Wednesday, April 30, 2014

I CAN WALK INTO MY SHOWER WITHOUT PICKING UP MY FEET!


This is a revelation that is becoming increasingly popular. A lot of people are choosing to go with walk in showers over tubs, which used to be the popular trend in the 80s. Showers are getting a lot more attention and are actually becoming focal points in bathrooms. Today's blog will talk about the different trends we see today in people's showers.
 
How Can I Have A Shower With No Doors?
We are seeing a lot of showers that don't have any doors. But how can we have showers with no door? They are now being designed as frameless glass showers that don't have a door, where you can walk right in. These are sometimes also called a 'wet room' and have to be designed to handle water. This is popular for the look of a seamless design where the glass shower is almost non-existent but also for it's universal design. As people age, it gets harder for them to get in and out of bathtubs. With walk in showers, they can walk right in with no barriers or they can wheel themselves in if they are in a wheelchair.
 
I Can Control My Shower Using Technology?
With technology increasing the way it has, it's no wonder we can control our shower settings with technology. But sometimes it's hard to wrap our heads around the fact that technology has increased so much that we can incorporate them into our bathrooms. You can control water temperature and water pressure which is very handy, especially if there's other things running like the dishwasher or the washing machine. There's also a unit that has lights flash when the hot water is about to run out.

 
It Can Rain In My Shower?
Yes, it can with the new shower rainhead! A lot of people are liking this option due to the fact that it has different settings where you can control how the water comes out and you get more water coverage. You can get big rain drops, a jet message or an intense downpour-take your pick!
 
 
I Can Sing In The Shower?
Not a problem when you have a music system in your shower. You have speakers right there in your shower with the Kohler Soundtile. You can also get a good water show by incorporating Chromathereapy in your shower. This is a ceiling panel which has body sprays and is lighted. You can have solid colors or a preset color show.


 
Showers have come a long way and are continually increasing. There are many different features that can be added in showers and make it more of a retreat that you won't want to leave.
 
 
 

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

KITCHEN ISLAND TRENDS

Islands are becoming increasingly popular in kitchens today. They are very versatile and can be used for many things ranging from dining space to a cooking center. In this blog, I will talk about the many different trends in kitchen islands.

1. The Basic Built In

includes cabinets and countertop
provides extra storage space and counter space
this type of island can be accessed from all four sides
can add interest by using different colored cabinets and countertop




2. The Table as an Island

a way to create an original kitchen
is moveable and can be used as moveable work station
using antique tables work well in this application




3. The Two-Tier Island

adds dimension and visual interest
when in other areas of house, the second tier helps hide work station
second tier should stand at 42" so bar stools should be 30" high


 

4. The Cooking Center

while cooking, it helps keep visual open when there's kids or guests
allow 9" of counter space behind cooktop
hood options can include sleek hood for focal point of downdraft ventilation stystem




5. The Entertainment Hub

guests can gather around the island
can include a beverage center or wine refrigorator, bar sink and can be used as buffet
if back side is not used for seating, use different design elements to help flow between rooms




6. The Butcher-Block Island

usually come as stand-alone work stations or carts with butcher-block countertops
another option is attaching a butcher-block surface into the countertop
materials used include maple, walnut, cherry and teak woods




7. The Clean up Station

both sink and dishwasher is located on island
trips to and from dining table can be shorter




8. The Three Level

solves height problem, if there is drastic height difference
gives the table-height option to eat
the top level will typically be 42", good place for microwave or warming drawer




9. The Irregular Shape

a triangular island gives a better walkway and provides storage and work space
a semi-circle or half a hexagon create a 'command central'
can be a focal point



All Pictures and Information came from www.kitchen.com
Directions: Home>Design>Layouts>Kitchen Island