MAKE A STATEMENT

Builders today do not consider stone countertops an upgrade. In fact, home owners EXPECT granite in kitchens and baths. While many play it safe with medium tones that are easy to design around, decorators are encouraging their clients to make a statement when it comes to the many unique stones on the market today. Because of new technology available to quarry it, there are some very interesting natural slabs available. One popular selection is onyx which is a translucent stone with dramatic veining that allows you to see light and shadows through it. Designers use this unique stone in applications that can be backlit such as bathroom vanities and bar tops. Instead of selecting your stone after you have planned your upgrade - use stone as a starting point! Bold colors of marble and granite in blue, violet, red, pink and gold can take the decor of a room from safe to sensational.

INTERESTING STONE OPTIONS

We all know the popularity of natural stone, and granite is the homecoming queen of building materials. But, there is a host of other unique and interesting stone utilized at Bedrock and the applications can be astounding! Top designers and architects are stepping into new neighborhoods of opportunity and we would like to feature some of their favorites in this blog. Let's start with.....

SLATE

Slate is a fine grained rock that is derived from sediments of clay and salt. Slate can vary in composition and durability because the alteration of minerals can sometimes be consistent. But...this is not a bad thing. This is what makes slate unique. Yes, it is just as durable as granite and marble, but it also offers unique sophistication and style options that creative designers love. Offered in dramatic colors of red, gray, blue and green, slate is a great choice for kitchen countertops because it has low porosity so it does not require sealing. Slate countertops are also low maintenance, are impervious to stains and heat, and can be kept clean with any household cleaner and a weekly application of mineral oil.

So if you're looking for a unique, high design look for your kitchen, bath or flooring - check out slate. It has style and personality that can transform your home.

BEAUTIFUL FAUCETS Complete Your Bath and Kitchen Design

Homeowners spend hours and hours selecting cabinets, counter tops and appliances, and at the end of the process they often don't consider the importance of the faucet! FUNCTION is number one when shopping for a faucet as it gets more use than any other feature. Here are a few tips before you hit the showroom:

• Decide on a budget. You'll be amazed at the range. Consider the quality and how expensive it may be to repair.
• If you are replacing an existing faucet, consider the size and choose a new faucet with the same layout as the old one.
• Pick a style: single hole has two handles and a spigot has one.
• Match the faucet style to other faucets in the room: tub, sink, bar.

• Choose the material: brass, die cast zinc alloy.
• Select the handle: Pull handle, single or double handles or knobs. Spray options are also very popular.
  
  

Your plumber is also a great source for guidence before you begin shopping. Your Bedrock Stone Fabrication or Rite-Loom Flooring designer can help from start to finish, so get them involved from day one!!

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!

THE TRUTH About Granite and Radon

Will this silly story ever die? Over and over people tell us that they worry about their granite countertop and indoor radon levels. We don't blame folks for wanting to get the levels in their home tested, but before you make the investment, please consider this important study:

The EH&E (Enivronmental Health and Engineering) has completed a detailed evaluation of the potential human health risks of naturally occuring radioactive material in granite countertops. This study found that the external doses of ionizing radiation emitted are well below levels that would pose a health concern. In fact, all of the homes tested had levels that were even lower than background levels typically found outdoors.

So breathe easy! You can view the entire report on the Marble Institute of America website.

AUTHENTIC HANDMADE GLAZED TILES OF MEXICO

Bedrock Stone Fabrication and Rite-Loom Flooring are proud to offer Patrico Talavera Tile, some of the most beautiful authentic Talavera tile on the market today. Talavera tile gets its name from a small village in Spain where the wonderfully bright tile and ceramic patterns took root in the 15th century. Today, skilled craftsman in Mexico produce this amazing tile in a number of family run studios. While many manufacturers try to duplicate this unique look, Patrico Talavera Tile is one of the most respected astisans. Through Bedrock Stone Fabricatioh and Rite-Loom Flooring, they offer incredible products in tiles, murals, sinks, pavers and accessories. Let your imagination run wild!

It is easy to do with the bright and intricate designs! Hacienda style homes, Spanish revivals and 1920's bungalows are the perfect environments for Talavera tile. Stair risers, flooring, walls, fireplaces, shower walls and countertop back splashes will come alive with this fun art form.

Because this tile is HAND MADE, no two tiles are exactly alike. In fact, much of their charm and beauty come from the ever so slightly unique contouring of each individual tile. The tiles come in several sizes: 4"x4" (the most popular), 2"x2", 3"x3" and 6"x6". All of these tiles are covered with a gloss glaze making them virtually waterproof.

Stop by Bedrock Stone Fabrication or Rite-Loom Flooring to view this classically beautiful art form and bring it into YOUR home.