Emerging Kitchen Trends to Watch For in 2015

Are you going to tackle some home improvement projects this year? Whether you are doing a complete kitchen remodel or just updating a few details, it’s important to seek balance between the classic and the trendy. To give you a dose of inspiration, here’s a list of design elements that are on the rise:

Furniture style features. Designers predicts that furniture-style cabinetry and other features will be one of the top trends in 2015.

Open shelving. A big hit last year, open shelving will remain a practical solution for any kitchen space.

Wallpaper. Incorporating wallpaper that wows is an easy way to add a beautiful contrast to simple palette. According to designers, this will be a major trend this year.

Statement ceilings. Expect to look up into the ceiling with unique lighting that creates illusion and classic embellishments.

Metallics. Warmer metals, such as gold, bronze, and copper, provide a stunning accent and will have a moment to shine this year.

Textured and tactile materials. Designers expect to see more of natural marble and granite in honed finishes, as well as wood in its natural form rather than high-gloss or smooth finishes.  

Black. This bold color is a simple way to introduce classic, sophisticated look into your kitchen. Opt for black cabinetry or countertop to start creating an elegant kitchen.

What kitchen trends are you loving lately? Share it with us!

Top Bathroom Trends for 2015 and Beyond

Last year, curbless showers, matte tiles, and floating vanity were on the spotlight. Come 2015, we expect to see a lot of upgrades from sinks to tubs and tiles. Designers agree that bathroom renovation trends are geared toward simplicity and a more contemporary look. While the traditional, cozy charm of today’s bathroom aren’t to be completely abandoned, homeowners are expected to favor clean, modern lines.

We’ve spotted these bathroom trends that everyone should be considering, especially if you’re planning a remodel anytime soon:

Freestanding bathtubs. Soaking and free-standing tubs will be a hit while a decline in traditional glass-encased rain shower tubs can be expected.

Under-mounted “leggy” sinks. Many designers agree that homeowners may not find a place to stash all their stuff with cabinets on bowl-shaped sinks, so they will most likely look for a more modern sink.

Steam and multi-head showers. They’re all the rage for 2015, especially for those who are looking for that spa-like experience.

Shades of Gray. This year, gray is the new white. We’ve seen a fair share of all-white bathrooms, along with blue and beige last year. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, gray is becoming the fastest-growing shade in the bathroom.

Quartz. For countertops, designers are seeing quartz as a huge player.

Black tiles. Black tiles will be something bolder but very effective in giving your bathroom a distinct style.

Heated floors. The radiant heat isn’t only perfect for winter mornings, it’s also practical and cost-effective.

Would you incorporate any of these trendy choices? We’d love to know!

Six Steps to a Successful Home Remodel

If you have a kitchen, bathroom, or any home remodeling project, there are some things to keep in mind to ensure the job goes smoothly and turn out as planned. Whether you are increasing the size of your space, changing the layout, or adding a little functionality to an area, follow these steps to a successful home remodel.

Have a remodeling plan. A solid remodeling plan before doing any project can help you stay on the right path. Be sure to plan every aspect -- from selecting materials to appliances and fixtures. Avoid last-minute decisions and keep costs under control. If you need to find a place to stay while the construction is underway, plan this ahead, too.

Have a contingency fund ready. Sometimes there are unforeseen issues to be addressed like damages to walls or structural problems. Be sure to set aside 5-10% contingency fund.

Keep a detailed contract in hand. This is essential before agreeing to start with any remodeling project. A detailed written contract should indicate the start and end date, a list of tasks to be done, warranties, and other terms.

Know that there will be ups and downs. Getting an upgrade can be exciting but you may encounter unexpected delays and inevitable inconvenience.

Find good help. Always interview the contractor and check their credentials, license and liability insurance. Hire a professional with a good record in the Better Business Bureau and positive customer references. Lastly, get help from someone you can trust.

Be involved. If you find something unsatisfactory, let the contractor know. Remember, a remodeler can do amazing things but they can’t read minds. Communicating well, being around and "on top" of the job will help you visualize the picture-perfect outcome.

January Home Improvement Checklist

The new year brings a glow of fresh start for the days ahead. While it can be a downer because of the cold winter weather, it’s a great time to give your home some TLC and craft your home improvement plans. These are just some of the ways to get the year off to a good start.

Set goals. If you plan to save up for a renovation, get some inspiration and start planning. Seeing the big picture can help you keep an eye on the prize.

Get cozy. As you get back to your usual routine, don’t forget to keep yourself and the whole house warm. Adding extra candles, layers of rugs, cozy blankets and throws, and lighting up the fireplace are surefire ways to make a space a light-hearted spot.

Sort out Christmas decorations. As you keep your holiday decorations, be sure to stack them in a box. Doing this now can save you tons of headache next year.

Install flood alarms. Even minor flood can be flat out frustrating. Installing sensors in some flood-prone areas can alert you before it becomes a disaster.

Sanitize hard surfaces. Now that the cold and flu season is upon us, tables and countertops should be kept clean and sanitized regularly. Don’t miss out faucets, door knobs, and other sneakier surfaces to keep illness at bay.

Look for danger signs. Inspect your home after every storm and check for leaks and any damages to your roof and siding.

Out with the old, in with the new. Take some time to clean up your pantry and overstuffed closet and drawers. Go one step further by replacing old appliances with energy-efficient products.

If you are planning to give an outdated kitchen or bath a makeover this year, give Milan Stoneworks a call. We can help you fulfill your home improvement resolutions!

A Guide to Mastering the Wet Bar

The holidays are upon us! If you enjoy entertaining often, you’ll need a wet bar for thirsty guests. Whether you want it to be in the rec room or in the kitchen, here’s a guide to mastering your beverage-prep area:

• Be selective with the materials options. Keep the cabinetry, countertop, backsplash and other elements matched with both aesthetics and functionality. If your wet bar will be located in your kitchen, it should blend well with the overall kitchen design.

• Wine collection is becoming a mainstream coast-to-coast. When storing vintage in the house, keep it in space that don’t get a lot of moisture. For an instance, you can place an open wine storage above a wet bar.

• Opt for glass-front cabinets to showcase your glassware and collectibles. A dedicated fridge (or an ice maker) just for drinks is another handy addition. Get something that perfectly fits your space.

• Get a bar faucet – it can be in the same product line as your kitchen tap for continuity. Also, consider a coordinating sink that has better finish and is easy to maintain.

• Use a customizable drawer insert for storing wine charms, corkscrews, bottle stoppers and other essentials.

• Decide on the layout that works for you. For example, an L-shaped wet bar allows you to have more space for prep duties.

• If your wine fridge doesn’t have enough space to hold all your wine bottles, built-in racks or countertop models would be your best bet.

To learn more tips for setting up a stylish home bar, click here.

Prepare Your Kitchen for Christmas with These Tips

With Christmas just a few days away, it’s time to furnish, decorate, and prepare your home for the guests and festivities. If you’re hosting a party, your kitchen will certainly be the heart of the home. Be sure your kitchen is ready to do the job – it’ll save you time and stress.

There are simple ways to prepare your kitchen for the festive celebration:

Get organized. Remove unwanted clutter and organize your pantry. You can also make small changes, like adding dividers and recycling bins.

Mark out a triangle. Make your kitchen layout work for you. Remember the basics: The three main zones are storage (fridge/freezer and dry storage), washing (sink, dishwasher) and cooking. But you can also think about other tasks such as making coffee or tea. If you think something’s getting in the way when you carry out a task at hand, move that a little bit.

Add a splash of color. Give your kitchen a festive feeling by indulging in some Christmas-themed pieces, such as holiday jars, snowflake printed pot holders, and colorful candy containers. These small changes can make a difference and can spruce up any traditional kitchen.

Use festive lighting. This is a great way to create an inviting atmosphere whether you go for modern spotlights or a classic chandelier style. Also, perfect lighting makes you look great for Christmas dinner pictures!

      

Brighten your kitchen cabinets. If you have glass-front cabinets, stock them with seasonal accents or try dressing it up with patterned wallpaper.

Spruce up the countertops. While you want to keep your countertop clear for the busy season, you can add simple accents like cookie jars, holiday greenery, or a lush arrangement using colander. If there is plenty of space, you make a small Christmas village.

Milan Stoneworks wishes you a wonderful holiday season! Call us if you’re planning to upgrade your kitchen after the busiest time of the year!

Seven Hot Tips for Fireplace Remodeling

Do you have a gas-burning fireplace or a wood-burning one? With fireplace season upon us, you may think of remodeling your living room where you can plan cozy evenings. Ideally you want this and everything that surrounds it to complement the overall look and feel of your home. If you love sitting in front of a roaring fire, these tips will warm up your home remodeling project:

• When updating or building a fireplace, consider the style, cost and installation process.

• Decide what kind of fireplace you want to have. Browse photos of different fireplace styles in the magazines or on the web, then save your favorites. Contact a pro to get started.

• Choosing the right facing is a big decision. A slab of granite, marble, or another solid surface creates minimalist and dramatic aesthetic. If you need help in selecting and installing a slab, click here.

• If you are replacing an existing fireplace surround, check if the new one is compatible with the fire type. Some surrounds may not be heat-resistant and are designed for ornamental use only.

• Stone surrounds come in standard sizes and style but they often are custom-made. They need to be broken down into sections, which means that the assembly involves joining these sections together.

• If you’re remodeling the whole room (making changes to the walls or adding hardwood), it is best to do the fireplace first.

• Be sure to comply with building regulations governing the construction and masonry of fireplaces and chimneys. Installation of a new fireplace or reconstruction of an existing one will need to be inspected by the local building safety department.

Are you planning on remodeling your living room? Let Milan Stoneworks ignite your old fireplace.