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Porcelain vs. Ceramic—Aren’t They Both the Same?

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We tend to use the words ‘porcelain’ and ‘ceramic’ interchangeably, but there are many differences between the two when it comes to porosity, composition, etc. The only similarity we can point out is that they’re both made of clay in a kiln. When you’re looking for the perfect surface to embellish your home’s interior, you want it to be durable and aesthetic. Most people gravitate toward porcelain and ceramic slab surfaces, or tiles for bathroom spaces or the kitchen.   This is because they come with a range of benefits, such as liquid and stain resistance, durability, low maintenance costs, and a long lifespan. Here are some key differences between the two to help you choose the right one.   What are they made of? Porcelain happens to be a type of ceramic which is made by fusing together different kinds of clays. Ceramics are materials that are crystalline, inorganic, and shapeless. How are they made? Porcelain goes through a complete vitrificat...

What You Need to Know about Adding Natural Stones to Your Shower

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Porcelain or ceramic tiles perhaps, even vinyl seems like a better option! But when it comes to adding natural stone in a wet place like a shower, you more-or-less sign a lifelong contract of care for something that doesn’t really seem worth it in the end! Most natural stones are porous. Despite its strength, it wears down with use. And it’s only the expensive ones that stand the test of time, right? Who has the budget or even the time for that! Let’s clear this misconception. No two stones are the same. If you’re looking for natural stone for your shower, you’ll find plenty of options that’ll work well in humid, wet areas. And most of them will not  cost an arm and a leg! You just have to know which stone to choose! Using Natural Stone—What You Should Know Which Stone Do You Choose? The most popular stones used for showers include granite, marble, onyx, travertine, and  sandstone . Aesthetics aside, these stones are used because they’re most res...

Plan It with Granite: How Granite Countertops Can Add Life to Your Kitchen

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  “The details are not the details, they make the design.” – Charles Eames. The subtle beauty of granite makes for a gorgeous, minimalistic look when used in homes. Granite has become increasingly popular in the last few decades because its texture and patterns mimic marble, while being much more affordable. It’s perfect for homeowners who are looking for marble alternatives. But why should you choose granite kitchen countertops? What kind of value do they add to your home and kitchen? Here are a couple of reasons why you should invest in it: Add Value to Your Home One reason granite is so popular is that it’s an organic material. It’s a natural stone, and therefore, its durability is augmented by how it beautifies the interior of homes. Granite offers limited colors, but there plenty of patterns and designs to choose from. It also has a beautiful finish despite its more affordable price. This adds an element of elegance to interiors, thus increasing the value ...

Quartz Vs. Concrete: Choosing The Best Material For A Matte, Muted Look

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When designing a home, most people tend to opt for muted, natural hues. These are represented in the tiles that adorn their flooring and the slabs of their kitchens and washrooms. Most modern houses you’ll come across have a rustic, industrial style that’s characteristic of earthy tones and a muted look. When you’re searching for materials that don’t provide the reflective shine of marble, you may find yourself choosing between quartz and concrete. Instead of veins of color running through your countertops, if you want a solid-colored material, these two materials will give you a minimalistic look you want. Quartz Engineered quartz countertops are not like the standard natural stone countertops you’re probably used to. This material isn’t mined as is; instead, it is made by binding together particles of stone and other by-products of natural stones. The pros It’s a greener option Using quartz for your countertops is an environmentally-friendly alternative to natural ...

Do Away With Tile Countertops: Here’s How To Bring A Modern Twist To Your Mid-Century Home

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There are certain styles that are timeless; no matter how much time passes, the allure of their design elements never wanes. The mid-century style is one such defining trend. This style stems from the period between the 1930s and 1960s, but its beauty is timeless. Mid-century style is characterized by clean lines, a variety of colors and materials, functionality, and organic curves. If you’re lucky enough to own a beautiful mid-century home—or are inspired to replicate the style in your home—redesigning your kitchen in the classic mid-century style is a great idea. The classic style The focus on mixing and matching colors and materials is a classic mid-century feature. You’ll notice a contrasting use of pastel colors, warm wood tones, and bright pops of color. One characteristic element of mid-century kitchens is the use of tiles to adorn countertops. They’re either placed in a way that creates clean, uniform lines, or arranged in a beautiful design; either way, ...

What You Need to Know About Quartz

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Due to how competitive the natural stone industry is, quartz and its many positive qualities are sometimes ignored for flashier counterparts like marble and granite. For something as distinct as this manmade stone, we mustn’t stand by this oversight! To educate you on the many facets of quartz, we collaborated with stone purveyors from the popular online  platform, SlabFinder  to provide us what all the information prospective buyers should know. 1.  Quartz is Man-made… and Natural Quartz is famous for being one of the best-selling “manmade stones”. And while it’s true that almost 95 percent of quartz is engineered, the stone is quarried from various sources around the world and is found in abundance in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. The engineered stone is ground-up quartz with polymer resin to make it stronger and low-maintenance. 2.  Quartz is One of the Most Used Stones for Interior Design And for obvious reasons! Unlike granite...

Kitchen Remodeling Hacks: How to Uplift your Space

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According to an article  published by the Forbes magazine online, your kitchen is one of the spaces that can seriously increase the value of your home if kept well. When it comes to kitchens, you could probably go for an all out renovation but that might be needlessly costly. That begs the question; what else can you do to uplift your kitchen space? Remodeling Hacks and Tips for your Kitchen   We’re going to focus on a few ways you can uplift your kitchen space and add value to your home in general. Letting in the Light Windows and lighting make a huge difference when it comes to spaces within the home. Natural light is hot in 2019 and if your kitchen does not have enough of the same, this might be something you could look into. Get those windows resized, change the blinds for something more appealing and make sure that kitchen is well lit if it isn’t already. Counter Measures   Another thing that really plays a part in your overall kitchen ae...