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Granite is consistently praised in the countertop market—it has everything you could want in a natural stone. It’s scratch resistant, heat resistant, and stain resistant—that, along with its durability and famous good looks, makes it a top choice for tons of people.

It’s been popular for quite a while, though, so you might be wondering . . . Is it time for granite’s fifteen minutes of fame to end? The simple answer: No! Granite is not going anywhere anytime soon, and that’s all thanks to its high quality and stunning beauty—not to mention its reputation for being a low-maintenance material.

There are so many colors, styles, and patterns that granite can offer. Being that it’s a natural stone, no two slabs are alike. This means that your granite countertop will be unlike anyone else’s in the world. But how do you style something that’s completely and utterly unique? Don’t worry, we’ve got answers for you there too.

This article will go through a few popular shades of granite while offering some design ideas for each type. If you want to remodel with this natural stone but aren’t sure where to start, this is the post for you.

White Granite Countertop

White granite is a great option for a kitchen that’s trendy—yet timeless. This shade of the stone will brighten your kitchen without compromising the qualities that the stone is known for—AKA its durability and longevity.

A great way to style white granite is by using darker hues throughout the room, like blues or grays. These darker tones will make the white pop by using contrast. Conversely, though, if you’re looking for a more uniform look, you could go for white cabinets and silver appliances for a more stark, striking look.

Black Granite Countertop

This just in: Black countertops are making a comeback in popularity because of how great they gel with modern kitchens. With black granite you can choose either a glossy or matte finish—either one is stunning, but each gives off a different vibe. Glossy should be used in a room where the countertop is the main focal point or the centerpiece. A matte finish will help the countertop fade into the background and allow other pieces in the room to shine.

Black granite also brings an air of luxury to the space. Maple cabinets and drawers, along with creamy white flooring, help add to the luxurious factor while keeping a warm, welcoming feel.

Modern Kitchens

Modern kitchens are all the rage right now, and granite is a perfect addition to the style. The perfect luxurious kitchen should have natural stone countertops, stunning cabinetry, elegant backsplashes, and radiant flooring. Granite sets the tone for the feel of the room and gives you a great springboard to style the rest of the details off of.

Here are a few modern ideas to pair with granite:

– A bar-style island with pendant lights
– A backsplash with brick pattern
– White shaker cabinets and stainless steel appliances

High Gloss Black Granite Countertops

A high gloss black granite countertop isn’t the same as a simple black one—this is the purest black granite that you can find. You’ll see little to no traces of other colors in its surface, which gives off a minimalistic and stunning look for any modern kitchen.

Black countertops go great with white cabinetry and gray walls—you can’t go wrong with a neutral-themed room that’s easy on the eyes.

Red Granite Countertop

You may be familiar with black, white, and gray shades of granite—but did you know that it’s possible for this stone to come in red too? A red granite countertop is a great eye-catcher and a way to make your countertop pop—it will definitely make a statement in your kitchen or bathroom.

Pair it with deep oak cabinetry, vintage lighting, and black steel appliances to give your room a rustic and cozy look that all your neighbors will covet.

Backsplashes

Granite is an ideal choice for backsplashes because it’s a low-maintenance material that holds up well against heat, scratching, and liquids. You won’t have to worry about it becoming damaged, even if you install it behind the range!

Using granite as a backsplash is a great way to make the room come together with something that looks like it comes straight out of a Good Housekeeping magazine.

Your Granite Style

In the way that no two granite slabs are alike, no two homes are alike either—even when they use the same materials for styling. Your kitchen or bathroom are unique to you, and all of us here at Lopsang Custom Stone Countertops want to help you get the most out of your granite.

Marble is an elegant choice and has countless ways for use. From countertops to museums to architecture, this stone is a solid choice. Homes and businesses also opt for marble because of its wide variety of patterns and colors.

Marble is luxurious and gives warmth and grace to whatever room you decide to accent. Home bars, bathrooms, outdoor living areas, kitchens, and living spaces are other top picks where you can put marble.

It’s important to think of the advantages and disadvantages of each option, however. Marble can be high maintenance with plenty of cleaning, but if it’s done properly, you can enjoy the natural beauty of it for years to come.

So, why is this important?

You’re looking to upgrade your house. But you’re wondering: What are some of the various decor styles that would complement marble? No worries, Lopsang is here to help break down a few designs from around the world you could mimic in the comfort of your own home!

French Country Style

The French country style is sophisticated, rustic, stunning, and warm. There is a traditional beauty that makes this approach to decorating timeless. No matter where you live, you can replicate this design with appropriate floor and color schemes.

This style is unique because it’s a mixture of rustic and elegant, quaint and refined. To achieve this ambiance, you’ll have to consider the nature of the French countryside. Antique furniture, exposed ceiling beams, and wood or stone floors are just a few examples of what you could incorporate.

Warm earthy tones, with hints of light yellow, purple, or blue, and neutrals are commonly found in this style to mimic the southernmost part of the country. Rich tones like sage green, gold, mahogany, and dark orange can highlight the white or cream paint and marble countertops. For instance, Bianco Venatino would coordinate well in this style.

A few other tricks would be to have natural hardwood flooring or brick to enunciate the old and charming feel. Wardrobes are for storage purposes, and black accents contrast the warm textiles of flowing curtains and patterned throw pillows.

Spanish Style

If you’re thinking of replicating the Spanish style, think of the influence of Spanish colonies on architecture. This approach continues to be popular today.

The most notable features include rounded arches and doorways; white, sandy exteriors and terracotta roofs or flooring are also recognizable. Metal features with carved woodwork along with richly textured earthy colors are details of historic Spanish villas. The interior and exterior has a lot of decoration and many plants, such as olive or orange trees, support their love of the outdoors. 

The most traditional tile is square shaped, and the Daino Reale or Spanish Grey marbles would give you the same charm while being more upscale in appearance and texture. Remember to include carved wooden furniture to complete the design of your home.

Italian Style

This design encompasses many features, the most common being sleek furniture and marble walls and flooring. Italians favor a stylish and relaxing atmosphere.

Bathrooms often embrace this style by including a spacious, walk-in shower surrounded by transparent glass. The room fills with marble that has a polished finish, implicating premium quality.

Furniture is most often raised off of the ground to give luxury and more cleaning ease. Not only that, but suspended furniture allows the space to be roomy, clean, durable, and weightless. Additionally, you will be able to enjoy your flooring more!

The best marble choices for the Italian style would be Montclair White or Calacatta-Belgia. 

English Countryside

If you want a relaxed and comfortable mood for your house, then the English countryside style might be a good fit for you! This can be challenging, since you need memorabilia from generations past to get the correct designs.

It uses a lot of muted colors, alongside floral prints, and greens, blues, yellows, and creams to suit as background colors to contrast the busy design.

Black and white portraits alongside wallpaper, sofas, and bookshelves add to this style. Antiques, plenty of upholstery, wooden furniture, farmhouse tables, and potted plants complement the arrangements.

Your kitchen should be casual and inviting to have a cup of tea with a friend. Therefore, the best marbles would be Negro Marquina or Bardiglio to go along with your Victorian decor.

Moroccan Style 

This style can be difficult since most tiles have colors and patterns specifically with unnatural hues and designs that aren’t found in natural marble.

Nevertheless, the Fantasy Brown Honed Marble will achieve this look because of its specific square definitions that are already featured to match the consistent patterning in Moroccan culture. You can use it in the bathroom to highlight the outdoor pool interior or as a backsplash.

Choosing the right countertop design for your bathroom is a crucial investment that you want to last for years. The type of countertop you choose portrays your sense of style as well as your lifestyle.

When choosing a design for your bathroom, think about features such as durability, water resistance, and required maintenance. Although different countertop materials differ in terms of features and qualities, choosing the right one for your bathroom shouldn’t be complicated. Below are four decadent countertop styles to create your private bathroom getaway.

Granite

The hardest of all the natural stones, granite comes from ancient volcanoes and is one of the most preferred countertop materials. It’s versatile in that you can have your supplier cut it in the shape and dimension you wish and stain it in the color of choice before shipping it to you. Granite countertops are exceptionally strong and have superior protection against scratches, stains, and dents.

Best Design Ideas for Granite Bathrooms

Incorporating any of the following ideas will help transform your bathroom into a decadent space.

– White Fiorito: This design blends gray and white tones to create a magnificent White Fiorito granite countertop.
– Florence Gold: The stylish Florence Gold granite vanity top features brown and beige granite speckles that add character to your room.
– Giallo Fiorito: This design is the best option to add a natural touch to your bathroom.
– White Torroncino: This design is an excellent choice for bathroom installations such as vanity tops, bench seats, and shower ledges.

Benefits of Granite Bathroom Countertops

Granite countertops offer a variety of benefits when used as bathroom countertops.

– Heat and humidity resistance
– Rigidity and durability
– Water resistance
– Scratch and stain resistance

Quartzite

Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock that is mined as large slabs from the mountainside. The stone is used for all architectural construction, manufacturing, and decorative purposes. The material is durable and can only be cut into workable slabs using diamond blades. It’s also a high-quality material and will serve you for many years when used for your bathroom countertops.

Best Design Ideas for Quartzite Bathrooms

Quartzite adds exceptional beauty and value to your home. These quartzite inspirational ideas will help you create a decadent bathroom.

– Princess White Quartzite: This eye-catching stone features sparkling quartz deposits with gray striations. The design gives your bathroom a sophisticated look with a level of luminosity.
– Taj Mahal Quartzite: This style is warm, helping you create a welcoming bathroom. The stone blends well with a Calacatta Gold marble backsplash.

Benefits of Quartzite Bathroom Countertops

In addition to being a high-quality and durable material, quartzite offers other benefits, which include the following:

– Low maintenance
– Sun and fading resistance
– Uniqueness

Cons

– Sharp objects can damage it
– It requires regular sealing
– It’s available in limited color choices

Quartz

Quartz countertops are engineered stones made of 70 to 90 percent quartz combined with other stone minerals. The result is a variety of countertop styles that are almost indistinguishable from natural stones.

Best Design Ideas for Quartz Bathrooms

Quartz gives you a wide range of bathroom countertop ideas, all of which can help achieve a decadent bathroom style.

– Vena Pure White Quartz: If you want a white bathroom, there’s no better material to use than Vena Pure White.
– Oyster Caesarstone Quartz: This gorgeous neutral tone features a cream color with consistent black speckles.
– Copacabana Quartz: This material pouts a nice finishing to your bathroom and grabs the attention of anyone who enters the room.

Benefits of Quartz Bathroom Countertops

– It’s available in different colors
– It’s more robust than natural stones and hence doesn’t crack or chip easily
– It’s nonporous—better stain resistance and doesn’t harbor viruses or bacteria

Cons

– It’s among the most expensive materials
– It’s less resistant compared to natural stones

Marble

Marble countertops bring timeless beauty to your bathroom, making them a popular choice when designing your bathroom. Understanding the pros and cons of this naturally occurring material helps you make an informed choice.

Best Design Ideas for Marble Bathroom Countertops

White marble adds a luxurious and elegant feel to your bathroom. These design ideas will help you achieve a decadent decor style.

– Eclectic bathroom with white marble features: White marble floors and countertop can contrast with black walls for visual interest.
– White marble and contemporary wood bathroom: If you feel that your white marble bathroom looks a little cold, you can add warmth by contrasting it with a modern wood shower floor.

Pros

– Durability
– Timeless style
– Heat resistance

Cons

– Susceptibility to staining and etching

Final Thoughts

When choosing a countertop material for your bathroom, you should weigh all the variables in your decision. Consider the pros and cons of each material and whether the style you choose gives your bathroom the mood and tone you want.

Out with the old and in with the new! The year 2021 has brought with it many new trends and styles, and at Lopsang Construction Service LLC, we’re always excited to try out the latest design themes that people can’t get enough of in their kitchens.

To pull together a design theme, you need just the right countertop to match and complement the other design elements in your kitchen. So here are five of the most popular kitchen design themes we’ve seen this year and the countertops that help achieve the look!

Modern

Modern kitchens emphasize clean lines with minimalistic cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Some may also refer to these kitchens as contemporary. Many homeowners prefer this theme for its simplicity. This type of kitchen is highly functional and uses exceptional storage methods. Sleek granite or marble countertops are typical in this theme, although polished wood is another attractive option.

Typically, in a modern kitchen, you will see flat or angular surfaces, frameless cabinets with little to no hardware, and a lack of additional items. However, that does not mean that your modern theme has to be cold or bare. Many individuals use simple light fixtures to add a bit of personality to their modern kitchen space.

Craftsman Revival

Similarly, craftsman style has been around much longer but displays simple, straight lines with sturdy construction and minimal clutter. Many of these factors find a new home in modern interpretations of the mid-century design.

Some popular mid-century and craftsman revival design components in kitchens include details within a naturally flowing architectural space. Sleek surfaces are mixed with rounded textures and patterns but can be complemented with more modern elements to keep the space light and uplifting, especially quartz countertops.

Island

For many small spaces, a kitchen island is the most effective way to provide the necessities. An island can house a sink, a built-in dishwasher, and a cooktop to make more room on your other counters for food preparation.

With an exquisite countertop on your island that extends on one end, it can also double as a seating area, eliminating the need for a dining room table. Imagine quartz, marble, or natural stone for a kitchen island because it will be the room’s focal point.

Italian

For anyone looking to have a relaxing yet elegant kitchen space, the Italian kitchen is a must. Italians are well-known for their food, wine, and culture. You can encapsulate a feeling of comfort, tradition, and beauty with distressed surfaces and focusing on natural light. These spaces are warm and inviting, with ample space for your loved ones to sit and enjoy food and drinks together.

Some distinct elements to an Italian kitchen theme include wood, stone countertops, and tile backsplash and flooring. Cabinets are made of wood that boasts light hues to allow a bright and airy ambiance. These spaces have a lived-in and well-loved feeling that welcomes friends and family alike. Additional flair, such as arched doorways and antique light fixtures, gives your kitchen a sense of history and culture.

Bold and Bright

For those who don’t like to limit themselves, a bold and bright kitchen will keep you cheery and motivated all day! Bright kitchens with bold pops of color are, quite literally, popping up everywhere! In this popular kitchen design style, pick colors to suit your tastes and not to conform.

Color pairings can be wild and bright: bold oranges and teals or mixed greens and yellows. Lower cabinets often feature a bright pop of color, while upper cabinets feature a more neutral tone. Other details are kept clean to accentuate the color choice above all: stainless steel or silver fixtures, modern light fixtures, and contrasting islands that steal the show.

As with the other details supporting the color choice, choose a countertop that won’t war with your color palette for center stage. A durable granite with a minimal pattern will still offer beauty and quality while not overtaking the bright colors.

If you’re feeling extra bold, try a contrasting countertop color or pattern for your island either as a pop of color or to complement bright accents elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

As a family-owned company, we believe that the best things in life often start in the kitchen!

If it’s time to revamp your kitchen in any of these eye-catching styles, contact us today to learn more about our stone countertop offerings and which one would be the best fit for your lifestyle, your needs, and your design vision.

Marble countertops are the epitome of high-class living. They exude luxury and sophistication and bring an air of elegance to any room. Marble is a natural stone, and while it may not be as hardy as other natural stones, its fragility only adds to its timelessness. That’s not to say that a marble countertop will sustain damage at the drop of a hat, though. As long as you maintain proper care and upkeep of your marble countertop, it’ll last for decades.

No two marble slabs are alike. Whether it’s the veining, color, or finish, there will always be something about your slab of marble that sets it apart.

Marble comes in a wide variety of shades, from pure white to black to anything in between—colors like green, pink, and red. Many people aren’t aware of marble’s versatility in the color department, mostly because many remodelers end up choosing something more on the neutral end of the color spectrum.

There’s a reason why black, white, and gray marble slabs are the most popular. They go with almost any style of bathroom or kitchen and blend with an array of colors and designs.

We want our customers to be as well versed in marble countertops as we are, especially if you’re in the market to remodel your home. In this article, you’ll find a detailed list of our most popular marble variants, where they’re sourced from, and the way they look.

Carrara Marble

Carrara is the most common variant of marble and the most popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. It doesn’t end there, though—many customers also choose the Carrara style for flooring and walls as well.

Carrara marble is sourced from Italy, mainly in the regions of Carrara and Tuscany.

Most commonly, Carrara marble can be found in white, but it’s also popular in gray and blue-gray options. The veining in Carrara marble is very fine and feathery with linear lines.

Statuary Marble

Statuary marble is not as popular as Carrara, but it’s equally dramatic and stunning. Also originating from Carrara, it has a reflective, glossy look that sets it apart from the Carrara style—almost in a translucent manner with its fine gray veining. This quality of Statuary marble turns kitchens and bathrooms into aesthetically intriguing places that catch the eye upon entry.

Calacatta Marble

Calacatta marble is also very popular and is often mistaken for Carrara itself because it’s mostly white. However, Calacatta marble is actually much more rare—and therefore more expensive—than Carrara. The reason it’s so rare and expensive is because it originates from the Apuan Mountains in the Carrara region of Italy.

Although Calacatta and Carrara do have their similarities, you can spot the differences when two slabs are side-by-side. Calacatta is pure white with dark, thick gray veins—as opposed to Carrara’s finer veining. Calacatta also has the occasional flecks of gold that Carrara doesn’t have. Calacatta can either be warm or cool, depending on the style of your remodeled room, and has a very rich look to it.

Crema Marfil Marble

Crema Marfil marble, unlike the previous styles, is not white. It’s still neutral, though, ranging from beige to yellow, and has irregular veining throughout. Since it has even and warm undertones, Crema Marfil makes a room feel welcoming and calm. This also means that it pairs well with wooden materials.

Crema Marfil marble is not rare. It’s sourced from Spain, which means it’s affordable and available for more than just countertops. It’s also commonly used for walls, fireplaces, and flooring.

Nero Marquina Marble

Nero Marquina marble is a type of true-black marble with a very fine grain. It originates from the Marquina region is Basque Country, Spain, and is a beautiful all-black stone patterned with pure white veining. Some companies try to pass off other black stones as Nero Marquina marble, but not Lopsang. We supply only the real thing.

In some Nero Marquina slabs, the white veining can overcome the black base—but every slab is different. Depending on the style of your kitchen, you might either want the black to be more prominent, or the white. It all depends on your taste.

Though Nero Marquina is in high demand, it’s not an overly expensive stone. You can get the luxurious look of black marble while still staying within your budget.

Know Your Marble

Most people, when they think of marble, think that it comes in two simple shades—black and white—when that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Here at Lopsang, we’re the experts in marble (and other types of natural stone) and want to make you feel like experts too. If you have questions about your marble countertop or want to look into implementing marble in your remodel, contact us today!