granite: Choosing the right backsplash for your kitchen! - 08/22/11 08:30 AM
Choosing the right back splash for your kitchen can be a nightmare! With so many options out there, you can go crazy trying to find one that  will work with your counter. Especially if you chose a granite counter top which seems to be everyone favorite! Most granite counter tops have a pattern, so you should keep this in mind when choosing a back splash. Keep it simple, is the best way to go, this way your back splash is not competing with your counter tops.
The fastest way to date a kitchen is to chose trendy tiles, unless you're planning to … (12 comments)

granite: Can butcher block be an inexpensive alternative to granite? - 07/25/11 05:55 AM
Can butcher block be an inexpensive alternative to granite? To tell you the truth, I hadn't though about it until now! But after doing some research into the matter, I've come to the conclusion that it can definitely work. As a home stager and redesigner of Abella Home Staging & Redesign, I often come across problems in the kitchen!! Usually if i recommend replacing countertop, I will recommend replacing it with a laminated countertop, due to the fact that most homeowners are not willing to incur the expense. But if the home is in an upscale neighborhood laminated countertops may not … (14 comments)

granite: Granite Vs Quartz: Who wins and why? - 11/07/10 03:01 PM
Granite Vs Quartz: Who wins and why? We all know that granite has been all the rage for kitchens and bathrooms for some time now. But I see quartz gaining momentum and even surpassing granite. As a Redesigner as well as a Home Stager, I try to keep current of what's hots and what's not. And lately, I've notice a trend towards quartz. And with good reason, here why:
 
There is no need to seal quartz, you do have to seal granite (unless engineered) every year. Quartz is less porous then granite, making it more resisted to bacteria. Quartz although … (42 comments)