Best modern interior design solutions Philippines: Sourcing, quarrying and processing natural stone to use as a building material has virtually no impact on the environment, making it a sensible and eco-friendly solution for all of your housing needs. Unlike many other artificial building products, stone is found naturally and requires little energy for its manufacture. Modern techniques for quarrying stones are extremely efficient and help reduce impact. The natural stone releases no chemicals or off-set toxic gasses that can diminish indoor air quality and put the health of you and your family at risk. It absorbs ambient temperature and improves energy efficiency within your home, meaning that it can store heat from the sun or cold air. This makes it easier to maintain a consistent, well-balanced temperature within your home all year round. Read additional information at modern dining table.

Mosaic tiles rose to popularity a few years ago and are still going strong. However, the mixed square tiles that make for a sort of pixel-y look are less popular nowadays. Rectangular tiles that create more of a subtle, streaked look are more in style. If you want to try something a little more avant-garde, experiment with going vertical rather than horizontal.

On their own, granite and marble counters do not have much impact on resale value. As part of a luxury kitchen upgrade, however, Remodeling Magazine shows that you can recoup roughly 53% of the total costs. Both granite and marble can make a kitchen look more appealing to a buyer, which may help the property sell more quickly, particularly if the old countertop was in poor condition.

Marble has long been used in European kitchens, even though this gorgeous stone can stain and discolor with use. And despite its reputation as high-maintenance, its classic, luxurious look has arrived in many American kitchens. “People like marble for its natural beauty, even though it can show wear and tear over the years,” says expert Michael Bruno, a salesperson with the tile and stone company Ann Sacks. “Every house in Europe has a stone countertop—it’s only in this country that people think everything has to look brand-new.”

Both marble and granite countertops are quite durable, but ONLY if they are properly sealed every one or two years. Granite and marble are porous, so without a seal, liquids will penetrate and stain. When the seal fades and is not replaced, these stones can be easily marred by oil, wine, juice and anything acidic. Marble is especially vulnerable to acidic foods and liquids, so be very careful to keep them off the marble or to clean up immediately after contact.

Granite is mainly composed of quarts and feldspars, it is coarse grained and usually in light colors. It has been in use extensively since the ancient times for both indoor and outdoor applications. Hardness and longevity: Granite is comparatively harder and stronger than marble. It is mostly known as the most durable natural stone and compared to marble. It is resistant to heat and can easily withstand hot cookware therefore it is perfect for kitchen tops. Marble is also susceptible to fading of color and becoming duller overtime. Unlike the stains which can be removed, a dulled marble has no way getting its shine back. It is an irreversible process and a major drawback of marble. Read extra info on homeu.ph.