Going Au Naturel with Stone Countertops – Kitchen Edition

Stone Countertop Options for Contemporary Kitchens

Laminate is clearly not the option to go with. Not with the kind of ideas you have for your kitchen!

No, with the concept you have in mind for your most favorite room of the house, only the best countertop will suit. And the best – of course! – is natural stone.

It’s durable, it’s beautiful and it’s within your budget. And the fact that you could pretty much take something so exquisite and have it custom designed to fit your kitchen is just an added bonus! So without further ado, let’s dive in and see the options you can choose from!

Stone Countertop Options for Contemporary Kitchens

Granite

Stone Countertop Options for Contemporary Kitchens

This is a classic choice for kitchen countertops. Especially useful in busy kitchens, granite countertops serve as the best work surfaces for heavy-duty work mainly because they’re quite durable and resistant to damage, scratches and stains (though you’ll need to seal it for that to happen)

Available in a number of colors and patterns, you’ll probably have no trouble finding just the granite you need to tie the tone together.

Marble

Marble

Sumptuous and elegant, marble is a favorite amongst the rich and famous, synonymous with luxury as diamonds are, though thankfully more affordable. Although not as tough as granite, marble has its own strength, and is stain and scratch-resistant as well.

However, it does need some love every now and then, a polish here and some sealing there.

Quartzite

Quartzite

Not to be mistaken for its cousin Quartz, Quartzite stone is basically Mother Earth’s answer to our quest for a stronger-marble like stone. Chip, scratch and heat-resistant, quartzite is another popular option, mainly because of its marble-like lux pattern and added strength.

If you’re okay with having something that looks like marble but isn’t, then get yourself some quartzite.

Soapstone

Soapstone

Soapstone was originally used in medical laboratories because of its imperviousness to chemicals, temperature changes and resistance to stains and scorches. But it was its beauty that really helped soapstone makes its way into homes and commercial properties.

Soapstone also ages beautifully, making it one of the best options if you plan to live in your home permanently or .

Made a Choice?

NYLoft can help you achieve your interior design dreams!

As a full-service firm that offers planning and remodeling services for commercial, residential and multi-unit projects, we have the resources and the skills to give you just what you desire.

Make an appointment with us by calling 212-206-7400 and share your thoughts!

Keeping it Classic – Top Vintage Interior Design Trends of 2018

Natural Colors and Metals

Let’s get a fact right first; ‘vintage’ and ‘retro’ are two different styles altogether, so don’t get them mixed up!

Retro interior design embodies trends and styles from the past decades, going back, all the way to the roaring 20s. This design though, could be combined with some modernistic styles ala steampunk as well.

But with vintage interior design, you take elements from further back (all the way to the Victorian era), staying true to the construction and appearance.

So with vintage, you simply have a style in interior design that breathes new life in your living space by taking inspiration from days far gone by. And this year, here is what inspired designers from vintage trends!

Natural Colors and Metals

Think along the lines of a natural aesthetic! You have your pastel shades, all-natural materials and bold statement pieces to tie the room together. Add classic touches with vintage accessories such as solid wood coffee tables, floral prints, fur throws and rich, luscious pillows and you have a room that’s really vintage-inspired!

Natural Colors and Metals

Splashes of Color

Of course, you can’t have an all-pastel shaded room. You simply must have a brighter shade incorporated here and there to truly tie the bow on it. You could go with a classic choice of orange-and-purple, or turquoise. But for this year, avocado green reigns as the most popular shade.

Graphic Prints

Graphic Prints

Here’s where you can be a bit creative. You could add some funky shapes and geometric wallpaper, or take things back to the 1800s with some striking patterns along the lines of Victorian ballroom design. Whatever style you choose, you just have to be sure the pattern doesn’t overwhelm the overall aesthetic of the room.

Vintage Accessories

Old clocks, gilt mirrors, tarnished frames and industrial-style lamps – this is the time for your antique shopping purchases to shine! And a great consolation here is that whatever item you buy, doesn’t even have to be truly antique. DIY-ers have found many ways to give new objects that well-loved look we know so much.

Vintage Accessories

Unique Materials for Furniture

While staying true to the vintage design, many experts have incorporated their own touch to the style, by using furniture that’s made with unusual material. Lightwood furnishings, metal chair legs, lamps and tabletops, all cleverly disguised as vintage furniture.

Give Your Home that Vintage Touch!

Bring an interior furniture design and remodeling service into the picture!

As a full-service company that offers design and planning services to residents and designers in New York, NYLoft can help you achieve the look want for your home!

Call us at 212-206-7400 to book an appointment!

Commercial Interior remodeling: How it is Helpful

Commercial Interior remodeling: How it is Helpful

The interior remodeling industry has grossed an excess of USD 103 Billion which is expected to go up in the coming year. This is not just due to inflation but also because people today are starting to understand the importance of spatial aesthetic and functionality.

There are still instances where people might opt to work on their own homes without any professional assistance. Commercial interior remodeling however is another story.

Commercial Interior remodeling: How it is Helpful

Commercial Interior remodeling: How it is Helpful

Numerous companies, businesses and organizations the world over invest in commercial interior remodeling every year. The question is; what’s all the fuss about? Why is commercial interior remodeling such a necessity when it comes to renovating or refurbishing a commercial space and why are interior remodeling professionals important?

Commercial Spaces are not the same as Residences

You might have folks argue about how one can be more hands on and do things themselves. Though such a mentality might fly if you’re doing up, say a room in your home and have the right skills and experience, commercial interior remodeling is a whole other story.

Commercial interior remodeling is a specialized job and the professionals working in the industry are trained and qualified. Unlike residential interior remodeling (which is also better handled by professionals) commercial interior remodeling requires professionals to take numerous factors into account. Further, commercial interior remodeling also has implications on the business for which the space is being renovated.

Scale

Scale

Commercial interior remodeling in any situation is done to a much larger scale than residential projects. This is by way of area covered, factors taken into account, material quantities and a lot more.

Working on such a scale and seeing the work to a fine finish is not everyone’s cup of coffee. A professional commercial interior remodeling professional has a method to their work and is experienced in working on such a magnitude. The result is less mistakes, less double spending and guaranteed work quality.

Aesthetic

If you own a house and have visitors, they may or may not like the space and to be fair, it doesn’t really matter. Commercial spaces on the other hand need to be made keeping in mind your clients and others you work with. Further, your office or building aesthetic is what attracts (or deters) people from doing business or working with you. In a sense, it is your image.

Having a professional take care of your design requirements ensures that the final aesthetic is one that is conducive to those you work with and for. As a result, it improves both business and your corporate or organizational image.

Functionality

Functionality

Commercial buildings for the most part are high traffic areas. Apart from making the place look good, a commercial interior remodeling professional takes into account numerous particulars relating to functionality. Everything from design to the materials used to layout alterations need to be carefully thought out.

Wrong planning would mean being stuck with a poorly functional space which only gets in the way and eventually requires more work. Having a professional take care of things ensures that your functionality needs will be met and incorporated into the design.

This will obviously improve mobility and overall efficiency at the commercial space in question.

The Upshot

If it is a commercial space that needs renovation, don’t take chances. Hire a professional to do the work as this will ensure that your space is functional, well designed, aesthetically attractive and comfortable. Better yet, you know a professional is going to get it right the first time regardless of scale!

If you’re looking for commercial interior remodeling in NYC, check out some of our older projects and give us a shout if you like what you see!

Signs it is Time to remodel that Bathroom

Signs it’s Time to remodel that Bathroom

Back in 2016 an estimated USD 326.1 billion was spent on home renovations and improvement alone according to statistics. Apart from the usual bedrooms, kitchens and main living spaces, bathroom renovation and remodeling also contributed to the aforementioned expenditure.

Even today, there are instances where you might need to get a bathroom in your home or any other space remodeled.

Signs it’s Time to remodel that Bathroom

Signs it’s Time to remodel that Bathroom

We’re going to go over a few situations where bathroom remodeling may be recommended.

Wear and Tear

This is the most common reason that people have their bathrooms remodeled. Simple wear and tear! Your bathroom might have served you well for years but is now not in the best state. Your tiles could be damaged, fixtures may have eroded and the general state of things within your bathroom could be well below par.

If you feel your bathroom is worn out and damaged to a point beyond which the place will just not be presentable or functional, a remodeling job is highly recommended.

You Moved In to an Old Place

You might have just moved in to an old place. It could be one of those gorgeous old Brooklyn lofts or any other property that has been used before. In such situations, you may find that though other areas in your space are inhabitable and aesthetically bearable, the bathrooms might be another story.

If you move into an old place where the bathroom has passed its prime both functionally as well as aesthetically, a renovation might be a great idea.

Raising Value

Raising Value

As you know, the value of a home or building is decided based on the condition of the spaces within. This would include the bathroom if there is one present. If you’re planning on selling your home or having it valued for sale, getting the bathroom remodeled is a good idea.

If you have an old and decrepit bathroom remodeled, you’ll likely raise the value of your property by a few points, which is significant.

Safety

Maybe once it was just you or you and your partner but now you have a little one on the way! Babies and young children besides being bundles of joy are a safety hazard. It is not uncommon for people to have changes made within the home prior to the birth of a child.

These usually relate to safety hence; socket covers, stair gates and rubber corner and edge tops for instance are among some of the safety features used.

Your bathroom might at such a time seem like a bit of a medieval gauntlet (as least from the standpoint of a toddler) and might require some work. In such a situation, go for bathroom renovation or remodeling.

Functionality

Functionality

There may be times when you realize that your bathroom is not as functional as you would hope it to be. This could be due to a lack of storage space, a badly positioned piping, poor ventilation, et al.

Whatever the problem may be, if you feel your bathroom is lacking by way of functionality, the best way to address it is to have a bathroom renovation or remodeling job done.

Just Because

Last but not least, when it comes to our personal spaces, do we really need a reason? You might want to make your bathroom more environment friendly by changing certain lighting or by expanding a window for more natural light.

You might want to put in new tiles because you’re sick of the old ones. In any case, there are times when you don’t need a reason for change but you know it will help. If you feel like that bathroom could use a remodeling job or renovation for any reason, go for it!

The Upshot

There are instances where bathroom renovation is recommended and others where it’s really your call. Regardless, if you can relate to some of the points above and are located in NYC, we’re pretty adept with our bathroom renovation and remodeling, so give us a shout!