Here are 11 stylish interior design ideas that increase the value of your home:

Remodel Fireplace Wall

A fireplace makeover is a great way to increase home resale value, as it gives the fireplace a whole new look and increases efficiency. Surveys among real estate agents consistently show that a fireplace is among the top five amenities prospects consider a positive feature. You can count on a fireplace remodel as a way to increase your home’s value. A granite fireplace surround can be a great way to renovate the place. So, take time to research granite fireplace surround ideas to see what works. You can also check out marble and quartz.

Replace The Old Kitchen Countertops

The kitchen is the hub for many homes. It is where all the magic happens – from cooking to eating to conversations and everything in between. Prospects pay special attention to the kitchen and the countertops in particular. So, if yours is old or outdated, you may want to replace it. New countertops will increase the value by about three times the cost of countertops you had professionally installed. The goal is to find the right material that’s functional and versatile – like granite.

Replace The Old Bathroom Countertops

If your bathroom countertop is showing wear and tear, you may want to replace them. Dingy, damaged countertops will turn off the buyer in an instant. And since counters draw the eye, the last thing you want is for the buyer to see something that needs repair or replacement. A granite countertop is an excellent choice for bathroom countertops. It is versatile and neutral and has great potential to add value. But you need to ensure that the counter works the overall theme and décor of the space.

So, do granite countertops add value to your home or do granite countertops increase home value? Yes, they do. How much value do granite countertops add to home? They can potentially increase your home’s value by up to 25% of its retail value. And are granite countertops worth it? Yes, they are worth the investment as they offer high ROI, and prospects are drawn to their timeless appeal, longevity, strength, and low maintenance.

Update Your Cabinets

Updating your cabinets will change the aesthetics of your space. Cabinets, like countertops, attract attention. But in addition to aesthetics, you want to consider their functionality – like location and storage. Don’t hold back using specialty cabinets in your design, as they can mean the difference between a standard design and a customized one. Replacing cabinets is expensive, so if yours are in decent shape, you may decide to paint them instead.

Open Up The Floor Plan

Create a spacious layout by knocking out the right all. A survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) revealed that prospects prefer designs that are either partially or entirely open around the kitchen, dining room, or living room. An open floor plan allows in more natural light, which is always inviting. But it is essential to work with a professional contractor as they will ensure the spaces are functional and with the right structural support.

Change Your Kitchen And Bathroom Fixtures

While small, kitchen and bathroom fixtures can make a fundamental difference in the feel of space. So, as you are working on improving the spaces, don’t forget to swap out the old pulls, drawer knobs, and faucets with new ones that match the new style. Consider the overall theme and décor, as well as your countertops when buying fixtures. Your real estate agent can be a great resource here.

Add Custom Closet In The Master Bedroom

The master bedroom is one of those places that many prospective buyers pay the most attention to. After all, they’ll be spending a big part of their lives in it. Adding a custom closet in the room will not only complement the existing theme and décor, but will also add a touch of sophistication and class. A bespoke wardrobe is optimized for space and includes extra features and lighting that prospects are sure to love. It is a great way to increase your home’s value as it’s something that buyers will love.

Paint The Entire Space

You can never go wrong with nice paint. Painting is an affordable yet thoughtful way to freshen up space. Zillow looked at 135,000 images of old homes across the country to determine the impact of colors on sales. They discovered that houses with charcoal, jet black or smoky doors sell for $6,271 more than expected. This is a great ROI since a door paint job goes for about $100 to $400. In the study, Zillow also found that tuxedo kitchens sell for more money too.

De-clutter Your Home

Organizing your home and getting rid of any clutter can help you sell your home – at a higher cost. According to some research, clearing clutter can add over $2,500 to your home’s resale value.97% of real estate agents urge, and sometimes, beg, sellers to clear their countertops as this creates an illusion of more space. If you are not cut out for this type of work, it might be a good idea to hire a professional organizer.

Make green improvements

Insulation may not do anything for your home’s aesthetic look, but it does a lot in improving its energy-efficiency. Electric bills add to the monthly costs, and more prospects are looking for ways to save on these costs. This explains why green homes sell faster and for more money than those that aren’t green. According to Planet Green, green improvements return 250% of their initial investment. Some good examples of eco-friendly upgrades include lighting, heating, window, and cooling systems.

Finish your basement

Who doesn’t love some extra room? If you have a basement in your home, you can take advantage of it to increase your home’s resale value. Studies show that finishing a basement offers a great return on investment. In the US, on average, finishing a basement gives an ROI of 70 to 75% of your investment.

Indian Brown (Coffee Brown) granite basement bar

With these stylish interior design ideas that increase the value of your home, you should be able to get the most value for your buck. Explore our www.archcitygranite.com/granite-countertops-st-louis-gallery/ for more inspiration and ideas.

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Granite bathroom vanity tops

Home bathrooms have gone from a no-frills necessity to a key focus in design and buying. Thanks to popular home improvement TV shows, social media and the growing number of online photo sharing apps, we see more and more elaborate bathrooms.

 A key element of many modern bathrooms is the vanity. Will you have a double sink? Will you have free-floating sinks? Should you install countertops and cabinets? How do you make your first stop in the morning and last stop at night a room you’ll love as much as any other?

Selecting the Right Granite for Your Lifestyle

In addition to being beautiful, scratch-resistant and almost entirely heat and humidity-proof, each slab of granite has its own distinctive appearance. Even slabs with the same general color and style have a unique pattern that only your bathroom will feature. These elements are important because not only is style important to daily pleasure and home resale value, durability and stone quality matter to your everyday peace of mind.

The family bathroom will endure high humidity from showers, spills and messes from kids and everything in between you can imagine. Granite is strong enough to survive the bathroom chaos and clean up beautifully at the end of the day.

Work With Experts to Get the Right Look for Your Bathroom

If you are taking the step to find a granite bathroom vanity, you are probably trying to create the perfect bathroom environment. But, you are also probably not an interior decorator. You may have a good idea of what you want your new bathroom and vanity to look like, or you may have a vague idea. Either way, you will probably need some help, and we at Arch City Granite have the expertise to provide it.

We want you to have a fabulous new granite vanity for your bathroom as soon as possible. Why not come in and see us today? Our showroom is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Our team is ready and waiting to help you complete your dream bathroom as soon as possible. Visit our showroom or contact us for more information!

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The bathroom is the part of your home that always feels too small. Building a custom built home with and designing yourself a spacious, dream bathroom is not always in the budget but there are ways to make your bathroom feel larger without adding any more square footage. Making your bathroom feel cozy, spacious and luxurious rather than claustrophobic and depressing is possible with a little creativity.

It’s all about creating a little visual magic and adding the illusion that your bathroom is bigger than it is. Some of these tips can work anywhere in your house but they are especially helpful in the small spaces, such as your bathrooms.

Don’t over decorate

Over decorating can actually make a small space feel cluttered and overwhelming. Little Knick knacks on the counters, an abundance of wall hangings, shelves and cabinets can take that precious little space from the bathroom. Instead, use minimal decor and keep it simple. Remove unnecessary accessories that add disorder and chaos. Less is more when it comes to decorating a small bathroom.

Add more light

By brightening up the room with brighter bulbs or adding more natural light or windows, you can create the illusion that the space is bigger. Painting the walls a whiter or lighter color makes the room not only feel cleaner more open. Recessed lighting uses less ceiling space and to create an element of sophistication, wall sconces add light and warmth to the room.

Reduce oversized vanities

If the vanity takes up a large portion of the bathroom, trade it in for a smaller one. With a small scale vanity gives the room a more delicate look. By exchanging large bathroom countertops and vanities for more petite vanity solutions, you will gain extra space to open your bathroom up. Custom St. Peters marble countertops give your new vanity the luxurious elegance you’re looking for.

Opt for large mirrors

Reflecting the natural light with large mirrors will give the appearance that the room extends beyond. A beautiful mirror that extends to the ceiling not only provides an illusionary purpose but makes your bathroom feel grander. Avoid double mirrors as it chops the space up. One large mirror opens up the space. Decorating with unique mirrors in an artistic pattern on another wall is also a good idea to add depth to the space.

Get a clear, glass shower

A solid shower door or even privacy glass shower makes it feel like there is an extra wall in your bathroom. By replacing it with clear glass instead, it opens the area up, eliminating that visual barrier. It’s all about creating the illusion of space and with a more transparent shower area, your bathroom will feel larger.

Select light colors for flooring and walls

When you paint your walls and ceiling the same, lighter color, it brings a cohesive feel to the bathroom. Choose a lighter color for the flooring as well. By matching the materials from the walls to the ceiling to the floor, it creates an expansive feel. If the colors or patterns are drastically different, it chops the room up, thus you feel the small space more. Matching it all with beautiful marble countertops in St. Peters is the cherry on top to make your bathroom lovely and bright.

Marble countertops to add grandeur to any bathroom

Marble countertops are the perfect thing to add pizzazz to any outdated bathroom. When trying to revamp and create a beautiful space, splendid marble countertops are just what you need. When you are wondering how you can make your bathroom feel more spacious, customizing your vanity with the beauty of marble will definitely make your bathroom shine. Stop by our friendly Arch City Granite stores to see the best selection in marble around.

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Your bathroom is an area you spend a lot of time getting ready for the day and unwind in. Nothing is more refreshing than a long shower or a hot bath at the end of a hard day. You spend time getting ready for the day and a relaxing, functional and peaceful bathroom can set your day off on the right foot.
An outdated, impractical bathroom can feel frustrating. Sometimes no matter how much you scrub and clean them, old countertops, faucets, flooring, tubs and showers can feel dirty and dingy. As bathrooms age, it becomes difficult to keep things looking as beautiful and nice as they once were. Soon, your bathroom becomes a source of annoyance as it is not adding any peace or “zen” to your morning or evening routine. It’s time to bring back the serenity and tranquility to your bathroom.

Stone countertops adds an instant facelift

One of the fastest ways to update your bathroom is by adding new vanity countertops, tub surrounds and shower cladding made out of elegant, timeless stone. Nothing is more beautiful than a stone, vanity countertop.
Sometimes homeowners want to save money and instead select a formica (or also known as laminate) countertop. The problem with formica countertops is that they are not very durable. They look nice at first, but these countertops have a huge drawback and damage easily. Laminate countertop is made of layers of plastic bonded to particleboard and overtime this material easily scratches. It can look worn and chip over time, giving it a shabby appearance. Laminate countertops also are not heat resistant and hot hair tools can melt them. Repairing laminate is also impossible. The only option is to replace them. When you add laminate  countertops to a bathroom, it does not increase the value of the house whereas a stone vanity countertops and tub surrounds instantly adds value and equity.

Types of stone for bathroom vanity countertops

The options for bathroom vanity countertop and tub surrounds are plentiful. When renovating your bathroom, it is easy to match quartz, granite, soapstone or marble to any fixture, style or look. At Arch City Granite, we can discuss colors, stone types and styles, making the selection custom made to fit your individual preference. The choices can be daunting however. How do you choose which type of stone? In addition to going over the details in person with you, here are a few other aspects that can help you in your decision:

• Granite:

  • Granite is a natural stone that is cut in a quarry and then measured to fit your bathroom exactly. This type of stone is incredibly durable. It is scratch resistant as well as heat resistant and looks beautiful and looks stunning as a tub surround or shower cladding. The elegance and universal appeal of granite makes it an excellent choice for any  bathroom.

• Quartz:

  • Quartz vanity countertops are made of completely natural quartzite material that is bonded together with epoxy resin material. Though it is made of natural materials, it is an engineered stone and thus extremely resistant to scratches and damage with every day use. It can be manufactured in different thickness, and made in many colors.

• Marble:

  • Marble vanity countertops deliver an elegance and beauty to any bathroom. They have a long history of sophistication, long since used by the aristocrats and royalty for centuries. Their abiding charm makes them a favorite in bathrooms particularly by brightening up these small areas and making them feel bigger.

• Soapstone:

  • Soapstone bathroom vanities are becoming more and more common in the last few years. The dark, natural look of this stone with the soft touch is very popular. This type of stone is durable and holds up well year after year. Each stone is different and the character it brings bathroom vanity countertops and tub surrounds is well appreciated.

Increase your home’s value with stone countertops

You cannot go wrong by adding stone countertops to your bathroom renovation project. Even if that is the only thing you update, it will make an instant difference. The cost upfront might be higher than formica countertops but you will not regret it. The beauty these countertops add and the durable nature of stone makes them a smart investment. Arch City Granite commits to offering the highest quality in all our stone selections. We are upfront and honest with our pricing and cost and promise professional, friendly and experienced service and installation. We can’t wait to assist you on your bathroom remodel so stop in today, we look forward to serving you.

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There are two areas in your home where you get a lot of bang for your renovation-buck. First off is the kitchen, but the next best place to spend your money is in your bathroom. An updated bathroom is always a good return on your investment. If you have stone as your tub surround, your bathroom will be transformed into something that is both eye-catching and incredible. Stone bathtub surrounds are a perfect fit for any bathroom. One of the best things about a stone tub surround is the lack of grout lines. If you go with tile, you will be working to clean mildew out of all that grout. Stone slabs are in large pieces, so you don’t have all that grout to deal with. Besides, when it comes to beauty, nothing can compare with a polished stone surface. If you are looking to add value to your home, or simply add magnificence to your shower routine, then stone is perfect for you. At Arch City Granite, we have the selection you want at the prices you can afford. We want to help you make the right decision for you home. Here are a few details about our products for stone bathtub surrounds.

Marble

When it comes to natural stone, nothing looks quite as amazing as marble. If you decide to go with a marble tub surround, you will be smiling every time you step into your shower or bathtub. Marble has those amazing veins of color and that cool glossy surface will transform your bathroom into a palace. While you don’t have to worry about cleaning all those tile grout lines, marble does come with its own type of maintenance. Marble is susceptible to acids and oils. You will be careful using certain types of hair and body products. Acids can etch marble, and oils can stain. Fortunately, you marble will come with a sealed surface, but you will need to make certain you keep the seal current. You will need to have it resealed if you want to keep your marble surfaces looking their best. One of the best ways to keep your marble shower looking good is to use a squeegee and wipe down your shower. This will help remove soap scum and water spots. It is a good practice to have with any shower surface.

Granite

Granite is very durable. Unlike marble, granite is not harmed by acids or oils. Granite is an extremely popular choice because of its durability. In addition, it is hard to beat the look of granite. Using granite for you stone bathtub surround will look amazing. Like marble, granite has a seal coat on the surface. That sealant keeps water and soap scum from getting into the stone. Granite comes in quite a few varieties and colors. If you have a lot of natural light in your bathroom, you can go with dark colors to add instant beauty. Lighter colors of granite make a space feel larger, so if you bathroom is a bit small, you might want to consider a lighter color of granite, because it will make your bathroom feel bigger than it really is. Since the granite will come in large slabs, you will have very few seams.

Quartz

First off, quartz does not come from a large slab of stone. Quartz is crushed and mixed with a special resin and poured into large sheets. If you think this makes quartz soft, you would be wrong. Quartz is just as hard as granite. And since the quartz slabs are engineered with around 93 to 96 percent quartz, you will be pleased to know that quartz is going to be just as hard and durable as granite. Since the slabs of quartz are engineered, you will be amazed at the selection. Quartz comes in every color you can imagine. They have even found ways to make quartz look similar to granite and even marble. If you are looking for a vast selection, quartz has it. Quartz is extremely dense so it keeps water out. It is a great product for stone tub surrounds.

Arch City Granite

When you go with Arch City Granite, you are getting professional skilled stone experts. When we come to your home, we bring specialized equipment that will perfectly measure the area around you tub. Once we have the measurements, we upload the file into our computer aided fabrication process. During fabrication, your tub surrounds will be cut to the right sizes, polished to the level you want, and sealed. We make certain to cut any borders you want. Once everything is ready, our installation crew arrives at your home and installs your new stone bathtub surround.

Our installation crew will work efficiently and around you schedule. We understand that you are busy; we make certain to work with you and give you the experience you deserve. If you have questions about our products, please come to one of our locations and speak with a sales representative. They will be able to answer your questions and help you decide on a stone product that is right for you and your family. You can even come to our St. Louis location and watch the fabrication process from start to finish. You will be able to see our attention to detail first hand. We work diligently to provide you with a superior product. When you think stone for your kitchen countertops or your bathtub surrounds, think Arch City Granite. We have the products and expertise you need.

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