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.

Outdoor Kitchen Winterizing Checklist

There’s still time to winterize your outdoor kitchen and keep it in tip-top shape for next year. If you have an open-air cooking area, you’ll want to make sure all equipment, appliances, and surfaces are protected from wind chills. These essential steps will help you prevent damage and avoid costly repairs:

• Switch off power to all appliances and electrically powered units - unplug them or turn off the circuit breaker.
• Shut off water - an indoor shutoff valve comes in really handy because it won’t freeze.

• Any residual water might freeze causing the pipes to crack, so be sure to drain all water lines. Leave drain valves open for outdoor sinks, refrigerators, and ice makers.
• Do not cover outdoor refrigerators and ice makers as moisture can get trapped under the cover and might put electrical parts at risk for damage.
• Remove ice from trays and ice maker bins. The interiors should be free of any residual moisture.

• Clean the grill, cabinets, and refrigerator. Remove any spills and crumbs. Finish things off with a good stainless steel polish.

• Cover sinks to avoid debris settling in the basin. Disconnect hot and cold water supply lines. Remove the faucet and store them indoors.

It is important to note that minimizing exposure snow in general will prolong the life of anything, including your countertops. Cycles or freeze/thaw are the biggest culprit and you can minimize the damage by following these tips:

• It's a good idea to cover your countertops during winter months to offer protection against wind, snow, ice, and water. You can have a custom cover made for your countertop to keep the stone surface dry.
• The weather will wear down the surface finish and this requires having countertops re-polished.
• Seal stone countertops to protect the surface, otherwise, you’ll end up with leaf stains, or cracked and chipped counters from freezing moisture. We recommend Dupont StoneTech Professional BulletProof Stone Sealer for granite and marble countertop.

Make sure you do these things before winter so you can enjoy the snow and without worrying about your outdoor kitchen.

7 Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Organized During Thanksgiving

Now that Turkey day is rolling around, your kitchen may take a heavy hit. From appetizers cooling to flour and sauce spills, it’s a challenge to contain the mess. These tips will help your day go smoothly as possible:

Write down your menu. Post it somewhere in your kitchen to make things a little easier for you to remember. Add a timetable and prepare a cooking schedule. 

Start clean.  As you prepare a variety of dishes, your tables and countertop may be filled quickly with food items. It will help to remove the clutter and unnecessary items beforehand. Go through your entire kitchen and make room for extra food prep area. It’s also a good idea to start clean when it comes to your oven and stovetop. Doing so will eliminate fire risk from food and grease.

Organize your refrigerator. Be sure to clean out the fridge a few days before you begin cooking to make room for make-ahead dishes and leftovers.

Set your Thanksgiving table early. Organize your serving dishes and utensils and fill it with your favorite decorative pieces to reflect the warm colors of the season.

Check if your countertop is sealed. To keep your countertop in good shape during the holiday preparations, check if it is sealed. Drizzle some water onto the counter. If it beads up, you’re good to go. If the water seeps in, it's time to reseal.

Be prepared. It’s inevitable that the messes will accumulate as you work with all the cooking. Stay on top of the messes by wiping down countertops and cleaning up spills immediately. This will eliminate tough cleaning at the end of the day. Also, place a trivet or hot pad below hot crock pots, pans, and electric skillets to prevent damaging your counter.

Show your countertop some TLC. Accidents happen. If you notice any scratch or etch marks, polish them right away. Look for products designed for cleaning your countertop surface.

Milan Stoneworks wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving! We’re grateful for amazing customers like you!

Ten Easy Kitchen Projects to Spruce Up Your Home

For most homeowners, the kitchen is the most important room in the house. It’s a place to cook meals, bond with the family, entertain guests, you name it. This can also mean that there’s a lot of stuff to fix, replace, organize, and clean! And you need to stay on top of what needs to be done. Here are 10 simple projects for your kitchen:

Get a new kitchen sink. This is probably the stuff that gets used the most so it’s very important to get the right one for your space and replace it if necessary. These easy tips will help you choose the right sink

Replace your kitchen faucet or pick a new one. If you have a broken faucet that can’t be fixed, you can replace it or pick a different type to help define the style of your kitchen. Take a look at this guide on getting a high quality faucet

Install a kitchen backsplash. This can either be a relatively simple DIY project or a work with the help from a professional contractor. This is a great way to change the look and feel of your kitchen. Here are a few tips to help you navigate through the process

Add storage to your backsplash. Now that you’ve got a new backsplash installed, you want to make better use of it by adding storage for hanging pans, pots, and utensils.

Reface or paint your kitchen cabinets. Refacing is an affordable way to give your gloomy cabinets a new life. Or if refacing isn’t your style, clean them and brush on some new paint. This is another budget-friendly option than replacing.

Get new cabinet knobs and pulls. There are a variety of styles to choose from and a new kitchen hardware can make a big impact on the look and feel of your cabinets and the entire room.

Organize everything. This is an easy weekend task that you can accomplish. Arrange the pantry, shelves, drawers, counter, and appliances and keep everything in order. That way, you can maximize your storage space.

Clean tile grout. No one enjoys cleaning grout. It can be a tedious work especially when it contains hard-to-remove stains. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. A store-bought tile grout cleaner offers good results, or you can use something homemade.

Make a stand for tablets and cookbooks. If cooking apps and recipe books are a must-have for your kitchen, making a stand or purchasing one is a practical solution. This little accessory can make your life in the kitchen a breeze.

Put a fresh shine to old counter. Give your countertop a new sparkle by cleaning the surface with soapy water and a dedicated cleaner. For an instance, you can keep your granite in tip-top shape with these tips.

If you are looking to replace your countertop, visit www.milanstoneworks.com or give us a call for your free estimate today!

Finishing Touches You Can Add to Your Remodeled Bathroom

An appropriate element to a newly renovated bathroom can help define the overall style of your bath. That’s why it’s essential to choose accessories that complement the traditional or modern feel of your home.

Here are some finishing touches you can add to turn your basic bath into a relaxing retreat:

Bath hardware. You can cleverly use a few bars and shelves to make daily routines easier. You can install a robe hook right where you need it, place shelves for your toiletries and grooming tools to minimize clutter, or add grab bars for extra help when you need it. Or simply replace the knobs and pulls, drawers and door handles for easy upgrades.

Use these tips to plan a functional master bath

Lighting fixtures. Add ample lighting to illuminate a space and make it more attractive and inviting. Bright, warm colors are recommended to enhance the beauty of everything in the bathroom. Choose one that fits your taste and will get you ready for your close-up. You can add a classic and elegant touch with a chandelier, while recessed lighting provided a clean, modern look. Installing a dimmer on the light switch is another option,

Mirrors. For spaces with limited windows, you can place multiple mirrors up to make the room seem a lot brighter.

Additional storage space. If you have a small bath, take advantage of wall space or use vertical shelving. They key to making a petite room look bigger and brighter is to organize it efficiently.

Decorative elements. Scented candles, soaps, artwork, and other add-ons can add glamor to your bathroom and turn it into a spa retreat. Also, a little luxury won’t hurt. Here’s how to create a relaxing retreat

Are you planning to create a new bath, spruce up an existing one, or go for a full-scale remodel? Let Milan Stoneworks do all the work so you can focus enjoying your cozy nook. Visit www.milanstoneworks.com and check out our portfolio for more bathroom improvement ideas.

Get the Dream Kitchen You’ve Always Wanted with These Tips

To create your dream kitchen, you should have a clear vision. It all boils down to making smart choices and staying within the budget.

Whether you're redecorating or totally remodeling, these tips will get you started:

Get measurements. You should have a clear idea of the dimensions of your current layout. A tape measure is going to be your best friend.

Weigh the pros and cons. Determine what you like about your existing kitchen features and what you like to improve on.

Set goals. Make a list of all your makeover plans - from simple tasks to accomplish, overhauls, and the decorative elements.

Create a collection of stylish ideas. Save or print out photos of kitchen setups from magazines, websites, or you can even snap a shot of kitchens you come across at you’re the homes of your friends.

Prioritize your goals. Define your priorities while being realistic and keeping practicality in mind.

Decide what you can afford. You should be able to come up with a reasonable budget and make a sound investment. After deciding on the general layout, you’ll need to determine the components that go with it. The choices for countertops, faucets, sinks, cabinets, flooring, lighting fixtures, backsplash, kitchen island, and appliances are many so you need to choose wisely.

Be patient. Remodeling usually takes time so be sure to plan adequately and anticipate the days you are not able to use your kitchen.

Let’s build your new kitchen that feels like home! Visit www.milanstoneworks.com for a free estimate.