10/24/2020 0 Comments Encaustic Tile Encaustic tiles are ceramic tiles in which the pattern or figure on the surface is not a product of the glaze but of different colors of clay. They are usually of two colors but a tile may be composed of as many as six. They're used to create endless pattern options for interesting and dramatic effect. Over the past couple of years they have become more and more popular addition to any design preference. Add them to a backsplash or shower niche or tile a whole wall for an accent. And we have plenty to choose from!
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9/19/2020 1 Comment Why all the soffit ?You know the awkward box protruding from the ceiling usually above vanities, cabinets and above tubs/showers.. What's it doing there ? It's been sprinkled into rooms for decades but they seem really prominent from the 90's to early 2000's. Sure there are uses some of the time, for hiding duct work for example. However for the most part, especially in bathrooms they are usually empty. So my advice, add some height and roominess to your space and remove the soffit.
5/10/2020 0 Comments Earth tones and color trendsBehr's color of the year "Back to nature" (above photo) is just one of many earthy tones taking center stage recently. Soothing greens remind me of windswept fields, and taupe of forest mushrooms. Our homes provide serenity from our troubles and whom better to comfort us than mother nature. As for the lovers of gray, fear not. Grays will continue to be a popular neutral choice, and I've been enjoying finding colors for our projects on the fringes of both spectrum's with grey/green colors. .There's room for those looking for a real adventure too, Sherwin's color of the year is "naval". Deep blue's are paired best as an accent or with plenty of light colors to balance it out.
You want your remodel to be an investment. A "one-day" makeover should be considered with wary reservations. Yes, remodeling can be a dirty disruption to your home but the rewards can enjoyed for years. Kitchens and baths have a design life that max out around 15 years, but I'd consider the sweet spot for when you're ready for something new to be around 10 years. Of course you could also play the long game and wait 40 years for your designs to come back into style :) . Our baths take about 2 weeks to complete. This provides enough time to ensure every aspect of functionality and design has been accounted for. Two weeks of construction can seem like a nuisance, but consider 10 years of peace of mind. Now if anyone could point me towards a vehicle that doesn't need maintenance for 10 yrs..
Though ceramic and porcelain are often used interchangeably there are a few significant differences. Most importantly and what truly differentiates one from another is water absorption. Porcelain tile has a denser composition and has been fired at hire temperatures for longer times than ceramic. This manufacturing process promotes a much lower absorption rate than ceramic, which leads porcelain tile to have an absorption rate less than 0.5% while ceramic usually has around 20%! Though we always completely waterproof behind tile I still prefer as much water heading directly to the drain as possible.
A rectified tile means it has been cut to size after it has been fired. During the baking process the clay used in the tile can shrink changing it's shape and size. If it is cut after the baking process the size variation should be less than 1.5%. So if you like the contemporary look of crisp lines and tight grout joints this is definitely the tile you should be seeking. 7/13/2019 0 Comments StorageI'm not strict but I'm definitely on the minimalist side of the spectrum, but let's face it we all have stuff that needs a home. Tucking shelves into walls to create a niche adds depth and function to small spaces. Shower niches are common but less common are when they are located near a vanity. This is a great way to free up counter clutter while still leaving necessities readily accessible. The classic medicine cabinet is always an option. Though sometimes could have a dated feel the a lighted recessed cabinet like the veranda by Kohler adds an element of modernism. Linen cabinets are great if you have the space. Even if you're limited on space, adding glass inlayed doors is a decorative way to add beauty to your storage needs.
4/28/2019 0 Comments Vanity StylesFurniture vanities typically have recessed door and drawer fronts with an open toe kick area. They are best served to compliment a classic style. I also like them for small spaces. The added details bring more life to a small footprint like the 30" gray vanity pictured above. Wall mount vanities are usually reserved for more modern/ contemporary designs. You loose a little storage space but it is a sleek minimalist look. A side note: it doesn't hurt that it's a little easier to clean when there are less corners to work around. This white vanity above really sums up all the possibilities of standard modular cabinets. Even the classic white cabinets with full overlay doors can look stunning with depth changes, glass inlay doors, and crown molding. The possibilities are really endless, you can choose exactly how many doors and drawers you would like as well as having a whole spectrum of colors to choose from. Not to mention hundreds of door designs. Another example of traditional modular cabinets. Inlay-ed doors, painted in Maritime with a toe kick valance.
4/14/2019 0 Comments Removing WallsWhenever I'm provided a practical opportunity I like to remove walls and soffit. Once the wall comes down you'll wonder why it was ever added in the first place. I especially dislike soffit over vanities, providing they are not hiding plumbing or venting. Often in bathrooms we are working with limited space and adding visual space is always rewarding. The bathroom below had an alcove shower as well as a soffit/ shower cap. The only relaxation this shower provided was when you could exit your sarcophagus afterwards. Not only did the shower become roomier but removing the wall opened up the whole floor plan This next bath we removed a shower wall which also allowed us to use a freestanding bathtub. Total transformation. This same bathroom also had a soffit over the vanity. The tall linen cabinet does restrict the view slightly but it's hard not to enjoy all that storage and it also plays a roll in removing the toilet from the center of attention. So if you find yourself showering in a sarcophagus we can help.
4/7/2019 0 Comments Design IdeasBe Unique! Ultimately your design is wholly yours, that's part of the fun! I've had clients that love a certain look/colors and the very next client could despise the very same ideas. I'll always stick to my guns and suggest that you choose design elements that make your heart sing. When you start the search for design ideas and material elements there will be moments that make you flutter. Those are what I like to work around. They could be totally different from someone else's but like I said that's part of the fun! Personally I love wood plank showers. It gives me a warm natural feel. Imagine being caught in a summer rain in the forest! You could have that every morning. But hey that's just me. With the white walls and vanity this whole bath has a warm airy feel. Which is sometimes needed especially if there are no windows in the room. This shower takes the natural look a couple steps further with teak benches and a stone mosaic floor. The linear drain is slim and neat so it doesn't take away from the experience Straying slightly from the rustic look this tile resembles Brazilian cherry wood. The high polished tile brings sophistication to this contemporary bath.
But Hey that's just me. What design ideas do you have ? 3/31/2019 1 Comment Lighting IdeasMy favorite addition to a bathroom remodel is adding layers of light. Pendant lights over a vanity adds visual interest. As well as looking great they help with vanity tasks by providing a more direct light to the face which reduces shadow lines. Adding indirect lighting is another great way to add visual interest. Removing the toekick and adding LED lights can transform a basic vanity to modern luxury. I also like adding up lights to crown moulding. Indirect lights can also act as a soft light for those late night trips to the bathroom. Most often used second layer of light would be adding recessed lighting. Evenly distributed throughout the room to provide general room lighting. When you're thinking of remodeling don't forget the lighting. No matter if your style ranges from rustic to contemporary adding layers of light is always the way to go. Subtle details and unique touches can transform your space into a work of art that is just for you. PhilBlogging is new to me. This is my first with more to come. I'm always excited for new ideas and creating them in your home is even better. |
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