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!

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.

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.