Academy Blog

The Difference Between Prefabricated vs. Slab Natural Stone Countertops

The Difference Between Prefabricated vs. Slab Natural Stone CountertopsWhen it comes to creating your dream kitchen or master bath with a renovation that not only upgrades the look of your interior space, but adds value to your home, natural stone countertops are an ideal option. Whether you choose marble, granite, or quartzite, there’s nothing quite like the dimension and drama natural stone can add to your kitchen, not to mention the functional and durable work surfaces you’ll enjoy. 

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5 Island Countertop Trends to Transform Your Kitchen

kitchen countertop trendsYour kitchen is the heart of your home, which means it’s not only a functional workhorse, but also a social gathering area. This is why kitchen renovations tend to be the most expensive upgrades, but also deliver the greatest return-on-investment of any home makeover project. 

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Want the Look of Marble Countertops in Your Bathroom? Here Are Durable Natural Stone Alternatives You’ll Love

Selecting countertops for your new bathroom or upgrade is exciting! The right countertop creates a beautiful focal point and elegant design feature in any space. However, in addition to choosing the right countertop color, texture and finish that complements your bathroom aesthetic, you also need to consider the right stone type for this application. Bathroom countertops must not only stand up to water and dampness but soap, cleaning products and cosmetics. This is why marble, a soft natural stone, may not be the perfect choice for a high use bathroom.

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How to Design a Modern Farmhouse Style Kitchen and Bath

How to Design a Modern Farmhouse Style Kitchen and BathWith the rise of retailers like Magnolia, shabby-chic style and the chalk paint and shiplap trends, modern farmhouse style is having a big moment right now!. Designers using a modern farmhouse design style oftentimes choose up-cycled, reclaimed and distressed items to integrate into even the most upscale of homes. Using this aesthetic, they rise to the challenge of using basic and older materials in high-end designs.

Review the following tips to learn how to incorporate the farmhouse style into your new kitchen design or renovation.

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How to Create Kitchens with Character Through Countertop Veining, Pattern, and Texture

use countertop veining to add characterCountertops are an integral design element in any kitchen. Depending on the surface materials you select, your countertops can play second fiddle to cabinetry or they can serve as a focal point, adding character and visual appeal to your space. When you choose natural stone, such as marble, granite and quartzite, or man-made quartz, you’ll imbue your living space with the beauty of stone and have the opportunity to introduce drama with the veining, pattern, and texture you select for your countertops.

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Outdoor Kitchen Designs Inspired by Summer Entertaining

Searching for inspiration for your outdoor kitchen design? Creating a new kitchen space indoors can be a daunting task, let alone an outdoor space where weather components must be considered. To help you get started with creating the design that’s right for your home, lifestyle and budget, we’ve compiled a portfolio of inspiring outdoor kitchens that have been installed may be just a stone’s throw away from your own backyard.

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Our Four Favorite Kitchen Renovations in Fairfield County, CT


kitchen renovations in fairfield county- academy marbleIt’s always exciting to see the choices of local design teams as they tackle kitchen builds and renovations in your area. Our favorite interior design projects in Fairfield County, CT all selected natural and engineered stone countertops to feature in their home renovation projects. Their choices of marble, granite and quartz ensure years of worry-free use and beauty. Check out these remarkable renovations and gain inspiration for your next interior design project.

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