Italy can be called the Mecca of marble. Really, there is hardly any building in this country where you can not find any marble. This applies to all the commercial, private or public buildings. This has given Venice its own place among the cities. In fact, the Venetian marbles can be placed right by the side of other iconic things of the city such as the gondola, Casanova, coffee houses, Murano glass, Amarone wine.
When you reach this amazing city, you will be very eager to watch the Venetian palazzos and the sight of the Palazzo Ducale, or Contarini Del Bovolo and Ca d’Oro. In all of them, marble has been used exquisitely to create an ambience of luxury and class. Basilica di St. Marco is another place where you can witness the fascinating art with the marble. In the hotels, restaurants, and every where in Venice, you will find mosaic, tiles, columns and panels all made of marble. In fact, most of the buildings use marble to construct the floor and the marble.
Venice had witnessed an unprecedented high during the time of Renaissance. The famous stonemasons of that time had lent Venice an unparalleled beauty that still fascinates people all over the world. Among those artists who made Venice the city of romance, Jacopo Bambagiani, and Andrea Palladio should be mentioned.
One of the greatest features of the Venetian marble is its variety. According to experts, there are more than hundred different types of marbles that have been used in different construction across the city. Now, when you consider the geographical locale and the fact that almost all of them are imported from far away, you must admire the variety.
In fact, the Venetian marble was generally imported from the Mediterranean area. However, the Rosso Verona was quarried from the surroundings of Verona. However, Venice showcases different other marbles quarried from Italy as well. This includes Statuario, Portoro, Rosso Lepanto, Bianco Carara and Botticino.
Both the Bianco Cararra and Statuario were quarried from the Carrara region that is located in Tuscany. The later is whiter and has less veins black and grey veins than the first one. This type of the marble was used by the legendary sculptor Michelangelo and this is the stone that he used to create the famous statue of David. This statue can still be seen at the Accademia Gallery in Florence.
However, many feel that Portoro and Rosso Lepanto have an essential Venetian flavor in them than the other ones. The later has a rich color, while former has a texture that creates a spell. In fact, the city of Venice has the essential shine, the joy in it to match the marble, which is derived from a Greek word meaning shining.
The marble mosaic floors of Venice are yet another example of that colorful facet of the city. However, you can install them in your house. But, to make the most of them, you must take the help of the experts. Remember when you add them to your house you bring home a piece of history.
Showing posts with label marble wholesale. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marble wholesale. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Kitchen Décor: Try Out The Various Alternatives
A large part of your renovation plans will include the new look of the kitchen. We often fail to notice that even the kitchens need a fresh coat of paint or changes in the cabinetry. The reason is obvious. The living rooms and the dining rooms are always in focus, but the kitchens are neglected. How about adding something new and unique to the kitchens like a mosaic medallion? These are handcrafted and look amazing with their splash of colors.
The mosaic medallions can be set on walls, floors, backsplash, and tabletops. Moreover they are easy to maintain. You can use a clean cloth to wipe the dirt and dust off the table. As for the colors, sizes and patterns, you are in liberty to choose from the wide range. Some of them are known for their intricate motifs while exude a warm classic design. Mosaics are made from a number of materials like slate, glass, marble and a combination of different other materials. Many pieces are joined together to bring out a design. However the clarity of the design depends on the expertize of the artists. Nonetheless it enhances the house ambience and can be a worthy choice if you are planning to revamp your house.
There are a number of designers who prefer the tiny hand-cut pieces made of marble to create a mosaic design. The kitchens will look exceptionally bright if you use the mosaic medallion on the floor. Apart from the mosaic medallion, you can also lay a marble carpet on the floor. The mosaic will look good if they are combined with hardwood flooring and ceramic tiles. Forget about rugs! Mosaics look good and they are easy to maintain and clean. Just like the area rug, mosaics on floors can delimit the concept of space.
Are you looking for a good company where you will get some of the most beautiful mosaic medallions? Most of these have novel designs and unique ideas that for sure add the much needed zing to the ambience and create a difference to the mundane look of the kitchen. The mosaic designs are made from semi-precious stones and natural marble. It is said that their motifs and designs are influenced by the Byzantine, Roman and Greek designs. They have combined the classic look with contemporary designs. The fusion is too breathtaking to be left alone. Moreover continuous experimentation with the motifs and designs has helped them to understand the taste and likings of their customers.
Some of the common designs include themes like animals, scenes, religious designs, geometrics and medallions. They can be used both for the indoors and the outdoors. Even in the house, you can install the mosaic medallions in the center of the floor of the living room, in kitchens and hallways and in archways which are cover the fireplaces. As for the outdoor mosaics they are common in gardens, sides of the pools, tables and on the path which cuts across the gardens. A landscape garden will look doubly beautiful with mosaic medallions.
The mosaic medallions can be set on walls, floors, backsplash, and tabletops. Moreover they are easy to maintain. You can use a clean cloth to wipe the dirt and dust off the table. As for the colors, sizes and patterns, you are in liberty to choose from the wide range. Some of them are known for their intricate motifs while exude a warm classic design. Mosaics are made from a number of materials like slate, glass, marble and a combination of different other materials. Many pieces are joined together to bring out a design. However the clarity of the design depends on the expertize of the artists. Nonetheless it enhances the house ambience and can be a worthy choice if you are planning to revamp your house.
There are a number of designers who prefer the tiny hand-cut pieces made of marble to create a mosaic design. The kitchens will look exceptionally bright if you use the mosaic medallion on the floor. Apart from the mosaic medallion, you can also lay a marble carpet on the floor. The mosaic will look good if they are combined with hardwood flooring and ceramic tiles. Forget about rugs! Mosaics look good and they are easy to maintain and clean. Just like the area rug, mosaics on floors can delimit the concept of space.
Are you looking for a good company where you will get some of the most beautiful mosaic medallions? Most of these have novel designs and unique ideas that for sure add the much needed zing to the ambience and create a difference to the mundane look of the kitchen. The mosaic designs are made from semi-precious stones and natural marble. It is said that their motifs and designs are influenced by the Byzantine, Roman and Greek designs. They have combined the classic look with contemporary designs. The fusion is too breathtaking to be left alone. Moreover continuous experimentation with the motifs and designs has helped them to understand the taste and likings of their customers.
Some of the common designs include themes like animals, scenes, religious designs, geometrics and medallions. They can be used both for the indoors and the outdoors. Even in the house, you can install the mosaic medallions in the center of the floor of the living room, in kitchens and hallways and in archways which are cover the fireplaces. As for the outdoor mosaics they are common in gardens, sides of the pools, tables and on the path which cuts across the gardens. A landscape garden will look doubly beautiful with mosaic medallions.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Marble and Granite: Their Relevance in Construction Industry
A structure curved out of marble is often spectacular to look at. Now, with the marble and granite tiles available in the market, you can give your home this esthetic look. These tiles can be used both in and outside of the house. Whether you are reconstructing an old house, buying a new one or restoring an ancient ancestral property – the effective use of marble can certainly do wonders.
This explains why the use of marble and granite in the construction industry has gone up in the last few years. In order to cope up with the necessity, the companies are also coming up with different types of marble products that are constantly gaining in popularity. There are the granite and marble tiles, counter tops as well as the columns, water jets and fireplaces made of marble alone. All these products if used judiciously can improve the décor value of your house
Such is the popularity of the marble products in these days that a house can hardly be decorated without the use of the marble products. Whether you are thinking about the bedroom, living room, bathroom, or in fact any other room of the house - marble is relevant anywhere and everywhere. One of the greatest advantages of using a marble product is the fact that it imparts a shiny look and at the same time, it can also be maintained easily. Added to it, is the variety of color and texture that is associated with the marbles. So, with them you always have the chance to pick up the one that matches your imagination. Countertops and sinks made of granite have made their way in the kitchens.
Whether it is granite or marble or any other stone product, they are durable. In fact, this is the reason why the use of the marble columns has increased in the last few years. Since they are extremely durable, they provide extra support to the home. At the same time, they add beauty to the look of the house. These tiles are also friendly to your pockets. This makes it the preferred choice for today’s interior decorators.
Since the stones are durable, the beauty of the house lasts longer as well. The maintenance cost is low as these products are less prone to any damage. Only you have to take care of certain factor to keep the beauty of the marble or granite products intact and the home will be as beautiful forever. There are different misconceptions regarding the marbles. It is often said that the marbles are difficult to maintain and are easily damaged. But, it has now been proved that all such assumptions are baseless and following certain vital tips will allow one to maintain the shininess and glaze of the marble products in the house.
Rather, marble floors have some advantages that no other thing has. It is a cool stone that provides a comfortable feeling in the warm countries. The look of it too, provides coolness and is soothing to the eye. The smooth touch enhances the comfort as well. Marble has such a wide range of variety in texture as well as color allowing the home owner to add variety to his rooms if he so desires.
In fact, all these benefits have ensured why marble has remained in the vogue over the years. Till today it remains a great option.
This explains why the use of marble and granite in the construction industry has gone up in the last few years. In order to cope up with the necessity, the companies are also coming up with different types of marble products that are constantly gaining in popularity. There are the granite and marble tiles, counter tops as well as the columns, water jets and fireplaces made of marble alone. All these products if used judiciously can improve the décor value of your house
Such is the popularity of the marble products in these days that a house can hardly be decorated without the use of the marble products. Whether you are thinking about the bedroom, living room, bathroom, or in fact any other room of the house - marble is relevant anywhere and everywhere. One of the greatest advantages of using a marble product is the fact that it imparts a shiny look and at the same time, it can also be maintained easily. Added to it, is the variety of color and texture that is associated with the marbles. So, with them you always have the chance to pick up the one that matches your imagination. Countertops and sinks made of granite have made their way in the kitchens.
Whether it is granite or marble or any other stone product, they are durable. In fact, this is the reason why the use of the marble columns has increased in the last few years. Since they are extremely durable, they provide extra support to the home. At the same time, they add beauty to the look of the house. These tiles are also friendly to your pockets. This makes it the preferred choice for today’s interior decorators.
Since the stones are durable, the beauty of the house lasts longer as well. The maintenance cost is low as these products are less prone to any damage. Only you have to take care of certain factor to keep the beauty of the marble or granite products intact and the home will be as beautiful forever. There are different misconceptions regarding the marbles. It is often said that the marbles are difficult to maintain and are easily damaged. But, it has now been proved that all such assumptions are baseless and following certain vital tips will allow one to maintain the shininess and glaze of the marble products in the house.
Rather, marble floors have some advantages that no other thing has. It is a cool stone that provides a comfortable feeling in the warm countries. The look of it too, provides coolness and is soothing to the eye. The smooth touch enhances the comfort as well. Marble has such a wide range of variety in texture as well as color allowing the home owner to add variety to his rooms if he so desires.
In fact, all these benefits have ensured why marble has remained in the vogue over the years. Till today it remains a great option.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tips To Achieve the Perfect Marble Installation
The proper installation of marble is certainly a big issue. While a perfect installation can give a brilliant look to your house, a faulty one might ruin the effort. So, it is always useful to know the tips before going for the installation of marble in your house.
One of the greatest things about the installation of marble tiles is that the entire process is easy. So, one can do it by himself. This will not only save the expense of installation, but will also give you a good option to spend the time in the weekend.
But to do it like an expert, you have to do what the experts do – research. However, once you complete that, you have to prepare the floor to install the marble on it. The most important factor for a successful installation is a dry, clean and level surface. Once you have that type of surface, the tiles will not crack.
Another important thing with the marble tiles is to ensure that the floor is strong. Otherwise, the floor will not be able to hold the weight of the marbles. In case you are not quite sure, you can jump on the floor. If you can feel it, there is need to strengthen the floor; otherwise it is absolutely alright and can be fitted with the marble.
It is also necessary to remove the baseboard and cut through the casing of the door. Later you can always paint the baseboards and bring them back; or better still, you buy a new baseboard that suits your new floor.
Planning is important for an effective installation of the marble tiles. It is a good idea to do a preview so that you are certain that you are not running short of the tiles. In fact, there should be some extra pieces of tiles just in case of emergency. The center of the layout should be identified and the installation should start from this point. While planning, make sure that you are not stepping on the tiles to lay others. To make sure that the process is planned properly, you can make the plan it out on paper as well.
However, before all this starts, it is important to pay attention to the color of the marble while buying the thinset. The light colored marble has a transparent look and so choosing the wrong shade of thinset will spoil the effort. While mixing the thinset, it is good to use cold water. Spread the thinset in an area that you can cover within 15 minutes. Maintain the level of the thinset through the project.
Spacers should be used to keep the tiles aligned and the space between the tiles equal. After the installation is complete, the entire thing should be left overnight to dry up. Now, you can grout the tiles with color matching the tiles. However, it is good to use un-sanded grout.
Next, the spacers should be removed and the thinset attached with it should be cleaned. Add some grout on the tiles with the help of the grout float and spread them with it. While doing this, you should ensure that the cracks are filled with the grout. After waiting for a while, you can wipe off the tiles with a damp sponge. After that the grout should be sealed.
Now, your marble tiles are ready to walk on.
One of the greatest things about the installation of marble tiles is that the entire process is easy. So, one can do it by himself. This will not only save the expense of installation, but will also give you a good option to spend the time in the weekend.
But to do it like an expert, you have to do what the experts do – research. However, once you complete that, you have to prepare the floor to install the marble on it. The most important factor for a successful installation is a dry, clean and level surface. Once you have that type of surface, the tiles will not crack.
Another important thing with the marble tiles is to ensure that the floor is strong. Otherwise, the floor will not be able to hold the weight of the marbles. In case you are not quite sure, you can jump on the floor. If you can feel it, there is need to strengthen the floor; otherwise it is absolutely alright and can be fitted with the marble.
It is also necessary to remove the baseboard and cut through the casing of the door. Later you can always paint the baseboards and bring them back; or better still, you buy a new baseboard that suits your new floor.
Planning is important for an effective installation of the marble tiles. It is a good idea to do a preview so that you are certain that you are not running short of the tiles. In fact, there should be some extra pieces of tiles just in case of emergency. The center of the layout should be identified and the installation should start from this point. While planning, make sure that you are not stepping on the tiles to lay others. To make sure that the process is planned properly, you can make the plan it out on paper as well.
However, before all this starts, it is important to pay attention to the color of the marble while buying the thinset. The light colored marble has a transparent look and so choosing the wrong shade of thinset will spoil the effort. While mixing the thinset, it is good to use cold water. Spread the thinset in an area that you can cover within 15 minutes. Maintain the level of the thinset through the project.
Spacers should be used to keep the tiles aligned and the space between the tiles equal. After the installation is complete, the entire thing should be left overnight to dry up. Now, you can grout the tiles with color matching the tiles. However, it is good to use un-sanded grout.
Next, the spacers should be removed and the thinset attached with it should be cleaned. Add some grout on the tiles with the help of the grout float and spread them with it. While doing this, you should ensure that the cracks are filled with the grout. After waiting for a while, you can wipe off the tiles with a damp sponge. After that the grout should be sealed.
Now, your marble tiles are ready to walk on.
Stain Removal Tips for Marble Floor
Old houses with shattered glasses and stained floors fit well in horror stories. However, it is natural that you don’t want to bring that horror in your house. So, when you own a house, you need to ensure that you maintain it properly. If your house has marble flooring then the maintenance needs are even higher.
A proper treatment and maintenance of the marble tiles extends the longevity. At the same time, the marbles can retain the shine and freshness for years. Naturally, caring for the marbles is an important thing to maintain the look of your house.
In fact, the floors of the house demand more serious cleaning than perhaps any other part of the house. Everyday, when people step into your house they bring dirt and grime with them which sticks to the floor. This is enough to stain the floor. Even if you use the slippers to walk in the house, the oil and dirt in your leg can be stuck to the floor as well. So, there is hardly any way to avoid the floor from getting dirty. However, there are ways to remove the stains.
It is absolutely essential to dust or vacuum the surface of the marble floor regularly. Only after that, you can mop the floor. However, extra care needs to be taken while mopping the marble floor. First, make sure that you are using lukewarm water. Mild acids like vinegar can be very harmful to the marbles. Also, you have to ensure that there is no extra water in the mop. Immediately after you mop it is essential to dry it with a towel as otherwise, there are chances of the marble getting stained.
However, the manual is a bit different when it comes to removing the tough stains. If your marble floor is stained by coffee or tea, mopping will not be an effective means to clean it up. Instead of using a rust remover, you can use 20% hydrogen peroxide, which can be easily bought from the nearby pharmacy. In fact, this process is effective to clear any organic stains. However, the task is touchy and it is better to be careful.
To remove the rust stains, a mixture should be made of the rust remover and the powdered whiting. Create a layer of half an inch with the mixture over the area that is stained. Cover the area with a plastic wrap that is sealed with marking tape. Keep it thus for 10 to 15 minutes. After that, the area should be rinsed well and the marble should be rubbed well with a dry cloth.
In m most of the cases, a warm mop is enough to keep the marble clean. These days, different solutions are coming out in the market to clean up the marble floors. It is not a bad idea to keep some of them handy. You can also use them weekly or monthly to keep the floor tidy. However, you should not use detergents which are of acidic nature as these are extremely harmful to the marble.
A proper treatment and maintenance of the marble tiles extends the longevity. At the same time, the marbles can retain the shine and freshness for years. Naturally, caring for the marbles is an important thing to maintain the look of your house.
In fact, the floors of the house demand more serious cleaning than perhaps any other part of the house. Everyday, when people step into your house they bring dirt and grime with them which sticks to the floor. This is enough to stain the floor. Even if you use the slippers to walk in the house, the oil and dirt in your leg can be stuck to the floor as well. So, there is hardly any way to avoid the floor from getting dirty. However, there are ways to remove the stains.
It is absolutely essential to dust or vacuum the surface of the marble floor regularly. Only after that, you can mop the floor. However, extra care needs to be taken while mopping the marble floor. First, make sure that you are using lukewarm water. Mild acids like vinegar can be very harmful to the marbles. Also, you have to ensure that there is no extra water in the mop. Immediately after you mop it is essential to dry it with a towel as otherwise, there are chances of the marble getting stained.
However, the manual is a bit different when it comes to removing the tough stains. If your marble floor is stained by coffee or tea, mopping will not be an effective means to clean it up. Instead of using a rust remover, you can use 20% hydrogen peroxide, which can be easily bought from the nearby pharmacy. In fact, this process is effective to clear any organic stains. However, the task is touchy and it is better to be careful.
To remove the rust stains, a mixture should be made of the rust remover and the powdered whiting. Create a layer of half an inch with the mixture over the area that is stained. Cover the area with a plastic wrap that is sealed with marking tape. Keep it thus for 10 to 15 minutes. After that, the area should be rinsed well and the marble should be rubbed well with a dry cloth.
In m most of the cases, a warm mop is enough to keep the marble clean. These days, different solutions are coming out in the market to clean up the marble floors. It is not a bad idea to keep some of them handy. You can also use them weekly or monthly to keep the floor tidy. However, you should not use detergents which are of acidic nature as these are extremely harmful to the marble.
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