As the world focused on safety and health, the kitchen’s role as heart of the home was reimagined. Cooking and family meals once again became a highlight of the day. Homeowners prioritized kitchen renovations so they could enhance the experience and add fine dining luxury to their homes. 

How does this translate into kitchen trends you can adopt? We’ve come up with our favorite kitchen trends of 2021 that have staying power. Early adopters of these trends are going to earn the envy of their friends, but even better, they’re going to be able to create that elevated home dining experience that they can enjoy together with loved ones for years to come.

Waterfall Edge Countertops

Dramatic marble countertops are getting a lot of attention these days, with bold veining being the most sought-after look. But you don’t need to go with marble if you want an eye-catching waterfall edge countertop. At A&S, we see waterfall countertops made of all materials, and the results are completely amazing. It makes us wonder why this wasn’t the style all along.

The goal of a waterfall countertop is to create a focal point in the room that extends the lines down and onto the floor, bringing up the luxury quotient significantly. Just adding this one trend alone can give your space a fresh look and elegant finish.

For a really dramatic look, we suggest using a waterfall countertop that has a different appearance from your other counters. Whether you decide to use contrasting colors or a different material entirely, the effect is bold and elegant.

Integrated Cabinetry

Sleek lines with a distinctly modern vibe ooze luxe charm, and this can easily be accomplished with integrated cabinetry. As a bonus, you get a bit more storage without taking up more wall space. 

If you’re willing to go all-in with a wall of built-in cabinets, you will lose some counter space, so that kitchen island becomes even more important. But the results of committing to this look are incredibly streamlined and fresh.

Taking this look a step further, which we expect to see more of in the coming years, integrated appliances are hidden in clever nooks and behind cupboard doors to create an even more mod finish. The completely integrated kitchen is definitely coming soon.

Organic Style

Modern organic style is on the rise and melds an interesting approach to organic that we haven’t seen before. This fresh take is a delight and creates a fresh, clean look that’s still warm and nature-infused.

In the past, organic often meant a more enclosed feeling with warmth in tone and texture combined with an attention to smaller details, intricate veining, lots of greenery, and even scrollwork meant to replicate vines. It often read as bohemian and earthy, almost the opposite of modern and sleek.

Today’s version puts a focus on wood (thus the rise of the butcher block counter), dramatic veining in marble and similar natural stone materials, brushed metals for a softer feel, and a priority on natural light. The goal is to play up natural elements while still maintaining a luxurious and seamless finish.

Dyed Marble and Colorized Quartzite

We’ll be the first to admit that saying dyed marble and colorized quartzite is a trend immediately after we detailed the organic style trend feels a little strange. And can you have the two together? Yes, you most definitely can, but it takes some finesse. 

So, what are dyed marble and colorized quartzite? You don’t need to play 20 questions to get this answer right; it’s just what it sounds like – marble that is dyed and quartzite that is colored. 

These two countertop materials have always been highly desirable for different reasons, but the overwhelming result is a dramatic and luxe finished product. Coloring them simply adds to their charm and gives your space a novel and customized appearance. 

If you want a nature-inspired space with colored counters, the solution is to opt for warm and subtle tones. But, on the other side of the spectrum, going bold and adding a real zing of color to your counters can take your kitchen from modern to mod in a heartbeat.

Tile Everywhere

Tile floors are an effortless choice for the kitchen; they’re durable, easy to clean, and they stand up to a lot of abuse while continuing to look amazing. A tile backsplash has also become a must in the modern kitchen. So maybe it’s no surprise that tile is starting to show up on countertops and entire walls are getting the tile treatment. 

The real trick to working with a lot of tile is to dive deep into variety. Using all the same size tiles throughout your kitchen can quickly look outdated and it can be very disturbing to the eye. Play with using huge 24-square inch tiles on the floor or on the accent wall while opting for small, one-inch hexagons for your backsplash. Likewise, explore your texture and color options to make the most impact.

Final Thoughts

There is one thing that all of the kitchen trends of 2021 have in common; they involve committing to the trend and not playing it safe. The reality is that luxury is more about commitment and embracing the trend of the moment with the knowledge that you’ll be renovating sometime in the future. 

That’s not to say that you can’t incorporate some of these trends in a “safe” way and tone them down so they’re more lasting and versatile. This is certainly an option and might be the right choice for you. But there’s something very exciting about giving yourself permission to follow the trends that inspire and captivate you. 

If you have an idea for your kitchen renovation or you simply want inspiration, stop in at A&S Home Interiors. You can browse on your own or check in with one of our staff and we’ll help you get that renovation started.

Appliances
Appliances are usually top of mind when doing a kitchen remodel. It’s all about getting rid of old, clunky pieces and getting top-of-the-line appliances with the new bells and whistles. The biggest thing to keep in mind when purchasing appliances is your budget. Bells and whistles are expensive, and they add up quickly. Take the time to examine trends and invest in ones that will actually improve your kitchen experience. It takes discipline—but then you can funnel more of your budget into aesthetics.

Cabinetry
From a practical standpoint, cabinetry is the next consideration in a kitchen remodel. For a long time, it was all about form and getting the right color or wood finish. Finally, function is a huge part of the cabinet equation. You can now customize your cupboards and drawers to fit your lifestyle. Want a built-in wine rack? Easily done. A pull-out pantry? No problem. Drawers for plates and heavy pots and pans? Check.

Customized kitchen storage can streamline the entire experience, but it takes some thought and planning to get it just right. Luckily, our experts at A&S are pros at listening to what you want and need and coming up with the best solutions. Call, email, or stop in our showroom and we’ll help you craft your own, customized kitchen cabinets.

Countertops
Next up – countertops. You’re going to need a top for your cabinets and fantastic counters are essential. But what type of counters do you get? This is where it gets tricky. You can choose granite, marble, limestone, quartzite, quartz, porcelain, wood butcher block, and more. How do you choose and which one?

First of all, you don’t have to select just one countertop. Many of our clients are opting for two different materials, one for the counters and a different material for an island. Mixing and matching creates a very cool design aesthetic and gives different areas of the kitchen different personalities and areas for specific work, like prep or dining.

Secondly, each option has its own look and benefits. Some counters are maintenance-free, which are perfect for busy families who have a lot going on. Others require a bit of maintenance but they’re worth it because of elegance and luxury. Learning about the qualities of different counters will help you narrow your selection. Then we recommend an in-person visit to our showroom to examine the different slabs so you get a real feel for how they look before making a decision.

Tile
In the past, tile was often low on the list of kitchen remodel considerations. That’s all changed. Tile is taking center stage and moving from just being underfoot to dramatic backsplashes, entire accent walls, and as a focal point on kitchen islands. Not only are you seeing more tile in the kitchen, you’re seeing dynamic options. 

Because of the huge leap in tile options, we’re seeing far more creativity and flexibility. We highly suggest doing a little research to see the interesting ways interior decorators are pairing colors and shapes to create unexpected drama. Once you’ve narrowed down what you like and the tiles that catch your eye, we’re happy to introduce you to the real thing and help turn your kitchen tile into customized artwork.

Fixtures
You can’t forget the new fixtures when you’re doing your kitchen remodel. From restaurant-style faucets to eye-catching sinks, fixtures can make a space. The right fixtures add a finishing touch that blends seamlessly into the aesthetic and complements it. A poor choice can derail all the work you’ve put into your dream kitchen. 

Our tip when it comes to kitchen fixtures is to avoid the temptation to jump on the current trends and really explore the positives and negatives of the options in front of you. Some fixtures are easy to swap out if you don’t like them and are relatively inexpensive while others (like an undermount sink) are a more permanent part of your kitchen and deserve as much consideration as any other structural element gets.

Hardware
Hardware is a fun part of the kitchen remodel experience because it’s a finishing touch that customizes your space. Whether you love a sleek, minimal aesthetic or you want to show off your eclectic side, hardware is a great way to do it. It’s also easy to change and relatively inexpensive, so you have a lot of future flexibility here.

Lighting
One tip we think is important when doing a kitchen renovation is not to skip the lighting. This is something a lot of people put on the back burner because they already have kitchen lighting. That’s a missed opportunity. 

As any Hollywood set director will tell you, lighting is everything. Your new kitchen deserves lighting that’s chosen specifically to highlight certain features, complement the aesthetic, and provide task lighting where necessary. We understand the temptation to skip this step but putting it near the top of your list will dramatically increase your satisfaction with the finished product.

Final Thoughts
There’s a lot to consider in your kitchen renovation, but there’s a lot to love when you finally see the results. Not only does your hard work become a focal point of your home, it increases your enjoyment. It’s all worth it in the long run and we’d be happy to help you every step of the way. 

What if you could cut down on your bathroom upkeep just by remodeling it? Sounds too good to be true, right? But it’s not. Today’s tile and countertop pairings can be an absolute dream, in form and function. Add a few key tips to keep in mind, and your beautiful new bathroom can be a breeze to clean.

Ceramic Tile
We simply love the fresh, clean look of ceramic tiles—but it’s so much more than that. These beauties are made of thin slabs of clay or inorganic materials and are hardened through a firing process which makes them incredibly durable. Additionally, the moisture-resistant finish—meaning they’re less likely to develop mold and mildew—makes them a dream in the bathroom. Not only that, they’re dust resistant, too.

Glass Tiles
If you’re worried about cleaning glass tiles, don’t. They are extremely low maintenance. With eco-friendly materials that don’t absorb moisture, the only cleaning required is mild soap and water. That’s all—and they’ll hold their fantastic look for years. Additionally, modern glass tiles come in a huge variety of colors, shapes, finishes, and other nuances that are nothing like the glass tiles of the past. There are so many cool, unique glass tile choices to choose from and our showroom is filled with reno-inspiring options. 

Porcelain Tile & Slab Countertops
There’s a reason porcelain is a bathroom staple—the gold standard for toilets and sinks. Incredibly durable, long-lasting, scratch-proof, heat-proof – it’s basically ideal. A perfect match for spaces that experience highly fluctuating temperatures, like your bathroom. It’s also non-porous, so it won’t absorb moisture and keeps it from developing mold and mildew—meaning you spend less time cleaning. All those traits are why porcelain tile and countertops are becoming more common in bathrooms. Going beyond the practical aspects, this is a luxe, elegant finish that’s an instant classic. It’s not just long-lasting; the look is timeless.

Quartz Counters
Quartz countertops are very popular in the bath and there are no signs of that changing. Quartz doesn’t require sealing, it easily withstands bathroom messes, it wipes clean in most situations, and it’s unquestionably a luxe option. In addition, because quartz is an engineered stone, it comes in a huge array of colors and styles so you can find exactly what you’ve dreamed of. 

No Reveal Undermounted Sink
Having your sink mounted under your countertop is a sleek, modern look. The bonus to having a no reveal installation means there is a flush mount between the side of the sink and the counter, so it’s a breeze to keep clean. This does take mounting skill and expertise, but it’s worth it for aesthetic and ease-of-cleaning purposes.

Less Grout 
Most countertop edging options are just as easy to clean as the counter itself, which is great. But chiseled, rockface, raw, or natural edges can be a bit more problematic. These irregular edging techniques have a dramatic and cool quality, yet can easily collect germs and dirt, making them harder to clean. For a bathroom, we suggest an edging that’s sleek, smooth, and easy to wipe down.

To learn more, stop by our showroom, and the A&S team will be happy to show you and assist with tile and counter options. We have everything you need to create the beautiful yet effortlessly clean bathroom you really want. 

There are so many options to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming. A dramatic granite slab adds instant drama and sleek one-of-a-kind appeal, while a rich cherry butcher block warms up the space with an earthy attitude. 

Making a choice can be difficult without seeing the counters in person. The last thing you want is to be excited about your pick and then regret it once you see it in your home. A helpful trip to the A&S showroom to view countertops in person is exactly what you need to avoid those regrets. In fact, there are five solid reasons why you should see countertops in person before making this big decision.

Pick Out Your Countertop
Maybe the best reason to come to the A&S showroom is to “shop” for just the right countertop. Natural stone countertops are inherently unique because Mother Nature herself had a hand in creating them. With our large slab selection, you can look for something that speaks to you. Whether you love a dramatically bold look or a similar slab that’s more delicate in its approach. You never really know what it’s going to look like, and how you’re going to feel until you see it with your own eyes.

Samples Just Don’t Suffice
Samples, swatches, and chips are essential tools of any home decorating project and they’re very useful, but sometimes they’re just not enough. This is especially true when it comes to countertops. While a paint chip shows you exactly what the color is, a countertop sample simply doesn’t work that way, especially when you’re working with natural or engineered stone. These can have bold flourishes and subtle details that aren’t captured in a small slice. And the effect of a large slab is quite impressive and best experienced and understood by seeing it in person.

Computer Modeling is a Miss
Computer modeling does a good job of helping you visualize options, but it misses on the feel, true color, and beautiful, unique details. Don’t get us wrong, this is a fantastic and useful technological tool, but it doesn’t replace that hands-on (literally), immersive, in-person countertop experience.

The Piecing Effect
It depends on what type of countertop you select, but if you have a large space to cover, you might not be able to get a single slab to cover it. When this happens, slabs are pieced together, creating a seam. This can be very hard to visualize without seeing an example of it in the showroom and you’ll be glad you took the time to check it out.

Options Come Alive
It happens more times than you’d expect – someone has decided they want a particular type of countertop and then, when they see the other options in person, they change their mind. There can be a real instinctive and emotional experience when you see different countertops, and you might not feel the way you expected to about your original choice. The goal is to have an incredibly positive and uplifting feeling because that reaction is going to happen every time you walk into your kitchen and see the finished installation. 

Come Visit Your New Countertops
Beautiful countertops are an investment, and they have the responsibility of setting the tone for your home’s kitchen—and potentially much more. Selecting just the right material, pattern, and color is a big decision and it will be far easier and emotionally rewarding with an in-person visit to our showroom. It will help you fall in love with a countertop—we see it happen every day. Schedule a visit with us so we can introduce you to what we’re sure will become your new favorite aspect of your home.

Don’t despair! The good news is you can use stone remnants to save yourself some money and still get an upscale look. 

Stone remnants are the pieces of natural stones of various sizes that are leftover in the countertop fabrication process. Many fabricators hold on to the remnants to avoid wasting even small pieces of their products, and you can upcycle them as part of a home renovation project. 

Ways to Use Stone Remnants as Part of a Renovation

Before looking at how to use stone remnants, you need to know the natural stones that are commonly used in fabrication. There are various stones with colors and details that you might like to see on your next kitchen island, including:

• Soapstone
• Granite
• Limestone 
• Marble
• Onyx
• Quartzite 
• Travertine

Upcycling stone remnants is a great way to remain eco-friendly and save on costs during renovations. Here’s a look at a few ways to use them:

Bathroom and Kitchen Countertops

You can save a lot of money on natural stone countertops by using stone remnants to complete your kitchen or bathroom projects. You can match the stones in your kitchen and bathroom or use different stones in each. 

Kitchen Island

If you’re dreaming of a large kitchen island with a luxurious natural stone top, you might be able to find a piece of stone remnant large enough to do the job. They come in all sizes and shapes, so you can let your creative side shine when designing your project. 

Backsplash

Leftover pieces from stone slabs can always be trimmed down to create custom backsplashes or shower tiles, giving your spaces unique focal points that you’ll be proud to use every day and show off to your guests. These tiles can be created from the same remnants you’re using for your countertops or from complimentary slabs for contrast.

Windowsills 

Smaller pieces of stone remnants can be cut to work as windowsills or soap trays, a small detail piece that can really elevate the look of your home. These can be added in eye-catching places, too, like above the sink or the windows in a breakfast nook. 

Benefits of Using Remnants in Your Home

The idea of stone remnants might be new to you, leaving you wondering about the benefits of using them in your home. Here are a few perks of choosing natural stone remnants for your home:

1. Eco-Friendly

When you use natural stone remnants in a renovation, you’re upcycling something that might otherwise get tossed out. Keeping the scraps out of a landfill helps make sure your home projects are more earth-friendly and sustainable.

2. Save Money

You can save money by choosing stone remnants over complete slabs. You still need to pay to have the pieces cut to the correct sizes — and to include space for sinks and faucets — but using a remnant means you stay within your budget. They give you the chance to use the same high-quality stone without paying as much for it: For example, you might pay $30 per square foot on natural stone remnants versus $100 per square foot on the upper end of an entire slab of marble. 

3. High-End Quality

Whether you choose to use quartz, marble, or granite remnants to create a gorgeous kitchen island, countertop, or backsplash, you’re getting the same high-quality product that you’d get if you bought an entire slab. You get all the beauty and unique patterns of an entire slab, but you’re only paying for what you’re using.

How to Buy Stone Remnants

The first step is deciding you want to use stone remnants in your projects. After that, you need to know what you’re looking for in terms of scope and quality. Here’s a look at some elements to consider when purchasing stone remnants.

1. Define the Project

What exactly do you want to do with the remnants? You need to know how you’re going to use them before buying. Once you decide on a project, take precise measurements so you can find a piece of natural stone large enough to suit your needs. 

2. Refine the Details

You’ll want to have an idea of the type of natural stone you want to use, such as marble or quartz, as well as a color and marbling pattern to narrow down your options before heading to the fabrication site. A little flexibility is good in case you find a deal, and you’ll want to remain open to shifting gears based on availability. 

3. Gather up Samples

When you go to pick out your remnants, you want to take samples of your tile and photos of your cabinets. You can use these photos and samples to show to the salesperson so they can help you match remnants with colors already being used in your home. 

4. Get an Estimate

There is more to the costs involved in this type of project than just purchasing the remnants, of course. You’ll need to add in the cost of cutting them to fit your needs, then transport and installation. It’s always a good idea to work with a provider that offers you a free quote so you can be sure the project stays within your budget. 

Ready to Purchase Natural Stone Remnants?

Working with stone remnants can help you accomplish many projects from vanity tops to backsplashes. There are many types from which to choose for your project, and many benefits like getting high quality for less and helping the environment. 

At A&S Home Interiors, we’re ready to help you with your stone remnants project. Contact us today to learn more. 

Pursuing bookmatching slabs for your home is a bit different from other layout options. It is a bit more tedious and has more requirements than these alternatives. This process collaborates geology and geometry in one cohesive layout. Before you embark on this project in your home, there are a few things you should know. 

1. Can Any Stone Be Bookmatched?
2. How Does the Bookmatching Layout Compare to Others?
3. Areas for Bookmatched Slabs
4. How Much Will Bookmatching Costs?

1. Can Any Stone Be Bookmatched?

One of the most common questions in bookmatching slabs is whether any stone can be used. Showcasing one of your favorite stones in an appreciative layout is one of the purposes of bookmatched stones. Unfortunately, not all stones can be used for this layout. The bookmatch process needs stones with particular characteristics for it to work and highlight the stone properties correctly. Stones that are used as bookmatched slabs must have linear patterns and movement in them. Bookmatching is meant to capture and replicate the action in the stone, which is why those without direction would not work for this layout. If you have a particular stone that you would prefer for this process, you will need to check and see if it is something that will work. 

Natural stones are the best option for your bookmatching pieces. If you have a preference for marble or granite, you should select specific types of these stones that are more fluid with linear patterns. You can choose from a kind of stone, based upon their designs and their colors. Also, add multiple stones to create a larger layout. This depends on the size of the stone and the number of slabs that can be cut. 

2. How Does the Bookmatching Layout Compare to Others?

When you choose to bookmatch stone in your residence, you are looking for a large piece of stone. This will be the feature of whichever room you choose, unlike other stone layouts. In this process, the moving stone will mirror the other piece, appearing to open up in a symmetrical pattern. Different patterns do not pay attention to matching these movements and highlighting features in the stone. 

When the selected stone is brought in from the quarry, it is cut with a gang saw to make the large slabs of the linear patterns in the stone. Depending on how many stabs will be used for the layout, the gang saw will cut them evenly. After the slabs have been cut, they are moved to the polishing stage where their patterns and lines are outlined. They are also cleaned and have all debris removed from them during this process. 

When the process is complete, the bookmatched slabs put together a picture of sorts with the mirrored images. It is common for visions of flowers, owls, and other symmetrical things in nature to be visualized by those who take in its beauty and final look. Different layout options can not always provide similar images, especially those that are symmetrical and come together clearly as they do in the bookmatched slabs. 

3. Areas for Bookmatched Slabs

Where you can place your bookmatched slabs is limited in your home. Including bookmatched stone to your home means that you want to draw attention to the natural beauty of these pieces. Because the stones are so large, you are looking at spaces such as the countertop, shower walls, and feature walls throughout your home to house this layout. Your living area or bedroom are good rooms for accent walls that feature these bookmatched slabs. These areas are common for large slabs of stone and can handle the weight that comes with the process.

Once they are placed in these rooms, the rest of the theme and colors will be added. Specific stones and their features are chosen to go with a theme in the home. This process can be placed in multiple areas of the house as well, carrying this layout trend through the home. 

4. How Much Will Bookmatching Costs?

Having a high-quality layout for your home does come with a little steeper price than other options. Compared to standard designs, bookmatching stone is often more costly because of the detailed process and the stone slabs that are used. The stone options that are used for this layout usually cost more than standard stone options. There are additional labor costs and attention to detail that adds up the value of the bookmatching pieces of stone. 

Despite this cost, the quality that you receive from choosing the bookmatching layout is higher. The level of craftsmanship that is applied to each stone is unique and unmatched. The internal patterns within the stone are amplified and celebrated with bookmatching. This is not a simple stone layout or countertop design. There is a process for this layout option. The bookmatched slabs will last a lifetime in their current placement and will continue to maintain their features. Even as the room and decor changes in the area, the stone will remain as the focal point. 

Choose Bookmatched Slabs for Your Focal Point

If you have a room in your home in need of something that ties everything together, consider having bookmatched slabs applied in your home. You may want to make that focal point in your kitchen on your countertops, in the shower of your master bathroom, or as an accent wall. No matter how you use bookmatched slabs, the beauty and value that this layout brings to your home are elevated compared to other layout options. 

If you’re interested in viewing some countertops in the DC / Northern Virginia area and would like to schedule an appointment with A&S Home Interiors, give us a call today at (703) 783-2758 or sales@ashomeinteriors.com. Or visit our Lorton Virginia countertop showroom.