​In the early 1990s, white cabinets were taking the luxury kitchen world by storm. Yet, a few years later, suddenly builders were offering darker cabinetry, such as maple and other honey-colored woods. However, fast-forward to the 2010s and here we are again with a major resurgence of white luxury kitchens. This trend is something we can count on: it is absolutely here to stay. Take a peek at some of my favorite personal white kitchen designs!

When it comes to luxury kitchens, choosing the perfect countertop material for your lifestyle is important. While quartz countertops have been a favorite throughout the years, quartzite countertops are making a splash and offering homeowners more options, elegance, and durability. Let’s take a look at quartzite!

What is Quartzite?
Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock.  It’s created when sandstone is subjected to intense pressure and heat caused by tectonic plate compression in the Earth’s crust. The stone is mined and then made into slabs which are later cut to become your luxury countertops! Quartzite countertops are sealed for long-lasting beauty and durability.
 
Natural quartzite tends to be white or gray with hints of brown and black. This pairs beautifully with today’s gray, blue, and modern farmhouse trends – as well as can help you achieve a classic sophisticated look in any kitchen. Natural quartzite has the look of marble. However, it acts like granite in durability and doesn’t scratch or etch the way other natural stones can. It also withstands heat and isn’t endangered if you place hot items atop it. The veining of each stone, which varies from slab to slab, provides some of the most exquisite patterns. Because of this, there will never be two slabs that are the same! This allows your kitchen or bathroom a high-end feel that is customizable and always opulent. With all of these amazing factors, this is an upscale-stone that isn’t matched by any other stone countertop.

Is Quartzite a good investment?
Quartzite can be costly, but the quality and look are unequaled and will last! This investment is absolutely worth it because the longevity alone – not just the beauty – will keep your home shining for years to come.
 
How do you take care of Quartzite?
Natural quartzite's hardness protects it from etching and scratching, but it is important to remember that taking care of luxury items is always important. As a natural stone, it needs sealing to help it resist stains. Beyond that, though, natural quartzite care is both easy and simple.  Make sure to wipe it frequently with a damp cloth and only use mild soaps or stone cleaners. White it is difficult to scratch natural quartzite, avoid abrasives to maintain the brand-new appearance of your countertop.
 
Take a look at some of my favorites from Terazzo & Marble Supply!

I highly recommend this beautiful, long-lasting stone for all of your kitchen and bathroom countertops. I’d love to help you pick out the perfect one for your home. Live your luxury.

Live in Chicago or the North Shore?
Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498.
 
Blog written by Kyle Thomas.

The right decorative plumbing and hardware can transform any average room into something truly phenomenal. By jumping on some of the latest technological advances and modern trends, you can improve design, aesthetic, and functionality. Here is a short list of some fabulous additions on the rise!
 
1. Add Larger, Customized Kitchen Sinks and Faucets!
 
By adding in larger, specialized sinks with modern advances like filtered water, cutting boards, dish racks, colanders, and more, you're able to change your lifestyle. For those who love to spend time in the kitchen, this adds functionality to your flow. While sinks used to be smaller, from 30" to 36", modern trends are showing wider and deeper sinks, anywhere from 42" to 68". The larger the sink, the more easily you can prep, entertain, and clean in one space. Also, by making sure you have a specialty faucet, you can have on-demand hot water filters that make preparing veggies, boiling pasta, or making tea very efficient.  Not only are the advancements in size making waves in interior design, but you are able to choose from many different colors, materials, and configurations to match your lifestyle. Give it a peek and see what tickles your fancy.

2. Add Linear Drains and Luxury Showers!
 
They are starting to pop up everywhere: customizable, luxury showers! While shower and tub combinations are often being used for many homeowners' secondary bathrooms, master bathrooms are becoming much more elegant. For those who love showers, they're trimming the tub altogether and choosing larger spaces with multiple faucets. Even more exciting are the additions of steam units, benches, and sound, chroma, and aroma therapy that turn your bathroom into a spa. To capture that upscale look, choose large format tile or stone and a linear drain. Choosing a linear drain helps other things, though, such as helping water drain more efficiently when many shower functions are in use at the same time. Remember: using a linear drain creates a "wow" factor for any shower design. Last, for clients who have mobility issues, having a curbless shower makes entering and exiting the shower much easier, as well as provides a modern aesthetic that people everywhere are falling in love with.
 

3. Add a Smart Toilet!
 
While intelligent toilets and cleansing seats are a hit overseas, North Americans are definitely bringing the exotic back home. Intelligent toilets and cleansing seats use warm-water with pulsating and oscillating sprays as well as dryers and deodorizers to bring a more sanitary bathroom experience. Not only are these designs able to be matched with any decor, they also help the environment by saving on tissue paper. Make sure not to miss this one!
 
While these new trends may feel shocking to some, anyone with an eye for luxury interior design knows these will only become bigger and more visible in coming years. What do you think about these ideas? No matter what, always remember to live your luxury.

Spring is officially here and that means it's time to usher in a whole new energy into your home. No matter the style of your home -- modern and contemporary, classic or vintage -- these simple, inexpensive and fun ideas can bring out your creativity. By adding splashes of color and pattern, you can breathe life into a space, whether it's your living room, bedroom, or dining room. Get out of that winter slump and revive your home with some of these tips and tricks!

1. Add Bright Accent Pillows and Throws

By choosing new accent pillows and throws in fun bright or on-trend colors, you will be able to bring magic into any space. Use crisp fabrics like cotton and put away any heavy fabrics or throws. Spring is here and summer is just around the corner! When it comes to color, you can always consult my other color tips here.

2. Get Rid of Those Winter Rugs

I know we can all get attached to our snuggly winter rugs, but it is time to let those go (at least for awhile!). New rugs should be rolled out that are a reflection of spring: fun, versatile, and beautiful. Spring is all about new life, so usher in a whole new floor feel just beneath your toes! Here's a gorgeous example!

3. Embrace Greenery!

Pantone's "Color of the Year" this year is GREENERY! Didn't see the announcement? Check out my blog on it here! I absolutely love greenery because it brings the life of the outdoors right into your luxury home.

Whatever your personal style is, these tips and tricks can be tailored to your heart's desire. Don't miss out on bringing in a whole new splash of life into your home, because I promise you won't regret it. The year's cycles usher in natural themes, but spring is all about exploration, new beginnings, and above all, beauty. Indulge in it. You'll be glad you did. Live your luxury.

Live in Chicago or the North Shore?
Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498.

Blog written by Kyle Thomas.

Across the board, you will find that white kitchens are easily the most popular style throughout interior design. This is because white kitchens naturally possess an aura of cleanliness. White usually will be the base color for walls, cabinets, countertops, tile, and even kitchen islands. White kitchens certainly are classic, but by broadening your horizons, you may find a sophisticated style that may suit you more: whether that be using a modern flair with navy or gray, or keeping it classic with pops of black. Here are a few tips and tricks I often present to clients when brainstorming for their luxury kitchen.

 1. Embrace the grays.
Gray is classic, clean, and can be absolutely stunning. Many kitchens with gray shades can feel more inviting because they don't feel as sterile, which can be a problem for all-white kitchens. The kitchen is the heart of the home and should welcome your friends and family in more than anything else. By using the perfect shade of gray, you can keep your lines clean.
 
2. Indulge in navy.
Navy kitchens have been growing in popularity over the last few years and it's easy to see why: with pops of navy on cabinets or kitchen islands, you are pulled into a space that feels charming and modern. When working with navy, you can keep it more classic by mixing it with grays or other neutral tones, or you can go all out to make sure your kitchen is the trendiest in town. Sometimes we've seen a powerful pop of navy via a kitchen island -- and this can make an otherwise all-white kitchen feel stunning. Whatever you do, don't be afraid to experiment, because at the very least, you can always use paint if you feel your style has evolved in a few years or later on down the line.

No matter what your style is, it's a great idea to look at your options whenever remodeling or redesigning your home. Your home is your special space and should always make you feel happy, safe, and expressive. Slipping into the common trend of going all-white doesn't feel so safe once you've learned your options and opened your eyes to an entire world outside of it.

Live in Chicago or the North Shore?
Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498.

Blog written by Kyle Thomas.

"Nature’s neutral, PANTONE Greenery is a versatile “trans-seasonal” shade that lends itself to many color combinations. As displayed in the palettes below, Greenery is paired with neutrals, brights, deeper shades, pastels, metallics and even the enduring presence of PANTONE Color of the Year 2016, Rose Quartz and Serenity. These palettes easily cross over fashion, beauty, product and graphic design applications."
~Pantone Color