When it comes to your home being your castle, then your master bath is of course your master retreat. Trends come and go, but when you’re investing in such an important area of your home, it’s important to make smart improvements that pay you back in beauty, usefulness, and—eventually—resale.

Advances in glass finishing and installation offer endless options for customizing a shower or tub surround. From modern and minimalist to custom engraving or sandblasting, the options are truly limitless. Glass surrounds can be installed frameless or framed, with a wide range of fixture options: stainless steel, bronze, gold, and chrome are only the basics. The way you design your glass can complement the decor in the rest of your home or be a unique expression of your personality.

Experienced tile installers can make beautiful patterns and inlays with custom tile work. Many tiles can be cut with an exposed edge for a more modern look as opposed edge tiles, which typically look more ornate. For those who prefer an ornate look, mosaics and inlays add interest and cache, conveying your unique style. Rough-cut stone tiles lend a more rustic look, while glass or glossy-finished ceramic tiles can look polished and cutting-edge.

Upgraded shower heads can make every shower a spa-like experience. Whether you prefer rain showers or body jets, many configurations of shower head systems are available. Shower head systems also come in many finishes to coordinate with your other fixtures and custom tile work. Many shower heads also come in eco-friendly, water saving types.

Your master bath is one of the most important place you’ll invest in your home. Many bathroom finish options are available to suit your budget and style and make your bathroom a relaxing retreat that you can enjoy every day.

There is no doubt that granite countertops are a sound investment in any kitchen. They serve as a centerpiece that brings in color and texture. For some, choosing granite is simple. They know what they want, and they go for it. For others, the amount of options and varieties can simply be overwhelming. In an effort to help identify some of the pros and cons of granite, we wanted to address three points to consider.

1. Color

Many people believe that granite is easy to care for, and more often than not, it is. However, there is a reason that granite is sealed and that there are special suggestions for caring for it and cleaning it. The fact is that granite is a porous material. This means that if it is not sealed properly, or if the sealant is not maintained, it is not immune to absorbing liquids. As a result, we have heard horror stories of beautiful white or light gray granite becoming discolored with red wine or spaghetti sauce stains. When choosing the color of your granite, consider what food items you tend to have in the kitchen. If you do a lot of cooking with red sauces, it may not be a good idea to go with a light granite.

2. Texture

Granite is an igneous rock, and it comes from all over the world. We think that part of the fun in choosing your granite is knowing the backstory on where it comes from. After all, any geologist will tell you that your granite countertop tells a story. This story often comes at a price as granite that is more rare, or has veining or unique features, tends to come with a price premium. Ask us for details about more common granite and more rare varieties with unique features.

3. Temperature

While not associated with the look of the granite itself, it is a good idea to think about the cooking that you will be doing on your granite countertop. Specifically, are you planning on placing straight out of the oven baking dishes directly on the countertop? Keep in mind that the granite can withstand the heat, but you might want to take precautions using a trivet. This will help reduce any risk of cracking or chipping as a result of heat exposure. Again, this is highly unlikely, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

You’ve got a few things to think about as you consider your kitchen install, and if you have more questions about your new granite countertop please give us a call.

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that their kitchen is not large enough for an island. The truth is that even small kitchens may benefit from a small center island for food preparation or storage.

Creative Colors

Adding an island or changing out some elements of an existing island may create an amazing accent piece in the center of the kitchen. A different color cupboard or countertop material can work wonders.

Creative Storage

An open concept island provides a creative solution for storage. Placing decorative baskets or storage boxes on open shelves adds an element of warmth. Stacking colorful pots and pans or hanging them overhead allows for a storage solution that draws the eye to a splash of color.

Creative Usage

An island may provide added color and storage, but it can also provide additional seating. An elevated shelf or overhang allows for an intimate seating area for 1-4 people. Not only is this space great for food preparation or serving, but also for memory making and family time around the table.

Contact Williams Fabrication today to find out more about the creative elements that a customs kitchen island can bring to a kitchen of any size.

There are times in life as a homeowner when adding an upgrade to the home may seem like a luxury. While, a tile backsplash in the kitchen often looks luxurious, we would like provide three practical reasons that support this installation.

Variety

A tile backsplash often completes wall space in which pictures would be awkward. The space below cupboards is easily finished off with a custom designed backsplash. Whether the dream kitchen in mind has modern elements, or country themes, there is a backsplash pattern and material that will match. With glass tiles, ceramic tiles, stone tiles, and metallic tiles, there is no design or pattern that can not be created.

Beauty

The added touch of a backsplash in the kitchen allows for the look of an upgrade. Installation of a tile backsplash can warm up a simple kitchen and easily count toward resale value. After all, kitchens are one of the main selling points in a home.

Cleanliness

We understand the importance of decluttering a kitchen and keeping granite countertops clean. Adding a backsplash in the kitchen also helps with keeping the main food preparation areas clean. Many new construction homes come with a coating of flat paint. While this is a great choice for the builder in making walls look fresh, it does not hold up in high traffic areas including the kitchen. Flat paint with overspray from a sink or food splashes from a stove is not easily cleaned or wiped. The addition of a backsplash in the kitchen eliminates this issue with tile surfaces that are easy to clean and wipe down.

Regardless of the main purpose behind installing a backsplash, one thing is certain, you’ll come to love your newly installed backsplash and the fresh look it brings to your kitchen. Contact Williams Fabrication in Woodstock for an estimate today.