Granite, Quartz & Marble Concepts For Your Home

Friends, rennovating their bathroom, came to our Toronto showroom last week.

We chatted about design options and I showed them our factory with our extensive remnant inventory of granite, silestone and caesarstone.

We discussed the use of Silestone slabs on the shower walls.  Silestone has microban technology which inhibits the growth of mold and mildew and odor causing bacteria.  It's a great product to use, particularly in a shower or as a bathroom countertop.  In addition, the use of granite or quartz for shower walls and backsplashes eliminates or minimizes the need for grout.  Cleaning becomes dream work!  

When I showed them pictures of large slabs of granite or Silestone on fireplaces and quartz shower walls, that was all it took.  They were impressed with the beauty of the large pieces and immediately decided to have their bathroom finished this way. It really does show off the beauty of quartz or granite.

In addition to picking silestone for the shower, they chose granite for a seat and a shelf in the shower.  Mixing these two materials can produce a very unique and appealing result. All of the materials came from our remnant inventory at incredible savings. 

The whole project will be completed in a few weeks and I'll have pictures to share when the project is done. 

If anyone has used large pieces of granite, silestone or caesarstone in a project please share with us pictures of your project.  Of course, if someone has other unique design ideas that they would like to share with us, we greatly appreciate it.

Granite or Quartz slabs for shower walls and vanities gives your bathroom a unique and stunning look. 

Granite and quartz really lets your personalize the look of your bathroom.  You can be as unique or exotic as you like.  It really depends on the material you chose.  

Best of all, slabs eliminate grout lines and if you are using Silestone with Microban, it will be mildew and mold resistant also! 

At Latitude we are seeing more and more designers choosing quartz or granite slabs over tile.  Designers are finding that the slabs are cost competitive with tiles while offering an individual look to their customers

There are so many uses for granite, quartz or marble products other than kitchen counter tops. 

Natural stone and stone products have their own unique characteristics and beauty.  Slabs can be used for shower walls, outdoor kitchens and barbeques, fireplaces, tub decks, tub backsplashes, or as an added accent for a bathroom wall. 

Everyday at Latitude we see designers and homeowners ideas come to life.  We witness this creativity everyday and it is wonderful to be able to turn their ideas into a reality.

Just last week, Paul from Barbeques Galore came to see us.  Paul was picking granite colours for a new line of granite barbeque shelves the store is launching.  Barbeque Galore is also introducing a new line of custom granite oudoor end tables. He's picked some great granite colours and they will be in his store next week.

Recently, my daughter convinced me to put Silestone slabs on her bathroom wall, over the vanity.  She chose Stellar Marine for her vanity and the walls.  We put two 18" wide slabs on the wall with a large mirror in between.  It looks great!  I'll post some pictures on this blog site in the next few days for everyone to see.

The purpose of this blog site is to explore ideas, seek advice, ask questions and to share our creations.  So go ahead, tell us about your latest project, your ideas, feel free to seek advice from the designers, kitchen and bath dealers and experts we work with.

Fireplaces are usually the focal point of the room so it is important to give it the attention it needs when renovating a room.  Granite and marble are very good choices for the fireplace hearth, surround and mantel.  Granite and marble are heat resistant and durable.  Every piece of granite is beautifully different and unique, ensuring that you are the sole owner of that particular look.  Another trend is to create a fireplace face with granite or marble that goes from the floor to the ceiling, but it is important to have the space for that look.  Whether you want the floor to ceiling look or a granite mantel, it is vital to have proper support for the stone.  The wall behind the stone must be braced or reinforced before the stone can be installed. A good contractor should be able to help with that.

How do I choose a colour?

Pick a colour that goes with the overall colour scheme of the space.  If you want choose a stone with little patterning, accent the fireplace with decorative items on the mantel.  If the colouring and the patterning of the stone is busy or loud, it will be most beautiful on its own or with a couple of accents in one colour, you don't want it to be cluttered.  Some people prefer a more neutral colour and will use accents to change the look and feel of the room.  Paint and accents are inexpensive ways to change the look and feel of a room.  Keep in mind that when choosing a very colourful granite, the room will always have to match the fireplace, unless you want to change the granite to match the changing look of your room.

Where do I get a granite or marble fireplace?

You can buy them already made but it is a good idea to buy is custom made by a reputable stone fabricator.  LATITUDE has been in this industry for over 25 years.  We have fabricated 100's of mantels, surrounds and hearths, and more recently the floor to ceiling fireplace face.  Our templators are armed with plotters that will create a digital template of your fireplace. Fabrication is extremely precise with our CNC machines and laser guided saws. Come see us at 66 LePage Court, Toronto, ON 416 638 8586