Even in a lousy economy, many homeowners are trying to figure out how to afford home improvement projects. Updating kitchen counters and bathrooms can be costly. But at secret source in the South Bay you can find the very best for less.

At Imperial Design Group you’ll find exotic natural stone products imported directly from over 15 countries. Marble, Granite, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, and more in all kinds of finishes as well as, Fireplaces, Statues, Fountains, Wall Art, Mirrors, Decorative Tile, glass basins and so much more are here at 40%-70% off regular retail.

Imperial Design Group is a liquidator, buying overstock and remaining materials directly from quarries world wide. There’s no middle man, no distributors, no importers and then they pass their savings on to the public and contractors usually at auctions. But the 40,000 sq foot warehouse is open to the public where you can find the same great savings.

You should to do your homework on what you need before you shop here. With so much product to look thru here, you’ll need a shopping list, measurements and a design concept before you go or you’ll become too overwhelmed…. Especially with some of the great buys.

Some 12” x 12” blue sapphire granite tiles are $3.79 a sq. ft. Retails from $6-$7. Some Indian Jupuranah retail at $6-$10 a sq ft, but is here $3.75. I really like the tumble slate tiles 4” x 4” at $4.75 a square foot instead of $6-$7. Some 12” x 11” Black absolute granite tiles are just $3.75 a square foot as are some Verde Bahia granite tiles. Both retail at closer to $6

If you want a natural stone counter top you can find top quality here for less. Some ready made counter tops with bull nosed edges are here at 99” x 26” in a wide variety of exotic stone. One stunner was a Granite Typhoon Bordeaux from Brazil. Pre-finished with back splash from Brazil it as priced at $375. Another gorgeous granite counter in Labrador Antico was also $375. Through prefabricated you’d still may need to cut it for a sink or make modifications to fit your space.

They also have beautiful glass vessels or bathroom basins for both under mount or top mount ranging from $75-$275 each. If you can splurge want a hand carved marble, two tier fountain, they have several here at $3500 instead of $6000-$7000.

If you are on a super tight budget then head outside to the odds and ends area where you can usually find everything from marble, travertine, and granite tiles at just $1-$3 a square foot …. Though the quantities outside are much smaller, you can usually do a bathroom or smaller area with them.

As I wandered around here I kept getting caught up in the amazing marble statuary, fireplaces and decorative items. You will find ornate and eclectic items here. Owner Shane has a true “Jobbers” heart. He snaps up great deals whenever he can. Like a tall round urn that retailed for $1350 for $275. What a great buy for a landscape project.

This is one bargain source you hit right away or should file away for home improvement projects. It’s that good!

Imperial Design Group
14100 Kingsley Drive
Gardena, CA 90249
310-837-7797

www.usastone.com

Suzanne O'Connor