June 2011

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Blue and purple are a colors of tranquility, awareness, and success. Their versatility offers homeowners an array of design options. The showrooms of Marble and Granite hold 29 varieties of blue and purple natural stones from which to choose.

For bold kitchens and baths, Azul Bahia's gray base with dramatic violet and black veining leaves a lasting impression. This Brazilian granite will not be overlooked. The depth of Blue Polare's color appears black, with iridescent clusters of royal blue. Its  consistent color is great for homeowners seeking a solid stone with a bit of visual interest. India's Paradisio features olive, rouge, and taupe accents throughout a base of scarlet and purple. It is a truly unique and stunning stone. Also from India, Bahamia Blue offers rich, consistent color with deposits of navy blue and black.  Naminian Sky marble has a gentle, pale blue base with extreme movement, reflected in waves of gray and slate blue.

[caption id="attachment_545" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Blue Polare"][/caption]

Visit our showrooms in Milford, CT or Westwood, MA to see these beautiful products in person. Call for 877-39-STONE for questions and details.

Image Source: Yacht Forums, Marble and Granite

The reflective qualities of Crystal Glass make it a stunning addition to your home. Maximize the light in any given space through the added radiance of engineered crystal products.

Crystal Glass is made by sintering crystals and glass together at high temperatures. The results can be similar to Pure White Thassos marble in consistency; other forms maintain their chunky crystal structures for a variety of color. Crystal glass is as durable as granite, resisting scratches and stains. Unlike some natural stones, it won't need to be sealed.

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Marble and Granite offers 9 Crystal Glass products. Radiant Crystalized White is a consistent, white surface with no movement like natural stone. It has high sheen and seems to emanate light from within. Yellow Topaz is a mixture of alabaster and glass with significant variations in color including yellow, gold, tan and black. The lighter crystals shimmer in the light, popping against the darker components in the slab. For more even light distribution, try  Briarwood's earthy blend of rust, brown, and creme which adds warmth to any design.

[caption id="attachment_531" align="alignleft" width="198" caption="Clean, sophisticated and unmistakeably modern marble"][/caption]

The featured kitchen does a top-notch job of integrating classic Calacatta Original marble into a modern design. The base of the marble is radiant white with few but distinct gray veins. The overall appearance is fresh and clean, providing a blank slate for the rest of the space.

While the traditional element of the marble is reflected in the ornate crown moldings above, the kitchen maintains it modern appeal by mixing materials: marble countertops on one side, butcher block on the opposite counter and hardwood floors. The modern décor includes frameless cabinetry with minimalist hardware, stainless steel appliances.

Both Marble and Granite showrooms are stocked with magnificent marble products that accentuate modern designs. Explore our white countertop collection including French Vanilla and Guatemalan Danby.

Image Source: Design Sponge

[caption id="attachment_527" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Bedroom in Capolavoro granite"][/caption]

The legacy of the Luigi family began in 1950s when Antolini Luigi dedicated himself to the international expansion of his company, founded upon the selection and distribution of only the finest stone products. Today, his three children carry out his mission and their zest shows in every detail of the 2011 Signature Collection.

Antolini's Signature Collection makes quality and value available to clients. The 2011 line consists of 12 variations of granite and soapstone. The range of color, movement and veining in the stone provides options for distinct style preferences. For clients who prefer modern designs with subtle beauty and splashes of color, Labradorite Multicolor granite from Madagascar rises to the occasion. Its gray base is accented with veins of silver and deposits of iridescent color: rich teals, radiant golds, and muted violet add unparalleled beauty. The warm hues of Copper Dune granite are ideal for a natural enclave, possessing copper, amber, and chocolate waves with ribbons of taupe. Browse the full 2011 collection here.

[caption id="attachment_528" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Labradorite Multicolor"][/caption]

Antolini offers multiple finishes included Polished and matte Lether. Browse and order from the Signature Collection at Marble and Granite, 877-39-STONE.

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Congratulations! You’ve invested in quality, natural stone products that are unique and durable. To keep your natural stone looking beautiful longer, follow these simple maintenance guidelines from Marble and Granite.

Typical household cleaners are not suitable for stone. Products high in acid or alkaline cause etching and other damages, including the removal of necessary properties in the stone's sealers. Without the sealer, some stone is more likely to stain. The use of certain powers and abrasive scrubbers may scratch the surface of softer stones.

For safe cleaning, seek a PH-balanced, mild cleaner that will remove dust and soil without damaging the sealer or the stone. Using a cleaner that is specially formulated for your stone type minimizes the risk of damaging. Some designated cleaners will help to protect and reinforce your stone.

If you’re unsure about specific care issues, contact your fabricator or the knowledgeable staff at Marble and Granite, 877-39-STONE.

Source: MarbleandGranite

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For homeowners who do not want shabby chic or french country baths with milky white marble there is a durable, fashionable alternative: slate.

Slate is a metamorphic rock with fine grains and consistent color. It comes in shades that are generally rich yet understated. In exchange for the smooth polished look of other finished natural stone, no gloss, no shine slate has a unique property all of its own. Its fine mineral composition allows it to appear sleek and wet when it isn’t, creating just enough sheen for visual interest without being shiny.  The stone is easily divided into thin plates that are perfect for bathroom tiles.

[caption id="attachment_521" align="alignright" width="233" caption="A mixture of slate colors and sizes with black cabinetry "][/caption]

Marble and Granite offers six types of slate in beautiful colors. Our honed black slate tiles form a solid foundation for bath designs. For a bit more variation, try our black slate with natural cleft. Our green slate with a natural cleft is ideal for baths that desire a serene, natural touch.

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Green is an earth tone that can evoke an array of moods by a simple change in hue. Pale greens promote relaxation and tranquility while saturated greens can appear regal and exhilarating. Let your room speak volumes with green natural stone from Marble and Granite.

Choose from 45 types of green granite for your kitchen, bath, or office. Earth Glitter has a base of different greens with waves of cream and brown. Our Jurassic and Turtle Green slabs display the unique beauty of natural stone at its best, with large granules and chunks of eye-catching, multicolor minerals. It is a product that is sure to turn heads. For more subtle tastes, Verde Ubatuba offers a consistent, rich green.

Irish Green Sledge stands out among the 11 green marble products offered by our company. With dramatic movement, the green base is pocked with gray and streaked with yellow and beige. In contrast, Verde Panama provides owners with a soothing greenish-gray base.

Find unique marble and granite slabs in a variety of colors at our Marble and Granite showroom, 877-39-STONE.

Image: Roma