color, you really can’t go wrong with a blue and white kitchen color scheme.

When it comes to planning the color scheme in your kitchen, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by options, even if you narrow your focus to current trends.  While a neutral kitchen or a classic white are always good fallbacks, especially if you’re thinking of selling your home in the not-too-distant future, homeowners with plans to stay for a while might want to add a little personality to this important room, by way of color. 

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Quartzite vs. Granite: 5 Key Differences

Quartzite vs Granite countertopsIf you’re considering natural stone for the countertop surfaces in your home, you might look at samples of quartzite and granite and hopelessly wonder which is which and how they differ. Natural stone varieties like granite and quartzite share common attributes, it’s true, but when you begin researching these different types of stone, you’ll find that there are some key differences that could sway your decision.

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Our Favorite Kitchen Countertop Ideas for Families with Young Kids

Kitchen Countertop Ideas for Families with Young KidsKids will be kids, and when it comes to your kitchen countertops, unfortunately, they can put them to the test, be it with glitter and glue, accidental spills or cleaning with the wrong products when trying to help out. However, living in a household with small children does not mean you have to skimp out on your design aesthetic to provide functionality and durability. 

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