As visitors explore our showroom they often find their “favorite” stone and choose it for their home or project. At Boston Granite Exchange, we get to see scores of stone slabs arrive in our showrooms each week. It is exciting to see old favorites come back into...
Boston Granite Exchange
The Story Behind the Stone: Granite
You’ve probably admired beautiful granite countertops in the homes of friends or family. Perhaps you’re considering it for a project in your home. Granite has been a popular surface for kitchen countertops and other household applications for a couple of decades. It’s...
Why Boston Granite Exchange?
Choosing the perfect stone for your kitchen, bathroom or outdoor living space is a BIG decision. The right kitchen countertop surface becomes a lasting centerpiece in your home, which is why homeowners throughout New England continue to choose Boston Granite Exchange...
What Makes BGE Stand Out? Some Thoughts from Mike Joyce
One of the friendly faces that will greet you at our West Bridgewater showroom is Mike Joyce. Mike is a Sales Account Manager at Boston Granite Exchange where he has worked in our West Bridgewater showroom for nearly 17 years. When you spend any time with Mike you can...
Committed to a Superior Showroom Experience Trish’s View from West Bridgewater
We’ve talked before about the three things that make Boston Granite Exchange stand out: our customers, our suppliers and our team. That team is the biggest part of what makes us special. To quote John Byrne, VP of Sales, “We don’t call them employees, we consider them...
Four Design Elements to Achieve a Year-Round Cozy Kitchen
Cozy isn’t just for the winter months. A warm cozy feel can be part of your kitchen all year round. Achieving that cozy feel places emphasis on lived-in charm, tactile comfort and warm colors. Kitchen design trends are moving away from sterile, all-white designs, and...
New Colors in our Eterno Printed Series
Last fall we announced the expansion of our private Eterno quartz line with the Eterno Printed Series: a superior quality, digitally-printed quartz that offers the authentic look of natural stones in earthy tones while providing all the practical benefits of quartz....
There’s an Outdoor Kitchen Design for Every Home
The ground still may be covered in snow, but we’re all dreaming of springtime. If you are looking out your window wondering if it’s time for that outdoor kitchen, it’s probably time. If you’re starting to plan improvements to your outdoor space, an outdoor kitchen can...
Hold Please! When to Put Slabs on Hold and What that Means
The typical homeowner does a kitchen renovation once or, occasionally, twice in a lifetime, so we sometimes find ourselves helping homeowners understand what the right timeframe is to choose their countertop stone for their home. Are You Ready to Choose? The usual...
There’s SO MUCH More than White: Four Kitchen Color Trends That Are Redefining Style in 2026
For years, we’ve seen white kitchens rule the design world. White kitchens are crisp, clean and timeless. But just like fashion evolves, so do our homes. Today’s kitchen color trends are bold, soulful, and utterly personal. Interior designers and homeowners are saying...
The Finishing Touch: Seven Options for Your Countertop Edge
As you are designing your new kitchen, one detail that can be overlooked is the countertop edge. Though it seems like a minor detail, the right edge profile enhances the beauty and functionality of your countertops and can turn a beautiful slab into a gorgeous...
What to Expect when You Visit our Showrooms
At BGE we think about kitchen renovations every day, but the typical homeowner only undertakes a kitchen renovation once or twice in a lifetime. This means that shopping for all the elements that will compose your new kitchen including the surface for your kitchen...
We Wish You Joy, for the Holidays and in the New Year
The holiday season is when most of us spend the greatest amount of time in the kitchen; so it is not surprising that the flaws in our kitchen become most obvious at this time of year. Whether it’s lack of storage space, a too-small footprint when everyone, inevitably,...
Kitchen Design Trends for 2026 – Part 2
The Top Design Trend for 2026 In our last blog, we shared five of the top trends we’re seeing for 2026. Now, we’d like to share the number one trend we’re seeing … drum roll, please … solid slab backsplashes. A solid slab backsplash brings the stone used for the...
Kitchen Design Trends for 2026 – Part 1
Five Kitchen Design Trends for 2026 It’s that time of year, the leaves are falling, there’s a nip in the air and we’re reviewing 2026 kitchen design trends. Here are five kitchen trends we’ve noted for 2026: 1. Dramatic Veining Natural stone countertops are always in...
The Story Behind the Stone: Taj Mahal Quartzite
Taj Mahal quartzite has gained attention in the past decade. The popularity of this beautiful stone is in large part due to its versatility. But what is Taj Mahal quartzite? Quartzite is natural stone formed in the Earth when sandstone is exposed to intense heat and...
Announcing the Newest Addition to our Eterno Quartz Line: The Eterno Printed Series
Boston Granite Exchange is pleased to announce the expansion of our private Eterno quartz line with the Eterno Printed Series, a superior quality, digitally printed quartz that offers the authentic look of natural stones in earthy tones while providing all the...
The Story Behind the Stone: Quartzite
We’ve seen an increase in the popularity of quartzite in recent years. This beautiful natural stone is an excellent choice for kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities fireplace surrounds and other applications. In addition to its beautiful looks and colors, it is...
Cozy Time by the Fire: Three Ways to Update Your Fireplace Surround
The calendar still says summer, but these cool September nights have us thinking about getting the fireplace going. As the nights get cooler, we naturally turn our attention to our living spaces and think about what needs attention to bring us joy as more time is...
We Do our Homework to Find the Best Stones for You
As the premier natural stone, quartz and porcelain importer, wholesaler and distributor in New England for over 25 years, we have been travelling the world carefully selecting stones to display in our showrooms. We stake our reputation on selecting high-quality stones...
Renovating Your Vacation Home: Three Key Considerations – Part II
If you’ve been spending time in your vacation home, you may be thinking it’s time for a makeover to update the space and make it fit your current uses. A kitchen remodel in a second home presents different considerations compared to a primary residence. In a recent...
Meet BGE’s Newest Addition to the Team: Sharon Jusczak
Boston Granite Exchange is delighted to introduce the newest member of our team: Sharon Jusczak. Sharon is our new Marketing and Sales Representative for Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. She comes to Boston Granite Exchange with years of experience in high-end retail...
Renovating Your Vacation House: Some Considerations – Part I
It’s your place down the Cape, your camp by the lake, your ski house in the mountains. Wherever it is and whatever you call it, your vacation home that serves as your escape from the day-to-day routine eventually will need improvements. Perhaps it’s been in the family...
Four Reasons a Jumbo Slab Could Be the Best Choice for Your Project
When planning a kitchen renovation or new build, the countertop is often a focal point. It’s not only a functional surface but typically a defining design element. For homeowners looking for both beauty and practicality, jumbo slabs have become an increasingly popular...
Five Myths About Soapstone
Soapstone is a natural stone that’s earned a place in both historic homes and modern kitchens thanks to its understated beauty and practical benefits. However, despite its growing popularity, there are still several misconceptions that can cause hesitation among...
Introducing the Eterno Design Series
We are excited to announce the newest addition to The BGE Quartz Collection: Eterno Design Series, an expansion of our private line of quartz, Eterno. The Eterno Design Series offers inspired looks for homeowners who love the qualities of quartz and the character of...
Polished vs. Honed vs. Leathered: Which Finish Is Right for You?
When selecting stone surfaces for your kitchen countertops or other surfaces in your home, the finish can have a significant impact on both the look and functionality of your space. The three most popular finishes for stone are polished, honed and leathered. These...
Four Common Myths about Marble
Marble has long been celebrated for its timeless beauty and luxurious appeal, making it a popular choice for kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. However, despite its popularity, there are several myths about marble that can cause hesitation for homeowners...
Five Myths About Quartzite
Quartzite is increasingly popular as a kitchen countertop surface. The beauty and durability of quartzite are well known but there are myths that persist about this striking stone. Here are five myths we’d like to dispel about quartzite. Quartzite and Quartz Are the...
Island Innovation in Your Kitchen
The kitchen island is evolving. It is becoming the multi-purpose hub of the home for food prep, dining, remote work, homework and even entertaining. This trend started during the pandemic but it continues to change and grow. Homeowners and designers are creating even...
Four Myths About Granite
Granite countertops have become a staple in kitchens and bathrooms – admired for their durability, elegance and timeless appeal. However, despite their popularity, there are several myths surrounding granite that should be debunked in order for homeowners to make...
It’s Time to Plan Your Outdoor Kitchen
As you walk around your home and look out the window, you notice it's a beautiful sunny day. The beautiful sky is calling you outdoors. So, you open the door. You are greeted by the paradox of New England: a glorious sunny day combined with snow on the ground and...
Our Ever-changing Showrooms – See for Yourself!
Are you considering or planning a home improvement project? Maybe 2025 is the year for a new kitchen or outdoor kitchen. We are importers and wholesalers of stones from all over the world so, you want to make sure you visit one of our showrooms to help you move your...
What a Wonderful Year It’s Been!
2024 has been a wonderful year for us. We’ve enjoyed celebrating our 25th anniversary with our suppliers, fabricators, kitchen and bath designers, interior designers, homeowners and our amazing Boston Granite Exchange team, all of whom make what we do possible. We...
Discover the Timeless Beauty of Natural Stone
The beauty of natural stone is unmistakable. The unique look of natural stone starts deep in the earth buried underground or within mountains. As we have traveled the world visiting the many quarries from which we source our natural stones, we’ve had the opportunity...
Grateful Thoughts
It’s the season for giving thanks and throughout this year we’ve been reminded of many reasons to be grateful. Passing the milestone of 25 years in business has made 2024 both fun-filled and reflective for us. We didn’t get to this point alone and we are full of...
Six Kitchen Trends For 2025
As the year winds down, we are looking ahead to 2025. This is the time each year when we begin to share emerging design trends. It’s always interesting to see which trends stay with us, which return over time and what is new and different in the world of design. Here...
Cheers to 25 Years of Partnership and Innovation!
Recently, we had the opportunity to spend time with fabricators and kitchen and bath dealers who we’ve partnered with over the past 25 years. We also welcomed Fernanda Nogueira, Laminam’s Director of Marketing for the US and Canada, who gave an excellent presentation...
Do You Want a Stunning Fireplace Makeover?
It’s fall, the leaves are turning beautiful colors and you may have started thinking about curling up by the fireplace. Maybe you’ve already gathered friends or family by a cozy fire. And, perhaps you’ve set a critical eye on the fireplace wondering if it is time to...
No Stone Goes Unchecked
As importers and wholesalers, we have traveled the world over the past 25 years in pursuit of the finest stones available. We know the quarries from where the stone in our warehouses comes and we are knowledgeable about the variations in stones. Natural stone such as...
Where In The World… Did Bill & John Go?
In recent months, our Across the Counter blog has included conversations with Bill Thomas, General Manager and John Byrne, VP of Sales, as they reflect on celebrating 25 years in business and reminisce. Travel has been an integral part of the business as importers and...
It All Starts with Taking Care of Our Customers
In recent conversations with Boston Granite Exchange’s VP of Sales, John Byrne and General Manager, Bill Thomas, we’ve been reflecting on the last 25 years in business as they celebrate this significant milestone. After discussing their top two challenges (read that...
We’ve Seen Many Changes over the Years: What’s Next for Your Kitchen?
If you’ve been following our recent blogs, we’ve been spending time chatting with Boston Granite Exchange’s General Manager, Bill Thomas, and VP of Sales, John Byrne, asking them about their 25 years at the helm. We asked them about changes over the years as they...
Navigating Challenges: 25 Years of Success at Boston Granite Exchange
Across the Counter recently had a chat with Boston Granite Exchange General Manager Bill Thomas and VP of Sales John Byrne. We asked about challenges they’ve had guiding the company during the last 25 years. They both agreed on the two biggest challenges they’ve...
Quartzite is Having a Moment
We love quartzite. It’s beautiful. Sometimes the granite vs. quartz debate overwhelms the conversation about stones, but we think that quartzite is amazing and our customers think so, too. We have many beautiful quartzite slabs arriving each week at our showrooms, and...
Celebrating You as We Celebrate 25 Years!
20% of US businesses fail in the first year. Only 25% of businesses make it beyond 15 years. As we celebrate 25 years, we reflect on how fortunate we are to have reached this milestone. And we know we didn’t get here alone. We are proud of the team we have put...
More Ways to Love the Great Outdoors
No doubt, with the warmer weather you’ve been getting outdoors more and perhaps, since it is celebration season, you’ve enjoyed parties and gatherings in backyards of friends and family. Maybe you’ve admired a friend’s outdoor kitchen? Perhaps your own outdoor...
Announcing New Quartz Designs from Compac
The annual KBIS show is a great event to connect with people in the industry whom we have known for years. As we shared previously, Compac again had a large presence at the show and we enjoyed spending time and seeing first hand some of their newest designs that we...
Four Kitchen Upgrades that Are Worth the Money
When homeowners plan their kitchen renovation they often find themselves weighing the cost of various items and the value those items have to them. These decisions are based on personal preference and style. Here are four upgrades that designers say you won’t regret...
The Story Behind the Stones: BGE’s Origin Story Part II
There’s a buzz here at BGE as we celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2024. We’re excited to share our story. In our last blog, we began at the very beginning of our story. If you missed it you can read it here. By the early 2000s, Boston Granite Exchange had established...
The Story Behind the Stones: BGE’s Origin Story
As Boston Granite Exchange celebrates our 25th anniversary in 2024, we’ve been reminiscing about the early years and discussing how much has changed in the past quarter century. Recently, BGE’s co-founder, Pat Byrne, VP of Sales John Byrne, General Manager Bill Thomas...
The Word is Spreading about Porcelain
For the past few years we’ve been sharing with you the increase in acceptance and incorporation of porcelain into home designs, including kitchen and bath design. We’ve seen demand for porcelain increasing year over year as designers spotlight its use in their work on...
What’s New and Trending in Kitchen Design: Our Takeaways from KBIS
Once again this year, Boston Granite Exchange was represented in Las Vegas at the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS). John Byrne, VP of Sales, and Bill Thomas, General Manager, headed west to connect with suppliers and designers from across the US and around...
A Fabricator’s Perspective: Laminam – Consistency Is Its Strength
Trust is built with consistency Lincoln Chafee As importers and distributors of stone, we have built relationships with the suppliers of the stones we import. From visiting quarries across the globe to curating our own quartz collection, we pride ourselves on...
Four Bathroom Trends for 2024
During the pandemic, we were finding refuge in our bathrooms. We brightened them up, bringing in spa elements and embracing the bathroom as one of the havens in our homes for peace, quiet and relaxation. If a bathroom refresh is in your plans for 2024, there are some...
The 2024 Kitchen Trend That’s a Runaway Hit
In a recent blog, we shared kitchen design trends for 2024. It seems that one of those trends is becoming a runaway hit with designers and homeowners. According to The Kitchn, statement range hoods are popping up everywhere. Designers are embracing statement...
Summer Dreams: Make that Outdoor Kitchen Yours in 2024
Three Trends in Outdoor Kitchens It’s only January, but the crazy New England winter weather has many of us dreaming of summer nights. The backyard, the hammock, the fire pit and a gorgeous outdoor kitchen are in those dreams. Are they in your dreams, too? An outdoor...
Happy Holidays and Looking Ahead with Excitement
The Holidays are here and we’re looking forward to the New Year. 2024 marks our 25th anniversary celebration. It is a big milestone for any business, including this family business that began in a garage! We’ve grown over the years; we have two showrooms and we’re...
Laminam: Thoughts from a Fabricator
Not all porcelain surfaces are the same. At Boston Granite Exchange, before we brought porcelain into our showroom, we did rigorous research to find the finest porcelain surface available. That’s Laminam. Laminam is produced through a proprietary process on patented...
2024 Kitchen Trends (Part 2)
In our last blog, we highlighted kitchen trends for 2024 including big islands, many shades of green, some new appliance technology and the resurgence of natural wood tones. Read Part I. If you are planning a new kitchen in 2024, here are some more trends for your...
2024 Kitchen Trends (Part I)
As the year starts its rapid wind to a close, we’re looking ahead to 2024 and the design trends that are heading your way. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation in 2024, there are some beautiful design trends and some excellent innovations for you to consider. Here...
The Slab Backsplash: Three Ways to Have a Standout Look in Your Kitchen
While you are planning your new kitchen, consider a slab backsplash. Using a continuous slab of natural stone, quartz or porcelain can give your kitchen a beautiful and interesting and even dramatic look. As a bonus, with no grouting to worry about, cleaning a slab...
Three Kitchen Island Trends that Will Continue
As you plan a kitchen renovation, you’re likely gathering ideas from websites, home renovation shows or home magazines. Seeing what’s trending can help inspire you and sometimes guide you to design ideas you love. Islands have become a focal point of the kitchen, and...
Porcelain Countertops Will Stand the Test of Time in Your Kitchen
Your kitchen is a multi-purpose space for trying out new recipes, studying, relaxing, working, entertaining and gathering the family together. It is the heart of the home. As you plan your kitchen renovation, it is likely that this is top of mind. You want the...
Make a Statement with Your Fireplace
So many of our New England homes have fireplaces. They offer a cozy respite from the winter wind and cold. As fall begins, take a long look at your fireplace. Is it all it can be? Is it inviting you to curl up next to it with a book or invite friends over for an...
Five Kitchen Design Elements that Won’t Go Out of Style
A kitchen renovation is an investment. According to Remodeling Magazine, the national average cost for a kitchen remodel in 2022 was $28,279, with the range from $13,000- $38,000. Appliances, cabinets, countertops, fixtures and, of course, labor are factored into...
It’s as Easy as That! Cleaning a Laminam Countertop Is Incredibly Easy
Porcelain has been around for thousands of years. You’ve been walking on it for decades. Yet many people harbor misconceptions about porcelain as a countertop surface. Misconceptions like porcelain is too delicate or difficult to care for are among the top...
Is a Jumbo Slab Right for Your Kitchen Renovation?
Jumbo slabs, as the name suggests, are larger than the standard sized slabs and thus have a higher yield. A traditional slab is 130”x 64”, a jumbo slab is 130”x 75”. The additional square footage makes jumbo slabs an excellent choice because they allow you to maximize...
Showered With Attention: 2023 Bathroom Design is Celebrating the Shower
Move over, bathtubs, the once utilitarian shower is now embracing luxury and taking center stage! Homeowners continue to bring calming influences into the home, looking for ways to make it a pleasant refuge where time spent is comfortable and relaxing. This trend is...
Bold Choices are Defining 2023’s Latest Kitchen Design Trends
As we take a mid-year look at kitchen design trends, we’re finding that bold choices continue to be a theme in 2023. By incorporating lots of natural stone, contrasting materials and bold colors, 2023 kitchen design is full of beautiful surprises. Here are four trends...
What to Know BEFORE You Begin a Kitchen Renovation
When homeowners visit Boston Granite Exchange they usually are well into the renovation process. However, we know that for some homeowners beginning the process is filled with anxiety and questions. Sometimes getting started is the hardest part. To help you jumpstart...
Discovering Gold: The Other 2023 Color Trend
Prior blogs have focused on how greens and blues are popular trends in kitchen design. With plenty of new colors and designs in natural and manufactured stones, there are many choices to make green and blue part of your new kitchen. Another popular design trend for...
Outdoor Kitchens Have Made a Lasting Impression
Three Beautiful Outdoor Countertop Options During the pandemic, homeowners reevaluated their outdoor spaces as they looked for ways to spread out, visit with close friends and family and make the best of a challenging situation. They expanded their living space into...
Exotic vs. Classic Stones: Three Ways They Are Different
We travel the world visiting quarries to select the stones we will bring to our showrooms. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to visit quarries; we build relationships with the quarry owners, and they show us beautiful and unique stones. We are delighted when we...
The Finishing Touch
Choosing the Right Finish for Your Kitchen Countertop Choosing your kitchen countertop involves several decisions. The first is to choose the type of stone that will best suit your taste, lifestyle and budget. This can be natural stone, such as granite, quartzite,...
The Pantry Revival
A Hidden Surprise in Kitchen Design The pantry has been around for centuries. In the Medieval Great Halls, there were several rooms outside of the kitchen which were dedicated to food storage and preparation. Dishes were washed in the scullery and stored in the...
What Happened at KBIS Doesn’t Stay in Vegas; It Might Influence Your Kitchen Renovation
Recently, our VP of Sales, John Byrne, and General Manager, Bill Thomas, travelled to the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) held this year in Las Vegas. This annual conference brings the industry together to see what is new, what is trending and what is...
A New Design from a Favorite Old Quarry
The Danby Quarry in Dorset, Vermont, is a quarry we’ve visited often. Not only is it the closest to home quarry for us, but it is also the largest underground quarry in the United States, and it produces some of the most beautiful marble in the world. Many monuments...
The Story Behind the Stone: Quartz
Quartz is a beautiful option for kitchen countertops, vanity tops, fireplace surrounds and more. But, homeowners are sometime unclear as to what quartz is and where it comes from. Natural stone is mined from quarries in huge blocks and then cut into slabs. We all...
Seven Kitchen Design Trends for 2023
It’s a New Year. You’ve got a new calendar. Maybe you’re thinking of a new kitchen. If you’ve been putting it off, 2023 might be the year for your kitchen renovation. If you are starting to plan a new kitchen, here are seven design trends that we like. Colorful...
Home for the Holidays
As 2022 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the year with gratitude to the many homeowners who have made Boston Granite Exchange a part of their home renovation projects. We’re also grateful to the many interior designers, kitchen and bath dealers, and fabricators...
Laminam Brings Fun to Your Kitchen
We spend so much time in our kitchens. Preparing, cooking and eating meals is a big part of the kitchen’s function, but we also spend our time gathering there to play games, do work or homework or just for a chat over a cup of tea. It’s a room where memories are made...
Homeowner’s Perspective: Getting Creative to Get Your Perfect Kitchen
Taking it from the ‘90s to Now Katie and Carl bought a great house; it is well-built and suits their family, which includes a teenaged son and daughter and a mischievous dog. The house is in the perfect neighborhood, with perfect schools in a great part of town. It...
Your Sink: The Unsung Hero of Your Kitchen
Your sink is probably the most used (and useful) part of your kitchen. So much happens in your kitchen sink. The obvious culinary efforts, of course, happen there, but there are other, non-culinary uses many of us take part in – from bathing the baby to cleaning the...
The Wonderful, Unintended Consequences of a Kitchen Renovation
Image: Mary’s kitchen features a beautiful granite countertop in Mont Blue We love hearing stories from homeowners and seeing pictures of their new kitchens in use. One pattern we’re hearing about is a wonderful and unintended consequence of a kitchen renovation:...
Everywhere We Look We See Gorgeous Colors
And We Aren’t Just Talking About the Leaves There’s color everywhere! It’s a beautiful autumn in New England with vibrant colors everywhere we look – including throughout our showrooms. We’ve added lots of beautiful new colors to our showrooms this fall, and we can...
Your Slab Selection May Help Fight World Hunger
Food insecurity is a major world problem. Globally, 1 in 10 people does not have enough to eat and this number is growing. In addition, approximately 1/3 of food on the planet is lost or wasted each year (according to Feeding America, in the US we waste 40% of the...
We’re Singing (about) the Blues
After the long reign of whites and greys, color has reemerged in interior design. And we’re seeing blues making a comeback. Gorgeous blues. From deep sapphire to ocean blue to soft grey blues. So many blues! We’re seeing beautiful blue designs in natural stones like...
Four Reasons to Consider Porcelain for Your New Kitchen
What Laminam Brings to Your Table In recent years, the kitchen has become the most lived-in and best-loved space in the home. It has become a multi-purpose space where we cook, study, relax, entertain and work. In every way, it is the heart of the home. As you plan...
Three Ways to Unclutter Your Kitchen: Using Your Vertical Space
At BGE, we hear many reasons why customers want to renovate their kitchens. The cluttered kitchen is a common complaint. It’s also an interesting dilemma. Many of the things on the counter get used all the time and sit out for convenience. Kitchen designers and...
A Homeowner’s Perspective: The Two-Stage Renovation
A Phased Approach to a Dream Kitchen There are challenges to renovation and sometimes getting it done all at once just isn’t possible. For Maria and her family, a two-stage renovation was what ended up happening. Maria, her husband Dave and their two young children...
The Story Behind the Stone: Soapstone an Ancient Tradition in Nordic Culture
Soapstone is a beautiful natural stone with a warm look and a cool, soft feel. Soapstone often flies under the radar. Homeowners are far more familiar with granite, marble and quartz than they are with soapstone, but once they begin looking around our showroom they...
Let’s Take It Outside
Living in New England means that when the weather is good, we spend as much time as we can outside enjoying it. In the past couple of years our backyards have become a refuge. Safe, socially distant and by invitation only, we were able to find ways to be together...
A Homeowner’s Perspective: Think About How You Cook
There are many considerations as you plan your kitchen renovation. One important place to start is how you use your kitchen. Everyone uses their kitchen differently. A person who loves to cook is going to have very specific wishes and will want certain things tailored...
Everything but the Kitchen Sink
There are so many exciting details to think about as you plan for your kitchen renovation: countertops, backsplash, flooring, appliances. You may be looking to reconfigure your kitchen, changing the footprint to make it work better for you. And it’s likely you’re...
The Story Behind the Stone: Fabrication
Before a stone is installed in your home, the slab has been on quite a journey. For a natural stone such as granite and marble, the slab originated in a quarry and took quite a trip to end up in one of our showrooms. This blog focuses on the final part of the journey...
Porcelain Can Be Used for That?
As porcelain grows in popularity, we are often asked by homeowners which applications are best suited for porcelain. The biggest misconception about porcelain is that it is delicate and subject to chipping. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Take a look at this...
4 Things You Should Know About Laminam Porcelain Surfaces
Porcelain is growing in popularity in the US, but many people are unfamiliar with the use of porcelain in the home, particularly as a countertop surface. There are also misconceptions about porcelain that we’d like to dispel. Common misconceptions about porcelain:...
Color Trends for Your 2022 Kitchen Remodel
Airy coastal vibes are sticking around in 2022. Greys, blues and greens are all popular and they all work beautifully in the timeless two-tone kitchen, letting you create interest without overwhelming your space. Here are three really lovely looks we’re seeing in...
A Stunning Olympic Appearance: Laminam Porcelain Chosen for Olympic Village Façades
The Winter Olympics are underway in Beijing, and many of us have our favorites to watch for during the competition. We’ve recently learned that one of our favorites, Laminam porcelain, was used for the façade of the Olympic Village, where athletes from around the...
The Story Behind the Stone: The Journey
We love sharing the Stories Behind the Stones with our readers. As you walk through one of our showrooms, you’ll see such a variety of materials and colors from around the world. They are beautiful and have many interesting stories that we love sharing with you, but...
A Homeowner’s Perspective: Three Things I Learned from My Kitchen Renovation
We learn from homeowners and we value their thoughts. Recently, we sat down with Elisa, a homeowner who lives in the Merrimack Valley with her family. About two years ago, Elisa completed a kitchen renovation on her 25-year-old Colonial style home. The renovation...
With Gratitude at the Holidays
It’s been quite a year! The holiday season is a time to reflect, and at Boston Granite Exchange our common sentiment is gratitude. While it’s been another challenging year, we are grateful and fortunate for all who have been a part of our efforts to successfully...
Fa La La La Laminam!
The kitchen is the busiest room in the house around holiday time. From baking special family recipes to preparing traditional holiday feasts, the room seems to hum around the clock as the days count down to the holidays. Laminam porcelain is made for a busy...
The Cozy, Casual New England Kitchen
Three Design Elements that Make It Special Sometimes, living in New England, we forget that our unique New England style is sought after by people in other regions of the country. We have a special place in our hearts for the cozy, casual warmth of a New England...
Four 2022 Kitchen Trends We Love
With the Holidays right around the corner, 2021 is winding down. Right now, we’re seeing homeowners begin planning their kitchen renovations for the New Year. There’s a lot to look forward to in 2022, including some fantastic new kitchen design trends. Here are four...
The Story Behind the Stone: Eterno Quartz
As a kitchen countertop surface, quartz became popular in Europe in the 1960s and 1970s. It took some time for the trend to make its way to the US, where it has become increasingly popular from the 1990s to today. To address the demand for quartz surfaces, Boston...
The BGE Quartz Collection: Options for Your Style
Your kitchen remodel project is full of options and decisions. One of them is choosing the material for your countertop. Quartz is a popular choice because of its durability, affordability, beauty and styles and colors to meet every desired design. As you plan your...
Three Ways to Make an Island the Focal Point in Your New Kitchen
The kitchen is the center of our homes. So much of our lives takes place in this one space: from day-to-day family life, to supervising the kids’ homework, to work from home meetings and entertaining family and friends, we’re always in the kitchen. And we like to cook...
The Story Behind the Stone: Laminam
Inventing the Machinery to Make the Finest Porcelain Surfaces Laminam porcelain has a unique story. In the 20 years since Laminam began making porcelain surfaces, it has become the global market leader for porcelain. That was not the original intent. Gruppo System was...
Giving Back Is Its Own Reward
Most people are familiar with Habitat for Humanity, a global organization that helps families in need secure affordable permanent housing by partnering with them and the community to build their own home. This gives the homeowners a sense of self-reliance and...
Three Ways to Make a Statement with Continuous Veining
The swirling patterns that appear in beautiful stone can be mesmerizing. This veining adds to the beauty and uniqueness of the stone and is stunning when it is transformed into an accent wall, countertop or other prominent feature in the home. Continuous veining is...
Making Your Bathroom a Sanctuary: Five Trends
For the past year and a half, people have used their bathrooms as sanctuaries, from a weekly spa night in order to create some distance and alone time from loved ones, to the only-in-a-pandemic story we read about a therapist who rearranged her bathroom into an office...
Three Reasons to Consider a Porcelain Countertop
There many choices to be considered when you begin to plan for a new kitchen. Choosing cabinets, flooring, appliances and countertops can feel overwhelming, and you need to do your homework on all of them. When you are looking for your countertop surface, you’re...
A Passion for Excellence: Why We Love Quantra Quartz
Boston Granite Exchange is an importer, wholesaler and distributor of natural stone, quartz and porcelain. We are leaders in identifying and importing stone from all over the world and have built our business by establishing great relationships with select suppliers...
Is It Time to Remodel Your Kitchen?
Three Considerations that May Help You Find the Answer The kitchen is one of the most heavily trafficked rooms in your home. Day-to-day meal prep and cooking, a place for the kids to do their homework, the hub of entertaining guests – your kitchen is the busy heart of...
The Story Behind the Stone: Stones from Brazil
Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Brazil’s natural stone industry grew in size, talent and innovation. Today, Brazil’s best-known exports are marble, quartzite and granite, and Boston Granite Exchange imports them to offer their beauty to you. Beautiful,...
What is Exotic Natural Stone?
As you have begun exploring the choices for a new kitchen, you’ve learned about the different types of natural stones and you’ve probably heard the term “exotic stone,” but what does that mean? Very simply, an exotic stone is unique – in one or more ways – and rare....
Spring’s Hot New Kitchen Trend
We’re noticing a trend this spring. As homeowners visit our showroom looking to find the right surface for their project, we’re finding more and more of them drawn to the beauty and durability of Laminam porcelain. Porcelain had long been popular in Europe not just...
The Story Behind Carol’s Smile
Her Fire Damaged Home is Restored on This Old House® When Carol Wideman and her family planned their Fourth of July celebration in 2019, they had no idea how that day would change their life. Fireworks from the neighborhood set the house next door on fire. The fire...
Making Earth-Friendly Choices
We are in awe of the beauty that comes from nature. Every day, we are struck by the beauty of a marble or the rich color and design of a stunning granite. All from nature. It truly is amazing. If you’re thinking about updating your kitchen or planning an outdoor...
Laminam Porcelain Is Here!
Boston Granite Exchange is thrilled to announce that we have chosen to import and distribute Laminam, the finest porcelain surface available, sourced from Italy. We’re not talking about your Grandma’s fancy porcelain tea set – you know the one we mean: everyone was...
New Arrivals for Spring
We Continue to Expand The BGE Quartz Collection We are delighted to announce the introduction of two beautiful new quartz designs from Quantra for 2021: Quantra Calacatta Statuario with gorgeous grey and gold veining and Quantra Calacatta Viola with elegant blue-grey...
The Story Behind the Stone: COMPAC & COMPAC Obsidiana
COMPAC was the first Spanish company to specialize in the manufacture and distribution of marble and quartz surfaces. From their founding in 1975 to today, they have grown into a multi-national corporation. They are deeply embedded in the communities where they have...
An Innovation in Quartz
Quartz has become a popular choice for kitchen countertops, and now homeowners planning a kitchen remodel or bathroom upgrade have an additional fabulous design feature that has not been possible until now! We’re thrilled to be expanding The BGE Quartz Collection with...
Story Behind the Stone: Curling Stones
Working in the stone industry, we occasionally find ourselves learning things that are very interesting, but aren’t exactly in our wheelhouse. Curling is one of these things. Curling, is a winter sport that was originally played in medieval Scotland. You’ve probably...
Fresh Ideas for Your Kitchen
Ideas Inspired by More Time at Home Kitchens have been the heroes of our homes for the past year. They’ve served more meals and snacks than normal, and have become our remote classrooms, work-from-home offices, chemistry labs and places of worship. Our kitchens have...
Enjoy Your Home for the Holidays
Everything about 2020 is different. Most of us will be home for the holidays, whether that has traditionally been the case or not. It’s been different around here too, but in some strange ways, different was good. The pandemic forced changes in policies including...
The Story Behind the Stone: Gold Rush
How a 17th Century Gold Rush Created a 21st Century Global Industry Brazil, in the late 17th century, suffered years of economic struggle and chaos following wars against Spain and the Netherlands. Then, in the 1690s, gold was discovered, and a gold rush brought...
Planning and Budgeting Your Kitchen Renovation
A Designer Shares her Strategies As an interior designer I have a lot of experience in helping clients plan their renovations. I take a practical approach to planning and budgeting to help my clients, which I outline below. I think it’s important to get to know my...
2021 Kitchen Trends
Part II If you’re looking ahead to 2021 and a new kitchen is in your plans, you’re undoubtedly looking at the latest in kitchen design. Our last Across the Counter blog focused on green trends in kitchen design. In this blog (part 2 of 2), we’re exploring three...
2021 Kitchen Trends
Part 1 Looking forward to turning the calendar to 2021? If a new kitchen is in your plans, you’re likely checking out design magazines and watching some home improvement shows. Top designers like Property Brothers, Jon and Drew Scott, and mother-daughter team Karen...
What’s on Your Countertop?
Three Things that Don’t Belong and Two that Do As you start planning your kitchen renovation project, you’ve promised yourself that rule number one will be that the pile of papers and mail on the kitchen counter is never going to reappear in your new kitchen. It’s not...
The Story Behind the Stone: Deer Isle Granite
Boston Granite Exchange’s Story Behind the Stone takes us to Penobscot Bay off the rugged coast of Maine where the granite industry thrived for more than a century. There are islands scattered throughout the bay and many of them had stone quarries, but Deer Isle...
I Want to Remodel My Kitchen: But Where Do I Begin?
You moved into a new house, bought a house with a newly remodeled kitchen or you bought a fixer upper. No matter how you got here, you’re ready to remodel your first kitchen and you feel like you have no idea what you are doing. Not to worry, there are logical steps...
A New Kitchen: Quality Choices for ROI
As you plan your kitchen renovation, there are many details that you need to think about, including how much money you have in your budget and how best to spend it. If you are planning to stay in your home for a decade or more, you should strive to invest in the...
Three Ways to Add Texture to your Kitchen
Designers consider texture to be as important as color, yet texture is often an overlooked element of kitchen design. Texture adds depth and balance to the room, and it can make a room feel bigger or brighter. Without some textural elements your new kitchen might end...
Stories Behind the Stones: Carrara Marble
Boston Granite Exchange’s Stories Behind the Stones takes you to a corner of Tuscany, Italy about 80 miles northwest of Florence, where you’ll find the town of Carrara. Nestled in the Italian (Apuan) Alps, the region is known for its marble quarries that have been...
Three Ways Coronavirus Is Changing Our Kitchens
The coronavirus has required all of us to spend more time in our homes. As we do, we’re looking at our living space more critically, looking for ways to make life at home better. Orderly, Functional Space We’re cooking more often and grocery shopping less...
The Story Behind the Stone: Jet Mist Granite
The beauty and strength of granite have long been admired. From the Egyptians to the Romans to the Renaissance to present day, artists, architects and designers have used granite to add beauty to their work. The Boston Granite Exchange team searches the world for the...
Transitioning Back to the Showroom: A Conversation with Bill Thomas
As companies begin to open up again, we are all figuring out what our new normal will be. At the moment, for Boston Granite Exchange, our new normal allows us to be open by appointment only. We’re still here to help you get your kitchen renovation project moving, but...
Behind the Scenes at BGE: A Conversation with John Byrne
Like most companies around the world, Boston Granite Exchange has had to shift the way we do business during this Covid-19 pandemic. Our primary concern is, of course, the health and safety of our staff and our customers. In March, we shut our showrooms down and have...
Our Virtual Showroom is Open
If you were planning to remodel your kitchen this spring and your plans have been slowed by the coronavirus, or if spending so much time at home has made you realize that it’s time for a kitchen remodel, you can start planning – right now – from the comfort of your...
A Distraction from Social Distancing
Like your friends, neighbors and coworkers, you’re spending all your time at home, responsibly social distancing yourself and your family. With so much time in the house, you’re spotting the little things that need attention: the latch on the bedroom door with the...
The Story Behind the Stone: Danby Marble from Vermont
Our Boston Granite Exchange team travels the world, personally visiting stone quarries in search of the most beautiful stone available. We source it and bring it home to our New England showrooms for it to be chosen to become a stunning focal point in homes like...
Three Island Shapes that Can Transform Your Kitchen
As you plan your new kitchen, there is a lot to think about. Kitchen islands have grown in popularity when designing new kitchens and for many of us, the shape is typically rectangular. As you plan your new kitchen, the shape of the kitchen island can transform your...
Accent Colors Pop with Marble Countertops
I’m seeing a pattern of change in 2020, so I’m redoing a couple of kitchen displays in my showroom to give people ideas. I’ve started with a palette of soft neutrals, taupe-y and very warm. In one, I’m installing new walnut cabinets for a medium base tone. I’m about...
New Neutrals for a New Decade
Many think of neutrals as being white, ivory, beige or greys. But the new decade includes new neutrals to consider including designing a new kitchen. Interior design has changed introducing “new neutrals” for the new decade. We’re excited for the stunning new looks...
Four Timeless Kitchen Looks for 2020
Kitchen design fads come and go – remember those avocado green and sunburst orange kitchens? Timeless looks, however, will always please the eye and make you happy to be in your kitchen. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation this year there are some beautiful,...
New Year. New Resolution. New Kitchen.
At the beginning of the holiday season we wrote about making it the last holiday season in your kitchen. Read the blog here. We outlined practical steps to organizing ideas and making notes to start the process. Now the New Year is here, and it’s the perfect time to...
Take a Break from the Holiday Frenzy
The holidays are here. Youve been busy decorating and getting the house ready for your own family or for visiting family and friends. In all the hustle and bustle perhaps you’re feeling a bit frustrated with your space. A new kitchen is on your radar, but you haven’t...
Our Boston Accents Led to Her Dream Kitchen
By Sarah Battiato, East Coast Marble and Granite In 2016, I traveled to Greece for a wedding. A few days into my trip, while I was having lunch, I heard a voice behind me with the same Boston accent as mine. I introduced myself and found out she lives 20 minutes away...
Do You Want This Holiday to Be the Last Holiday in Your Kitchen?
The holiday season is here, and like most people you are likely cleaning, decorating and preparing your home for the upcoming holidays. As you look around your kitchen it’s tired; and you are tired of it! Do you want this holiday season to be the last one in this...
Across the Counter in Elisabeth’s New Kitchen
We recently got the chance to sit Across the Counter with Elisabeth. She was kind enough to invite us to see her fabulous new kitchen with stone chosen at Boston Granite Exchange. Elisabeth and her husband Pat live in a 25-year-old New England colonial with their...
Yes, Your Kitchen Color Goes with Quartz
If you’re doing over your kitchen and you have a color you really love and want to feature, I say go for it. A lot of people come in and say they love green or gray or yellow – even purple – and, in the next breath, say they could never do those colors for the sake of...
Up Your Entertaining Game: Adding a Bar to Your Home
Family gatherings, holiday celebrations, those fun informal get-togethers for an evening with friends or an afternoon cheering on your favorite team – if you love to entertain, these are the times you enthusiastically anticipate. As you successfully host friends and...
Does Your Fireplace Need Updating?
The hearth is the traditional heart of the home. When we start a fire in the fireplace it becomes the focal point of the room with the ability to mesmerize everyone with its peaceful beauty. We are drawn into its welcoming warmth, whether alone or gathered in a group....
How are European Kitchens Different?
As you explore the many options for your kitchen remodeling project, you may be wondering about European kitchen styles and how they differ from the traditional American kitchen. There are a few ways they differ; most notably European kitchens are typically smaller...
Introducing Our Newest Addition
Boston Granite Exchange is pleased to announce the addition of Compac to The BGE Quartz Collection. We selected Compac for its quality reputation making it an ideal addition to The BGE Quartz Collection. BGE offers designs from Compac’s Exclusive line which represent...
Consider Soapstone for Your Kitchen
Your new kitchen is starting to take shape. It’s an exciting time as you anticipate using your wonderful new space. Now, it's time to select the stone for your kitchen countertops. There are many stone options from natural stones to engineered stone such as quartz....
Boston Granite Exchange and Your Fabricator: A Unique Collaboration for Your Kitchen Remodel
So, you're remodeling your kitchen! This is an exciting project and we want you to know how we can help given there are many moving parts when renovating a kitchen. Kitchen Countertops, Backsplashes and Accent Walls When it comes to kitchens, think of Boston...
The Outdoor Life: Imagining an Outdoor Kitchen
New Englanders love the summer. As soon as the weather warms up, we practically move into the backyard and live there as much as we can – pretending that winter will never return. The backyard becomes an extension of our living space. We want it to be as comfortable...
Let BGE Help Make the Remodel Process Less Stressful
Remodeling your kitchen is a big job; it’s time consuming and it can be stressful. With the guidance of your general contractor and perhaps your interior designer, you are making multiple decisions about the layout and materials for your new kitchen. At Boston Granite...
Where Does Boston Granite Exchange Fit in Your Kitchen Remodel Plan?
The remodel you’re planning is so exciting; you’ve been imagining that beautiful new kitchen for months. You’ve talked to your general contractor or interior designer and you are making choices about flooring, cabinets, appliances, fixtures and countertops. When it...
What Is Quartz and Why Is It So Popular?
Quartz is an alternative to natural stone. Quartz is an engineered stone with up to 93% quartz and the remaining percentage made of binder and pigment. It offers a wide variety of designs and colors and many people prefer quartz because the engineering process...
Introducing The BGE Quartz Collection
Boston Granite Exchange is pleased to announce the launch of The BGE Quartz Collection. The collection includes a wide selection of colors and designs from Europe, India and the United States. Adding The BGE Quartz Collection expands Boston Granite Exchange's...






































































































































































