Calacatta Lincoln

Last year, Short Hills Marble & Tile unveiled its Legacy of The Rockies Collection in collaboration with Colorado Stone Quarries in offering their Calacatta lines including the 2024 Stone of The Year – Calacatta Lincoln! (named by National Stone Institute) 

“Calacatta Lincoln is a new type of Colorado Yule marble, discovered in 2012 with the opening of a new portal  (the Lincoln Gallery) located above the old mine. With its elegant and delicate veining, Calacatta Lincoln has become a reference in the market and one of the most desirable marble, especially in the United States market This material has a warm white background with brown-grayish veining. 

The vein structure ranges from medium to wide vein and is the hallmark of Calacatta Lincoln with a cutting direction that is either wavy or 45-degrees. It is the perfect choice for kitchen countertops and large projects.”

*(source:https://www.coloradostonequarries.com/materials/calacatta-lincoln/)

In addition to Calacatta Lincoln, Short Hills Marble & Tile also carries their Calacatta Golden. Calacatta Golden is famous for its pure white background with narrow and well-marked golden veins that run throughout the entire slab. 

Calacatta Golden is a timeless classic white marble, extracted from the original historic galleries and the modern Lincoln Gallery. Due to its characteristics of beauty and durability, this stone was used on many historical projects such as the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., the Colorado State Capitol in Denver, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia. 

Most of the time, the Calacatta Golden blocks are produced with regular “wavy” movement and only occasionally are blocks mined with diagonal 45-degree veining.

Short Hills Marble & Tile carries in stock the following from Colorado;

18×18 Calacatta Lincoln

12×24 Calacatta Golden

18×18 Calacatta Golden

Other sizes available as special order. 

And if you are wondering how American marble compares to the sought after Italian marble, check out this free resource from Colorado Quarries as they are much more similar than you might think! 

Learn more about our Legacy of The Rockies Collection or call us today at 973-376-1330.

Warm Earthy Tones for Cozy Sanctuaries:

Warm earth tones emerge as the cornerstone of this year’s trends. From creamy beige to rich terracotta, Short Hills Marble and Tile introduces a captivating palette that not only creates welcoming atmospheres but also allows for versatile design choices. Interior designers can now envision their spaces transformed into cozy sanctuaries with these soothing hues. “There was a known presence of warm earthy tones at the Cersaie show in Italy in September 2023”, say Adrienne Gallmann.

Handcrafted-Looking Tiles: The Artisanal Touch

The allure of handcrafted-looking tiles is undeniable. These tiles, designed to mimic the imperfections and irregularities of artisanal craftsmanship, add a unique character to spaces. From subway tiles with uneven edges to Moroccan-inspired patterns, the handcrafted look brings warmth and authenticity. This trend celebrates the beauty found in the human touch and provides a counterbalance to the sleekness of modern design.

Return to Color: A Vibrant Resurgence

A return to color is in full swing, with vibrant and bold hues taking center stage. From deep blues and rich greens to playful pinks and yellows, homeowners and designers alike are embracing the power of color to create statement spaces. Whether used as accent tiles or to cover entire walls, the infusion of color injects life and energy into interiors.

Shapes: Breaking the Mold

In 2024, various shapes take the spotlight. Short Hills Marble and Tile presents an array of captivating geometric designs. Whether it’s hexagons, chevrons, or personalized mosaics, the resurgence of interest in intricate tile patterns allows homeowners to make bold statements with their floors and walls. The showroom becomes a canvas for creative expression, encouraging clients to turn their design dreams into reality.

Heavy Vein Marble: A Luxurious Statement

For those seeking opulence and luxury, heavy vein marble tiles are a must-have in 2024. The allure of ‘Heavy Vein Marble’ takes center stage in this chromatic symphony, offering not just elegance but a visual narrative that speaks of nature’s intricate artistry. Short Hills Marble and Tile showcases a stunning array of large-format marble tiles, embodying the harmonious beauty of nature indoors. Adrienne, expresses her enthusiasm for large-format marble tiles, stating, “The sheer grandeur and timeless elegance of these tiles make them a game-changer in interior design. They effortlessly bridge the gap between classic and contemporary, offering a canvas for creativity that knows no bounds.”

Textured Tiles: Sensory Experiences

In the quest for multi-sensory experiences, textured tiles are gaining popularity in 2024. These tiles engage both sight and touch, creating a tactile dimension to surfaces. From 3D patterns to raised textures you can achieve this look through various materials as the options are diverse. Textured tiles are not only visually intriguing but also add depth and interest to minimalist spaces, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate a sensory-rich environment.

Conclusion:

Adrienne Gallmann, the guiding force behind the trends, shared her perspective during the presentation, “Your home is a canvas, and tiles are your palette. Don’t be afraid to get creative and express your unique style. At Short Hills Marble and Tile, we’re here to help you turn your design dreams into reality.”

This unveiling event left the everyone buzzing with inspiration, anticipating the transformation of their spaces with the latest tile trends. Short Hills Marble and Tile, with its commitment to quality and design excellence, continues to be the trusted guide in the world of interior aesthetics.

To learn more about how Short Hills Marble & Tile can make your 2024 interior design trends a reality schedule an appointment with us today.

Taking on a kitchen renovation project is not something to be taken lightly, and the time one takes now to plan can make all the difference. Budgeting for the costs of a dream renovation may involve refinancing the home or saving over the years, which gives you ample time to consider a design that fits your style. While the term “timeless” is often tossed around in the design world, trends do come and go, but the opportunity to remodel a second time may not. So you’ll want to make sure you’re happy with the results for years to come!

Taking on a kitchen renovation project is not something to be taken lightly, and the time one takes now to plan can make all the difference. Budgeting for the costs of a dream renovation may involve refinancing the home or saving over the years, which gives you ample time to consider a design that fits your style. While the term “timeless” is often tossed around in the design world, trends do come and go, but the opportunity to remodel a second time may not. So you’ll want to make sure you’re happy with the results for years to come! 

Increased time at home thanks to the pandemic has people looking at their kitchens in a new way. They want something that works for them and reflects their personal style. Now, homeowners are weighing both the resale value as well as, “What do I want to see in my home?” equally in their design decisions. They want something timeless that will take them through whatever comes next.

But timeless doesn’t mean bland and it doesn’t mean neutral either. Timeless design is about making sure your choices aren’t bound to trends that quickly change and become dated (how is that avocado accent wall holding up for you?). It includes choosing high-quality materials that can age gracefully throughout decades of frying, broiling, baking, and memory-making. 

Good choices for your project means, most importantly, you will end up with a kitchen you love spending time in and showing off.

We’re always going to be eating, entertaining and gathering in the hearth of the home. Let’s create a kitchen that inspires, one that surrounds us in functionality, that adds to the joy we create and the memories made. Adrienne Gallman, showroom manager of Short Hills Marble and Tile gave us some tips.

Go Neutral? Not Necessarily.

Kitchen designed in partnership with Stonington Cabinetry & Designs features a Dynasty White slab countertop.

For a while, people thought white cabinets and white subway tiles were timeless because the color is neutral. But more and more we find people longing for some personality. Gallman suggests looking at the details. “Details on cabinets can add personality. You can use ceramic tiles but use them in different patterns,” she suggests. While at first glance, this kitchen is predominantly white, brass accents and fixtures add warmth to the design. The walnut range and navy blue island bring a richness and depth the design would otherwise lack with traditional platinum accents. 

You Don’t Have to Play It Safe

Custom cut-to-fit Roberto Waterjet mosaic was designed and installed in collaboration with Toth Construction & Design

Many experts recommend staying ‘safe’ regarding style and design choices to ensure the best resale value. With the pandemic, more people are “nesting” and staying put. They plan to stay in their homes for a few years and want to invest in design choices with more of their own unique personality. Gallman says one way to do this is to opt for the many spectacular colors and styles out there. “The way you put them in patterns makes a big difference,” she says. 

This backsplash was done in Allstone / Short Hills Marble & Tile exclusive Roberto Waterjet pattern. Blue Macuba and Lagos Azul natural stones add pops of blue that pair with the offset mosaic used for most of the backsplash without being overpowering. The shades of blue, gray, and taupe that compose the Roberto Waterjet mosaic create a statement piece in a kitchen without falling into the trap of being “trendy”; the muted tones are adaptable to changes in fixtures and accents to keep this kitchen on trend for years to come.

What are Qualities of a Timeless Kitchen

Featuring Nestos stone slab, subway tile, Adelaine mosaic, and Penny Round mosaic.

If you aren’t an expert in design, sometimes it’s hard to know what are timeless choices and what are trendy items that will end up looking dated in a very short time. It may also be difficult to know what pieces work well together and what’s clashing. While giving your kitchen some personality, it’s easy to take an “anything goes” attitude and just pick what you love. But if you want a timeless design that has some longevity, there are some considerations to keep in mind. “Timeless is about balance and harmony,” says Gallman. “Choose where you want to create impact and make sure it plays well with other elements.” 

Which style do you like best for your kitchen? Comment below!

Checkout our full line of tile & mosaics at shorthillstile.com

We are always so honored when a design professional chooses our stone for their own personal projects. After all, there’s no end to the resources at their fingertips and creative ideas bubbling up in their minds. So, we were naturally thrilled to learn that Birmingham, Alabama-based interior designer Mary Lauren McBride, owner and lead designer of Mary McBride Interiors, not only chose our Dynasty White marble for her personal bathroom remodel and extension, but that her bathroom was just the first of many projects where she has featured the marble. 

“I do a lot in my own house first,” said McBride. “A lot of designers do—it’s like a test kitchen. And once I have a component in my own house, I feel very confident selling it to a client.”

In 2016, with architect (and neighbor) Anna Evans, McBride renovated her family home. Together they completely re-concepted the home McBride shares with her husband and three daughters. The full-scale renovation kept the original structure’s footprint—other than in one important spot.

“This bathroom was the one area where we ended up picking up the square footage,” said McBride. “I love a big bathroom and now our bathroom is probably the same size as our bedroom.”

The expanded space was designed not only to incorporate extra space—for important additions like a soaker tub—but to maximize the view of the McBrides beloved yard.

“It’s on the back of the house and we love our backyard,” said McBride. “With the vaulted ceiling and everything, Anna really captured that view.”

With the view outside as the focal point of the expanded bathroom, the choice of materials for the space was complex. McBride wanted something that would feel light and airy, but still luxurious. Something that would capture McBride’s signature style, the happy spot where effortless meets inviting. She knew early on that she wanted tried, true, and trusted white marble.

“I feel like everyone says, ‘I want a white marble bathroom,’” said McBride with a laugh. “But I really wanted a beautiful, pure white marble in my bathroom, and when I saw the Dynasty White marble, I knew it was the one. It’s so pretty, it’s got beautiful veins, and it’s got that soft whiteness that everybody loves.”

“It is so subtle and beautiful. All the layers of different textures combine to make it visually very interesting, but not overwhelming.”

Dynasty White is a pure white marble, extremely strong and resilient, and is a trade secret alternative to expensive white Italian marbles like Carrara. Allstone’s selection is premium because the team handpicks only slabs that meet our signature high-quality standards. While marble captures a moment of time in the earth’s history—and no two slabs, even from the same quarry, are identical—what McBride values most about Dynasty White is the stone’s consistency.

“It’s very consistent,” said McBride. “And you know, there are other marbles out there where you never know what you’re going to get. It may be super gray or pure white. And I’m a big believer that whatever you need to do to get that consistency, it’s worth it. And Dynasty White makes it easy. All the times we have installed it, it looks pretty darn similar to what’s in my bathroom—which is awesome.”

The marble was originally suggested by a rep at Fixtures & Finishes, a Birmingham-based plumbing, tile and stone, and lighting boutique showroom that McBride utilized for all the bathroom fixtures. The inherent versatility of Dynasty White, available as mosaics and field tile, meant McBride had many options for using it in her bathroom.

She ended up installing it throughout the space, as 12×24 floor tile, 2” hexagon tile on the shower floor, and 3x12s for the shower walls. The result: a luxurious but calm retreat.

“It is its own little mini spa, a really nice oasis,” said McBride. “I think that’s why I, and so many others, love a white marble bathroom: it is so classic and elegant and relaxing. I think that’s important.”

2” Dynasty White Hexagons create dimension in the tone-on-tone shower.

Photography by Jean Allsopp.

Trends come and go, white marble bathrooms have stood the test of time. And while it works perfectly in McBride’s traditional and elevated bathroom, she says the marble is equally at home in modern and sleek spas, rustic farmhouse retreats, and zen havens.

“We definitely strive to give all of our clients a unique design, but it’s also really nice when we find a product or material that we love that works,” said McBride. “We know we can always rely on the Dynasty White as a material and change the way we lay it out, or border it, or maybe we do 6×12 tiles. Then we can still give each client a special design while getting the consistency of that material.”

And McBride discovered yet another way that Dynasty White is versatile when the marble she originally had installed as countertops needed to be replaced.

Mixing mosaics in a small space like a shower can feel busy – keeping the color consistent, like these Dynasty White subway tiles and hexagons, softens the design. Photography by Jean Allsopp.  

“The countertops that were originally installed looked super gray,” said McBride. “And I was like ‘I’d rather have nothing than this.’ I went back to the showroom and found a different countertop, and it was just a perfect match with the floor tile sample I had brought with me.”

The new countertop pieces have more movement in them, but thanks to Dynasty White’s clean background and thick veins, the two stones perfectly complement each other. (And those original “too gray” countertops found a happy home in McBride’s renovated laundry room.)

“When I tell clients that I have not only used Dynasty White before but that I have used it in my personal home, I think they instantly feel comforted,” said McBride. “Like, ‘Okay, if it’s good enough for my designer, and it’s good enough for me.’”

“Now that I think about it, we’re actually about to install it in another house,” she added.

You can find Mary’s latest project featuring Dynasty White on her Instagram or see more of her design work on her website. 

Be sure to follow Allstone for more project features and design ideas on Instagram, Website & YouTube