COUNTERTOPS

Decorating A Mountain Kitchen: Embrace Nature’s Beauty

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It’s that time of the year, when the mountains are calling you to come see the changing leaves and breathe in the fresh air. For some of you, fall may inspire you to refresh your kitchen using the beauty of the mountains. Let me walk you through different ways to style your kitchen using design elements direct from Mother Nature.

  1. Choose Natural Materials

The foundation of a mountain kitchen should be rooted in natural materials that echo the landscape. Try:

– Stone: Incorporate natural and engineered stone countertops and backsplashes to bring in that earthy feel. Materials like granite, quartzite, marble or quartz work well in any kitchen design and are not only beautiful but resilient to wear and tear and the color choices are endless.

– Wood: Consider reclaimed wood for cabinets and beams to add warmth and character. Consider a rich, dark stain to enhance the rustic vibe.

– Metal Accents: Use wrought iron or brushed nickel fixtures and hardware for a touch of elegance and durability.

  1. Incorporate Earthy Colors

Choose a color palette that reflects the mountain landscape. Consider warm earth tones such as:

– Browns: Rich chocolate or taupe creates a cozy atmosphere.

– Greens: Sage or olive can mimic the hues of surrounding foliage.

– Grays: Soft charcoal or slate can add sophistication while connecting to the stone elements.

These colors can be used on walls, cabinetry, and accessories to create a cohesive look.

  1. Maximize Natural Light

Mountain kitchens often benefit from scenic views. To enhance natural light:

– Large Windows: Install expansive windows or even clerestory windows to frame the landscape and let daylight flood the space.

– Light Colors: Use light-colored walls and furnishings to reflect light and make the space feel larger.

– Mirrors: Consider placing mirrors strategically to bounce light around the room.

  1. Focus on Functional Layout

A kitchen in a mountain setting should be functional for cooking and entertaining. Keep these tips in mind:

– Open Concept: An open floor plan allows for easy movement and interaction, especially if the kitchen leads into a living area.

– Island or Peninsula: Include a kitchen island for additional prep space and seating, creating a natural gathering point for family and guests. Bring in the quartzites, marbles, granites or quartz for visually appealing and multi-tasking countertops.

– Smart Storage Solutions: Maximize storage with built-in shelves and cabinets, using vertical space to keep the kitchen clutter-free.

  1. Add Cozy Touches

To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, incorporate cozy elements:

– Textiles: Use natural fibers like wool or cotton in curtains, table linens, and rugs. Patterns like plaids or florals can enhance the rustic charm.

– Lighting: Choose warm-toned pendant lights or chandeliers that evoke a cabin feel. Consider dimmable options to adjust the mood.

– Artwork and Décor: Hang nature-themed art or photographs that reflect outdoor adventures. Woven baskets and greenery can also add warmth and texture.

  1. Incorporate Outdoor Elements

Bringing the outdoors inside enhances the mountain kitchen’s aesthetic:

– Plants: Use potted herbs or small trees to add a touch of greenery and freshness. They can also be functional, providing fresh spices for cooking.

– Natural Decorations: Incorporate natural elements like pinecones, stones, or driftwood in your décor to remind you of the mountain setting.

– Views: If possible, position the kitchen near a window or a door that leads to an outdoor deck or patio, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.

  1. Personalize Your Space

Finally, make your mountain kitchen uniquely yours:

– Family Heirlooms: Display cherished kitchenware or heirloom pieces that tell a story.

– Functional Artwork: Use decorative yet functional items, like a beautiful knife block or a unique fruit bowl, that complements the overall design.

– Seasonal Decor: Change decorations with the seasons to keep the kitchen feeling fresh and in tune with the environment.

Decorating a mountain kitchen is an exciting opportunity to blend style with the beauty of nature. By incorporating natural materials, focusing on a warm color palette, ensuring functional layouts, and adding personal touches, you can create a space that is both practical and reflective of its stunning surroundings. Embrace the mountain lifestyle by designing a kitchen that invites relaxation, culinary creativity, and cherished memories.

Building More Than Countertops: A Tradition of Philanthropy in New Jersey

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For over two decades, our commitment to craftsmanship has only been matched by our dedication to giving back to the community. Since 1997, we have proudly supported local initiatives across New Jersey, making philanthropy a cornerstone of our mission.

 

From the very beginning, we recognized the importance of giving back to the community that has supported our growth. One of our most impactful initiatives is our annual Food Donation Drive, where we not only donate non-perishable food items but also encourage our clients to join in the effort. To make it even more exciting, we offer prizes and perks to clients who participate, rewarding their generosity while increasing the reach of our donations. All collected food is donated directly to a local school, ensuring students and their families have access to nutritious meals, particularly during the holiday season.

 

This incentive-driven drive has allowed us to create a fun and meaningful way for our clients to give back. With their help, we’ve made a significant difference in the lives of many families, strengthening the sense of community that we deeply value.

 

As we approach our third decade of service, our goal is to expand these efforts even further. We’re not just a countertop company—we’re part of the fabric of New Jersey. We’ve been fortunate to grow alongside the community, and we’re eager to continue making a meaningful difference.

To New Heights

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To New Heights!

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The idea behind having a backsplash began with wanting to protect your walls from splashes, sputters, and spills. It started with basic ceramic tile but overtime, creative homeowners began using other materials like glass or metal tile, brick, porcelain and stone. As a matter of fact, it’s hard to imagine a kitchen without this design staple. Progressive Dimensions are experts in installing natural and quartz stone backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms and can attest to its ability to be an attractive focal point in these rooms. The standard size for a backsplash is 4 inches and can compliment your design nicely. A full high backsplash in the same color as your tops helps you achieve both beauty and continuity. But you can also use a dramatic contrasting color. Whichever way you choose is never wrong. 

Man made quartz is a great option for backsplashes. Not only are they extremely durable, low maintenance and hygienic, they also come in gorgeous colors with dramatic or subtle veining. In fact, luxury brand Cambria, has developed printed quartz, which delivers crisp high definition color perfect for design enthusiasts who like to be on trend.

Backsplashes made of natural stone are stylish and timeless. Pairing it with a matching floating shelf is a favorite design technique while a heavily veined marble kitchen is a chef’s dream. Adding stone behind your oven is another design option.  Your kitchen could be as traditional or as modern as you want it to be. 

Natural stone and quartz are relatively easy to maintain. Progressive Dimensions recommends you use dish soap and water or a non abrasive glass cleaner to clean your tops and backsplash. If you seal your natural stone with our 15 year sealer, you should be in the clear for worry-free use.

When you sit down with your design consultant, talk about your ideas about installing a backsplash with your countertops and vanities. For inspiration, look us up on Facebook or Instagram where we post pictures of jobs we’ve completed. We think you’ll be happy with the results.

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New Trends

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COVID has changed our lives in many different ways. Some homeowners are now working from home permanently and are rethinking how they want to remodel their homes, especially their countertops. Because of that, Progressive Dimensions is seeing design trends that we’d like to share with you.

 

For about a decade, white on white or white with gray kitchens have dominated the industry but now we’re starting to see customers wanting to bring nature and its colors indoors by asking for quartz countertops with pops of cool blues and warm sandy hues. Many homeowners are choosing quartz or engineered stone because it gives you the beauty of natural stone with the added benefit of being highly hygienic. Calacatta Mirragio Cielo delivers those ocean blues and Empire Gold brings in rays of sunshine. Progressive recommends a matching high backsplash to add more character.  Pure white cabinets will always be popular but now some are choosing creamy off white instead. Nautical blue in cabinets is also gaining traction with handleless doors to create a simpler, more streamlined look or you can use interesting hardware to enhance your vision.

 

If you’ve started to bake while in lockdown then marble makes the perfect countertop.  Not only because it stays cool while you are working with dough but also has gorgeous movement that elevates your kitchen with saturated color.

 

Going into 2024, we will see how time and circumstances affect our style choices. Take a walk through our full slab showrooms to unlock the possibilities available to you and bring Mother Nature into your new life.

Hello, Shrewsbury!

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We know that it’s an exciting time when you’re renovating your kitchen and buying countertops is a big part of it. Recently, we welcomed our first customers at our new fourth store in Shrewsbury. They did their homework and had lots of questions. She, however, likes quartz, while he likes granite. So, we were happy to give them a tour of our indoor slab yard filled with both quartz and natural stone. And, as we talked, they learned about stone and we learned about our new community. We couldn’t have asked for better customers. We started with the difference between quartz and granite. Quartz is manmade while granite comes from deep within the earth. Quartz has beautiful, consistent veining that looks a lot like marble, while each slab of granite is unique with pretty variations throughout.

 

Care and maintenance of countertops was a big worry for these homeowners. I always assure my customers that quartz and natural stone are very durable and can definitely hold up to everyday use.  Although you shouldn’t place a hot pot on quartz, it can withstand other sources of heat like a coffee mug, a hot plate or a bowl of soup. Natural stone, on the other hand, can take a hot pot, but we recommend that you don’t make it a habit. If you need to put it on your granite or quartz top, use a trivet or pot holder. As far as stains go, cleaning up spills right away is a good rule of thumb. Natural stone such as granite, quartzite and marble, must be sealed which is why we recommend our 15 year sealer for peace of mind.  Quartz, on the other hand, does not need to be sealed at all. Wiping down your countertops with soap and water is fine or you can use countertop cleaners just as long as it doesn’t have ammonia, bleach, or vinegar. We use Windex Multi Surface on our countertops.

 

As far as colors, she was looking for white with gray veining like Borghini Silver, which is very much on trend. While he preferred a pop of color like Vivid Green which is becoming more popular. Overall, they enjoyed this part the best and were impressed with all the different stone choices.

 

Finally, we told them about our process. Not only do we have expert designers with years of experience, we also digitally template, and fabricate, as well as, install. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you through each and every step. As a family owned company in business for over 25 years, we can confidently say that we are well known in the remodeling industry.

 

They finally agreed on a quartz color called Portrush from the Cambria brand. It is white with blue veining. I guess you can say they met in the middle. 

 

Why not pay us a visit and start your own journey at one of our four locations: Shrewsbury, Toms River, Manahawkin or Egg Harbor Township. We’d love to meet you and show off our showroom and slab yards. We guarantee that we will exceed your expectations!

Calacatta Luccia Is All The “Greige”

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The Countertop Store eileen Calacatta Luccia is a gorgeous quartz color from MSI. Calacatta is popular because it looks like marble without worrying about stains and scratches.  What it does have is dramatic veining in “greige,” which is my way to describe the beautiful blending of gray and beige on a creamy, white background. I like using it as statement pieces like island waterfalls or other contemporary designs like shower walls or tub surrounds. Wood cabinets are trending now and when paired with Calacuttta Luccia it gives you that warm cozy feeling. It’s a nice neutral so most cabinet colors will match beautifully.  Make Calacatta Luccia your choice for your remodel and bring modern elegance to your home.

The Honed Finish

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For homeowners who want to try something different in countertop design, Progressive Dimensions now offers honed finish. Honed granite is natural stone that is unpolished or matte (low-gloss shine). This finish has been creating quite a buzz over the past few years and here’s why: 1) When you run your palms along the surface, it’s soft and cool to the touch 2) If you’re looking for a relaxed look with visual appeal, honed granite is the perfect choice 3) Honed granite is non-reflective and, as a result, hides, scratches, etching and other imperfections better than polished granite 4)Honed granite is available in a wide range of colors. The grays, blacks, and off-whites are the most popular.

To keep your countertops in tip top shape, we recommend Progressive Dimensions’ 15 year Sealer. By properly sealing your granite countertop, you will increase its lifespan. The best part? Honed granite that has been taken care of won’t lose its value. If you spill acidic food or liquid, the best thing to do is clean it up right away with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Also, there are products on the market that work great on stains. Use Windex without ammonia for everyday cleaning.

If you’re thinking about incorporating honed granite in your home, Progressive Dimensions suggests that you stop in any of our showrooms to see large samples of all of our finishes: polished, brushed, iced, and honed. There you can compare, feel, and visualize which finish fits best in your personal space.

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Thinking of getting honed? Try this custom finish on one of your small projects such as your vanity, bar or laundry room!

Brushed Finish

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One of the most exciting aspects when selecting your natural stone at Progressive Dimensions Countertops is that you can choose your own finish. Here at Progressive Dimensions we fabricate four finishes: honed, brushed, iced and standard polish. This exclusive option allows homeowners, designers and builders to elevate their countertop projects and take their spaces to a whole new level.

The most popular of the four finishes is brushed (also known as leathered). A brushed finish is created when we remove the polish from a natural stone slab then we brush it with special pads, all with our digital machinery. By brushing natural stone, it allows colors to become more vibrant and desirable for any home.

It’s perfect for countertops in kitchens and baths, outdoor barbecues, fireplace surrounds, and any projects where you want to add extra texture to your décor. The most popular brushed finish stone offered by Progressive Dimensions is Portofino. 

This finish, like all other finishes, doesn’t need special care to maintain it. Progressive Dimensions recommends treating brushed countertops the same way any natural stone is treated; by using Progressive Dimensions’ 15 year sealer, which prevents the countertop from getting stained. To keep it clean, a good rule of thumb is to use warm, soapy water, or Windex Multi Surface or Windex without ammonia.

We encourage you to visit any of our three locations to see these finishes in person, get inspired to try something unique, and feel the difference.

Top Dollar!

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Spring is one of the most popular times for people to put their homes on the market. With the season being just around the corner, now is the perfect time to research ways to get top dollar for your home before you list it.

According to Zillow, “minor updates” to a kitchen can provide a big ROI.  A minor update such as replacing outdated countertops can attract more buyers to a certain property over the other homes for sale in the area. 

When homeowners shop Progressive Dimensions Countertops (with 3 locations throughout South Jersey), they’ll get a great price and a fast turnaround time for their countertop project. Using Progressive Dimensions’ same-day removal and installation service, allows for convenience and full use of their existing kitchen during the template and fabrication process. 

Switching out hardware such as drawer pulls, door handles and faucets is an inexpensive way to compliment a new countertop and make a kitchen standout to a buyer.

In as little as 3 weeks, a home could have an updated countertop that will give any listing agent a reason to ask for top dollar!

Chasing Waterfalls

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Are you looking for a timeless, effortless look for your new natural stone countertop? Consider the growing trend of the waterfall edge. The reason they call it the waterfall edge is because it has the breathtaking look of water flowing over a cliff.

The waterfall edge is a design that makes a 90 degree angle at the end of the countertop. Rather than ending with a finished edge, the countertop spills towards the floor, and down the side of the cabinet, island or seating area. The waterfall edge is also eye-catching because it creates the illusion that the area is larger than it is.

One of the ways you can create this beautiful focal point, is the mitered edge, which creates the seamless edge design from the countertop to the floor by cutting the stone at a 45 degree angle and then precisely joining them together.

So, if you’re looking for that luxurious look of water cascading down a cliff, the waterfall edge is for you. Talk to your design consultant about adding this feature to make your natural stone countertop special.

 

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