KITCHEN

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!

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.

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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Your Template Experience

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You did it. You took the first step and started your kitchen project. Now from here, let us walk you through the template phase. You’ll hear from Katy, who will schedule the date and window as to when we will arrive. And your templator will call you 30 minutes before their arrival.

Get ready for your template by clearing off your countertops and emptying the sink base cabinet.  New or existing cabinets must be fully installed and level with nothing loose or missing. If you choose to supply your own sink, please have it on site to make sure that it will fit. Farm Sinks, however, must be installed.

The templator will begin by reviewing the particulars of your project including edge, overhang, sink, and stone. This is the time to ask any questions you may have. 

Next, the templator will let you know how long the template measure will be. It’s ok if you want to stay and watch or you can go to another part of your home to wait. Once the digital template is done, the templator will give you a virtual design of your kitchen for you to approve.

Once you’ve signed off, he will chart an access path to your kitchen, so the installers will know the layout of the house before arriving. This also determines how many installers are needed for the job and if they need special equipment that may be needed the day of install.

Our templators have 15 years of combined experience and outstanding reviews:

“This is our 3rd countertop with Progressive Dimensions, and wouldn’t go anywhere else. Everyone is so helpful and knowledgeable about the products. The templators are awesome!”

“The templators did a fantastic job on measuring some complicated areas and the install team was efficient and did a fantastic job”.

 

Cabinets Make All The Difference

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We’ve talked about islands and other countertops in your kitchen.  But now let’s talk about the functionality of cabinets and how it can transform your life. Maximizing your storage space including special add-ons will enhance your cooking experience. With every countertop comes another opportunity for cooking space, storage or seating.

It’s all about having a user friendly design. Pantries are the most popular cabinet in kitchen design. Having one designated area for spices, cans, jars, or dry goods is a huge boost for storage efficiency. Everyone’s favorite is the chef’s pantry. A popular design is a floor to ceiling pull out version with numerous rolling shelves.

A microwave cabinet tucked under the countertop is a convenient way to free up your beautiful new countertop. Above that, at counter height, is an ideal spot for your appliance garage. 

Underneath your island you can put base cabinets with shelves to store plates, placemats or even cookbooks. If you opt for a drop-in stove, you can interact with family and friends while cooking.

A slender tray holder keeps your cookie trays, broil pans and other trays neatly stored.

A relatively new accessory is a garbage holder in a Lazy Susan design.

These are only a few cabinets and accessories used in kitchen design. We carry high quality brands like Cubitac, Hanssem, Wolf, and 21st Century. Different styles are on display in our showroom. Our designers have 10 plus years in custom cabinetry.  Make an appointment today to get started.

Office Space

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    It looks like many of us will have to change the way we do business and start working from home. Having a space designated for this will help you look forward to each day and promote a productive workflow.

The functionality of your office like desk space, bookcases, and file cabinets blended with art, family photos, and plants will make it one of your favorite rooms. An L top is not only elegant but practical because you have easy access to all the technology you need like your computer and printer.

Office desks should survive everything from big important projects to coffee spills. Using granite or quartz is a good idea.  Tested to stand the test of time, including being scratch resistant, these surfaces also come in many beautiful and unique colors destined to catch your eye. Lighter colors are on trend now because it makes the room seem larger and brighter. It may uplift your mood too.  Earthy, brownish shades are on the rise while a dark top adds elegance. These surfaces are easy to keep clean with a little soap and water and there are disinfectants on the market that are gentle enough to use on a daily basis.

If you still want to add your personal touch, how about decorative molding or pretty cabinet knobs and pulls.

Now’s the time to take advantage of our free consultations and start creating your dream office.  Our designers can recommend what is the best use of space and efficiency. Call 732-244-0109 today.

Pop of Color

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These are difficult times, no doubt. And as we spend more time indoors, our surroundings become so important. Color can affect our mood tremendously, especially in our kitchen where we all gather…it’s our sanctuary.

It’s been a while since the white kitchen has been the most popular in interior design.It’s bright, it’s crisp and it’s clean. It has an “understated elegance” according to Kitchen Designer, Gina Perez, who likes using White Carrara quartz for a white on white color scheme. Yet, slowly but surely, the new trend in kitchen design is adding a pop of color. Yes, you can now go ahead and start dreaming about bringing color into your space. The options are endless.

For Gina, the 2020 color of the year is a rich navy. “Navy is calm, grounded color, perfect for cabinets, that pairs well with gray or white countertops for a clean, sophisticated, marine look.” She explains.

“Also, keep your eye on the deep, rich, organic green cabinets,” she says. “Which when coordinated with Borghini Gold quartz countertops is a great way to add a jolt of energy to an otherwise neutral tone.”

The safest way to play with color and liven up your kitchen is with appliances. Red is incredibly versatile and will really make your kitchen pop. Using a bold color for your backsplash is another way to achieve this look.

Kitchen Designer, Stephanie Chirichillo, loves using a dramatic color with lots of movement on a larger island while keeping the perimeter countertops in a neutral color. She especially likes using Fantasy Brown, which is a popular quartzite countertop choice at the Jersey Shore. It incorporates many of the natural tones one would expect to see along the New Jersey Coast.

Don’t exclude gray, which has been taking center stage lately in many homes. “We recently did a bar top in Borghini Silver and used a leathered Steel Gray for the under counter. It was stunning.” Stephanie recalls. “They tied it all together with Luxury Vinyl Flooring in Whitfield Gray.”

The complimentary color combinations are endless and at Progressive Dimensions, we have a countertop material that can pull it all together. So pick a color scheme and start playing around! Go ahead and reach out to a design consultant virtually. It could be a great way to pass the time and look past these uncertain times.

 

Ready to begin your project? Call 732-244-0109 or 609-622-4001 to speak to a Designer.

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