Architectural Surfaces: All About Quartz

The article 'Ask the Experts: Hard Surfaces 101' discusses the complexities involved in selecting hard surfaces like stone and tile for homes, highlighting that beyond aesthetic preferences such as color or substance, several factors need careful consideration to avoid buyer's remorse and expensive re-dos. The piece notes the evolution of the stone and tile industries, moving beyond traditional granite countertops and travertine tiles to offer a wide array of products, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages for specific applications. Cosentino, a global manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom surfaces, offers products like Scalea (natural stone), Sensa (treated granite), Silestone (quartz), and Dekton (a blend of glass, porcelain, and quartz), each possessing different properties. Jodie Amore, general manager of Cosentino New Orleans, emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive information to customers to prevent dissatisfaction. She advises clients to view full slabs before fabrication to understand the stone's appearance fully, including its veining and color. Beyond aesthetics, other properties become crucial when choosing solid surfaces for applications such as shower walls, tub surrounds, and fireplaces. John Cognevich, president of Stone Interiors, a Natural Stone Institute-accredited fabricator, stresses the necessity of understanding the long-term behavior of each material. For example, marble is characterized as a soft stone that ages and changes over time, a feature some customers appreciate, while others seeking a consistent look might find it unsuitable. This characteristic makes quartz a popular alternative for kitchen countertops due to its engineered, non-porous, and durable nature, often mimicking marble's appearance. The article clarifies the distinction between quartz and quartzite, two materials often confused. Quartz is an engineered stone made from natural quartz and other components, offering consistent color and pattern. Quartzite, conversely, is a natural stone known for its translucent, marble-like appearance. BJ Farrell, vice president of sales and marketing at Campbell Cabinets, notes that quartzite's natural look, particularly in colors like Taj Mahal and Cristallo, is highly appealing, and its translucent qualities allow for creative design options like backlighting. Chris Kornman, co-owner of Entablature Design-Build, also praises quartzite for its natural beauty and durability as a marble alternative in kitchens, despite its higher cost compared to engineered quartz. He highlights the significant advancements in engineered quartz, which now offers over 100 colors and increasingly realistic marble-like designs without the associated maintenance. Madeline Bernard, an interior designer at DMG, favors quartz for its combination of granite's durability, marble's beauty, and solid surface's color consistency, along with its non-porous, low-maintenance properties and design versatility. She mentions using quartz for a waterfall countertop island to create a focal point and expand kitchen functionality. For tile selection, particularly for floors and walls, large-format tiles, including larger subway tiles, continue to trend. Lindsay Swenson, chief executive merchant at Floor & Decor, observes a growing trend in using stone and tile for architectural focal walls, replacing wallpaper. To avoid regret with tile purchases, Swenson recommends three key steps: choose what you genuinely love, opt for timeless designs over fleeting trends, and always ensure a premium sealer is used during installation of stone tile, even suggesting purchasing it independently if necessary. These expert insights collectively guide consumers toward making informed decisions for their home's hard surfaces. #HardSurfaces #HomeImprovement #StoneSurfaces #TileDesign #QuartzCountertops #Quartzite #Marble #InteriorDesign #MaterialSelection

The article highlights the increasing importance homeowners place on kitchen countertops, as evidenced by a 2022 Houzz online survey. While quartz and granite remain popular, the market offers a diverse range of materials that blend aesthetics and functionality. This overview showcases several kitchen projects, each featuring distinct surfacing materials, demonstrating how designers incorporate them to achieve specific design goals and meet client needs. Selah Ewert, a senior interior designer at Norman Building & Design, used Brazilian Fossil quartzite for an island to create a striking focal point in a contemporary kitchen. The quartzite's dramatic geometric patterning and bold coloration, complemented by a waterfall edge, influenced the selection of Anigre wood cabinets and other natural elements to ensure a cohesive design. For the perimeter, a neutral Silestone White Zeus Extreme quartz was chosen, allowing the island to stand out. This project underscores the use of natural stone to introduce unique artistic elements into a kitchen space. Cameron Weaver of Weaver Construction restored a home with Mid-Century Modern design, incorporating soapstone for both the island and perimeter countertops. The soapstone slab, featuring hints of blue, gold flecks, and light/dark clouds, provided movement and character. Oiling the stone deepened its color, coordinating with window trim and contrasting with white cabinetry. The use of a waterfall edge further enhanced the stone's natural beauty, aligning with the home's original architectural style and integrating modern elements with a historical tribute. Barbi Stalburg Kasoff of Stalburg Design utilized Enigma Spyder quartz for a kitchen with gray perimeter cabinetry, aiming to counteract a potentially stark aesthetic. The dark, earthy, red-based quartz, combined with black pendant lights and custom green island cabinetry, introduced warmth and a homey feel. Flecks of gold within the quartz synchronized with gold-lined pendants, adding layers of texture and richness. This design illustrates how engineered quartz can achieve a natural, sophisticated yet family-friendly ambiance. Valerie Helgeson of Design Directions transformed a 1920s bungalow kitchen by removing walls and incorporating Metro Quartz Unique Calacatta quartz countertops. This marble-look engineered surface offered durability and stain resistance while maintaining the home's period feel. An arched island edge improved seating and safety for children, demonstrating thoughtful design for both aesthetics and practicality. The quartz complemented other elements like white oak accents and custom green cabinetry, ensuring a timeless design that respects the home's heritage. Nar Bustamante of Nar Design Group selected Cosentino Dekton Rem sintered stone for a kitchen with abundant natural light. The Dekton's UV protection prevented discoloration, while its subtle veining, replicating Calacatta Lincoln, offered a gentle contrast to white cabinetry. The suede finish of the surface was chosen to minimize glare from large windows, creating a comfortable working environment. Bustamante highlighted the material's thin profile and polished edge, achieving a play on texture and sheen, and its stain resistance made it practical for additional areas like a wine bar. Reid Brawner and his wife, lifestyle blogger Shalice Noel, used Neolith Calacatta Luxe sintered stone for their home renovation. The stone's dramatic veining, mimicking luxurious marbles, integrated traditional and modern elements. Its polished finish provided a luxurious feel and was easy to clean, a practical benefit for an active family. The reflective quality of the surface also helped distribute natural light. The design incorporated a transitional modern foundation, with accents throughout the kitchen referencing the stone's veining and minimizing the appearance of the range hood. Jessica Pleasants and Okan Oncel of POP Architecture incorporated stainless steel for the island and bar countertops, along with Glassos crystallized glass for the perimeter and backsplash, in a Manhattan apartment renovation. The stainless steel, chosen for its durability and ease of cleaning, featured brass rivets that added warmth, while the Glassos offered uniformity and a pure white property. This project showcased a mix of materials to add visual interest and depth, maintaining a sophisticated yet functional design that honored the building's heritage. Jenny Roush Newman of West End Cabinet Company used Curava Savaii recycled glass countertops, featuring embedded seashells and clear glass, for a coastal-inspired kitchen. The material's color palette softened horizontal surfaces and complemented painted walls and subway tile. This choice provided a unique, aesthetic solution that also offered practical benefits, such as concealing crumbs, fitting the homeowner's desire for a light, airy, and inviting design theme. Courtney Kizer of Architectural Squared highlighted a custom walnut island with Caesarstone Ocean Foam quartz for the perimeter and main working surface. The walnut element, made possible by structural changes, became a central feature, adding warmth and unique flair. The quartz maintained a clean neutrality, allowing the wood and other colorful accents, such as a multi-toned green backsplash, to stand out. This design combined the warmth of wood with playful elements, inspired by the Baja peninsula. Michelle Krochmal of Filament Architecture Studio utilized Wilsonart Blackbird laminate for a vintage-inspired kitchen, reflecting the client's preference for 1930s-1950s styles. The dark laminate, with a Leno Weave finish, grounded the kitchen and coordinated with checkerboard flooring, while a metal trim detail maintained historical authenticity. This choice demonstrated how laminate can offer a distinct vintage aesthetic and express individuality, proving its relevance beyond modern material trends. Alberthe Buabeng of Albie Knows selected Formica Bleached Concrete Everform solid surface for her galley kitchen. The material's durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal were crucial for a high-traffic area that served multiple functions beyond cooking. The neutral colorway supported a black and white design with warm wood accents, achieving a luxe, cozy, and minimal aesthetic that aligned with her design ethos while accommodating a busy family lifestyle. #KitchenDesign #CountertopMaterials #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #Quartzite #Soapstone #EngineeredQuartz #SinteredStone #LaminateCountertops #SolidSurface

Terrazzo & Marble Supply, an employee-owned company established in 1947, is recognized as a leading distributor of high-quality materials for various home applications, including kitchens, bathrooms, wall cladding, and general decor. The company prides itself on offering a curated collection of natural stone and engineered slabs, catering to the design and architectural communities. Their facility, located in Menomonee Falls, is noted for its distinctive material selection, differing from typical builder-grade offerings. For over 75 years, Terrazzo & Marble Supply has maintained its reputation as a trusted source for an array of materials, including terrazzo, natural stone, quartz, and porcelain. The company sources its natural stone from quarries across the globe, ensuring a premium selection. Among their featured brands are DIFINITI, Diresco, Antolini, and Vermont Danby. While quartz and porcelain remain popular choices, the article highlights a significant resurgence in the popularity of natural stone. This material is noted for its warm and earthy tones, which contribute to a trend-resistant aesthetic in home design. Jenna Nejedlo, the Outside Sales Representative for the Menomonee Falls location, emphasizes the unique and high-quality nature of their material selection, noting that visitors immediately recognize the difference. The team at Terrazzo & Marble Supply, as one of the Midwest's prominent stone suppliers, is dedicated to connecting with clients to assist them in realizing their vision for personalized spaces. They aim to provide materials that enable the creation of unique and distinct environments, underscoring their commitment to quality and client satisfaction. The article is a sponsored content piece, part of the "Faces of Milwaukee" series, highlighting key businesses and individuals within the Milwaukee community. It serves to showcase Terrazzo & Marble Supply's expertise and product range, reinforcing its position as a go-to provider for natural stone and other surfacing materials in the region. #NaturalStone #HomeDesign #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #ArchitecturalMaterials #Terrazzo #Quartz #Porcelain