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.

What You Need to Know Before Using Marble in Your Kitchen

Marble is a classic, versatile choice for countertops, but there a few things you need to know before using marble in your kitchen. 

Some people prefer this high-maintenance beauty as it adds character and charm to any kitchen; others skimp on this surface because it is quite soft and porous and can easily be stained and scratched. To make sure if it is the best choice for your home and lifestyle, read on. Having the right expectations from the beginning means greater satisfaction and absolutely makes a difference. Here are a few things you need to know before choosing marble:

Interesting Facts about Marble

Marble is a metamorphic stone that’s created by the physical or chemical alteration of sedimentary carbonate rocks into a denser form through pressure and heat. The resulting rock has a crystalline nature and can be polished to perfection. Notice the veins of minerals deposits having patterns – it’s the reason why no two slabs are exactly alike. While it is prone to staining, marble is heat resistant, strong, and doesn't chip or dent.

More reasons to love marble countertops

Marble countertop brings a sophisticated touch to your kitchen. Most homeowners are attracted to the wide range of natural colorations. It comes in hues of white, gray, black, pink, yellow, and subtle patterns to suit all kitchen styles.

Because it mixes well with different materials, such as stainless, tile, and wood, white marble remains a popular choice for kitchen countertops. Another reason is that etching is less visible on white marble than on darker colors.

It is important to note that marble finishes affect the look and performance of the countertop. For an instance, a leather finish works great with dark marbles as the texturing can effectively hide fingerprints and other imperfections. For a casual look, you can never go wrong with a honed finish. If you want to bring out the details, such as veining and character, go for a polished marble.

How to Shop for Marble Countertops

Selecting marble needs preparation and research. First, know your size specifications. Most slabs are .75 to 1.25-inches thick and for those who want a wider counter, laminating the edge is recommended. There are a lot of colors and patterns to choose from so make sure you do your research and take in all the local options. Because slabs aren’t affixed with price tags, ask the representative about how the pricing works. This will help narrow your search and get the right materials that suit your budget.

Want to add a layer of elegance to your kitchen? Our team of experienced stone-craftsmen ensure that you receive complete satisfaction through the entire installation process, which we back with a 1-year product guarantee. Give Milan Stoneworks a call today for a free estimate on marble countertops.

Routine Care of Your Kitchen Countertop

Investing in a quality countertop and taking routine care can preserve the look and feel of the surface. 

Although there are materials that can withstand wear and tear from daily use, it can be easily damaged if durability doesn’t match closely with the aesthetic appeal. To avoid damaging your counter, consider these preventive steps so you can enjoy an attractive surface that looks fresh for years to come.

Keep it dry. Hard water marks can make the surface dull and the finish to appear blotchy and uneven. To prevent this, it is important to wipe the counter completely dry immediately after spills and cleaning.

Clean up spills. For most residues, all you need is warm soapy water or commercially available cleaners. Do not use strong chemicals and abrasive cleaning pads to clean the surface. Moreover, you can wipe the surface with diluted household bleach to disinfect the counter and sink. In order to safely remove food, gum, dried paint, or other adhered materials, scrape it off with a plastic putty knife at a 45 degree angle. Then use a damp cloth to remove any residual dirt.

Prevent heat damage. For most of the countertop, it is important to minimize direct heat exposure to protect the surface. Use coasters under hot drinks and heat trivets/pads when placing hot pots and pans on the counter. Always use a trivet under the oven toaster and other portable heat-generating appliances.

Prevent other damages. Use a cutting board when preparing food. You should also avoid sitting or standing on top of the counter as the added weight could be damaging.

Seal to increase durability. Natural stone is porous and may easily absorb food spills or hard water deposits. A sealer is recommended to keep stains from affecting the countertop. If you have a granite countertop, it must be sealed every six months or at least once a year. To find out if your sealant is effective, spill water on a small area. If the water starts to seep into the granite and made the surface appear darker, it’s time to reseal.

Repair damages. Sometimes accidents happen. For minor damages, you can purchase a repair kit and replacement that match the color of your countertop from a local home improvement store. Follow the instructions written in the manual. Be sure to wear protective gear, such as gloves and mask while you work to avoid contact with the chemical. If home repairs are beyond your DIY prowess, consider calling a professional.

With proper care, your countertop can stay looking good as new. To know more tips for cleaning your countertop, click here.

Six Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Bathroom Countertop

When choosing a bathroom countertop, you want something that’s not only stylish but functional as well. Knowing how you are going to use your bathroom will help you narrow down your choices and decide on what’s best for your needs.

Before making any remodeling plans, consider the following six questions to ask when choosing your bathroom countertop, to help you infuse your bathroom with character and convenience:

1. What are your bathroom requirements?

Consider how the space will be used. Are you planning a powder room, master bath, or one for everyday family use? Think about all the toiletries you and your family use there. A good bathroom countertop is the one that fits your lifestyle.

2. How will you use your countertop?

More traffic In the bathroom means more mess. Do you have children in the household? A good choice for this situation is getting a durable and easy-to-maintain surface.

3. How much maintenance can you handle?

Having kids and teenagers at home usually means that your countertop needs cleaning more often. In this case, less delicate surface makes sense.

4. What’s your budget?

The cost of a bathroom countertop varies widely – you’ll pay more for custom counters than for a vanity. Keep in mind that a good bathroom counter, if maintained properly, will last for many years to come. It’s smarter to determine your ideal material and find one that you can afford.  

5. Is the upgrade for your home or your next home buyer?

Go with what you really want if the countertop is for you. If you're upgrading to sell your home, keep practicality in mind while not compromising the quality and appearance.

6. What materials speak to you?

In any aspect of remodeling, aesthetics can’t be ignored. But you shouldn’t decide based on beauty alone. Take the time to look around. You should get something that’s non-porous and doesn’t stain easily. Quartz and cultured marble are all good options. If you want to add some “green” to your bath design, choose recycled-content surfaces or these eco-friendly alternatives.

Answering these questions while you’re in the planning zone can help simplify the process and find the materials that work best for your space.

When it comes to bathroom renovation, we can custom make and fit the countertop to meet your needs. Contact us today at 503.232.620 or visit www.milanstoneworks.com for a free estimate.

How to Set Up a Stylish Home Bar

Whether you are a true wine connoisseur, a beginner at entertaining or love hosting holiday parties, a home bar is great to have. If you are creating your bar from scratch or adding on to an existing space, these tips on how to set up a stylish home bar will help you get started with stocking up your vintage wines:

Plan everything. When designing your own home bar, let your personal taste be your guide. Feel free to dream up the details. Your bar may have a simple countertop with cabinet or racks, or a sophisticated wood bar with glass racks. View sample designs on the internet and catalogues and select appropriate home fixtures.

Consider your budget. Just like in any home remodeling project, consider your budget. It is important to choose a realistic design while keeping practicality in mind. Once you decide on how much money you’re going to spend, you will be able get the supplies needed to establish your own wine bar.

Choose a location. One of the most important aspects in designing a wine bar is the location. Many people want to set up their home bars in the basement or recreation rooms where they have enough space to entertain guests. Other factors to consider are power sources and plumbing.

Determine the size, layout, types of equipment, and storage space. The standard dimensions for home bars are approximately 42 inches tall and 24 inches deep. Be sure the bar top is tall enough for you to comfortably sit on the barstools. The most common bar structures are L-shaped, straight, and round shape. Determine if you have the space for the basic equipment and ample storage for your wine collection.

Call a professional. If you're ready to start with your remodeling project, hiring a contractor can help keep your vision on track and on budget.

If you’ve tasted the good life, a home bar will make it better! It’s the perfect way to appreciate fine wine at home. Call Milan Stoneworks today and let’s talk about your remodeling project!

Brick Kitchen: An Increasingly Popular Trend

When you hear the word “brick,” you probably think about perimeter walls or accents in the ground floor! Actually, an intricate brickwork is full of special details that make you feel like you’re in an urban loft. A brick kitchen brings a wonderful historic look and warms up a kitchen.

In fact, brick homes are common in Texas because the material can be found locally and can withstand harsh climate. It is utilized in the kitchen and seen elsewhere on the house, creating a connection between the exterior and interior architecture.

Whether you want to come up with a beautiful wall surface, flooring, ceiling, simple attractive border or a featured backsplash, bricks can serve as a decorative element. Take a look at these lovely spaces and discover a perfect way to add character to your kitchen.

Vintage

If you have a kitchen with brick walls, you can add other vintage touches such as old fashioned pots and pans and artwork.. You can also paint wood floors or refinish reclaimed ones. To add a complete Colonial feel, use your brick fireplace as a focal point.

Country Style

For those of you who love a country style interior, you can make your kitchen adapt a farmhouse look with painted cabinets, dark wood floors, and rustic furnishings. Incorporate brick to other areas, such as your backsplash or flooring for a touch of warm, nostalgic elegance.  

Traditional

Those who are in the traditional side can also use brick to make a small space accentuate its amazing side. Consider adding earthy hues for a homey feel and picking a theme so you can match all the accents in the entire room. For instance, you can use chairs covered in patterned seat cushions to bring out a shabby chic style.

Modern & Contemporary

Brick walls are not limited to traditional looks; an old brick texture enhances a modern kitchen. Mix warm and cool tones, go for a minimalist theme, or use bold colors for an artistic interior.  In a contemporary home, brick accent walls help define the kitchen from the other room spaces in the open plan.

What do you say about using bricks in your walls, flooring, or backsplash? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. 

Got questions? Call 503.232.6206 or visit www.milanstoneworks.com today and let’s bring your kitchen back to life!