A mild winter has many of us chomping at the bit for a hint of spring. That could include an update that involves adding color to your home and environment through the addition of seasonal plantings and landscaping or getting ideas and estimates for a spring home renovation project. Even in the fashion industry, the readiness for the lightness and natural color of the upcoming season can be seen in the recent release of the Spring Pantone colors.
Outdoor Inspiration
From color to texture, the emphasis is once again drawing inspiration from nature. This year’s spring colors feature a range of soft, cool tones that are largely inspired by what the Pantone color organization described as an “en plein air” (in plain air) theme. The En Plein Air concept was first embraced by the Impressionist painters such as Monet and Renoir who chose to paint their subjects in the outdoors as a way to record the most accurate representation of the object or landscape.
The natural approach also continues to remain the preference for kitchen and bathroom home renovations. One constant that continues to be embraced is the installation of natural stone such as granite, quartz, marble, soapstone and engineered quartz. These remain a perennial favorite, particularly in neutral shades of white, brown and grey. Not only does natural stone provide a neutral backdrop, it also brings in elements of the outdoors, allowing homeowners to design a pallet based around the stone’s natural shading.
Favored Natural Stone Options for the Kitchen and Bath
Quartz – offers increased durability and a range of customizable color and texture options
Marble – a softer stone that more susceptible to marring but acquires a soft patina over time
Soapstone – matte stone that’s unaffected by acids, enhanced through the addition of mineral oil
Engineered Quartz – combination of natural granite and 5 percent polymer resins for a hard surface and low maintenance
Glass – recyclable material options, can take high heat and its non-porous surface makes it very hygienic
Simple as 1-2-3
When it comes to keeping the natural stone elements in your home looking like new, trust the three-step Rock Doctor system of clean, polish and seal. Rock Doctor Granite & Quartz Cleaner can be safely used on all natural stone surfaces on a daily basis. The cleaner is designed to remove everyday soil as well as stains. For large stains, saturate the spot for 1 to 2 minutes before wiping the surface clean with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Rock Doctor Prescription for Beautiful Natural Stone
- 1. Clean – daily
- 2. Polish – 1 to 2 times a week
- 3. Seal – 1 time per year
Earn a $2 mail-in rebate with the purchase of each Rock Doctor Item. Just scan the original receipt and email it to Rock Doctor at lauraj@apexprod.com. For more details about this rebate offer, click here.
This article was brought to you by Rock Doctor, which offers a line of specially-formulated stone cleaner, stone polish, and stone sealer products. Rock Doctor stone care products can be purchased through a number of fine retail stores, including Wal-Mart, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ace Hardware, Do it Best Hardware, Hy-Vee, and Wegmans.
