CAESARSTONE US

What is the Typical Cost of Caesarstone?

2012-01-23T21:06:00.000-08:00

Caesarstone is a lovely & highly desired stone surfacing material created with current technology to resemble quartz in every capacity. Durable and available in a wide range of colors & textures, you can furnish your home with this beautiful surface everywhere from the bathroom to kitchen countertops to an accent wall. Even floors can be done with this product.

Caesarstone is ninety three percent quartz combined with pigments and polymers to strengthen the product and provide a variety of different color options for every type of style. Caesarstone also comes in honed, polished, and textured surfaces. For about $40.00 per square foot in some locations, it is an investment worth every penny.

Some of the rich colors to add character to your home include Deep Ocean, Black Rocks, Espresso, Smoky Ash, Pebble, Ruby Reflections, Mocha, Nougat, Rosemary, Eggshell, Cinder, Desert Limestone, & Organic White among many other choices. Caesarstone also comes in many recycled options with fleck filled color choices such as Starry Night, Carbone and Spring Blossom.

Determining the cost of your Caesarstone requires some research. You can calculate the footage by using online calculators, or Caesarstone’s handy app for the iPhone and iPad. Various web sites which sell countertop or flooring materials offer approximate pricing based on the surface dimensions you want to cover by filling in the square feet of the area and the price per square foot.

Caesarstone may cost as much as $60 or even $90 a square foot for the material and installation depending on your location. Caesarstone is one of the only materials which offers a lifetime guarantee, so really it is quite cost effective than other materials which need regular maintenance or repairs.

When caring for Caesarstone be sure to avoid contact with paint thinners, prolonged heat, soaps with high alkaline balances, oils, oven cleaners and other harsh products. The Caesarstone will last but you don’t want to stain its surface or create dull places in it. Hot pots and other heat sources can leave hairline cracks that are difficult to mask.

The Best Materials for Your Countertops

2011-12-25T21:41:00.000-08:00

When it comes time to redo your kitchen’s countertops, you will find that you are inundated with choices as to what to make them out of. This is not a choice that should be made lightly either. You will be stuck, so to speak, with the new kitchen countertop for many years to come. So, while it may seem that this decision is not all that important, it really is important to the overall look of your kitchen and, considering how much it will cost to redo, you really can’t afford to get it wrong.

The first decision that has to be made when it comes time to get new countertops is what material they will be made out of. Here you will find that you have several choices including:

· Solid surface – This countertop is made out of acrylic and is the most common type that is found in most homes and apartment buildings. The material is very durable and can withstand stains and all of the rigors of daily living. Another plus to this type is that you can get them in almost every color imaginable so they are easily matched with the colors of your current kitchen if you do not plan to change them.

· Granite – For those with more money and who want fancier looking countertops, you can have them made out of granite. This type can definitely make the kitchen look classier. The only problem, other than the cost of making them, is that they have been known to absorb certain stains and, once that happens, there is no getting the stain out.

· Ceramic tile – Some people prefer ceramic tile for their countertop material. It can definitely make the kitchen look nice and clean and, much like with solid surface ones, you can get the tiles in all sorts of colors to match your kitchen. The only thing is that the tiles do not tend to last as long as other material types so you may find yourself replacing them in a couple of years.

The next decision you need to make is who is going to make and then install your new countertops. You want to make sure to choose someone who knows what they are doing and has been in the business for a while. Even a properly cut countertop can become messed up if it is not installed correctly. They cost far too much, even those not made of stone, for you to hire someone who is just going to mess them up. Sure, you may have to pay a bit more for a more experienced counter person, but it will be worth it in the end.

Remodeling Trends in Los Angeles: Kitchen Benchtops

2011-11-24T22:15:00.000-08:00

In Los Angeles kitchen remodel projects are often based on both form and function. Contractors/designers meet with their clients to ensure that both the style and function of the space is addressed. The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. It is where families gather for meals, where cooking, hosting, dishes, and homework are done. Some families look for comfort and coziness, while others look for modernity and sleekness, all the while needing the space to serve the functions needed with ease.

Countertops and storage space are often the first big decisions made, which shape the rest of the kitchen remodel. Recently benchtops are becoming more and more popular for their durability, low maintenance, and unique look. When looking for a benchtop, remember that it is in constant use, every day. It will need to be sturdy, functional and beautiful.

A kitchen remodel usually happens once in a home, depending on how long the family has lived there. You want to make sure that the countertop you use is strong enough to last for several years – decades even. For this you must turn to a sturdy material which lasts long and doesn’t require much maintenance. While there are a plethora of materials out there, natural stone seems to be the best in terms of price, quality, durability, & being low maintenance.

Natural stone such as quartz, as opposed to granite, is tough, non-porous (so it never needs to be sealed), as well as scratch, heat, and stain resistant. They also come in more colors and textures now than ever before.

While some specific stones get discolored or stained when something hot is kept on them, durable quartz such as Caesarstone is resistant to such things making it a smart choice for home owners who want to work freely without the worry of stains or discoloration. Busy moms, for example, who use their countertops every day, don’t have the time or energy to baby their counters. They want something they can install and forget about, aside from an easy cleaning once in awhile.

Quartz has become a hot favorite because it fulfills the most conditions specified by the customers. Durable, low-maintenance, heat, stain, & scratch resistant, a variety of choices for color & texture, regularly available, & well priced for the quality of the product: these are all qualities which have made quartz countertops & benchtops such as Caesarstone as a superior choice for satisfied customers. And because quartz is such a versatile material, benchtops can be made specific to various designs requested by the customer. From classic to modern, and even ultra modern, the possibilities are endless.

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2011-11-14T23:14:00.000-08:00

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iPhone App

Caesarstone and Sonobath announce new Eclipse series

2011-10-21T01:50:00.000-07:00

Caesarstone is pleased to announce an exciting new application of some of its most spectacular semi-precious surfaces -- the Eclipse table series by Jae Omar Design (JOD). Southern California-based Jae Omar, one of Caesarstone's associate designers, overlays these precious stone surfaces with natural metal elements to create intriguing, hard-to-look-away table designs.

Available beginning in fall 2011, the Eclipse table is the first piece in Jae Omar Design's new Soma collection. The collection is offered in a variety of round, square and rectangular sizes, and in a range of stunning stone and metal combinations including Concetto Sirena with moody dark bronze.

"Dressing a living area or home is a bit like dressing a woman -- no matter what the occasion a subtle application of jewelry increases the interest ten-fold. Our jeweled stone Eclipse table has a similar effect," said JOD's Omar. "We've added the luster of stone surfaces, such as Concetto Sirena, to add an unexpected richness and timelessness to an interior accent as simple as a metal-based table. The effect is stunning to say the least."

Through special arrangement with Caesarstone, JOD is able to provide custom selections of the various top-end surfaces to go with any interior décor.

"The Eclipse tables are extremely designer friendly, with patterns and textures that fit with nearly any color palette or mood -- like a diamond necklace that goes equally well with a casual top or a little black dress," explains Omar. "Though a little more precious than off-the-shelf tables, we think any room is worth it."

About Jae Omar Design
Since its introduction in 1998, Jae Omar's innovative, contemporary furniture collection has been a favorite amongst both designers and architects. His signature blend of tailored shapes and raw natural elements celebrates the power and beauty of a natural world in constant transition. Now represented internationally, Omar continues to push the edge of the envelope with originality and an uncompromising attention to detail. For more information about Jae Omar Design and its complete line of high-end furniture and accessories, please go to jaeomardesign.com or call 310/492-4006.

AboutCaesarstone
Caesarstone is the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Colorado, Miami, New York, Atlanta, St. Louis and Dallas. Caesarstone produces premium quartz countertops & surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. Caesarstone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide. Offering a Residential Lifetime Warranty, Caesarstone countertops and surfaces are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. Caesarstone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute and is in compliance with stringent international environmental standards including ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), and NSF (public health and safety).

A sustainable material, Caesarstone is GREENGUARD certified and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). For more information about Caesarstone and its products, please visit the company's website at http://www.caesarstoneus.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Caesarstone Launches its New Interactive iPhone Application

2011-09-08T02:40:00.000-07:00

The new application, featuring Caesarstone's quartz surfaces collections, is built to inspire and assist in designing any interior space. It is intended for the use by both Consumers, looking for creative ideas and information while renovating their homes, and by Architects and Designers using it as part of their professional tool kit.

Caesarstone, the pioneer and leading manufacturer of Caesarstone quartz countertops & surfaces, today announced it has launched its first iPhone application called "Caesarstone". The application is available in four languages, English, French, Spanish, and Hebrew, and will be used in over 30 worldwide countries. Available today on the Apple iPhone App store, the application includes interactive features that will be valuable for a wide group of audience in the home décor industry.

When connected to the iPhone, users will be able to take full advantage of the various “Caesarstone” features, some of which include:

A. An Interactive Design Module – a 'drag and drop' feature, allowing users to match Caesarstone vast range of colors with a selection of cabinet shades, creating different kitchen and bathrooms designs.
B. A Where to buy/view – an inclusive list, location based, of showroom locations and dealers, with up to date displays of current exhibits, along with access to Google Map for directions.
C. Camera - providing users the ability to photograph any image and find its closes match with the available Caesarstone color collection.
D. Gallery – showcasing preferred images of kitchens, bathrooms, and worldwide commercial projects display application.
E. My Notebook - Save favorite colors and designs to the notebook to compare, review and share on Facebook.

"We are pleased to be launching this kind of technologically innovative solution," Said Eli Feiglin, Caesarstone marketing VP. "These days, everyone wants to bring out their individuality and dreams while remodeling, building or expanding a home. Our company's goal is to do just that, help people express themselves. This original application is another touch point to enhance our brand promise and communicate with our audiences. We look forward to developing further tools for iPad, and Android users as well."

The power of "Caesarstone" comes from its ability to inspire with its design modules and vast gallery, while providing the most up to date "where to buy" information – all in a simple, on the go solution.

"Caesarstone" is free and can be downloaded for iPhone users at the App Store. More information is available on the Caesarstone website at http://www.caesarstoneus.com/iphone-app/, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.

About Caesarstone
Caesarstone is the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Colorado, Miami, New York, Atlanta, St. Louis and Dallas. Caesarstone produces premium quartz countertops & surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. Caesarstone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

Offering a Residential Lifetime Warranty, Caesarstone countertops and surfaces are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. Caesarstone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute and is in compliance with stringent international environmental standards including ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), and NSF (public health and safety). A sustainable material, Caesarstone is GREENGUARD certified and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

For more information about Caesarstone and its products, please visit the company’s website at http://www.caesarstoneus.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Caesarstone Partners with Bravo’s Flipping Out Host Jeff Lewiss

2011-08-08T02:59:00.000-07:00

Global quartz countertop & surface pioneer Caesarstone announced a partnership today with Jeff Lewis, the star of Bravo’s hit docu-series Flipping Out and the recently announced series Interior Therapy. As a real estate mogul having speculated and designed over 100 homes, Lewis has developed some of the most sought after properties in Los Angeles. In this new venture with Caesarstone, Lewis will be developing surface colors and will appear in advertising campaigns for the company.

“Jeff Lewis brings to the Caesarstone brand his experience in designing homes for over 20 years; his understanding of the homeowners’ likes and dislikes; his use of modern and relevant colors, as well as his humor and humility,” said Arik Tendler, President of Caesarstone. “We are excited to collaborate with Jeff in 2011 to develop new colors as well as a fresh and humorous ad campaign.”

This will be the second year of partnership between Caesarstone and Lewis. In 2010, Lewis selected Caesarstone’s Pure White surface in his House Beautiful Magazine “Kitchen of the Year” design project showcased in Rockefeller Center.

“In my experience as a speculator and designer, Caesarstone is regarded as the premiere quartz surface provider,” said Lewis. “The opportunity to expand the line and develop new colors is a creative challenge that I look forward to.”

For more information about Caesarstone and its products, please visit the company’s website at http://www.caesarstoneus.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Caesarstone and Sonobath HYDROS Vessel Sinks Selected for Installation in New Club Nikki/Nikki Beach at Tropicana Las Vegas

2011-07-07T22:24:00.000-07:00

As the latest iteration of the world famous Club Nikki/Nikki Beach brings a unique international party style to Tropicana Las Vegas, Caesarstone and Sonobath are there both in spirit and in the form of its stunning Sonobath HYDROS and LOTUS vessel sinks – with multiple installations within the resort. Handcrafted from Caesarstone Pure White premium quartz, the Sonobath sinks bring a cutting edge yet timeless element to the stunning design.

The dramatic HYDROS design offers symmetry through asymmetry. The focal point of the elegantly sloping design is its off-center concealed drain system. HYDROS is available with brushed nickel slats or a recessed tray covered in natural river rock. It is Sonobath’s most popular model.

The sculptural LOTUS sinks start, like all Sonobath vessel sinks, with hand-selected pieces of Caesarstone premium quartz, which is then formed using a special labor-intensive “stone pedal” process to create its exclusive “bent stone” appearance – with the top left and lower right corners turned approximately 20 degrees. It also features a hidden drain system. Like the lotus plant, which is born of water but not part of it, the entire surface of the LOTUS sink has a light, almost ethereal quality, contrasting the power and weight of the stone surface itself.

“Nikki Beach is synonymous with the ultimate beach club experience and we’re honored to have our sinks included as part of the resort’s incredible interior design,” says Sonobath founder and designer Jae Omar. “The inspiration for Sonobath sinks comes from the elements of nature, so what better setting for this multi-sink installation than the desert oasis that is Nikki Beach? And, though our designs look like pieces of sculpture, they are first and foremost sinks that can be used every day and we expect them to receive heavy use in the Nikki Beach resort.”

About Sonobath

The Sonobath line of limited edition vessel sinks includes eight models – ETHOS, HYDROS, CHAOS, MTHOS, TITUS, LOTUS, ZERO and THE RIVER – each redefining the boundaries between art and design, form and function, structure and romance. Sonobath, from the term “sono” meaning controlled nature in Zen practices, is a Southern California-based designer/manufacturer of high-end home bath products. Caesarstone, the pioneer in quartz surfaces, is the exclusive stone supplier. Sonobath sinks are available through architects, interior designers and designated retail kitchen and bath retailers.

For more information about Sonobath and its products, please go to www.sonobath.com, or call 310/492-4006.

About Caesarstone

Caesarstone is the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Colorado, Miami, New York, Atlanta, St. Louis and Dallas. Caesarstone produces premium quartz countertops & surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. Caesarstone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

For more information about Caesarstone and its products, please visit the company’s website at http://www.caesarstoneus.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Caesarstone Launches Six New Colors

2011-06-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Van Nuys, CA (June 14^th, 2011): Caesarstone is pleased to announce the launch of six brand- new colors. These new hues range from classic to contemporary, rounding out a total of forty-eight colors in the Caesarstone Classico collection.

“We are so pleased to unveil these newest innovations. Our research and development team is constantly pushing the envelope of quartz capabilities to bring the most stylish surfaces to the market; we definitely achieved that with this new collection.” Maggie Amir - Brand Manager

The new colors are broken up into two categories stylistically. The first category is a trio, our fresh twist on a contemporary classic with the introduction of Linen, a rich greyish beige (greige) surface that compliments any design application; Belgian Moon, a stunning black surface that was designed in collaboration with Jeff Lewis, of Bravo’s hit show Flipping Out; and finally Haze, a light, clean, airy gray surface that is sure to suit any space. The second category is our nod to tradition; these are timeless classics. The first being Atlantic Salt, a color that looks the way it sounds, multifaceted with glimpses of peppered gray and whites, clean and serene; Wild Rocks, a sleek Mediterranean-inspired stunner, with hints of browns and blacks; and last but not least Late Autumn, a rich, bold surface with touches of greens, beiges and browns that too suit its name.

These new colors are available now. We invite you to design your dream with Caesarstone.

About Caesarstone

Caesarstone is the original quartz countertops and surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Colorado, Miami, New York, Atlanta, St. Louis and Dallas. Caesarstone produces premium quartz countertops and surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. Caesarstone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

Offering a Residential Lifetime Warranty, Caesarstone countertops and surfaces are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. Caesarstone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute and is in compliance with stringent international environmental standards, including ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), and NSF (public health and safety). A sustainable material, Caesarstone is GREENGUARD certified and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

For more information about Caesarstone and its products, please visit the company’s website at http://www.caesarstoneus.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Buying a Home? Make Sure you Check out the Kitchen First

2011-06-23T02:35:00.000-07:00

Everyone has their own views on what makes a house ideal for them. Generally the kitchen is the first stop for most prospective buyers and often the reason why they choose one house over another. But when looking for a new home with a functional kitchen, what are the features you should be looking for?

Looks aren’t always at the forefront of making a kitchen right for you. The cabinets may look beautiful and the countertops may be expensive, but if the layout doesn’t allow you to cook/entertain guests easily, you won’t be too happy later on. One way to see if the layout works for you is to do a test run. Try pretending to prepare a meal. It may seem silly, but it will give you great insight into what to expect in your new kitchen. Do you have enough space to prepare? Are the sink and stove too far apart? In a short amount of time you should be able to know whether or not you can get into the swing of things, and compare this routine to the other kitchen’s you’ve tested.

Another important aspect to check for is the suitability of the countertop material, and how it works for your needs. If you are a more careful cook, you may clean up messes immediately. If you are more carefree, you may choose to do your preparation directly on the surface. If you have kids, you know the countertops need to be durable without staining or scratching easily. In the latter cases durable stone product such as Caesarstone quartz countertops, may be a more sensible choice. Real granite can be very porous and stain easily. To reduce the porosity and increase stain resistance, granite must be sealed about once a year, but if you are careful then you should be happy with any type of surface.

Another big deal maker/breaker will be the storage space. Cabinet doors may be the first thing you see, but the storage capacity is much more important. It is easy to change cabinet doors to give an older kitchen an updated look. You should first check the size of the cabinets and their placement. Do the top cabinets extend up to the ceiling? Or do they have an open space abover where grease and dust can collect? Do the base cabinets have fixed or pullout shelving? Pullout shelves definitely have more ease-of-use and storage capabilities, though fixed cabinets are almost always the case in older houses, unless the kitchen was recently remodeled. Though pullout trays can be more costly, they are much more accessible and could increase the resale value of your home.

So when looking at a new home, check out the countertops, the layout, and the cabinet storage space when deciding if the kitchen is right for you. Once you decide which features you can live with or without, the decision will be much easier.

Caesarstone announces launch of new website

2011-05-09T21:28:00.000-07:00

Caesarstone is pleased to announce the launch of their new and improved website. The site is bigger, cleaner, and more user friendly. It has new functions that are sure to please those in the market for a new surface.

“You’ll notice lots of new things on the site. We’ve given our products lots of room to sing with huge, gorgeous photography. We’ve also made it easier than ever to find the exact colors and textures you’re looking for, to share them with friends, and to find out where to experience them in person. All in a super-clean, ultra-modern layout that’s as sleek as the installations featuring our products.” Simon Lim, Caesarstone Senior Information Systems Manager

The new Caesarstone website has many streamlined features from up to date news to swatches.

The products section is stocked full of colors, textures, new surfaces and innovations as well as suggested colors within the range of the user’s preferences.

The edge visualizer tool is loaded with all of the top Caesarstone countertop colors and gives customers the ability to try out everything from ogee to beveled edges before they make their purchase.

The photo gallery section is full of new projects ranging from ultra-modern to classic with new videos to boot.

The customer service section is full of information about care and maintenance, and Residential Lifetime Warranty and Registration, to enable Caesarstone to continue to serve their customers in their signature full service fashion.

The site also has a section containing information about designers’ projects and websites.

Fan favorites like the How to Buy showroom locator full of useful information for those in the market for a new surface, are alive and well.

Finally, the Trade Partner Site for professionals has marketing materials, literature, swatches, fabricator searches… the list goes on and on.

And this just in, the newsroom section of the site went live this past Friday and is full of up to date events, press, and media so check it out!

This site launch is just the beginning for Caesarstone. There are all kinds of exciting initiatives set to launch in the coming months to connect with more Caesarstone fans across the country and around the world. So stay tuned! For now, come visit and enjoy Caesarstone’s new home.

About Caesarstone

For more information about Caesarstone and its products, please visit the company’s website at http://www.caesarstoneus.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Tips for Choosing the Right Countertop

2011-04-07T02:56:00.000-07:00

Your kitchen countertop is one of the most used surfaces in your home, so you want to be sure you make the right choice. There are a number of things you need to keep in mind when considering choosing the right countertop surface.

The first step in remodeling anything in your home is to know your design style. An excellent way to discover this is to choose images from interior design and similar magazines that appeal to you. These could range from flower arrangements, kitchen layouts, color schemes to appliances that you find attractive.

Fashion has always been a source of inspiration for kitchen design. So in figuring out your style, take a trip to your own closet. You can get a good idea of who you are by what you wear. Equally as important as your personal style is the overall style of your home: is it traditional, modern, contemporary, classic, transitional, or even nautical? Is the home architecture Mediterranean, Ranch or Spanish? This will give you great direction on the type of style that you are trying to achieve with your kitchen design and specifically with your countertop.

Once you have gathered your ideas and have a design direction, you will need to choose a color for your countertop that complements the other colors in your kitchen. What color are your cabinets, backsplashes and paints? What type of material have you chosen for your flooring?

What style and color are your appliances?

The next critical step in choosing a countertop is to consider what functions your kitchen serves. Is it a high traffic area? Do you have small children or teenagers at home? Do you enjoy entertaining? Are you a passionate cook? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you will need a durable countertop. Your two best choices are granite or quartz.

Although granite is an extremely durable surface, it is not as durable as quartz. Quartz remains the number one rated surfacing material for durability on the market today. Quartz is also the only material that will give you the ease of cleaning while offering a multitude of colors, textures and styles.

Caesarstone is the original quartz manufacturer of heat, stain and scratch resistant surfaces with a Residential Lifetime Warranty. They fabricate surfaces with a variety of different edge options to match your personal style and overall kitchen design, modern or traditional.

To get a crystal clear image of the finished product before installation even begins, check out Caesarstone’s amazing Edge Visualizer Tool on their website at www.caesarstoneus.com/catalog/edges.cfm.This tool features an animated, three-dimensional, 360° view of a segment of a Caesarstone countertop. The tool allows you to experiment with every possible combination of color and edge type.

Remember: your kitchen is the heart of your home, where you, your family and friends spend most of their time. This is where memories are made. Selecting the perfect countertop is a critical part of your overall kitchen design.

CaesarStone Canada Wins NKBA’s Best Green Sustainable Product Award

2011-03-15T02:54:00.000-07:00

Original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer CaesarStone Canada’s recycled product has scooped the 2011 Design Award for the Best Green Sustainable Product in the kitchen and bath industry from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).

Caesarstone Canada was honored with the award on 5 February 2011 at the NKBA Gala during the awards ceremony held at the Liberty Grand in Toronto, Canada.

Caesarstone manufactures high-quality, quartz surface slabs for a variety of uses and applications such as bathroom vanities, flooring, quartz countertops for kitchens and more. CaesarStone is claimed to be the world’s first company to use quartz - one of nature’s hardest materials - as the main component in its surfaces.

The company offers seven colors that contain recycled materials. Caesarstone's recycled line-up includes Mosaici Carbone, Mosaici Marrone, Ruby Reflections, Pacific Reflections, Quartz Reflections, Smoky Ash and Chocolate Truffle.

Colors from this collection contain 17 to 42% first quality reclaimed quartz from the fabrication process and post-consumer recycled glass and mirrors. The high recycled content helps in lessening the demand for primal raw materials, protecting the precious resources of earth.

Caesarstone countertops’ nonporous nature helps in checking growth of surface mold and microbes and ensures a healthier environment. The low-maintenance requirements of the surface decrease the use of harmful detergents in the ecosystem.

The NKBA Canadian 2011 Design Competition was hosted by the NKBA Ontario Chapter. The design competition was open to all NKBA Canadian Chapter members, or employees of members’ firms.

Sonobath’s high-end vessel sinks made with CaesarStone Quartz

2011-02-04T21:02:00.000-08:00

Created by interior celebrity designer Jae Omar, Sonobath's portfolio of beautifully innovative sinks are available through architects, designers and designated kitchen and bath retailers. The Sonobath line includes six distinctive vessel sink models: ETHOS, HYDROS, CHAOS, MYTHOS, TITUS and LOTUS, each offered in a limited edition, natural palette of CaesarStone colors. Sonobath utilizes Caesarstone – the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer - as the exclusive stone supplier. Selected for its quality, durability and range of rich colors CaesarStone definitely embraces the essence of the designs.

Ranging in price between $2,200 and $2,800the sinks are hand crafted at the Sonobath's Southern California studio. The floating pieces feature specially engineered hidden drain systems and resemble fine art sculptural pieces, rather than the practical everyday vessels.

The latest innovative pairing of the simple and elegant Lotus sink and CaesarStone's newest innovation in texture Motivo, are conceived as works of art. The new Lotus sink, which forces elegant natural curves into opposing corners of a slab of smooth stone, blends beautifully with the embossed surface of Motivo quartz surfaces.

Motivo uses a brilliant new technology to apply an embossed effect to a range of CaesarStone surfaces. Sonobath's Lotus sink has been created after countless hours of perfecting a method of ‘bending’ CaesarStone to achieve the subtle organic curves of the Lotus to mimic a flower petal.

CaesarStone produces premium quartz countertops and surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone countertops and surfaces are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant.

Sonobath is a Southern California-based designer/manufacturer of high-end home bath products. The company is owned by Jae Omar, former Milan runway model, kick boxer, antique furniture store retailer, and current celebrity interior designer and furniture manufacturer.

A More Elegant Look (and Feel) for the Home

2011-01-20T03:37:00.000-08:00

Interior Designers are always on the lookout for what is new, fresh, and ground-breaking to the design and architecture scene. CaesarStone’s Motivo line, textured finished quartz countertops

& surfacing, just may be that next big trend.

Since its release early this year, interior designers have flooded the waves with interest and awe, sharing ideas and excitement as to how Motivo will be incorporated into their next projects.

This modern decorative textured surface from CaesarStone transforms walls and work surfaces into trendy visual and tactile pieces. Motivo comes in Lace and Crocodile patterns. Lace being the surface with a filigree design in a matte-white finish, which gives an elegant and refined look, ideal for the bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen countertop, or foyer.

On the other side of the spectrum Crocodile is a more dramatic surface with an exotic and luxurious feel in a glossy black finish. Motivo Crocodile is an ideal surface to add drama in the kitchen, dining room, study, recreation room, or home theater.

Despite its delicate look Motivo, as all of CaesarStone’s quartz surface products are, is nonporous, easy to care for, and appropriate for numerous applications including custom-made furniture, vanity tops, wall paneling, and kitchen countertops. CaesarStone used patented new technology to apply an embossed effect to a range of delicate surfaces to create a textured look and feel. Visit CaesarStone or ask your local designer/fabricator for more information on Motivo, and get inspired to add a bit of style and elegance to your home.

quartz countertops: How to Turn Your Kitchen into Your Favorite Room of the House

2010-12-10T23:40:00.000-08:00

It’s the space we’re all well acquainted with, especially during the Holidays. Your kitchen can either reflect what you love, or what you hate about entertaining during the holiday season. Maybe you love hosting large parties, for this your kitchen will need to utilize the space for all that cooking and storing of food. Or if the form is what you require over function, certain accents which appeal to your style and taste can help create a space you’ll love to be in. For most, cabinets and countertops are the biggest part of any kitchen. Theses aspects can make or break your entire space. And while the holiday season may be a less than ideal time for a full on kitchen renovation, it is a great opportunity to make a few mental notes on what you'd like to change about your kitchen. When the New Year rolls around, you might even have enough notes to make a plan and then put that plan into action.

Improving both the form and function of the kitchen is not an easy task, but can save your sanity during those high-volume times. Whether it’s having a refrigerator big enough to store 2 turkeys, a stove big enough to bake 5 pies, or enough countertop space to prepare an entire feast, there are certain ways to steal space and improve the utilization of your kitchen.

Working with an expert is always the best way to turn a drab kitchen into both a functional and magazine-worthy space. Expert designers and architects can improve the flow of the house as well as design a kitchen perfectly suited to you, your family, and your lifestyle.

However, given the present state of the economy, many residents are reluctant to take on a large project like a kitchen renovation, and understandably so! A brand new kitchen can easily cost $75,000 or more. But there are a few advantages to starting now. During the holiday season contractors and designers are a little more freed up, so they have more time to devote to you and your project. You may even find some discounts available.

Another advantage of working with a designer is that you are now blessed with a personal kitchen shopper. While planning your space, many designers will accompany clients on shopping sprees for tiles, countertops and flooring. When you can't decide between granite, concrete, stainless steel, or quartz countertops, your designer will help you make a sensible decision. On most purchases, you'll even benefit from industry discounts. So while you may be reluctant to begin such a large undertaking, you may find it well worth it to have the kitchen of your dreams before the next Holiday Season rolls around!

CaesarStone announces first iPad winner in their “become a fan” sweepstakes Three more to go!

2010-11-08T17:44:00.000-08:00

Contact: Olivia Stansfield

Public Relations/ CaesarStone

6840 Hayvenhurst Ave. Suite 100

Van Nuys, CA 91406

(818) 779-0999

Olivia.Stansfield@CaesarStoneUS.com

CaesarStone is pleased to announce the first winner of the Facebook become a fan sweepstakes. Dale Louderback is the lucky winner of the Apple iPad. He was kind enough to post pictures and a thank you on CaesarStone’s Facebook page.

This marks the first of a total of four iPad’s that the company is awarding to Facebook fans. CaesarStone’s Facebook page is constantly being updated with fresh stories, new and interesting projects, brand new products, and fun trivia that test your design knowledge and sense of humor. CaesarStone is opening up its page to customers, designers and architects alike. CaesarStone urges you to interact, post projects, give us them input and be their “fan.”

The 2^nd sweepstake will begin November 3^rd and run through the 9^th. The 3^rd sweepstake begins November 10^th and runs through the 17^th, and the final sweepstake will run from 18^th through the 26^th. That means there will be THREE more lucky winners like Dale, one announced each week!

Remember the first CaesarStone winner will be announced a week from today, so hurry up and “like” CaesarStone US and you might walk away with an Apple iPad!

http://www.facebook.com/CaesarStoneUS

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Miami, New York, Atlanta, Denver, St. Louis and Dallas. CaesarStone produces premium quartz countertops & surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

Offering a Residential Lifetime Warranty, CaesarStone products are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute and is in compliance with stringent international environmental standards including ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), and NSF (public health and safety). A sustainable material, CaesarStone is GREENGUARD certified and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company’s website at http://www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

-CAESARSTONE-

CaesarStone Announces New Color Starry Night

2010-10-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

VAN NUYS, CA--(Marketwire - October 22, 2010) - Announcing the newest addition to CaesarStone's Environment First collection: Starry Night. This new color consists of finely crushed remnants of Blizzard, CaesarStone's best selling color for countertops & other surfacing. Starry Night rounds out an impressive roster of eight sustainable colors which were just approved by SCS, Scientific Certification System. A global leader in independent certification and verification of environmental and sustainable stewardship, SCS has developed internationally recognized standards and programs in its pursuit of the highest level of environmental performance and social accountability. CaesarStone is proud of SCS's confirmation that our sustainability stewardship accords with the highest environmental standards.

An industry pioneer and global leader, CaesarStone was the world's first company to establish a new product genre in the industry. CaesarStone did so by harnessing the extraordinary physical properties of Quartz, one of nature's strongest minerals, to create a unique and glamorous product -- the Original Quartz Surface.

Since 1987 CaesarStone has been skillfully manufacturing high-quality quartz countertops and surfaces with unparalleled customer service, ground breaking textures and colors.

When President of the company Arik Tendler brought Quartz to the US marketplace no one had heard of the surface. Convinced of its revolutionary properties a solo and determined Tendler drove back and forth across the United States convincing people of this new natural low maintenance high quality surface. He single handedly made CaesarStone the household name that it is today.

Throughout the years CaesarStone has instilled the same dedication Arik Tendler has into each and every employee. That is what separates CaesarStone from the rest: a belief and dedication to its product. CaesarStone can confidently say that their products are of the finest quality, are offered in the most fashion conscious color stories, with textures no other Quartz surface can offer and are resistant to heat, stains and scratches. And if you don't believe them, the Residential Lifetime Warranty will change your mind.

CaesarStone understands how harmful manufacturing processes can be to the environment. With a plant on the sands of the Mediterranean Sea, the CaesarStone family values nature. CaesarStone believes that it is not only about the Recycled content, it's about the company; and it is not only about the product, it's about the process.

That is why you can rest assured that your CaesarStone countertop is low in VOC, because not only does the company steer clear of harmful sealers and adhesives, but they also use no-VOC binding agents. CaesarStone was awarded GREENGUARD certification for schools as a result of this CaesarStone surfaces are also completely mold and mildew resistant. So not only are they a snap to clean with as little as soap and water, but they do not support the growth of bacteria and mold due to their non-porous properties. This led CaesarStone to earning a certification from NSF (National Sanitary Foundation) for food preparation areas.

With two state-of-the-art production sites and four fully automated production lines, CaesarStone has an annual capacity of over 20 million square feet of Quartz. CaesarStone utilizes cutting-edge techniques and the latest technologies available, doubling capacity and increasing the possibilities for technological advancement.

CaesarStone takes a continuous proactive approach to producing over 70 innovative colors and textures, consistently providing a premium Quartz surface with remarkable style and endurance -- complementing any design application, from classic to contemporary. CaesarStone was most recently named one of the 12 most mentioned brands by designers and has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute. CaesarStone is headquartered in Southern California with divisions in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Miami, New York and just recently Denver. CaesarStone is also proud to work with independent distributors across the country to meet the growing demand.

CaesarStone is pleased to be a part of your lives and will continue to strive towards excellence so that your home rises up to meet you.

For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company's website at http://www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Tags: countertop, countertops, quartz countertops

Environment First: CaesarStone, the Original Quartz Surface, Announcing SCS Certification

2010-10-21T22:19:00.000-07:00

CaesarStone is pleased to announce the recent Scientific Certification System (SCS) approval of all eight recycled colors in the Environment First collection. As a global leader in independent certification and verification of environmental and sustainable stewardship, SCS has developed internationally recognized standards and certification programs in pursuit of the highest level of environmental performance and social accountability. CaesarStone is proud of this accomplishment and strives to bring forth the most sustainable products and the most environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.

In order to understand what makes a company sustainable, it is important to know what the product that they produce is comprised of. CaesarStone is best known as the Original Quartz Surface which brings forth the following question. What is Quartz? Why is it a better countertop than other surfaces? What makes it so durable? Consider this: What is the most common mineral on the land area of the earth? Sand or silica. Quartz, in other words. What is the one thing that we will never run out of? Quartz. Now consider something else: what is the hardest commonly available mineral on the planet? Quartz.

Quartz is silica created over millions of years by a combination of intense heat and pressure inside the molten depths of the earth and by the minerals in the vicinity. Quartz constitutes approximately 12% of the earth's crust. It can be found virtually anywhere in much larger quantities than any other mineral. The formation process of Quartz is very slow: cell after cell in a hexagonal defined and strong structure. The formation requires large amounts of energy -- which is the source of the energy in the crystal. Quartz does not react with strong acids and it is not dissolvable, flammable or toxic to humans in its solid state. Quartz may be translucent or opaque, and may vary in color, with exposure to different oxides and minerals.

Quartz rates as a seven on the Mohs scale. The Mohs scale measures the hardness of a mineral and just to put this in perspective, a diamond is the hardest at ten. In terms of performance in tests of flexural strength, compressive strength, impact strength, water absorption, and freezing compressive strength, CaesarStone comes out the clear winner against natural stone.

How does CaesarStone Quartz measure up to other surfaces in the marketplace? http://www.caesarstoneus.com/catalog/comparison.cfm. As you can see CaesarStone has answers to all of the various challenges of everyday living. It not only passes life's tests but is also cleaner, safer and more consistent than other surfaces. In addition to its superior performance, CaesarStone has greater consistency than natural stone, which is veined and prone to flaws.

With CaesarStone Quartz surfaces you have the durability and maintenance free product that everyone desires. You needn't worry about the expense and pain of repairing your surface since CaesarStone surfaces are resistant to heat, stains and scratches and are backed by a Residential Lifetime Warranty. There is no need for harmful sealers or chemicals since CaesarStone Quartz surfaces are non-porous. And if all of that doesn't win you over, the surfaces themselves will. CaesarStone offers over seventy gorgeous colors that you can't find anywhere else. Surfaces such as Motivo are available for a stunning and unique application. And you can access some of the most environmentally friendly surfaces on the market today in CaesarStone's recycled collection.

So what are the perfect surfaces for countertops? CaesarStone Quartz Surfaces.

Tags: countertops, Quartz surfaces, Quartz., countertop

Want to win an Apple iPad? “Like” CaesarStone on Facebook!

2010-10-11T23:27:00.000-07:00

The Original Quartz Surface is kicking it up a notch on Facebook. The company that has brought you the hottest colors and newest trends wants you to become its “fan.” CaesarStone’s Facebook page is constantly being updated with fresh stories, new and interesting projects, brand new products, and fun trivia that test your design knowledge and sense of humor. CaesarStone is opening up its page to customers, designers and architects alike. We want you to interact, post projects, give us your input and be our “fan.”

Download your CaesarStone iPad APP in style with this hot design tool by simply hitting “like” on the CaesarStone fan page and entering in your information. This sweepstake will run starting today

October 6^th all the way through November 3^rd. That means there will be FOUR lucky winners, one announced each week!

Remember the first CaesarStone winner will be announced a week from today, so hurry up and “like” us and you might walk away with an Apple iPad!

http://www.facebook.com/CaesarStoneUS

About CaesarStone

For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company’s website at http://www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Tags: countertops, quartz countertops

INTRODUCING CAESARSTONE'S NEWEST INNOVATION IN COLOR: DEEP OCEAN

2010-10-08T05:44:00.000-07:00

CaesarStone, the Original Quartz Surface, is pleased to announce its newest innovation in color, Deep Ocean (4550). The inspiration for the color came from CaesarStone's ocean front factory. The rich colors of the sea bring a sense of depth and serenity to any space. Deep Ocean encompasses all of the elements of nature that we have come to know and love from CaesarStone's color line-up.

Like all of CaesarStone countertop surfaces, Deep Ocean is scratch, stain, crack and heat resistant. Additionally, CaesarStone is the only quartz countertop and surfaces manufacturer that stands behind their products by offering a Lifetime Residential Warranty and a 10-Year Commercial Warranty. CaesarStone was recently named one of the 12 most mentioned brands by designers by Interior Design Magazine. For photos and information visit www.caesarstoneus.com or call 877-9QUARTZ.

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz countertops and surface manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Miami, FL; New York, NY and Atlanta, GA. CaesarStone produces premium quartz countertops & surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

Offering a lifetime warranty, their products are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from Good Housekeeping Research Institute in addition to ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), GREENGUARD certification, a member of USGBC (The U.S. Green Building Council) and NSF (public health and safety) certification.

For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company's website at www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Tags: countertop, quartz countertops

What Makes a Modern Kitchen?

2010-09-12T22:01:00.000-07:00

Homeowners who want to remodel their kitchen often look for a more modern look. Luckily nowadays the materials available can offer you a two for one: a kitchen that is both modern and energy efficient. Since the buzz now is going green, many people are choosing green home options in order to increase energy efficiency and preserve resources. Using eco friendly elements in kitchen modeling is no longer a passing fad, but is a way of life. Homeowners are particular in choosing environment friendly products that are sleek, modern, and beautiful, but also that are safe for their families.

Since kitchen cabinets and countertops could account for almost half of the renovation budget, it’s important for homeowners to incorporate green elements in their kitchens by choosing a quality countertop and cabinet manufacturer who’s into environmental sustainability. Look for companies with KCMA’s Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP). Companies will only get the ESP seal shown on their products if the certification requirements like product resource management, air quality, process resource management, and environmental stewardship and community relations are all met.

Also a staple in the modern kitchen is an open and inviting entertaining area with its benchtop the focal point. CaesarStone is low maintenance, as well as stain- and scratch-resistant. It’s non-porous, waterproof and heat-resistant, and best of all looks fantastic. Stainless steel is reat for that cutting-edge industrial look and feel, it is highly durable. However, you must maintain it regularly, as scratching can occur quite easily.

If you are very particular about surfaces, there are many more eco-friendly options like timber, tile and concrete. Most modern kitchens are moving away from the traditional-looking countertops such as granite and marble because they are often imported, harder to maintain, and require regular sealing to cover the porous materials from growing bacteria. Glass, concrete, and quartz countertops are all very durable nonporous materials that require little chemicals to maintain them. With LEED certification now available for residences, choosing an eco-friendly countertop is one way to gain LEED points, while helping the environment by reducing your environmental footprint -- something to think about while enjoying your morning cereal or brushing your teeth.

CAESARSTONE AND HOUSE BEAUTIFUL PARTNER FOR 3rd ANNUAL KITCHEN OF THE YEAR

2010-08-06T00:13:00.001-07:00

CaesarStone, the original quartz surface manufacturer, announced today that the company will be taking part in the 3^rd annual “Kitchen of the Year” in New York next week http://www.housebeautiful.com/KOTY. This event showcases the best in kitchen design, cooking, entertaining and contemporary lifestyle. The 1,000 square foot, fully functioning kitchen will be available to tour in New York’s Rockefeller Plaza from July 19-23, 2010. This year, Jeff Lewis of Bravo’s hit series, Flipping Out, is designing the chef's dream space.

In addition to the weeklong Kitchen of the Year events CaesarStone is participating in they are teaming up with the stars of another hit Bravo design show 9 By Design (http://www.bravotv.com/9-by-design) for a market day in the Snaidero USA showroom on the 22^nd of July from 10am-2pm. Editors in attendance will get a sneak peak at CaesarStone’s newest summer color while being pampered with manicures and breakfast.

“CaesarStone is pleased to be working with Bob and Cortney Novogratz of 9 by Design. They are the perfect hosts for our market day as their design aesthetic paired with their wonderful personalities make for an educational and entertaining afternoon. We look forward to the wonderful projects to come with this talented duo.”

- Mitch Sebolsky, Marketing Manager

On the eve of the 22^nd CaesarStone will also host a private event from the Kitchen of the Year in celebration of their 3^rd annual partnership. The “Kitchen of the Year” installation celebrates outstanding American design and decor. Enclosed in a glass conservatory on Rockefeller Plaza where the Christmas tree sits each holiday season, the “Kitchen of the Year” will be the hot spot of the week.

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle Miami, New York, Atlanta, St. Louis and Dallas. CaesarStone produces premium quartz countertops & surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

Offering a Residential Lifetime Warranty, CaesarStone countertops and surfaces are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute and is in compliance with stringent international environmental standards including ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), and NSF (public health and safety). A sustainable material, CaesarStone is GREENGUARD certified and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company’s website at http://www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

About Cortney and Robert Novogratz

Husband and wife team Cortney and Robert Novogratz are SIXX DESIGN. Over more than a decade, this young, hip and artsy couple has developed and designed many unique properties in Manhattan, rebuilt (from the ground up) entire blocks in the city, and turned funky into fabulous, with every detail considered and executed with the utmost taste, confidence and luxury.

Robert and Cortney Novogratz, their work and family (the couple has seven children!) have been profiled globally in the media in The New York Times, The Times of London (“The Coolest Family in the World”), Sunday Styles, Italian Vogue Casa, Architectural Digest (in several editions), Emirates Home, Interni (in several editions), Oprah, Family Circle, Daily Candy, T Magazine, Elle, Living, Etc. and more.

Together, this couple wears all the hats in developing and executing their striking aesthetic. SIXX DESIGN’s first book published by Rizzoli, DOWNTOWN CHIC, has become a best-seller worldwide. Their tv show, 9 by Design, is an unqualified hit on the Bravo network.

Currently living in a new, 10,000 square foot glass house on Manhattan’s West Side Highway among the Richard Meier towers, that they created has been profiled around the world. Since the first SIXX DESIGN project in Chelsea, the duo has developed and designed fantastic living spaces in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Trancoso, Brazil, not to mention two fabulous places in Soho on Thompson Street that sold, ultimately, for record prices. SIXX DESIGN has just completed work on a six-story townhome for a well-known interiors writer and her family, in NYC’s East Village, and will be working on some very high-profile, exciting projects in the near-future. Not to mention a second season of 9 by Design on Bravo!

www.sixxdesign.com

*For editors requesting more information about the market day please contact Olivia Stansfield.

Tags: countertops, quartz countertops

Countertops - the biggest bang for the buck to recreate a kitchen

2010-07-02T03:06:00.000-07:00

Countertops are horizontal work surfaces and form an essential part of kitchens, food preparation areas, bathrooms, lavatories and work rooms. They are positioned at an ergonomic height for users, and the particular task for which its designed. Countertops may be constructed of various materials, both natural and man made. Each has its particular attributes with respect to functionality, durability and aesthetics.

Quartz is one of the most sought after countertop materials. Quartz countertops are used in kitchens, bathrooms, table tops, flooring and wall paneling. Both natural and engineered quartz are used. Engineered quartz slabs are manufactured from 93% quartz and polymer resins, compacted under intense vacuum, vibration and pressure. They are then cured, gauged to precise thickness and polished. Available in a wide range of colors, quartz countertops retain the cool tactile qualities of natural stone, while offering design freedom. They are extremely smooth, tough, durable, non-porous and resistant to heat and scratches.

Countertops are the focal points of kitchens and bathrooms. As such, the functionality, the durability and possibly most importantly; the appearance of the countertop is of critical concern. As the centerpiece of the kitchen or the bathroom, the countertop must both enhance and match the style of the room.

In modern homes, the kitchen countertop is the center of the busiest of rooms. In the past, Kitchen Countertops made of formica and plastic laminates ruled the roost. However, with changing tastes and budgets, kitchen countertops are nowadays made from granite, quartz and concrete. Kitchen countertops made from granite are of high quality, tough and durable. They are matchless in toughness, scratchproof and heat resistant. They are available in an impressive variety of colors; from ruby red to verdant green and to jet black. Although expensive, off late more and more average people are using it.

Quartz is growing in popularity as kitchen countertop material. As quartz is crystalline, it adds shimmering depth and beauty to any kitchen. Available in a wide variety of colors, it’s is exceptionally smooth, hard and non-porous. Both natural and engineered quartz are used. Although engineered quartz cannot quiet match the variety of texture and grain of natural quartz, it mimics the natural one closely and requires less maintenance.

Polished concrete kitchen countertops are very beautiful and quiet affordable. One can make ones own concrete countertop. Available in many colors, they have an attractive glossy finish.

Tags: Countertops, Quartz countertops, Kitchen Countertops.

CaesarStone Atlanta is Launched by Granite Countertop Warehouse

2010-06-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

Granite Countertop Warehouse today announced the launch of a new marketing and website campaign for CaesarStone Atlanta. Serving Atlanta and all of Georgia, as well as much of the Southeast, Granite Countertop Warehouse specializes in the fabrication and installation of Natural (granite/marble) and engineered stone countertops. The new website, www.CaesarStoneAtlanta.com, will highlight current products, specials, and discounts as related to CaesarStone®. Comprised of 93% natural quartz, CaesarStone quartz surfaces and countertops offer the ultimate combination of form and function, allowing for a more diverse, durable, and
practical countertop surface. With its stain, scratch, and heat-resistant properties, CaesarStone is an ideal choice for carefree countertops.

Granite Countertop Warehouse has been in business for more than seven years. They specialize in kitchen, bath, and bar countertops made of granite, marble, and quartz (engineered stone), as well as sinks, backsplashes, fireplaces, and more. With its quick and steady success, the company has grown to a staff of 50 in those seven years, with more than 100 years of combined experience in countertop sales, design, and installation.

“The primary objective of the CaesarStone Atlanta campaign is to inform the public and businesses in Atlanta, Georgia and the Southeast that Granite Countertop Warehouse offers discounts and special pricing for the CaesarStone® engineered quartz product line, including fabrication and installation, said Manuel Enrique “QuiQue” Lopez, spokesman for Panorama Press, the marketing agency behind the campaign. “We want them to know that the Granite Countertop Warehouse has on display a large variety of CaesarStone® slabs, tiles, sinks, and more for kitchen counters, backsplashes, bathroom counters and more, while also offering some of the best prices and warranty options anywhere.”

The CaesarStone Atlanta campaign is a multimedia operation including ad placements in various media, supported with online promotions including blogs, articles and other online strategies. The website, www.CaesarStoneAtlanta.com, is an interactive web portal that makes it easy for consumers and businesses to learn more about the many options available for CaesarStone® slabs, tiles, countertops and more in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Southeast. The site will inform and promote the many colors, patterns, styles, finishes, and sizes of CaesarStone® available. The site will also focus on promoting how the wide array of CaesarStone® products and styles offered will give unique qualities to kitchens, bathrooms, bars, and many other home areas.

CaesarStone Atlanta by Granite Countertop Warehouse is located at 2595 Baker Road, in Acworth, GA 30101. They can be reached by phone at 404-592-5599 or by email at info@CaesarStoneAtlanta.com.

For more information, or to set up an appointment online, visit, Caesarstone Atlanta.

For information on Panorama Press Marketing, please call 678.391.9136 or visit the website at www.PanoramaPress.net.

CaesarStone is Flipping Out for Jeff Lewis

2010-05-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

For the second year in a row, CaesarStone, the Original Quartz Surface, is the exclusive surface for House Beautiful’s "Kitchen of the Year.” This event showcases the best in kitchen design, cooking, entertaining and contemporary lifestyle. The 1,000 square foot, fully functioning kitchen will be available to tour in New York’s Rockefeller Plaza from July 19-23, 2010. This year, Jeff Lewis of Bravo’s hit series, Flipping Out, is designing the chef's dream space.

The annual “Kitchen of the Year” installation celebrates outstanding American design and decor. Enclosed in a glass conservatory on Rockefeller Plaza where the Christmas tree sits each holiday season, the “Kitchen of the Year” allows visitors to experience a visionary take on today’s American kitchen. Previous installations have celebrated the styles of Ina Garten (the Barefoot Contessa) and kitchen designer Christopher Peacock, and have featured CaesarStone countertops.

In addition to being showcased in his design for “Kitchen of the Year,” CaesarStone has been chosen by Lewis as the exclusive quartz surface used in his design projects.

“Jeff Lewis is a true professional. His proven track record in home décor and renovation lends perfectly to his keen eye for contemporary design and style. CaesarStone is honored to be his chosen surface and looks forward to many successful projects to come”- Mitch Sebolsky, Marketing Manager.

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz surface manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle Miami, New York, Atlanta, St. Louis and Dallas. CaesarStone produces premium quartz countertops & surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

Offering a Residential Lifetime Warranty, CaesarStone countertops and other quartz products are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute and is in compliance with stringent international environmental standards including ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), and NSF (public health and safety). A sustainable material, CaesarStone is GREENGUARD certified and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company’s website at www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

About Jeff Lewis

Having developed some of the most coveted homes in Los Angeles, Jeff Lewis has earned the title of America’s most well-known house flipper from his starring role in Bravo’s docu-reality series Flipping Out.

Lewis has created a brand of properties that are in harmony with and are exemplified by the exterior and interior living spaces. When it comes to renovation, Lewis believes in finding the true integrity of the house, then breathing life back into the home in a way that will connect with a certain type of buyer.

In addition to being announced the designer of House Beautiful Magazine’s Kitchen of the Year in Rockefeller Center, Lewis is also shooting Season 4 of Flipping Out which will begin airing later this year. For more information about Lewis, visit his website www.jefflewisdesign.com. For information about his series Flipping Out, visit www.bravotv.com/flipping-out.

Palm Desert Fashion Show Features Interior Designers Turned Fashion Designers

2010-04-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

During Fashion Week El Paseo there were many high-fashion designs, but not all were from the top local fashion designers. Night number two saw a twist, giving interior designers the chance to expand their decorating talents into fashion pieces. Much like a Project Runway challenge, 23 of the desert’s leading interior designers were invited to create outfits based on pieces from the Palm Springs Art Museum exhibition The Passionate Pursuit: Gifts and Promised Works from Donna and Cargill Millan Jr. But there was a catch! Each look had to utilize home design materials to be judged by a panel including ex-catwalkers Beverly Johnson and Cheryl Tiegs.
Kimberly Swanson took home the grand prize for her 40-pound, 1960’s-style sheath dress laden with small squares of blue, red, yellow, and green CaesarStone quartz countertop tiling. The “CaesarStone Dress” was inspired by Andy Warhol’s 1967 work Portraits of the Artists (from Ten from Leo Castelli). “Understanding the weight of the quartz was very difficult,” said winning Palm Desert-based interior designer Kimberly Swanson, a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, the evening’s headlining partner.

Quartz countertops from CaesarStone and other big names can be very heavy – definitely not your average fashion material, nor a snap to work with. To buffer the immense weight of the tiles, Swanson added a layer of fabric underneath the white, shiny vinyl dress, aptly named “Edie” after Warhol’s infamous Factory-era muse, Edie Sedgewick. The tiles were adhered to the short, sleeveless garment with fashion tape and industrial glue. And surprisingly, not a single tile fell out of placecomeshowtime.
Swanson wasn’t the only creative jack-of-all-trades who chose to use commonly found countertop materials. Candice Knox, a representative for Cambria Quartz Surfaces, created a Cambria quartz cascade of black, gray and white tiles affixed to the skirt of a black sleeveless dress. Simply called “The Cambria Dress,” the look was inspired by artist Brice Marden’s minimalist abstract painting Cold Mountain Series (Zen Studies 1-6). The dress, which reportedly weighed 60 lbs., finished in the night’s top five looks. Incidentally, judge Cheryl Tiegs is a Cambria spokesperson.

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz surface manufacturer. The company produces premium quartz countertops & surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide. Offering a Residential Lifetime Warranty, CaesarStone products are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. A sustainable material, CaesarStone is GREENGUARD certified and the company is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company’s website at www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Tags: Quartz Countertops, countertops.

CAESARSTONE INTRODUCES THE “WHITEST WHITE” IN QUARTZ SURFACES, “PURE WHITE”

2010-03-14T21:51:00.001-07:00

CaesarStone, the original quartz surface manufacturer, launches “Pure White” (1141) the “whitest white” in quartz countertops & surfaces, it was announced today by Arik Tendler, president of CaesarStone.

“Our CaesarStone international R&D team, with its pulse on the latest in trends, determined that ‘White is the new black;’ and is the hot new color choice for residential and commercial usage,”

said Tendler.

Pure White, the “Whitest White” in quartz surfaces, features a beautiful silk finish and is perfect for hospitality designs, smart office spaces, stunning kitchen countertops to match white lacquer cabinets, shower walls, bar tops, custom-made furniture and wherever your imagination takes you.

“Since our products are made from 93% natural quartz, naturally, there are varying shades and undertones even in the lightest of quartz,” continued Tendler. “Creating just the right consistency and pigment for Pure White was a challenge. We’re so proud to present this beautiful addition to our color line up.”

Pure White, like all CaesarStone surfaces, is scratch, stain, crack and heat resistant. It is also resistant to most household chemicals and is nonabsorbent, nonporous and mold and mildew resistant. Additionally, CaesarStone is the only quartz countertops and surfaces manufacturer that stands behind their products by offering a Lifetime Residential Warranty and a10-year Limited Commercial Warranty.

CaesarStone will support the launch of Pure White with a national print advertising campaign and a variety of online initiatives.

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz surface manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Miami, New York, Atlanta, St. Louis and Dallas. CaesarStone produces premium quartz countertops & surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company’s website at www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Choosing the Right Countertop Surface for your Home

2010-03-09T21:26:00.001-08:00

If you're remodeling or designing a kitchen from scratch, you can be sure countertops will eat up a healthy chunk of your budget. With so many options and price points, it is touch to decide on look alone. While some are shiny, heavy and pricey, including colorful granite, concrete can create a subdued impression that's more modern than glamorous. There are fragile performers and the almost indestructible laminates that should be the solution for busy kitchens that see a lot of wear and tear. Often, you can end up with a combination of countertop surfaces in one kitchen, meaning it's important to know what best suits your lifestyle and budget. The top kitchen-design companies already know the pros and cons of various surfaces.

QUARTZ/ENGINEERED STONE

Engineered stone is composed of crushed quartz particles that have been combined with polymer resins and pigment. It's uniform in color and pattern, which is great for those looking for a clean finish. It's also available in a wide range of colors.

"The look is different. It's more of a solid, speckled finish, versus some of the stones that have a grain," says co-owner Jim Deslaurier, of Ottawa's Deslaurier Custom Cabinets, adding it's easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone. Some brands on the market include Cambria, Silestone and CaesarStone quartz countertops.

Pros: It is stain-and scratch-resistant, easy to care for and manufacturers usually include a warranty.

Cons: Expensive to fix if chipped or cracked.

Cost: $50 to $100 per square foot, installed.

GRANITE

Granite is right up there with quartz, and is the top material of choice if budget is not an issue. The popularity of this surface has skyrocketed, and the fact that it boosts a property's resale value doesn't hurt. This material is a rock with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern. While it does hold up to heat, experts suggest using a protector to avoid any problems. Some warn the counter may crack if a hot object is placed near a weakened area or hidden fissure, or if the countertop has not been installed properly.

Pros: A wet cloth cleans this surface easily. It has the second-highest hardness rating after diamonds.

Cons: Requires some maintenance, including a sealer. Some stone absorbs stains if not sealed; knives can become dull if you cut on it.

Cost: $55 to $200/sq. ft., installed.

LAMINATES

Pros: Cost-efficient, easy to clean and available in a variety of colors

Cons: Scratches and chips are difficult to repair, seams show, end and front-edge finishes can be pricey.

Cost: $25 to $70/sq. ft., installed.

WOOD OR BUTCHER BLOCK

Pros: Easy to clean and season with vegetable oil. It can be sanded and resealed as needed.

Cons: May stain over time. Can be damaged by water and heat.

Cost: $30 to $125/sq. ft., installed.

MARBLE

Pros: Marble is elegant, waterproof and heatproof.

Cons: Porous, stains easily unless professionally sealed, can scratch.

Cost: $50 to $200/sq. ft., installed.

STAINLESS STEEL

Pros: Easy to sanitize. Takes hot pans without marking.

Cons: It does scratch and may dent, adding to the industrial look.

Cost: $100 to $200/sq. ft.

CONCRETE

Pros: Heat-and scratch-resistant, can be color-tinted, looks exotic. Additives reduce porosity; custom-formed with a modern appeal.

Cons: It can crack without proper treatment. It can appear cold and industrial. It is porous, but can be sealed.

Cost: $80 to $120/sq. ft., installed.

Readtherestofthestoryhere: http://www.nationalpost.com/homes/story.html?id=2620472&p=1

Tags: countertop, quartz countertops, countertops

Quartz vs. Granite Countertops

2010-02-08T20:46:00.000-08:00

Many homeowners involved in remodeling their kitchen or bathroom can attest, choosing the perfect countertops and other finishing materials can be tough. While the look and feel of the product is an important consideration, it is also essential to know the benefits and drawbacks of the surface, in order to make an informed decision.

What is Granite and what is Quartz?

Granite is a very hard type of stone found which is mined from deep within the earth. It is found in many places throughout the world, including here in the United States. The color and pattern of the stone is determined by the surrounding minerals found. Granite is composed of approximately 50% quartz; the remaining elements found within granite include softer minerals and impurities.

Quartz is one of the hardest minerals found on earth, second only to the diamond. Quartz countertops & surface slabs made by Caesarstone, Cambria, Zodiac and Silestone, are also comprised primarily of quartz. Unlike granite, quartz products are made of 93% quartz crystals, with resins and pigments making up the remaining composition.

Durability

Granite slabs create a very durable countertop, however since the materials are comprised of some softer minerals, there are some important things to keep in mind. Most granite countertops are scratch resistant, but not scratch proof. It will look good for years to come, considering the proper care is administered. It is recommended, nay, insisted that granite countertops are sealed once a year to deter bacteria growth, and as well as keep the surface relatively safe from scratches, burns, or stains. Using granite for countertops, especially on a kitchen island or peninsula, homeowners must take care in keeping countertop overhangs to a minimum. Most granite countertop installers will recommend that overhangs be no deeper than 12” from the edge of the cabinet. Support brackets should be installed about every 36” in width for best results.

Quartz countertops, are nearly twice as strong as natural granite. Quartz products are very dense, meaning the quartz crystals are very tightly packed. Because of the manufacturing process, they are also free of the invisible fissures (tiny cracks) that can be found in granite. Because of this extra strength, countertop overhangs can be deeper, and require fewer support brackets.

Both granite and quartz are resistant to both heat and scratching. However, any type of thermal shock, whether from extreme heat or cold, can cause damage to both granite and quartz. Although these products can resist heat from hot pans, it is always recommended that homeowners use trivets when setting a pot on the surface. Homeowners should also always use cutting boards when preparing food, as their knives will be dulled by the hard stone surfaces.

Food Safety and Staining

As mentioned before, since granite is a natural stone, it is porous. These microscopic holes in the surface of the stone allow liquids to penetrate it. This can lead to staining, as well as the growth of bacteria. Keeping the granite sealed is the best way to avoid stains, and keep the stone looking new. Sealers do not keep out bacteria; for this reason, granite is not allowed for use in commercial kitchens and restaurant countertops.

Quartz products are nonporous so they do not need to be sealed and are resistant to mostly all types of stains. The nonporous composition of these products also keeps them from harboring bacteria, making them suitable for commercial use. Homeowners like the low-maintenance benefits of quartz countertops.

Colors and Patterns

Quartz countertop materials have a drastically different look than granite, which comes in patterns ranging from the very consistent to the extremely wild. With veins, blotches and iridescent flecks, each slab of granite is unique. Granite colors range from white to blue and from red to black.

Quartz products, because they are manufactured, have a more regular pattern. Quartz products lack the depth of light that natural granite possesses, and can tend to look flat. Although newer quartz products include veins and inconsistencies, they still do not rival the unique look of natural granite.

On the other hand, quartz products do come in color combinations not found in nature. From bright red to warm tones of chocolate brown and green, quartz countertops offer colors that are impossible to find in natural granite. Although granite and quartz are similar in look and composition, they are very different products. In most areas of the country, even the pricing is similar. Knowing the maintenance and benefits of each type of countertop material is vital to making the best choice for each space.

Tags: countertops, quartz countertops

Confused about Granite or Quartz Countertops?

2010-01-21T23:55:00.000-08:00

A countertop is the best way of adding some elegance into your kitchen. Many people, while buying countertops get confused in their types. The differences in quartz versus granite Kitchen countertops go beyond mere price. Quartz countertops, which are moulded according to their size, are the safest countertops available today.

While it is true that many homeowners prefer granite countertops, due to their cheap price and beauty, quartz countertops are also gaining popularity due to other major benefits that they offer. Quartz surfaces are easy to clean, non-porous and highly chip-resistant. This eliminates the need of using sealants for them. In addition to these features, quartz countertops are consistent in appearance, irrespective of the size of the surface covered.

Quartz countertops are generally made from a combination of resin and crushed quartz crystals. The work begins with pulverizing the quartz, which is then combined with resin, and other required materials, such as pigments. The mix thus made is placed in a mold the exact size and shape of countertops required by the customer. This prevents any need for cutting or sealing when they are installed in kitchens. This property gives a sleek look to the countertops even after years or decade of their installation.

On the other hand granite countertops are made from large piece of rock, which is cut using machines. The slices of granite are placed one by one on top of each other to form a countertop. This sometimes causes slight color mismatching between pieces and can be seen with the naked eye. In addition to this, granite countertops also need to be covered in sealant, which must be renewed every few years. A quartz countertop is chip-resistant and extremely durable. The way it is composed makes it very hard which reduces breakage to a great extent.

CaesarStone – Gaining Popularity in the South

2010-01-19T20:40:00.000-08:00

CaesarStone is 93% crushed quartz, one of nature’s hardest minerals. The quartz is combined with high-quality polymer resins and pigments and then compacted under intense vibration, vacuum, and pressure into dense, non-porous slabs. The slabs are post cured, gauged to precise thickness, and polished to an enduring shine.

With its durability and lifetime warranty, CaesarStone is a perfect choice for a kitchen or bathroom countertop. A product that is very popular in the north is noticeably gaining traction here in the south.

Granite is always a great countertop choice, but never be afraid to mix things up a bit. And CaesarStone is definitely a product that is sure to mix things up!

Colors

CaesarStone offers an incredible product line with bold colors and matte-finish textures that are great for achieving that transitional look in your home. If you are looking for a soft muted look, than Misty Carrera from the Soft Blends texture would be beautiful with white European cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. And if you are looking for a pop of color, than Apple Martini would really make a statement in your modern kitchen.

ToviewCaesarStone’sonlinecatalogpleasevisit: http://www.caesarstoneus.com/catalog/collection.cfm

Careand Maintenance

Its hard, nonporous surface makes CaesarStone simple to clean. One of the most easy-to care-for choice for countertops on the market today. In most cases, soap and water or a mild detergent is all that is required to maintain its luster. If necessary, a non-abrasive cleanser such as Soft Scrub Liquid Gel with Bleach or Comet Soft Cleanser Cream with Bleach can be used. Adhered materials like food, gum or nail polish can be scraped away with a plastic putty knife; any marks left by the blade can be removed with Soft Scrub Liquid Gel. Thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water to remove residue.

Please understand that HONED, TEXTURED and MOTIVO finishes will require more daily maintenance than the polished finishes. Since there is more exposed surface area with honed finishes, metal marks, finger prints and other signs of daily living will show on honed material. Most of these marks can be easily removed with little effort and non-abrasive cleaning products such as Soft Scrub Liquid Gel.

CaesarStone prides itself in providing our customers a virtually care-free surface, but as with any product, excessive abuse can harm its finish. With a small amount of care, your CaesarStone countertops will look as great as the day you bought it for years to come.

Old World Charm Meets Modern Convenience

2010-01-06T21:22:00.000-08:00

(Picture: Originally listed as two separate units, 3159 Jackson Street actually has two kitchens. This one sits on the second level with the main dining area and living room, while the other is on the first level. Both include CaesarStone countertops.)

3159 Jackson St., Pacific Heights, San Francisco. The asking price: $3.653 million.

What to love about it: The combination of Old World aesthetics and modern convenience. This three-level Pacific Heights home was built in 1904, and in 2005, the owners began a top-to-bottom renovation that was recently completed.

The home has hardwood floors throughout and multiple custom fireplaces. The main dining area on the second floor has room for a table for eight and features a kitchen with wrap-around CaesarStone countertops.

On the main level, there's a second kitchen that also has CaesarStone countertops and a bedroom that opens to the rear patio/garden. The home also comes with a newly constructed two-car garage.

Hidden gem: The third-floor master bedroom features an alcove with that delivers a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Size: The home was originally listed as two units, but is now being offered as a single-family home. It has five bedrooms, an office/library and 4 1/2 baths.

Agent: Antoine Crumeyrolle of Vanguard Properties

http://www.sfgate.com/cgibin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/20/REFP1AHSCU.DTL#ixzz0bsbtji8Q

For more information on Caesarstone Quartz Countertops & Surfaces, please visit www.caesarstoneus.com.

Why are Countertops Needed?

2009-12-15T01:53:00.000-08:00

Have you seen any kitchen, bathroom, or area where work is performed without any countertop? If you have, doesn’t it look too messy without it? Wherever some kind of work activity takes place, it is necessary to have a support so that the work can be done smoothly and after that, if there is any need, the place can be cleaned easily. So much is the requirement for the countertops these days that these rooms do not look complete without them.

Out of all the counterparts used, Quartz countertops are the most sought after countertops. Those who want to have an everlasting look of their kitchen, bath or work room like to go for Quartz countertops due to its durability and availability in different colours. Countertops are a fun to change too, should you want to do it yourself. The satisfaction that will come from seeing your own handwork is immeasurable. You can combine functionality with self-help while choosing quartz countertops.

Kitchen countertops also give an aesthetic appeal to your kitchen. You can buy a colour according to the flooring, tiles or paint colour of your walls. Some people also like to create a sitting space in the kitchen where family can get together informally and have food together or discuss their whole day events. They also serve as a table where generation X meet oldies and try to understand their values and principles.

If you like designer stuff, you can even experiment with a zigzag cutting where the edges can be moulded so that they don’t hurt anyone. This is one of the newest and revolutionary ideas and only people with innovative mindset would actually take a step to implement it. Only quartz gives you a chance to be creative and at the same time be wild in the way you wish to decorate your home.

CAESARSTONE, THE WORLD’S FIRST QUARTZ SURFACE, IS AVAILABLE ON iPHONE

2009-12-10T20:51:00.000-08:00

Van Nuys, CA (December 10, 2009) CaesarStone, the original quartz surface manufacturer, launches a unique, free iPhone “MobileGallery™,” application that gives consumers, designers and dealers alike a pocket-sized tool to browse and order samples from the remarkable lineup of CaesarStone countertops & surfaces, it was announced today by Arik Tendler, CaesarStone President.

“iPhone technology is a unique cultural phenomenon,” says Tendler. “CaesarStone is proud to make our product line available to our customers, architects and designers in innovative new ways. Colors can be viewed using the iPhone as a portable sample chip, helping the consumer to make informed, on the spot purchase decisions. For designers and dealers, it specifies material and allows for instant referencing of the CaesarStone library.”

CaesarStone’s “MobileGallery” application, developed by Rumble Design, Inc., was designed around the way the company’s product is presented online and in the field. “CaesarStone is offering a brand experience beyond the showroom,” said Jake Rumble, President, Rumble Design. “The iPhone’s platform and features provide powerful mobile tools for a progressive audience.”

The special functions of the application include:

Surface Browser – Allows the user to see size/color accurate samples. The scrolling features allow for viewing that goes beyond the edges of the iPhone. Additionally, the user can toggle over each sample to see how that surface looks in an application.

Surface Calculator – Allows users to calculate how much product they will need for their installation.

Free Sample Ordering – Users can immediately order free samples with one click.

FREE downloads of this application are available for iPhone users via the Apple iTunes App Store or the direct link from www.CaesarStoneUS.com.

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Miami, FL; New York, NY, St. Louis, MO and Atlanta, GA. CaesarStone produces premium quartz surfaces that compliment any design from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

Offering a residential lifetime warranty, CaesarStone countertops are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from Good Housekeeping Research Institute and is in compliance according to stringent international environmental standards including ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), and NSF (public health and safety). A sustainable material, CaesarStone is GREENGUARD certified and is a member of The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

For more information about CaesarStone please visit: www.CaesarStoneUS.com or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Green Trends in Kitchen & Bath Design

2009-12-01T20:55:00.000-08:00

A Recent Product Trend Report By Kitchen & Bath News Recently Visited The World Of Green Countertops. While Many People Claim To Want To Be More Conscious Of The Environment In Every Aspect Of Living, Not Everyone Is Willing To Spend For It. While The Green Trend May Not Have Fully Permeated The Kitchen And Bath Industry Yet, At Lesast In Terms Of Spending Patterns, In The World Of Countertops, Sustainable Design Seems To Be The Hottest Trend Around. At Least That’s What The Manufacturers Who Were Interviewed By Kitchen & Bath Design News Are Saying. They Maintain That The Future Of The Countertop Industry Will Be Defined By Durable, Sustainable Countertops With Plenty Of Design Appeal.

Indeed, Sustainable Countertops, New Colors And Patterns, Countertops Featuring A Sense Of Depth And Products Designed With Long-Term Cost Savings In Mind Are Clearly In Vogue Today, Manufacturers Agree.

“The Future Of Our Business Is In Creating Quality Products That Are Sustainable And Have High Performance, While Not Sacrificing Design,” States Lorenzo Marquez, Director Of Marketing For Cosentino North America, In Stafford, Tx.

Marquez, Like Many Others In The Field, Believes It Is Now More Important Than Ever For Manufacturers To Produce A Quality Product That Helps Preserve The Environment.

“Consumers Are Looking To Do Good And Feel Good About Their Countertop Choice.” Says Maureen Mcgeehan, Marketing Manager For Dupont Surfaces In Wilmington, De.

Ferron Dunham, Marketing Manager For Lg Surfaces In Peoria, Az, Concurs, Stating, “Surfaces That Give Back To Nature And Are On Target With The Color Trends Will Be The Best Sellers.”

Taly Dunevich, Director Of Marketing For The Van Nuys, Ca-Based Caesarstone, Sees That Trend Toward A More Contemporary Look, With Colors That Are “Consistent, Rich And Less ‘Noisy’ Than Granite.” Dunevich Also Notices A Movement Toward Surfaces That Have Some Kind Of Pattern Or Texture.

While Going Green And Adding New Colors And Patterns Are Popular, There Also Seems To Be A More Subtle Change As Consumers Look For Alternatives To Granite.

“Now That Granite Is Showing Up In Gas Station Bathrooms, I Think That People Are Really Looking For Something New And Different,” Says Karen Righthand, Director Of Marketing For Vetrazzo, In Richmond, Ca. “We’ve Seen This Trend In Countertops Before. Historically, Every 10 Years Or So, A New Material Kind Of Drives A Wedge In And Starts To Open The Door.”

This New Trend Is Seemingly Quartz Countertops, According To Dale Mandell, North America Sales Director For Samsung Staron. “Quartz Is Beginning To Rival Granite In A Big Way,” He Says. “Quartz Surfaces Use Mined, Natural Quartz (One Of The Hardest Minerals Found In Nature) That Are Blended With Technologically Advanced Polymers. The Result Is A Durable, Stain-Resistant, Scratch-Resistant Surface.”

2009-11-23T23:45:00.001-08:00

CaesarStone Introduces MOTIVO™, World’s First Quartz Surface with Embossed Look and Feel

2009-11-11T21:31:00.000-08:00

CaesarStone, the original quartz countertops and surfaces manufacturer, proudly presents Motivo, a new pattern-designed technique for its quartz surfaces. Launching in November of 2009, Motivo is another groundbreaking innovation from the company that pioneered the use of quartz in surfacing material over two decades ago.

To create Motivo, CaesarStone uses a unique patented polishing method to create contrasting gloss and matte finish on its quartz surfaces. The stunning, intricate motifs add character and style to any décor.

Motivo is the perfect material for a multitude of applications including kitchen backsplashes, shower walls, countertops, vanity tops, wall paneling, bar tops, custom-made furniture and more. Since there are no minimum order requirements for Motivo, it is a perfect option for projects of all sizes.

Motivo will be available in two patterns:

Lace 2116 – This delicate floral pattern adds elegance and grace to a room. The subtle design in brilliant white is traditional yet trendsetting and unique.

Crocodile 3117 – This dramatic and daring pattern adds a sense of adventure to any space. An exotic black surface, Crocodile adds depth, intrigue and excitement to interior designs.

The technique used to achieve Motivo’s signature looks has been carefully developed in order to maintain the integrity of CaesarStone’s high-quality standards and physical properties. As with all CaesarStone surfaces, Motivo in nonporous and low-maintenance; additionally, one of the biggest advantages of Motivo is that it remains in full compliance with CaesarStone’s global quality standards.

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz surface manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Miami, FL; New York, NY and Atlanta, GA. CaesarStone produces premium quartz countertops and surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

Offering a residential lifetime warranty, their products are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from Good Housekeeping Research Institute and is in compliance according to stringent international environmental standards including ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), and NSF (public health and safety). A sustainable material, CaesarStone is GREENGUARD certified, a is a member of USGBC (The U.S. Green Building Council) certification.

For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company’s website at www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Beautiful Modern San Francisco Home Built on a Steep Hill

2009-11-06T20:33:00.000-08:00

Featured in this year’s American Institute of Architects Home Tour the other weekend, hundreds of people walked through Strachan Forgan's San Francisco, but few of them probably realized that the double-height living room, the dramatic open staircase and the luxurious Italian kitchen with quartz countertops could all be theirs - should they be in the market for a rather stunning modern home priced at around $1,479,000 price.

The two-bedroom residence at 1223 Bosworth St. was designed and built by Forgan, an architect at Sasaki, for him and his wife Melissa in 2007. Forgan said after buying the snug, nonconforming lot overlooking Glen Canyon Park in 2004, the site was "a gaping tooth on the neighborhood block" - but it represented just the sort of challenge he relished: how to create a sunlit, stylish home on a steep infill lot only 25 feet wide.

And for his efforts, the home won Forgan a Custom Home Design Award this year that described it as “a compact jewel of a house that packs a ton of sophisticated living on its speck of urban real estate.” This modern interpretation of a San Francisco row house with a multitude of green features also earned Forgan the respect of his neighbors. In order to ensure one neighbor retained his view, for example, he carved a corner out of the home's facade with its dramatic double-height bay window.

The house has been designed on four stories. The lowest level comprises a generous garage, a built-in wine cellar and storage space. The first floor combines the living and dining areas as well as the kitchen with its Arclinea cabinets, CaesarStone countertops and Italian Graniti Fiandre tile underfoot. Folding Nana-Wall doors open onto a small, beautifully designed rear garden with Ipe hardwood decking, tiled planters, natural gas barbecue and water fountain.

Much consideration has been given to making the home as energy efficient as possible with its high-performance envelope, radiant heating under edge-grain amber bamboo floors, nonporous quartz countertops and Energy Star appliances.

The owners, who are moving on in order to build their next home - they already are scouting another infill site in the city on which to work their magic - say they have loved living in the Glen Park neighborhood with its library, restaurants and markets. Forgan added he will miss the "ping" of balls being hit in the baseball diamond across the street. "There's something very soothing about that sound," he said.

Readmore:http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/27/RE0G19RLLP.DTL#ixzz0SXJ5XkLP

Creativity Leads to Success in Economic Recession

2009-10-29T22:48:00.000-07:00

The construction industry may arguably be the worst hit industry affected by the economic recession. Now small and mid-sized companies in the construction and remodeling business are looking to use innovative new ideas to survive and also strengthen their position for the upcoming years.

Being a strong competitor among a struggling market, innovation is an upside of any economic, according to Ed Rogers Director of Business Development for CaesarStone in Van Nuys, one of the largest producers of quartz countertops and surfacing the world.

The company, which has been rooted in innovation since its, is responding to the economic downturn by preparing to launch two new lines of products early next year that anticipate changes in the industry as a result of the recession.

“Houses will be smaller, people will be staying in them longer, the days of the “McMansion” are over;” he said. “Products will be used longer, hotels are not going to be remodeling their rooms every few months, they’re going to be looking for durable materials that can withstand the test of time,” he added. “And ‘recycled’ is a huge deal, it’s something consumers can really connect with.”

The company will be introducing new colors of quartz countertops and surfacing material made out of recycled glass, mirrors and scraps of quartz, that still maintains the overall integrity of quartz countertops surfacing.

CaesarStone will also be launching a limited option of colors at a lower price point, to help builders and consumers looking to lower costs in the short term as well as the long term through durable products. Along with a continued focus on greening their products and sustainability, these strategic efforts will hopefully allow the company to continue having a strong foothold in the countertops market as it recovers.

CAESARSTONE NAMES 30 WINNERS IN THEIR DREAM DESIGN CONTEST

2009-10-09T22:55:00.000-07:00

$45,000 in Cash Prizes Awarded

One 1^st, 2^nd and 3rd Prize Winners Named

Six 4^th Place and Twenty-One 5th Place Winners Named

Van Nuys, CA (October 8, 2009) – CeasarStone, the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer, named 30 winners in their online Dream Design Contest which began April 1, 2009 and ended September 30, 2009.

CaesarStone president Arik Tendler announced the following winners:

1^st Place: $5,000

Stephanie Boldon, Environetics

2^nd Place: $4,000

Bruce Benning, Benning Design

3^rd Place: $3,000

Jorge A. Martinez, Designer Kitchens L.A.

4^th Place: $2,000

Karen Kassen, Kitchens Unlimited

Sandy Hayes, Hayes Designs LLC

Chris Donaghy, Kitchen Brokers

Mike Hui, M-Studio

Jerrid Greenbaum, Southland Kitchen Design Studio

Micky Yannay, Best of Italy Designer Kitchens

5^th Place: $1,000

Rochelle Silberman, McCutcheon Construction

Sol Quintana Wagoner, Jackson Design and Remodeling

Laurie Belinda Haefele, Haefele Design

Michael Borrelli, Borrelli Design + Cabinetry

Michel Embry & Jeff Mahon, Studio Snaidero Naples

Shimon Garibi, Elite Kitchens

Phyllis Paul, Phyllis Paul Interior Design ASID

Michael Stauffer, Excel Interior Concepts & Construction

David Ebers, Domus Ojai

Jason Landau and Susanne Mordoh, Amazing Spaces LLC

Susan Jay, Susan Jay Design

Daren Doss, Chadbourne + Doss Architects

Chet Basher, Sparta Trades Kitchens and Baths

Brittney Fischbeck, Abodwell

Cheryl Kees Clendenon, In Detail

Meghan Lewellyn, Kitchen and Bath Galleries of Wilmington

Lori Freeman, KDI Elements

Jo Ann Hartley, Hershon Hartley Design, Inc.

Lisa Wilson-Wirth, Arclinea San Diego

Judy A. McCaffrey, Etc. Kitchens and Baths

Carmina Dumitru, DMD Marble & Granite, Inc.

“We literally had hundreds of incredibly stunning entries in the Dream Design Contest,” said Tendler. “We sincerely thank all who entered the contest and shared their designs. I’m thrilled by the response and proud to see the many different applications of our beautiful product.”

CaesarStone created the Dream Design Contest to showcase the work of innovative designers using the versatile quartz countertops surface. For the competition, designers were asked to go to the CaesarStone website and enter their projects by uploading at least five photos and a brief description of their design in order to win cash prizes. The entries could be residential or commercial projects as long as CaesarStone was the sole material utilized.

The 30 winners were chosen for the quality and beauty of their designs by a panel of judges. A broad range of creative uses of CaesarStone were represented in the winning selections, from residential bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms, to commercial applications and even furniture design.

All the winning designs are featured on the CaesarStone website, www.CaesarStoneUS.com/dreamdesign.

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz countertops manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Miami, New York and Atlanta. CaesarStone produces premium quartz surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

Featuring a residential lifetime warranty, CaesarStone countertops are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from The Good Housekeeping Research Institute and is compliant with international environment standards ISO 14001 (environmental management system) and ISO 9002 (quality management standard). CaesarStone also has GREENGUARD and NSF (public health and safety) certification and is a member of The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Looking for the Perfect Countertop? Choose Quartz.

2009-09-17T04:47:00.000-07:00

With the market flooded with hundreds of options, it is no easy task to pick an ideal material for your kitchen countertop. The material of a countertop determines its life, durability, usability and ease of cleaning because kitchen countertops often have sinks, stoves and chopping boards installed on them.

An ideal material for countertops would have to be non-porous, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant and versatile. It should not be prone to cracking, chipping and breakage. A material that absorbs organic fluids is a breeding ground for microorganisms and prone to stains that are difficult, if not impossible, to clean.

Conventionally, countertops come in various materials like wood, stainless steel, crafted glass, concrete, solid-surface plastic, laminates, tiles and natural stones like granite, limestone, marble, soapstone and gabbros. The latest and most popular material for countertops at the moment is natural or engineered quartz. While pure quartz countertops are made from slabs of natural quartz, engineered quartz has a certain percentage of polymer resin mixed in it. Engineered quartz fares better than natural quartz in terms of scratch resistance and non-porous properties. A quartz countertop enhances the look of the kitchen and is the most practical option in terms of cleaning and maintenance.

Since Quartz countertops are non-porous and scratch resistant, they make a better choice over wood and plastic. While marble and concrete and prone to staining owing to their porosity, keeping a quartz countertop flawlessly clean and scratch-free is a piece of cake. Moreover, quartz countertops come in a wide variety of patterns, textures and colors to suit your décor and personal tastes.

Georgia Hotel Indigo Seeks LEED Gold

2009-09-17T04:41:00.000-07:00

I may be going out on a limb, but of all the real property types – whether multifamily, commercial, retail, etc – hotels probably have the most consistent focus on green operations. They’re always trying to find ways to save energy or water, and they know their footprint. When you add LEED certification, which in this case means (anticipated) LEED Gold certification for the new Hotel Indigo in Athens, there’s an interesting combination of the already existing concern for operations and the LEED emphasis on design and construction.

We all know that a green building is hard to define, but there’s more to the equation than energy and water. This hotel was designed by Surber Barber Choate & Hertlein and constructed with locally-sourced materials and recycled content products, like quartz countertops.

The rooms have a custom vanity made with Plyboo architectural plywood and Caesarstone countertops. They also have their own recycling centers and are outfitted with CFLs and energy efficient lighting. Don’t be surprised to find water-efficient Kohler Purist fixtures in the shower either.

The building itself was designed with sustainability in mind. It was oriented to allow maximum daylighting while still controlling interior heat gain. There’s a green roof, large windows with exterior shading, high efficiency HVAC, technology to collect HVAC condensation for irrigation and landscaping, enhanced bioswale, pervious paving, and regenerative elevator. Hotel Indigo was built using low-emitting materials, adhesives, and paints, too. You shouldn't smell a thing.

Barbara Corcoran Answers Questions about Kitchen Improvements

2009-09-11T04:47:00.000-07:00

Here’s a roundup of the questions she’s most often asked about kitchen improvements. Whether you’re looking to buy or hoping to sell, the condition of the kitchen will have a big impact on the final price. A new kitchen, complete with fancy upgrades, will add thousands of dollars to the value of a home. On the other hand, an outdated kitchen will not only lower the value of a home but will also make it much more difficult to sell. What to do? If you’re looking to sell, Barbara’s got some great advice about where you should spend your money on kitchen upgrades. If you’re looking to buy, you’ll find great advice about what upgrades add real value to a home and which ones aren’t worth the money.

Q I purchased a two-bedroom apartment in Harlem two years ago. I plan to stay at least another 10 years. I’d like to replace the cheap countertops, but can’t decide between granite and Silestone. Will it make a big difference in resale value?

A As far as your return on your investment, you can get two bucks out for every dollar you spend on your kitchen — but spend your money wisely. Granite countertops are already out, and those new [quartz countertops], like Silestone or CaesarStone, are more popular for a few reasons. [Quartz countertops] offer the look and feel of real granite but are both stain- and scratch-resistant and, unlike granite, don’t need to be resealed every few years; that makes it almost maintenance-free. Silestone and CaesarStone countertops also come in a wide range of colors, but pick a neutral shade so your kitchen will still look fresh 10 years out.

Before you sell: Kitchen improvements to make now:

• Refinish the backsplash. You can add color and contrast above the counter with inexpensive paint, tile, glass or ceramic. The area you need to cover is small, but changing it makes a big difference.
• Buy old, not new. You can buy new or slightly used countertops, flooring, cabinets and appliances at salvage shops like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores. You can even get them free at freecycle.org and freesharing.org.
• Revamp, don’t replace, cabinets. You can give cabinets a fresh coat of paint, or sand and stain them. If the cabinet doors are old-fashioned or worn, you can keep the cabinet boxes and replace just the doors for about half what it would cost to put in new cabinets. Adding new knobs or drawer pulls can also update your kitchen.
• Add or update your island. Built-in and free-wheeling islands add both workspace and storage space to your kitchen, and most buyers love them. If you want the island to look like permanent furniture, add a baseboard.
• Upgrade your appliances. One fancy appliance can make an entire kitchen look modern. Appliances with the Energy Star label use the least energy, and you’ll usually recoup the cost of the appliance through lower energy bills in less than five years.
• Resurface your countertops. Laminating your countertops can cost as little as $500 for an entire kitchen. No need to pull up your countertops, just apply the laminate on top. And today’s new laminates look high-end.
• Replace floor covering. Bamboo or engineered wood floors are inexpensive, long-lasting and sustainable, and the cheapest tile flooring has a lot more appeal than the most expensive linoleum.

View the entire article here.

Seattle Homes & Lifestyles Featured Home: Global Fusion

2009-09-04T23:25:00.000-07:00

The Goncharenkos are a well-traveled family. Galina and Vadim, who are originally from Russia, moved to the United States nine years ago & frequently travel overseas. Though they have seen much of the world, home is where their heart is.
The Goncharenkos’ home is a 1,850-square-foot condo in downtown Bellevue—a simple and stylish space with perfect European flair. It was purchased in 2005 by Galina and Vadim, who needed a designer who could bring their worldly ideas into one cohesive design. That is when they found Lena Fomichev of LF Interior Design.

“I tried to unify every single area to have the same feeling,” says interior designer Lena Fomichev, who made several changes in the kitchen to achieve this goal. To allow more light into the room, she removed a row of hanging cabinets that blocked views out the windows. She also incorporated colors and materials used in the rest of the condo: sand-colored CaesarStone quartz countertops, teak cabinets and drawers, and blue glass tile for a watery shimmer on the backsplash.

The entire home gives a very earthy feel, inspired by three elements of fire, water, and air. Tan floors, sandy countertops, warm wooden surfaces and ice blue ceilings create a pleasant beach-like feeling.

“We are so happy that this was made into reality with Lena’s help,” Vadim says. “All of our friends and guests feel so comfortable here—when we invite someone over for tea, they end up staying three or four hours.” The Goncharenkos enjoy their home so much that sometimes they too find it hard to leave. After moving in, Galina told Fomichev, “I don’t want to go anywhere. This place is heaven for me.”

For more information on this design visit the original article here. For more information on CaesarStone Quartz Countertops please visit here.

Sneak Peek at the 2009 Showtime House

2009-09-01T03:42:00.000-07:00

Metropolitan Home and Showtime have teamed up again this year, following the success of last year’s Showtime House with even bigger and better plans for this year’s installation. This time, 14 renowned designers will transform not one, but two New York penthouses into the ultimate multimedia showhouse with rooms inspired by Showtime's 6 Original Series; Californication, Dexter, Nurse Jackie, The Tudors, United States of Tara and Weeds. Each piece of the rooms, from flooring to countertops to furniture to window treatments, will be inspired by elements of the 6 shows.

One local blogger gave the public a sneak peek at the designer’s sketches and intended designs straight from Metropolitan Home. While last year’s centerpiece muse was Dexter, this year’s seems to be Hank Moody (character played by David Duchovny) of Californication. The hit show fuses Hank’s hometown of NYC with his latest place of residence, Hollywood, and all the sinful temptations that come with it. With Hank, Hollywood, sex, and bad habits as their inspiration, designers Markus Dochantschi, Susannah Drake, and Joannah Kornak for Holly Hunt each interpreted the sinful plotline as fuel for their stunning spaces.

For Dexter, who’s been leading a much different and conflicted lifestyle in recent plotlines of the show, designer and former TV Producer Marie Aiello created a Foyer/Gallery, Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen and Terrace to capture the many sides of this complex character played by Michael C. Hall. Whether Dexter is passing through the foyer, hanging out in the living room with the kids, or thoughtfully cutting vegetables on the kitchen countertops with a newly sharpened knife, Marie Aiello has designed a space to accommodate the many sides of Dexter. “I want my space to speak to Dexter’s conflict and inner torment but be rendered in not so obvious ways. Each room is sophisticated and seductive but not too pretty,” says Aiello.

From Showtime’s Press Release: Building on last year's success, Showtime is incredibly excited to once again partner with Metropolitan Home for this one-of-a-kind experience," says Len Fogge, Showtime Executive VP, Creative & Marketing. "The combination of the latest in innovative modern design and Showtime's cutting-edge programming forms an organic environment where consumers can physically experience and explore the Showtime brand. The house allows visitors to get a deeper insight into the characters and storylines that solidify Showtime as the premiere destination for compelling programming.”

This year's line-up of incredible design talent includes Marie Aiello, James Biber, Christopher Coleman and Angel Sanchez, Markus Dochantschi at Studio MDA, Susannah Drake, Francine Gardner, Holly Hunt and Joannah Kornak for Holly Hunt, Andrew Kotchen and Matthew Berman of Workshop/apd, Paul Latham, Piero Lissoni, Kara Mann, Richard Mishaan, and Surfacedesign. Each designer has been assigned a room and an inspiring Showtime series, such as Californication, Dexter, Nurse Jackie, The Tudors, United States of Tara, and Weeds. Interior designers from the Savannah College of Art & Design are also creating an innovative entryway for the showhome.

Today’s top brands will integrate their products within the house including premier sponsor Time Warner Cable and preferred partners AKO, Alessi, Benjamin Moore, Blanco, CaesarStone Quartz Countertops, Crystallized - Swarovski Elements, Elica, Flou, Kraftmaid, Miele, Molteni & C, Napoleon, and Swarovski Crystal Palace.

Original blog post: http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com/2009/08/sneak-peek-of-2009-metropolitan-home.html

Austin Home Achieves Top Ratings in Three Green Building Programs

2009-08-24T22:16:00.000-07:00

House earned LEED-Platinum, NAHB-Gold, and Austin Energy Green Building 5-Star Certification, plus Energy Star qualification.

EcoHome Magazine’s latest Case Study is about as green as you can get - a home in Austin, Texas that was designed and constructed from head to toe, from roofing, to countertops, to windows, to flooring, in such a way that earned top-level certification in four different green building programs.

For such an incredibly complicated project, it’s no wonder that the home’s verifier Chip Henderson compiled a simple three-page spreadsheet that included the mandatory requirements of each program to help him get organized.

“We took a look at the four programs and folded them into one to-do list,” recalls Henderson, of San Antonio-based Contects Consultants and Architects. “We realized that if we stuck to this one to-do list, at the end of the day we’d cross the finish line with all four of the programs.”

And so it seems, Henderson’s organizational skills paid off: The 3,266-square-foot home obtained top ratings by the three most widely accepted green building programs in Austin: LEED-Platinum, NAHB Model Green Home Building Gold, and Austin Energy Green Building 5-Star. The house is also Energy Star-qualified.

Designed by Austin-based Barley & Pfeiffer Architects, the home features advanced framing techniques, spray-foam insulation, high-efficiency air conditioning, energy-efficient windows, low-VOC interior finishes, a tankless hot water heater, CaesarStone quartz countertops, dual-flush toilets, and compact fluorescent light fixtures. A 3-kW solar photovoltaic array on the southeast roofline of the home offsets energy consumption by 25%.

The open kitchen features integrated Miele stainless steel appliances and Caesarstone quartz countertops.

While certifying a home in three major green building programs plus Energy Star may seem like overkill, Henderson says there are marketing benefits to the approach.

“You’re supporting the regional program for the local recognition that your consumers may be familiar with and at the same time combining that with at least one national program,” he says. “Depending on how you’re marketing your company, it has some advantages.”

Those involved in the project said they learned a lot about the programs’ similarities and differences.

“All of the programs have a lot of commonality because the building science community’s consensus of what we need to be doing to really call a house high-performance is very similar,” Henderson says. “So it wasn’t like comparing apples to oranges, it was more like a Fuji compared to Pink Lady--just variations but not radically different.”

Dwyane Wade’s New Chicago Townhouse features CaesarStone Countertops

2009-08-24T04:25:00.000-07:00

Dwyane Wade’s New Chicago Townhouse features CaesarStone Countertops, a rooftop terrace, and views of the river.

According to Chicago Magazine, Dwyane Wade, who has always embraced his hometown of Chicago, got a sweet deal on a newly remodeled towhome in Kinzie Park. For those who don’t know, Dwyane Wade, US Basketball Olympic gold medalist and all-star guard for the Miami Heat, played his college ball just up Interstate 94 in Milwaukee and he’s made his South Side roots the cornerstone of his public persona. In fact, rumors fly every year about Wade potentially getting traded to the Bulls. For most people, this kind of trade would make sense.

And so it seems that this new home will serve as the celebrity Chicago native’s (and apparent housing expert) swinging bachelor pad for the times Wade is back in his hometown. What’s more, this townhome had a list price of $1.7 million, but Wade apparently got a great deal, only paying $1.4 million. Find the listing below.

Fabulous 3900+ square foot luxury riverfront, newly remodeled townhome in Kinzie Park. Hardwood Floors in Living room, dining room, kitchen, stairs; slate floors in foyer & family room - opens to fenced yard on river’s edge. Fireplaces in living room and master bedroom; kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, wine cooler & custom wet bar. Balcony with gas grill adjacent to kitchen, river view Master Suite and CaesarStone Quartz Countertops, marble floors, steam shower & soaking tub, closet organizers. Rooftop terrace w/great views. 2 car garage + 2 additional spaces at $40,000 each.

According to Chicago Magazine, the townhouse was built in 2000 and “newly remodeled.” Seems pretty nice for a place to crash in between seasons.

Original Story: http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/dwyane-wades-new-17m-chicago-townhouse-25513

Build a Green Home for Practically Nothing

2009-08-09T23:35:00.000-07:00

A recent LA Times Article reported on sponsors occasionally donating thousands of dollars in high-end goods to home builders and designers. In exchange, manufacturers expect owners to open the homes for occasional public touring.

Some savvy Southern Californians have figured out how to get new green homes for practically nothing. An increasing number of entrepreneurs have persuaded companies such as bathroom fixture maker Kohler, quartz countertops manufacturer CaesarStone, appliance manufacturer Dacor and cabinet designer Bazzeo to provide free or discounted materials for newly built or remodeled homes. Nearly a dozen such houses have sprouted around Southern California. Virtually all are in the $1 million-to-$2 million range, though the freebies enabled owners to spend significantly less.

Why would a manufacturer be willing to donate as much as $100,000 worth of products to a home owner? This story is a hint to the answer: publicity. Think of it as swag on a grand scale. Just as a fashion house may give away its latest handbag so it can be seen attached to the arm of a much-photographed starlet, manufacturers of home appliances, countertops, fixtures and finishes are giving away their goods in hopes of being noticed in high-profile modern homes.

The catch: The homes have to showcase environmentally friendly design. Some manufacturers are going after projects with the U.S. Green Building Council's highest rating for sustainable design and building practices. Others go for green homes with celebrities attached to them. Regardless of who owns the place, manufacturers expect the homes to open for occasional public touring -- sometimes for a whole year -- and owners to discuss the virtues of the products in question, be it a CaesarStone countertop or General Electric appliance.

Such arrangements are nothing new. Traditional show houses, often sponsored by a magazine or a nonprofit organization raising money for charity, call for designers to make over a residence for free, often using products that are donated in exchange for a promotional push. What makes the new green show houses different is not only the emphasis on sustainability, but also the fact that they often are, first and foremost, private residences owned and inhabited by the builders themselves, whose living space essentially becomes a billboard for sponsors.

One recent house like this sponsored by House Beautiful magazine was the Kitchen of the Year, which showcased CaesarStone quartz countertops, Kohler & Viking appliances, and KraftMaid cabinets and boasted celebrity designers Christopher Peacock and Ina Garten. This kitchen had a large opening in New York City’s Rockefeller Center. The publicity was amazing, and it even made appearances on Good Morning America. So if you don’t mind opening your home up to the world, then cruising for sponsors to help build your dream green home may be right up your alley.

Highlights from the 2009 Kitchen of the Year with Ina Garten

2009-07-23T21:11:00.000-07:00

Finally, it’s time for the unveiling of this year’s Kitchen of the Year! House Beautiful rebuilt famous chef Ina Garten's kitchen in the middle of Manhattan's Rockefeller Center. Here are some highlights from the most talked about kitchen in America, with tips from the designer Robert Stilin.

Kitchen Island: "I like an island you can work on but that can also be a gathering place for coffee or a casual dinner," says Kitchen of the Year designer Robert Stilin. The kitchen features KraftMaid cabinets, Viking range and hood, CaesarStone countertops, Kohler faucet and sink.

Useful Space: "Bar stools at the island are a must," says Stilin. "I love to have my breakfast and read the paper at the island. And my son, Dylan, and I eat a casual dinner at our island every night. I think this is how most people want to live today."

Simple Kitchen: "People who really cook, like Ina, prefer their kitchens to be simple and efficient," says Stilin. "It's back to basics!" Open shelves keep everything within reach near the stove range and eco-friendly, easy to care for quartz countertops by CaesarStone.

Dishware on Display: "We couldn't do it at Kitchen of the Year because of space, but nothing beats a walk-in pantry," says Stilin. Seen on display are simple and elegant white plates and dishes from Crate & Barrel with beautifully shining Hotel Silver bowls, tray, and coffeepots.

Organized Drawers: "Function, function, function," says Stilin. "Kitchens have to look good, but things have to work." A two-tiered cutlery drawer in KraftMaid cabinets saves space and keeps flatware organized.

Kitchen Sitting Area: "Kitchens are the new living space," says Stilin. "They should have room for cooking, dining, and a comfortable seating area." Seen in the sitting area are a beautiful fireplace and large comfy chairs and ottomans.

Computer Desk: "Don't forget a spot for the computer," says Stilin. Here we have a simple desk with Toshiba laptop.

Dine-in Kitchen: "Today, kitchens are the core of the house," says Stilin. "You have to be able to cook in them, but you also have to be able to live in them." A bright and cheery dining area features Restoration Hardware trestle table, and slipcovered chairs from Lee Industries.

Spice Drawer: The Kitchen of the Year doesn't need a lot of gadgets to keep things organized. "Kitchens are about function, not about all the bells and whistles," says Stilin. Spices are organized and within reach.

Sideboard: Antique console with celadon bowls, platter, and vase from Lucca.

Outdoor Grill: Herbs, vegetables, and flowers on the deck next to the Viking grill.

Rockefeller Center: Overlooking the Rockefeller Center Rink Bar, Sunbrella awnings cover the deck by Trex at the site of the 2009 Kitchen of the Year. Thousands of people are flocking over to see America’s most beautiful kitchen with eco-friendly and elegant yet affordable features such as KraftMaid cabinets, a Viking range and hood, CaesarStone countertops, and a Kohler faucet and sink.

Baja Fresh Testing ‘Future’ Chain Concept in O.C.

2009-07-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

July 14th, 2009, 6:47 am · Nancy Luna, Staff Writer

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill is testing consumer reaction to a more upscale restaurant in Irvine – a prototype eatery that offers bolder food flavors, a more intimate dining experience – featuring quartz countertops - and cocktails.

The restaurant, which underwent a massive remodel last winter, will soon add margaritas and Mexican beer to the menu — a first for corporate restaurants run by the Cypress-based fast-casual chain. (A Baja Fresh franchisee in Huntington Beach recently received a permit to serve margaritas.)

The alcohol is expected to compliment new food additions at the prototype restaurant, which features dishes such as Kogi Korean BBQ tacos, cilantro lime rice and spicier salsa bar offerings.

Also new:

Wooden chairs and tables with CaesarStone countertops have replaced bar stools and metal tables at the remodeled restaurant, located in the same center as Gelson’s market.

The Irvine restaurant expects to get its permit to serve margaritas and Mexican-branded beer by next month. The margarita will be served in a 12-oz. tumbler on the rocks. Dine-in only! If the test is successful, “we would consider rolling out margaritas and beer in more locations,” said Baja Fresh President Chuck Rink. In fact, “in preparation for this, we have applied for (permits at) 13 more locations.” Stay tuned.

Food and drinks are no longer served in paper ‘boats’ and cups for dine-in customers. Instead, the restaurant uses real silverware, plastic cups and melamine plates. Tortilla chips are also brought to your table in a basket.

The salsa bar features 7 salsas, including two new spicier salsas. It has also added fresh, pickled carrots — a common table offering at many authentic Mexican restaurants. A new fresh tomatillo salsa has been so well received that the chain plans to debut it soon in all Baja locations, Rink said.

A redesigned menu board promotes customization of Baja Classics such as burritos and salads. It recommends a “step by step” ordering process that is similar to how you order at Chipotle Mexican Grill.

The Irvine eatery is also testing new meals such as Baja Kogi tacos and burritos. It is also serving cilantro-lime white rice as a side dish. (Later this week, look out for a review of the new Kogi tacos)

The redesign and menu makeover is a test only concept – one that could dictate what the “Baja Fresh of the future” might look like, said Rink.

Irvine Baja address: 5633 Alton Pkwy. (949) 551-2252

For more information about CaesarStone quartz countertops please visit: www.caesarstoneus.com.

Original story: http://fastfood.freedomblogging.com/2009/07/14/baja-fresh-testing-restaurant-of-the-future-in-oc/27993/

Disclaimer:This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

BAZZEO’S ECO-FRIENDLY KITCHEN COLLECTION A HIT AT DWELL ON DESIGN 2009

2009-07-15T02:27:00.000-07:00

Bazzèo, known for manufacturing Eco-Centric & sustainable kitchen products, launched its new kitchen collection at DWELL ON DESIGN (DOD). Dwell on Design is the premiere Modern Design Show on the West Coast and was located at the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 26th through June 28th, 2009.

The main showpiece of Bazzèo’s DOD presentation was the award winning GAIA in “Gunmetal” Grey, Oak Eco-Veneer. Some key eco-sensitive design features highlighted Bazzèo’s partnerships with such companies as FAGOR, energy-efficient appliances manufacturer, and CaesarStone, quartz countertops manufacturer. This partnership also featured the first US showing of CaesarStone’s new countertop material made from 45% post-fabrication, recycled quartz.

“We were very pleased with the response to Bazzèo from both the consumer as well as the residential design professional,” remarked Iko Aviv, founder and chief designer of Bazzèo, “the reception to our earth-friendly cabinetry has far exceeded our expectations”. He went on to say “It was very clear to us that the American home owner is ready for a clean and modern, earth-friendly kitchen.”

The GAIA collection, as well as all Bazzèo products, meet, and in most cases, exceed LEED guidelines without compromising quality, flexibility and finishing options. All Bazzèo products are manufactured in the USA to a strict quality control standard with certified recycled and recovered wood materials. Bazzèo cabinets, countertops, and other kitchen & bath products may contribute towards specific LEED credits under the US Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) criteria. Through their products, designs, and worthwhile partnerships, Bazzèo has continued to show America that green design can be sleek, modern, and sustainable, if it combines all the right features.

For more information regarding Bazzèo Kitchens, other Bazzèo products as well as high resolution photography, please visit www.bazzeo.com. And for more information about CaesarStone quartz countertops visit www.caesarstoneus.com.

CaesarStone Proud to be Sole Countertop Provider for House Beautiful’s Kitchen of the Year

2009-07-02T02:49:00.000-07:00

CaesarStone, the original quartz surface manufacturer, will once again be a part of House Beautiful’s Kitchen of the Year. This is the second year for the unique installation, which is set in New York City’s Rockefeller Center.

The first year saw CaesarStone’s countertops in Misty Carrera (4141), which were one of the focal points of the room. This year the company is proud to be adding their Raven (4120) countertop surfaces to this exciting dream kitchen.

The Barefoot Contessa is pairing with the project this year. Ina Garten, Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa, best selling cookbook author and House Beautiful Contributing Editor will be adding her unique design and lifestyle. This year’s design will be inspired by Garten and designed by Robert Stilton.

The Kitchen of the Year will be open daily from Monday, July 20, through Friday, July 24 (2PM – 4PM on Monday and 9AM – 5PM the rest of the week. Each day, tours and demonstrations on everything from kitchen design to product sampling will be offered. A complete schedule of events can be found by visiting the Kitchen of the Year at www.housebeautiful.com/KOTY.

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Miami, FL; New York, NY and Atlanta, GA.CaesarStone produces premium quartz surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

Offering a lifetime warranty, their countertops are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from Good Housekeeping Research Institute in addition to ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), GREENGUARD certification, a member of USGBC (The U.S. Green Building Council) and NSF (public health and safety) certification.

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For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company’s website at www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

ONLY A FEW MONTHS LEFT TO ENTER CAESARSTONE’S DREAM DESIGN CONTEST AND WIN CASH PRIZES

2009-06-20T02:54:00.000-07:00

CaesarStone, the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer, will be drawing a close to its Dream Design Contest on September 30^th of this year. Dozens of beautiful and innovative designs have already been entered in this unique contest, introduced this year. Cash prizes will be awarded to thirty winners whose designs are chosen. The projects can be in any room or form as long as CaesarStone is the sole surface used.

The entry period for the competition began April 1^st of this year. Entrants were asked to go to CaesarStone’s website and enter any project where they used CaesarStone beginning March 1, 2009 to the final entry date of September 30^th.

Designers need to go to www.CaesarStoneUS.com/dreamdesign to enter their projects. From there they will need to fill out a form, give a brief description of their design and upload at least five photos of the project. The winners will be chosen by a panel of judges by quality and beauty of the design.

The following are the cash prizes:

1^st Place: $5,000

2^nd Place: $4,000

3^rd Place: $3,000

4^th Place: $2,000 (Six Winners)

5^th Place: $1,000 (21 Winners)

All of the winning designs will also be featured on the CaesarStone website. For details, rules and regulations go to www.CaesarStoneUS.com/dreamdesign.

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz countertop & surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Miami, FL; New York, NY and Atlanta, GA.quartz countertops & surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

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For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company’s website at www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

CAESARSTONE CELEBRATES SECOND YEAR AS SURFACE PROVIDER FOR HGTV’S GREEN HOME

2009-06-12T23:13:00.000-07:00

Van Nuys, CA (June 1, 2009) CaesarStone, the original quartz countertop, is once again part of HGTV’s extremely popular Green Home Giveaway. The home, which is in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, features CaesarStone’s Chocolate Truffle and Smoky Ash surfaces throughout the eco-friendly home.

Chocolate Truffle and Smoky Ash are both part of CaesarStone’s Color Expressions 09 Collection, which features eight new colors. The two colors are both made with post consumer recycled materials, making them the obvious choice for this project.

“CaesarStone quartz countertops were a fantastic green feature in last year’s HGTV Green Home,” said Jack Thomasson, Professional House Planner. “Their introduction of countertops with greater recycled materials made them an even greener choice for this year’s project. “

The Green Home Giveaway began this year on April 19^th and ends June 5^th. The winner is the proud new owner of the 2,430-square-foot contemporary Spanish-style cottage which features construction and design elements that contribute to an energy efficient, cleaner and healthier living environment. This year’s home received a Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and earned an Indoor airPLUS label from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

CaesarStone found this to be the perfect project in keeping with its eco-friendly practices. It was the first quartz surfacing company worldwide to carry global standard ISO 14001 certification for environmental protection in its industry. This means that in and outside of their plant, everything done is according to its environmental management policy whereby they maintain safety standards to protect all workers, observe eco-friendly production processes, and do their utmost to work only with eco-friendly suppliers. CaesarStone’s continuous mission is to keep the planet as beautiful as its products.

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz surface manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Miami, FL; New York, NY and Atlanta, GA.countertops & surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

Offering a lifetime warranty as of February 15, 2008; their products are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from Good Housekeeping Research Institute in addition to ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9001 (quality management standard), GREENGUARD certification, a member of USGBC (The U.S. Green Building Council) and NSF (public health and safety) certification.

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For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company’s website at www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

Make Your Kitchen Alive by Using Quartz Countertops

2009-06-12T23:04:00.000-07:00

Kitchen is where we spend major part of our time during a day at home. A run-down kitchen can easily spoil the fun of an off-day. Having an appeal of aesthetic decor in it can not only lift your mood but also ensures that food is prepared in hygienic surroundings. Renovating kitchen with quartz countertops can add new colors to a dull kitchen and brighten-up anyone’s day.

Till few decades back, the choice of quartz countertops was limited to wealthy individuals, a tradition which has been long broken by the concept of modular kitchens. Today individuals and families want kitchens to be compact and jazzy.

Quartz countertops have recently gained a lot of attention due to their beauty and home owners prefer them for their durability and low-cost price. Combining ground quartz with a coloring pigment and a binding agent can give a dramatic boost to its life. There are many different shaped- edges stones to select from, most common being crown moulded, rounded, marble and granite patterns. The natural beauty of a quartz kitchen countertop complements any style of cabinets, from sleek cosmopolitan styles to rich French country lines of wood. Available within the range of $41 to $65 per square feet including the installation cost, this antique stone adds warmth and character to any kitchen whether it's a remodel or a new build.

Quartz is the one of the only maintenance free countertop available in the market. It has a nonporous nature which makes it bacteria, mold and mildew resistant and need to seal or treat it with chemicals is eliminated.

The most widely used quartz countertop is Silestone which is widely used across different countries. Known for combining timeless beauty, sophisticated elegance with innumerable strength and versatility, Silestone is a superior choice when it comes to décor of home surfaces.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.