Architectural Wood Turnings

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Are you redoing a tile floor in your current home or building a new home with a blank slate? Would you like to add something unique to the floor layout that will stand out more than typical tile patterns? Or, maybe you would like to add a mural to a wall outside the house? If so, then a granite medallion may be just what you’re looking for. Attractive and functional, granite medallions are also a flexible addition to your home.

What is a Granite Medallion?

You may have seen granite medallions on the floor in lobbies of office buildings or in some stores. A granite medallion is many pieces of granite assembled into a design. However, in this case the pieces of granite form one large, easy-to-install tile. These attractive granite tiles can work beyond office lobbies, functioning on a smaller-scale in more casual settings. Consider just a few of the places granite medallions show up and how you might translate that in your own house.

Where Should You Place a Granite Medallion?

Entryways and foyers are an excellent place for decorative tile. A granite medallion, whether in the center of the entrance or on a side wall, adds visual interest in an unexpected place and will be sure to catch any guest’s attention.

Kitchens are also a nice spot for a granite medallion. This addition would add a punch of color and statement in a monochromatic kitchen. But it’s also a way to include art in a space that’s often purely functional.

Bathrooms provide more than one opportunity for a granite medallion. The center of the room on the floor might be the perfect position, or the center of the shower floor or wall. Either way, it’s an interesting touch to a room that can be a challenge to decorate.

You can also install granite medallions outside. Create a terrace atmosphere on your patio or deck by installing a medallion on the patio itself or perhaps a path through the garden. Or, add one or more on a surrounding wall. Granite medallions are easy maintenance and can be a nice way to add art out-of-doors without having to worry about it.

If you have a pool with plans to change things up a bit or you’re installing a new one soon, consider a medallion for the pool floor. It’s an attractive view from in and out of the pool and again adds art to a space where there often isn’t any.

Remember that granite is a resilient material and will withstand even high-traffic areas. So don’t be afraid to install a granite medallion in parts of the house that get frequent use. Granite on its own is a low-maintenance, high-impact natural product.

So if you’re planning a tile renovation, or are starting from scratch, consider adding a granite medallion in your entryway or foyer, kitchen, bathroom or shower, patio or deck, or pool. It’s stunning, natural art that will make a statement in any setting.

Tags: granite, granite medallions, granite mosaics, granite mural

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Do you have a small space that could use some sprucing? A little granite can go a long way. You may have noticed that people often put a lot of emphasis on kitchen, and even bathroom, countertops. Both settings usually get a lot of use. Family and friends like to gather where the food is and main bathrooms get a lot of traffic. So it only makes sense that you want countertops and vanities that will not only function well but also make a good impression. But, you may ask, should I bother to invest in granite if I don’t have much counter space?

Well, think about it this way. Depending on just how small your space is every inch of it may count – both functionally and visually. If you live in a loft or your kitchen is open to other rooms, you’ll want the kitchen’s design to not only gel with the rest of your home but be pleasing to the eyes. And not just for the benefit of others but for your own enjoyment also. The same goes true for the bath. Even if you only have one, don’t you want it to look fabulous?

Adding a small amount of granite will take your space from just average to elegant. Even if you can’t makeover your entire bathroom or kitchen, a granite countertop will make a big impact. This natural stone can benefit even galley-style kitchen. Quality shouldn’t be shirked just because your living space is minimal.

Keep in mind what other changes you intend to make to your kitchen or bathroom, if any. Adding granite countertops while leaving the original cabinets, fixtures, and appliances may not always be a good idea. Depending on the quality and condition of other existing pieces, the granite might cheapen the look of the rest of the space. It’s a good idea, therefore, to consider the whole space and not just the countertops.

One of the reasons granite works so well in small amounts is because of the natural patterns in the stone. Even in a light shade, the grain pops out, creating texture so it’s not just a flat color like other countertop materials. The variety of colors available makes granite a terrific option for any design style. Granite can add softness to an industrial space while also fitting right in with a more traditional home. The range of light and dark colors means that you can find a shade that will either blend with other colors or contrast to add even more visual interest.

Think about installing granite when doing a full-blown renovation as well as doing some smaller updates. As we’ve noted, even a small granite countertop can add big visual impact, creating elegance within your small space. Improve the look and luxury of your kitchen or bath with a timeless granite countertop.

Tags: granite, granite counter, granite vanity top

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Did you know The Red Pyramid, the third largest pyramid in Egypt, is made of granite? The ancient Egyptians knew that granite is one of the best building materials. They were using it for buildings and floor veneers. Likewise today, granite is one of the most popular building materials. You may be surprised to know that granite can be found in many different places, not just in your kitchen.

Kitchen Countertops and Bathroom Vanities

Probably one of the most recognized and popular uses for granite is the countertop. Found most often in kitchens and bathrooms, few would deny the luxury it adds to any room. Because granite is available in such an array of patterns and colors, it's suitable for both modern and traditional aesthetics. While granite countertops may initially be purchased for looks, the natural durability of the stone makes it perfect for kitchens and baths, retaining its good looks for years.

Granite Tile

While the granite slab look (one large piece of granite instead of many smaller ones) seems to be preferred by homeowners, granite tile is also used on countertops. Granite is also a very popular backsplash. Granite tile makes a lasting impression used on other surfaces such as walls and floors as well.

Granite for Construction

Granite can be used to build structures such as houses and bridges. It may not always look like it does on your kitchen counters though. Some granite structures use the rough stone either for cost-effectiveness or looks. This may make granite less recognizable to most of us. They may use a combination of finished and rough stone on one or more sides. For larger structures, it's common to use a granite veneer on the outside.

Paving and Curbing

Once upon a time, before asphalt and concrete, granite paved some city streets. We don't see much of it anymore but granite is still used for patios and for paving driveways. And while the streets themselves may not be made of granite, you may notice the curbing on sidewalks often is. It is more attractive than concrete, and it's much more durable.

Monuments and Memorials

The Red Pyramid of ancient Egypt isn’t the only massive monument made of granite. Mount Rushmore in S. Dakota.S.A., was carved directly out of the granite mountain.

You also may realize that many memorial tombs and headstones are carved from granite. Aside from having a great quality, it's also an attractive way to honor loved ones.

This is just a summary of the many uses of granite. As you can see, its functionality goes beyond kitchen counter tops. From ancient civilizations down to our day, granite has found a multitude of purposes from giant pyramids to curbing on the sidewalk. No doubt, we will continue to utilize this awesome and beautiful stone for many millennia to come.

Tags: bathroom granite vanity tops, granite, granite countertops