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

Warm Transitional Kitchen Remodel

I love designing kitchens that feel like a warm invitation to sit down and stay a while! I recently wrapped up this gorgeous transitional remodel, and I couldn’t be happier with how every detail came together for these wonderful homeowners.

When we began planning, the clients knew they wanted to keep the timeless warmth of wood cabinetry, but they were looking for something much fresher, sleeker, and more sophisticated than what they had. To hit that sweet spot, I selected cherry wood cabinets finished in a rich cinnamon latte stain. It brings all the cozy depth of natural wood into the space without feeling dark or heavy.

To make sure the new kitchen stays uncluttered and ready for hosting, we incorporated some of my favorite custom storage solutions:

Hidden Appliance Garage: We built a lift-up cabinet door that keeps everyday appliances like the microwave completely tucked away when not in use.

Built-In Espresso Station: For the ultimate morning luxury, we designed a custom cabinet cutout specifically tailored for the homeowners’ espresso machine—a true coffee lover’s dream!

Integrated Desk Nook: We created a dedicated, streamlined workspace off to the side that blends seamlessly with the surrounding cabinetry.

To balance the rich wood tones, we paired the cabinetry with Viatera Macaubus Bianco quartz countertops. The soft, luminous white surface with delicate veining keeps the room feeling bright, clean, and airy. Behind the range, a glossy cream subway tile backsplash reflects light throughout the workspace, while matte black hardware provides a crisp, modern contrast. Warm hardwood flooring running throughout the entire main level ties the whole home together.

Of course, bringing a detailed design like this to life requires true expertise. A huge thank you to Blackstone Building & Remodeling, Inc. for their incredible partnership and craftsmanship on this project. Their team executed every custom cabinet alignment and countertop cut flawlessly.

Seeing my clients step into a kitchen that fits their morning routines and hosting style so perfectly is the absolute best part of my job!

Ready to transform your kitchen into a warm, organized sanctuary? Whether you love rich natural woods or sleek modern finishes, I’d love to help you design a space tailor-made for your lifestyle. Stop by the Benson Stone Company showroom or reach out to me directly to get started!

Kayla Hauch
Kitchen & Bath Designer
(779) 210-3447

Transitional Classic Blue Kitchen Remodel

I absolutely love when a space that was once dark and dysfunctional transforms into a bright, welcoming room. This transitional classic kitchen remodel is just stunning! I couldn’t be more proud of how this turned out and the collaboration with these wonderful homeowners.

The original layout felt closed off and dated, but with a few thoughtful design choices and master-level execution, the room now feels expansive, light-filled, and timeless.

The star of this transformation is the stunning two-tone cabinetry design. I chose crisp, classic white upper cabinets that draw the eye upward, reflecting natural light throughout the room and keeping the entire footprint feeling open and airy.

To ground the space with sophistication, the lower cabinets and central island are wrapped in a rich, classic navy blue. This high-contrast pairing creates a perfect transitional balance—bridging the gap between traditional warmth and modern, clean-lined elegance.

I am obsessed with the gorgeous Cambria quartz countertops we landed on for this project. Up close, the brilliant surfaces feature subtle, sweeping veins of deep cobalt blue flowing throughout. This unique detail ties the crisp white uppers and navy lower cabinets together in complete harmony, adding a true touch of luxury appeal.

To complete the look, we incorporated a classic white subway backsplash laid in a chic herringbone pattern behind the range, alongside brushed metal hardware that adds a tailored finish. Warm hardwood floors beneath bring an inviting, natural element into the room, ensuring the cool blue tones feel balanced and homey.

Of course, bringing a design of this caliber to life requires exceptional execution. A huge round of applause goes to Whitacre Custom Building for their phenomenal craftsmanship and dedication to perfection. From precise cabinet installation to seamless countertop fitting, their team ensured every detail was handled with care.

Seeing our neighbors step into a space that truly feels like home is why I love what I do. Take a look through the full gallery of photos to see how this space went from dark to dream kitchen—it is truly built for a lifetime of memories!

Is your kitchen ready for an upgrade? Whether you’re dreaming of bold navy blues, classic marble, or warm natural woods, I am here to help bring your vision to life. Come visit us at the Benson Stone showroom, or reach out to me directly to start designing your dream space today!

Kayla Hauch
Kitchen & Bath Designer
(779) 210-3447

Modern Classic Deep Blue Master Bathroom Remodel

When designing a master bathroom, there is always a delicate balance to strike. You want a space that feels clean and modern for your morning routine, yet warm and luxurious enough to help you unwind at the end of a long day.

I recently completed a master bathroom remodel that balances those two worlds beautifully. This design embraces a gorgeous Modern Classic aesthetic, combining bold, high-contrast colors with glamorous, jewelry-like finishes. The result is a personalized spa retreat that feels equal parts fresh, dramatic, and timeless.

The design journey for this room started with a desire for drama. Instead of choosing a safe, all-white color palette, we anchored the space with gorgeous, custom-designed double vanities by David Bradley, finished in a rich, deep navy blue.

To maximize functionality, we designed a custom stepped-up drawer stack in the center of the double vanities, topped with a Hanstone Drift white quartz countertop. This layout provides ample storage while giving both partners their own distinct sink areas.

We paired the navy cabinetry with large-format, charcoal-black porcelain floor tiles. To keep the room from feeling dark or heavy, we ran clean, bright white horizontal-plank tiles up the walls, making the entire room feel incredibly spacious and grounded.

The absolute showstoppers of this remodel are the metallic finishes. We selected sleek, contemporary brushed gold fixtures for the vanity faucets, the built-in drop-in soaking tub, and the multi-outlet walk-in shower.

The gold-toned metal acts like jewelry against the deep navy blue cabinetry and white countertops. We carried this warmth upward with thin, gold-framed rectangular vanity mirrors and a striking, multi-tiered crystal-and-gold chandelier centered over the room.

If you look closely inside the walk-in shower and the custom tub-side storage niche, you’ll find another brilliant designer detail: marble herringbone mosaic tile. The subtle grey-and-white veining of the herringbone pattern adds a delicate, organic texture that bridges the gap between the bold navy cabinets and the pristine white walls.

By incorporating both a deep soaking tub right under a high privacy window and a curbless walk-in shower with an overhead rain shower head, this master suite has become the ultimate escape. The custom floating navy shelves nestled between the vanities are the perfect final touch—perfect for styling rolled towels, small succulents, or favorite bath products.

Creating a room with this much depth and detail requires precision craftsmanship from start to finish, and we are so proud of our design and contracting partners who brought this flawless vision to life.

Is your master bath ready for a dramatic, high-end upgrade? Whether you’re dreaming of bold navy blues, classic marble, or warm natural woods, our design team at Benson Stone is here to help. Come visit us at the showroom, let’s explore our cabinetry and tile displays, and start designing your dream sanctuary today!

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

Sophisticated Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel

Walking into a home should feel like a deep exhale. When a space is designed to capture natural light, maximize open-concept living, and reflect the unique personalities of its owners, it becomes a sanctuary.

I recently had the absolute pleasure of bringing this breathtaking, warm modern transitional kitchen to life. The goal was to take a soaring, vaulted space and make it feel incredibly bright, highly functional, and deeply inviting for family gatherings.

To make a large, open-concept space feel cozy, you have to play with contrast. Our design team achieved this beautifully by pairing two distinct cabinetry styles from the Marquis Windsor Express line. Along the perimeter, we installed the Windsor Express cabinets in a clean, crisp Birch White finish, drawing the eye upward toward the beautiful vaulted ceiling. But to prevent the kitchen from feeling too cold or clinical, we anchored the room with a massive, custom-built central island finished in Maple Dusk. This rich, deep wood stain lets the natural maple grain shine through, acting as a warm, furniture-quality centerpiece.

For the countertops, we wanted a surface that would tie these two cabinet tones together seamlessly. We selected White Ice polished quartz. This gorgeous, sophisticated grey quartz adds modern depth and grounds the prep space, offering a striking, high-end contrast to both the white perimeter and the dark wood island.

If you look closely, the magic of this kitchen is in the details:

  • The Backsplash: We paired the cabinetry with Trends Carrollton Subway Tile. This classic subway tile with soft, clean grout lines offers a timeless, easy-to-clean backdrop that catches the light beautifully throughout the day.
  • Warmth Underfoot: Running throughout the open space is the stunning Hallmark Novella Hickory Eliot hardwood flooring. The wire-brushed texture and warm, organic tones of the hickory perfectly contrast with the cool grey quartz and white cabinetry, grounding the entire room in natural beauty.
  • The Jewelry: Sleek, modern black-and-gold fixtures and matte black hardware provide the perfect high-contrast contemporary accents to pull the transitional look together.

By keeping the layout entirely open to the adjoining dining and living areas, this kitchen ensures that whoever is cooking is always part of the conversation. Whether it’s pulling up a barstool to chat at the island, or opening up the dramatic black French doors to let a gentle breeze inside, this space was truly built for living.

It takes a dedicated team and a beautiful partnership with our clients to pull off a design this seamless, and seeing the joy on their faces in this radiant new space is exactly why we do what we do.

Is your kitchen ready to become the heart of your home? Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to open up your layout, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life. Come visit us at the showroom—let’s start designing!

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

Modern Organic Bathroom Remodel

When I first sat down with these homeowners to discuss their master bathroom, the word that kept coming up was “renewal.” They wanted a space that felt like a quiet moment of peace before the rush of the day begins—a true breath of fresh air.

As a designer, it was so exciting to move away from traditional, “safe” neutrals and dive into a palette that felt alive. Working alongside the skilled team at New Leaf Remodeling LLC, we set out to create a “Modern Organic” sanctuary that didn’t just look beautiful, but actually felt like it belonged to the sprawling natural views right outside their window.

The heart of this design started with a color I’ve been wanting to use for a long time: Fern Green. I suggested Woodharbor cabinetry in this rich, earthy tone because it adds a furniture-quality depth that you just can’t get from standard white or gray.

But I didn’t want the green to be just a “pop” of color; I wanted it to be a thematic experience. I carried that lush hue right into the massive walk-in shower using Rebels Sage Matte tiles from Virginia Tile Company. By going with this “tone-on-tone” look, we created a seamless, monochromatic flow. It’s a designer trick that makes the whole room feel larger, more cohesive, and incredibly immersive.

For the surfaces, I knew we needed a stone that could hold its own against those rich green tones. We landed on Pininfarina Crystal Quartzite, and honestly, it was the perfect choice. We used it for the long double-vanity, the shower niche, and the expansive bench.

What I love about this quartzite is its luminous quality. It catches the light in a way that reminds me of sunlight hitting a forest stream. It provides that high-end, polished contrast to the matte finish of the wall tiles, adding a layer of “quiet luxury” that feels intentional and curated.

To keep the room feeling like a spa rather than a showroom, I focused heavily on texture. I selected Happy Floors Crew Almond for the main floor to provide a soft, neutral foundation.

But my favorite detail has to be the shower floor. We used Soho Pebblestone Sumatra mosaics, and there is something so therapeutic about the feel of those natural pebbles underfoot. It’s that small, sensory detail that transforms a daily routine into a garden-like experience.

A design is only as good as the hands that build it, and I am so grateful to New Leaf Remodeling LLC for their masterful execution. They navigated the “hidden” complexities of this remodel with such care, allowing my vision to shine through in every mitered edge and perfectly placed tile.

Seeing the homeowners step into this space and feel that sense of sanctuary is exactly why I love what I do. This isn’t just a bathroom; it’s a place to wash away the day and reconnect.

Are you ready to start your own design story? Whether you’re leaning toward earthy greens or classic stone, I’d love to help you find your slice of sanctuary. Come visit me at the showroom—let’s start planning!

Erin Knabe
Kitchen & Bath Designer
(779) 210-3447

Rockton Fire Protection District—Rockton, IL

It is such a pleasure to share with you the most recent project we just wrapped up. We were honored to work with Grommes Millwork to bring bright new countertops into the Rockton Fire Protection District’s kitchen for their staff to enjoy.

As the commercial sales contact on this project, I had a front-row seat to the entire process, and watching it come together from start to finish is always a satisfying feeling I’ll never get tired of.

The goal was straightforward: take a hardworking, well-used space and give it a finish that is as functional as it is beautiful. Our granite fabrication team handled every step of the countertop installation with the kind of precision and care that this team — and frankly, every customer — deserves.

The material selected was Calacatta Lucia quartz from our partners at MSI Surfaces, and it was the right call in every way. It is bright, clean, and remarkably durable — exactly what you want in a high-traffic commercial environment. We paired it with a full 18-inch full-height backsplash, which not only protects the walls but gives the entire space a polished, finished look that feels welcoming the moment you walk in. For the folks at the Rockton Fire Protection District, who spend long shifts serving and protecting this community, having a space that feels bright and cared-for genuinely matters.

Grommes Millwork, Inc. handled the contracting side of this installation, and their professionalism and attention to detail made the entire process seamless from beginning to end. That kind of collaborative relationship — where every trade shows up ready to do their best work — is exactly what separates a good project from a great one.

Our fabrication crew brought that same level of dedication to every cut, every seam, and every finished edge. Watching skilled tradespeople take raw material and turn it into something this beautiful never gets old.

For contractors and facility managers evaluating partners for your next commercial project, I want you to take note of what you see in this video. This is the standard we hold ourselves to on every job — commercial or residential, large or small. We bring the same craftsmanship, the same communication, and the same commitment to quality whether we are working in a fire station or a custom home kitchen.

If you have an upcoming project and are looking for a fabrication and installation team you can genuinely rely on, I would love to connect and discuss what we can do together. Reach out to me directly — I’d love to learn more about what you’re building and talk through how our team can help make it happen.

In the meantime — give this video a watch. And if you are in Rockton, give those firefighters a wave. They have earned it.

Peat Beggs
Commercial Sales
Benson Stone Company

Elegant & Airy Kitchen Remodel

When you think about the center of your home, you likely think of the kitchen. It’s where the morning coffee is brewed, where homework is finished, and where the best conversations happen during a holiday dinner. But what happens when that center feels closed off from the rest of your home and your guests?

I recently had the pleasure of working on a transformation that solves that closed-off problem beautifully. The goal was to create a kitchen that felt both grand and incredibly welcoming—and I truly believe my team and I hit the mark with this one!

The most impactful change in this home started with the floor plan. Originally, a wall separated the kitchen from the front entrance, creating a “choppy” feel that boxed in the light. By removing that barrier and opening up the layout, the entire floor now feels light, airy, and perfectly ready for the next big family gathering.

Now, the moment you walk through the front door, you are greeted by a sense of scale and warmth. It’s an inviting design that encourages people to wander in, pull up a stool, and stay a while.

To achieve a look that feels timeless rather than trendy, I leaned into the “Quiet Luxury” aesthetic. This style is all about high-end materials and clean lines that speak for themselves without being “loud.”

The foundation of the room is the WoodHarbor Custom Cabinetry—truly some of the finest craftsmanship in the business. For the perimeter, I chose a crisp Snow White finish that makes the room feel expansive and clean. To provide that essential touch of organic warmth, she selected White Oak for the massive central island and the custom stove hood. This contrast between the cool white and the warm wood grain creates a sophisticated balance that will look just as good in twenty years as it does today.

To keep the space feeling bright and seamless, Hanstone Montauk polished quartz was selected for all the countertops. We even extended this stone into the pantry to ensure the high-end feel continues through every inch of the workspace.

For a bit of delicate, feminine texture, Erin chose a Pearl White petal mosaic backsplash from Elon Tile & Stone. It’s a darling detail that adds a subtle shimmer when the light hits it. Speaking of light, the Brim pendantsby Hudson Valley Lighting hanging above the island act as the perfect finishing touch—much like the perfect piece of jewelry completes an outfit.

As we always say at Benson Stone, a project of this caliber truly takes a village. While the design is the roadmap, the execution is what makes it a reality. We want to give a huge round of applause to TAS Enterprise for their expert contracting work. It is such a joy to see a designer’s dream brought to life so perfectly by a team of true professionals.

This is a sanctuary built for laughter, good food, and many years of beautiful memories.

Are you ready to open up the possibilities in your own home? Whether you’re building from scratch or finally ready to knock down that wall, our designers are here to help you navigate every choice. Come see us at the showroom—let’s start your story today!

Erin Knabe
Kitchen & Bath Designer
(779) 210-3447

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 of Armbruster 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

New Leaf Build—Caledonia, IL

When you imagine your dream home, what do you see? Is it the way the bright morning sunlight hits the kitchen island, or the feeling of stepping onto a floor that’s as durable as it is beautiful? The process of curating a new home is invigorating and challenging, but with the right folks in your corner, it should feel more inspiring than stressful.

We recently had the absolute pleasure of helping one local family bring their desires to life with the help of the talented folks at New Leaf Homes. Our extraordinary designer, Erin, took the time to get to know these folks, listen intently to their pain points, and help curate a palette that balances that crisp, modern “new home” feel with the timeless warmth that makes a house a home.

A Kitchen Designed for Gathering

Think about how much time you spend in your kitchen. It’s the heart of your daily routine and a space for gathering. Because we went with an open-concept design, keeping the kitchen and living room airy, we were able to thoughtfully select materials that would give the room a calming feeling for entertaining.

Erin picked Midland Cabinetry in two contrasting finishes that work together in perfect harmony. You’ll notice the perimeter features a clean Stockton Painted Arctic, while the expansive island is finished in a rich Stained Maple Saddle. This “collaged” approach gives this kitchen real soul and depth. For the flooring, we installed Antiquity Jet Stream LVP throughout the main level. The warmth of these floors perfectly contrasts with the light countertops and cabinetry, grounding the entire space.

Your Personal Sanctuary

We believe the master bath should be your daily escape. It’s the room you visit to start your day and end your day. Stepping into it should carry a soothing feeling that lingers long after you left the room. Let’s chat about that luminous ceiling shower! Erin chose Daltile Articulo White Stone for the walls to give it that sleek, spa-like backdrop. When you look down, you’ll see the Timeless Pentagon Calacutta mosaic floors—a small, sophisticated detail that adds a touch of classic luxury to a morning routine.

Craftsmanship from the Outside In

The exterior features a stunning application of Prestige Stone Products Ledgestone, ensuring that every time you pull into the driveway, you feel a deep sense of pride in your home’s craftsmanship and permanence.

We are always so grateful to work with New Leaf Homes for their flawless execution of Erin’s design. We love working with partners who care about the details just as much as you do.

Are you ready to start your own story? Whether you’re building from the ground up or finally tackling that major renovation, we’re here to help you navigate every choice with confidence. Come visit us at the showroom—let’s design a space that is perfectly, uniquely you.

Erin Knabe
Kitchen & Bath Designer
Benson Stone Company

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