Countertops

Apr 29 2025

Marble or Granite? How To Make The Right Choice Based On Your Home

When it comes to natural stone countertops, there are two champions that stand out among all the other choices. On one hand, you have granite. Granite countertops are the most popular type of natural stone countertops, renowned for their durability.

On the other hand, you have marble. Famed the world over for its beauty, marble has a bit of a reputation as a sensitive stone– but the oldest marble building in the world is over 22,00 years old and still standing. Which of these heavyweights will win the battle for your home? That all depends on what you need!

You see, while both marble and granite are excellent choices, the way they function as countertops is quite different – so when you understand what they can do, you’ll know which one is the winner you’ll pick.

Understanding The Unique Qualities Of Marble

Marble is prized for its timeless elegance and distinctive veining. This natural stone has been used for centuries to create luxurious interiors, and its smooth, polished surface continues to appeal to homeowners seeking a refined aesthetic. Available in a range of colors, from crisp whites to rich grays, marble adds a sophisticated, classical vibe to kitchens, bathrooms, and other living spaces.

While marble is undeniably beautiful, it requires regular care to maintain its appearance. It is a softer, more porous stone compared to granite, making it susceptible to staining and etching if not properly sealed. Spills from acidic substances like wine or citrus can cause surface damage if left unattended. With routine maintenance and mindful use, marble remains a stunning choice that adds character and value to any home.

The Strength And Versatility Of Granite

Granite offers durability and a wide variety of design options, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas. Granite is one of the hardest natural stones available, providing excellent resistance to scratches and heat. This durability makes it particularly well-suited for kitchens, where countertops must withstand daily wear and exposure to hot cookware.

While many people are familiar with the rich blend of colors that comes from granite’s speckles and freckles, granite comes in all kinds of colors and patterns. From bold, dramatic hues to soft, neutral tones, there is a granite slab to complement any design style. Each piece of granite is unique, allowing you to incorporate a one-of-a-kind feature into your living space. With proper sealing, granite resists moisture and stains, ensuring lasting beauty and performance.

Choosing Based On Your Lifestyle

When deciding between marble and granite, it is essential to consider how you use your space. Each material offers advantages depending on your household’s needs and habits.

For those who prioritize elegance and do not mind regular upkeep, marble offers a refined appearance that enhances formal spaces. It works especially well in areas where it will receive light, careful use, such as bathroom vanities or decorative kitchen islands. Homeowners who are passionate about cooking or have busy households may find granite to be a more practical choice. Its durability and resistance to damage make it ideal for kitchens that see frequent activity.

Your lifestyle should guide your decision. A home where entertaining is frequent might benefit from the strength of granite, while a quieter setting may allow the beauty of marble to shine without worry about daily wear. Selecting the right stone involves balancing your personal preferences with practical considerations to ensure your home remains both beautiful and functional.

So, are you ready to go with granite, or maybe marble? Whether you already know or you want more information, we can help. Contact KG Stevens today for a free consultation and let our experts help you choose the perfect countertop to match your lifestyle and design vision!

Apr 14 2025

Quartz Countertops and Universal Design: Accessible and Beautiful Options for All

When you’re considering your kitchen countertop choices, there’s a lot to think about. There are the obvious elements like durability, looks, and how a particular stone will function within the rest of your kitchen. But there are lifestyle considerations, too.

For example, if you have a busy family with children, quartz countertops are often ideal thanks to how easy they are to keep clean. But that’s not the only lifestyle where quartz countertops can make life just a bit easier. Today, let’s talk about a design feature that doesn’t always come up in initial countertop consultations, but is extremely important: universal design.

What Is Universal Design?

Universal design focuses on creating environments that are usable by everyone, regardless of age, mobility, or ability. In the home, this approach ensures that living spaces remain accessible and convenient over time. As physical needs evolve, whether due to aging, injury, or disability, it becomes essential to have a kitchen that supports ease of use without sacrificing style.

Aging in place, the concept of staying in your home as you grow older, is a key consideration in universal design. Features like lower countertops, easy-to-clean surfaces, and ample workspace help people maintain independence and comfort.

By incorporating universal design principles, homeowners can future-proof their kitchens while ensuring they remain inviting and practical for all family members and guests.

Why Quartz Countertops Enhance Accessible Kitchens

Quartz countertops are an excellent choice for accessible kitchens due to their durability and low-maintenance nature. Engineered from natural quartz crystals and resin, these countertops resist scratches, stains, and heat, making them ideal for everyday use. Their smooth, non-porous surface is easy to clean, reducing the effort required for maintenance, which is an important feature for those with limited mobility or strength.

In an accessible kitchen, ease of use is another primary concern. Quartz countertops can be customized to various heights, allowing for seated or standing workspaces. Lowered sections provide a comfortable surface for wheelchair users, while rounded edge profiles can prevent accidental injury. These thoughtful adjustments ensure the kitchen remains both functional and safe without compromising the sleek, modern appearance that quartz delivers.

Style And Customization Options For Every Home

Beyond functionality, quartz countertops offer a wide range of design possibilities. Available in an array of colors, patterns, and finishes, quartz can complement any kitchen style, from contemporary to traditional. Whether you prefer a polished, glossy finish or a more subtle matte surface, quartz allows for customization that reflects your personal taste.

For those integrating universal design, choosing a countertop with a contrasting edge color can improve visibility for people with low vision. Light-reflective surfaces can also enhance overall brightness, making the kitchen easier to navigate. With quartz, homeowners do not need to sacrifice beauty to achieve an accessible design. Instead, they can enjoy a surface that enhances the overall aesthetic while meeting practical needs.

Long-Lasting Value And Peace Of Mind

Investing in quartz countertops provides long-term value for any home. Their durability ensures they withstand the demands of a busy kitchen while maintaining their polished appearance for years to come. By choosing quartz countertops and incorporating universal design principles, you create a kitchen that is both welcoming and adaptable– and if that sounds like your next home upgrade, we’re here to help. Reach out to KG Stevens today for a free quote and consultation for your accessible countertop project!

Mar 31 2025

Best Countertops for Entertaining: Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island

A kitchen island can be the heart of a home, especially for those who love to entertain. It serves as a gathering place, a food prep station, and a stylish focal point that brings everything together. Choosing the right countertop is essential to ensure durability, elegance, and practicality. Stone surfaces stand out as the best choice, offering beauty and longevity while enhancing the overall function of the space.

Granite: Timeless Beauty and Strength

Granite remains a top contender for homeowners who want a balance of luxury and resilience. Each slab is unique, offering natural variations in color and veining that add character to any kitchen. Beyond aesthetics, granite is highly resistant to heat, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently cook or serve hot dishes. With proper sealing, it stands up well to spills, stains, and everyday wear, ensuring that the island maintains its striking appearance for years.

Quartz: Low Maintenance With High Impact

For those who prioritize easy upkeep, quartz offers an excellent alternative to natural stone. Engineered from crushed stone and resin, quartz provides a non-porous surface that resists stains, scratches, and bacteria. This makes it particularly well-suited for entertaining, as spills from wine, coffee, or sauces can be wiped away without worry. Available in a vast range of colors and patterns, quartz can mimic the look of natural stone while offering consistency in design. Its durability and lack of required sealing make it a favorite for busy households.

Marble: Sophistication With a Unique Touch

Marble has long been associated with elegance, making it a stunning choice for those who want to elevate their kitchen island. Its natural veining creates a one-of-a-kind look that adds a sense of refinement. While marble requires more maintenance than other stone options, regular sealing helps protect against stains and etching. Many homeowners embrace the way marble develops a patina over time, seeing it as a testament to years of shared meals and celebrations. For those who love to bake, its naturally cool surface is ideal for rolling out dough or working with delicate pastries.

Quartzite: The Best of Both Worlds

Quartzite combines the durability of granite with the luxurious appearance of marble, making it an excellent option for entertainers who want the best of both. Unlike quartz, which is engineered, quartzite is a natural stone formed from sandstone and heat. It offers high resistance to heat and scratches, and when sealed properly, it holds up well against stains. The intricate patterns and natural colors of quartzite bring depth and character to a kitchen, making it an eye-catching choice for an island that will see frequent use.

Maximizing Functionality for Entertaining

The right stone countertop is just one piece of designing a kitchen island that works well for hosting. Size and shape matter, as an island should provide enough space for guests to gather without disrupting the flow of the room. A waterfall edge, where the countertop extends down the sides, can create a striking visual effect while protecting against scuffs and spills. Choosing a finish also plays a role. Polished surfaces reflect light and add a glossy touch, and honed or leathered finishes offer a more subtle, textured appearance that can hide fingerprints and smudges.

Creating a Space That Invites Conversation

A well-designed kitchen island encourages interaction. Whether it’s a casual brunch with friends or an evening of cocktails and appetizers, a thoughtfully chosen countertop enhances the experience. Durable stone surfaces withstand years of use, providing a reliable workspace that remains as beautiful as the day it was installed. With the right material, an island can serve as a place for meal prep, serving, and gathering, all while adding value to the home. And if you’re ready to invite a new kitchen island into your home, KG Stevens has the stone selection and expertise you need. Reach out today for a free quote for your kitchen island!

Mar 13 2025

7 Benefits of Choosing Marble Countertops for Your Bathroom

Close your eyes and envision the ultimate bathroom, the most spa-like, luxurious bathroom you can possibly imagine. What does it look like? We’re betting that no matter what your idea of a luxury bathroom looks like, marble is involved.

Marble’s timeless beauty, combined with practical benefits, makes it an excellent investment for homeowners looking to enhance both style and functionality. Whether used in a master bath, powder room, or guest suite, marble creates a refined atmosphere that stands the test of time.

1. Timeless Aesthetic Appeal

It’s hard to find materials that offer the same level of sophistication as marble. Its natural veining and soft color variations add depth and character, ensuring no two slabs are exactly alike. Whether opting for a classic white surface or a more dramatic shade, marble instantly elevates the look of any bathroom. Unlike trendy materials that may go out of style, marble remains a symbol of elegance, making it a lasting addition to any home.

2. Enhancing Natural Light

The reflective quality of marble brightens a bathroom by amplifying both natural and artificial light. This makes smaller bathrooms feel more open and airy while adding a luminous quality to larger spaces. Polished marble enhances this effect, giving the entire room a soft glow. This natural brightness contributes to a fresh and inviting atmosphere, ideal for creating a spa-like retreat at home.

3. Durability for Daily Use

Marble doesn’t just look good– it’s an excellent performer as well. It offers long-lasting durability when properly maintained. As a naturally strong stone, it withstands the demands of a busy bathroom while maintaining its beauty over time. Regular sealing helps protect the surface from moisture and stains, ensuring it remains in excellent condition for years to come. With the right care, marble countertops age gracefully, developing a unique patina that enhances their character.

4. Increased Home Value

Investing in marble countertops can enhance a home’s overall value. Buyers recognize the appeal of natural stone, especially in key spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. A well-designed bathroom featuring marble countertops adds a sense of luxury that can make a property more desirable.

5. A Cool and Comfortable Surface

One of marble’s natural properties is its ability to stay cool, making it ideal for bathroom settings. Whether applying makeup, styling hair, or simply washing up, a marble countertop provides a refreshing surface that remains comfortable to the touch. This cooling effect is particularly beneficial in warmer climates, offering a practical and pleasant experience for daily routines.

6. Versatile Design Options

Marble looks great with a wide range of design styles, from classic and traditional to sleek and contemporary. Its neutral tones work well with various cabinetry finishes, fixtures, and tile selections, allowing for endless design possibilities. Whether creating a bold statement with a dramatic marble pattern or opting for a softer, understated look, this stone adapts beautifully to different aesthetics.

7. A Luxurious, Spa-Like Atmosphere

Few materials contribute to a spa-like environment as effortlessly as marble. Its smooth surface, natural patterns, and refined appearance create a relaxing retreat within the home. When paired with elegant fixtures, soft lighting, and high-end finishes, marble countertops transform a bathroom into a space that feels indulgent and serene.

Upgrade Your Bathroom With Marble

Think back to that luxury bathroom from the beginning. Now think about your bathroom at home. Wouldn’t it be nice if your bathroom felt like that? With the right upgrades, your bathroom can be a center of tranquility and zen in your own home– and it starts with the right furnishings.

If you’re ready to take your bathroom to the next level, we’re here for you. Contact KG Stevens today to find out more about bringing marble countertops into your bathroom and to get a free quote for your countertop project!

Feb 28 2025

Quartzite Countertops in Modern Kitchens: A Natural Fit

Today’s homeowners want their kitchens to look and function equally well. Every design choice is an opportunity to enhance both aesthetics and performance, and choosing the right kind of countertop is a really important part of that process.

Among the many countertop options available, quartzite stands out as a natural stone that brings timeless beauty and remarkable durability to contemporary spaces. Its combination of visual appeal and strength makes it a sought-after material for homeowners looking to elevate their kitchens and builders wanting to add extra appeal to their project.

Natural Beauty Meets Modern Design

Quartzite countertops offer a distinctive appearance that complements modern kitchen designs. Formed from natural sandstone and transformed by heat and pressure, quartzite displays unique veining patterns and subtle color variations.

These features give each slab its own character, adding a sense of elegance to the kitchen. Light, neutral tones such as white, gray, and beige fit seamlessly into modern aesthetics, while bolder hues can create striking focal points.

Polished finishes enhance quartzite’s natural luster, making the surface reflective and bright. This quality can contribute to a sense of openness in kitchens, especially when paired with sleek cabinetry and clean lines. Whether used for countertops, islands, or backsplashes, quartzite’s visual appeal makes a lasting impression.

Durability for Daily Use

In busy kitchens, durability is just as important as appearance. Quartzite provides exceptional strength, making it well-suited for areas that experience heavy use. Resistant to scratches and heat, the stone holds up against common kitchen tasks like cutting and placing hot cookware on the surface– although you should still always use hot pads or trivets.

This durability helps quartzite countertops maintain their appearance over time, even in high-traffic households.

While quartzite is naturally dense, proper sealing enhances its resistance to stains and moisture. Routine care ensures that the surface remains protected, allowing homeowners to enjoy both beauty and functionality without excessive maintenance. The combination of strength and longevity makes quartzite a practical choice for modern kitchens.

Versatility in Kitchen Designs

Quartzite’s versatility allows it to complement a wide range of kitchen styles. Its subtle patterns suit minimalist designs, while more pronounced veining pairs well with bold, contemporary looks. The stone’s neutral tones blend with various color palettes, making it easy to coordinate with cabinetry, flooring, and other design elements.

Waterfall islands, full-height backsplashes, and custom edge profiles highlight quartzite’s adaptability in modern kitchens. Whether creating a streamlined look or adding contrast to the space, quartzite serves as both a functional surface and a design feature. Its ability to enhance different styles makes it a flexible option for kitchens of all sizes.

A Long-Term Investment

Choosing quartzite countertops represents an investment in both beauty and durability. The stone’s long lifespan can offset the initial cost, offering lasting value for homeowners. With proper care, quartzite maintains its appearance for years, making it a reliable surface for everyday use.

In addition to its practical benefits, quartzite adds a sense of luxury to the kitchen. The natural variations in each slab create a one-of-a-kind surface that enhances the overall aesthetic of the space. This combination of performance and elegance makes quartzite a fitting choice for modern kitchens.

Here at KG Stevens, our team is ready to guide you through the selection and installation process to bring your vision to life. Discover how quartzite can elevate your modern kitchen when you contact us today for a free quote!

Marble or Granite? How To Make The Right Choice Based On Your Home