Paramount Granite Blog

Add Visual Appeal To Your Island With a Curved Overhang Bumpout…

In our showroom, many customers are looking for ideas to make their kitchen stand out. While choosing granite for your countertop in and of itself will make your kitchen stand out, there are a number of other ways to add to it including, incorporating decorative edges, or backsplash options, using multiple colors, or multiple wood tones, or adding a curve, etc. In this blog, I wanted to focus on adding a curve overhang bumpout to an island.

Let’s take a look at a project we recently fabricated and installed…

Colonial Gold Granite

Notice how the customer added a curved overhang bumpout to the seating area. The overhang allows for comfortable seating for several individuals, while the curve adds an aesthetic appeal to both the island and the entire kitchen.

Colonial Gold Granite

The curved overhang in the island also ties the round table to the room.

If you are planning some on doing some remodeling and need help your color selections, as well as other ways to make your kitchen stand out, make sure you stop by our showroom. We are happy to help.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Posted in Design, Granite on August 29th, 2012 by Barb | | 0 Comments

Good As Gold…

When it comes to decorating, gold is always popular. Gold is most often associated with abundance and prosperity, and often portrays a sense of luxury and quality. It is one of those colors that is warm and inviting, which is why many people are attracted to it. In this blog, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some gold countertops for kitchens I came across.

Let’s take a look…

Traditional Kitchen design by San Diego Kitchen And Bath Tina Kuhlmann

The photo above features a Calcutta Gold Marble island. Notice how it draws you into the kitchen and gives you that warm inviting feeling.

Traditional Kitchen design by Other Metros Interior Designer Anna Baskin Lattimore Design

This kitchen features Colonial Gold granite, which works well with white cabinets and other decor.

Mediterranean Kitchen design by Dc Metro Kitchen And Bath Cameo Kitchens, Inc.

This kitchen features a Roman Gold Granite island. The decorative corners and waterfall edge, add to its appeal and make the island a beautiful focal point for the kitchen.

Modern Kitchen design by Boston Interior Designer Melissa Miranda Interior Design

This kitchen features Calcutta Gold Marble, which portrays an elegant, sophisticated look.

Traditional Kitchen design by Tile Stone And Countertop Artistic Tile

This kitchen also features Calcutta Gold Marble. It both elegant and eye-catching.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Posted in Granite, Marble on August 27th, 2012 by Barb | | 0 Comments

Granite Countertops—The Heavy Weight Champion!

One of the questions we hear frequently in our showroom is “How much does granite weigh?” That’s not surprising because granite is some heavy stuff and definitely requires some special lifting techniques, equipment, and dollies, etc. to maneuver around. In the Midwest, the common thickness for most granite countertops is 3 cm. On average, a 3 cm thick piece of granite weighs approximately 18 pounds per square foot. If you consider an average slab of granite is approximately 9′ x 5′, (54 square feet), that comes to 972 pounds. Obviously some slabs weigh more than others, depending on their exact size.

Some granite colors are also available in a 2cm thickness. 2 cm slabs are sometimes used for full height backsplash, fireplace surrounds, some vanities, etc. On average, a 2 cm thick piece of granite weighs approximately 12 pounds per square foot. Again—if you consider an average slab of granite is approximately 9′ x 5′, (54 square feet), that comes to 648 pounds, which is less than the 3 cm thickness, but is heavy nonetheless!

While granite “weighs in” as a heavy material for countertops, there are typically no worries, when it comes to cabinet support, as the weight is distributed evenly and most cabinets are structurally sound.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Posted in Granite on August 24th, 2012 by Barb | | 0 Comments

Recipe: Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Here’s a good recipe to try for fall, while zucchini’s are in season. It is easy to make, very good and gets an “A” for satisfying those chocolate cravings.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

½ cup butter
½ cup oil
1-3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 eggs
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup cocoa
½ tsp. Baking powder
1 tsp. Baking soda
1 tsp. Salt
2-1/2 cups flour
2 cups grated zucchini
½ cup chopped nuts
1 bag chocolate chips

In a mixer, mix the first 6 ingredients together. Add the dry ingredients, then add the zucchini. Mix well. Spread the mixture in a greased & floured, 13” x 9”. Top with nuts and chocolate chips. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes. Cool and frost with chocolate frosting. Serve warm, or cold.

Enjoy!

Barb

Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on August 24th, 2012 by Barb | | 0 Comments

Just Arrived—New Exclusive Colors

Wow! It is hard to believe that a change in the seasons is just around the corner. Speaking of change, we just got in six new Exclusive colors for fall that I wanted to pass along. Great timing, if you are one of the lucky ones who are planning on doing some remodeling to your home this fall that includes new countertops. From golden, earth tones to greens, these colors are sure to brighten your day and home. Make sure you stop by and check them out, as well as our stock colors, and partial slab inventory. There is always plenty to choose from.

Let’s take a look at our new Exclusive stock…