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!

IS YOUR BACKYARD AND LANDSCAPING READY FOR SUMMER GUESTS?

Whether you are planning your summer parties like professional entertainer or you just want your yard ready for the occasional stop-by guest - look out your window and ask some hard questions: Would I be proud to invite them outside? Have you tended to trees and lawn? Are your flower beds in shape or full of weeds? Is your stone path broken and chipped or covered in dirt?

Come on! Get Busy! Warm sunny days offer no excuses for ignoring the potential of your backyard property. And, once you invest a little time and effort - YOU TOO can step outside and smell the roses!

PICK YOUR PROJECT then have some fun!

- Invest in that new BBQ you have been lusting after.

- Ask Bedrock Stone Fabrication about an outdoor fireplace that can make summer evenings super special.

- How about a dramatic waterfall to update your pool?

- Design a granite island for dining al fresco!

All of these great ideas add value to your home and give you the perfect reason to pick up the phone and ask your friends over to celebrate summer! Dial Bedrock TODAY while summer fun calls!

OUTDOOR ISLAND STYLES

There is a lot to consider before you start designing you outdoor kitchen. How you USE the space is top consideration, as it dictates just about every aspect of your plan. At the center of your outdoor kitchen is your built-in BBQ island and there are three popular styles:

Basic: Most islands feature a grill, a sink, and a small counter for food prep. This basic design works for most cooks, but if you are a gourmet, you may want to consider something larger.

U-Shape: The U-shape island promotes distinct zones for cooking, prep and eating. One great advantage is that food can be served direct from the grill to your guest, putting it center stage for entertaining and conversations.

L-Shape: This configuration allows for separate spaces for cooking and preparing food and seating arrangement are usually next to the grill.

Other popular additions to your outdoor kitchens are refrigerators, fireplaces, fire-pits, pizza ovens and beverage bars. Bedrock Stone Fabrication can customize just the look you want. Add in a dining set, comfortable sofa, outdoor area rug and lighting and you'll never hang out in the house again!!

IT'S BBQ TIME

IT'S BBQ TIME and also the time of year when we look outside to our aging equipment and long for that perfect outdoor space. A 2009 survey taken by the Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association (yes, there really is one!) detailed that Americans spent over $150 million on home renovations and one third was for outdoor living spaces! If you are planning to tackle yours, ask yourself these important questions:

• How much is your budget?
• What type of cooking will you do and how often?
• Will you eat your meals outside or take the food in?
• Will you use the BBQ to host parties?
• What kind of furniture do you like?
• Will you be using the space year round or just Spring and Summer?

Consider the above and let Bedrock Stone Fabrication get your design started. Our outdoor spaces offer some of the best designs in the county. Watch for our blog next week on three common BBQ island designs. Let's do this together!