Natural Stone

Different Types of Backsplashes

September 30, 2021 By Broadlume Leave a Comment

Many homeowners include backsplashes in their kitchen and bathrooms as a decorative layer. The real value of backsplashes is providing a protective layer to your walls. A backsplash behind your stovetop can serve as a shield to your walls during greasy, saucy, or messy meals.

There are thousands of different types, styles and textures you can choose from for your kitchen or bathroom. If you want to install a backsplash for wall protection and decoration, keep reading! To help you rein in all of the choices, we have created a list of the different types of backsplashes. Keep in mind, there are endless custom options and designs. The items listed below are some of the most popular backsplash choices.

Different Materials for Backsplashes:
Tile: ceramic tile, glass tile, porcelain tile, mosaic tile, handmade tile, tumbled natural stone.
Metals: stainless steel, copper, bronze.
Natural Stone: marble, limestone, granite, quartz, soapstone, travertine, onyx

Backsplash Patterns:

Running Bond Tile Pattern (Also known as subway tile pattern)

Herringbone Pattern

Mosaic Pattern

Straight Lay Pattern

Diagonal Pattern

Checkerboard Pattern

Basketweave Pattern

Windmill Pattern

Versailles Pattern

Pinwheel Pattern

Full slabs

Backsplash Areas:

Between the upper cabinets and countertops in your kitchen or bathroom

Behind the kitchen’s stovetop

Behind the kitchen faucet

Area behind the bathroom sink between the mirror

The entire wall behind the bathroom mirror

Lining the space above your bathtub

When you think about a backsplash for decorative purposes, your mind naturally thinks of other places to add decorative tiles. Fireplaces, the wall above the fireplace, the wall behind a bed or other focal point in a room are all great places to add tile! Use your imagination and imagine all of the places you can add tile for decoration or functional purposes!

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How to Seal Natural Stone Floors Yourself

November 21, 2019 By Broadlume Leave a Comment

Do you love your natural stone flooring? No doubt, selecting the right flooring that best complements your home was challenging. Now that you have settled on a flooring material, it is time to protect your investment. Unlike traditional flooring materials, natural stone requires special attention so that it keeps its natural glow. Since stone floors are especially vulnerable, you will need to apply a sealant to ensure that it stays intact.

Hiring a flooring expert to do the job for you is excellent, but if it is not in the budget, it is something you can complete yourself. To help, here is how you can achieve professional results when sealing your natural stone floors:

Materials

Stone sealant that has been manufacturer-recommended for your specific stone floors
Vacuum cleaner
Cloth
A soft bristle brush
Residue Remover
Pair of gloves

Begin by Cleaning

Before you begin sealing your stone floors, you will have to conduct a thorough cleaning of your floors. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and dust, and be sure to get the corners as well. Next, use a mild cleaning solution to clean the floors further. Instead of using a mop, dip a cloth into the solution and wipe the floors until they are spotless. Just remember, using harsh materials during the cleaning process can erode the natural stone. Instead, use a residue cleaner to remove stubborn stains. After you have cleaned the floors, you will need to make sure the floors are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Select Your Sealant

Next, it is time to select a sealant that is right for your natural stone floors, and that fits your personal taste. The sealant should be derived from fluoropolymer technology. Make sure you purchase a sealant that is compatible with your stone flooring. For example, do you want to achieve a glossy or matte finish? There are sealants on the market that can provide you with either look.

The Type of Stone Matters

What type of stone flooring are you utilizing? Because the sealing method is mainly dependant on the stone type. Terracotta, limestone, and sandstone should be sealed before it is installed, and tile grouting takes place. Apply sealant to the front, back and side surfaces. Marble, travertine, and granite have to be sealed at the top and edges. These stone types can be sealed after they have been laid and grouted.

Applying the Sealant

While wearing your gloves, you can apply the sealant solution with a paintbrush to the floors. To create a polished look, apply the sealant in the same direction. Just remember that the sealant needs a couple of hours to cure.

Voila, you successfully sealed your natural stone floors! You can expect the sealant to last for at least five years before you will need to redo the process. If you have any questions, please leave us a comment.

The Benefits of Natural Stone

March 9, 2014 By Broadlume 2 Comments

Stonewhy01 We love telling you about the advantages of this product because we know how much you value the true and the genuine in life.

Natural stone is the real deal. Strong, solid and stable to live with (be still our heart), this is the world’s oldest building material. It was the material of choice for Egypt’s pyramids, Grecian temples and splish-splashing in Rome’s ancient baths. (Imagine you in a marble bath in your home!)

Natural stone is beauty solidified. From granite, the hardest, most dense stone, to luxurious marble, from soft limestone to “touch me” travertine, natural stone exudes elegance, transforms your home – speaks to your soul.

Natural stone has a unique personality. Quarried from Mother Earth, natural stone’s “complexion” is impacted by temperature, pressure, minerals and underground springs. Each slab cut from this environment is one-of-a-kind. You’re not imitation. Why should the “face” of your home be?

Natural stone invented variety. You only need to walk a seashore, lakeside or riverbed to experience the variety of stone. Colors, patterns, finishes and textures beyond imagination – all available for the walkways of your home.

Natural stone can be affordable. (Now we’ve really got your attention.) Today’s stone quarrying and processing technology is more efficient than ever before. Automated equipment cuts the stone in thinner slabs for less cost and, being lighter, it’s cheaper to transport. You’re the solid winner.

For the joy of you list lovers, here are ALL THE BENEFITS OF NATURAL STONE FLOOR COVERING:

• Natural stone is genuine, timeless and authentic

• Natural stone embodies beauty and rich character

• Natural stone is singular, exclusive, one-of-a-kind

• Natural stone offers variety, choice, imagination

• Natural stone has become more cost conscious

• Natural stone virtually always adds resale value

• Natural stone is ideal for radiant heat applications

Feel free to call me for more information or to ask a question.

And don’t hesitate to leave a comment here – we’d love to hear from you!

Warm Contemporary Designed Bathroom

January 28, 2012 By Broadlume Leave a Comment

Warm and contemporary are not usually thought of as going together. Contemporary design, with its minimalist decoration and clean lines, is often referred to as being cool or cold. This bathroom is a great example of a contemporary design that can feel warm and inviting. Despite the lack of flourishes and a plethora of stone surface, this bathroom has a warm feeling.

The warm neutral color of the wall above the sink has enough tint to counterbalance the cool grey of the marble tiles in the shower. Continuing the same warm cream from the wall onto the counter creates a wide swath of warmth. Both the stone countertop and wall color are complemented by the warm wood of the vanity.

The lack of flourishes and clean lines actually puts more emphasis and color and materials in this bathroom. Wood grain, wall color and the stone all stand out as key design elements. The marble of the shower or the warm wood of vanity could either be put on the floor for a cohesive overall design. Another choice would be to carry the countertop and wall color onto the floor.

Adding an orchid brings in a beautiful organic touch to the cool surfaces and straight lines of the room’s designs. A single natural element like a plant or vase of flowers stands out in a sleek space. The orchid adds a pop of color as well as visual interest. Wood accessories would also add organic, natural warmth to the cool stone that dominates this bathroom.

Spa Style Bathrooms for the Home

September 2, 2011 By Broadlume 2 Comments

Many bathrooms today have separate shower enclosures and free standing tubs. These soaking tubs have a luxurious spa like feeling. This luxurious feeling carries over into the design scheme for the bathroom. Spa style bathrooms are very popular today. Here are some tips to create your own luxurious spa feeling in your bathroom.

Use natural material like stone and wood. Natural stone subway tiles are placed in a running bond on the walls surrounding the tub. Dark wood floors and moldings provide a nice contrast to the lighter color of the stone. A large clam shell provides an interesting storage option for soaps or sponges.

Soothing colors of the ocean, like warm sands, cool blues and fluffy, cloud whites create a soothing colorway. Towels and washcloths are stored on shelves close to the tub for easy access. Roll or stack neatly folded towels for a tidy look. A white terrycloth robe hung on a hook or back of the door is an added comfort.

Accessorize with pretty bottles. Store bathroom necessities in vintage glass jars, boxes or baskets to keep the room looking organized. Mix different elements but keep the lines clean for a spa feeling.

For a long soak in a spa tub, reading material is a nice touch. Shelves near the tub can hold books or magazines. If you don’t have shelves, a basket of favorite reading material placed near the tub works well.

Creating a spa like feeling at home doesn’t require a complete renovation. Simple luxuries like thick Egyptian cotton towels and spa products can turn home into a spa.

Different Types of Backsplashes