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Category: Highlighted

5 things to consider when choosing granite countertops

There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a material for your bathroom or kitchen countertops; marble, quartz, and the one at the top of many people’s list, granite. If you’ve decided on granite, there are even more choices to make in choosing the perfect granite countertop.

If it’s time for a kitchen remodel, or if you are selecting options for a new home or business, keep these five things in mind when choosing your granite countertops.

Color

There’s a huge array of colors to choose from for your kitchen countertops – greys, browns greens, blacks, whites, and beiges. Think about the color scheme of the room, and the finish of your cabinets, to find a color of granite that complements them.

It’s a good idea to take in color samples, cabinet doors, even flooring pieces when shopping for granite countertops.  Our Account Managers can assist you in obtaining the perfect combination for a new home, existing property or commercial building. Consider the amount of light in the room as well to decide whether a darker or lighter granite would be best.

Edge

Think about the style of edge you’d like for your countertop. There are a number of choices that suit granite countertops, such as a bevelled or bull-nosed edge, and you may want to look at the popular new waterfall edge and side.  Try out our countertop edge visualizer to get an idea of your options.

Pattern

You also have a range of choices for the veining, and pattern of your stone countertop. Granite countertops can be solid, marbled, or speckled, producing dramatically different effects. If you’re going for a minimalistic look, then you could keep things simple with a solid-colored countertop. Or choose from a wide variety of colors that contrasts each slab to add in speckling or marbling.

Finish

Choose from three different finishes – polished, honed, or leather. A polished finish produces a smooth, shiny surface. Polished granite is less porous than other options.  Honing cuts down on the shine, providing more of a matte finish. A leather finish makes the countertop surface textured, like leather.

If you need kitchen or bathroom countertops and a company that can laser template any area in your home, along with a professional team to install your countertops, contact Amanzi. We’re located in Kernersville, NC, but we serve a wider area in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Check out our service map to see if you’re in reach.

Quartz Gets a Sleek New Look

Quartz countertops from Amanzi offer great benefits to your kitchenWhen it comes to choosing countertops for your kitchen or bath, there are a lot of factors to consider. One of the first decisions you’ll want to make is what type of surface works best for you – granite, marble or quartz?

You can’t beat quartz when it comes to durability. Of these three surfaces, only natural quartz is 100% non-absorbent. This is a great benefit for kitchen countertops, because quartz cannot absorb food or liquids. It also needs no sealing or polishing, unlike most other natural stone surfaces. It is virtually maintenance-free.

If you do choose quartz for your kitchen or bathroom renovation, you now have a choice of finishes – the traditional polished finish, or the trending and contemporary new matte finish. Amanzi is proud to be the leading source in the Triad for Cambria, the premier quartz brand in the US. Cambria has recently launched its Cambria Matte series, which opens up many new design possibilities for modern kitchens and baths.

So, which sheen will work best in your remodel — glossy or matte? Here are a couple of factors to consider:

• Is your countertop a magnet for sticky little fingers? If you have young children, (or even a not-so-neat spouse) you may want to test out some matte surfaces before choosing. Some matte finishes do a great job of hiding greasy fingerprints, others don’t.

• What is the lighting like in your kitchen or bath? A glossy quartz countertop will bounce light off its surface while a matte work surface will tend to absorb light. If you have plenty of natural light and a variety of task lighting in your kitchen or bath, a matte finish may work beautifully.

• What is the style of the room? Matte countertops evoke descriptions like “leather” and “suede.” This type of finish can look great in both traditional and ultra-contemporary rooms.

Because each slab of natural quartz is unique, it’s best to check out lots of different samples before making a final decision on your finish. We’ll see you in the showroom!

Tile and Stone Innovations for 2017

Tile and Stone options at AmanziThe curtain has closed on the nation’s largest tile and stone expo, opening up a beautiful new world of fresh designs for home and commercial interiors.

The Coverings 2017 Exhibition wrapped up earlier this month in Orlando, and featured a staggering 9 miles worth of displays focusing on the newest design trends and installation techniques in the tile and natural stone industry.

One of the most pervasive trends to be found on the vast exhibition floor were “lookalikes,” floor and wall coverings made to mimic the look of other materials. Flooring planks made to look like well-worn wood caught designers’ eyes this year, along with tiles manufactured to look like vintage stamped tin. Panels designed to resemble stacked stone will open up new budget-friendly possibilities for indoor fireplaces and outdoor lounging spaces. Recent innovations in technology allow for the retro charm of weathered materials, but with the durability of modern tile.

Tiles cut into larger dimensions were highlighted this year, minimizing the number of grout lines needed in a wall or floor layout and allowing for a sleeker appearance and easier upkeep. Three-dimensional tiles that make the most of light and shadow will feature prominently in focal points such as kitchen backsplashes and foyers.

When it comes to color palettes the classic, muted looks that have been popular in the past several years are still going strong, with grey hues taking center stage due to their ability to pair well with so many different accent colors.

In the kitchen, white is right on target again this year, with gleaming marble countertops and travertine accents capturing the spotlight.

If you’re planning a refreshing new look for any room in your home in the months to come, you’ll surely want to incorporate some of these beautiful new trends into your design, as they all get high marks for staying power and stylish durability.

Minimizing the Stress of a Home Renovation

Ease the stress of a remodel by working with professionals like Amanzi GraniteThere’s no way to sugar coat it – living through a home renovation is stressful. It can feel as if your daily life is being completely upended, but the good news is it will be worth it in the end. If you keep your eye on the prize and follow these suggestions, you can get through the chaos with your sanity intact.

Communication is Everything
Clear communication is the bedrock a remodeling project is built on. Ask every question you can think of with each professional that will be involved. Make sure budget limitations and timelines are crystal clear. This goes for those you share your home with, too. Before you embark on a renovation, create one shared vision everyone can get on board with.

Maximize Unaffected Rooms
If you’ll be renovating your kitchen, identify another space in your home that can serve as an alternate “mini kitchen.” Set up your bare essentials there – using your microwave, crockpot and coffeemaker can help you avoid takeout fatigue.

Devote one room to your house as a “sanctuary room.” This can be a bedroom, den or basement where you can escape to if things seem hectic or overwhelming. Commit to having no ongoing improvement projects in this room – and don’t store tools or other renovation materials in this space.

If the weather permits, set up a relaxing space outdoors where you can escape the dust and noise inside and perhaps grill up a meal.

Keep a Routine
This is especially important if you have children. Try to keep to the same sleeping and meal schedules the kids are accustomed to. Make simple outings to the park or your neighborhood ice cream spot a priority. Allow for quality family time outside the confines of your home.

Plan a Getaway
There’s usually one point in a home renovation where major disruptions are unavoidable. This normally comes toward the end of the project when the power or the water needs to be disconnected for a time. When you’re planning your renovation budget, consider setting aside a little money for a mini-vacation. You don’t have to travel far – an extended stay hotel in your hometown or perhaps a visit to a family member’s house can be a relaxing escape.

There are two things nearly everyone who has endured a home renovation will agree on: It can test your nerves, and it’s totally worth it!

Amanzi’s Cool Tools for Planning your Remodel

Amanzi Marble and Granite has the tools to help you plan your next remodelIf you’ve been dreaming of remodeling your kitchen or bath, you may know exactly how you want the finished project to look, or you might have a blank canvas just waiting to be brought to life. Either way, Amanzi Marble and Granite offers a whole host of design tools and inspirations that help make planning your renovation fun and simple.

If you’re just starting the process, it’s a great idea to take a look at some of our recent projects and see what other area homeowners have dreamed up with us. A visit to our Pinterest page will show you oodles of ideas, from countertops, backsplashes, flooring and even beautiful outdoor stone features. You’re likely to find neat accents you never even thought of. Next, head over to our page on the popular website Houzz where we share even more project photos, and make it simple to ask us questions online while you’re browsing.

Now that you’re brimming with inspiration, check out the Design Tools section of our website where you’ll be able to use high-tech visualization tools to “try on” literally thousands of different combinations of countertops, backsplashes, cabinets and flooring. It’s fun, and even a little addictive! Then, tweak your layout with our project estimate tool, and get an idea of how to make your ideal kitchen or bath project fit within your budget.

Finally, come to our brand new showroom at 703 Park Lawn Court in Kernersville, where you can browse our large indoor slab yard and see our vast selection of tile and other accents in person. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you turn your vision into reality with a solid plan for a beautiful remodel!

Budgeting for your Kitchen Renovation

Amanzi Granite can be of great help to you to create a remodeling budgetUpdating your kitchen is one of the best ways to increase the value of your home. To make it the wisest investment possible, it’s important start with a realistic budget. The National Kitchen and Bath Association has done some of the mathematical legwork for you. Here is their advice for determining how much money you should invest in a kitchen remodel to get the most out of it for both your family’s enjoyment and for resale value in the future.

Begin with the 5% to 15% Rule

This rule is widely acknowledged in the industry, and is based on the value of your home. You should spend no less than 5% of your home’s value, and no more than 15% on a kitchen renovation. If you spend less than 5%, you risk devaluing your home. If you spend more than 15%, it’s a good bet you won’t fully recoup your investment.

Another factor to consider is just how much prominence your kitchen plays in your home. For instance, if it’s a large space that is a focal point of an open floor plan, you’ll want to spend more on design accents and other extras than if you have a galley-style kitchen.

Budget for each element

Once you have a handle on what you can afford, and what your top and bottom dollar should be based on your home’s value, you’ll want to determine how much you should spend on each individual element of your renovation. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, here are some estimated figures on how homeowners normally allocate their budget when using professional services:

Cabinetry – 30%

Appliances – 14%

Countertops – 10%

Lighting and plumbing – 9%

Flooring – 7%

Tiles and paint – 6%

The rest of your budget will go towards labor – from demolition, to installation and disposal of old materials. Your kitchen remodeling company can be of great help as you develop your budget, as well as the kitchen layout and visualization tools they offer.

Your budget is set – now comes the fun part! Dreaming up your ideal, updated kitchen!

Affordable Updates that Sell Homes Fast

Cost effective ways to update a kitchen Are you planning to sell your home this year? If so, you’ve probably already started your punch list for making it look irresistible to prospective buyers. Of course, decluttering and depersonalizing your house should be at the top of the list. These two crucial steps make your home look more spacious, and allow would-be buyers to envision themselves in it.

You may also be examining your budget to determine what kinds of updates you can afford. Experts say some renovations help sell a house quickly, while others don’t really pay off. Here are a few things to consider before you invest money into pre-listing upgrades.

The old adage still holds true; updated kitchens sell homes. Some realtors will even go so far as to say you’re not really selling your house, you’re selling your kitchen. Let’s say your kitchen is in serious need of some updates, but you decide not to make any improvements before putting your house on the market. Prospective buyers will take one look at the kitchen, and will start estimating in their heads how much it will cost them to update it. Experts say buyers usually overestimate how much it will cost, so it makes better sense for you to have the renovations done than to face a string of lower offers on your house.

Updated countertops and natural stone accents, such as backsplashes, are some of the most cost-effective ways to give your kitchen a facelift. It’s not necessary to completely gut the kitchen and start over – focus primarily on the work surfaces, cabinet hardware and lighting. Keep countertops and walls neutral to allow for the most flexibility for the home’s next owner.

While realtors say adding another bathroom to your home doesn’t normally lead to a higher selling price, it is important to make sure your existing bathrooms are as enticing as possible. Just as with the kitchen, tile accents, updated lighting and shiny new hardware are the best way to spruce up a bathroom on a budget.

Don’t forget the importance of first impressions. Prospective homebuyers judge your home well before they walk through the door. It’s crucial that the exterior of your home feels welcoming and safe. If your budget permits, consider adding stone walkways, accent walls, or an outdoor perk such as a fire pit or a water feature.

It’s a great time to sell a home, and with some affordable upgrades where they pay off the most, you can sell yours in no time.

Mind-blowing Bathroom Trends for 2017

Latest trends in remodeling bathrooms 2017Just when you thought you’ve seen every cool new way to take your bathroom over the top, hold onto your hat, because designers have pulled out all the stops for 2017. Once you’ve checked out these trending innovations, you’ll want to put a bathroom remodel on the top of your wish list for the new year.

The new American bathroom is taking some serious inspiration from European styles that have become popular in recent years. Topping the list are Mediterranean and three-dimensional natural stone tile designs and flooring. Floating vanities are catching on, as well, on this side of the pond. Not only are wall-mounted sinks stylish and space-saving, they also allow homeowners to choose the exact vanity height that’s best for them.

Faucets and fixtures are getting a surprising makeover, with designers mounting them to the side of sink, or directly to the wall. This technique not only frees up vanity space, but looks stunning and makes cleaning easier.

Freestanding tubs are making a comeback for homeowners who like a good soak, but industry experts say that showers have officially become more popular than tubs in most new bathroom remodels.

And while we’re on the topic of showers, every member of the family is being taken into consideration in 2017. Pet washing stations with waist-high handheld sprayers are becoming popular, making dog baths a little easier on everyone involved. Cat owners are even carving out a nook of their new bathrooms for a built-in litter box.

If you don’t have the budget for a full-on bathroom makeover, there are a few inexpensive design trends that will make your bathroom feel more upscale. Among them are built in USB ports, Bluetooth speakers and floor-heating systems which work particularly well with natural stone flooring.

If it isn’t already, the bathroom could become your favorite room in the house when you incorporate some of these stunning new ideas into your remodeling plans this year.

Add Value to your Home with Travertine

When choosing natural stone for your kitchen and bath countertops, it pays to know all your options. Granite is a rock-solid standard, marble is growing in popularity, but there’s another choice that’s both beautiful and versatile – and could help add lasting value to your home. If you’ve never considered using travertine in your kitchen or bath remodel, here are a few great reasons to give travertine a try.
https://amanzigranite.com/travertine-countertop-a-wonderful-choice-for-your-kitchen/

Functionality is Key in your New Kitchen Layout

For many families, the kitchen is the most important – and often most used – room in the house. It not only serves at the gathering place for daily meals, but the kitchen is also where guests gravitate, kids hang out after school, and big decisions are made over warm cups of coffee. If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, you’ll want to squeeze every bit of functionality out of your home’s “command center,” and it all begins with the layout that works best for you. To get started, check out this list of the most popular kitchen configurations to find your perfect fit. https://amanzigranite.com/choosing-the-right-kitchen-layout-for-you/

 

TAKE THE SHOT

BRACKETS ARE SET – TAKE THE SHOT! Every retail customer who contracts with us during March Madness 3/19 - 4/5 will be in our Amanzi Bracket and have A SHOT at winning the GRAND PRIZE ON MONDAY 4/8/2024.

(Ask YOUR ACCOUNT MANAGER FOR DETAILS.)

Out With The Old And In With The New!

Amanzi Marble & Granite 2024 Kickoff Sale

$224 Off Any Retail Project OR A New Kitchen Sink*

January 3 – February 29th
Use Code: Amanzi-3399

*Amanzi 50/50 Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink while quantities last

closed on Labor Day

Amanzi will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, September 4th.

Enjoy your holiday weekend.
We look forward to seeing you during regular business hours, Tuesday, September 5th – Friday September 8th.