Benson Stone Company | 1100 11th Street Rockford, IL 61104 | 815.227.2000

Charming Rustic Kitchen Remodel

There is something truly special about a home that tells a story of where you’ve been and where you are now. I recently had the pleasure of working on a transformation that does exactly that. When Sara first came to us, we learned she was originally from Montana, and she carried a piece of that “Big Sky” spirit with her.

Her goal? To turn her dated, tired kitchen into a “modern rustic” sanctuary—a place that felt as vast and beautiful as the mountain ranges of her home state, but cozy enough for a warm Midwest family dinner.

The first thing you’ll notice in this stunning “before and after” is the cabinetry. To achieve that perfect balance of rustic and refined, I selected David Bradley cabinetry in a sophisticated two-tone look.

By using Oyster for the upper cabinets, we kept the top half of the room feeling airy, bright, and expansive—much like the Montana sky. To ground the space and add that mountain-cabin stability, we used Grizzle Gray for the lower cabinets. This contrast is a stroke of genius; it provides a modern edge while still feeling incredibly earthy and solid.

For a girl from Montana, the countertop choice had to be special. We selected Rocky Mountain quartz by Daltile. Not only is it durable enough to handle a busy family kitchen, but the name and the natural, stone-like movement of the quartz couldn’t be more perfect for Sara.

We tied the whole look together with antique pewter hardware that adds a touch of “old-world” craftsmanship. Underfoot, we installed Antiquity flooring, which provides a warm, textured foundation that stands up to the traffic of a home built for hosting. Every single detail was chosen with one goal in mind: making this home the ultimate place for Sara to gather her loved ones.

As we always say, it truly takes a village to pull off a project this seamless. While the design is the roadmap, the execution is what brings it to life. We want to give a huge round of applause to Nate Armbruster ofArmbruster Construction for his phenomenal labor and attention to detail.

Sara raved about having Nate in her home, and when you look at the craftsmanship in these photos, it speaks for itself.

Are you ready to turn your “dated” space into something “dreamy”? Whether you’re dreaming of the mountains or a modern retreat, our designers are here to listen to your story and help you build it. Come see us!

Jessica Hughes
Kitchen & Bath Designer
(779) 210-3447

The Rooftop at Hotel Goodwin—Beloit, WI

In the commercial stone industry, we often talk about “the finishing touch.” But as anyone in the trades will tell you, a masterpiece like the new bar at The Rooftop at Hotel Goodwin doesn’t just happen at the end of a project. It’s the result of months of coordination, precise templating, and the kind of fabrication expertise that our team at the shop brings to the table every single day.

I’ve been in this business a long time, and I still get a thrill when a project of this caliber comes across my desk. When you’re dealing with a high-profile hospitality space like a rooftop bar in Beloit, the stakes are high. You need a surface that can handle the “five-o’clock rush” while maintaining the sophisticated, mid-century modern aesthetic that the Hotel Goodwin is famous for.

For this specific installation, the choice was Cambria’s Ella Luxury Quartz. I love recommending Cambria because it’s a premium, American-made product that offers the look of fine marble with the industrial-grade durability that a busy bar requires.

Ella features a creamy white background with delicate, free-flowing grey veining. In a space with the expansive windows and natural light found at The Rooftop, this quartz absolutely glows. It creates an inviting, luxurious atmosphere that pulls guests in, plus, it’s non-porous and incredibly stain-resistant. Whether it’s a spilled red wine or a stray lime wedge, this surface is built to perform under pressure.

This is where I really have to brag about my guys in the granite shop. Fabricating a bar top of this scale requires an incredible amount of precision—ensuring that the veining flows naturally across seams and that the edges are polished to perfection. When you’re sitting at that bar, you shouldn’t be thinking about the stone—you should be thinking about the view and your drink—and that’s only possible when the fabrication is flawless.

A project this sharp is never a solo effort. We were honored to work once again with the very talented crew at Grommes Millwork, Inc. Their design and installation skills are, quite frankly, second to none. My team and I work closely with them throughout the process to ensure that our stone fits their custom millwork like a glove. It’s a joy to collaborate with partners who value quality as much as we do.

When I walked into the final space at The Rooftop, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride. Seeing our handiwork integrated into such a stunning, modern workspace for the Beloit community is why I’ve stayed in this business for forty years.

If you haven’t made it up to The Rooftop yet, I highly recommend it. Grab a drink, take in the view of Beloit, and take a second to run your hand over that beautiful Ella quartz. We’re proud to have been a part of it.

Looking to elevate your next commercial project? Let’s talk about how our fabrication team can bring your vision to life with the best materials in the business.

Peat Beggs
Commercial Granite Sales
Benson Stone Company

Transitional Kitchen Remodel

There is nothing quite like the feeling of a kitchen that just works. We all know the kitchen is the true heart of the home, but for one very sweet retired couple here in our community, it’s also their favorite workshop. He is an avid cook who loves whipping up big family meals, and she is a master at crafting delicious, homemade sourdough bread.

When they came to us, they knew they needed a space that was beautiful, easy to navigate, and truly functional for two cooks working side-by-side. I am so proud to share the final result with you today!

The first and most impactful step in this transformation was knocking down the wall that separated the original kitchen from the dining room. It’s amazing what a little bit of structural change can do, isn’t it? By creating this open-concept layout, the whole home instantly felt more welcoming and ready for hosting. Now, whether they are prepping a holiday feast or just enjoying a quiet morning coffee, they can stay connected to the rest of the home.

The true jewel of this renovation is the massive central island. To create a sophisticated, high-end look, we chose a rich, dark brown Knotty Alder cabinetry in a “Ganache” finish. It creates such a warm, grounded feel to the room.

For the surface, we installed the elegant Le Blanc polished quartzite. Quartzite is a favorite of ours because it offers the breathtaking beauty of natural stone with the durability you need in a kitchen that actually gets used. To make the space even more functional for a cook, we placed the electric stovetop right in the island. But here is the clever part: instead of a bulky vent, we opted fo a sleek, flat stove hood that is built right into the ceiling. It keeps the space open and looks incredibly modern.

For the perimeter cabinets by Woodharbor, we went with a calming, sophisticated Thyme Green. It’s a color that feels both fresh and timeless, especially when paired with the gorgeous texture of a wavy white subway tile backsplash. That tile adds a lovely sheen and a bit of movement that catches the light perfectly throughout the day. We finished everything off with jewelry-like hardware from Top Knobs to add that final designer touch.

As I always say, it truly takes a village to bring a renovation this seamless to life! I want to give a huge round of applause to our incredible partners at MGK Contracting & Design Inc. Their impeccable labor and execution were key to making sure every detail was handled with care.

At Benson Stone Co., we believe that every family deserves a space that reflects their lifestyle and brings them joy every time they walk into the room. This project is such a beautiful example of how thoughtful design can turn a house into a sanctuary for retirement and beyond.

Are you ready to start your own transformation? Come see us—we would love to help you design a space where your family’s memories can grow!

Jessica Hughes
Kitchen & Bath Designer
(779) 210-3447

Irontek – Beloit, WI

In the commercial world, a successful project is always built on two things: clear vision and collaborative partnership. That is why our team was so proud to recently work alongside the incredibly talented crew at Grommes Millwork, Inc. on a unique build for Irontek in Beloit, Wisconsin.

This project provided the opportunity to see how strategic material selection can bring elegance and warmth to a gorgeous, industrial-style workspace. The space itself is innovative, incorporating shipping containers to create cozy, focused environments—a modern marvel that needed materials to match its high-performance demands.

The first impression of any business is critical. To greet visitors, the reception desk needed a surface that was instantly sharp, inviting, and sophisticated. We supplied the stunning Independence Calacatta quartz for this feature. As our partners know, Calacatta provides that sought-after white background with dramatic veining, delivering high-end aesthetic appeal without compromising the non-porous, low-maintenance benefits that commercial environments require. It’s an immediate signal of quality and professionalism.

The unique design includes several functional kitchen nooks used daily by a busy team. For these areas, the focus shifted to rugged durability and aesthetic harmony. We supplied the Ellesmere quartz, which complements the industrial design with its unique, strong patterning. This choice ensures the countertops can withstand constant traffic, heavy use, and frequent cleaning, all while maintaining their rugged, industrial beauty.

We truly appreciate the trust and meticulous vision of Grommes Millwork, Inc. Collaborations like this—where our materials meet your fabrication expertise to create a functional, welcoming, and memorable space—are what make our work so rewarding.

If your next project involves a unique commercial setting that demands high-performance, high-style surfaces, we are ready to partner with you.

Peat Beggs
Commercial Granite Sales
Benson Stone Company

Crunch Fitness – Rockford, IL

In this business, we all know that major projects like this don’t happen simply because good material is available; they happen because of strong relationships and trust. And for this particular build, it was our privilege to partner with NNI Construction Co. to ensure they had the right product, delivered on time, to meet the rigorous demands of a high-traffic commercial space.

Our role was simple: to make the material sourcing phase seamless. We worked closely with the NNI team to understand the core need for the facility’s common areas, particularly the restroom vanities. For a gym environment, the materials needed to be an absolute home run on two key metrics: performance and appearance.

That’s why we confidently recommended and supplied Daltile’s One Quartz in Simply Grey.

Take a look at how professional and clean these finished vanity areas look!

As you know, when you’re specifying materials for a high-traffic commercial facility, every decision impacts the bottom line—both in installation costs and long-term maintenance. Here is why this specific quartz was the perfect solution that we helped coordinate for the NNI team.

The non-porous nature of quartz is a critical selling point for any fitness center or public space. It prevents the absorption of moisture and resists the growth of mold and mildew. This means less maintenance hassle and a consistently hygienic environment, which the facility owners and staff truly appreciate.

These surfaces are built to withstand constant use, heavy cleaning chemicals, and high volume without etching or scratching easily. We provided a material that helps maintain the “brand new” look long after the doors open.

A key part of our service is ensuring that the product is ready to go when the schedule demands it. By leveraging our established supply chain and deep inventory of quality, USA-made materials, we were able to deliver this quartz, allowing NNI to keep their fabrication and installation timeline firmly on track.

This project is a great example of how we work alongside our contractor partners. We provide reliable, high-performance solutions that support your construction timeline and deliver long-term value to your client.

Thank you to NNI Construction Co. for the trust and partnership on the Rockford Crunch Fitness. We are immensely proud to see our materials contributing to such a successful, high-quality build in the community.

If you are a builder or manufacturer looking for a materials supplier who is dedicated to maintaining strong relationships and delivering reliable, high-performance products for your next major project, we want to hear from you. Let’s discuss how we can support your schedule and success.

Peat Beggs
Commercial Granite Sales
Benson Stone Company

Glen Oaks – Delevan, WI

I’m excited to give you a closer look at our latest project: a stunning new build in the charming Glen Oaks neighborhood of Delavan, Wisconsin.

Now, I know you builders are always looking for that perfect mix of aesthetics, durability, and execution—the kind of project that makes a homeowner sign on the dotted line without hesitation. This home, built in partnership with the fantastic team at Armoured Builders and designed by our very own Erin, is a prime example of hitting that sweet spot.

Let’s talk first impressions. We know the exterior sets the entire tone. For this home, the choice of Blanc Weatherledge Flats from Prestige Stone Products on the lower half was a stroke of genius. Why? Because it delivers a warm, grounding welcome with a texture that immediately signals quality and permanence. Take note of the color palette: the light shades of white and gray in that stone perfectly reflect and complement the home’s siding. It’s an easy sell because it says “classic” without being bland, and the quality of the flats ensures a streamlined, professional install for your crew.

Moving inside, we shift focus to the materials that will stand the test of a busy family’s life. The entire home features Legendary Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) in the color Storied by Engineered Flooring. Builders, you know the drill: clients want beauty, but they need resilience. This LVP is the answer. It’s built to be incredibly resilient for spills, pets, and heavy foot traffic, meaning fewer callbacks and happier clients down the road. It looks like high-end wood but offers the premium durability modern families demand—a massive advantage in the residential market.

The kitchen is where Erin’s design really shines, proving that a classic combination can still feel fresh and exciting. We used Pioneer Cabinetry by Midland Cabinet Company. The perimeter is done in crisp Arctic White—always a clean winner—but the Taupe island is what elevates this space. That warm taupe brings depth and a sophisticated warmth, making the island the undeniable classic centerpiece. It’s a tried-and-true design strategy: keep the main footprint bright, and use the island to anchor the room with a rich, complementary color. It’s a combination that appeals to nearly every buyer.

We’ve provided the high-quality, high-impact products—from the stone to the cabinets—but it takes a skilled team to execute that vision. Armoured Builders absolutely crushed the installation, bringing Erin’s design to life with precision and care. When you combine top-tier materials with expert craftsmanship, you get a home that’s not just a good build, but a showpiece.

This Glen Oaks project is a perfect example of how strategic material selection and strong partnerships lead to a final product that truly wows. What materials are you using in your current projects to ensure both aesthetic appeal and long-term durability for your clients?

Peat Beggs
Commercial Granite Sales
Benson Stone Company

Luxurious Modern Kitchen Remodel

One of the greatest joys of being a home design store is getting to work with truly creative people and seeing breathtaking design ideas come to life. And when a local designer chooses us for her own home? Well, that is just the highest compliment we could ask for!

We recently had the pleasure of contributing to this stunning kitchen remodel for Ali Chance, the talented owner of A. Tanner Designs, and we simply must show you the unbelievable results. This is a kitchen that screams “high-end designer touch” in the most elegant and timeless way.

The moment Ali selected the material, we knew this project would be spectacular: Leathered Taj Mahal Quartzite.

Now, if you haven’t seen Taj Mahal, it is truly one of the most sought-after natural stones today. It has that creamy, sophisticated blend of soft whites, pale taupes, and subtle gold veining, giving you all the warmth of marble but with the incredible durability of quartzite. And the “leathered” finish? Divine! It gives the surface a soft, matte, slightly textured feel—it’s absolutely luxurious to the touch and hides fingerprints beautifully.

We are so proud of the seamless fabrication and installation performed by our incredible granite team.

Ali chose to wrap her stunning kitchen island in a waterfall edge. For those of you who might not know the term, a waterfall edge means the stone countertop doesn’t stop at the edge of the island; it continues down the sides, flowing right to the floor. This technique creates a continuous, luxurious ribbon of stone that makes the island look like a piece of sculptural furniture.

Achieving that seamless look requires immense skill, especially when matching the natural patterns of stone like Taj Mahal. Our fabrication team carefully engineered every cut and seam to ensure the veining flows perfectly down the sides. It is intricate work that truly showcases the precision and expertise our staff brings to every job.

Imagine standing in this kitchen: the same elegant, flowing stone sweeps across the expansive countertops, cascades down the sides of the island, and then climbs the wall behind the range. This consistency creates a unified, quiet luxury that is the hallmark of top-tier design. It’s a trick that professional designers use to make a kitchen feel expansive and totally bespoke.

It is always rewarding to work with a fellow creative like Ali, and we are so proud that our team’s dedication to quality craftsmanship—from the precise slab layout to the flawless installation—helped her achieve her dream. When you are investing in a beautiful, natural material like Taj Mahal, you need a team that respects the stone and knows how to execute a high-end vision. That’s what we deliver every single day.

If you are dreaming of a luxurious kitchen where the counters truly shine and set the stage for years of happy hosting, please know that our team is here to bring that high-end designer look into your home!

Organic, Transitional Kitchen Remodel

I am so excited to share with you this Organic Transitional kitchen remodel we just wrapped up. I enjoyed working closely with Armbruster Construction, Inc.

This project incorporates modern trends with timeless elegance. It’s all about mixing that super-clean, modern aesthetic with rich, tactile, organic elements that make you feel instantly at home. It feels functional and homey, with many unique features and appliances.

When we started, we knew we wanted to use color in a grounding, sophisticated way. We went with the David Bradley Danali Door Maple cabinetry, which gives us that nice, tailored look. For the perimeter, we chose a gorgeous Evergreen Fog color that instantly grabs your attention. The island is painted a deeper, dramatic Shade-Grown color. It’s moody, elegant, and provides the perfect visual anchor for the space.

To balance out that depth of color, we had to introduce warmth, and that’s where the White Oak comes in. Look at that stove hood! Finished in a rich Pecan stain, the natural grain of the wood gives the kitchen texture and soul. Incorporating natural wood grain like this, achieving that true organic feel—it’s just beautiful.

Because this kitchen will get lots of use, we needed materials that were as hardworking as they are beautiful. For the countertops, we went with the timeless Cambria Snowdon White Polished quartz. It gives us the clean, pristine look of a light stone without any maintenance fuss. It has just enough subtle speckling of grays and tans to make it look incredibly natural and pair beautifully with the two-toned cabinets.

And speaking of grounding the room—you can’t overlook the floors! We chose Kentwood Abode Tempo Natural Brushed Oak engineered hardwood. This wide-plank, brushed oak flooring is a huge favorite because its natural characteristics and texture instantly warm up the entire space, giving you that perfect foundation.

No kitchen is complete without the finishing touches. The hardware is like the jewelry of the room! We selected the Top Knobs Garrison Dempsey Knobs and pulls in a Honey Bronze finish. This specific, warm bronze tone is the current gold standard—it pops against the dark colors and ties back perfectly to the pecan-stained hood and oak floors.

For seating and light, we kept the transitional theme going. The Amisco Ronny Swivel Stools are comfortable and have a clean, modern metal frame, and the Hinkley Oliver Pendants in dark matte gray add just a touch of clean, tailored, industrial chic over the island.

What do you think of this Organic Transitional blend? I truly believe this is a kitchen that will feel fresh and welcoming for decades to come! What’s your favorite element we used here? Let me know in the comments!

 

(779) 210-3447

Kayla Hauch

Kitchen & Bath Designer

301 S. Main St. Rockford, IL

I am incredibly excited to welcome you into the stunning new luxury apartments at 301 S. Main St in downtown Rockford. We were proud to partner with the great folks at Urban Equity Properties by contributing the stunning quartz features that define this beautiful property. This project shows how the right material selections can transform a modern space, making it both luxurious and unforgettable.

The design goal for the lobby of this property was to make a dramatic and elegant first impression—and the quartz selection certainly delivers. For the floor, we used we used Woodcroft quartz by Cambria Surfaces. This magnificant stone features rich ebony tones and micro-shimmering gold veins. The effect is a bold, artistic statement that greets residents and guests immediately upon entry, setting the tone for the quality found throughout the building.

In the kitchens and bathrooms, we used elegant Serene White quartz countertops by Wilsonart, adding a touch of luxurious tranquility.

A huge thank you to Urban Equity Properties for your continued support and partnership. We love seeing stunning visions come to life and we’re so proud to be part of Rockford’s evolving downtown!

Our team takes pride in exceeding your expectations. If you have an upcoming commercial project that demands a high level of quality, attention to detail, and a partner you can trust, you know who to call.

Peat Beggs
Commercial Granite Sales
Benson Stone Company

Roscoe Junction Townhouses

I am excited to showcase a recent collaboration with Ambassador Homes, LLC on the impressive Roscoe Junction Townhouses in Roscoe, IL. This large-scale project was a study in strategic design, demonstrating how sophisticated style and budget-conscious construction can perfectly align.

The goal for these townhouses was to create market-ready units with a timeless, welcoming style that appeals to a wide range of renters. Our Kitchen & Bath Designer, Erin, collaborated closely with the developers, focusing on a neutral, enduring palette. The units feature crisp linen-painted cabinets, beautiful polished quartz countertops, and luxury vinyl flooring in a soft, neutral tone. This combination provides a clean, bright canvas that future residents can easily personalize.

You can see this commitment to thoughtful design elevated in the bathrooms, particularly in the walk-in showers. Here, we used full quartz slabs on the walls, creating a seamless, sophisticated finish that is not only visually gorgeous but also exceptionally easy to clean and maintain—a huge value-add for both the builder and the resident.

Sourcing materials for a complex, high-volume project like Roscoe Junction doesn’t have to be a logistical headache. Local builders like Ambassador Homes have trusted us for years because we simplify the entire process. As your one-stop shop for commercial and residential building materials, we supplied it all: custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, attractive luxury vinyl flooring, and carpet.

This convenience goes hand-in-hand with budget control. We offer a full range of product price points, from reliable builder-grade basics to custom luxury lines. This flexibility allowed Ambassador Homes to mix and match materials effectively—upgrading key elements like the quartz while maintaining budget targets elsewhere.

A great design requires flawless execution. Our talented team ensured every unit reflected the quality and attention to detail necessary to impress potential renters. From the efficient fabrication of every countertop in our shop to the final, precise installation of all materials, our master craftsmen delivered a seamless experience.

If you are a builder who values convenience, transparent pricing, and a design-forward partnership that saves you time and fits your budget, we would welcome a conversation.

Peat Beggs
Commercial Granite Sales
Benson Stone Company