Academy Blog

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

| July 29, 2019

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

| July 22, 2019

How to Design a Modern Farmhouse Style Kitchen and Bath With 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

| July 12, 2019

use countertop veining to add character Countertops 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

| July 5, 2019

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


| June 15, 2019

kitchen renovations in fairfield county- academy marble It’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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Purchasing a Wayfair Bathroom Vanity with Countertop vs. Without a Countertop

| May 31, 2019

Vanity with Countertop vs. Without a Countertop If you’re undertaking a bathroom renovation or building an entirely new space, there are many decisions to be made, including whether it makes more sense to purchase a vanity that comes with a pre-fabricated countertop of or if it’s better to buy a vanity separate from a custom made countertop. While many reputable online retailers, such as Wayfair, offer a multitude of vanities that come with pre-made countertops, there are a few drawbacks with this option to consider early on in your bathroom project.

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Natural Stone and Quartz Alternatives to Concrete Kitchen Countertops (That Look Just Like the Real Thing!)

| May 31, 2019

Alternatives to Concrete Kitchen Countertops Concrete kitchen countertops are popular with fans of organic, modern and industrial designs. These stylish countertops pair well with natural woods, stainless steel appliances, and flush cabinetry and bring a rugged, masculine feel to kitchens and outdoor spaces. Concrete’s color is a neutral soft gray but it can be stained to achieve different color variations and patterns.

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MSI Quartz Countertop Inspiration for Your Home

| May 30, 2019

MSI Quartz countertop inspiration If you love the look of natural stone, like granite, but need a material that requires less maintenance, quartz is a great option. Quartz is a manufactured stone that boasts the beauty of natural stone but is complemented by added durability. One brand of quartz products, MSI Q Premium Quartz, provides a new alternative to natural stone with its stylish, durable and eco-friendly features. Gain inspiration by checking out these rooms featuring MSI Quartz countertops.

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