- Design Trend: Quartz vs. Granite - A Consumer Perspective
- Cheryl Tiegs' Kitchen Makeover Nears Completion
- FAQ - What are some easy kitchen design tips that will
freshen up the look of my kitchen? - Feature Photograph
- Cambria Helps The Sustainable House Achieve LEED
Platinum Status - Beautiful Design Giveaway Winner
- Exclusive Offer - For Subscribers/Members Only
- Where to see Cambria

For many, the kitchen is the most important room of the home, not only serving as a food preparation area, but a place for entertaining. Creating a space that is comfortable, beautiful and easy to maintain has become a top priority for consumers today.
According to the recently released Residential Kitchen & Bathroom Countertop study by the Freedonia Group, Inc., real estate experts agree that the best way to increase the value of your home is by remodeling kitchens and bathrooms. Selecting countertops for these rooms is a decision consumers are no longer taking lightly. However, sorting through the different surface options available can be time consuming and, at times, confusing.
According to the study, durability, stain resistance, and ease of maintenance are characteristics consumers look for most when selecting a countertop surface for their homes. The most popular choices for stone countertops are quartz and granite.
Granite is a naturally found material that is mined into slabs. Although beautiful and durable, because of its naturally porous surface, frequent cleaning and maintenance with chemicals and topical treatments is required. Quartz countertops like Cambria require no maintenance with chemicals and won't off-gas or emit harmful chemicals, including radon, into the air. Cambria is a naturally non-porous surface that is twice as strong as granite and does not require sealing, polishing or cleaning with harsh chemicals, simply wash with warm water.
For more information on Cambria quartz countertops, visit CambriaUSA.com.
Former supermodel and Cambria spokesperson, Cheryl Tiegs, is currently undergoing a "Cambria makeover" in her California home. The Italian tile on her kitchen countertops, backsplash and floor is being replaced with Cambria. We talked with Cheryl and her interior designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard about the project. Here is what they had to say:
Cheryl Tiegs: "I can't wait to have a new kitchen that is both beautiful and practical. Although I loved the look of the Italian tile I'm replacing, the care and maintenance was terrible. Cleaning and re-sealing it every 6 months was frustrating and expensive. I now have Cambria and won't have to worry because Cambria quartz is maintenance free."
Martyn Lawrence: "You can literally just wipe this clean with soap and water; it's amazing."
Martyn also described the inspiration for the colors he chose saying: "The kitchen design incorporates tan, cashmere-colored countertops (Dover™) and a tile pattern on the floor using the same tan color along with a warm brown (Hazelford™). These two colors complement the warm feeling of Cheryl's home. On the floor, we decided to use a traditional French design from the 18th century, something you'd see in a French Chateau, it's going to be marvelous."
Click here for a video of Cheryl and Martyn discussing the project. And, look for additional photos of Cheryl's finished kitchen next month.
A: Updating your kitchen doesn't have to be a large financial burden, nor does it need to be time consuming and stressful. The following quick tips will brighten and renew the look of your kitchen:
- Painting old cabinets is an inexpensive way to change the design and overall look of your kitchen. Choose a color that complements your countertops or cabinets for a fresh, modern look.
- If you aren't ready to invest in new countertops for your kitchen, start by installing backsplash. Adding backsplash is a great way to freshen up your kitchen without investing in an entire countertop remodel. Cambria natural quartz comes in 1-CM thickness and can be used not only for backsplash, but wall cladding and flooring, too.
- Replacing outdated light fixtures is not only a great way to modify the look of your kitchen, but an affordable way to bring the room together into one unified design. Attach rope lighting to the underside of your cabinets to spotlight the counters, or update the ceiling light to create a fresh look that complements the cabinetry and countertops.
This month's feature photograph showcases Cambria natural quartz countertops in an elegant kitchen design that infuses a classic, country style with modern elegance. Cambria's Sutton™ is featured on the large multi-level center island that perfectly complements the patterned backsplash above the stove and simple cabinetry.
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Live Green, Live Smart is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in housing, transportation, and lifestyle. Cambria is a proud supporter of Live Green, Live Smart's 2007 initiative The Sustainable House, a LEED for Homes Pilot Project in Minneapolis, MN that was recently awarded the LEED Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED Platinum is the highest certification level given by the USGBC. The Sustainable House is the first home remodel in the LEED program to achieve the Platinum rating. Cambria's GREENGUARD certifications meant that the use of Cambria in the home contributed one (1) LEED point in the Indoor Environmental Quality category. The home includes more than 100 square feet of Cambria countertops.
For more information on The Sustainable House, visit www.livegreenlivesmart.org
For more information on Cambria's environmental initiatives, visit http://www.cambriausa.com/learn_green.cfm
Cambria is pleased to announce Barbara Rosier of Portland, OR as the Cheryl Tiegs Beautiful Design Giveaway winner. Mrs. Rosier will receive Cambria countertops and an interior design consultation from Cheryl Tiegs and Michelle Rolens, a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer with Neil Kelly Company located in Portland, OR. More than 140,000 total registrations for the Cheryl Tiegs Beautiful Design giveaway were entered on Cambria's website and via post card during the three month promotion. The entire prize package is valued at $20,000.
Look for additional updates on Mrs. Rosier's kitchen makeover in next month's newsletter.
Each month, Design Trends subscribers receive exclusive access to special offers, events and promotions from Cambria. Last month 50 lucky winners received a copy of Cambria's new Dream Book filled with dozens of design ideas and award-winning photography.
This month, 25 Design Trends subscribers who register will receive one free pass ($55 value) to the 2008 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, April 11-13 in Chicago, IL. Get inspired with the latest ideas and trends in kitchen and bath design at this once-a-year event!
Click Here to Enter (Open to newsletter subscribers via monthly email)
See the official rules detailed at the end of this email.*
Cambria is regularly showcased at home shows across the country. We'd love for you to stop by and visit with us at one of these upcoming shows near you:
2/2-10/2008
National City - Cleveland Home & Garden Show
Cleveland, OH
2/22/2008
HBA of Greater Toledo - House & Home Show
Toledo, OH
2/27-3/2/2008
Minneapolis Home & Garden Show
Minneapolis, MN
3/1-2&5-9/2008
Cincinnati Home & Garden Show
Cincinnati, OH
3/6-9/2008
International Home & Garden Show
Toronto, Canada
2/7-10/2008
Miami Valley Home World
Dayton, OH
2/27-3/2/2008
Southern Spring Home & Garden Show
Charlotte, NC
2/29-3/2/2008
Chicago Home and Garden Show
Chicago, IL
3/2-3/2008
Habitat Home & Garden Show
Baton Rouge, LA
- Cheryl Tiegs Kitchen Makeover Project - Completed Makeover!
- More kitchen and bath design news and tips
- Cambria in the News
- Exclusive Offer