Make it Your Own in 2010!

2010 January 10
by admin

Now that it is the new year,  your kitchen and bath remodel awaits.  This year the rules remain the same in that there are no rules!  With so many directions that you can take with your redesign project, it can be overwhelming for many homeowners.  Therefore,  it is best to focus on one room at a time and decide on a focal point for that room.

White kitchen with Granite and Cooktop tile Design

White kitchen with Granite and Cooktop tile Design

One of the things that can be difficult when planning your remodel is matching your budget with your vision.  This is why having a focal point for the room allows you to plan on where to spend most of your money.  For instance, is it the cabinets, countertops or backsplash that you want to stand out in your kitchen?

Many homeowners think that a remodeling project begins with the cabinets, but are concerned about the cost and time it takes to order and install new cabinetry.  You may be unhappy with your cabinet color whether it be white or cherry, but understand that there  might be other less costly elements to the room that are not coordinating well with your cabinets.  Just changing out hardware, countertops, and backsplash can completely alter the look of your kitchen cabinetry.

We have many clients who live in homes built in the late 1990s when white cabinets, white laminate countertops, and white appliances were the standard look.  When they come into our showroom, their initial thought is  to replace the cabinetry, but at times, this is not so. Unless you utterly despise your white cabinets, consider having them to be a positive because you basically have a blank canvas to work with.  Once we discuss this with our clients, they find that choosing a new custom countertop with a complimenting backsplash and hardware either in chrome, rubbed oil bronze, or brushed nickel can completely alter the look of their white kitchen.  This is why deciding on a focal point for your kitchen is so inherent because once you decide not to replace cabinetry, than your countertops and coordinating backsplash become key to achieving a whole new look for your remodeling project.  And although there are over 500 unique different colors in granite ranging in price, your countertop purchase will always be less expensive than cabinetry.  So once you figure out what your focal point will be, start doing research and choosing colors to make it all your own!


Holiday Entertaining in Your Home

2009 December 14
by admin

Tis’ the season to invite friends and family into your home for fabulous food and great conversation.  But why does it always seem that your guests end up mingling in the kitchen?Christmas Kitchen

The kitchen is truly the “Heart of the home” because that part of the house signifies warmth and comfort.  The aroma of something cooking in the oven or on the stove lures them in and the fact that there is countertop space to sit drinks and plates down while conversing makes the kitchen a stress-free zone for your guests. From my experience and after speaking with other homeowners, I think it just needs to be accepted that people will always congregate in the kitchen.  Therefore, this offers up another reason to place emphasis on your kitchen design.  Let that comfort and warmth shine through from your cabinetry to your countertops and think about all the amazing Holiday memories you will have there.

Sweet Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients
1 Pork Tenderloin
4 slices of bacon
1/2 cup of Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup of brown sugar
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of chopped garlic

Directions: Cut pork tenderloin into medallions and marinate in sauce,sugar, olive oil, and garlic for up to 4-6 hours in a sealed container and place in refrigerator. When ready to cook, preheat oven toe 375F. Take the 4 slices of bacon and cut in half. Wrap each slice around each pork tenderloin and place on aluminum foil on top of cookie sheet.  Cook for 20-25 minutes and serve immediately after.

Cranberry Almond Asparagus

Ingredients
Bushel of Asparagus
1/2 cup of dried cranberries
1/2 cup of Almonds
3 tablespoons of olive Oil
1 teaspoon of salt

Directions:  Place asparagus sticks in dish and coat with Olive oil. Top with cranberries and almonds and sprinkle salt on top.  Cook 10-15 minutes or until tender.

Poached Pears in Orange Glaze sauce with Cinnamon Cream

Ingredients
3 large pears
1 cup of orange juice
1/2 cup of brown sugar packed
1 tablespoon of butter
1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Directions:  Cut pears into slices and simmer in sauce pan with other ingredients for 15-20 minutes until tender.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Whipped Cream

1 carton of whipping cream
3 packets of Splenda
1 teaspoon of Vanilla
2 teaspoons of cinnamon.

Directions:  Beat with mixer until cream is thick.  Serve on top of pears immediately.

Happy Holidays from Premier Surfaces and ENJOY!

The Mystique of Matte Finished Granite

2009 December 2
by admin

There are over 500 different colors of granite from your standard color like Uba Tuba to your exotic stones like Delacatus or Magma Circa.  Your Honed Granite Kitchenchoices are endless, but the granite industry has taken it a step even further by offering unique surface finishes to this large selection of natural stone.   These finishes will change the color and texture giving the granite more of a raw look.  It is very similar to finished furniture versus unfinished furniture and has become a very popular choice for homeowners who are looking for a more unique look and feel to their kitchen or bath project. There are many techniques to changing the look of a particular granite color. The two most popular are honed and leathered finishes.

Honed Granite

 Honed granite is usually created when the polishing process is halted just before a reflective shiny surface is achieved. This gives a softer matte appearance to the stone. Honing usually will “grey out” or fade the color of the stone, this is more noticeable on darker materials than on lighter materials. Polished granite can be honed as well, but special equipment is needed to remove the finish. If you see a color with a polished finish that you would like to be honed, Premier Surfaces partners with companies that specialize in this and can help you with this process. That being said, it is almost impossible to know exactly what color the slab will look like once is has been honed. This is why it is usually safer to choose a color that is already honed when making your countertop selection.

Leathered Granite

Leathered finish usually begins at the honed stage and then texture is added to the stone closing up the pores more, therefore, the color is retained better with leather rather than honed. This finish also has more of a sheen to it but not nearly as reflective as polished granite. Leathered is usually preferred on darker colors rather than honed because it is more uniformed.  There are other finishes such as riverwashed and tumbled that are very similar to leathered. Usually, these three finishes are grouped together and called Antiquing.

Although leathered and honed are the two most popular and well-known finishes, there are others out there: flamed, velvet, bush hammered, and sandblasted. It is best to research these finishes and see them in person either at Premier Surfaces or a granite supplier before making a decision.

Maintenance and Care

One of the most common questions asked about matte finish granite is the maintenance and care of the stone. We tell all our clients that any other finish in granite other than polished is slightly more porous and more susceptible to staining.  We can treat leathered and honed granite with our Tryepic Sealer. This helps to make the granite less penetrable and comes with a 15 year warranty.  Just know that there is a little extra care on your end when it comes to having this beautiful and unique countertop in your home.

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The Top 10 Design Trends of 2010

2009 November 28

White TrimWith the new year almost upon us, new and exciting designs are rapidly appearing in the kitchen and bath scene. So, with all of these new trends surfacing, how do you know which ideas are right for you?

Follow these TOP 10 Design Trends for 2010 and you’ll be sure to have a brilliant kitchen or bath space. You may even decide you like cooking…

10. Paint trim bright white – it’s a quick and easy way to achieve a clean and classic look. To keep it looking great, be sure to use semi-gloss to easy cleaning.

purple-kitchen-example9. Don’t be afraid of color – embrace it! Purples, oranges and greens are HOT – be sure to pick shades with grey undertones to ensure the right balance. Choosing the correct paint is an important element in any design – we suggest that you test the paint and let it dry before painting the entire space.

8. Two-Tone Cabinetry- a great way to add an interesting twist to your kitchen is by faux-painting your island! It adds character and color. paint-ideas-red-island-1009-l

7. Stainless-Steel appliances – Updated appliances are a great way to bring your kitchen a new and refreshed look. The great news is… Stainless appliances match EVERYTHING.

6. LIVE in your kitchen- Decorate with fresh flowers, cooking books, or great countertop appliances. The days of stale “showroom” kitchens are over.

5. Glass Cabinet Fronts – This is a simple way to add GREAT design to your space. You can remove the wood panel in most cabinet fronts and add a seeded glass insert. Make sure you keep your cabinets tidy!

4. Mix and Match your Countertops- One of the best and easiest ways to add dimension and drama to your kitchen is by having complimentary countertop surfaces in different areas of your kitchen. A marble island is great for bakers, while a wood island gives a warm touch of life. Add a splash of stainless steel and natural stone countertops and you’ve got a kitchen that Imperial Splendor Full Height BSwill be the talk of the neighborhood!

3. Choose “Full Height” Backsplash- keep the continuity in your counters with full-height backsplash. It’ll absolutely WOW your friends.

2. Under-Cabinet Lighting is a must. You won’t believe what a difference this can make in smaller kitchens.

1. Find your muse and follow your heart. In design, there is no LAW. No right and no wrong. The best way to acheive a design that you’ll love everyday is to choose something you love from the start. Find a muse… a dress, a flower, a painting… something that inspires you and you can use that as your inspiration. Don’t focus on what others have done or what they have – make it your own and you’ll never regret it.

We wish you the very best in 2010 and encourage you to follow your heart and create the kitchen of your dreams. Send us pictures to post if you’ve got any ideas or suggestions!

www.PremierSurfaces.com

Countertops are the Backdrop to your Life

2009 November 22
by admin

No need to play it safe anymore. Allow the atmosphere of your home to mirror your personality. Whether it is your kitchen or master bathroom, do not be afraid to get bold and daring with your look. Mixing and matching different design styles make your home unique to who you are.

From exotic granite to Craft-art wood, your options and pairings are limitless when it comes to your countertop. So getting that perfect look truly begins with the surface. So take that white kitchen and breathe life back into it with brown pearl leathered granite around the perimeter and a stainless steel countertop for the island.  And get that clean “Feng Shui” look you’ve always wanted with Silestone’s ECO line while continuing to support the “Go Green” efforts in remodeling.

Whatever you decide, make sure it will reflect you and how you live.  Because a countertop surface is not just about achieving that look, it is also about every day use from cooking that exquisite meal for a dinner party or getting ready for work in the morning. Therefore, you want to make sure that the product you choose also suits your lifestyle. For instance if you have a passion for cooking in the kitchen then you might want to choose granite with our 15 year warranty Tryepic Sealer or a nonporous Revelle custom countertop.

At Premier Surfaces, our Design consultants are very knowledgeable about the maintenance and upkeep of all our countertop products.   We help you find the perfect backdrop to your life.

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ReVelle… Leading the Design Trend for 2010

2009 November 16
Revelle 1ReVelle Handcrafted Surfaces are created for discerning consumers who desire a truly unique product and demand the finest in quality and craftsmanship. Made entirely in the USA, ReVelle countertops are made to order By Hand, Not From Slabs, and resemble no other product. Unlike shiny surfaces, our countertops have a Low Sheen and subtle aesthetic. And unlike honed materials, our countertops are Non-Porous, making them Virtually Stain Proof. Furthermore, your peace of mind is assured by a product that is Heat Resistant Up To 400F and requires No Continued Maintenance.
• Handcrafted • Low Sheen Finish
• Non-Porous • Virtually Stain Proof
• Heat Resistant Up To 400F • No Maintenance Required
• Never Needs Resealing • LIFETIME WARRANTY
ReVelle Handcrafted Surfaces are supremely practical, uniquely Revelle 3elegant, and a timeless work of functional art. Call now to schedule an in-home consultation or visit one of our showrooms in Alpharetta or Woodstock, GA or Huntsville, AL to see and touch our elegant creations.

ReVelle Handcrafted countertops are the perfect product to combine with wood, metal, or natural stone and add a touch of Old World charm into our modern day lives.

Revelle Logo

Craft Art – Setting the Standard in Wood Countertops

2009 October 18

Black Walnut IslandWarm up your kitchen by adding a hardwood countertop. There’s something about the beauty of hardwood that is both captivating and romantic. The natural graining of the wood tells a story of life. Warm and smooth to the touch, wood countertops are the perfect choice for kitchens or baths.

Craft Art is the leading manufacturer of wood countertops and sets the standards for quality in the industry. They create absolutely AMAZING custom wood countertops that are fully functional for today’s lifestyles. These wood Black Walnut Island with UM Sinktops are easy to maintain and durable – they are stain resistant, scratch resistant, heat resistant, food safe and waterproofed. Craft Art offers a wide variety of species, including Wenge, Lyptus, Bamboo, Sapele Mahogany, Maple, Teak, American Cherry, Hickory and the most popular choice – Black Walnut. All the wood is hand selected and matched to highlight Custom Edge on Craft Artgrain, color and texture.

Kitchen designers love to use Craft Art wood tops as a focal point on an island, as a built-in work area, or accent piece. We’re also seeing many homeowners choose wood tops for their entire kitchen surface because of their practicality, low maintenance and unique beauty. Celebrity Chef, Rachael Ray, features Craft Art wood countertops on her popular weekly TV show to prepare her practical recipes.

Craft ArtWhether your style is contemporary, traditional, rustic, or transitional – Craft Art wood will deliver a timeless and sought-after design to any project. If you’re looking for a GREEN countertop option, chooose from either reclaimed wood, Bamboo, or Lyptus – they are LEED Certified countertops. With a lifetime warranty on these tops, you just can’t go wrong. Craft Art wood countertops are a new generation of wood countertops for today’s modern kitchen.

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The Best of all the Worlds…

2009 October 18
by admin

KitchenImagine a room filled with old and new. A splendid combination of warm, rich, and lush wood tones, and the shiny, vibrant colors of natural stone. Throw in some sleek  metal and glass accents… and you’ve got a showstopper. As you look around, your senses are heightened as you take in the beauty of the individual elements working together to create a true work of art. They are not competing with each other, but contrasting and complimenting the unique beauty of each surface. You’re witnessing a combination of rustic meets contemporary meets traditional meets french country meets… well, you get it. You’re witnessing the hottest design trend, an exceptional blend of all styles to create a TRANSITIONAL design.

images-6Transitional design elements are borrowed from the other more well-known designs and combined to create truly stunning projects. In a transitional kitchen you may find bits of traditional, rustic, old world and contemporary design elements. It’s a wonderful example of how combining images-7contrasting elements can really enhance the overall design. The cool stainless steel compliments the warmth and beauty of the wood cabinets. The beautiful and elegant marble countertops are even more impactful when combined with the Distressed Black Walnut wooden raised bar. Custom shapes add even more character…

The days of being lumped into one design catagory or another are over. Break the mold and free yourself from being defined as either a “traditional” or “contemporary” person. It’s time to let your own personality shine through into your home and combine the best of all premier surfaces! This is a timeless look that is sure the help make your heart race everytime you walk into the “heart of your home”.

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The Cool Clean Look of Stainless Steel Countertops…

2009 October 18
by admin

Stainless Steel KitchenA great way to add style and character to any room is with stainless countertops! The durable and sanitary surfaces gives any room a huge shot of energy and excitement! With lots of great options, such as integrated sinks and custom shapes – Stainless Steel promises to be an essential part of a new generation of countertops for your busy and active lifestyle.

www.PremierSurfaces.com