Granite (Boston Granite Exchange)

May 28 2024

Granite and Wine Pairings: Matching Countertop Colors and Patterns with Different Wine Varietals

Are you an oenophile? If so, which wines are your favorite? An oenophile is another word for a wine enthusiast. There’s a lot to be enthusiastic about regarding wine, and one of the many pleasures of the hobby is enjoying a glass at home with family and friends.

To do this, many wine lovers build home bars, complete with an area for tasting and serving. The aesthetics of these home bars vary wildly; some people love a sleek, modern look, while others prefer something more rustic.

Whatever your preferred aesthetic is, there’s a granite countertop that can match it– and even pair well with your preferred wine varietal!

Granite is ideal for a home bar. Its durable nature and resistance to scratches mean that it’s perfect for serving a crowd. And when sealed properly, it’s highly resistant to spills.

Unlike marble, which is sensitive to heavily pigmented liquids such as red wine, granite resists staining– and its striking veining looks very impressive. A granite countertop is the perfect surface for your at-home wine bar. The only question is what type of granite to use?

For your consideration, here are some of our favorite wine and granite pairings. Cheers!

Red Wine

The robust, dark claret hue of red wine looks best with dark granite. Black granite with bold white veins has a striking appearance, perfect for a strong aesthetic statement, while black granite with dark veins is more subtle. Either way, your home bar will look sleek and sophisticated with dark granite.

Granite type: Black Forest Dual

Granite type: Eclipse

Alternatively, you may wish to go with a snowy white granite with pale veins. While spills will be more evident, a soft white granite will have sharp, dramatic contrast with ruby red wine. It will also give your home bar a very classical motif.

If you’re a fan of Italian reds and want to pay homage to the Roman roots of this type of wine, white granite can be reminiscent of Romanesque marble without being as delicate or susceptible to acid and pigment.

Granite type: Aspen White

Granite type: Pedra Do White

Rosé

Rosés have a soft, delicate color. If your wine collection tends toward this wine’s rosy blush, a warm-toned granite with lots of mid-toned veining is the perfect choice. It’s warm and inviting, and makes your home bar feel friendly and approachable– much like a glass of rosé! Look for browns, ochres, golds, and other rustic earth tones.

Granite type: Butterfly Beige

Granite type: Betularie Exotica

White Wine

White wines have the palest color, so if you’re a white wine aficionado, you want to choose a granite countertop that doesn’t overpower the visual subtleties of your wine of choice. Pale granite with warm tones that reflect the soft amber of white wine will look great, especially if you set your home bar up in an area that gets lots of natural light. Like with rosé, earth tones are a good choice. White veining or pale mottling will emphasize the lighter color of this type of wine!

Granite type: Antique Fantasy

Granite type: Camelot Dream

These samples are just a tiny handful of the hundreds of granite patterns out there. To see more, and to determine what would look best in your home with your decor and aesthetic sensibilities, contact us at Olympia Stone and get started with a free estimate. Our team would love to help you build the wine bar of your dreams!

Apr 23 2024

8 Must-Know Tips for Choosing the Perfect Granite Countertop

So you’ve decided on a granite countertop for your kitchen or bathroom. Excellent choice! Granite is a stunning natural stone that looks fantastic with every home design aesthetic, and its durability means that you will be able to enjoy your countertops for decades to come.

Now comes the hardest part: choosing the perfect countertop. With so many different granite options, how are you to choose? That’s what we’re here to help you with!

The Olympia Stone team has the expert advice you need to pick the perfect granite countertop. Here are 8 tips to keep in mind as you make your selection.

1. Color and Pattern Selection

Consider the overall color scheme and design theme of your space. Granite countertops come in a variety of colors and patterns, ranging from subtle to bold. Choose a color and pattern that complements your cabinetry, flooring, and overall decor.

2. Quality and Grade

Granite countertops are available in different quality grades. Poor-grade granite is prone to cracking and chipping, so make sure that the fabricator you choose offers only the best-grade granite.

It is worth it to visit your fabricator’s showroom to see the stone for yourself before installing it in your home.

3. Thickness

The thickness of granite countertops typically ranges from about ¾ of an inch for bathrooms and 1-1¼ inches for kitchens. Thicker slabs provide more durability and can withstand heavy use over time.

However, thicker slabs are also heavier, and may prove challenging to use in second floor installations. Consider your usage needs and aesthetic preferences when selecting the thickness.

4. Edge Profiles

Granite countertops offer various edge profiles, such as bullnose, beveled, ogee, and eased edge. Choose an edge profile that complements the style of your space and enhances the overall look of the countertop.

Your fabricator can show you different options and help you envision which edge profile would look best in your space.

5. Finish Options

Granite countertops come in different finishes, including polished, honed, leathered, and brushed. Each finish offers a unique appearance and texture, and you should look at sample stones to pick your favorite.

Consider factors such as maintenance requirements and aesthetic preferences when selecting the finish.

6. Sealing Requirements

Granite is a porous natural stone that requires sealing to prevent staining and etching. Ask about the sealing requirements of the specific granite slab you choose and follow the fabricator’s recommendations for maintenance.

7. Budget Considerations

Set a budget for your granite countertop project and explore options within your price range. Keep in mind that factors such as slab size, thickness, quality, and customization will affect the overall cost.

8. Professional Installation

Granite is expensive and heavy, so you shouldn’t try to DIY a granite countertop installation. Instead, hire a reputable and experienced fabricator.

This will ensure proper measurement, fabrication, and installation of your granite countertop. Professional installation will help maximize the lifespan and performance of your countertop.

At Olympia Stone, we’re here to help you every step of the way, from choosing the right granite to milling the edge ourselves, to creating a perfect installation. Contact us today for a free estimate for your new granite countertop!

Dec 28 2023

Creative Granite Finishes: Leathered, Honed, and More for a Unique Touch

Transforming your space with granite countertops is a savvy choice, but the finish you select can take your interiors to the next level. Beyond the conventional polished look, numerous creative granite finishes are waiting to impart a distinctive touch to your space.

From the tactile elegance of leathered granite to the smooth sophistication of honed granite, each finish brings its own character to your countertops.

In this exploration of the lesser-known granite finishes, we’re diving into the diverse options that promise to enhance the visual intrigue of your interiors, offering a fresh perspective on how to infuse personality and style into your surroundings.

The Different Types of Granite Finishes

To discover the perfect granite countertop finish to complete your design vision, one must first be aware of all the options available.

Polished Granite

The classic polished granite finish remains a timeless, elegant choice characterized by its glossy, reflective surface. This popular option adds a stylish sheen to any space with its smooth, mirror-like appearance.

Leathered Granite

For those seeking a more textured and organic feel, leathered granite is the answer. Achieved through a process that enhances the stone’s natural texture, this finish provides a unique, tactile experience. Its slightly rough surface adds depth and character to countertop surfaces.

Honed Granite

With its matte finish, honed granite offers a more understated and subtle appearance. While lacking the shine of polished granite, honed surfaces showcase the stone’s natural colors and textures, providing a refined and elegant aesthetic.

Flamed Granite

For a distinctive and rustic appeal, flamed granite is the go-to choice. Created by exposing the stone to high temperatures and then rapidly cooling it, the resulting finish is a sumptuously textured surface with a weathered appearance, perfect for adding antique charm—especially in outdoor spaces.

Brushed Granite

A bushed granite finish is exactly what it sounds like—it is made by scouring the surface with coarse brushes to create a charming, weathered texture. This finish retains the stone’s natural color variations while offering a soft, weathered look, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more organic and rustic feel in their surroundings.

Designing with Creative Granite Finishes

From the sleek sophistication of polished granite—ideal for contemporary kitchens—to the tactile luxury of leathered finishes, the diversity of options caters to an array of tasteful design styles.

Honed granite, with its understated elegance, finds a natural home in transitional spaces, effortlessly bridging modern and traditional elements. Flamed granite, with its weathered charm, complements various outdoor designs and more rugged design schemes.

Meanwhile, brushed granite, which embodies an organic, natural beauty, easily integrates into coastal or nature-inspired interiors.

Each finish becomes a versatile tool in the hands of designers and countertop experts, creating spaces that resonate with individual tastes and eclectic design preferences.

Practical Considerations

When integrating granite finishes into your space, it’s important to be aware of factors like maintenance and functionality. While polished surfaces exude a decadent sheen, they may demand pretty regular cleaning in order to maintain their lustrous appeal.

The tactile charm of leathered or brushed finishes, on the other hand, often conceals blemishes from everyday wear, making them more suitable for high-traffic areas.

Honed granite, though sophisticated, necessitates periodic sealing for optimal longevity.

By considering these nuances, you not only enhance the aesthetic coherence of your design but also ensure that your chosen granite finish aligns with the practical demands of your lifestyle.

Choosing the Perfect Granite Finish

If you’re considering new granite countertops for your home’s kitchen or bathroom, the choice of granite finish can become a defining element. Whether you opt for the sleekness of the polished surface, the tactile joy of leathered granite, or the rustic charm of weathered finishes, your selection transforms this material into a personalized statement.

To embark on your transformation journey, reach out to the experts who understand this intricate world. Get in touch with Olympia Stone to explore the innumerable possibilities. Together, we’ll ensure that your design vision is actualized with the perfect granite finish that harmonizes your home. Contact us today, and let the transformation begin!