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elementsurfaces

Mixed Media Design

 150 150 Taylor Tedford
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This Monday, We’re Mixing Things Up

“The trend this year is mixing unexpected materials such as quartz and wood.”

Mixing Stone and Wood in Design, by Element Surfaces

Since the beginning of 2018 the home design industry has experienced a rapid growth in mixed media design. We recognize the importance of countertops as a focal point of kitchen design, so this month we’ve crafted a beautiful Mixed Media element to help you visualize the way you can integrate multiple textures in your space, and take your design to the next level.

Zebrano is a perfect countertop to integrate a natural look and an organic warmth. Its soft tones with light veining are stunning. Torano‘s soft veining won’t feel too harsh in the space, but will allow it to blend well while it’s soft grey undertones will coordinate perfectly with the black hardware that we’ve chosen. In order to contrast the wood countertop, and tie in the Torano we’ve chosen a unique tile floor. Shape is very important to design because of the visual interest that it brings, and this floor does just that.

We would paint the cabinets in this space Silver Marlin (2139-50), it’s soft look adds calmness to the space, and it’s a gorgeous compliment to the Zebrano. Ice Mist (2123-70) will pair perfectly with the light green of Silver Marlin. This white wall color has a greenish undertone that will tie the cabinets in to the space.

We’ve chosen a sleek black faucet with a concrete sink to contrast the warmth of the Zebrano wood, and offer visual interest to the space. Sleek black hardware will pair well with the faucet and bring consistency to the space.

Lighting is the perfect way to add a touch of fun. We’ve chosen these gorgeous circular hanging balls that can be customized to complete your vision.

The ideal bar stool to tie this room together features a wooden seat and metal legs, bringing in every element of your design.

Featured Designer: Maddie Bouma

Hallcrest Stone

 150 150 Taylor Tedford
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Feelin’ a little Moodie this Monday?

Us Too.

A Hallcrest Kitchen, by Element Surfaces

Hallcrest’s subtle mix of white, grey, and black speckling appeals to a neutral palette while bringing texture and life to your space. This stone is the perfect choice for the busy mom who hates seeing every crumb. If your kids (or husband) are prone to eating plateless – Hallcrest has your back. It’s soft speckling offers a natural disguise to the daily wear and tear that a lived-in kitchen undergoes. While all Element Stone surfaces are stain, heat, and scratch resistant Hallcrest has the added advantage of being able to hide any natural tarnishing which may occur over time.

The kitchen can often feel like a messy and chaotic area of the house- like when you were supposed to leave 20 minutes ago and your son’s asking you where his homework is and your daughter’s whining about taking the bus and your husband’s asking you where his jacket is and you can’t find a clean coffee cup and you’d kill for 10 seconds of quiet. With all of the craziness that usually occurs in the kitchen we strive to create an element that naturally combats an impending breakdown. Therefore we recommend choosing a paint color which induces feelings of cleanliness and calmness, such as Soft Chinchilla by Benjamin Moore. This dusky blue adds a soft pop of color and pairs nicely with Hallcrest Stone.

We love choosing a backsplash that can add dimension and texture to your element. This gorgeous leaflike white tile brings in a natural vibe and it’s stark white color contrasts, yet compliments, the natural look with a touch of sleek modernism. A white shaker cabinet offers a bit of a traditional feel and sleek black hardware adds weight to boldly contrast the white. Blending traditional and modern styles offers both visual interest and appeal.

Your kitchen should be a reflection of yourself, and a herringbone natural hardwood floor adds personality and character. As does this matte black sink, which coordinates perfectly with the countertops and the cabinet hardware, while offering a unique and original twist. To add a touch of shine to a room with mostly matte finishes we recommend choosing a stainless steel faucet. We chose an Edison faucet that is both funky and functional.

To complete this element we’ve chosen a dark grey modern refrigerator. It’s color coordinates perfectly with our sink and hardware, and the stainless steel handles tie in the sink faucet, perfectly balancing the space.

Featured Designer: Maddie Bouma

Madison Stone

 150 150 Taylor Tedford
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We’re a little Moodie, but it keeps Monday interesting. Check it out.

#findyourelement

A Madison Bathroom, by Element Surfaces

This stunning white and cream based quartz with light grey veining is one of our favorites in the Element Stone line. It’s soft white coloring and grey striations mimic marble’s natural veining, giving you the natural look you love, without the constant maintenance marble requires.

Madison will pair perfectly with Benjamin Moore’s Cascade White paint. This beautiful blue-green-grey shade compliments Madison beautifully, while bringing a peaceful and airy feel to your bathroom. A simple black honeycomb tile contrasts our countertop and wall color, and will give the room balance.

In order to add some warmth and texture to the room we suggest a natural wood open vanity. This simple touch will add a homey element to the room, and allow you to showcase your fun new towels, bringing a pop of color into an otherwise neutral space. A gorgeous patterned rug like the one shown will play off of each color in the room, and tie them all together.

A bathroom isn’t complete without a stunning shower! White subway tiles with a sleek black rain showerhead gives a timeless look to the bathroom. A gorgeous modern free-standing tub brings an elegant and serene feeling to the bathroom; transforming the room into a peaceful escape.

We love to use lighting to transform spaces into elements where homeowners truly feel at home. This retro light will bring a fun vibe to an otherwise classic space, and add a touch of personality. Stark and sleek matte black hardware will pop against our beautiful Madison, while adding depth and feeling to the space. A lovely black circular hanging mirror will complete your element.

Featured Designer: Madyson Bouma

Teriyaki Tuna & Avocado Poke Nachos

 1024 679 Taylor Tedford
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Looking to enjoy the delicacies of going out, while staying in?

Poke bars are hot right now, and you can set your own stunning bar with this delicious fusion appetizer. Sashimi-grade tuna is readily available at most fish mongers and also available frozen in national food chains, like Whole Foods, across the country. Raw not your thing? Substitute cooked shrimp, or even extra firm tofu.

Set on this beautiful stone and paired with a dry and crisp Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll be in with the in crowd with this yummy little bite.

ingredients

  Teriyaki Sauce:

¼ cup low sodium shoyu (Japanese soy sauce)

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon of sushi vinegar

1/4 teaspoon finely minced garlic

1 teaspoon finely minced fresh ginger

¼ teaspoon black pepper

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12 ounces sushi-grade tuna, cut into 1/2” cubes

1 ripe avocado, diced

 1 scallion, white part-minced, green part- sliced

mini tortilla cups (scoops)

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chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds to garnish

directions
  1. Make the sauce by combining the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic & ginger in a small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Pour into a medium bow and place into refrigerator to cool completely, about 15 minutes.
  2. Add the tuna, avocado, and the scallions to the cooled teriyaki sauce.
  3. Place on your favorite tortilla chip, top with minced scallions and toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately

Caprese Crostini with Burrata & Prosciutto

 1024 519 Taylor Tedford
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Taste Tuscany Today

These little bites pack all the flavors of Italy’s famed caprese salad, but with an updated twist. The dry yet fruity notes of the Pinot Grigio we’ve paired it with allows the flavor of this salty/sweet/herby Tuscan treat to shine through.

 

ingredients

1 whole ball of burrata (or fresh mozzarella)

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1 baguette

olive oil for brushing on

¼ lb prosciutto di parma

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caprese mix:

½ pt sweet cherry tomatoes, quartered

8 fresh basil leaves, chopped

½ clove of garlic, finely minced

¼ cup good olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

fresh cracked pepper to taste

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balsamic vinegar for drizzling on top

directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Cut the baguette into ¾” slices and place on foil lined baking sheet. With a pastry brush, brush lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake till lightly toasted, about 8 minutes.
  3. Toss all the ingredients for the caprese mix in a bowl, mix well and set aside.
  4. Slice the burrata into 8 wedges that will fit on the toast. It is a soft, runny cheese, so don’t be afraid if the filling runs. You can scoop up with a spoon and top the crostini with any spillage.
  5. To assemble the crostini, first cover the toast with the tomato mix, then layer a wedge of the burrata, and top with a clump of prosciutto. Drizzle with excellent, syrupy balsamic vinegar and good olive oil, sprinkle with some chopped basil, and enjoy!

Heavenly Chocolate Fondue

 1024 706 Taylor Tedford
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What’s more perfect than chocolate?

Whether it’s a night with friends or that special someone, this personal pot of happiness will make everyone smile. We’ve paired it here with a Cabernet Sauvignon.  The cab’s bold flavors and subtle undertones of vanilla and currant compliment the richness of the chocolate wonderfully.

ingredients

6 ounces good quality milk or semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

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fun dippers

Assorted berries, fruit, pound cake, cookies, biscotti, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, marshmallows…(the possibilities are endless!)

 

directions
  1. In a microwavable dish combine cream, vanilla, and chocolate chips.
  2. Heat 1 minute or until chocolate is warmed & begins to melt.
  3. Add butter and whisk until smooth and creamy
  4. Pour into individual butter warmers or a warmed ramekin and serve with mix berries, fruit and an assortment of your favorite things

 

Korean Style Skewered Beef with Spicy Asian Aioli

 1024 635 Taylor Tedford
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Korean barbecue is the latest and greatest thing to hit the food scene. Pair this yummy bite with the fruity tones and smoky finish of a delicious Malbec for the perfect party duo.

(This marinade is also great on chicken thighs or quartered cremini mushrooms & zucchini for a vegetarian option)

ingredients:

1 pound good quality beef, such as filet mignon, sirloin, or hanger steak

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Marinade:
3 cloves garlic
1 inch peeled fresh ginger
1/2 small onion
1/2 an Asian pear or 1 bosc pear
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1/8 teaspoon pepper

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Dipping Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Small garlic clove, run through press or finely minced
(about 1/2 of teaspoon)

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toasted sesame seeds & chopped scallion to garnish

directions
  1. Blend the marinade ingredients together in a food processor or high-speed blender until everything is pureed and well blended. Place in a freezer bag.
  2. Cut the steak into 1 inch cubes and place in the marinade. Marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. To make the dipping sauce, place the mayonnaise in a bow and whisk in the sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil and garlic. Whisk till well combined. Can be made up to 3 days ahead.
  4. Thread the steak onto wet skewers that have been soaked in water for 1 hour.
  5. Sear the skewers in a skillet or on a hot grill till caramelized and golden on each side (about 3 minutes per side for medium rare)
  6. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallion and serve with dipping sauce.