Academy Blog

Starting a Kitchen Renovation: How to Find Your Kitchen Style

Interior of updated kitchen

Are you modern, traditional or farmhouse?

Starting a kitchen renovation is a lot of fun, but with so much inspiration out there (hello, Pinterest!), things can get overwhelming fast. You probably feel that there’s just too much to choose from – how are you supposed to land on just one backsplash? And don’t even start with the countertops – it took you 2 weeks to narrow it down to 5 options!

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5 Kitchen Countertop and Cabinet Combinations that You Can’t Go Wrong With

Classic white kitchen countertops and cabinetsIf you’re starting a kitchen renovation, you probably have in mind an idea of what you want. With inspiration resources like Pinterest and Houzz, it’s impossible NOT to have a giant collection of ideas and photos from which you can create your dream kitchen. Maybe there’s a certain kitchen countertop stone you want or perhaps you’re set on a specific cabinet color, but therein lies the difficult decision of which combination works best for your design aesthetic, lifestyle and budget.

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7 Things Your Designer Should Ask Before Choosing Marble or Granite Countertops

7 Things Your Designer Should Ask Before Choosing Marble or Granite CountertopsNo matter how beautiful or well-executed the overall design, the wrong countertop can ruin a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Most designers have an incredible, innate sense of how to create beautiful kitchens. However, there are things they should ask you before selecting a marble, granite or stone countertop for your home, says stone fabricator Sinan Sepkin, founder, and owner of Academy Marble.

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Which Type of Stone Countertop is Best for Your Bathroom Vanity?

Bathroom stone selection - candles in modern settingChoosing a stone for your bathroom remodel is exciting but can also be challenging. There’s a lot to consider! You might have an idea of the type of look you want, but it’s important to think about which will work for best for you and your family.

Though stone can be installed in many places in the bathroom – vanities, showers, floors, backsplashes, and more – today we’re talking about the most commonplace for stone. Vanities!

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Edge Profile For Your New Stone Countertop

Edge Profile For Your New Stone CountertopWhen purchasing a new stone countertop, you’ll not only need to decide on the stone type, color, and layout, you’ll also be asked to choose the type of edge profile.  There are several different stone edges to choose from.  Like anything, there are pros and cons to each.  The most common types of edges are called:

 

  • eased or pencil edge
  • half bullnose
  • full bullnose
  • beveled
  • ogee

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Stone Quality & Pricing

Stone Quality & PricingA lot of factors comprise the price of stone, and the following article will briefly describe some of the components that differentiate quality from price when selecting natural stone for your home.  Stone color, stone type, grade, and origin are some of the aspects of natural stone that cause differences in price and quality.

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Design Trends – Modern Bathroom Ideas for 2018

Design Trends - Modern Bathroom Ideas for 2018Spring has sprung and immediately thoughts of remodeling leap to mind. We’re not sure what the connection is; the cold may have us dreaming about amazing summer parties and wowing our guests. After a winter stuck inside with nothing to do but snuggle up with cocoa, Elle Décor, and our iPads to research interior trends on Pinterest, I guess something has to be upgraded, or all that time and study will be a waste.

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Quartz vs Granite Countertops

Quartz vs Granite CountertopsA kitchen counter sees a lot of action in its lifetime. Plates, knives, cups, spills, food, spices, water and much more. Its no wonder homeowners take the time to research what stone will stand the test of time. Quartz and Granite are both major players when it comes to the durability game. When quality and low-maintenance is needed by many homeowners, both have lots to offer. Let’s dig a little deeper into each stone with find which works best for your lifestyle.

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Modern Countertop Design Paired with Restoration Hardware’s Reclaimed Russian Oak Furniture

Fantasy Brown Marble with Restoration Hardware New CollectionIf you’re like us, time stands still when the new Restoration Hardware Sourcebook arrives.  All sources of noise and other distractions must stop – we need to read our favorite “book” in peace, and then decide which of our custom countertops will look smashing with the new looks.

The most recent Sourcebook does not disappoint. It appears Restoration Hardware has successfully solved an age-old question, “How do you keep a modern-style dining room and kitchen area from looking cold and sterile?” Their answer: Reclaimed Russian Oak furniture.

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