Great interior design and remodeling consider the little details as well as the big picture. Pairing your kitchen countertops, cabinets, floors, and walls together makes a big impact on the overall appearance of the room, but it’s the little details that can make it perfect. Think about how the hardware, accessories, and finer touches in your kitchen complete the look.

In this blog, we’ll be taking your kitchen faucets as an example and looking at how to pair them well with your granite countertops.

Faucet colors and finishes

The color you choose for your faucets will depend largely on the color of your granite countertops and the style of your kitchen overall. Chrome and stainless-steel faucets are common in both kitchens and bathrooms, but a matte black faucet could pair strikingly with black granite and other dark-colored countertops. Brass and bronze can also go well with dark granite countertops depending on the style of your kitchen, while lighter metals like chrome and stainless steel could be ideal for lighter countertops.

Contrast or match

Complementing elements don’t have to match; they can equally contrast each other in a way that creates a cohesive image. For example, a dark-colored granite countertop could pair well with black faucets as part of the same color scheme, or you could contrast them with chrome or brass faucets, for example.

A great way to make this look cohesive is to pair the faucets with another element in the room, such as brass handles on your kitchen cabinets. Or you can match your faucets to the veining and patterns in your granite countertops. For example, black granite countertops could have flecks of gray and silver in them, which could pair well with chrome or stainless-steel faucets.

Faucet styles

You should also consider the style and proportions of your faucets in relation to the style of your kitchen and countertops. For example, the thickness of your countertops and the type of edge profile you’re choosing could determine whether you should look for slender and delicate faucets or bolder and chunkier faucets.

And think about the shape of your countertop edges when deciding between faucets with curves or more straight lines. Think about whether you prefer a modern style or a more traditional style kitchen and try to match these styles across the room.

If you’re looking for the right granite countertops or other granite features for your kitchen, then contact Amanzi Granite to find out more about our high-quality stone and professional installation services across Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville.

A water feature can really lift your garden aesthetically and even create a zen-like atmosphere; great for relaxing in your backyard during the day or on warm evenings. As a durable, weather-resistant, and attractive material, natural stone makes the perfect addition to your water features and their surrounding areas. Let’s look at some ideas for using natural stone in your outdoor water features and the best types of stone to use.

Ponds and rockeries

A pond is not only an attractive water feature, but it also encourages biodiversity by providing a natural home for insects, frogs and toads, and other local wildlife. Designing a rockery around your pond is a great look, and you can use pebbles inside your pond to create a shallower end that makes it easy for small wildlife to get in and out.

Stone-walled water features

If you’ve got young kids or pets, then safety around water features like pools and ponds is especially important. But fencing off your water feature doesn’t have to detract from its visual appeal. A low natural stone wall can add to decorative elements of the feature while still making it safer.

Water fountains

Water fountains can range from modest to grand, so there’s an idea for everyone’s budget and style. Granite, marble, limestone, and sandstone are all popular natural stone materials for buildings fountains, standing up to a range of weather conditions. Larger fountains may have a paved area around them, or you can surround your fountain with colorful flowers and plants. Water fountains of all sizes are also good for attracting birds to your garden.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls can be standalone features or incorporated into a pond. Natural stone can be arranged in a wide variety of ways to create a beautiful cascading feature, producing the relaxing sound of running water as well. Slabs of slate are a good option for waterfalls, as are larger rocks of various different types.

Stone paths leading to your water feature

If you want to make your water feature a focal point of your garden, then a great idea is to have a path leading up to it. This provides easy access as well as creating a natural flow around your garden to certain focal points, and stone paths can boast a range of stunning designs.

For marble, granite, and other types of quality natural stone to use in and around your outdoor water feature, contact Amanzi Granite to find out more about our stone as well as our design and installation services around Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville, NC.

Certain trends go in and out of style as the decades go by. And whether it’s fashion or interior design, retro or vintage styles are always popular. It may be a sense of nostalgia for previous generations, or the fact of looking back and admiring generations that you didn’t live through. Retro styles can add lots of character to a space, so let’s look at some simple yet interesting ways to add a touch of retro or vintage style to your home.

Pops of color

While modern style is often associated with minimalist, neutral, and often monochromatic color schemes, styles of the 60s and 70s especially certainly weren’t afraid to go bold with color. Adding splashes of bright greens, yellows, and oranges in your furniture or décor is a simple way to give a room a retro feel.

When it comes to your countertops, stone with natural flecks of color can add to that retro vibe and complement the splashes of color you’ve chosen without going overboard. Or you can opt for a backsplash in that same bold color to stand out while matching the rest of the room.

Patterns and textures

It’s not just color that takes center stage in retro design, but also exciting patterns and textures. Furniture covers, wallpapers, and floors can feature striking geometric patterns that really draw the eye. And there’s a mix of textures on display, from thick shag carpets to glossier finishes.

Retro floor styles

We’ve already mentioned shag carpets, a popular feature of retro living rooms and bedrooms especially. There was also a trend of colorful carpeting in bathrooms in the 70s, but this has fallen out of favor even in modern retro design due to practicality reasons. Another popular retro floor style is stone or porcelain tiles in bold, contrasting colors. For example, the classic black and white tile pattern that you might associate with 50s diners.

Dynamic furniture

Retro style can sometimes be less cohesive than modern interior design, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There isn’t always a single focal point to a room. Abstract and dynamic pieces of furniture in the same room could each stand out in their own way, perhaps with a different bold color or a slightly different style.

Retro accessories

If you want to go all out with the retro look, take a step back in time with electronics and accessories. Whether they’re just for show or you actually use them, you could add a retro record player or a traditional dialler telephone, for example. The artwork you choose for your walls can also add to the retro feel.

If you’re planning a retro-style kitchen or bathroom, then contact Amanzi Granite for your countertops, floors, and other natural stone features and accents, serving customers, homes, and businesses around Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville.

Rustic interior design can create a warm, natural atmosphere and a rugged look. It’s not as smooth and clean as other styles, but this adds a lot of character. Whether you’re designing an entirely rustic, country-style home or just want to add some character to your bathroom with a unique rustic style, we’ve got some tips to help you pull this off.

Wood features

Wood paneling, vanities, and other wood features give a nice natural look to your bathroom. Reclaimed wood and unfinished wood especially create a rugged, rustic appeal. Bear in mind the effect of moisture in the bathroom on wood features, however. Certain types of wood are better suited to the bathroom based on porosity, or a finish may be required to protect it. Alternatively, you can choose faux wood materials to produce a similar aesthetic without the risk of water damage.

Natural stone

Natural stone is a mainstay of rustic design, along with other natural materials such as wood. Again, reclaimed natural stone can add to the rusticity of it, or the finish you choose for your stone countertop can make a big difference. Rather than a polished finish, a honed or a brushed finish can look better in this kind of space. Alternatively, unfinished natural stone is an option. Exposed brick is also a great, rustic look if that’s an option.

Farmhouse sink

A farmhouse sink makes an attractive addition to a rustic bathroom. This kind of sink is typically set into the vanity with the front of it exposed. Alternatively, a rustic-style sink can sit on top of the vanity for a more exposed look. Additionally, a natural stone sink offers a more rustic alternative to the typical polished ceramic look.

Rustic accessories and storage

Now for some finishing touches. Small details like your shower curtain, artwork on the wall, and decorations on the windowsill can add to the country or farmhouse aesthetic. Then also think about your storage. Rather than a complete vanity, you could opt for an open space under the sink and bathroom countertop, and then place items such as wicker baskets or wooden crates in this space for storing your toiletries and bathroom accessories.

If you’re looking to add natural stone countertops, floors, walls, and other accents to your rustic bathroom, then contact Amanzi Granite for our quality stone and installation services around Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville.

We’re here to not only make your kitchen look great with high-quality granite countertops and other stylish natural stone features, but we also want to make sure that your kitchen is a functional space that comfortably serves its purpose. A big part of this is how much storage space you have for appliances, utensils, dishware, and food, which can especially be a challenge in smaller kitchens. If you’re looking for ways to streamline your kitchen and maximize on space, then read on for some of our kitchen storage tips and ideas.

Drawer dividers

Keep things organized and use your drawer space more efficiently by placing dividers or inserts into them to separate different items. These are commonly used for cutlery, with a different section for forks, knives, and spoons, but they can also be used for larger utensils and other items.

Lazy Susans and rolling shelves

There are storage tools to help you maximize the space in your cabinets, too, and that make it easier to access everything in there, even the stuff right at the back. A lazy Susan or a set of rolling shelves are a couple of accessories that will help you organize your kitchen cabinets better.

Hanging space

In cabinets with shelves (or shelves that are out in the open), you use the top of each shelf well but there is often space underneath each shelf that’s going to waste. You can place hooks or other kinds of hardware that allow you to hang things from underneath the shelf. Depending on how much space you have, mugs, glassware, utensils, and pots and pans are things that are suitable for hanging. A wall-mounted magnetic strip can also be used to safely hang knives and other metal utensils.

Shelf risers

Another way to maximize shelf space is by using shelf risers. These metal or plastic frames can have space underneath so you can easily store things on multiple levels, great for organization as well as efficiency.

Open kitchen island

Kitchen islands can take up a lot of valuable space in a small kitchen, but they can also add a great deal of storage, too. As well as cabinets, you can also install open storage on one or more sides of your island to create lots of storage space and create the impression of more space in a small kitchen.

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, then contact Amanzi Granite for quality stone and installation services for your granite or marble countertops. We provide services to homes and businesses around Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville.

Granite, marble, and other natural stone surfaces are an elegant way to boost the aesthetic appeal of your home, whether you’re looking for kitchen countertops, bathroom tiles, or stone floors for an outdoor patio. But natural stone isn’t just ideal for your home, but also for businesses looking to boost their curb appeal or give a more professional image, while also making a sustainable choice in materials.

At Amanzi Granite, we provide high-quality natural stone and professional installation and other services for commercial interiors and exteriors. Read on for some of the best ways you could use natural stone in your business.

Hotel lobbies

Think of that feeling of luxury you get when you step into a hotel lobby adorned with marble columns and polished stone floors. Natural stone can really elevate the aesthetics of your hotel, including smaller accents around the building and even in the rooms as well as larger pieces like stone floors and counters. Lobbies of office buildings, events spaces, and other commercial buildings can also utilize natural stone well.

Bars/restaurants/kitchens

Natural stone countertops and bar tops can go great in a range of settings that serve food and drink. And they can fit in with a wide range of styles – they’re not just for the luxurious commercial settings. Natural stone floors can also be a good choice for these types of businesses as they can withstand a lot of foot traffic and can be textured to provide a non-slippery floor.

Outdoor signs

If you have a large outdoor sign that welcomes people to your venue/business or directs people where to go, then it needs to be a material that can withstand a variety of weather conditions over time. Natural stone is a tough and durable option that also produces a great aesthetic to present your business in a good light.

Commercial landscaping

For commercial spaces and businesses with gardens or grounds, natural stone can be used as landscaping accents in a number of ways. Stone paths, water features, walls, stepping stones, outdoor seating, and various decorative options are just a few of the ways natural stone can lift the aesthetics of your outdoor commercial space.

Our services include cleaning, sealing, polishing, and honing your natural stone to keep everything looking in good condition and lasting for as long as possible. To find out more about our commercial services or to get a quote for your business, contact Amanzi Granite for expert services around Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville.

One of the great things about natural stone, and granite in particular, is the wide range of colors, shades, tones, and patterns it is available in. Each slab is unique, producing a great aesthetic in your kitchen, bathroom, or other parts of the home. So, when you’re choosing the style and color of your granite countertops, should you go darker or lighter? Let’s look at some of the differences and the pros and cons of each.

Dark granite countertops

Black granite countertops are extremely popular and produce a striking aesthetic. You can also find a range of dark grays and deep shades of colors like blue, green, and purple. Dark granite countertops can offer a sleek, elegant, and modern look for your kitchen or bathroom, with black countertops especially going well in monochromatic spaces. So, if you’re choosing light kitchen cabinets or light floors, then you may want to contrast this with darker countertops.

One benefit of choosing dark granite countertops is that they hide spills and stains better than lighter shades. This gives you a bit more flexibility when it comes to cleaning your countertops, and it can mean they stay looking great for longer even if they do pick up some stains over time.

Light granite countertops

White granite countertops are also popular choices in modern, monochromatic kitchens. Other popular granite colors are available in off-white, cream, light shades of gray, and lighter shades of more colorful hues. As we mentioned before, contrast can be key to an attractive aesthetic, so light granite countertops can be paired with darker kitchen cabinets or a dark backsplash, for example.

White or light-colored granites will show water spots more than darker colors, so you may find yourself having to wipe your surfaces more often to keep them looking sparkling clean. Light countertops can be a good choice in smaller kitchens or those that don’t receive much natural light, since the lighter colors can create the impression of light and space. Similarly, if you’re looking for a more earthy or even a beachy style to your space, then light granites can work perfectly, especially when paired with wood-finish cabinets or floors.

For expert installation and high-quality granite, come to Amanzi Granite for your kitchen and bathroom countertops around Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville. Get in touch to find out more about our stone and our services.

If you’re looking for something a little different from your kitchen remodel, then an industrial style kitchen could be a great option for you. Exposed pipes, wooden beams, metallic finishes, and other unique features can make for an attractive and interesting industrial space. If you’re considering this style for your kitchen, then read on for some tips and ideas to help inspire you.

High ceiling

Think of a large, airy factory space when planning the design and layout of your industrial kitchen. Lots of open space, so it suits rooms with high ceilings. Open ceilings and exposed beams are often incorporated to increase the height of the room, or at least the appearance of it.

Exposed elements

Speaking of exposed beams, the idea of having exposed elements is popular across the industrial style. It isn’t a priority to neatly hide away infrastructure such as pipes and cables. In fact, exposed metal pipes (particularly copper) lend extremely well to the aesthetic of the industrial style. Along the same lines, open shelving and storage are often used instead of closed cabinets. Exposed brickwork is another popular feature.

Industrial color schemes

The bright colors of copper pipes are typically offset by more muted and darker shades when it comes to the color palette of an industrial kitchen. Gray and black elements can be contrasted by soft neutral colors, with the monochrome effect being popular in this style. If you’re looking for more color, then darker shades of green and blue are a good choice. And add splashes of color with your kitchen appliances, such as bright kettles and toasters with a metallic finish.

Choosing your countertops

Stainless steel and other types of metal countertops are popular for industrial style kitchens, but a variety of natural stone countertops also work well in this environment. The industrial style commonly pairs manufactured materials like metal with natural materials such as brick, wood, and stone.

Granite and manmade quartz countertops are both good choices to complement the aesthetic of an industrial kitchen, particularly those without a polished finish. Unfinished stone countertops can add a rough and rugged appeal to your industrial kitchen, and reclaimed stone or granite remnants are another great choice as vintage elements are also popular.

For stylish and high-quality natural stone countertops to add to your industrial style kitchen, contact Amanzi Granite or visit us in our Kernersville showroom to see our stone up close.

Granite tiles and other types of natural stone tiles can make great floors for your kitchen and bathroom. They’re durable and aesthetically pleasing, making them worth the price. Another advantage of natural stone floors is that they are reasonably easy to clean and maintain. So, let’s look at some tips and advice on how to clean your granite floors and other natural stone floors.

Choosing cleaning products for natural stone floors

You don’t want to use any cleaning products that could potentially damage or weaken your stone floors. Just like your stone countertops, anything that is overly acidic can stain or etch your floors. It is best to look for products that are “neutral” rather than too acidic or too alkaline. Products that say they don’t leave behind a residue are also good choices. Cleaners that are specifically designed for natural stone floors could be your safest bet.

If you want to use homemade cleaners instead of store-bought ones, then avoid acidic ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, and ammonia. A mild dish soap mixed with warm water can do the trick in most instances, although you may need something stronger for more stubborn stains.

Sweep and vacuum regularly

Natural stone is a tough material, but it isn’t immune to scratches and dents. Sweeping and/or vacuuming regularly will keep your floor free of debris and small particles that could scratch the stone as people walk over it. A quick sweep every day is a simple task that could help to keep your floors in good condition.

Mopping stone floors

Next, use your chosen cleaning solution to mop your floors with warm water. Or you may just be able to spray your cleaner on the floor and clean the surface using a dry mop, depending on what kind of product you’re using. Make sure to get into those grout lines between the tiles as well. It’s a good idea to scrub the grout lines occasionally with a smaller cloth or tool to clean them deeper, preventing dirt and grime from building up too much.

Sealing stone floors

You can keep your natural stone floors in good condition for longer if you seal them to reduce their porosity and help to prevent staining and scratching. Have your stone floors sealed when you get them installed and then reseal them once a year or so to keep the sealant intact.

If you’re looking for quality granite or other types of natural stone for your floors, walls, or countertops, then contact Amanzi Granite to get a quote, or visit us in our Kernersville showroom to see our stone up close to help you decide.

Are you looking for more ways to do your bit for the planet at home? Small changes can add up to big differences if we all get involved, and one small way we might be making a negative impact on the environment is the cleaning choices we make. When it comes to cleaning your kitchen, let’s look at some ways you can make your habits more environmentally friendly.

Buying green cleaning products

The types of cleaning products you use in your kitchen can have the biggest impact here. Many store-bought cleaners contain toxic ingredients that get washed down your kitchen sink and into the water system and the environment. Check the packaging – here are a few ingredients to avoid when shopping for cleaning products:

• Bleach
• Ammonia
• Phosphates
• Triclosan (often found in antibacterial cleaning products)
• Phthalates

More “green” or “eco-friendly” cleaning products are now being developed and sold in stores, so look for these if you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact in the kitchen and other rooms of the house.

Make your own cleaners

By using homemade cleaners, you know exactly what ingredients are going into the products you use. And you’ve got the bonus of knowing that no immoral practices were used in creating or packaging your cleaners. When it comes to making your own kitchen cleaners, here are some ingredients that work well:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Lemon juice
• Borax
• Olive oil

Just remember that acidic ingredients like vinegar and lemon juice shouldn’t be used on natural stone surfaces such as granite countertops, floors, and kitchen islands.

Reusable cleaning materials

Materials like paper towels and antibacterial wipes simply get thrown away after each use, which adds up to a lot of waste. Wipes in particular can be bad for the environment because they are creating plastic waste. Sponges and cloths are a better option, but even some of these need throwing away and replacing fairly regularly as they get used up and dirty.

The best option is a cloth that you can wash and reuse over and over again, one that won’t degrade easily as you wash it. Microfiber cloths are a good choice for this. Or you can look for bamboo paper towels that are more eco-friendly to produce. You can even recycle your own belongings and reuse them as cleaning cloths, such as an old t-shirt or pair of socks that you were about to throw out.

Rely less on air fresheners

Aerosol sprays have a negative impact on the atmosphere, often contributing to greenhouse gases. Plus, their packaging isn’t particularly easy to recycle. Try using natural ingredients to scent or deodorize your home, such as potpourri, essential oils, coffee grounds, or vinegar and baking soda. Also, opening your windows regularly will let some air in and help to keep your home smelling fresh.

Natural stone floors and countertops are a sustainable choice since they’re made of natural materials and are long-lasting, plus they’re nice and easy to clean. Contact Amanzi Granite to find out more about our kitchen countertops.