When people find out I'm in the stone business I get one of two responses: 1. I love granite. It's so beautiful. I want to put new granite in my kitchen soon. or 2. I love my granite (or marble). How should I clean it? Not really exciting cocktail party talk, but nevertheless, it's something people wonder &  don't think to ask until after it's installed & the experts are gone. ...

In this post, we list the most important factors you should consider as you begin your bathroom remodeling project. Are you thinking about your next home improvement project? If you have been considering a new bathroom, here are some tips to get you started. Budget:  First things first.  As you begin to dream up your new bathroom, you need to set a budget.  This will help set limitation...

I was recently interviewed for a newspaper article on new bath trends.  As I thought about trends I realized, unless you are decorating with paint, towels & accessories, “trends” is not really what’s important to a typical homeowner approaching a bath renovation or building new.  If you are putting thousands of dollars into a new bathroom, who wants trendy?  I think it’s how products & spa...

As I write this, I am stuck inside hiding from the continuing 100+ degree temperatures.  Are you as tired of the heat as I am?  My thoughts are consumed by vacation and all I can think about is a dreamy place surrounded by water & beautiful scenery.  This would be a great place to escape to.  It's a photo from Diamond Spa in northern Tuscany Italy.  A beautiful landscape & look at all the ...

It's nice to pick up the paper (rather click through the paper, but that's another story) and read some good news about the economy and specifically in the housing market. After several years of false hopes, there is evidence the housing market is starting to recover. Prices are rising. Sales are increasing. Home builders are clearing lots and raising frames. Roughly six years after the hous...

Summer is here and most of us love being outdoors as much as possible.  Especially if you spend your days in an office. In fact, I am writing this from my patio. Outdoor kitchens are becoming the newest trends to help us all get out a bit more. Why be in your kitchen, when you could be outdoors? And personally, with 3 kids, I like the idea of escaping the clean up. Pass the hose please!  You can t...