Color Picks for Spring 2016

Here are my picks for Spring 2016.  Soft and muted hues are sure to brighten your space.  They can be used in any combination, and come from the Sherwin Williams "Vintage Chic" collection paint colors.  This collection includes: 

• Sea Salt, SW6204, a soft green 
• Alabaster, SW7008, an off white
• Ponder, SW7079, from the purple family
• Ancient Marble, another green

The rest of the collection is an great spring inspired pallet that coordinates well together in part or in full.

SW6204 Sea Salt

SW7008 Alabaster

SW7079 Ponder

SW6162 Ancient Marble

5 Spring Decor Idea's

Spring is coming,  and it is time to start dusting off the glue gun and get your spring decor on. Here is a collection of some of my favorite spring interiors with links to products and D-I-Y's for obtaining the same looks in your own home. One of the things I love most about Spring, is how easy it is to decorate for.  

ComfyDwelling.com

I am in love with these soft blue vases with pink tulips. Tulips are a spring essential, and I love how they look.  They add color, and brighten up a space.  Tulips are also available in a wide variety of colors, so you have quite a few options to coordinate with your space.  Yellow, white, pink, even orange, purple, or red.  You can mix and match colors or go with all the same colors.  

Now to create this look.  I found similar vases here, here,  and here. You can purchase tulips at your local grocery store.  I don't recommend buying flowers online, but if you must, you can find them here.  This is a quick and simple arrangement that can be done on a mantle, hearth, entry table, or anywhere else in the house.  This is a low skill project that doesn't require any special equipment (like that glue gun!)  Just a few simple notes: I typically like doing these arrangements in odd numbers, three or five vases, etc. Also, you don't have to fill all the vases with flowers. Note how this arrangement has two of the four vases filled with flowers.

ComfyDweling.com

This next image, much like the first one, is easy and obtainable in many areas of your home.  From the mantle to the entry table, even the front porch.  This vignette features a few items: 

• Old window frame, or this message board
• Chalkboard
• Tulips and greenery
• Tin Planter
• Burlap Table Runner
• And don't forget the cute bunny. 

This vignette is easy to make look great. Notice again, there are three vases, (I love them in odd numbers!).  Two one one side, and one on the other.  The bunny helps even out the vignette with the centered greenery in a tin planter, the chalk board, and the antique window. 

Dreamy Whites

This lovely table setting is perfect for Spring. The white ceramics are beautiful, and the lilac's are even better. Here are some of the items you will need to duplicate this space:

• Enamel Pitcher
• Lilac's  
• Antique Lavender Bottles
• Mason Jars

This table setting is very easy to duplicate. I have always believed that when you don't force a table setting, it looks natural. Less can definitely be more, and don't try to force it.  If you notice this setting, there is room to breathe.  There isn't so much on the table that you can still actually see the table.  Fill those mason jars with lemon aid, and your ready for a Sunday Spring Brunch.  Add some macaroons or petite fours, and your golden!

FrugalHomeMaker.com

Now for the DIY's. 

One spring item that I love, is this amazing DIY tulip wreath that is not only easy to put together, but inexpensive, and will brighten up and liven up your front door.  Some of the item's you will need for this tutorial are: 

• Grapevine Wreathe
• Silk Tulips
• Burlap Bow  

Follow along with the tutorial, and you will have a great wreathe to grace the front door and welcome your guests.  (Including the Easter Bunny!)  If you don't want to use only tulips, then shop around Michael's or Hobby Lobby and find a spring assortment that will make you happy. Hydrangeas, lilac's, lilies, any spring bloom will look great. 

This next DIY is fabulous. It includes Mason Jars.  How can you go wrong with Mason Jars? Painted Mason Jars are a big trend right now.  Forth this DIY, you will need the following: 

• Mason Jars
• Acrylic Craft Paint
• Hydrangeas
• Paint Brushes
• Free Printables

Now, be sure to follow along the tutorial.  This tutorial has you paint the interior of the mason jar, but you can also paint the exterior and sand some areas for a more shabby chic distressed look. If you go that route, I would recommend Chalk Paint. 

Happy Spring and Happy Decorating!

6 Gorgeous Fall Porches

The air is getting cooler, and the pumpkin spice latte's are plentiful.  So what does that mean for your house? Whether you are decorating for Halloween, or fall in general, here are some absolutely gorgeous porches to get you inspired.

Simple with a splasg of color.
By Seaside Interiors

Lovely vignette,simple and clean.
By ComfyDwelling.com

Another chic vignette
By ComfyDwelling.com

Simply Elegant 

Lovely seating area
By ComfyDwelling.com

Eclectic Fall Decor
by EASYdesigns

10 Freestanding Tub Installations to Envy

Today, freestanding tubs are gaining in popularity. There should be no question as to why! They are beautiful, elegant, and can fit into nearly any design. Unfortunately, many people underestimate the cost of a free standing tub. When planning on these beautiful feature pieces, be sure to do your research before budgeting for one of these truly luxurious tubs.

Freestanding tubs can range anywhere from $3,000 - $10,000 depending on the size features and materials.  Why so pricey?  Well, for starters, they have a much higher finished surface area. Instead of just being finished inside, they are finished on the outside of the tub too. Freestanding tubs also require specialty plumbing fixtures, or fillers, that range from $1,000 to approximately $5,000, again depending on features design and finish. With that being said, here are 10 installations that are definitely drool-worthy!



Design by Sam Allen Custom Home Design 

Design by Deirdre Doherty Interior Design

Design by Bristol Design and Construction LLC

Design by Shannon Callaghan Interior Design

Design by Lizette Marie Interior Design

Design by D'Cruz Design Group

Design by ALTUS Architecture + Design

Designer Unknown, Please contact for proper credit.

Design by Timothy A. Cook Designs

Design by Saint Dizier Design

Trends 2015 : Kitchen

I woke up this morning thinking of the new trends in kitchens today.  There are so many beautiful and amazing products out there, and a mesh of styles that is harmony in design.  I decided to write this post.  Putting forward this mesh of Industrial Design with a Luxe Transitional feel.

So lets start talking about these products.  The new kitchen trends are leaning more toward these grey/beige/green tones, which is exactly what Benjamin Moore's Antique Jade is.  Want less green?  Then look no further than Halo, a perfect mix of grey and beige.  These soft colors are a great way to add warmth, and also brighten up a space.

For this kitchen mood board, I decided to take the Crystal Cabinetry Downing Way Raised Panel cabinet door, painted with Benjamin Moore's Halo. This is a great "Transitional" styled door, featuring clean lines, a slab drawer front, and a simple raised center panel.  Current cabinet trends include off white cabinets that ditch the glaze.  A crisp and clean look that isn't so stark and institutional.    The flat slab drawer head allows for an easier to clean design, which many home owners are looking for.  It also lends itself to a more decorative cabinet pull, which will add interest to the space.

For cabinet hardware, I am loving the Charlie Collection by Alno Inc.  The coloring I have chosen is Polished Nickel.  This color add's that little bit of Luxe to the space.  Chrome is too cold.  Polished Nickel is rich, luxurious, and warmer than chrome.  A major player in plumbing fixtures and hardware these days.  This specific cup pull is absolutely gorgeous.  It's simple design with just a little frill at the edges.

The knob is not too shabby either.  They have back plates for these knobs as well, for the more traditional installation.  These knobs, again, super simple, with just a little bit of detail on the edge.

This collection is available in many finishes, so even if you don't love Polished Nickel as much as me, you will still be able to find a color that you do love.  Some of the finishes include Brushed Nickel and Rubbed Bronze, which are two of the most common kitchen hardware finishes today.

For the faucet and sink, I have chosen a more Industrial looking faucet, with the beauty and traditional styling of a bridge faucet.  The Artesso faucet by Brizo. This faucet, also available in Polished Nickel and other popular fixture finishes, is an industrial take on a traditional style.  It features a side pull out spray, and a beautiful bridge design.  The Artesso family also features a standard Pull Down faucet with or without SmartTouch Technology, a prep/bar size faucet, and a matching soap dispenser.  Brizo has also launched a brand new style of faucet in this family.  Their Articulating Artesso Faucet, which is a unique and fully adjustable faucet.  I am still waiting to see what consumers think about this faucet.  I like the idea and the design, but not sure how it will work out in the real world.

When this faucet is paired with the Rohl Fireclay Apron Sink, you have the link between classic designs and modern industrial styles.  It is blended perfectly and looks absolutely stunning.

Tiling this design element is the best part.  Since everything is so simple, I wanted to bring in that intricate design through the hard surfaces, like a tile splash and the tile flooring.    The Walker Zanger Sterling Row Chesterfield in Linen Mosaic Tile is a heavy use tile suitable for flooring installation including heavy traffic and exterior surfaces, so it is a perfect material for the back splash in this kitchen, but can double as a splash and flooring tile.

I love the laser cut design, which creates that luxurious look bringing in textures and patterns.  The darker tiles in this design feature a wood look which brings in more warmth and supplements the missing texture from the painted cabinets.

Finally, this industrial styled light by Moda Lighting adds a second metal finish.  The Edison style bulb also adds to that industrial style, tying back to the faucet.  Many designers don't like mixing metal finishes, but like jewelry, mixing metal finishes in a room has become a new trend, and I hope this trend never goes away.

The many styles in this room, luxe, transitional, industrial, traditional, contemporary.  There is not specific style, but it all blends together seamlessly creating the kitchen that is today.  It is a mix on a classic, and hopefully will be around a long time.  Luxurious and timeless elements mixed with industrial elements.  I love it, and love creating it in people's homes.

5 Ways to Update your Kitchen on a Budget

So your looking for ways to update your kitchen, but you don't have the cash to spend.  I am always looking for a bargain, so I have a few tricks up my sleeve that will help you out.  First of all, budget is important.  Seems to be more so now than ever, people are trying to get the biggest bang for their buck, mostly because they don't have a lot of extra bucks to spend in the first place.  So when it comes to updating your kitchen, a full remodel isn't the best way to go.  

First, we all know a full blown kitchen remodel is on average 10% the value of your home.  If your house is worth $300,000, your talking $30,000 just for a kitchen remodel.  Who has that kind of cash laying around?  And it's certainly not "Budget". 

So what about Refacing?  After my years with Home Depot in their Kitchen and Bath Department, I will honestly tell you that Refacing is never a budget choice.  Going back to that $30,000 remodel, $10,000 of that is for cabinets, your probably going to spend that much, if not more, for refacing.  I can't tell you how many times I had customers choose to do a full blown remodel over refacing because it was actually cheaper, and they could change the layout issues they were having.  

So what's a budget fix then?  Obviously Replacing and refacing isn't a good budget option, so now what do you do?  I have several tricks up my sleeve that can spruce up your kitchen, all for less than $1000!  That's right, five different options to update a kitchen for less than a grand.  Even if you put it on a credit card, it's easy enough to pay off in a year.  

1. Refinishing:  Now obviously, for less than $1000, your not going to be able to have an artisan come in and paint your cabinets.  But you can do it yourself.  I painted all of my cabinets myself, with some help from the Mother in Law, for less than $200!  It took some time, patience, and reading a lot of instructions, but my kitchen looks amazing.  I have referred the products to more customers than I can even count, and have never had a negative bit of feedback.  The product I used, and highly recommend, is the Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformation's Kit, available and most major home improvement stores for about $80/box, or 10 linear feet.  I used two boxes in my kitchen, and still have enough to do my bathrooms.
2.  New Hardware: New hinges, handles and pulls are a great way to update a kitchen with minimal out of pocket expense.  Getting rid of old brass colored hinges will instantly update your kitchen.  Even if you don't know how to route out your cabinets for concealed hinges, you can always go with a chrome or brushed nickel version of what you already have.  I replaced all the hinges in my kitchen for less than $25.  I only have 6 drawers, so I splurged on my drawer pulls, at about $6 each, but got less expensive door knobs, at about $2 each.  So for all new hinges, knobs and pulls, I spent about $100.  Check out Liberty Hardware, manufacturer of knobs, pulls, and hinges.
3.  New Flooring: Flooring isn't nearly as expensive as most people think, especially if you do the labor yourself.  Allure Ultra is a water proof flooring material that cost about $3/square foot, and is super easy to install yourself.  It's a click-lock material designed for the DIYer.  Available through Home Depot, there are some great wood look materials and some nice tile looks.  You can also get nice quality porcelain tile for around the same cost.  Rent a tile saw to keep your prices down.  Personally, I put laminate in my kitchen.  Not nearly as water resistant, but I wanted the same flooring throughout my house.  My flooring was actually only $2/foot at Home Depot, plus the underlayment required for slab foundations.  Total, was still less than $3/foot.
4.  Fresh Paint: The quickest way to update any space in your home is always going to be paint.  A quick and easy coat of paint can be an easy weekend job.  Just be sure to do the prep work.  Painting over a poorly prepped space is just asking for trouble.  Prime if needed, and texture over any areas that need it. We actually had someone come in and re texture the splash area to remove the floral wall paper.  It was the fastest way to get my kitchen out of the 1980's.  Including new spray texture, we spent about $1000 on this project.
5. Ditch the Fluorescent Lights: When trying to update your kitchen, another great way to update is to remove that ugly fluorescent light box so many of us have.  Swap it out for recessed cans.  We have a friend who is an electrician, and did the work for us fairly inexpensively.  We got five can's and with his labor probably spent about $700.  This project did have to be done with the texture and painting, so keep that in mind.  

Metallic Leather

Custom Brushed Metallic Beaver Meadow Brown Leather

on Chairs at the Langham Hotel in Atlanta, GA

Designed by Johnson Studio

Metallic's are a lot of fun, and a great way to bring in some extra texture into any space.  Sometimes they can be a little scary, and easy to overdo, but still fun.  I was surfing Pinterest not too long ago, and found some products that I have since fallen in love with.  The company in question is Townsend Leather, and their product line is absolutely stunning.  They specialize in all kinds of leather, but have a great collection of metallic finished leathers for interior design and fashion.  Their collection of embossed leather features several different metallic and foil finishes, that lets just say, I was rather excited to order some samples.  

Razzle Dazzle Cowhide (RD)

Color: Silver

Pattern: La Scala Damask

Number: L-RD-1875-LAS

The first piece that caught my eye was the Razzle Dazzle Cowhide in La Scala Damask Silver.  I could see this textured and shiny leather featured on throw pillows, or even an upholstered headboard!  This particular design is not recommended for heavy use areas like seating, but great for accents or vertical applications, as the metallic foil can wear. 

The physical sample is just as beautiful as the photo, and the textured detail is absolutely stunning.  No trick photography here, it looks great, even at a distance.  I often worry about some of these textured materials because when entering a room they can often take two or three glances to actually get what's going on, but not this one.  

Fab Foils Embossed Cowhide (EFAB)

Color: Silver

Pattern: Ostrich

Number: L-EFAB-1875-LAS

One of the other leathers that instantly caught my eye was the Fab Foils Embossed Silver Ostrich on Cowhide.  This highly metallic leather sample took my breath away right out of the envelope. It almost looks like a piece of foil, so shiny and bright.  I already have a few projects I could use this for.  Like the Razzle Dazzle Cowhide, this color is not recommended for heavy use areas like seating, but great for accents or vertical applications.

I could see this more in fashion, like on a purse, or shoes, not so much furniture, however I could also see it utilized in some holiday decor, such as combined with blue and silver themed Christmas decor, as accent and accessories. 

Brushed Metallic Cowhide
Old Penny BM-8357

Looking for something that can be used in upholstery?  This chair is a great example of why I am now loving metallic leathers.  This chair is done in the Brushed Metallic Cowhide in the color Old Penny.  It has that subtle sheen that you would expect on say, and old penny, and it is sure to be an eye catcher when walking into a room.  I love it!  I really want a giant overstuffed leather chair in this color, in the corner of my bedroom to curl up with the Kindle, or write a blog post or two.  

This particular leather is Hand Rubbed to accentuate the metallic finish and the leathers own natural characteristics to create that patina that looks like the chair is your favorite.  

Townsend Leather also has some interesting textured metallics that can be used in upholstery.  The Aniline Gaufrage Cowhide pictured below is a breathtakingly luxe leather that looks fantastic on these chairs.  This photo below is the reason I wanted to write this post.  I love this transitional luxe vignette is exactly the kind of room I love creating, and can't wait to partner with Townsend Leather in creating these unique pieces.   Want more?  Check out the rest of my blog.  You can also find Townsend Leather on Pinterest. 

Aniline Gaufrage Pewter Mosaic
GFA-6221-MS

Fall Tablescapes and How to Create Them

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so what could possibly be a better post, than setting that amazing feast table?

So, let me tell you a little about me, and my family when it comes to holiday feasts, we are the poster child for lazy meals.  We load up the island and treat it like a big buffet, if you want to eat, get off your butt and grab a plate.  There is nothing on the table, because the more you put there the more you gotta clean up.  You will only find the things that are required, a glass for your one beverage of choice, napkin, and a fork.  I wouldn't know the proper way to set a table if it killed me.  So when I got married, I was surprised to see that there are actually people who know how to set the table.  Can look at a place setting and know exactly which bread roll is theirs, and which wine glass is theirs.  This concept is completely foreign to me.  So this is one reason I wanted to write this post, help the sisters (like me) out there throw an amazing holiday feast, with a properly set table that looks amazing.

Lets start out by the place settings themselves.  What goes where?  I learned an awesome trick at a wedding once.  If you make that "OK" symbol with your hands, link the index and thumb, your Left hand makes a "B" and Right hand makes a "D", bread and drink!

Place Setting Diagram by http://www.trimsunlimited.com/blog/top-10-etiquette-blunders/

I found this diagram which is an excellent display of what goes where. When dining, you will use your utensils from the outside in. It is somewhat obvious since your salad fork is on the outside, followed by dinner, then dessert.  There isn't much more I can talk about here, the picture pretty much explains it all. 

Now that we have that figured out, lets go over some amazing fall tablescapes to get you inspired for your holiday entertaining. Now if you don't already follow my Harvest Season Board on Pinterest, you should. I have some amazing ideas for tablescapes from fun and festive to formal and ornate.  There truly is something

Contemporary Table  by
Focal Point Styling

This tablescape features one very necessary element to any tablescape or vignette you can create, and that is layers.  If you notice, they used a square charger, large plate, napkin, small plate and then the pumpkin.  Creating layers is a great way to also show different textures.  Just like in this display, the plaid plate, golden pumpkin, and then the rattan textured charger.  They all blend well with the table runner and leaf detail on the candlesticks.

When creating your perfect fall table, start layering right there in the store.  Play with the plates, linens, and decorative pieces to create a look all your own. Play with shapes, textures, and like this design, even various prints.  "Matchy Matchy" has it's place, and so does eclectic and fun, shown here.
Also, when trying to recreate this look, Home Goods is my favorite place to shop.  They have great prices and selection.

White Pumpkin Table Scape by
Ann West Interiors

Want to play it safe, or still not sure what to do with textures and patterns?  Try something like this tablescape by Ann West Interiors.  She created a table scape by simply placing white pumpkins of various sizes and shapes down the center of the table.  The use of white candles of various heights creates even more stunning interest.  The hurricanes with candles and leaves create height.

When looking for pumpkins, consider foam craft pumpkins, that can be used year after year.  Fake not your thing, often you can find them in bulk at places like grocery stores, home improvement stores, or of course, your local pumpkin patch.

Glittering Table by
HGTV

This amber tablescape by HGTV features similar colored glass ornaments including stemware and accent pieces, candles, and foliage.  A lovely table setting that is both classic and timeless.  This scape can also be done year after year, and tweaks in foliage, can also be used for Christmas.
A tablescape like this can be easily created using pieces from Pier One, or even Crate and Barrel.  Be careful with the amber colored dishes and shopping multiple stores.  Some might be more yellow, and some more orange.  You want it to match!

When creating your look, shop around.  This can get expensive.  Especially if you need to create many place settings.  This is one reason why I love places like Home Goods, Marshall's, and Ross.  They often have some great pieces and very affordable.  The biggest challenge at these stores will be finding the quantity you need, again if you have a lot of place settings.
Enjoy, and again, follow my Harvest Season board on Pinterest for even more How-To's and inspirational photos. 

Follow Sarah George's board HARVEST SEASON on Pinterest.

8 Myths about Granite Countertops

1. "Natural stone's like granite have radiation and can cause cancer."  Granite is a natural stone.  It's been growing in the earth for what could be millions of years.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) website:

"Any type of rock could contain naturally occurring radioactive elements like radium, uranium and thorium. Some pieces of granite contain more of these elements than others, depending on the composition of the molten rock from which they formed."

While yes, granite and other natural stones used for countertops could contain radioactive gases, its unlikely the gases can escape the stone. According to the EPA's website,

"granite is generally not very porous, less radon is likely to escape from it than from a more porous stone such as sandstone. It’s important to know that radon originating in the soil beneath homes is a more common problem and a far larger public health risk than radon from granite building materials. Also, any radon from granite countertops in kitchens or bathrooms is likely to be diluted in the typical home since those rooms are usually well ventilated."

So, while yes this building material does have radiation present, but because of the well ventilated areas and minimal amounts, you will be fine.  As I have told many of my customers, there is more radiation in the world around you. Get the counter top your going to love everyday for the next twenty years!  To read more from the EPA's site, click here. 

2. "Granite is heat proof!"  No, no it isn't!  Many granite shops will tell you anything to sell a counter top.  They are depending on you to give them your hard earned cash so they can make their mortgage, car payment, or pay for their child's comp soccer.  I am here to tell you the facts, and this is one of my biggest pet peeves.  According to Consentino, one of the biggest suppliers of granite and quartz surfaces states:

"Like all natural stones, natural Granite is subject to thermal shock.  Thermal shock is the sudden change of surface temperature.  It is recommended that you protect your countertop surface from direct heat sources by using placemats, coasters and/or trivets"

So what does this mean?  Thermal shock can cause the stone to crack.  And I am not just talking granite, I am talking all natural stones, and most of the man made ones too, yes, this means you quartz!)  I tell my customers to always use hot pads or trivets.  This even includes the use of hot pads and trivets under heat producing small appliances like crock pots, rice cookers, electric skillets, etc.  So protect yourself and your investment.  Use a hot pad!

3. "Granite wont scratch, so I don't need to use a cutting board."  Yes, your are right, for the most part.  Under normal everyday residential use, the stone shouldn't crack. But like I tell my clients, use a cutting board.  You won't scratch the granite, but you could destroy your Henckel knives.  For the most part, granite is one of the hardest surfaces, scratched only by diamonds or other harder stones.  So if you have a nice set of diamond blades, guess what, you can scratch it.  So again, protect yourself and your stuff, grab a cutting board at Home Goods and chop away. 

4. "All granite requires maintenance/sealing every few months."  Yeah, ten years ago!  Along with cell phones, TV's, and everything else, technology has found it's way into countertops.  They now have a way to bake in a permanent seal into granite.  It is up to you to do your shopping and homework.  Major granite outlets have granite that comes pre-sealed, but make sure the granite comes with a warranty to back up the claims.  (Remember, some shops will tell you anything to make the sale!)  If the granite you want doesn't come with this new technology, don't worry, it's not the end of the world.

Invest in a good sealer.  My personal favorite is called Miracle 511 Impregnator (great name for a sealer right?).  This sealer works much like the baked on sealer, but you can do it at home.  I even recommend using this product after most of the 15 year warranties run out on the pre-sealed stones.  Natural stone is porous, like your skin.  Most inexpensive sealers act like a saran wrap barrier over the stone.  Every time you clean the stone, you are wearing away at that thin layer, causing holes that can let through stains.  The Miracle product actually seeps into the pores of the stone, leaving the sealer in the pores, keeping it out of the cleaners way, and not allowing anywhere for the wine to seep in.  When applied properly, Miracle 511 Impregnator can last up to five years.

Even better, want to know how to tell if your granite needs to be sealed?  Pour a little water on it, in the heavy use areas, like the sink and the cook surface.  Let it sit for ten minutes, then wipe it away.  If a dark spot remains, then it needs to be sealed.  If not, then your good to go. Be careful and test a few areas, just to be safe.  

5. "Granite wont chip or crack."  Sure, granite is a super hard product, and hard to damage.  You should see the machines they use to cut it up to fit your kitchen.  However, think about it.  If you drop a cast iron pan on the edge of your granite, guess what, a chip is coming.  Just scroll Pinterest and see all of the pins on how to repair a granite chip.  As for cracking, aside from Thermal Shock (read above), cracks can happen.  Natural stone has natural fissures and hair line cracks.  That is one reason why some stones have a mesh backing glued on the back, for added stability and strength.  If you hit any of those fissures just right, or stand on it unsecured from below, it can crack.  Again, search Pinterest, there are a million pins suggesting ideas on how to repair cracks and chips.

6. "Natural stone is very expensive." Yes it can be, but there are a million way to get it at a bargain.  Just be cautious.  Bargain granite's can have more of those fissures, and can require more sealing. In all actuality, recycled glass products and quartz tops are often more expensive.  Also, acrylic tops are often not much less, I am talking a couple bucks a square foot.  So get quotes, price it out, and get what you love. 

7. "Natural stone will loose its shine."  This depends on the stone.  With proper care and maintenance, granite won't loose it's shine, but marble will.  Marble is going to patina with age.  This is one of the things I absolutely love about i.  The polish can always be reapplied with a quick trip to the hardware store, or a call to a fabricator.  Or, if you leave it, in a few years, you will have an amazing looking marble.  

8. "Natural stone can harbor bacteria."  As we discussed before, natural stone is porous, and without proper sealing, those pores can hold bacteria.  Protect yourself and your family, if your stone doesn't come pre-sealed, keep it sealed. 

Adding Texture with Wall Paper

My guilty pleasure, like most of you, is Starbucks.  You may have noticed a lot of locations closing down for a week while they get a great makeover.  Well, my local Starbucks was one of those locations.  They opened back up with this amazing textured wall paper, thus sparking the topic of today's blog post.  As I am sure a lot of my readers know, I love the new wall paper.  (Not that floral crap my grandma had in her bathroom, but the new fun modern wall paper!)

Embossed Wallpaper

Wall paper is back with a vengeance.  I have people asking me about it nearly every day.  You can get all kinds of textures, like embossed, flocked, or even 3D wall panels.  I love flocked. Maybe it's because I have a soft spot for fuzzy things.  (Did someone say something about a fuzzy blanket?  No, what about fuzzy kittens?)  Flocked wall paper has a great edge to it.  I have even seen wall paper with flocked skulls! <--That's right, Flocked Skull wall paper by Graham and Brown

Flocked Wallpaper
Graham and Brown $85

When designing a space, texture not only add's a great tactile element, but it adds that visual interest that a space needs!  You can add texture simply with flooring, accessories, but why not wall coverings?  I don't see why not, do you?

Glitter Wall Paper
Utmost INC$500

Maleficent Flocked Wall Paper
by Wall Papers Direct
$123 

Enjoy wall paper. It has come a long way since the 1970's!