Articles

5 Reasons to Choose Real Marble for Your Countertops

You’re facing the same conundrum that so many marble-loving home owners have wrestled with: you love marble, but is it really worth the care and maintenance to keep it looking beautiful year after year? Compared to other natural stones like granite and quartzite...

Everything You Need to Know About Quartz Countertops

Quartz kitchen countertops have certain qualities that make them special, even among other stone countertops like granite. You can find quartz kitchen countertops in many colors—from bright whites to cool grays, warm creams, and rich browns and blacks...

8 of the Best Kitchen Countertop Trends for 2023

The kitchen countertop is one of the most frequently used parts of the kitchen, used every day whether passively holding appliances or being used as a cutting surface. It's also integral to both a kitchen's function and its design. To help determine which countertop...

How To Choose The Perfect Kitchen Backsplash

When it comes to modern kitchen design inspiration, the backsplash can often be an oversight. You probably plan your countertops, appliances, and kitchen cabinets out well in advance, but so many homeowners forget about the kitchen backsplashs...

Porcelain Countertops Pros & Cons Review 2022

Chances are, you already have porcelain in your house somewhere — but what about porcelain countertops? They may not be the go-to material for most kitchens currently but their popularity is on the rise. Below, we’ll detail the pros & cons, design options, cost...

Are Granite Countertops Going Out Of Style

Recently, homeowners have begun to show rising interest in countertop options that compete with the tried and true value that granite brings to the table. Homeowners with existing granite slabs and those looking for an update from older Formica or laminate...

Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: Which Is Better?

When narrowing down a choice for bath or kitchen countertops, it usually comes down to two materials: quartz vs. granite. This is not an easy decision because the distinction between the two countertop materials isn't apparent. After all, quartz (engineered stone) and...

4 Best Interior Stone Wall Ideas And Designs For 2022

Interior walls with stone are an attribute of rooms decorated in a Mediterranean, rustic or industrial style. A wall lined with brick or any other natural stone will be a great decoration for rooms in almost any style, from traditional classic to retro style. So, if you...

How to Bring Beauty to Plain Home Spaces Using Natural Stone

There are few things that can cause more despair to a home decorator than a blank space. While it might represent a chance to do something unique with your home, such a space also represents so many possibilities that it can be hard to decide on just one...

Floor Tile Options for a Stylish Bathroom

Your floor tile’s material, shape and design have a big effect on the look and feel of your bathroom. Although issues like cost, durability and day-to-day practicality will undoubtedly guide you, with such a dizzying selection available today, it can be hard...

9 Best Types of Tile for Your Bathroom Floor

Choosing the best tile for you is one of the most important parts in the process of remodeling your bathroom floor. There are so many tile types available, and it takes a lot of time to decide which ones best meet your needs. Luckily, with a little know-how, picking the...

Picking a Kitchen Backsplash

Your kitchen backsplash is a personality piece. Refined or funky, neutral or loud: What's your style? The tiles you choose to spruce up the wall space between the countertop and cabinets and above the range, should showcase the color scheme and theme...

How to Tell the Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite

On your quest for the perfect countertop, you've probably come across quartz and quartzite, which are both popular kitchen countertop material options. The two materials have many things in common, but they also have key differences when it comes to...

The Top 8 Tile Trends for 2022 from the Cersaie International Show

Welcome to the biggest home design show of the year - right in your own home! This year the Cersaie International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings took place in Bologna, Italy, showcasing up and coming tile trends that will be making their mark...

Why Quartz Has Become Such A Popular Countertop Stone

In the not so distant past, homeowners in luxury homes all wanted granite countertops. But in the last several years many of these homeowners are looking for quartz as an alternative countertop material. Unlike natural stones, such as granite, quartz is...

9 Bathroom Wall Tiles Natural Stone

If you’re decorating a baby bathroom, you artlessly don’t accept abundant to assignment with, but that doesn’t beggarly you accept to accommodation on style. That’s breadth our baby bath asphalt account arise in handy. Tiles are a must-have in the action to...

Stone Bathroom Ideas that Don’t Look Primitive

Besides wood, stone is another natural material that you can use for producing natural bathroom tone. Strong and fresh, the stone bathroom is up for modification in line with today’s creative interior design. Whether or not for a large section within a bathroom...

7 Top Tile Trends And Styles For 2021

If you’re planning a kitchen or bath remodel, you probably have a budget for tile. If you’re planning an outdoor living space, you may have one too, as pavers are growing in popularity. In many Sunbelt states, tile is also popular for bedrooms and living areas for its...

One-on-one with Brittney Harmond

As a representative for Ceramics of Italy, Brittney Harmond shares her knowledge on the latest product developments, trends and benefits of large-format porcelain slabs. The general definition we are using for large-format porcelain slabs are sizes measuring...

20 Bathroom Tile Ideas You’ll Want to Steal

For many of us, a bathroom is our own private haven, a place to switch off completely. Between layout choices and decorative details, a crucial creative step to the perfect aesthetic is the right selection of tiles...

Designing With Tile

Of all the decorating options available to homeowners, tile adds pizzazz to areas that are mainly functional. Whether it’s in an entryway, bathroom or kitchen, tile is a stylish way to add value to your home. “Tile offers fashion and function, which is a fun combination...

Natural Stone for the Home: Types, Benefits and Cost

Natural stone can be used in many parts of your home and it’s very popular these days. Our featured image above shows natural stone veneer siding. You can also incorporate different types of natural stone inside and outside – countertops, vanity tops...

The Best Tile Flooring Options That You Need To Consider!

Tile flooring is increasingly becoming a popular trend in modern homes. Besides their strength and durability, they give a sophisticated and tasteful finish to your home. Floor tiles come in a wide range of colors, textures, and designs and require...

14 Types of Bathroom Tile You Need to Know Before You Remodel

Bathroom tile comes in a wide variety of materials, shapes, and colors, but not all are suited for wet spots. One important factor to consider when installing bathroom tile is vitreosity, which is the tile's ability to absorb water...

Kitchen Countertops: 10 Popular Options Today

The choices are many, but which kitchen countertop is the best for you? Find out here. Solid Surfacing - Made of durable acrylic, solid surface countertops are designed to withstand years of wear and can include an integrated sink with seamless installation...

18 Stunning Stone Fireplaces for Every Style

From cast limestone to stacked marble, nothing heats up a room like a beautiful stone fire surround. To help you discover the best option for your home's style, we gathered up the chicest stone fireplace ideas for every taste...

Pros & Cons of Using the Same Color Tile Throughout a House

Tile choices can be difficult for homeowners to make. If homeowners choose ceramic or vinyl tile, then nearly any color is available, from entryway to kitchen to bathroom. If they choose a natural stone tile like granite, there are many different gradients to choose...

Why Grout Color is as Important as Tile Choice

Tiles have a way of revamping a space and giving it a completely different appeal. They can help to uphold the kind of home décor style you wish to have. Ideally, with the right choice, you can build the rest of your home décor around the tiles...

Designers Share Their Favorite Kitchen Trends for 2020

Move over, carrara marble—it's all about calacatta this year. Calacatta Marble - Carrara's showier sibling, calacatta marble has stronger, more pronounced veining that lends a bold, graphic appeal. "In both warm and cool tones, I expect it to outshine carrara this year...

8 Top Trends For Kitchen Countertop Design In 2020

The countertop is an essential component of the kitchen. It is where all the action takes place. But more than that, the countertop is the foundation of kitchen décor when doing a kitchen renovation. It bares the burden of setting the tone and feel of the space...

The Best Tile Flooring Options That You Need to Consider!

Tile flooring is increasingly becoming a popular trend in modern homes. Besides their strength and durability, they give a sophisticated and tasteful finish to your home.Floor tiles come in a wide range of colors, textures, and designs and require less maintenance. The diverse colors and styles...

All About Glass Mosaic Tile

From a design perspective, glass mosaic tiles provide wonderful opportunities to play with color, whether subdued neutrals or bold brights. They show off plenty of special effects, too, from "hammered" metallics to matte sea glass to textural treatments that mimic variegated stone or woven fabric...

No, Subway Tile Is Never Going Away - But Here's How It Will Change

Interior design trends come and go, but one style always seems to survive: subway tile. You see the familiar ceramic rectangles in bathrooms and kitchens everywhere — especially around New York City. But given that ubiquity, has subway tile finally crossed the line from tasteful to tired? ...

12 Ways To Use Tile Creatively In Your Home

Humanity has relied on tile for practical and decorative uses for literally thousands of years. Here are 12 ways to carry on that tradition in your own home...

Today's Use of Tile in Classic Kitchens

Choose the plainest white tile for wainscot or backsplash, or opt for brilliant color, mosaics and multi-tile murals, deco tiles to punch up a field, or handmade Arts & Crafts tiles that become the focal point of the kitchen. Different tiles suggest different moods, and are associated with different eras…

Porcelain vs. Ceramic: How to Choose the Right Tile for Your Next Decorating Project

Not sure when to choose ceramic or porcelain tile? Now you know. When it comes to deciding between porcelain and ceramic tile, there's a lot to consider, including quality, durability, application, and cost. Ultimately, the choice is pretty simple when you consider the project at hand. In other words, it's really not something you need to overly stress about…

8 Unique Backsplash Ideas You Probably Haven't Seen Before

It's been made more than clear that kitchen backsplash ideas or a solid bathroom backsplash can totally change the look of any kitchen or bathroom—but for anyone looking for a bathroom or kitchen design that goes above and beyond the standard…

Marble vs. Granite

If you can't decide between granite and marble for your countertops, take a look at this list of differences to help you choose the material that's right for your needs…

Tile Floors Help a Hot Home Chill Out

Replace your hot-weather woes with a cool feel for toes when you treat your floors to deliciously refreshing tile. If the mercury spikes in your region much of the year, take a cue from homes in warm climates and fill your space with beautiful, refreshing tile to keep it cool in hot weather. Cooling your bare feet on tile floors may be just what you need to survive these hot summer months…

Don't Do These Things When Hiring a Tile Installer (Part 2)

Keep an ear to the ground when checking out a potential installer. Ask for testimonials, search for reviews online. Give special attention to reviews with pictures...

Don't Do These Things When Hiring a Tile Installer (Part 1)

The thing with tile is that it doesn't take much to screw it up. One slightly misplaced tile can end up throwing off the whole project. Tile installation mistakes are hard to cover up and fixing them usually means ripping up the floor and starting over.

Five Tips for Choosing the Perfect Bathroom Tile

When it comes to renovating a bathroom, nothing makes a bigger impression than tile – whether it's on the floor, in the shower, or used for a decorative backsplash behind the sink. Tile Expert Gus Rivero tells us what's important to consider when designing a bathroom.

The Best 6 Reasons to Tile Your Kitchen Floor

One of the greatest challenges when it comes to choosing new flooring is the sheer scale of choice now available and this is especially true in the kitchen. In our previous Kitchen Flooring Options guide we showed you that, basically, carpets are the only flooring type that you can totally discount in your kitchen space. Hardwood flooring, whether solid wood or engineered wood, is frequently used in the kitchen and laminate flooring is a great hard wearing and cheaper alternative.

Best Ways to Clean Tile Flooring

Cleaning your tile floors isn't the best way to spend a Saturday afternoon, is it? It's gorgeous outside, and you long to get out and enjoy the sunshine. It would be nice if Rosie the Robot were hanging out in your closet, but alas, she's not. I'm afraid you're on your own. Recruiting help from the kids will only result in a mess and more streaks than you started with. So, if you're ready to tackle your floors and get back to the fun, be sure to follow my list below of tips and product suggestions.

Top Trends in Bathroom Tile Design For 2019 (Continued)

Picking out tiles for your bathroom remodeling project is not so simple anymore. There is so much variety in design, shape, color, and texture that it can be overwhelming. A few years ago, tiles were mostly laid down for their functional benefits (resistance to water, durability, low maintenance) but today, their aesthetic impact is just as important as their function. This is why manufacturers have expanded their selections to provide really unique styles for homeowners. With advice from our experts, we have identified the top 2019 bathroom tile trends you should be on the lookout for. They focus on the finishes, colors, shapes, and patterns.

Top Trends in Bathroom Tile Design For 2019

Picking out tiles for your bathroom remodeling project is not so simple anymore. There is so much variety in design, shape, color, and texture that it can be overwhelming. A few years ago, tiles were mostly laid down for their functional benefits (resistance to water, durability, low maintenance) but today, their aesthetic impact is just as important as their function. This is why manufacturers have expanded their selections to provide really unique styles for homeowners. With advice from our experts, we have identified the top 2019 bathroom tile trends you should be on the lookout for. They focus on the finishes, colors, shapes, and patterns.

5 Kitchen Renovation Projects You Should Never Do Yourself

Yes, it'll cost you to hire pros for a kitchen renovation. But it beats paying a contractor to fix your work in the gory aftermath of a DIY gone awry. The DIY gurus make it look so easy. Home bloggers and HGTV hosts would have us believe that no kitchen project is out of reach for the average homeowner. But take heed: Even the most ambitious among us sometimes need to swallow our pride, step aside, and call in professional help.

5 Essential Care Tips for Maintaining Your Natural Stone Countertops

Working with natural stone for many years, we've become intimately familiar with it –how to care for it, protect it, and resolve problems when they occur. We are always available to answer questions when our customers ask. One of the most common questions we get is, "Now that I have it, how do I take care of it?" For example...

How to Clean Grout the Easy Way

Dirty grout is often the one thing standing between dingy-looking tile and tile that pops. Knowing how to clean grout is essential for floors, walls, and counters that look sparkly clean. While tile is resistant to dirt and stains, grout is porous, meaning it will absorb any grease, grime, or spills it comes into contact with. Learning how to clean grout will not only extend the life of your tile, but it will keep it looking its best. Here's how to clean grout in any spot in your home.

Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Backsplash Tile

A backsplash, which covers the wall between the countertops and the cabinets and behind the stove and sink, gives a kitchen personality and style. Sometimes, if it’s an especially bold color or graphic design, it becomes the room’s focal point. Picking the right backsplash can be a lot of fun but with so many available choices, it can also be overwhelming. Take a look at these guidelines to get started.

How to Hire a Tile Contractor

Pretty much anyone with kneepads and a tub of grout can call himself a tiler, which means hiring a tile contractor can be a tricky business. We spoke to Bart Bettiga, executive director of the National Tile Contractors Association, to learn how to go about finding the best tiler for your job. Here's what you need to know.

5 Tile Trends Reshaping Design in 2018

Technology has transformed the tile industry. With inkjet printers, manufacturers can imitate not only the look of natural materials but also the texture and feel. And this manufacturing process cuts down the cost of production, which translates to more affordable prices. As a result, tile trends are shifting toward new textures, colors, shapes and patterns. Homeowners have more choices now than ever before!

Where Does Marble Come From?

A beautiful, natural stone, marble has been used to make buildings and art works for thousands of years. You’ll see marble floors in the Pantheon, Buckingham Palace and the Taj Mahal. But where does the stone come from?

The Pros and Cons of Glass Mosaic and Natural Stone Backsplashes

One of the many great kitchen debates involves backsplashes. Just as they do when considering cabinets, countertops, paint colors and flooring, Essex County homeowners care about factors such as cost, maintenance and resale value when they’re shopping for a new design. Glass mosaics and natural stones — such as travertine, marble, soapstone, granite and quartz — are two options that get the lion’s share of attention, so we decided to lay the pros and cons on the table. Use this head-to-head showdown to choose the winner for your kitchen space.

Caring for Marble Countertops and Vanity Tops

Elegant, versatile and durable as it is, marble, like any other surface, needs conditioning, cleaning, care and maintenance to preserve its beauty and prolong its life. Because it is absorbent, marble need special care – it can stain with spillages like liquids or oil, and is sensitive to acids like citrus juices, vinegar or household cleaning chemicals, which can damage its surface. But, taking care of your marble as soon as you install it will go a long way to preserve it, and save restoration costs in the long run

Porcelain or Ceramic: Which Tile Type Is Right for You?

Trying to Decide Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tile in Essex County? Stone & Tile Design in Essex County will help you discover the similarities and key differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles so that you pick the right one for your next project. Once you've come to a decision, read on for how to keep your chosen material looking like new for years to come.

Can I Put Tile On The Fireplace?

So much revolves around the fireplace. It is a mood setter and focal center of the living room. It needs to be equally tough and beautiful—and tile is a great option for your fireplace. But not so fast. Tile will only be successful on your fireplace if you know its capabilities and requirements.

Battle Of The Stones: Granite vs Marble Countertops

It's a stone-cold dilemma when you're trying to choose between granite and marble countertops. Both of them are gorgeous – so it's a tough choice. We're going to introduce you to the pros and cons of these stones from various aspects, so take these facts into serious consideration before you make your final decision.

Tips For Choosing New Tile

Not all tiles are created equal. Well, they're basically the same, but there are many small differences to consider when deciding the application intended. Stone & Tile Design of Essex County wants you to make the right choice when searching for new tile to add to your home.

Demystifying Design: Making a Splash With Tile

Whether you are a homeowner, house flipper, or Realtor guiding your client, choosing the best tile for the best outcome can be overwhelming. Just as the right choice can create a powerful impact, the wrong choice can adversely affect not only the specific space the tile has been applied, but also the surrounding spaces.

Easy And Fun DIY Crafting With Excess Tiles After Your Home Renovation

There are plenty of ideas for what to do with the left over. For example, you can cover a planter, make your own coasters, frame a mirror, create a new table top. The ideas are plentiful, and easy to accomplish with some crazy glue and a tad of creativity. Stone & Tile Design encourages its customers to try these DIY activities with remaining tiles.

10 Tricks To Get A Luxurious Bathroom For Less

Although we all love to drool over images of gorgeous designer bathrooms, we may not have the budget to go all-out when the time comes to spruce up our own washrooms. But that doesn't mean your remodel has to be generic and uninspired. There are many ways to get a high-end look without a hefty price tag. Here are 10 tricks to do just that.

Trendy Tiles: The Top Ten Ceramic Finishes For 2017

Faux wood, matte black, and industrial-inspired concrete tiles stand out as trends to watch in this upcoming year. Designers are thinking about what the most popular trends will be among consumers as they design homes for 2017. When it comes to tile, the hottest trends for 2017 offer buyers a number of unique finish options for any kind of style, from "gritty chic" to "rustic modern."

Choosing the Right Tile

Tile terminology can be confusing. PEI ratings, glazes and just telling the difference between porcelain and non-porcelain tiles can leave consumers bleary eyed. To help you navigate these issues and find the right tile for your particular application, the information below includes descriptions of the different types of tiles, from ceramic to marble, as well as details on wear ratings.

Exciting New Tile Trends for 2017 (And a Few Old Favorites Here to Stay)

When it comes adding tile to your home in the Short Hills NJ area, we know how hard it can be to decide on your style. With all the options available these days, it's a very, very good time for tile in home design. The general movement we're seeing is towards tile that makes a bold statement, whether it's with interesting shapes, colors, patterns, or textures — and there are more out there than ever before. Here are some of the hottest tile trends for 2017.

What to Look For to Check the Quality of a Contractor's Work

Pictures only show so much. Getting into the space and examining it with your own eyes — and hands — can help ensure that the quality is on par with what you expect. Here are a few things to look for.

Shower Walls

Shower walls are frequently covered in a single neutral-hued type of tile. While this can be elegant and clean-looking, it causes the shower to fade into the background and is not creative. Going beyond a single shape, material and color can give your shower a personalized look and make it the focal point of your bathroom.

Bathroom Tiles

There’s a reason tile is often the material of choice in the bathroom: it reflects light, it’s durable, it’s easy to clean and it freshens up the space. We’ve assembled a list of bathroom tile ideas to help you get started.

Bathroom Trends

Your bathroom floor is one of the most important pieces of the home improvement puzzle but it doesn’t always get the proper attention. The floor is one of the key items in any room, and it’s a design aspect that can make or break the style of your bathroom. Since there are so many different styles out there, it’s oftentimes safer to go with what’s trending instead of taking a stab in the dark.

Terra Cotta Floors

Styles that use terra cotta flooring vary from a classic Mediterranean look to one that merges Mexican influences with a Southwestern theme. Terra cotta floors create a warm, rustic ambiance in kitchens, living rooms and dining areas. The earthy colors and textures of these waterproof baked tiles can be accentuated with complementary decorating techniques to bring out inherent features. You can replicate several distinct cultural styles in your decor by focusing on terra cotta flooring as a foundational element.

Wood Look Tile

Ceramic and porcelain tile that looks like wood started popping up a few years ago and has been growing ever since. Tile is big business -- Americans bought 2.19 billion square feet of it in 2012. One of the biggest trends is the wood-grain tile look. So, we offer up four reasons we believe wood-look tile is here to stay.

Best Tiles Pros and Cons

Walking into a tile showroom can be as overwhelming as it is inspiring. The displays are spectacular, but there are so many options, at so many price points. Use this tile primer to get the lowdown on a wide variety of durable, beautiful materials. To help you shop, we’ve asked an expert panel of tile manufacturers, retailers, and installers for their best tips on the pros and cons of the most common types of tile.

Hiring A Kitchen or Bath Designer

Installing a shower door or replacing a faucet or toilet seat are minor improvements some homeowners can do themselves, but extensive bathroom remodeling requires a higher level of skills and should be left to the professionals. This is particularly true if your remodel includes intricate fabrication or tile work. There is no substitute for apprenticeship and experience when it comes to this kind of work.

Quartz Vs. Granite Countertops

If you’re considering a countertop upgrade you’ll want to consider both granite and quartz. Let’s start comparing them with a brief rundown and then dive into some of the finer points.

Opulence In Natural Stone

Natural stone floor tiles are organic, strong, elegant and one of the most perfect choices for flooring. In comparison to clay or porcelain baked and even glass tiles, natural stone could certainly be described as green, they are not subjected to heating or chemical processes that may be damaging to the environment.

Kitchen Backsplash Choices

If you select the right kitchen backsplash for your kitchen you may end up on the cover of popular interior design publications for your great style and selection, however, if you choose the wrong backsplash you'll throw off the entire look of your new kitchen. With so many kitchen backsplash materials and looks available today it is important to select a material and style that will highlight your overall kitchen decor and show off its uniqueness and individuality.

Holiday Remodeling

Are you wrestling with the idea of remodeling for the holidays? There are only a few projects that you should consider. Since the holidays are busy times for both home owner and contractors, there is ample opportunity for delays, miscommunications, parts not showing up as ordered and other stressors.