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We’re stone and surfacing experts, not interior designers. However, our customers commonly ask us for suggestions when it comes to cabinetry and countertop color combinations. So we make it a priority to know the latest color and style trends so that we can make sensible suggestions that give our clients the beautiful end results they desire. One surface we’ve recently had fun “color matching” is ColorQuartz in French Tan.

Ask any kitchen or bath designer about some of today’s top trends, and they’re bound to mention the shift toward “seamless.” Whether it’s in the form of integrated appliances, disguising switches and outlets so they are barely noticeable, installing shower drains that allow tile to be set right in the drain for an uninterrupted appearance, or the blending of one living space into the next (such as the kitchen and adjacent family room), continuity is a key to good design. When it comes to surfacing, going “seamless” offers a blend of practicality and modern style.

 Q: I hope you can help settle a “debate” between my wife and I. We’re remodeling our master suite. We’ve been shopping for white marble for his and her vanity tops in the bath. We’ve been seeing Calacatta and Carrara marbles. I say they’re the same thing, but my wife insists that we go with Calacatta. Is there a difference?

Now in stock at Marble and Granite, Inc., is a product we haven’t had readily available for quite some time: Silver Travertine.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, to get a surface like this, you’d have to search high and low, sifting through slabs of jet-black natural stone for one with just the right amount of sparkle. Luckily today quartz manufacturers like ColorQuartz make it easy to get surfacing in dramatic colors with interesting patterns or shimmering particulate.

Ultra-compact Neolith surfacing just got even more practical. The availability of a new 6mm thickness makes this versatile, durable “super hero” of a surface now even more efficient. Already ideal for a catalog of applications, the new size now aligns Neolith with industry standards for even more uses.

Looking for fresh color ideas to keep your projects current? Consider one of the many shades of white available in surfacing today. And if you love the look of white countertops, but aren’t necessarily in the market for marble or white granite, ColorQuartz is a great option.

The availability of three new finishes now makes ultra-compact Neolith a truly versatile design choice. Recognized for its durability, it also now offers increased design flexibility.

Did you take chemistry class in high school? If you did, you’ve likely already experienced soapstone. Most lab tables are made of this material because of its chemically “inert” composition. (That’s just a fancy way of saying that chemicals won’t ruin it. It’s all coming back to you now, isn’t it?) Resistant to stains and bacteria, soapstone can hold up to Bunsen burners and high school students determined to wreak havoc. Its ability to withstand all of that makes soapstone a pretty great choice for kitchen and bath countertops too.

Just as important as it is to choose a material that suits the function of a particular project, it’s equally important to select the appropriate finish for the material. When it comes to natural stone, the surface finish helps to dictate the functional characteristics of the material. For example, a honed surface will provide slip-resistance, whereas a polished surface will be highly reflective. Finish can also go a long way in affecting the color of natural stone. Some finishes will intensify the color while others will soften it.