Crystal like granite countertops and spa type bathrooms built with natural stone are all rage in home interiors, but not surprisingly it will lose its investment value fast if not properly maintained. Up to now, only ammonia based cleaners were granite cleaning choice outside of soap and water for homeowners, regardless of fact that these products in reality damage natural stone.

Marble Master’s stone cleaning product line safely cleans and conditions countertops, floors and wall surrounds made of granite, marble, travertine and other natural stone. For more information, visit www.marblemasteruk.com

"Ammonia-based products remove seal of natural stone, allowing stains to penetrate surface and set more easily," said Edward Green, Technical Director of Marble Master. "The damage caused by these products increases chance that stone will have to be refurbished or replaced, which is a costly undertaking."

Natural stone is hard-wearing, but still needs appropriate care to continue its inherent beauty. When treated correctly, it is a low maintenance surface that will hold its gleam longer than any other surface known to man, and can enhance value of your home.

Here's a great tip that also doubles as a wonderful decorating idea: Use curtain rod finials as your bookends! A finial is a carved or shaped decorative detail used as ornaments to spruce up all sorts of items in a room. Curtain rod finials are used to make curtain rods more decorative, and also to keep curtains from sliding off ends of rods. Regular architectural finials are often used as enhancements to a room's decoration and style. Sometimes you'll see them for instance, at top of a staircase post or on tops of bedposts.