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!

6 Kitchen Remodeling Myths

When it comes to kitchen renovation, good planning has never been more important. Learning the design basics and other details as well as these 6 kitchen remodeling myths, will ensure you’re on the right track.

You may be thinking of revamping your kitchen or doing some minor upgrades. Either way, you should stop clinging into unrealistic expectations. It’s time to debunk a few myths and start gaining remodeling wisdom:

Myth #1: Last-minute changes won’t affect the planning process

Some people fail to anticipate any possible additions, such as appliances and lighting fixtures. Do you want to have a flat screen TV in your kitchen? Consider electrical and cable lines that will be installed. Or you might soon need more outlets on your counter or island. Designers agree that it is best to add features during, not after, the renovation.  

Myth #2: Kitchen renovation is expensive

Although a kitchen renovation is such a huge investment, you don’t have to break the bank. Create a budget you can stick with and focus on spending it on the essentials.

Myth #3: Bigger is always better

When designing a kitchen, we encourage our clients to choose quality over quantity, especially if you are on a budget. While a huge kitchen looks great, it will be difficult for you to clean or prep if appliances are too far apart. Just imagine having to walk endlessly from one work zone to another! If you want a more enjoyable and entertaining space, go for an efficient kitchen.

Myth #4: You can make it fit

Sometimes you are too preoccupied with designing your kitchen and you tend to forget the physical limitations. For an instance, a small kitchen can’t accommodate an island or appliances that occupy a lot of space. Be sure to pay particular attention to the aisle width (42-48 inches).

Myth #5: Style over functionality

In a perfect world, your kitchen only has beautiful features. But in reality, you will have to deal with clutter. Most of us don’t own items that match with the entire kitchen design so if you have a crowded pantry, try organizing it instead of switching to a butler area or adding a glass-front cabinet. Be sure to have adequate storage and achieve a balance between function and style.

Myth #6: “It will work for my kitchen, too.”

There are so many design ideas today and it’s very tempting to follow the latest trends. But don’t get carried away if you see a kitchen showroom or someone else’s home. Consider the style, functionality, and your lifestyle. A kitchen that looks beautiful and works beautifully for the way you live will add value to your home.  

Myth #7: “I don’t need a designer.”

While simple upgrades don’t require a designer, most of the renovations need someone to help you look at the big picture and oversee the project. This includes coordination of the architect and contractor. Hiring experts can save your sanity by keeping your remodeling project under the budget.

Let’s make your dream kitchen a reality! Call 503.232.6206 or visit www.milanstoneworks.com today.

Design Basics to Help You Create the Perfect Kitchen Island

For most people, designing a kitchen can be a challenge – and figuring out how to make every piece functional, including the island can be confusing.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all measurement for a kitchen island, these tips can help you in planning your home improvement project:

• Decide on the main function of your island. Most homeowners use this space for cooking, prep work, cleaning, or eating. If it will be used to entertain guests or just for casual meals, seating should not be overlooked. Determining its functionality is also important in picking storage solutions and appliances later on.

• Make a list of everything you want to integrate into your island. If you prefer having a sink and appliances in your island, you’ll need more space. Or let’s say you want a cooktop installed. You’ll also have to consider where to place the exhaust vent or hood. Because the space in a kitchen island is limited, get at least your top priority features.

• The amount of storage you need depends on your kitchen layout. If the design includes enough cabinetry, you can skip making your island as storage. Rather, it can serve as your main prep area where you can place other appliances, cutlery, and cutting boards.

• Your island should fit perfectly into your kitchen – not too big, nor too small for your needs. Usually a 3 feet wide island will serve you well but you can extend up to 7 feet to accommodate large appliances.

• The counter should be in a comfortable height. You can design it in two levels – with the dining side higher and prep area lower.

• The island should complement your kitchen layout and complete the work triangle. If you want more than just a working kitchen, consider hiring a designer or architect.

Call Milan Stoneworks today for your next remodeling project. When it comes to your kitchen island, we can help you in identifying your needs and turning those details into an efficient plan that suits your lifestyle.