Polished appeal

One of the most exotic stone upgrades you can make to your home or office is an accent wall using Azul Imperial Quartzite. Quartzite is a very hard natural stone. Quartzite slabs contain very high natural quartz content, and with that, comes density, stain resistance and minimal care requirements. The modern kitchen countertop is a perfect place for this material. Azul Imperial is known for its beautiful, exotic blue hues together with white and gold subtle veins that create its signature linear movement. The stone is suitable for a variety of design elements including floors, countertops and backsplashes as well as accent walls. Rachel

Tuttle, owner of Forte Stone Imported Granite & Marble says quartzite is one of the more popular materials with designers and architects because of its exotic patterns and durability. “It’s like granite on steroids, she says. ” She goes on to say that quartzite should be sealed with a quality sealer, but that done; the material will look brand new for years on end.

Forte-

A variety of quartzite slabs are available at Forte Stone, 6464 Hollister Ave , Goleta Slab yard is open from 10am to 4:30pm Monday-Saturday . 805685-6202 www .fortestone com

Kitchen with Island and Bar featuring lightly stained plain slice white oak, Shaker style doors and drawers with Blum motion soft close hinges and drawer guides. Cabinets by Architectural Millwork. www.archmill.com. Kitchen design and construction by Becker Studios, Inc. www.beckerstudiosinc.com.

Jed Hirsch Construction and Kiesel Design collaborated on an extensive remodel at this Montecito property, focusing specifically on creating the perfect space for entertaining.

Breathing new life into an outdated property, this exquisite space now features guest quarters, a covered trellis, extensive outdoor seating and dining areas, sumptuous landscape design, and a seamless transition for entertaining both inside and out. www.jedhirsch.com

The beautiful Quartzite cabinet tops provide the look of marble without the maintenance of marble. Low profile LED lighting provides the perfect finish touch to this spectacular kitchen. Design and Construction by Montecito Kitchens 805-453-0518 www. montecitokitchens.com

Modern History. As implied by its name, the Modern History kitchen embraces the historic architectural elements while injecting a contemporary flair. All the cabinetry is shown in the Vista Plus door style with contrasting high-gloss white and Walnut veneer in the Classic finishes. Geared toward the homeowner who appreciates life’s finer elements, this kitchen is full of unique architectural features, functional storage, and plenty of space to keep the chef happy. Available at Santa Barbara Kitchen Company 1717 State St. 805-682-4003. www.thekitchencosb.com

This kitchen remodel by Mosaic Architects and Interiors maintains the space’s original architectural austerity with vaulted ceilings, understated cabinetry, and plenty of natural light. Kitchen built by Giffin & Crane General Contractors, Inc. www. giffinandcrane.com