Academy Blog

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

Fantasy Brown Marble with Restoration Hardware New Collection If 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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Shopping for Granite: What to Know Before You Go

Shopping for Granite: What to Know Before You Go Protect Your Granite Investment

So you want a Granite countertop for your kitchen or bathroom, now what? Granite has been a popular natural stone for decades. Homeowners and designers alike rave about its durability, ease of maintenance and striking appearance. But how does one embark on a journey of purchasing Granite? The shopping experience can be overwhelming when dealing with cracks, veins and seams for the first time. Protect your investment by learning how Granite is classified, who grades it and how this relates to price.

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Pros & Cons of Quartzite Countertops

Pros & Cons of Quartzite Countertops Discovering Quartzite Countertops and Surrounds

Before discussing the pros and cons of quartzite it is very important to understand that quartzite and quartz are not the same material. Many people confuse these two when, in fact, they are totally different in origin and physical nature. Quartzite is a natural stone material. It begins life as sandstone which is transformed over eons by heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s crust. Quartzite is quarried, cut into slabs, and used for countertops, fireplace surrounds, wall coverings, stairs, etc.

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