Some Kitchen Inspo to Scroll Through :)

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Consumer Reports on Best Choice for Countertop Material and Pros & Cons

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Consumer Reports on Best Choice for Countertop Material and Pros & Cons

1. Quartz
Pros: It mimics the look of stone yet needs less maintenance. Hot pots, serrated knives, abrasive pads, and most stains were no match for quartz, which is a combination of mineral, color, and resin. It comes in vibrant colors in addition to patterns that look like granite and marble.
Cons: Edges and corners can chip, and you’ll need a pro to repair them. Rounded edges help.

2. Granite
Pros: Each slab of this natural material is unique; rare colors and veining cost more. Heat, cuts, and scratches didn’t harm granite in our tests. Polished and matte finishes resisted most stains when properly sealed, so pick the look you prefer.
Cons: Periodic resealing is needed to fend off stains. Like quartz, edges and corners can chip and must be professionally repaired.

3. Soapstone, Limestone, and Marble
Pros: Soapstone isn’t as common as granite, and it’s superb at resisting heat damage. Small scratches can be repaired by sanding finely and applying mineral oil. Limestone (pictured) and marble are classic materials. Limestone also has a natural-stone look without heavy veining or graining, and it resists heat.
Cons: Soapstone nicks, cuts, and scratches easily, and some stains are too tough to be washed away. Limestone and marble also have those drawbacks, and heat damaged our marble.

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8 Top Trends in Bathroom Tile Design

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8 Top Trends in Bathroom Tile Design

2. Move Over Glossy Tiles, Matte Finishes Are Here to Stay

The popularity of matte finish tiles follows us into the new year. They feature a soft but powerful beauty–style that does not get too overwhelming.  An advantage of matte tiles is that they do not show smudges and water marks as easily as glossy tiles. This makes them ideal for the bathroom floor, especially in busy bathrooms. The low sheen makes them easier to maintain. When installing matte finish tiles make sure there is enough lighting, both natural and artificial, as these tiles are not known for reflecting light.

Glossy finish tiles feature a more dramatic effect on the bathroom. They tend to create an elegant, highly polished look and feel. This is why they are still popular. They are especially great for small bathrooms as they tend to reflect plenty of light and create the perception of a space that is larger than it seems. But because they need more maintenance work and are a slip hazard, glossy finish tiles are often used on walls or low-traffic bathroom floor areas.

If you are looking for understated elegance with unspoken sophistication, go for matte finish tiles. They are also great if you want an earthy style in your bathroom. But if what you are looking for is something a bit more dramatic and attention-capturing, glossy finish tiles are right up your alley.

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Cambria Quartz Countertops

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Cambria Quartz Countertops

Cambria is a leading brand name of quartz countertop material and is the only quartz countertop made entirely in the U.S. Also called engineered stone or quartz stone, quartz countertops are made with natural quartz stone crystals combined with resins and pigments to create a stone-like material that offers some practical and aesthetic benefits over natural stone. Among all of the countertop choices today, quartz is an all-around top performer and is priced near the high end of the spectrum. Cambria's countertop options rival those of three other leading brands, Ceasarstone, Silestone, and Dupont's Zodiaq line.

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