7 Stylish Sinks for a Beautiful Kitchen

Gone are the days when homeowners had only two choices for a kitchen sink. With so many options to choose from – single bowls to multiple bowls of different shapes and sizes - finding your ideal sink these days can become overwhelming.

The kitchen is the heart of your home but if your heart demands for stylish trends, you should focus on both style and functionality. Knowing all your options will help you determine which style, color, and material is best for your kitchen worktop.

So how do you become a smart sink shopper? This guide will help you get over that ‘sinking’ feeling so you can enjoy a classy yet very practical sink that’s sure to turn your kitchen into your very own oasis.

Single Bowl. This type of basin usually comes in compact sizes, making them ideal for those who have limited spaces and use a lot of large pots and pans. It allows the flexibility of washing larger items with ease and is commonly seen as a bar sink or a second sink on the kitchen island.

Double Bowl. You can select two equally-sized bowls of the same size or one can be larger than the other. The right setup depends on what you do in the kitchen and this particular type will allow more than one person to be at the sink. It is very versatile, for example, you can wash or dry the dishes on one side while doing food preparation on the other side.

Farmhouse/apron. Apron sinks usually have one large bowl and exposed front panel but they are also available in single or double basin variety. The unique design works best in a country style décor and may need custom cabinetry.

Top mount. A top-mount sink is designed to be installed on top of a countertop. This means that a portion of the sink called the lip, overlaps the countertop to give a covered edge. This type of sink is cost-effective since it requires less labor to install and at the same time, it offers wiggle room for under-sink storage. Regular cleaning is important as the lip is exposed atop and crevices may trap dirt and debris.

Undermount. Unlike a top mount sink, undermount sinks don’t have crevices and grooves where debris can accumulate. You can easily wipe straight into the sink. While it provides a clean, modern look, one drawback is the cost. Undermount models usually require more work to install, for an instance; you’ll need to cut holes into your countertop as they are not designed with space for faucets and attachments.

Custom. Get creative when designing your kitchen. If you want a counter in front of a floor-to-ceiling window, opt for a floating sink. The latest sink models are available in different shapes allowing you to design your own picture perfect sink.

Fully integrated. A sink connected directly to your countertop will blend seamlessly into your kitchen design. These sinks are easy to care with no lip to trap dirt. However, some materials can be pretty expensive. These can be done with Quartz Engineered sinks, solid surface, and stainless steel.

Did you love these innovative designs? Tell us which style works best for you!

Kitchen Island Designs for Small Spaces

If your kitchen isn’t huge enough and you want to maximize your cooking prep area and storage, a small island can be a functional and beautiful solution. It has become the most sought-after element in every kitchen.

When fitting an island into a small kitchen, you’ll want to consider the shape and design, access of pets and children, and what you want to store and display in that space. For example, you can add a small prep sink into the island without having to disturb someone else working at the stove. Maybe you want it equipped with under-the-counter appliances. 

Picking a small island also means you can be daring with your choice of material or color. These gorgeous kitchen ideas will help you find the perfect fit:

• Consider a square island if it suits your space. A great idea will be to integrate a mix of small and large drawers, an open shelf for storing larger items like platters, or baskets for storing root vegetables. 

• You can add a nice piece of cabinetry with beautifully executed corner posts and a furniture-style toe kick to store a microwave or a mini fridge underneath. 

• Add a towel bar or some hooks to one side and maximize its usefulness.

• This is a simple yet very effective way to organize your stuff in the kitchen. 

• Opt for a handy cabinet with drawers where you can keep cookbooks and other food-related items. You could also look for square cubbies that serve as storage for fruits or wine bottles. 

• Add seats with appropriate height to create a modern look. Allow at least 2 feet of width per chair for comfortable seating. 

• Aside from the standard shape, you can also try something different, for example, opt for a charming little round island instead of the traditional rectangle or square. 

Got any ideas on how to utilize an open space in the kitchen? Leave your comments below.

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.

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.

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.