2021 kitchen designs are all about making your kitchen feel so you. Remember, this space speaks volumes about your personality, so make the most of your revamp by giving your kitchen that special touch! Here are ten unique kitchen ideas for 2021.

Make Bold Moves

Modern interior design is streamlined, sure, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment or make bold choices. 

In modern kitchens, in particular, granite countertops provide the perfect opportunity to play with design and try out different patterns. 

The good news is, there are plenty of granite slabs available in the St. Louis area. Walk into a fabricator and pick a granite that will make you exclaim in awe. From the nominalistic Arabescato  Venato to the more opulent Azul Treasure, you’re sure to find a slab that will make your kitchen look truly unique.

Make a Statement With Dark Green Cabinets

Move over, navy blue cabinets: one of the most popular new kitchen trends for 2021 is dark green cabinets. Whether you’re partial to emerald, forest green, or moss, dark green cabinets are a stylish new trend that are certain to be popping up in kitchens all over the country. Accentuate the deep green color of your cabinets with copper handles or fixtures. Nervous about repainting all of your cabinets in deep green? Start small by adding a few forest green appliances to your kitchen before taking the plunge.

Consider A Two-Tone Kitchen

Nothing embodies unique modern kitchens more than the two-tone design trend. The combination of two distinct colors, mainly when used throughout the cabinetry, adds an exciting twist to the overall kitchen aesthetics.

Opt for deeper and darker units with contrasting bright flooring and walls. The mix and match of colors and hues is a simple and effective way to make your kitchen stand out from the crowd.

Now, the two-tone modern kitchen doesn’t just limit itself to colors and paints. Think outside the box! Play around with finishes and textures, be it matte laminate, high-gloss, or wood grains. Use any of these rich textures to add depth and personality to your kitchen space.

Explore Sleek Neutrals

If you’ve been keeping tabs on the latest 2021 kitchen trends, then you possibly know that neutrals such as grey, white, and beige are becoming mainstay interior colors. 

If you want your kitchen to appear sleek and sophisticated, opt for neutral color shades. What’s more, neutral color-palettes give an illusion of more space, meaning your drab and condensed kitchen will look livelier and more functional in them.

Add a Splash of Color

Throw the rulebook out of the window in favor of unique paint-color combinations. The modern kitchen is rife with color opportunities, from cabinets and window treatments to flooring and appliances. As far as unique kitchen ideas go, this is the easiest one to implement.

Start by deciding how much permanent color commitment you’re willing to make. Your easiest and safest bet is painting the kitchen walls.

You can also opt for small color commitments, such as selecting a contrasting wood finish for the island or wallpaper with dominant neutral hues and tiny incorporations of color. All in all, let your creative juices flow. 

Or Try Dark, Dramatic Colors

Whether it’s a backsplash of black subway tile, walls painted deep blue or gray, or an eye-catching kitchen island with a black granite countertop, dark, dramatic colors are a major kitchen trend for 2021. Pair dark colors with wooden accents to achieve a warm, homey feel to your kitchen, or use trendy gold hardware that pops against an inky palette. No matter what you do, adding a coat of dark paint to your kitchen walls or cabinets is a great way to add a dash of on-trend drama and moodiness to your home.

Kitchen Island with White Quartz Countertop

Go Big on the Lighting

Gone are the days when you had to make everything match to achieve a tasteful kitchen style.

Design options with a stylish mix-and-match of favorite materials, textures, and fixtures reflect today’s more casual lifestyles. You no longer need to choose between the classy chandelier and simple light pendants—now you can have both.

Modern kitchens incorporate lighting from different sources. An under-cabinet task lighting helps you see what you’re doing, while an overhead light fixture illuminates the entire space. You can even include light scones to brighten dark corners or provide ambient lighting around the table area. Strategically place a lamp or two on your countertop or island if you want extra warmth. 

Beyond illuminating the kitchen, creative lighting can make your space look and feel warmer, larger, and brighter. What’s more unique than that?

Marble Countertops

Nothing complements deep green cabinets like a gorgeous slab of marble. In a kitchen full of deep, dark colors, a marble countertop is a surefire way to add a dramatic pop of white that will also keep your kitchen feeling bright and cozy. However, experts recommend that you don’t just settle for any plain white marble countertop — the more character and dramatic veining your marble countertop has to offer, the more likely it is to be perfectly on trend in 2021. 

Danby Marble Countertops with White cabinets in Clayton, MO home

Or Consider An Eye-Catching Marble Sink

The most convenient way to make a statement with your kitchen design is to incorporate marble sinks. Marble is highly sustainable, durable, and boasts the ability to withstand passing trends, making it such a good investment.

Strongly-veined marbles, in particular, create an attractive textural contrast between the sink and other polished surfaces, woods, and metals. The end result is an elegant, show-stopping kitchen interior that will make visitors say ‘wow.’

Marble Not Your Style? Try Quartz Countertops

Quartz is the Morgan Freeman of the kitchen world—it just keeps going and going and going. Even in a new decade when some countertop materials have already become outdated (think: plastic laminate, Corian, and tiles), quartz continues to defy odds.  

Engineered quartz is particularly interesting, given that it comes in so many distinct patterns and colors. Opt for the artistic 8531 Profondo Quartz or the stunning grey swirls of the Vena Statuario Bianco Quartz if you want to introduce fresh and appealing visuals to your kitchen.

If you’re in the market for new countertops in the St Louis area, explore our gallery. We have a rich collection of quartz, marble, and granite countertops, so you can be sure to find the exact texture, pattern, and tone you want to make your kitchen stand out. Our friendly team can guide you in the process of choosing and installing the ideal countertops for your home.  

Invest In Environmentally Friendly Features

From energy-efficient windows to solar panels and everything in between, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly features are poised to be one of the major trends in kitchens in 2021. Not only are these features better for the environment, but they can save you money as well: energy-efficient stoves, fridges, dishwashers, and other appliances can shave dollars off your electric, gas, and water bills. Fortunately, enjoying a stylish and trendy kitchen in 2021 can also be great for the planet and your wallet.

Upgrade To Smart Technology

Smart tech is almost a no-brainer when it comes to achieving a unique, modern kitchen in 2021. 

Whether it’s something as simple as a voice-activated speaker or as complex as a multi-cooker, smart tech can make your kitchen life a total breeze. 

To achieve that modern, tasteful look, consider hiding these smart tech appliances with beautiful wood paneling. 

Hide Away Appliances in Drawers

When it comes to kitchen appliances in 2021, a good rule of thumb might be “out of sight, out of mind.” From dishwashers and fridges that blend in with the rest of your kitchen’s cabinetry to drawers that are specially designed to charge your phone while you cook, hiding useful appliances behind stylish doors is a major kitchen trend in 2021. Whether you simply want to avoid the eyesore of an old appliance or improve the high-tech capabilities of your kitchen, there’s no doubt that this is an easy way to stay organized and on-trend in 2021.

Spice It Up With Patterned Backsplash Tiles

Subway tile may be timeless, but kitchen backsplash trends in 2021 indicate that fun patterned backsplash tiles are here to stay. Show off your personality with patterned or textured tiles, which can be a great way to easily customize your kitchen. Additionally, a fun and unexpected backsplash is perfect for adding a dash of personality to a stylish monochromatic kitchen. Consider experimenting with tiles of different shapes and sizes, or use tiles of different colors to create a gradient in your backsplash. No matter what you choose, installing an unorthodox backsplash is a trendy way to add a ton of visual interest to your kitchen.

Typhoon Bordeaux granite island for a butterfly shaped kitchen island installed without seams

Embrace An Organic Style

Forget sleek industrial design and severe metallic finishes: soft, organic touches are in for 2021. From woven light fixtures to indoor herb gardens, organic style is all about bringing the outdoors in and using natural materials to create a comfortable kitchen. If you’re a fan of the trendy organic look, experiment with reclaimed wooden cabinets, install wood-style flooring, or adopt a neutral color palette with shades of white and tan. Do you like the look of organic-style kitchens but don’t know if you’re ready to fully commit to it? Start by introducing some woven or rattan light fixtures or wastebaskets to your kitchen to see how you like the look of natural materials in your home.

Soften Your Look With Curved Islands

As you know, rectangular-shaped kitchen islands are one of the timeless furnishings in the kitchen interior. Lately, however, there has been a growing tendency for more curved and rounded islands (no hard edges, and the ‘wow factor’ is off the charts).

Besides looking very fashionable, the round or curved island design is handy for small kitchens. You can comfortably use it as a storage compartment, small breakfast table, or sitting area. Talk about practicality and uniqueness!

Function Meets Fashion With Statement, Touchless Faucets

One of the latest modern kitchen trends is touchless taps in eye-catching materials, such as brass or chrome. Not only are high-tech faucets easy to use, making cleanup from crafts or cooking easier than ever, but they’re a sleek and exciting addition to any kitchen. If you want to make sure that your faucet stands out as much as possible, considering coordinating it with the other finishes in your kitchen to achieve a polished, cohesive look that’s perfectly on trend for 2021. 

Organize With Pantries and Storage

As concealed storage becomes more popular and modern, streamlined kitchens are on the rise, ensuring that your kitchen is outfitted with plenty of hidden storage space is likely to be a major trend in 2021. Pantries provide more storage for kitchen staples than regular cabinets, which can free up additional space in your kitchen for open shelving, an accent wall, or even a miniature home office. Plus, pantries are easier to organize and access than wall cabinets, making them convenient for just about everyone. If you’re looking to stay on trend while also improving your kitchen’s functionality, installing a pantry might be a great choice for you.

Rethink Upper Cabinets

In the spirit of thinking out of the box, consider ditching bulky cabinetry and settling for open shelving or a blend of the two. 

Open shelves break up the monotony of a long row of upper cabinets, providing you with a spot for exciting, thoughtful displays.

Are You Looking To Update Your Kitchen?

Whether you want to renovate your kitchen to increase its resale value or you’ve been inspired by some of the coolest kitchen countertop trends of 2021, we’re here to help. At Arch City Granite & Marble, we can help you find the perfect countertop for your lifestyle and your personal style. Check out our gallery to get inspired or contact us to get started planning your dream kitchen today!

The post Top 9 Kitchen Countertops Design Trends in 2022 [Updated!!] appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Calcatta Verona quartz countertops with white kitchen cabinets

All across the country, there is a big movement among homeowners who are looking for quartz countertops that look like real marble. This is in large part because quartz is much better suited to kitchen and bathroom applications than marble.

Marble tends to be more porous and softer, which means it doesn’t stand up to heavy use as well as quartz, and marble’s finish can be damaged by harsh chemical cleaners.

In addition, marble comes with higher maintenance needs, as homeowners need to reseal it regularly, whereas quartz doesn’t need to be sealed.

To meet the need for quartz that looks like marble, many manufacturers have come out with quartz colors that feature a predominately white background and subtle veins of beige, gray or a tint of gold to mimic the look of real marble slabs like Calcatta Gold or Imperial Danby marble. 

Calcatta Verona from Q-Quartz, which is a brand of MSI, is one such stone. If you want to replicate the look of real marble, then this is one of the closest man-made stones available — and it doesn’t come with the maintenance burdens of marble.

The Colors of Calcatta Verona Quartz

Full slab view of Calcatta Verona

Close-up view of Calcatta Verona

Here, we have a couple of images to give you an idea of what Calcatta Verona quartz looks like. This is a subtle stone that features a white background. Like marble, it has delicate veining throughout the stone, all in a light beige tint that resembles the colors found in a real slab of Calcatta marble.

Some variations of this stone have beige marbling that steers towards taupe or gray shades — an excellent neutral tone that goes with a variety of cabinet colors.

Scroll down to see a close-up view of Calcatta Verona’s marbling.

What Cabinet Colors Pair Best with Calcatta Verona Quartz?

Calcatta Verona with Grey cabinetry (3” thick mitered edge on the island)

Calcatta Verona with dark brown kitchen cabinets

With its neutral coloring, Calcatta Verona quartz will pair with just about any cabinet color you have in mind. If you want a quartz color that will match with white or off-white cabinets, then this shade works perfectly.

The gray tones in Calcatta Verona also pair quite well with gray cabinetry, and the white background of this stone will make a striking contrast against darker gray shades.

Espresso cabinetry requires warmer tones, and the beige in slabs of Calcatta Verona makes it an ideal match, one that will help brighten a kitchen with lots of espresso cabinetry.

Cost of Calcatta Verona from Q- Quartz

This type of quartz comes in at the upper end of the price range, usually between $79 and $85 per square foot, including installation costs. Of course, this cost can vary depending on the level of customization.

A thicker built up edge with miter joints will add to the cost, but you’ll find that the durability and beauty of a quartz countertop is well worth the investment. This is a counter that will stand up to the demands of any kitchen, and one that you will enjoy for years to come.

What are Some Similar Colors to Calcatta Verona?

If you like the look of Calcatta Verona, there are several other quartz colors that you should be sure to check out. Calcatta Luccia features similar veining to Calcatta Verona, only in shades of gray. Calcatta Laza gives you an off-white base with beige marbling, and Calcatta Nuvo features a pale beige base with slightly darker marbling.

If you’d like to see Calcatta Verona quartz in person, we stock full slabs at Arch City Granite & Marble in St. Louis, Missouri. The look of marble is in high demand right now and we’ve installed many beautiful kitchens in this marble-like quartz.

What’s more, if you’re interested in specialty work, we have fabricated custom 3-inch thick islands with miter joints. You’ll love the look of this craftsmanship — we make certain the veins flow through the entire thickness of the stone so that it looks like one 3-inch thick slab.

The post Calcatta Verona Quartz: A Quartz Countertop that Looks like Marble appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

When people think of an elegant, cool, and stunning countertop they usually think of marble. One of our biggest attractions to marble is those veins of color. When marble is formed under the earth, different minerals are exposed to heat and the veins of color are created. No two slabs of marble look the same. Your kitchen countertop will always be unique. Unfortunately, marble comes with its own issues.

At Arch City Granite, we specialize in the fabrication and installation of countertops. We understand that even though marble has its undeniable charm, it comes with higher demand for maintenance. If you are looking for that marble look, but without the maintenance, we have a solution.

Meet Marble

Marble is resistant to heat, and since it doesn’t absorb heat well, many bakers love its cool properties. You can set a hot pan, or pot down on the surface of your marble countertop and not worry about the heat doing any damage. Marble has been used for fireplace surrounds because it can handle a few sparks and won’t yellow from the heat.

Marble has a lot of qualities, but it is also a soft, porous rock. Because it is soft, you might never set a pot down on the surface, because you will be terrified of scratching it. Marble countertops will scratch very easy. You will want to have a cutting board whenever you are preparing a meal, because a knife blade can mar the surface. Because it scratches easily, most people will even put a soft cloth under their cutting boards. If you decide to use a scrubbing pad to clean the surface of you marble, you can damage the entire surface. It is that soft.

Marble is very susceptible to acids as well. If you spill some orange juice, wine, or any liquid that has acidic properties, the acid will etch the surface. Spills have to be cleanup up immediately. For this reason, people with young children often avoid getting marble countertops. Kids just make it difficult to have nice things.

Remember how marble is porous? That means that things can seep into the marble. Oils, coffee, and other drinks can seep into the porous rock and stain it. Since marble is so porous, you can get a surface sealer and a deep soaking sealant. Both will help protect you marble and give you precious minutes to clean up a spill before it can stain your beautiful countertops. Both types of sealant degrade over time, so you will need to have your countertops resealed.

The time frame is different, depending on the amount of use, but it can range anywhere from a few times a year, to once every one to two years. This is where the maintenance comes in with marble. If you forget to reseal, you will be faced with impossible stains that you can use elbow grease to remove, because scrubbing will scratch your marble.

Meet Granite that Looks like Marble

You have heard that granite is hard. That hardness gives it the durability people expect with a granite countertop. Geologists created a ranking system that measures the hardness of rock and they call it the Mohs hardness scale. Marble comes in at a 3 to 5, while granite comes in at a 7. Diamonds are a 10. Granite is non-porous and very, very hard. You can set hot pots down on the surface; some people even prepare their meal right on the surface.

Although, we recommend that you still use a cutting board, you will find that granite can withstand scratches from knife blades quite well. Since Granite is non-porous, you can spill things on the surface and never worry about stains occurring. Granite has a lot less maintenance. Like marble, granite does require a sealant, but many homeowners find that they can go a few years with heavy use before they ever have to add a new seal coat.

Your Marble-like, Granite Solution

If you love the look of marble, but you want the durability and the low maintenance associated with granite, then you are in for a wonderful surprise. There is a form of granite that has veins of color and looks like marble. That’s right, you can get granite that looks like marble. You can have your beautiful flowing marble look without all the work that goes into maintaining a marble countertop.

Bianco Romano granite looks a lot like Carrara marble. You will notice the white color with the greyish veins flowing through the surface. Your kitchen will come to life and you won’t have to worry about your children destroying your countertop.

Here at Arch City Granite, we can help you find a beautiful slab of granite that will give you the look of marble that you want. When you want the most out of your kitchen, you need to come and see us at Arch City Granite. We can help you pick the right countertop for your home. You can even watch the fabrication process, where we take large slabs of stone and transform them into beautiful countertops for kitchens, bathroom, and laundry rooms.

At Arch City Granite, we work to beauty homes, one kitchen at a time. Why not make your kitchen, the next one we transform?

The post Marble the Granite Way at St. Louis Stone Countertops Company appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

The new Quartz colors that look like marble but behave like granite are becoming the choice of many home owners for their kitchen countertops.

At Arch City Granite & Marble in St. Louis, Missouri we stock many slabs of Quartz that look like marble. Home owners need not depend on the small samples before they make final selection. We invite home owners to browse our vast inventory of Quartz colors that look like marble.

At Arch City Granite, you can select your Quartz slabs from our inventory, we measure your kitchen or bath room countertops, we fabricate and install with in-house teams. We are Silestone, Caesarstone and Q-Quartz Certified fabricator.

Here is a list of most liked Quartz colors from different brands:

Lyra quartz from Silestone

Daria quartz from Silestone

Artic Quartz from Silestone

Noble Grey from Caesarstone

Statuario Maximus from Caesarstone

Taj Royal from Caesarstone

Statuario Nuvo from Caesarstone

Calcatta Nuvo from Caesarstone

Bianco Drift from Caesarstone

Woodlands from Caesarstone

Dreamy Marfil from Caesarstone

Emperadoro quartz from Caesarstone

London Grey quartz from Caesarstone

Misty Carrera quartz from Caesarstone

Make sure to Visit our Showroom to see the FULL slab of Quartz before you make your final decision.

The post Quartz Colors That Look Like Marble appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Marble is one of the oldest and most beautiful stones available on the market for countertops. It’s a metamorphic stone that is a result of limestone being subjected to immense amount of pressure for long periods of time. Marble’s popularity began in ancient Rome and Greece, where white and off-white marble was used to construct a variety of structures, from hand-held sculptures to massive pillars.

How Marble Got its Start in Ancient Times

The Greeks and Romans chose marble for their structures due its beauty. However, the process of mining marble was quite lengthy. Hammers and wedges were used to release marble from the earth. It was then pulled from its source with the help of pulleys, winches, levers, and wooden beams.

Aside from statues and buildings, colored marble was used to create beautiful tile flooring. The color of marble varies due to different minerals that are present in the stone. For example, pure calcite marble is white. Red marble gets its tone from hematite, and limonite gives marble a green or yellow tone.

How We Use Marble in 2016

Even though Ancient Grecian and Roman times were over 2,000 years ago, most cultures still appreciate marble in present day. Today, marble is used for a variety of structural and aesthetic purposes. Marble is included in the making of modern buildings, places of worship, floors, walls, and of course—countertops.

Marble Countertops: Classic Beauty in The Home

It’s hard to deny that marble countertops add a touch of elegance to nearly every kitchen. Its stark white appearance makes kitchens look clean and strikingly classic. This stone has been a popular aesthetic option for centuries, and it perfectly ties in its classic beauty throughout kitchens across St. Louis and the rest of America.

Another intriguing aspect about marble is that since it’s a natural stone, every countertop is sure to be unique. If you’re a homeowner looking for a countertop that is uniquely designed and custom made for your home, consider marble stone.

Benefits of Marble Countertops (Beyond Beauty)

Even though marble is a beautiful countertop option, there are other reasons why homeowners may choose marble for their kitchen countertops instead of various other stones.

First, marble is one of the longest-lasting countertop stones available on the market. Although it can be expensive, marble countertops essentially pay for themselves as long as they are maintained and properly cared for throughout the years.

Furthermore, marble countertops come in a variety of colors that are well suited for a variety of personal tastes. However, think carefully about installing dark marble countertops in your kitchen—etching is more noticeable on dark marble than light colored marble.

What Are The Downsides to Using Marble For Kitchen Countertops?

Just like any other type of countertop material, there are downsides to using marble as your selected stone. One of the disadvantages of using marble as your kitchen countertop is that it’s a porous and soft stone. This makes marble prone to staining and chipping, which can quickly downgrade its beauty and elegance.

Homeowners who notice small imperfections might be better off choosing an alterative countertop material for their kitchen, such as quartz.

How to Protect And Maintain Your Marble Countertops

The truth is that marble is high maintenance. Although this fact can be off-putting to some, this doesn’t mean that you should discard marble as a countertop choice altogether. There are methods you can use to protect your marble countertops and keep them looking beautiful for years to come.

The first step in protecting and maintaining marble countertops is to properly seal them—and seal often. Unfortunately, spilling a glass of wine can be all that it takes to stain your new marble countertops.

You’ll also need to choose your cleaning products carefully. It’s best to clean your marble countertops with gentle dish detergent, warm water, and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach, which can easily cause damage.

Get Ready to Love Your New Marble Countertops

Even though marble isn’t perfect, there are still plenty of reasons to love this natural stone. If you’re interested in marble countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, contact Arch City Granite today at 314-426-3100 or 636-329-8400.

The post The History of Marble Stone And Why It’s so Popular For Countertops appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

When you walk into a bathroom designed with marble or granite in St. Louis, you know you are walking into a space of luxury. This is why granite and marble have always been, and continue to be, popular choices in bathroom remodels. Choosing your stone for the bathroom, however, needs to be done with both functionality and style in mind. This is because of the different characteristics of each type of stone and the amount of maintenance and care they need, whether you are using marble or granite countertops in your bathroom.

When to Use Marble in a Bathroom Remodel

There’s no question about it—marble exudes class. It is a fabulous choice for occasionally used guest bathrooms. Marble is a metamorphic rock with a lot of calcium carbonate in it. If you have ever poured a can of soda over some limestone and watched it eat away at the rock, you will have some understanding of how calcium carbonate responds to harsh cleaners, spilled toiletries and cosmetics, as well as otherwise heavy daily use.

No, the marble won’t bubble and dissolve before your very eyes—it’s much stronger than its cousin limestone, because marble is metamorphic instead of sedimentary (like limestone). This means that the calcium carbonate in the marble has undergone significant geological forces of heat and pressure to harden and change its composition into something that can be cut, carved and used in sculpture or in your bathroom.

But it is still a “soft” stone, which is why it is often chosen for carvings. So if you have seen and fallen in love with other marble bathrooms in St. Louis, we recommend applying this gorgeous stone in a low-traffic, high-luxury bathroom. The marble needs resealing annually to help protect it from stains, nicks and spills, but following the recommended maintenance schedule should give you the durable, long-lasting marble bathroom of your dreams.

Marble Bathroom Trends

One of the most popular types of marble to use in bathrooms is our Carrara marble from Italy. Its white background is accented with veins of bluish-gray that go well with several other accent colors and give a sense of clean elegance, space and calm that is just perfect for a guest bathroom, powder room or spa-style bathroom. Marble can be used for the countertops, and also as tiles for the walls and floor as well.

Aside from this classic color, marble comes in shades of black, pink, green and brown. Each of these can be used to fit your tastes and design desires. And while our Carrara marble brings a brighter vibe into the room, darker, earthier tones of marble accessorized with black or mahogany cabinets and other elements give a feeling of warmth and luxury. Another great stone trend in St. Louis is Emperador Dark marble, which is a great choice for bathrooms.

When to Use Granite in Your Bathroom

There are many luxury granite bathrooms in St. Louis, and that’s because granite is tough, durable and comes in so many different natural colors that your remodeling options are wide open. Granite is an intrusive igneous rock—which is a fancy way of saying that it used to be magma underground. This magma never erupted to the surface as lava, but instead cooled slowly in underground chambers, developing a wide variety of beautifully colored crystals made mostly from silica-rich minerals like mica, quartz and feldspar.

Because of its composition, it is a harder, more durable stone than marble. It is able to withstand heavier use, even in sinks and showers, making it a popular stone trend in St. Louis. Unlike marble, which is porous, granite does not soak in water, but it still requires regular sealing to prevent staining from spills of bath and cosmetic products.

Granite Bathroom Trends

Granite comes in a wide array of potential color combinations, including black and white, gold, brown, pink, blue and green—so designing can be fun.

You can choose granite with a glossy finish, a honed (matte) finish or even something called a “leather” finish that shows off some of the granite’s natural textures. With all of granite’s flexibility, you can get creative when designing and choosing accents for your bathroom renovation. It all depends on the mood you are trying to convey for the bathroom.

Fine-grained granite options such as the sparkly Blue Pearl or the darker Silver Pearl are dramatic without being overstated, and can be incorporated into cool, crisp designs that produce a feeling of calm. To add drama, choose a granite design like Supreme White or Silver Cream that has exciting stripes and veins running through it. Granite elements like this are almost their own centerpieces. This means that you can minimize other design elements in the bathroom to reduce décor clutter and stick to the very basics.

So tell us: What kind of bathroom style are you dreaming of? How would you like your spa to look and feel? Marble or granite might be able to turn that dream into a reality.

The post Bathroom Renovation Trends with Granite and Marble in St. Louis appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

To help these marble lovers out, we’ve put together a list of osur favorite ways to use marble in low risk areas, where is it unlikely to be damaged heavy daily use.

1. Full Marble Backsplash

Of course, you’ve probably seen marble tile backsplash. This is a lovely look, but tiles break up the gentle, lilting pattern of classic stones like White Carrara Marble and Calacatta Marble. If you are eager to have the look of solid marble in your home, your local fabricator can actually cut solid pieces of marble to perfectly fit your backsplash area. Full backsplash is much easier to keep clean than tile. If sealed regularly (once to twice a year), you don’t have to worry about stains or etching because no materials will accidentally sit on the surface for extended periods of time.

The full marble backsplash can be contrasted with a dark stone like Absolute Black Granite or soapstone– or it can be paired with a bright white Quartz material (like Silestone’s White Zeus Extreme or Caesarstone’s Pure White) for that fresh, marble effect.

2. Wall Caps and Half-Walls

Do you have a passthru, wood wall cap, or plain half wall in your home? Consider replacing it with a custom piece of marble for a little touch of elegance outside the kitchen. If your kitchen counters match well with marble, then you can use it as a transition into the adjoining space, such as on half walls or pass-thru’s between the kitchen and dining room.

This is also a great way to spruce up a hallway or peripheral space in the home. Often times these less-used spaces end up rather far down on the decorating to do list. Adding a touch of marble gives the space a finished look even if the rest of the hall or entryway has been left fairly simple.

3. Tub Surround

If you have a soaking tub, a custom marble surround is a great way to avoid pesky grout lines and get your marble fix at the same time. Sometimes, unsealed marble can get temporary water spots, but if you seal your stone and clean it with non-abrasive chemicals, it will look fresh and clean for years and years. Like the full backsplash, a marble tub surround can be paired with a contrasting granite or quartz or cut from the same stone as the marble chosen for the vanity counters.

4. Ornamental Backsplash Behind a Free-Standing Tub

Free-standing bathtubs are everywhere in high end design these days. A custom backsplash behind the tub protects the wall from water spills, provides a great view while soaking, and adds visual weight to the tub area, which creates a strong focal point in the room. Have your fabricator cut the design of the piece to mimic an arch in the room or the curve of the tub feet. Or create a modern/ contemporary look with clean, straight lines.

There are so many ways this idea could be customized to different space and styles, so don’t be afraid to think creatively when discussing the details with your fabricator.

5. Fireplace Surround

White marble fireplaces are timeless. From ornate mantles of past centuries to sleek, ultra-modern monoliths in contemporary homes, stones like White Carrara Marble and White Danby Marble are tried and true choices for framing cozy fires in the living room. Many older homes have wood mantles with brick or cement inner surrounds.

It is a very simple process to cover these sections with small pieces of marble, increasing the aesthetic appeal of the fireplace and adding a daily dose of marble to your home in a low risk area.

6. Sideboard or Coffee Table

If you have a big piece of furniture like a sideboard or table in the hall, you can order a custom marble counter to fit it. These pieces won’t get any of the daily use that can make marble kitchen counters more risky, but, especially on long pieces, you will still get the effect of marble counters in a prominent part of the home.

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Yes, there are a lot of obvious reasons to love marble.

There is also another, much less obvious reason to fall in love with the metamorphic rock that adorns some of the most prestigious and beautiful buildings in the world: Cleaning marble countertops is extremely easy!

As you probably already know, marble is a soft stone, which means it is susceptible to staining and even etching. But as long as you are careful and take good care of your marble countertops (by keeping them clean), they can stand the test of time.

Here’s a quick lesson on cleaning marble countertops.

First, you will need to gather a few supplies, including:

• Warm water
• A dish soap that is gentle and non-abrasive
• A plastic spray bottle
• A wash cloth or soft cleaning rag
• A soft and ultra-absorbent towel.

Second, you will need to make a mixture of warm water and dish soap:

• Fill your plastic spray bottle with warm water.
• Add approximately a tablespoon of the non-abrasive dish soap.
• Gently shake your plastic spray bottle to ensure that your cleaning solution is mixed very well.

Finally, you will need to wipe down your countertops:

• Lightly spray your countertops with your cleaning solution.
• Wipe the soapy water off of your countertops with your wash cloth or soft cleaning rag.
• Use your towel to rub the countertops dry and buff them.

See? Cleaning marble countertops is incredibly easy. It’s also incredibly quick–depending on how much countertop space you have.

There are, however, a few words of warning you need to be aware of:

• The best way to keep your marble countertops clean is to immediately blot up any spills.
• Never use generic, store-purchased cleaning products on your marble countertops–regardless of the too-good-to-be-true claims they make. They can damage marble.
• Don’t make homemade cleaning solutions with vinegar, ammonia or fruit juice. They are all acidic and can easily damage your marble countertops.

If you follow the directions above and follow the words of advice, you should have no problem keeping your marble countertops clean. For more information about bringing magnificent marble into your home, contact us at Arch City Granite & Marble today.

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If the practicality and functionality of marble countertops have a downfall, it’s etching.

Etching is the physical change that occurs to marble when acid interacts with the stone’s calcium carbonate makeup. That’s a fancy way to say that if you don’t quickly clean up spilled lemon juice, you can wind up with dull spots on your marble countertops.

Of course lemon juice isn’t the only liquid that causes etching. Other culprits include wine, orange juice, vinegar and cleaning products that weren’t designed for marble. In fact, cleaning products have been known to make marble dull as soon as they are applied.

Bleach and ammonia can quickly destroy your countertops’ shine and shimmer, so can drips of water and ringlets from condensation on the bottom of your beer, which can also cause your countertops to develop dull spots.

So how do you prevent your marble countertops from etching, or fix it once it occurs?

Well, you basically have three options:

• Live with it. This option isn’t really as bad as it sounds. The next time you are in a upscale bar or hotel with marble countertops, take a look and you’ll likely see some etching. It can add character, if you choose to see it as such.
• Try a store-bought marble polish. These products are easy to use and can be effective in many cases. All you have to do is apply the product to your countertops and rub it in using a soft cloth. Depending on how bad the etching is, you may have to use several applications–or it might not work at all.
• Contact a professional. If the etching on your marble countertops is so severe that you can’t live with it and you can’t fix it with over-the-counter cleaners, you probably need a professional. An experienced marble-maintenance professional can re-polish marble that has been afflicted by the severe etching.

If you have questions about your countertops, or if you need to connect with a professional for help fixing severe etching, contact the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble. They have helped return the shine and shimmer to countless countertops that have experienced etching.

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Whether you’re debating between Calacatta or Carrara, both types of marble will instantly elevate your home from fine to fantastic as soon as they are installed. And either one can be used in fireplace surrounds, bathrooms or kitchens.

Yet, many people don’t know the difference between the two types of marble, which is too bad because understanding what makes each one magnificent can help you pick the right kind to use in your home.

Here’s a look at each, and some tips about where each works best in a house:

Carrara

Of the two types of marble, Carrara is darker. It is grayer in hue and its veining is usually softer. The veining is usually more linear, too, meaning you won’t get wild veining patterns.

This makes Carrara perfect for fireplace surrounds in spaces that are more formal. It also works well in the kitchen. Marble countertops made from Carrara add the distinguished, clean look that marble is known for, but because it has a gray color, it adds a touch of warmth, too.

In fact, Carrara’s gray color can be used to add a touch of color to any room in which white is the primary color. It can be used as a backsplash (which can really tie a kitchen together when combined with Carrara marble countertops) and as a wall in a bathroom that’s primarily white.

Calacatta

Calacatta is renowned for its bright, white color and and dramatic veining, both of which make it perfect for any room in which you want to infuse some energy.

It’s veining rarely follows a linear pattern. This makes Calacatta perfect for large expanses, including walls, floors and showers. It instantly adds class and sophistication to any room. In the bathroom, it transforms an otherwise ordinary shower into a spa-like experience. In a great room, it adds a dramatic centerpoint. In the kitchen, if you are brave enough to use it as marble countertops, it is warm, comforting and inviting–not too pretentious, but very classy.

There are many more differences between these two magnificent marbles, and to learn more about them, contact the experts at Arch City Granite and Marble today.

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