EVERYBODY LOVES THE ISLANDS!!

Who doesn't love a big, beautiful kitchen island! Lots of space, room to spread out, an extra sink, seating and dining area...islands are family friendly and a practical addition to any home. Follow the tips below for efficient design and maximum impact:


- Allow 30-34 inches between the island and cabinetry that does not include appliances.

- Allow 37 inches minimum between the island and a sink, and 39 to 42 inches is even better.

- For main traffic areas or locations that do include an appliance, allow at least 42 to 48 inches.

- Keep the kitchen triangle in mind and DON'T cross traffic between it. The kitchen triangle is the refrigerator, stove and sink.

- If you have seating, allow room to pull out the stools - at least 48 inches of clearance.

- The island doesn't have to be in the middle of the kitchen. If you move it closer to the cooking area it will even discourage guests from using the space to get from one room to the other.

- The minimum size for a workable island is four feet long and two feet deep. And, too big of an island just collects clutter so bigger is not always better.


- Don't forget to consider function when you design your island. Keep the cabinets under the island for pots and pans near the stove, and lifestyle items (cookbooks, supplies, etc.) should be on the outside of the island. Open shelves are a pretty option.

- A table setting zone is also practical and gives kids a place to be helpful but out of the way.

- A second sink far from the stove is useful and allows extra cooks to chop and clean away from the action at the stove.

- The top tip: Design the island according to your style in the kitchen, and then organize around appliance placement and activity. Dishwashing and cleaning supplies near the sink, cutting boards and knives across from the stove, etc. Pay attention to your cooking habits and you will have a beautiful and practical kitchen island that is worth its weight in granite!

IT'S NO MYSTERY

If you are in the middle of updating your home, there is so much of the construction process that can seem like a mystery! You are doing everything you can do just to pick out the right material, then your contractor keeps throwing out terms like templates, edge profiles, fabrication....it can be very overwhelming if you have never done it before. Following is a quick course on countertop selection and installation:

1. Measure Up! Your Bedrock designer will come by your home and measure your countertop or review your plan so we know exactly how many slabs will need to be purchased.

2. Select your granite. This can either be fun or frustrating. Get help from your Bedrock or Rite-Loom designer. They will take you through the process so you can select just the right slab for your project and select your edge detail (what the edge of the countertop will look like when it is finished)

3. A representative from Bedrock will then come to your home and create a template that they can bring back to the shop and use to fabricate/cut the stone. This template is laid on to the granite slabs you have selected, then is traced for the fabrication process.


4. The installers come to your home and remove the old countertop. They also disconnect and remove the old plumbing, sink and backsplash.

5. A plywood underlayment will be installed to insure that the slab is level.

6. Now, here comes your granite! Once just a large piece of raw stone, it is now a 600 pound beautiful countertop!

7. The installers will put the slabs and backsplashed in place, then seam the pieces together.

8. They will then place your sink and other plumbing fixtures in place. Your plumber will attach the equipment.

9. Bedrock will then seal your countertop. This will protect the material against stains or stratches.

10. ENJOY your beautiful new kitchen.

ADD THE PERFECT P'ZAZZ

If your space needs that extra something, check out Daltile's Colorbody Porcelain P'Zazz. This amazing floor, wall or countertop tile option shines with unique beauty. Featuring a hint of sheen that adds interest and elegance to any design, this sophisticated collection will stop guests in their tracks! Its elegant "feel" gives the illusion of fine silk, and the surface literally shimmers with action! It is glamorous and "clean" so your patten options are limitless. A Mosaic Blend offers fun contrast - perfect in white, gray and black for unmatched drama. Want a warmer look? Go for a dreamy mix of beige, gold and tan. From a classic Brick pattern to a Basketweave vertical - you can't get too creative with this beautiful tile.

STONE RANKINGS THAT COUNT

Designing your kitchen or bath can be an emotional task. There are so many beautiful products on the market that shopping and selecting can be a whirl wind of fun and frustration. One minute you fall in love with marble and then you see an unusual slab of granite that you can't resist. It's a roller coaster, so trusting your BEDROCK or Rite-Loom designer to help you through the process can save you both time and money.



One of the most important things to consider when selecting your material is stain and scratch resistance. If you cook a lot, or spend hours in your spa bath, you need to consider the following rankings:

(From high to low)

Stain Resistance
Slate
Soapstone
Granite
Marble
Quartz
Limestone
Travertine

Scratch Resistance
Granite
Quartz
Slate
Marble
Limestone
Travertine


And, you don't need to be a pro to see if the product you have selected can stand up to a spiled glass of wine or a hot straightening iron. Just perform this quick test:

1. Get a sample piece (it doesn't have to be the same slab, as long as it comes from the same source.) Rub on a sealer. Pour test drops of cooking oil, wine or lemon juice. Let it sit over night.

2. Wipe the surface clean in the morning. How did it stand up?

Now you can base your choice on practical information AND "It's just what I was looking for!"

MIX IT UP WITH METAL

Interesting granite, sleek travetine, classic marble....all are popular and traditional materials for kitchen, bath and flooring designs. There are so many colors, styles and patterns that sometimes the thought of introducing accents can be overwhelming. But....metal is worth its extra design effort! A unique and unusual accent, Metal is not only fun and interesting, it is also very durable and easy to install.

Mix and match these interesting product options:

Pewter dots and travertine. When installing among a large format layout, pewter can add the perfect splash of interest. Place one of these small, shiny tiles every third or fourth tile, then use the color to pull in other accessories in the room such as lamps and coffee table accessories.

Zip up that tumbled stone backsplash with an accent tile that matches your stainless steel appliances. This is a savvy design trick that always makes a professional statement. Whether you lay the tile straight or on the diagonal, metal tiles can be inserted every two or three tiles to create an interesting pattern. You can also consider bronze or copper for kitchens with a popular country design.

Does your slate patio design lack the "wow" factor? Consider punching it up with pewter. Take your BBQ island to the next level with a casual pattern of 2"x2" metal accent tiles on your counter, backsplash and beneath your grill. Tiles with a hint of green can pull in the natural look of the outdoors as well as pick up the interesting hues in the slate.

Let your Bedrock designer take these ideas and make them your reality TODAY!