Tips for Designing a Laundry Room

Americans spend an average of eight hours a week in doing some loads of laundry. Usually, the laundry room is designated in an unfinished space, away from the life of the home. If you’re like most homeowners who keep a laundry room in the basement, some of the issues you deal with are about design, function, sufficient counter space, and better lighting. But you can move the setup into a versatile layout to help bring your wash-and-dry space closer to the hub, allowing you to balance your laundry task and other chores.

Whether you have a laundry room tucked away in the basement or a decked out space, there are a lot of ways in which you can improve its role in your home. The good news is that you can make any laundry room more appealing and free from clutter. Here are smart ideas for a better laundry experience:

Layout an efficient laundry room

Just like in the kitchen, the laundry room layout should provide an efficient and comfortable work space. According to professional organizer and Whirlpool laundry room designer Clare Kumar, the ideal laundry room consists of four zones: a prep area, wash-and-dry section, folding area, and finishing center. Map out a space where you can set up an ironing board with easy access to electrical outlet.

Choose durable surfaces

Consider installing a countertop over the washer and dryer to make the best use of space in the laundry room. Make sure to leave enough space for the machines to move without hitting the counter. You can install wood blocking to support the counter so it won’t be resting on the machine.

Any of the countertop surfaces that can be used in the kitchen or bath will look great in the laundry room. Countertops made of quartz, solid surface, and natural stone are all good choices. Smooth surfaces will allow you to clean up spilled detergents and fabric softeners easily and prevent snags when folding delicate fabrics.

Select a sink and faucet that fit your design

Instead of the typical plastic tub, you can opt for a stainless steel, cast iron, or enamel sink with gooseneck faucet that’s high enough to fill a bucket. A sturdy deep sink will allow you to soak large items or clean rubber boots.

Enhance your laundry room storage area

Install cabinets and shelving above the sink and appliances that can handle storage baskets and containers. This is perfect for keeping detergents and other necessities organized. You can also install cabinets under the sink or anywhere else in the room for extra storage.

Switch out a boring light

Natural light can brighten the laundry room but as with the kitchen, you need better lighting over work areas. Replace fluorescent with recessed lighting to illuminate the task at hand.

Personalize it

It’s easier to laundry a few loads if the room makes you happy to be in it. Choose a washer and dryer with smart features to help simplify the task. Try a nice backsplash or wallpaper and use lively accents as cabinet hardware. Decorate your room in a way that expresses your personality while not compromising the functionality of the room.

Ready to take your laundry room from dull to dazzling? We help design and install countertops for your remodeling projects. Visit www.milanstoneworks.com to know more about our services.

Kitchen Countertop Guide for First-Time Buyers

For first time buyers, choosing a countertop is no easy feat. There are a lot of options out there – from granite to quartz and solid surface counters. Many homeowners don’t know where to begin, but that’s what we’re here for. We will guide you in making an informed purchase and customizing your countertop to a whole new level.

• The beauty and durability of natural stone make it a popular choice for countertops. It brings true elegance to your kitchen. Whether it’s granite or marble, it can transform the look of your kitchen. Consider investing in a material that’s not only captivating but also functional.

• As you look at home design magazines and online catalogs, keep in mind that the colors you see may look different in person. Make sure to visit a showroom so you can choose countertops with confidence. Select a color that will enhance the aesthetic appeal and compliment the overall look of your kitchen.

• It’s the small details that make a kitchen unique. The edge profile of the countertop can have a huge impact on functionality. Square, beveled, mitered, bullnose and ogee are some of the most sought after choices.  

• Before you buy a new sink and faucet, figure out the perfect size for your cooking and cleaning needs. A large sink will give you more space for food prep and cleanup while smaller sink will cost less than bigger ones.  

• Each countertop material comes with specific maintenance requirements. Ask your contractor about proper cleaning and stain removal. If you need something low maintenance, choose a non-porous and stain resistant material such as quartz and solid surface. On the other hand, granite and marble may require resealing every year or two to ensure bacteria resistance and should be cleaned with a particular stone-cleaning agent.

Consider your countertop decision as a big investment. Take the time to shop around, know your options, confirm your budget and stick to it, and then make the leap.

What choices have you made? Give us a call at 503.232.6206 or visit www.milanstoneworks.com if you need further assistance in selecting materials or colors.

2014 Kitchen Trend: Open Shelving, Glass-Front Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets used to be a place to tuck away dishes and hide boxes behind solid doors. But this year, the latest kitchen trend is open shelving, according to the Zillow Digs Home Design Trend Report for 2014. If you don’t want to be left out, here are some tips from Kerrie Kelly, the principal designer and owner of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab in Sacramento.

Match your kitchen style

The glass-front cabinets aren’t just for modern spaces; they work well in any kitchen style. According to Kelly, you should focus on using only one or two materials and be creative in your installation with whatever materials you choose. Painted cabinets with glass fronts and statement knobs would look great in traditional or country-style kitchen, while sleek, flat-front cabinets will make a contemporary space stand out.

Display kitchen items

Aside from picking cabinets to match your kitchen, choose accessories and kitchenware that will go with the overall look. Since glass-front cabinets will showcase your items, Kelly suggests you curate statement pieces and let your collection grow with you and your space. Try spices, olive oil, cookbooks, and glass jars filled with oatmeal or dried fruits.

Try experimenting with DIY shelving

Updating your cabinets to match these trends could be an easy do-it-yourself project that can be done over the weekend and provides great versatility. Kelly recommends removing doors on one of your cabinets, and painting or adding wallpaper inside the open-shelf walls to create a unique touch.

Add the look elsewhere

Open shelving is not exclusive for the kitchen; you can have this throughout the entire home especially in the bathroom vanities. Kelly reminds homeowners to get creative with shelving units and try incorporating vintage pieces with sleek colors for a chic storage solution in any living space.

Would you try this out in your own kitchen? We’d love to know!

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!

Get Your Kitchen Ready for Christmas

Christmas is coming soon! This is the time of the year when life gets a lot busier. You may be thinking of potlucks and dinner parties and start to feel the giddy anticipation of hosting a festive-get together. Despite our high expectations, holiday stress often comes uninvited. But keep in mind there is a better way to make Christmas enjoyable and less stressful. The secret: plan ahead.

Your guests will be spending more time in the kitchen so it’s important to get organized and clean every nook. Here are some of the ways you can make your kitchen ready to take on guests while preventing major cleanup later.

Remove clutter from countertops. Get rid of mail, bills, and recipe books lying around. Keep paperwork off your kitchen and make sure all surfaces are sparkling clean.

Clean the microwave. Some of your guests might offer to help you warm up food. we’re pretty sure you don’t want them to see a food-splattered microwave.

Check your refrigerator. Your fridge will be opened and closed continuously and will soon be filled with heavy dishes. The door handles and gaskets should be tight, cold air vents must be clean, and lights should be working properly.

Stock your kitchen properly. If some of your guests have allergies or are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, take these into consideration and prepare dishes accordingly. Aside from alcoholic drinks, make sure to offer other beverages as well.

Create a cooking schedule. Prepping ahead of time will help you keep things organized during the holiday celebration. You can chop some of the veggies and store them properly. Potato dishes and casseroles can also be put in a baking pan ahead of time.

Disinfect trash cans. Clean them before your expected holiday party. Wash them with a garden hose and dish soap and disinfect with a cleaning spray. Keep extra trash bags, too.

Check your dishwasher. Aside from your fridge, the dishwasher will also be used a lot after the dinner party. Make sure it’s running efficiently and the drain is free of any residue. Check if there are broken glasses or lost utensils at the bottom. Remove any gunk by wiping off the rim of the door.

Get your serveware ready. Take an inventory of supplies you need - cookware, serveware, cooking oils, canned goods, and other pantry necessities. Have your knives sharpened for the honey-baked ham so you can serve it to your guests in an instant. Get your plates, utensils, and cloth napkins ready.

Take precautionary measures. Make sure everything is childproof. The kids may hang around and play. Plugs should be covered, lamps and other fragile items must be put off the table edges. Double check your smoke detector and CO2 detector batteries, and replace them if necessary. Have a fire extinguisher ready, too. Complete your first aid kit so you're always ready to respond to minor medical emergencies.

Did we miss anything in the list? Share your best holiday tips in the comments below.

From everyone at Milan Stoneworks, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. We hope you're all having a fantastic holiday!

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.