New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home

At this point, you’re probably exercising daily and eating lots of fruits and vegetables as part of your New Year’s resolutions. But did you know you can resolve to keep your home in shape, too? 

Here are some resolutions to welcome a brand new year:

• Cut down energy use. Start by sealing and insulating your HVAC ductwork and make sure you maintain the system and change furnace filters regularly.

• Conserve water. Reducing water consumption can also add to your energy savings. Get a low-flow showerhead and toilet so you won’t have to flush away a huge amount of money on water costs.

• This is also the perfect time to get organized and stash some of your old stuff. Clean your shelves and utilize under-space storage.

• If you have a spare time, use your DIY skills to do routine maintenance and repairs such as caulking windows and doors, cleaning gutters, or mowing the lawn. Learn something new and invest in a hobby, like gardening and get your kids involved as well. You can teach them how to plant. This will allow you to spend more time with them while doing home improvement projects.

• If your resolutions include having a beautiful kitchen this year, consider remodeling to improve the value of your home. Come up with a plan and think of the areas to be remodeled. Take a look around your kitchen: Do you need to update your appliances, replace your countertop or worn-out cabinets and flooring? Once you have listed the things to add in your remodeling project, check your budget and hire a professional to do the job.

We hope you have a beautiful, efficient, and clean home this year. What are your home improvement resolutions and how will you achieve them? Share it with us!

How to Create a Halloween-themed Kitchen

Halloween is fast approaching! It’s actually one of the most exciting times of the year. You can dress up in fun costumes, decorate your pumpkins, and enjoy devilishly delightful food. One of our favorite rooms to make over is the kitchen – where the preparation for the Halloween party takes place. 

Here are some ideas to up the spook factor in your home without all the extra clutter:

• Leave your kids in awe by switching out some orange bulbs creating a nice effect on the mirrors and lamps, just like what Vel Criste did. She bought everything else from the Dollar Store on clearance. She wrapped a creepy black fabric around the chandelier and window. Every other piece she either had on hand or bought on sale.

• If you want a nostalgic appeal of old-fashioned Halloween for a vintage party flair, you can add traditional decors like images of black cats, carved pumpkins, and other vintage decor. We also loved this kitchen when we first saw it on Houzz.

• Decorate a small area in your kitchen with piled pumpkins in gray/green and white to create an elegant display, like this countertop.

• Halloween decor is meant to be classy, fun and cheeky. Shelley Smith made almost everything on her own and others were snagged from thrift shops and dollar stores. The tableware is simple white with handmade vinyl decals. You can do that for your dining room, too!

• If you want to transform your outdoor centerpiece, use mini pumpkins that are hollowed out and punched with holes to make dramatic lanterns, like in this patio.

Milan Stoneworks wishes you a Happy Halloween (in advance). We’re as excited as you are! In the meantime, leave us some candy corns, wormy burgers, or blood colored cocktails.

7 Fall-Inspired Ways to Decorate Your Fireplace

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but when the temperature is dropping along with the leaves, the fireplace becomes a contender. Autumn brings cozy thoughts and makes you turn to the warmth and comfort of a roaring fire. If you’re in the mood for a change, it would be fun to get inspired with these festive fireplace decorating ideas:

• The simplest way to decorate a fireplace mantel is to place pumpkins, wreath, and candles creatively.

• A vintage touch is popular and carries intense fall colors. You can add a board with your favorite quote written on it.

• Use rustic and nature-inspired theme that screams autumn and other antique goodies. For an instance, you can use giant acorn, yarn wreath, and other antique goodies.

• Be more imaginative and expand your horizons to the entire living room to bring out a seasonal spark. Warm draperies and a blanket over the arm chair are a great addition.

• If you’re not a fan of traditional décor, you can appreciate the beauty in the minimal details. You can use glass vases and other items that compliment the fall hues.

• One of the joys of autumn is sitting around a fire roasting marshmallows and sipping cider. But you don’t have to camp out to do that. You can transform your backyard and deck into a cozy haven.

Have you started decorating for autumn? What were your favorite features in these great outdoor spaces? Share it with us!

Design Ideas: 5 Most Popular Kitchen Layouts

Whether you’re designing a brand new kitchen or remodeling an old one, a solid floor plan is the key to a well-functioning space. The first thing to consider is the layout of the kitchen, the shape made by the arrangement of appliances, storage, sink, and countertop. This creates a work triangle – the path formed by the sink, cooktop, and refrigerator.

There are five main kitchen layouts: single, galley, U, G, and L-shaped. Each kitchen can be enhanced with the right accents.

Single Wall. Others love this kind of layout because of its simplicity. Also known as the I-shaped kitchen, this is ideal for small apartments and open lofts.                                                       

Galley. Just like the I-shaped kitchen, this is an efficient and simple pattern but more flexible for modern lifestyles. The work stations face each other in parallel walls. Some homeowners take out the walls to add a table and seating or create a stack storage to maximize the space.

U-shaped. This is the most versatile layout for kitchens of all sizes. For larger kitchens, an island is usually added.

G-shaped. A variation of the U-shaped, it links the kitchen to the dining area with a common counter surface. You can add a small island but a peninsula is a better choice.

L-shaped. This layout is created on two adjacent walls, fits almost any style, and provides an efficient work area making it popular in today’s multi-purpose kitchens.

Now that you’ve seen the options available, you can create a kitchen plan that works for you, your family, and your changing needs.

Tell us: What type of kitchen layout do you plan on using?

Build a Wine Cellar You Can Be Proud Of

Do you keep a wine chilling in the fridge or leave bottles stacked on the counter? If not, then you are a true wine enthusiast. You know that everything about wine is an art - from making it to packaging, and storing it. Whether you are a wine newbie or a seasoned connoisseur, these tips and design ideas will help you showcase your growing wine collection.

Make use of the space you have. No matter how big or small, a carefully selected location can unleash the connoisseur inside you. This is the most important aspect to consider when building a wine cellar. Basements or a corner space that has no direct sunlight are recommended. When selecting a location, you should understand the basics. A properly built wine cellar will make the space functional and appealing.

Control the climate. Install a wine cooling unit that also controls humidity and removes excess moisture. There are many products available in the market today from the simple through-wall unit to a wine-room specific HVAC system.

Ensure proper insulation. Interior designer Mark Cravotta of Cravotta Studios recommends treating the shell by creating a moisture barrier on the outside of every wall plus the floor and the ceiling, as well as adding closed-cell foam insulation to prevent condensation buildup and mold.

Choose proper lighting. You can make storing wine truly an art with the lights on. The type of light you choose will not only protect your wines from exposure to excessive heat but also create a stunning effect. LED lighting is a great choice over the normal incadescents and halogen bulbs. LEDs can give emphasis on arches and add a comforting glow to the display racking and are widely-used because of its energy efficiency, low-heat emissions and versatility. Having LED based wine room lights can be pretty expensive but because of the amazing life span, you will save money in the long run.

Don’t forget the doorway seal. Consider the need to create a seal in the doorway. Glass doors allow the best viewing into your wine cellar. To ensure optimal wine cellar sealing, an insulated door equipped with weather-stripping is recommended, such as an exterior-grade, insulated door or a dual paned glass.

Consider a tracking system. For those who have larger collections, a tracking system will assist you with your wine inventory. There are easy-to-use wine management software programs available today and they make wine cellar management a lot more fun.

Create an artful storage. The secret to a classy wine cellar is how you store and display your wine. Before storing your bottles, decide how you want to admire your collection. Do you prefer a custom racking system or a bulk storage and display? Or maybe you want something that fits your budget like ready-made metal or pine racks? Keep in mind that the best cellar showcases the finest wines while allowing you to enjoy the pleasant aura.

If you are interested in building a wine cellar that meets your standards, we are happy to help. Contact Milan Stoneworks today!

4 Easy Household Fixes Anyone Can Do

There’s nothing worse than waking up to a room with ceiling leaks or some other home catastrophe. You end up thinking that it could have been prevented. If your next step is calling a handyman, think again. Taking a few tweaks all by yourself can save you from unnecessary expenses on minor home repairs.

Little fixes can keep things in best condition. Thomas Mollidor, owner and president of UpKeepers, tackles the most common household problems and how to address them before they become more of a hassle.

Clogged garbage disposal. While there are many reasons for a garbage disposal breaking, a simple reset can fix it. The reset button is located underneath the disposal. If the blades of your garbage disposer won’t turn, you can manually turn the blades with the tool supplied by the manufacturer. If you look closely, it resembles a hex wrench.

HVAC, air conditioner, and furnace malfunction. When a heating or cooling system malfunctions, the heat/cold source, distribution system, or thermostat may be causing the problem. The easiest thing you can do is to flip back the breaker if you noticed that it has thrown on your electrical panel.

You can also turn off your thermostat and HVAC unit. Wait for three minutes and then switch your thermostat back to heat or cool and also flip the switch on your HVAC unit to “on.” This resets the system.

Broken electrical outlet. First, see if other outlets are dead. Check the circuit breakers, GFCIs, and loose outlets. The fix for a dead outlet is usually simpler than you think. Just hit the reset button located on the outlet. This can save the cost of a service call.

Ceiling leak. Small roof leaks can be tough to locate. You can track down and fix the common types of leaks with a tissue paper. Tape two to three sections of tissue paper lightly to the ceiling then observe when the tissue gets wet and when it happened. Most of the time water runs to openings in the vapor barrier, such as at ceiling light fixtures. You may have to stop using one of these fixtures temporarily and see which one is causing the leak.

Remember to follow safety precautions when performing any repairs. Do you have a story of do-it-yourself success? Share it with us!

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

Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for information on countertops in line with the latest trends in decor.

Top 3 Granite Colors We Love

Your countertop set the style and tone for the heart of your home. There are so many options, from granite to marble and quartz. Among the three, granite is a popular choice for countertops (and a favorite among the Milan Stoneworks customers too). 

Known for its durability, it comes in many different colors and patterns more than you could possibly imagine.

Selecting granite requires an eye for detail. You should consider the color of your cabinet finish, flooring, wall paint, appliances and even the lighting. It must fit your lifestyle as well. If you cook often or have a busy household, opt for a speckled medium tone color. If you want a touch of modern elegance, look for a dark, polished color for your kitchen counters.

You can also draw inspiration from Pantone's 2013 color forecast for home and interiors that include 9 new set of palettes. From there, you can imagine what countertops will look great on your next remodeling project.

For those who are looking for new countertops, you will most likely see these 3 granite favorites:

White. Clean and simple, this color is very popular with modern design that can complement almost any color scheme. It makes your space look larger and provides a very crisp, refined look. White countertops are particularly desirable in the kitchen as it brightens the area and creates a stylish contrast with light-colored cabinets. Being as light as it is, it is easy to keep clean. You can easily recognize spills and remove it at once.

Gray. This neutral color can give a contemporary look to your kitchen with the ability to emphasize other colors. It adds a sleek, fresh ambiance to any space. It can be paired with light woods and offers more variation than white.

Gold. Another neutral color, gold brings elegant warmth to any space. It can go with either light or dark cabinetry. The metallic elements in gold remain adaptive can be mixed in white, cream, black, and dark brown to create a stunning palette.

Remember, getting the ideal countertop for your kitchen or bathroom depends on perfect planning and creativity that fit into the overall aesthetic. Let Milan Stoneworks help you! We specialize in delivering exceptional stone countertops that reflect the style of each client. We can also incorporate the top color trends into your home design projects.

Call us today at 503.232.6206 so you can select the right countertop for your space - or visit our website to view our portfolio: www.MilanStoneworks.com

Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for information on countertops in line with the latest trends in decor.

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!

Granite Countertops Still Top List of Home Improvements

Despite the sputtering economy, homeowners are still investing in home remodeling projects – especially kitchen makeovers – either to make their homes more appealing to buyers or more comfortable and enjoyable while they ride out the housing slump.

And one of the most popular home improvements is, once again, granite countertops.

A recent study of 10,000 consumers, conducted by the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence, found that kitchen renovations remain at the top of the list for consumers seeking to add value to their homes.

When the study asked homeowners, “If you were changing your kitchen now and had no budget constraints, what improvement would you make?” granite countertops were among the kitchen features they coveted most.

Many consumers are tightening their belts but remain eager for granite countertops, according to Garis Distelhorst, executive vice president of the Marble Institute of America, the nation’s leading natural stone association.

“Historically, consumers recognize that granite countertops enhance the value of a home in ways few other improvements can,” said Distelhorst. “No other countertop surface can measure up to granite in terms of practicality, timeless beauty, durability and safety. This natural stone has held its value in ways more trendy materials have not.”

Consumers continue to invest confidently in kitchen makeovers because the projects typically increase the resale value of their homes. In the last five years, kitchen remodeling projects have generally returned 80 to 85 percent of consumers’ investments, according to the “Cost versus Value Report” from Remodeling magazine.

Because kitchen renovations increase resale values, experts agree that if consumers can only afford to renovate one room in their homes, it should be the kitchen. In fact, an all-new kitchen “that looks great and is fun to work in” was the top priority of 2,200 home enthusiasts surveyed recently by Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

“What we’ve discovered is that the home continues to be our emotional center and the sweet spot of everyday life,” said Gayle Butler, Better Home’s editor in chief. “Economic uncertainty aside, we won’t stop spending, improving and dreaming.”

Contact Milan Stoneworks today for a free consultation on your next project:
503.232.6206 or www.milanstoneworks.com