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!

4 Low-Maintenance Kitchen Countertops

Are you determined to find and install a low-maintenance countertop? You’re not alone. Many people want a gorgeous counter to make workflow easy. We bet you don’t want to spend more time wiping stains, sponging, buffing, polishing, or having to reseal your countertop annually. Rather, you want an easy-to-clean countertop where you prepare home-cooked meals for your family, entertain your guests with a glass of wine, or simply chat with your kids over a morning meal.

During your next remodel, consider these low-maintenance kitchen countertops:

Engineered stone. Caesarstone and Silestone are the most popular brand names for engineered stone, or simply referred to as quartz. This material is made of crushed stone and polymer resin. An ideal countertop for the kitchen and bath, it is nonporous and resistant to stains and scratches. You can clean it by just wiping it down with mild soap and water.

Laminate. Laminate countertops do not only come in a wide variety of gorgeous patterns, colors, and finishes, but they’re just as easy to clean and stain resistant as you liked it to be.

Zinc. With a zinc counter installed in your kitchen, you don’t have to worry about wiping up every fingerprint. Thanks to its gorgeous patina! The material is nonporous and bacteria-resistant. Just a quick wipe down and voila, the mess is almost entirely gone!

Solid Surface. Solid surface countertops are resistant to staining, impact, and heat. If you noticed some light scratches on the surface, it can be sanded out and restored to its original appearance. It offers a worry-free upkeep and looks great with a little effort.

Corian and soapstone are among the crowd’s favorite. Corian solid surface has been used in many homes and public spaces and is highly customizable, durable, and easy to clean and maintain. Similarly, soapstone can keep up with whatever design imagination you may have. Known for its durability, density, and ability to withstand heat, this kitchen counter has been used for many years. This solid surface is resistant to stains and bacteria and can be wiped down with wild soap and water.  

Have you recently made the decision to renovate your kitchen?  If so, which type of countertop would you like? Give Milan Stoneworks a call today for a free estimate.

Eco-Friendly Quartz Countertops: Quick Facts & Our Top Picks

Does your kitchen look more drab than fab? Consider revamping it with eco-friendly quartz.

Replacing countertops is probably the most enticing kitchen improvement you can make. Whether you are on a budget or can afford something luxe, it’s smart to go green. Plus, making a switch to sustainable natural stone product won’t change the resale value of your home.

Sustainable materials, such as Caesarstone Quartz, Staron quartz, and PentalQuartz, are just as stunning as traditional countertops. Not convinced? Check out these quick facts about natural quartz:

• A Greener Option. Quartz countertops qualify towards LEED certification points. Comprised of 93% quartz stone, they are more environment-friendly than other natural stone.

• High-durability. Being the 4th hardest mineral on earth, quartz won’t crack or chip.

• Low-maintenance. Quartz countertops are non-porous and resistant to stains and bacteria buildup. There are no sealing requirements and special cleaning rules to follow.

• Generous warranties. Depending on the manufacturer, quartz countertops come with 10, 15, and even lifetime warranties.

• Greenguard Certified. Quartz countertops have zero VOCs and are approved to bear the Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certified mark. This is one of the meaningful certifications you should seek as you sort through countless choices of materials.

At Milan Stoneworks, we care about the environment while installing only the best products in your home. These are a few examples of quartz products that we are proud to carry:

• CaesarStone Quartz. Comprised of 93% natural quartz, with its stain, scratch, and heat-resistant properties, CaesarStone is the ideal choice for carefree countertops. CaesarStone introduces the first of its kind lifetime warranty - the only warranty that covers your surface for as long as you own your home.

• Staron Quartz Surfaces. Staron quartz is a non-porous product. It is highly resistant to bacterial growth and stains such as red wine, cooking oil, and other spills. Thus, making the product virtually maintenance free, since, it doesn't require sealing or periodic polishing.

• LG Viatera. Unlike Granite or Marble, LG Viatera does not need topical sealing, allowing lasting beauty with very little maintenance. LG Viatera appeals to those who prefer the elegant look of stone, but desire a product that is easy to maintain and like all LG countertop surfacing products, is backed by the industry leading 15 year warranty.

• PentalQuartz. PentalQuartz will complement your home décor for years to come, is easy to care for and requires little maintenance. Highly heat, stain, and scratch resistant, it is designed to withstand whatever life throws its way. Its timeless beauty is suitable for every room in your home -- from kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities to bar tops and tub surrounds. Moreover, it is naturally nonporous which prevents mold and other microbes from growing, without harmful chemical treatments.

Need inspiration for your next remodel? Visit our showroom and we’ll show you how we’ve used sustainable materials in projects with other customers.

How to Increase Your Kitchen Counter Space

Improving counter space is one of the most common requests in a kitchen makeover. If you are thinking of changing the kitchen layout, there are easy ways to make it less cramped.

These space-saving tips will help in creating a functional counter.

• If you prefer a streamlined look to your kitchen, use built-in appliances. This gives you ample previously unused storage while allowing you to choose the best combination of features and appliances.
• Opt for smaller appliances. You can downsize your sink, dishwasher, or stove to increase storage and counter space.
• As much as possible, avoid cabinets sitting on the counter to maximize every inch of precious space.
• For base cabinets, consider using drawers instead of shelves. You can keep pans, jars, and other kitchen supplies in there, making them more easily accessible.
• When you own a small kitchen, a rolling cart is one of your best bet. You can just wheel it out for additional space and then slide it to the side when you’re not using it.
• Add extra storage to your wall with hooks. It’s a perfect space to hang pots, pans, and other housewares. You can also consider replacing knife blocks with a mounted rack.
• If you have extra space, go for a small kitchen island. It provides the much-needed workspace as well as a place to eat. Make sure to add stools that can be stashed underneath when not in use.
• You can improve design details starting with the sink. Use an articulated faucet so you can bend it out of the way when you clean large pots, bowls, and dishes. Try mounting it on the wall for a funky, modern look and innovative functionality.
• Find hidden spaces, for example, in the kitchen island. You can store cookbooks, slip a spice rack, or transform it into a wine storage.

Are you ready to create your dream kitchen? We can help! We specialize in installing a wide variety of countertops, sinks and other custom kitchen components that make you feel great about your time in the kitchen.

Visit www.milanstoneworks.com to view our online portfolio or see our idea-inspired showroom today.

5 Secrets to a Great Bathroom Design

When it comes to planning your bath, focusing on function will help you simplify and carry out the most basic daily routines. These efficient ideas will allow you to create a beautiful and useful grooming space tailored to your needs:

• Cosmetics and personal items should be placed where you need it without having to stoop or strain. This will make it easier for you to get everything in a single area and move around the room to complete your morning routine.

• Select high-quality fixtures and accessories for your bath. Moisture can create permanent rust spots on cabinet shelves so make sure you invest on a rust-free aluminum material for your grooming station.

• Think about the space you have and get the right size of mirror to fit in your space. Position it properly where you can see yourself without having to lean or bend. A mirrored medicine cabinet is a great space saver as well. Aside from the functional mirror, you can place all the items you need, keep toiletries organized, and cut down on visual clutter. Consider installing a locking compartment for your prescription medications to keep them out of reach of children.  There are also medicine cabinets with adjustable shelves for a more customized and organized storage. You can even find one that is customized for left-handers.

• Proper lighting is important in your grooming station. Multiple light sources at different angles are recommended for better illumination. Choose bulbs that give off soft light from the middle of the color spectrum and use a combination of ambient and task lighting to help balance light intensity.

• Bathroom vanities come in different styles and sizes but the most important thing is to choose the right one that fits your space perfectly. Whether you wish to sit or stand as you groom, your vanity should be able to offer convenience.

Thinking of upgrading your bathroom and refreshing it with a new vanity? Let Milan Stoneworks install it for you! We can design custom bathroom vanities that suit your space, style, and taste. Call us today at 503.232.6206 or visit www.milanstoneworks.com for more details.

Simple Kitchen Makeovers

The kitchen is definitely the busiest room in the house as it serves a lot of function - from cooking to eating, entertaining, and family gatherings.

Although a kitchen remodel is one of the most expensive home improvement projects, it is a great way to give dull kitchen a new life. Many homeowners choose to repaint walls, change cabinet hardware, and upgrade appliances to freshen the look. Here are more options for simple upgrades:

Redesign the work triangle
Creating an efficient kitchen mainly depends on layout options for a perfect work triangle. The kitchen work triangle connects the three main work areas - the sink, the range, and the refrigerator. You don't want these cramped, blocked, or too far apart.

Read more about kitchen layouts and work triangles

Create a space for your kids
Consider adding a few stools in the kitchen where your kids can have an informal place to eat. Make sure you keep snacks and beverages within their reach.

Modify existing cabinets
Sturdy wood cabinets go for a long run. You can also replace the knobs, pulls, and hinges and consider a fresh coat of paint to brighten up old cabinets. For a brand new look, refacing can be done or you can change the doors if possible.

Make appliances look new
You can simply replace worn-out stove knobs, burner plates, and glass cooktops which can be ordered from the manufacturer. If you want to show your DIY prowess, you can transform outdated appliances including your fridge, dishwasher, and oven using cabinet fronts, specialty appliance paint, and stainless steel films.

Give an old floor a new life
Refinish hardwood floor and add stenciled borders or stain it with the color of your choice. To bring back the original luster of stone flooring, consider hiring a professional.

Spruce up your counter
There are many ways where we can help revamp your kitchen with new countertops. We can professionally polish your existing solid surface or stone countertop to remove marks or install a brand new countertop you’ll surely love. You can also replace your sink, faucet, and backsplash to complement the overall look.

Do you have a dream wish list for your kitchen? If you can dream it, we can make it! Visit www.milanstoneworks.com today or call 503.232.6206 for a no obligation quote for your new kitchen.

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Faucet

If you’ve been reading our blog over the past few months, you probably know your options for countertops and some great picks for kitchen islands, sinks, and backsplashes. In this post, let’s talk faucets.

Whether you are replacing an old faucet or selecting a new one for your remodeling plan, there are different factors to consider. Because faucets are one of the most frequently used fixtures at home, they should be selected to complement your kitchen sink.

So what constitutes to a good faucet? Before the water starts to flow, take a look at this guide on getting a high quality faucet:

• When replacing an existing faucet, make sure the new one has the same number of holes in the deck of the sink. For faucets with integrated handle and spout, one hole is needed for the handle/spout and another separate hole for a sprayer. Traditional faucets usually have three holes for the taps and spout and a fourth for a sprayer. For a new sink, you can put any holes you need to fit in the faucet of your choice.

• Most faucets have either one handle that you can turn directionally to adjust water temperature or two handles to mix in hot and cold. Other one-piece faucets have a handle attached to the faucet unit or are placed to the side in the same position of the sprayer. A variety of faucet handles to choose from include the classic rounded X-shaped tap and an easy-access lever shape.

• Consider a sink sprayer to wash down any collected food waste from the sink. Some newer models have sprayers integrated right into the faucet itself. You can also add a soap dispenser which is mounted alongside or near the spray.

• A standard kitchen spout rises only a bit higher than the body of the faucet. If you use bulky pots and pans, you should get a tall, curved neck faucet to easily rinse big pots thoroughly.

• You may opt for a water filtration faucet mounted directly to your sink and have it attached to the faucet itself with a built-in filtering mechanism. Think about the maintenance requirements as well.

• Some faucets can be mounted from the top while others are from the bottom. There are different types of faucet mechanism - ball valve, ceramic disk, compression valve and cartridge. Choose whichever appeals to you as it won’t necessarily make a big impact in functionality. Take note that some are easier to repair than others.

When carefully selected, a good faucet can offer exceptional day-to-day convenience in the kitchen. Look for quality features, style and finishes that matches your overall design.

Come and visit Milan Stoneworks today - we’re glad to help you on your next kitchen remodeling project!

Fall Maintenance Tips for Your Home

As the leaves change and the days get shorter, you have to make sure your home is ready to handle the cold weather. In order to keep your home running smoothly and to avoid costly repairs later, it’s time to start thinking about seasonal maintenance.

Schedule a tune up with a technician. Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a scheduled tune-up for your heating system can provide efficiency and comfort. They will ensure there’s no leakage so you’re not stuck with a broken heater.

Reverse the air. This is also the time to reverse ceiling fans. Doing this will help to circulate the hot air, distributing the heat more evenly and cutting down the need to turn up the heater.

Change the filters in your home. If you have a central air conditioning system, make sure you have changed your air filter. For a wall air conditioning unit, you can place a waterproof cover over it to prevent damage.

Fill in the gaps: Check your windows for any leaks that may compromise heating efficiency and ensure the seal and caulking around the frame is in good condition. Purchase a plastic sealing from the hardware store if you feel cold air coming in and place it around the window to keep the heat from escaping. Don’t forget to check your doors too, and fix their weather-stripping.

Prepare your fireplace. Some people prefer to use their fireplace than the central heater during fall and winter days. To allow the air to move freely through the chimney, discard old ashes and make sure the damper is open. If you feel the air is becoming cold, close the damper immediately after cleaning. The handle and springs should be working properly. If necessary, you can hire a professional chimney sweep.

Check the roof for leaks and clean the gutters. Carefully inspect your roof for any missing or broken tiles to prevent damage when it rains. The flashing around your chimney and any openings in the roof should be free from any leakage problems. Make sure to clear gutters from leaves, dirt, and pine needles and check downspouts for damage or loose pieces.

Yard maintenance. Trim trees and bushes away from the house. Rake the leaves into piles and dispose them properly. Drain outdoor faucets, garden hoses and sprinkler systems.

Are there other tasks you incorporate into your fall schedule? Share it with us below!

Selecting the Right Material For Your Kitchen Sink

The kitchen sink should be a working space without restrictions. It requires functionality and a great design element. Here’s a roundup of kitchen sink materials to help narrow your search and keep you updated with the ever changing design market.

Stainless Steel. Stainless steels are the most popular on the market today. They can be used on both undermount and top mount sinks. They are inexpensive, durable, and resistant to cracking, chipping, and peeling. If you have a limited budget, this material is a perfect fit for your kitchen. The inside finish is also important. A satin texture offers longer protection from scratching with normal use.

Cast Iron. This type of material can add a vintage appeal to your kitchen. The smooth, glass finish is very easy to clean and suited for daily wear and tear. This type of material is heavy and can be more expensive than stainless steel.

Composite. Composite sinks are available in quartz composite, polyester/acrylic, and granite-based. They are tough and highly resistant to scratching.

Fireclay. Fireclay sinks offer a wide variety of elegant styles but are most commonly seen on farmhouse or apron sink. The most common shapes are deep square and rectangular bowls. They fall under the expensive end but can be a great investment as they are non-porous, won’t rust or discolor, and can withstand heat.

Enjoy a Great Choice of Sinks. Glass, marble, copper, solid surface/acrylic, and tiles are also being used to make kitchen sinks. You can even add a personal flair by selecting a hand-painted sink. And if you are on a tight budget, you can buy a repurposed sink that can give your kitchen a new look.

When selecting a kitchen sink, make sure it complements your countertop, décor, and theme, and fits perfectly with other furnishings in the room. The ideal sink will not only make you feel great when you use it but will also make life easier and help you make the most out of your kitchen.

Contact Milan Stoneworks today! We can help you design and layout your next kitchen remodeling project.

Countertop Edges to Match Every Design

Whether as a bathroom vanity or kitchen counter, granite slabs have elaborate edges that will make them look like a work of art. The edges of a countertop have an impact to functionality, from cleaning to safety. When you move through your kitchen, you'll most likely come into contact with these parts so the shape matters. Here are the most common countertop edge profiles:

Bullnose. This rounded edge detail is a timeless classic that's great for traditional kitchens.

Square. You can either opt for a basic 3cm-square profile or an extra-thick countertop, otherwise known as the mitered edge. Meaning that the thickness is standard either 2cm or 3cm with a mitered frame around the sides, making the slab look thicker.

Ogee. Another timeless classic, the traditional ogee edge looks great on an island with contemporary style on the perimeter walls.

Unique variations. Don’t you just love the contrast of the modern sink, traditional cabinetry, and edge profile on the stone? For an instance, a round countertop edge is really functional and fantastic for a small space.

What is the edge profile of your kitchen countertop at home? What do you like most about it? We’d love to know!

How to Choose a Backsplash that Matches Your Countertop

Countertop and backsplash go hand-in-hand. In order to make a major design statement, combining them requires creativity. You should consider the materials, colors, texture and patterns. Your budget is also an important factor.

We’ve outlined some of the basics to help you combine a new kitchen backsplash with your countertop.

Go for a backsplash that coordinates with the overall look. A backsplash is considered the artwork of the kitchen or bath. It should coordinate with everything else in the room, whether you choose a traditional, contemporary, eclectic or transitional design.

Bring out your personality. With so many options to choose from, you will be surprised at how many designs you can create. Don’t be afraid to experiment on new colors, shapes and layout to provide a wonderful canvas that reflects your personality.

Decide the perfect placement for your backsplash. Think outside the box and go for assortment instead of the conventional style. There are a lot of new layout ideas you’ll love. Aside from the wall where the countertop lays, you can also extend the tiles near the windows, doors, or other architectural features.

With these clever ideas, it’s easy to create an inviting space. We know that your countertop and backsplash choice can either make or break your design so if you need help in finalizing your plans, feel free to contact us. Nothing makes us happy than seeing our customers enjoying a stylish home.

What’s your favorite countertop and backsplash pairings? Leave your comments below.

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.

Ready for new countertops? Follow these steps from Milan Stoneworks

Choosing a service provider for your new countertops can be overwhelming. The choices in materials seem endless and how do you distinguish between various businesses? 

Here at Milan, we make excellent customer service a priority. If you are going through a complete remodel, you can be assured that we will communicate closely with your contractor to make the whole process as smooth as possible.

Milan Stoneworks offers a wide variety of custom solid surface installation services, including both natural and engineered stones. Our team of experienced stone-craftsman ensure that you receive complete satisfaction through the entire installation process, which we back with a 1-year product guarantee.

At Milan Stoneworks, we utilize an established project management process that has been developed through our company's long history in the industry. By guiding clients each step of the way, our customers always know what to expect and even more importantly, when to expect it.

Here’s a sample sequence of tasks for new kitchen countertops:

1) The most important part of the process is the material selection: finding a vendor and selecting your slab. Then let the vendor know who will fabricate your project.

2) Milan will then need the scope of your project. This can be accomplished by emailing or faxing your dimensions. Or, you can schedule a personalized field measure provided by the Milan staff. This visit can accomplish a variety of tasks such as edge details, sink considerations and seam placement.

3) An estimate is then provided to include the template, materials, fabrication and installation total. There are no hidden expense or surprises!

4) Once you have decided to proceed, a template date is scheduled. Milan will take a physical template of your counter tops, pick up your sink, and go over final details.

5) Milan will then pick up your material from the desired vendor.

6) Your job will go into fabrication where your slab will cut to the template dimensions, edges polished, and sink opening cut and polished.

7) From template to install, Milan will complete your project in under 7 working days.

8) A typical kitchen will be installed in one day.

Contact Milan Stoneworks today to find out how we can help you improve your countertop aesthetics and functionality!