Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Is Granite Going Out Of Style?

Given the fact that trends, by definition, come and go, it only makes sense that granite will eventually lose its place as the must-have countertop material. And while granite countertops remain one of the most popular design features, some interior designers suggest we've reached the end of the granite countertop trend.

As far as countertops are concerned, granite is a material that wasn't widely used until the late 80s. However, it wasn't until the late 90s and early 2000s that it became the material of choice that it is today. With its near ubiquitous presence in kitchens across the country, granite is still one of the most popular countertop options you can choose; it's just not as in-demand as it once was.

There's lots to love about granite. It's durable, looks good, and is becoming more affordable. That being said, granite appears to have become a victim of its own popularity. Homeowners are individuals, and individuals like their homes to be a reflection of their personalities. For many, granite is just too mainstream. But there's another reason fewer homeowners are choosing it: in recent kitchen designs the countertop is less and less of a focal point and granite is almost impossible not to notice.  As we like to say, there can only be one star of the show, and in a kitchen it is usually the granite.  But if you are considering an elaborate custom backsplash design and a large island that looks like an ornate piece of furniture, a granite with a lot of movement may not be your best design choice.

There are lots of different options other than granite, the most popular choices being quartz, marble, even wood and concrete.  Today's kitchen styles are becoming more understated and neutral. Clean simple lines are the new buzzwords.  You'll find that homeowners are choosing countertops that seamlessly blend into the rest of the kitchen, rather than stand out.  A subtle quartz countertop harmonizes instead of competes with your apron- front farmhouse sink, untraditional light fixtures like chandeliers and pendants, and the new cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling.
 
If you're getting ready to remodel your kitchen you've likely given a lot of thought to what kind of countertops to go with. The fundamental question to ask yourself is who are you remodeling for? If you're remodeling for yourself and not planning on moving anytime soon, choose the materials that you like most. If that means granite, go with granite. However, if you're remodeling with an eye towards selling soon, we advise going with a more neutral option. You'll get the classy, upscale look you're going for, but not at the risk of alienating potential buyers who don't care for granite.

Did You Know
Enhance Floors & More will be moving soon?  We are thrilled to announce that we have signed the lease and that construction and build-out has begun on our new Design Center.  We hope to move into our location in East Cobb in late September.   We will be increasing the size of our showroom by over 2000 square feet and will be bringing in exciting new product lines including HGTV Home, Masland Carpets, and Hunter Douglas Window Fashions.  Look for us in the Restaurant Depot Shopping Center on Roswell Road adjacent to the 120 Loop in Marietta.

Click below to follow our progress on our Facebook page

Renovating Before The Holidays


Now that summer is coming to an end (school starts Monday in Cobb and Cherokee!), it is the prime time to start seriously thinking about those indoor renovations you have been wanting to tackle.  If you are playing host for the holidays, now is the time to get started in order to have everything done and perfect in time for the holiday season.

Upgrade Your Kitchen
Does your kitchen always seem cramped with people over for holiday get-togethers?  However you celebrate, the kitchen seems to always be at the heart of the season.  Maybe it's time to consider a mini or major makeover.  Start by assessing the things you would like changed.  Perhaps the addition of an island, new countertops, flooring and backsplash is all you need, or maybe some major construction will be involved.  Either way, you want your kitchen to be fully functional come holiday cooking time!


Finish the Basement
If you have been going back and forth about converting your basement into an extra living space, now is a good time to jump into that project.  You will be glad you tackled it.  Not only does it instantly expand your home's square footage, it can also act as a nice alternative to just a guest bedroom for relatives or friends staying overnight.  You can also turn part of it into a playroom for the younger guests to have a place of their own.  Set a budget and keep things simple.  For flooring, consider luxury vinyl or tile in your basement as these products are not as sensitive to higher moisture levels, and carpet for warmth and insulation.

Remodel the Guest Bedroom and Bathroom
A little remodeling can do wonders towards making your guests feel at home.  A new bathroom vanity and frameless glass shower enclosure are quick and easy upgrades.  A new glass shower door adds instant value to your home, and offers a sleek look that will make the bathroom appear larger.  Strip that dated old wallpaper and paint the walls.  You may also consider updating the bathroom floors and walls with new tile.  In the guest bedroom, is it time for a new mattress?  Do you need new window treatments?  Assess the carpet in your bedrooms.  We tend to update the rooms of our home that our guests see:  the family room, kitchen, and powder room, and ignore our bedrooms for years. 

Enhance Floors & More can help you get your home ready for the holidays.  Come by today and meet with a Design Consultant to begin the process.