Premier Surfaces

Summer is a perfect season for easy entertaining from lounging on your patio or deck with a chilled glass of white wine in your hand to trying out new recipes on the grill.  The menu is endless from lemon butter salmon to a mouthwatering steak.  Just whip up a salad and saute some vegetables and you have yourself an award winning dinner!  And after this delectable summer fare, top it off with an assortment of sherberts or sorbets for that sweet and light finish! 

Not only is grilling an easy way of making an incredible meal that you can share with friends and family, but it can also be a very healthy alternative to cooking.  Grilling is more about letting the natural juices of the meat takeover rather than adding oil and butter to the dish to give it flavor!

Lower Calorie and Low Fat Blue Cheese Burgers

1/2 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats 
1/4 cup water 
3 lb extra-lean (at least 93%) ground beef 
1 cup crumbled reduced-fat blue cheese (4 oz) 
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh chives 
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 
1/4 teaspoon red pepper sauce 
1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper 
1 teaspoon ground mustard 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
12 whole wheat burger buns 
12 leaf lettuce leaves 
12 tomato slices 

Nutritional Information

1 burger: Calories 300 (Calories from Fat 90); Total Fat 10g (Saturated Fat 4 1/2g, Trans Fat 1/2g); Cholesterol 70mg; Sodium 490mg; Total Carbohydrate 22g (Dietary Fiber 4g, Sugars 5g); Protein 30g % Daily Value Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 6; Calcium 10%; Iron 20% Exchanges 1 1/2 Starch, 3 1/2 Lean Meat

http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/healthified/blue-cheese-burgers.aspx

Premier Surfaces is truly honored to be apart of an amazing design project sponsored by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Magazine. In the heart of Phipps Plaza Mall located at the corner of Lenox and Peachtree Road, an incredible kitchen has been constructed for mall visitors to view. The cabinet design was mastered by Bell Custom Cabinetry, the countertop material was supplied by A and S Marble and Granite Imports, and Premier Surfaces fabricated and installed them.  This kitchen display is truly breathtaking with gorgeous glass tile backsplash and high-end stainless steel appliances.  You will gasp at the 18 foot long island and the innovative lighting that gives this transitional kitchen some pizazz and an identity all its own.

You can see this fabulous kitchen at Fox Atlanta:

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/good_day_atl/road-warrior-atlanta-homes-lifestyles-luxury-living-show-050710

Premier Surfaces is pleased to announce that we are partnering with Dex Industries.  A national company based out of Atlanta,  Dex Industries specializes in custom concrete and recycled glass countertops.  You can review their incredible products at www.dexindustries.com . Premier Surfaces is always looking for a way to offer unique and innovative products to the Atlanta and northern Alabama market.  By partnering with incredible companies like Dex, we are able to do so.  We also have samples in our Alpharetta, Woodstock, and Huntsville, Alabama showrooms.  Below are some more highlghts about Dex Industries and thier incredible products:

 Dex Industries  offers precaste concrete manufactured in Atlanta

The Standard turnaround time is 4-6 weeks

The standard thickness of a countertop is 1 1/2 but anything can be done including apron fronts and integrated sinks

Dex Industries can create any custom Benjamin Moore color countertop

Also keep in mind that concrete countertops look amazing paired with wood countertops as well.  Be sure to take a look at Craft Art wood countertops at http://www.premiersurfaces.com/wood.php

Marble has become an extremely popular countertop choice in recent years. No longer used for just its dramatic effect in grand foyers and winding staircases, marble has become a mainstay in kitchens across the globe.  Although marble is considered a bit more fragile than granite countertops, homeowners are looking past that minor flaw because of this materials versatility.  Marble countertops are huge in European countries and a lot of it has to do with their love of a transitional and functional type kitchen which has now clearly become a design trend here in the United States.  Marble countertops pretty much work in any home.  From a contemporary space to a warm french country kitchen, marble can be subtle or make a statement depending on your desire.

Right now, one of the most popular colors in marble is White Carrera. With is cool white background accented by soft gray ripples, it is a neutral that can go with almost anything. And not only that, but it is one of the more affordable marbles out there so you get more “bang for your buck” when choosing it as your countertop. 

There are other popular colors out there.  Calcutta Gold is a color similar to White Carrera but with hints of gold streaking through it.  It has become more rare and harder to find, therefore, very pricey.  But it seems that so many homeowners are going “ga-ga” over marble that some don’t even balk at the high square footage price. That being said, there are still many affordable marbles out there that can make a statement in your home.   For more information on marble, you can go to http://www.premiersurfaces.com/marble.php and learn more about this amazing and beautiful stone.

Traditional will be the most popular design style in bathrooms in 2010, as contemporary designs will be a distant second, followed by the Shaker style as an even more distant third. Beiges and bones will be the most common colors used in bathrooms, followed by whites and off-whites, and then by browns, indicating a somewhat subdued color palette this year.

Ceramic and Granite

Ceramic and porcelain tile will be the dominant flooring materials in bathrooms this year, while natural stone will continue to prove popular as well. Though increasingly popular in kitchens, hardwood flooring won’t become common in bathrooms in 2010. For vanity tops, granite will remain king, with quartz and marble also proving popular options.

Simple Fixtures

Perhaps more than ever, the most common color for fixtures will be white. Bisque and off-white will be the only other fixture colors at all common in new or remodeled bathroom. For sinks, simple undermount models will be most popular, followed by integrated sink tops, drop-in sinks, vessel sinks, and pedestal sinks.

A Nickel for Every Finish

Faucet finishes in the bathroom are similar to those used in current kitchen designs, with brushed nickel continuing to lead the way in 2010. Polished chrome and satin nickel will also be incorporated into many bathrooms, just as they had been throughout 2009. These faucet finishes will be followed by bronze and stainless steel.

The results are in from a recent survey of designers conducted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) to reveal the key design trends for 2010. The results of the NKBA 2010 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends Survey confirmed the continuation of a number of existing trends in the marketplace, but also uncovered others that indicate shifts in the direction that kitchen and bath style will take this year. Below are 2010’s seven kitchen trends and four bath trends.              

1. Traditional is the New Contemporary
Traditional will continue as the most popular kitchen design style in 2010, with contemporary following closely behind, while the Shaker style is seeing a surprisingly strong resurgence. Shades of whites and off-whites will be the most common kitchen colors in 2010, while brown, beige, and bone hues will also be popular.

2. Cherry on Top
Cherry will remain the most popular wood for kitchen cabinetry, followed closely by maple, while alder increases in use. As for the finishes placed on those cabinets, medium natural, dark natural, glazed, and white painted will all be common. Other colors of painted cabinetry and light natural finishes are in decline, however, as are distressed finishes.

3. Floored by Tile
Ceramic and porcelain tile, as well as natural stone tile, remain popular kitchen flooring options, but hardwood will dominate the kitchen landscape more than ever in 2010. For countertops, granite continues to be the most popular option, but quartz will nearly catch up in popularity. For backsplashes, ceramic or porcelain tile and glass will serve as the primary materials.

4. Flexible Faucets
Standard kitchen faucets will become less standard in 2010 in favor of more convenient models. Pull-out faucets continue to increase their market dominance, while pot filler faucets will also become more prevalent. Kitchen faucets will most often be finished in brushed nickel, followed by stainless steel, satin nickel, and-surprisingly-polished chrome.

5. Undercounter Refrigeration
French door and freezer-bottom are the two most popular styles of refrigerators, and side-by-side refrigerators remain a popular option. A surprising trend is the extent to which undercounter refrigerator drawers are being used in the latest kitchen designs. Perhaps even more surprising is that undercounter wine refrigerators have been recently specified by half of kitchen designers.

6. A Range of Cooking Options
The tried-and-true range continues to serve as the workhorse for cooking, although the combination of a cooktop and wall oven is beginning to overtake it. Gas will maintain its position as the most popular type of cooktop over electric, although induction cooking continues to gain in popularity due to its energy efficiency.

7. Dishwasher-in-a-Drawer
Standard dishwashers, with the traditional door that pulls from the top down, will once again be easily the most common type in 2010. However, an increasing number of dishwasher drawers will be installed in kitchens this year for their convenience and their ability to wash small loads of dishes in each drawer, thereby saving water and electricity.

This winter has truly been a cold one for the southeast this year.   And with weather like this, you need your home to be your sanctuary. A place where you can seek refuge from the bitter chill.  So instead of yearning for the spring and dealing with that “bout” of Cabin fever, create an atmosphere in your home that will make you enjoy staying indoors!

On a snowy night, there is nothing better than to come home after a mini shopping spree at your local grocery store, and prepare a scrumptious and hearty meal for two.  Who needs a chic and  trendy restaurant to lounge in, when you can achieve that same experience

A Cozy Kitchen to Stay Warm in!

in your own house?   Textures, color, lighting and decor can instantly make a room feel unique and inviting. For instance, once you redesign that kitchen and achieve that look you want, a simple lighting switch or even adding a bouquet of fresh flowers to your countertops can enhance the atmosphere for that night. And of course, you can’t forget the enjoyment of actually preparing a meal with the appliances, cookware, and countertops you love.

Here is a meal that is low-calorie yet great for those cold winter evenings:

Fettuccine Alfredo with Bacon

1 (9 ounce) package of fresh fettuccine

2 slices of applewood smoked bacon chopped

1 teaspoon of minced garlic

1 taplespoon of all purpose flower

1 cup of skim milk

2/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon of salt

2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsely

1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Directions: 1.) cook pasta according to directions 2.) cook bacon on skillet for 4 minutes and remove and add garlic to drippings in pan.  Saute for 1 minute and then add flour and milk and stir constantly. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheese and salt 3.) add pasta to pan and sprinkle pepper, parsley, and bacon to mix: Yields 4 Servings.

Bathroom remodeling projects can be overwhelming because of all the elements that go into putting a design together.  You have your cabinetry, hardware, countertops, lighting, tile, shower and tub to consider. That being said, you need a starting point for your project and it seems that the bathroom vanity is the best place to begin.

I recommend taking more chances with your countertop color and material.  You have less square footage than in your kitchen so you can get away with purchasing something a little more expensive and the goal should be to have the countertop in your bathroom look different than something you would find in a kitchen.  For instance, instead of choosing a Santa Cecilia or New Venetian Gold granite, why not a granite with bolder colors and softer movement such as: typhoon Bordeaux, Pietra Suprema, Minsk or Malibu.   The quartzcountertop products are a great option for this as well, because many have a solid consistency  so you can get a little wilder with your tile colors and designs.

Remember not to get overwhelmed on your bathroom project.  Usually, I find that once you choose the countertop and cabinetry for your vanity, then the rest falls into place. Keep in mind, it is usually more difficult to match tile with a granite countertop, therefore, I recommend choosing the bathroom vanity first and let the other elements fall into place.

CaesarStone is 93% crushed quartz, one of nature’s hardest minerals. The quartz is combined with high-quality polymer resins and pigments and then compacted under intense vibration, vacuum, and pressure into dense, non-porous slabs. The slabs are post cured, gauged to precise thickness, and polished to an enduring shine.

With its durability and lifetime warranty, CaesarStone is a perfect choice for a kitchen or bathroom countertop. A product that is very popular in the north is noticeably gaining traction here in the south. CaesarStone offers an incredible product line with bold colors and matte-finish textures that are great for achieving that transitional look in your home.  If you are looking for a soft muted look, than Misty carrera from the Soft Blends texture would be beautiful with white European cabinetry and stainless steel appliances.  And if you are looking for a pop of color, than Apple Martini would really make a statement in your modern kitchen.

Granite is always a great countertop choice, but never be afraid to mix things up a bit.  And CaesarStone is definitely a product that is sure to mix things up!

Colors

http://www.caesarstoneus.com/catalog/collection.cfm

Care and Maintenance

Its hard, nonporous surface makes CaesarStone simple to clean. In most cases, soap and water or a mild detergent is all that is required to maintain its luster. If necessary, a non-abrasivecleanser such as Soft Scrub Liquid Gel with Bleach or Comet Soft Cleanser Cream With Bleachcan be used. Adhered materials like food, gum or nail polish can be scraped away with a plastic putty knife; any marks left by the blade can be removed with Soft Scrub Liquid Gel. Thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water to remove residue.

Please understand that HONED, TEXTURED and MOTIVO finishes will require more daily maintenance than our polished finishes. Since there is more exposed surface area with honed finishes, metal marks, finger prints and other signs of daily living will show on honed material. Most of these marks can be easily removed with little effort and non-abrasive cleaning products such as Soft Scrub Liquid Gel.

CaesarStone prides itself in providing our customers a virtually care-free surface, but as with any product, excessive abuse can harm its finish. With a small amount of care, your CaesarStone surface will look as great as the day you bought it for years to come.

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

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!