Big Ideas for Small Baths

Home baths these days have nearly doubled in size, although some still keep their old 5- by 8-feet home bathrooms due to lack of space for remodeling. If you have a small bath, don’t fret as the makeover possibilities are just as enticing for your space. With the right colors, chic fixtures, décor, and glamorous finishes you can create the illusion of a roomy bath even without a big budget.

Maximize the corner. Put unused space into work by adding corner storage unit or shelving. You'll be surprised to see that you have just the right storage and more space to store the essentials, with no room left over for clutter.

Downsize the toilet. Replace your old toilet with a compact elongated model. Aside from the familiar comfort it gives, newer toilets use less water making them friendlier to the environment.

Use solid colors. Instead of busy patterns, go for light, natural tones. You’ll eventually notice the open, spacious feel. For a more creative look, play with textures and keep prints to a minimum. The powder room is a better choice to showcase your style.

Look for a bathtub designed for small spaces. Open up sight lines and make your bathroom look bigger with a lower-walled model bathtub. It’s perfect for either taking a shower or a pleasant dip.

Opt for a smaller faucet. Some faucets may just be too large for the sink. You’ll be happier with a space-saving, single-hole faucet.

Streamline the shower. A sliding shower door or screen come well-recommended for small bathrooms as it doesn't require space for door clearance. The clear glass creates an illusion of size and stretches the visual length of any bathroom.

Downsize the vanity. A wall-mounted sink is a real space saver and makes your bath look like there’s an added square footage. The best part about it is that you don’t even have to compromise your style. Add an extra dash of elegance by changing your standard mirror with a decorative frame that complements the style of your vanity.

Adjust your view. Keep this light and airy. Hang your cabinet at a more comfortable height to avoid unnecessary bending. Use niche shelving and a mirrored medicine cabinet to replace bulky furniture if necessary.

Choose the right countertop. Save on expensive cabinetry and give your bath an unrivaled, classic look by splurging on a marble countertop. It gives room for towels and toiletries under the sink. You can also use simple cotton skirting instead of traditional doors.

Just because a bathroom is small doesn’t mean it has to be short in style. Remodeling a bathroom, no matter what the size, doesn't have to limit your creativity. Use your imagination to transform your confined bathroom into a serene master bath.

Get a free quote for your countertop of choice and gain inspiration for remodeling your bath. Contact Milan Stoneworks today!

Call us today at 503.232.6206 - or visit our website to view our portfolio: www.MilanStoneworks.com

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8 Popular Countertop Materials for the Kitchen

With so many options to choose from, picking out a kitchen counter is no easy feat. This area influences many kitchen palettes so it’s very important to choose something that fits your budget and style.

We've gathered some popular stone kitchen countertop materials to help you find what suits you best:

Marble. There’s nothing like the classic look of marble kitchen counter. It’s always in style and offers more variety like no other. To get the luxurious look, use it on an island or inset at a baking center. It is known more for the patina it develops. However, it's a softer stone than granite and can stain and scratch easily. Typically, the cost ranges from $70 to $100 per square foot.

Granite. This natural stone has unique grains, colors and customizable finishes. It defines elegance, holds up to heat, looks permanent and substantial, and has a high value to homeowners. Known for its durability, it can cost for as low as $50 per square foot installed depending on slabs and difficult installations. Although it has the second highest hardness rating after diamonds, some stones absorb stains if not sealed and can crack if not properly installed.

Solid surface. Solid surface countertops are custom-made to your specifications. Solid surface has the ability to emulate just about any look. It comes in different patterns, seamless, and stain resistant. Depending on the manufacturer, prices range from $50 to $100 per square foot.

Soapstone. Having a smooth feel and dark gray color, soapstone is used in laboratories because of its resistance to stains, chemicals and bacteria. It can be a natural choice for kitchen countertop and sink material and is often seen in historic and homes. Ranging at $80 to $100 per square foot installed, this might be on the more expensive side, but it can be a lifetime investment.

Engineered Quartz. This engineered product is composed of quartz particles, resin and pigments creating a tough, nonporous material that resist scratches. It is easy to maintain without the annual sealing required by natural stone. and is available in a larger range of colors which is perfect for any home. A safe bet for green homes but get ready to pay up since it costs around $95 to $105 per square foot installed.

Tile. Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Add affordability to that and you've got a really good choice for your kitchen. It can be installed one section at a time and can be done by most resourceful homeowners with DIY prowess. Maintenance can be difficult as it can chip or crack easily and grout lines become stained.

Eco-friendly materials. With all the materials out there – from salvaged wood to Bio-Glass and bamboo, a little research is all that's required today to give your kitchen an eco-friendly look. With these countertop materials, high style meets sustainable living.

Concrete. If you want a countertop with unusual shape, concrete may be a good choice as they cast right in your kitchen. Pigments, stains and dyes can give concrete counters a unique color and visual texture. With the right sealer, it can be worth the cost at least $100 to $150 per square foot installed. Make sure to give your kitchen an individual look and freestanding designs as it can look somewhat industrial.

Contact Milan Stoneworks today to discover the pros and cons of each countertop material and help you make the right choice for your kitchen.