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Posts Tagged ‘Bar’

Caring for Stone and Tile Countertops

by admin, 3:33 PM on September 8th, 2011, Comments Off

Stone and tile kitchen and bath countertops will last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Different surfaces require different cleaning approaches.  Here are a few tips for both everyday and heavy-duty cleaning of your stone or tile countertops.

Note: Always check labels on the cleaning product you are thinking of using and test an inconspicuous area first to see what effects, if any, your cleaning process will have.  Both stone and tile can be damaged by poor choices in cleaning products.

Stone:

Immediately wipe up spills!  Some more porous stone products can stain if spills are not removed quickly.

Use pH balanced cleaners and soap for daily cleaning. Mild dishwashing liquid can work well on stone surfaces.  Avoid acidic cleaners that can etch or remove polished surfaces on marble, travertine and sandstone.

Wipe surfaces with a dry towel to remove streaks.

On honed (smooth but not polished) or slate (rough) finish stones, a good scrubbing is required more often.  The texture of the product holds dirt and food particles more securely to the surface.

Tile:

Immediately wipe up spills. Tile grout can stain quickly.

Prior to deep cleaning tile grout, wipe the tiles and grout with a rag to remove any surface debris or moisture.

Spray grout cleaner or all-purpose cleaner with bleach on the grout. Allow the cleaner to sit for several minutes. Then scrub the grout with a grout brush or very stiff scrub brush.

For stubborn stains, apply a solution of ¼-cup bleach and 1 quart warm water. Allow the solution to sit for 10 minutes, and then scrub with a grout brush.  Be sure to open your windows for ventilation.

After the grout has been successfully cleaned, use a spray bottle full of warm water to rinse off any lingering traces of your cleaning solution. Dry with a washcloth or paper towel. Be as thorough as possible – remaining moisture can lead to mold and/or mildew.

Regular care can keep your countertops looking great for years.  With the right cleaners, regular cleaning can be easy and gentle on your kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

Key Features of a Home Bar

by admin, 2:38 PM on August 18th, 2011, Comments Off

Shaken or stirred?  However you take your martini, a home bar can be one of your home’s best entertaining spaces.  With the right features even a modest bar can turn anyone into the life of the party.

Must haves

Every bar must include these features:

Glassware storage

Wine and martini glasses can hang upside from racks above the bar or underneath the bar top.  Beer and other cocktail glasses can be stored on shelves under the bar top.  Storing shelved glassware upside down will prevent dust from collecting inside the glasses.

Bottle storage

Different-sized bottles present a storage challenge.  Shelves should put any bottle within easy reach, regardless of its size.  Wine bottles with natural corks must be stored horizontally to keep the cork from drying out which can spoil the wine.  A wine rack is an important part of any bar.

Workspace

The simplest bars combine working space and serving space on the bar counter top.  More extensive bars can include a lower “bar back” counter for drink creation and condiment preparation (slicing lemons, etc.).

Utensil storage

Bartenders that create any cocktail more complex than a glass of wine or beer need space to store their tools.  Stir sticks, shakers, olive picks and those cool little umbrellas all need a space to stay when they’re not in use.  Some easily accessible drawers can keep those little accessories organized and easy to find.

Nice to haves

More extensive bars can include these features:

Seating space

Larger bars can be a great place to hang out, chat and maybe play some cards.  If you plan to include seating, make sure to include space for at least two stools with room to walk around each one comfortably.

Mini-fridge/wine cooler space

White wine and many beers are best served cold.  Even red wine tastes best at “cellar” temperatures.  A fridge or wine cooler can make those drinks easy to store properly and access quickly during parties.  If you’re a real beer fan, a beer keg refrigerator can be a great way to have suds on tap at home.  And of course, your designated drivers will appreciate fresh ice in their water or soda – so be sure to find a mini-fridge with ice-making or freezer capabilities.

Sink/Plumbing

The ultimate home bar is the wet bar.  A small sink with running water makes clean-up much more convenient.

 

Our in-house millwork department can help make your basement remodeling project into that home bar you’ve always dreamed of.  Call our design team to schedule an appointment to discuss your bartending vision.

Custom Built-in Ideas

by admin, 10:54 AM on July 21st, 2011, Comments Off

Storage is a common problem for homeowners, but with effective and clever built-in cabinets, organization can be easy. Built- can turn empty, unused space into hardworking home offices, libraries or even entertainment centers.  Built-in storage units can add hundreds of square feet to your home!

Here are just a few places where custom built-in cabinets and shelves can dramatically improve storage in your home.

Kitchen/Dining Room

A built-in china cabinet or buffet adds an elegant touch to any dining room.  A breakfast nook in the kitchen can combine a cozy seating area with efficient storage options.  These are particularly valuable in smaller, older homes.

Office/Library

Bookshelves, desks and workstations are central to a home office or library.  Custom built-in cabinets, desks and shelving create space for books, important documents and of course, computer equipment.

Family Room/Entertainment Center

Games, toys and entertainment equipment can take up a lot of space in a family room.  Helping the whole family keep these common areas organized can be a challenge.  Custom built-in entertainment centers and storage cabinets make accessing games and equipment easy.

Basement Remodeling – Have A Vision

by admin, 2:31 PM on June 29th, 2011, Comments Off

Every year, countless homeowners make plans to create something new out of old basements.  Not everyone is successful though. To avoid frustration and false starts, it’s important to have a vision.

Know What You Want

The first real step is to throw away traditional concepts of basements. A basement does not have to be a dark, dank storage area.  Done well, a lower level can be a wonderful extra space with real potential.  A basement can be a place a whole can enjoy and love to constantly visit.

Once a homeowner is resolved to create a beautiful living space, the next question is, “What kind of space do I want to add?”  Every member of the family should be involved in this conversation. Some of the common ideas for remodeling include:

  • Game room with mini bar
  • Extra bedroom or guest room with bathroom
  • Soundproof music room
  • Gym or workout room
  • Office or study area
  • Children’s playroom or activity area
  • Theater room or second living room

These are only some of the possible basement remodeling ideas homeowners have created. It’s easy to create a single themed room or to mix and match several elements for a more versatile living space. What is important is that the homeowners have a vision before beginning the project

Let Us Help

Some homeowners think remodeling can be done without hiring professionals. Throwing in a few couches and rugs is an entirely different story from reworking an entire area, though. Homeowners often encounter challenging basement problems such as low ceilings, exposed plumbing, damp walls and poor lighting.  These are aspects that we have safely and efficiently dealt with in many projects.

We can help assess the feasibility of remodeling ideas. Not all plans will fit the existing state, structure or space of a basement.  We can help make your dreams work seamlessly with your available space.

One other important role we play is to evaluate your budget. Before beginning your project, you would most likely already have an amount set aside for it.  We can help you identify the costs for your vision and help find ways to create your dream basement and stay within your budget.

Your great basement remodeling ideas don’t have to turn into nightmares. You can make an aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable space out of a dark and forgotten basement.  Let us help you create your vision for your perfect lower level.