Stephen Alberts

Creating a vintage-inspired kitchen or bathroom doesn’t mean sacrificing the advantages of modern countertop materials. By combining timeless aesthetics with contemporary functionality, you can achieve a charming vintage look that meets today’s durability and maintenance standards. Here are six ways to embrace vintage design with modern stone countertops.

1. Opt for Marble’s Timeless Elegance

Marble has long been associated with vintage design thanks to its classic veining and luminous surface. It’s a material that has graced homes for centuries, making it a natural choice for vintage-inspired spaces. Modern marble countertops bring the same timeless elegance with added benefits like better sealing technology, which helps protect against stains.

Pair marble countertops with vintage-style cabinetry and brass or copper hardware to create an authentic, antique aesthetic. The natural veining patterns in marble evoke a sense of old-world luxury, perfect for a retro-inspired space.

2. Choose Soft, Muted Colors

Incorporating soft, muted tones into your countertops is a subtle way to evoke a vintage vibe. Quartz and quartzite are excellent modern materials that offer these understated hues while delivering superior durability. Look for shades like cream, beige, or soft gray to create a timeless palette reminiscent of mid-century or farmhouse designs.

Softly colored countertops pair beautifully with distressed wood cabinetry or pastel accents, bringing a warm and inviting feel to the room. Their neutral tones allow for flexibility, seamlessly integrating with vintage-inspired elements.

3. Incorporate Textured Finishes

A textured finish, such as leathered or honed, can give modern stone countertops a worn, aged appearance that complements vintage design. Leathered finishes, in particular, offer a soft, matte texture that adds depth and character to your surfaces. These finishes are available in materials like granite and quartzite, providing both style and strength.

4. Highlight Veining and Patterns

One of the hallmarks of vintage countertops is their intricate patterns and natural veining. Modern stones like quartzite and granite can replicate these classic looks while offering improved durability. Quartz, with its engineered designs, also provides consistent veining that mimics traditional materials like marble.

Choose slabs with prominent veining or intricate patterns to add visual interest and a touch of nostalgia to your space. These dramatic features draw the eye and become a focal point, reinforcing the vintage-inspired design.

5. Use Edge Profiles With Classic Appeal

Pairing an ornate edge profile with a stone like marble or granite enhances the timeless quality of your countertops. The edge profile of your countertop can make a significant difference in achieving a vintage look. Opt for classic edge styles like ogee, bullnose, or beveled edges, which were popular in traditional designs. These decorative details add a sense of refinement and elegance that aligns with vintage aesthetics. The right edge design can elevate even the most modern material, giving it a retro feel.

6. Combine With Vintage-Inspired Accents

The surrounding elements in your kitchen or bathroom can amplify the vintage charm of your modern countertops. Pair your stone surfaces with subway tiles, farmhouse sinks, or antique-style faucets for a cohesive design. A well-chosen countertop, like one with a leathered finish or soft veining, provides a neutral canvas for these retro accents.

Lighting fixtures, cabinetry styles, and decor choices further enhance the overall effect. When combined with modern stone materials, these vintage-inspired touches create a space that feels authentically retro yet functionally modern.

Elevate Your Space With True Blue Surfaces

Blending vintage charm with modern countertop materials allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds: classic aesthetics and contemporary durability. If you want to start a vintage-inspired project, contact True Blue Surfaces today for a free quote.

As we move into 2025, kitchen countertops are evolving, blending functionality with cutting-edge design trends. 

True Blue Surfaces offers premium stone countertops that perfectly align with these top trends, bringing elegance and durability to modern kitchens.

1. Durable Quartz for Busy Kitchens

Quartz continues to be a popular choice, especially for families and busy households. This engineered stone offers durability and resistance to scratches, stains, and heat, making it ideal for high-use areas. 

In the near future, quartz countertops in neutral colors like whites, grays, and light creams will dominate, complementing both modern and traditional kitchens with ease.

2. High-Impact Quartzite

Quartzite is gaining attention as a high-end, durable option for homeowners seeking a natural stone that mimics marble’s aesthetic. 

Known for its strength, quartzite is perfect for kitchens where durability is essential. Its elegant veining and range of colors, from soft whites to blues and grays, add a touch of sophistication and withstand the demands of daily kitchen activities.

3. Luxurious Onyx for Dramatic Kitchens

Onyx countertops bring a dramatic flair to kitchen designs, thanks to their vibrant colors and unique translucence. Backlit onyx countertops are a growing trend, with homeowners seeking to make a statement with their kitchen islands or backsplash areas. 

The stone’s bold appearance adds personality to spaces, making it perfect for those who love daring and luxurious design.

4. Classic Granite for Bold Elegance

Granite remains a beloved choice, prized for its durability and variety of colors and patterns. In 2025, darker granite shades such as black and charcoal are trending, providing a striking contrast to light cabinetry. 

Granite countertops with natural veining and flecks add visual depth, while their robustness makes them a practical option for families and cooking enthusiasts alike.

5. Warmth and Texture with Travertine

Travertine brings an earthy warmth to kitchens, fitting seamlessly with Mediterranean and rustic design styles. Its soft beige, brown, and creamy tones provide a natural look that complements wood finishes and warm lighting. 

Travertine countertops are ideal for homeowners wanting a cozy, inviting kitchen space. In 2025, travertine’s subtle, textured appearance is favored for its ability to create a welcoming ambiance.

6. Soapstone for a Soft Vintage Appeal

Soapstone’s smooth texture and unique patina make it a sought-after choice for kitchens with vintage or farmhouse aesthetics. 

Known for its rich, gray hues that deepen over time, soapstone countertops add warmth and character to any kitchen. Its non-porous surface makes it resistant to stains and bacteria, perfect for kitchens focused on both style and hygiene.

7. Minimalist Marble

Marble remains a timeless choice, with 2025 seeing a shift toward minimalist aesthetics. Homeowners are opting for marble with subtle veining, like Carrara or Calacatta, for a refined look that pairs well with sleek cabinetry and open kitchen layouts. 

Marble’s natural beauty and unique patterns elevate any space, making it ideal for creating a luxurious and modern feel.

8. Bright Whites and Neutrals

One of the biggest trends we will see in the coming year is the use of bright, neutral tones in kitchen countertops, which give a clean, open look to the space. White marble and light-toned quartz are particularly popular, creating a fresh aesthetic that pairs well with minimalist design. 

These light surfaces reflect natural light, making kitchens appear larger and more welcoming, a sought-after feature for open-concept homes.

9. Waterfall Countertop Edges

The waterfall edge trend is here to stay, with homeowners opting for this sleek, continuous design to showcase their stone countertops. A waterfall edge extends the countertop vertically down the sides of an island or cabinetry, creating a seamless, modern appearance. 

This style is particularly popular with quartz and marble, as the waterfall effect enhances their natural veining and patterns.

10. Mixing Stone Textures

Another rising trend is mixing textures within the same kitchen space to add depth and interest. For example, a smooth marble countertop might be paired with a honed or leathered finish on an island. 

This approach allows homeowners to explore different tactile experiences while staying within the same stone family. Mixed textures create a visually layered look, perfect for those who want a unique yet cohesive kitchen design.

Stone Trends For Your Kitchen

The trends of 2025 aren’t just flash-in-the-pan fads that will quickly go out of style. Thanks to the durability and staying power of natural stone, these trendy looks will age gracefully into timeless countertops. Ready to bring these trends into your kitchen? 

Contact True Blue Surfaces today for a free quote and discover the perfect stone countertop to elevate your space for 2025.

Waterfall countertops have become a popular choice for homeowners and designers who want to elevate their kitchen or bathroom spaces. The seamless extension of the countertop material down the sides creates a stunning visual effect that draws attention and adds a touch of sophistication. 

If you’re looking to make a bold statement with your countertops, here are seven ways to showcase the beauty of waterfall designs.

1. Choose the Right Stone for Impact

The material you select for your waterfall countertop can dramatically influence the overall look of the space. Natural stones such as marble, granite, quartzite, and even engineered quartz all have unique characteristics that stand out in waterfall designs. 

For example, white marble can give a clean, elegant feel, while a dramatic granite pattern adds striking depth. Opt for a stone that complements your cabinetry and surrounding decor to create a cohesive and luxurious aesthetic.

2. Extend the Waterfall to the Floor

One of the most captivating features of a waterfall countertop is its ability to create continuity by extending the stone from the counter to the floor. This design choice enhances the visual flow of the room, making the countertop appear as if it’s flowing over the edge and cascading down. 

Extending your waterfall all the way to the floor can make smaller spaces look larger by drawing the eye vertically, creating a sense of openness.

3. Highlight the Edges

A crisp, clean edge can make a significant impact with waterfall countertops. The sharp, uninterrupted lines at the joint where the countertop meets the waterfall side create a polished and modern appearance. 

Some homeowners opt for mitered edges to give the stone a more seamless look, where the pattern or veining in the stone flows from the countertop to the sides without interruption.

4. Pair with Minimalist Cabinetry

To truly let your waterfall countertop shine, consider pairing it with minimalist cabinetry. Simple, sleek cabinets with flat fronts and minimal hardware ensure that the countertop remains the focal point of the kitchen. 

The contrast between clean cabinetry lines and the natural patterns in the stone creates a harmonious and modern design.

5. Use Waterfall Designs in Bathroom Vanities

Waterfall countertops aren’t just for kitchens! They make a powerful statement in bathroom vanities as well. In smaller bathrooms, a stone waterfall vanity can become the centerpiece, drawing attention and adding a sense of luxury. 

The clean lines and sleek aesthetic of the waterfall design complement the natural beauty of the stone, elevating the overall look and feel of the bathroom. Consider using materials like quartzite or marble for a spa-like atmosphere.

6. Incorporate Multiple Waterfall Elements

For an even bolder look, some homeowners choose to use multiple waterfall elements in a single space. For example, incorporating two or more waterfall edges in an island or peninsula can create a cohesive and dynamic design. 

This works especially well in open-concept spaces where the kitchen is a central hub, as it draws attention to the waterfall details from multiple angles.

7. Accent with Under-Cabinet Lighting

Enhance the beauty of your waterfall countertop by incorporating under-cabinet lighting. Lighting placed beneath the edge of the counter creates a subtle glow that highlights the stone’s texture and veining. 

This technique can also add an element of drama, especially in the evening when the ambient lighting in the room is lower. It’s a great way to bring out the natural beauty of materials like granite or quartz in a subtle yet impactful manner.

Elevate Your Countertops With Waterfall Edges

Waterfall countertops are more than just a functional surface; they’re a statement piece that can transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. 

Contact True Blue Surfaces today for a free quote and discover how you can incorporate a waterfall countertop into your next design project.

Exotic stone countertops can bring elegance, luxury, and personality to a home. True Blue Surfaces offers a range of high-quality stones like onyx, travertine, quartzite, and soapstone that are ideal for homeowners looking to make a unique statement. 

Here are six types of homes where exotic countertops are a perfect match.

1. The Luxury Homeowner

For homeowners in upscale neighborhoods or custom-built homes, exotic stones provide the distinct, high-end look they’re after. Onyx countertops, with their vivid colors and translucent quality, add drama to any space. 

Luxury homeowners often seek out pieces that feel custom and curated, and onyx fits the bill. Backlighting onyx creates an impressive effect, perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchen islands or bar countertops where the stone can be showcased.

2. The Artistically Inclined

Artistic homeowners are drawn to materials that make a visual impact, favoring surfaces with natural patterns and textures that can’t be replicated. Soapstone, known for its smooth, velvety texture and deep colors, appeals to these individuals. 

It develops a rich patina over time, adding to its unique charm. Artistic homeowners appreciate the dynamic, lived-in quality of soapstone, which reflects their creativity and attention to detail. For them, a countertop isn’t just functional; it’s a work of art.

3. The Rustic and Earthy Enthusiast

Homeowners with a rustic or earthy aesthetic gravitate toward natural materials that reflect the outdoors. Travertine is an excellent choice, with its warm tones and natural textures. It’s commonly found in Mediterranean-inspired kitchens or farmhouses, where homeowners appreciate its organic, unpolished look. 

Travertine brings warmth to a kitchen or bathroom and complements wood, wrought iron, and other natural finishes often seen in rustic-style homes. These homeowners value authenticity, and travertine fits seamlessly with their grounded, nature-inspired style.

4. The Minimalist

Minimalist homeowners look for clean lines and simplicity in every element of their home, yet they want materials with character. Quartzite fits well here, combining durability with elegance. Available in neutral shades with subtle veining, quartzite adds just enough visual interest without overpowering the space. 

It’s ideal for minimalist interiors, where it complements a restrained color palette. Quartzite’s strength and low-maintenance qualities make it a functional choice for minimalists who want beauty with practicality.

5. The Entertainer

Entertainers prioritize open, inviting spaces that make guests feel welcome. These homeowners often lean toward bold materials that impress and create conversation. Onyx countertops, especially in bar areas or open kitchens, draw attention with their striking colors and the option to backlight. 

For hosts who want a “wow” factor, onyx brings elegance and sophistication, transforming any gathering space into an unforgettable setting. Entertainers want their home to leave an impression, and exotic countertops can make that happen.

6. The Eco-Conscious Remodeler

Eco-conscious homeowners seek natural, sustainable materials, often with a preference for longevity over temporary trends. Soapstone, a durable, non-toxic material that requires minimal chemical treatments, is popular among environmentally focused homeowners. 

Its natural resilience to stains and bacteria makes it ideal for kitchens where hygiene is essential. Eco-conscious remodelers also appreciate that soapstone can last generations, contributing to a sustainable lifestyle by reducing the need for replacements. For these homeowners, soapstone aligns with their commitment to sustainability.

Exotic Stone Countertops Near Me

Exotic stone countertops look beautiful no matter what kind of home you have. While they can be a bit more complex to find and install than more conventional choices, the right fabricator can help you find the perfect match for you. 

Whether you’re a luxury homeowner, an artist, or a minimalist, exotic countertops can elevate your space. Contact True Blue Surfaces today for a free quote and see how our collection of exotic stones can make your home uniquely yours.

There’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book in front of a crackling fire. Or maybe you’ve gathered for a family board game night, or you’re relaxing, watching TV. A beautiful fireplace isn’t just functional; it’s a modern design focal point that ties the entire room together. 

One of the most popular modern fireplace designs involves using stone slab surrounds to elevate the appearance of your fireplace. Here at True Blue Surfaces, we offer an extensive range of high-quality stone slabs, providing homeowners with the ideal materials for designing a stylish fireplace that complements their living space. Let’s take a look!

The Appeal of Stone Slabs for Fireplaces

Stone slab surrounds are gaining popularity for their clean, uninterrupted appearance. Unlike traditional materials, such as brick or tile, large stone slabs provide a minimalist, continuous surface that exudes sophistication. This simplicity is particularly well-suited for contemporary homes, where smooth lines and uncluttered spaces are key design elements. A stone slab surround can transform a fireplace from a simple heat source into a dramatic architectural feature.

Stone is also an incredibly durable material, capable of withstanding the high temperatures of a working fireplace without compromising its appearance. With minimal maintenance, a stone slab fireplace surround will continue to look stunning for years to come.

Best Stone for Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing the right stone for your fireplace surround can define the look of your entire room. You have several choices, all of which will look amazing in your home.

• Granite: Granite is known for its strength and versatility. It comes in a variety of patterns and colors, making it a great option for both bold statement pieces and more subtle designs. Its durability ensures that your fireplace remains scratch-free and beautiful for years.
• Quartz: For those seeking a refined, uniform appearance, quartz is an excellent choice. As an engineered stone, it offers consistent patterns and colors that lend a streamlined, polished look to your fireplace. Additionally, quartz is highly resistant to heat and stains, making it a low-maintenance and stylish option.
• Marble: Marble brings a sense of elegance and luxury to any space. Its unique veining patterns and smooth surface make it a favorite for homeowners looking to add sophistication to their contemporary design. Whether you opt for a soft white or dramatic black, marble offers timeless appeal.
• Quartzite: Quartzite offers a natural, crystalline appearance, making it a great choice for homeowners looking for something with both beauty and strength. Known for being harder than granite and highly resistant to heat, quartzite’s subtle sparkle and organic patterns can bring a touch of luxury to your contemporary fireplace design.
• Exotic Stones: If you want your fireplace to be a one-of-a-kind focal point, consider using exotic stones like onyx, soapstone, or travertine. These materials bring unique colors, patterns, and textures that can turn an ordinary fireplace into a striking design element. Onyx, for example, offers stunning translucency, while soapstone provides a smooth, soft feel. Travertine’s rich texture adds depth and warmth to any room. These exotic stones create a bold and luxurious look for those seeking something beyond the traditional.

Why Choose True Blue Surfaces for Your Fireplace Surround?

True Blue Surfaces specializes in premium stone slabs, offering homeowners an array of options to suit every design preference. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you find the perfect stone to match your vision for a contemporary fireplace. We understand the importance of precision and quality, ensuring that each slab is installed to meet the highest standards of craftsmanship and safety. From material selection to installation, we’re here to assist you at every step of the process.

Ready to elevate the look of your fireplace? Contact us today for a free quote and discover how we can help you create the perfect stone slab fireplace surround for your contemporary home design!