Tips For Cleaning Your Granite Countertop

                              

Many homeowners don’t realize that cleaning a granite countertop properly is crucial to keep it germ-free and safe. According to a survey, 33% of homeowners use common all-purpose cleaner on their countertop while 28% use disinfecting wipes. Surprisingly, 19% use a glass cleaner for their natural stone.

To keep your granite in tip-top shape, follow these tips:

• Household cleaners, such as glass cleaners, could affect the sealant and put granite surfaces at risk of getting stained. If you are using general cleaners, you might start to notice the difference in the look and feel of natural stone.

• Experts recommend cleaning natural stone surfaces with a cleaner that’s formulated to wipe away stains without jeopardizing the protective seal.

• If you’ve spilled something on the counter, remove it as soon as possible. Use a soft sponge, a nylon brush, or other non-abrasive material. Spray the surface with a granite cleaner then wipe it with a clean cloth.

• Natural stone like granite can be very porous. It is important to seal your natural stone countertop with a sealer that helps repel spills on the surface, allowing time to wipe everything before penetrating your granite counter.

How do you keep your kitchen countertop clean? Let us know in the comments below!

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!

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.

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.

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

Building Your Own Private Island In The Kitchen - Milan Stoneoworks

Islands are the hub of family and social life as the “go to” spot for food prep, appetizers, and homework alike.

Recently, Milan Stoneworks was called upon by this family that outgrew their starter home in Happy Valley and moved to a larger home that would accommodate their three young children that are always on the go.

The homeowners wanted to engage the family while preparing meals - and what better way to do so but around an island...

Before

From start to finish this kitchen was template, fabricated and installed in 10 working days.  

During

Their granite was Persian Pearl from vendor Pental.

During - In Milan Stonework's Shop

The homeowners also painted their cabinets
 

They installed two, yes two dishwashers for
their family of 5!

Looking at starting a kitchen remodel of your own? Ask us to view samples. We can also show you how we've used granite in projects with other customers so you can get ideas on the possibilities! 

503.232.6206 or www.milanstoneworks.com