Makeover Monday: Insider tips, tricks & expert advice

Hello Monday! How was your weekend? Most of mine was spent inside since us southern Californians (yes, I consider myself a Californian now after living here for almost 6 years) stay inside when it is raining. We went out to eat a few times and I met a couple of my clients at Joann Fabrics for some fabric selection. I’ve also been toying with the idea to pick up some hours at a part time job at a stone or furniture showroom to gain more knowledge and experience. As I was searching the classifieds, I came across an ad on Craig’s List for a position at this showroom in Anaheim, but cannot commit to the full time schedule they are needing since my priority is my own design clients. But they did have this stone dictionary on their website which I found very helpful and wanted to share with you all! I modified it with pictures to make it a little more pretty for myself and my readers. I hope you find it helpful!

Granite is an important structural and ornamental stone, and due to its high compressive strength and durability, it is used for massive structural work. It is the hardest of all natural stones, and second only to diamond. Similar to lava, granite is an igneous rock that begins as liquid magma deep within the earth. In many cases, granite originates from the underside of continents or pieces of ocean crust that are melted by intense heat. The extreme pressure in the center of the earth compresses the liquid magma, creating a very dense material with minimal pores.

Granite is composed of quartz, feldspars and micas, as well as traces of a wide variety of other minerals. These minerals contribute to the color and texture of the various granites. A broad range of elegant patterns make granite the most versatile and durable of all stones. Its tough and almost impenetrable surface makes granite the most maintenance free of all stones.

GRANITE APPLICATIONS: In the past decade, everyone wanted granite counter tops. Granite is a building stone and is used for architectural aggregate, track & trail pathways, decorative landscape stone, decorative rip rap stone and is a source of economically valuable minerals.

Marbles are basically metamorphosed limestones. It begins as a sedimentary stone consisting of seashells and the bones of sea creatures that have settled to the ocean floor. Once limestone is subjected to heat and pressure, the calcium carbonate re crystallizes into marble.

Marbles have similar characteristics to limestones and are typically used on the same applications, though, marbles are almost always more aesthetically valuable and available in much wider range of colors. Known for its eye-catching beauty and elegance, marble is a timeless classic.

MARBLE APPLICATIONS: It is mainly used for interior and exterior flooring, bathrooms, kitchens, walls, monuments and sculptures.

Comprised of 93% natural quartz, quartz countertops offer the ultimate combination of form and function, allowing for a more diverse, durable, and practical countertop surfacing material than either granite or marble. With its stain, scratch, and heat-resistant properties, quartz is the ideal choice for care-free countertops.

QUARTZ APPLICATIONS: Kitchen and bathroom countertops, shower surrounds and decorative backsplashes.

Travertine is a sedimentary rock that begins as limestone. Over time, geological shifting forces the limestone deep within the earth, the porous nature of limestone makes it a great liquid reservoir. Heated by the earth’s inner core, the water evaporates, forming hot springs and geysers. If enough time transpires, mud beds consisting of limestone and other minerals cool and crystallize into solid travertine. The characteristic holes in travertine are the result of trapped gas bubbles; as the gas escapes, crystals form in the cavities. Extraordinary small holes or cavities occur in the cooling process while minerals in the stone create unique variations in color and veining. These variations contribute to travertine’s natural beauty.

TRAVERTINE APPLICATIONS: Travertine is commonly used outside as cladding and pavement, as well as inside for floors, walls and countertops. Here, they use travertine as the backsplash.

Onyx, like travertine, is the result of water dissolving existing limestone and re-depositing it as a new kind of stone. In limestone caves, onyx is formed by drip water, as stalagmites and stalactites.

ONYX APPLICATIONS: Because of its translucence onyx can create an aesthetically intriguing look for several lower traffic areas such as walls, reception desks or bar areas. Look at it and enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of it.

Limestone is a sedimentary stone that consists of bones and seashells of creatures that have settled to the ocean floor. It is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, the basic structure of all limestone, marble and travertine. Limestone contains slight variations in color and veining as a result of minerals that are present during formation. These natural variations add the distinctiveness and beauty of the stone.

LIMESTONE APPLICATIONS: Limestone fireplaces are well known for their exquisite appearance and long lasting durability. Limestone can also be used as counter tops, wall applications and limestone flooring is durable and economical as well.

If you’re in need of an update to your home and would like help selecting stone or tile for your own kitchen, bathroom, living room or bedroom, let me help! I’m always available for design consultations if you’re located in the Southern California area. My Interior Design office is located in La Verne, California. Please visit my website and email me for rates and more info. As a recent Interior Design graduate, I offer affordable and comparable rates. I’d love to help you make your house a home!

*Pictures: marble granite quartz onyx limestone travertine limestone