The Granite Fireplace: A Contemporary Look

The heart of a living space, for homes that have them, is the fireplace. Providing both warmth and light, there is something about a fireplace that seems to brighten up the dreariest of days. The “hallmark” look fireplace has the old brick hearth with a wood log burning and an oversized mantle adorned with decorations, a look that's great for many old colonial homes and country design lovers. However, the brick and stone fireplace isn't always the contemporary designers delight. Today homeowners are choosing to install granite fireplaces and converting that old wood burner into a low maintenance gas burning fireplace.

Homeowners have been updating their kitchens with granite countertops because of the stones durability and beauty. Granite also helps add to the value of your home. Not only because of it's durability, but granite is also available in many colors and patterns, which makes it a great material for refacing your old fireplace with. There are many benefits to installing granite to reface your fireplace.

Some of the benefits of using granite are:

• It's durable- Hot objects such as pots or fryer won't burn or leave char marks on it. So when a spark might land on the hearth from the fire, it won't burn. It's also very hard to scratch granite. Granite is harder than knives and tongs, so you won't have to worry about damaging it.

• Easy to maintain- You only need to seal granite once a year in order to make sure it's properly protected. Once sealed, it's hard to take or scratch the sealant off of granite. Granite is often guaranteed to last a lifetime. The stone is also very easy to clean.

• Uniqueness- Each granite countertop slab is different from the rest. Though there are granite slabs of the same color, many vary in pattern, shading and veins. Your granite is unique just like your home. It looks great with both traditional and modern designs.

Whether you are refacing or installing a fireplace in your home, granite is a great stone to give your home an amazing look. Granite looks great in both traditional and modern design homes. You'll be pleased with the value, look and durability of your granite fireplace.

Finding The Right Kitchen Backsplash

Apart from the living room, the kitchen tends to be the area that people spend the most time in while home. Kitchen remodeling and updating adds to the beauty and value of your home. Some homeowners spend very large amounts of money designing their kitchens. From granite countertops and mosaic backsplashes, to high end appliances, finding the right fit for your kitchen is important.

Old laminate countertops are being replaced throughout kitchens everywhere with granite. Granite is a quality stone that is very functional for preparing meals, while providing homeowners with a beautiful look regardless if they have a modern or country kitchen design. Granite has many color choices and edge finishes to provide your kitchen with custom-look countertops. However, there are nearly as many backsplash options for your kitchen as there are countertops.

Whether you are looking for a simple, clean design or something more extravagant, there are many backsplash products to provide you with the look you're desiring. Tile, granite and glass tile backsplashes tend to be the most popular choices for kitchen backsplashes. Glass tile backsplashes have many different colors and patterns to offer. Regardless if you want a simple, elegant pattern or an extravagant mosaic design, glass tile backsplashes make creating your perfect backsplash possible.

If glass tile isn't exactly what you're looking for, you could continue the granite you've chosen for your countertops and create a uniformed look for the backsplash. If you've had your granite fix met, tile backsplashes provide a classic look; there are so many tile designs it can at times be overwhelming. Tile backsplashes are easy to install and maintain, while remaining affordable as well. There are many great backsplash alternatives to just paint, give your kitchen life and a unique design with a tile, granite or glass tile backsplash.