The Best Materials for Your Countertops

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

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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Caesarstone and Sonobath announce new Eclipse series

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

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

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.”

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

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.

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).