Delivering Stylish Shower Drains

06/13/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Choosing certain plumbing hardware, like a shower drain, can sometimes be challenging when designing a bathroom or kitchen remodel.  I love that California Faucets has come out with a new, simple yet stylish bath set, making it helpful in giving our clients even more options.

The Craftsman and Mission StyleDrain lines, suitable for traditional and modern bath settings, feature grilles with no visible screws, while their square shape makes them easy to cut around and install. The Craftsman models showcase modernist angles and strong lines; the Mission style (shown), which is available in two contemporary and two Art Deco models, shows off symmetrical rows of squares that combine to create a classic style.

These bath sets are simple but deliver the look that many Phoenix residents long for in their home.  Bathroom remodels are fun to design and getting to incorporate these types of styles is what really makes our job fun!
Add Comment
 

A Great Kitchen & Bath Material: Solid Surfacing

04/25/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Formica Group has recently released a new product called Solid Surfacing that features APC-78 resin that blends two materials, acrylic and polyester, to make a sturdy and formable solid surface product.  

This counter top is for interior designs, where a surface is required to be heat and stain resistant.  It also is perfect for kitchen and bathroom remodels in keeping harmful germs away for these areas of the home. 

Solid Surfacing is a great decorative and durable choice in a home remodel.  Take a look at this great product and others that Formica Group offers.
Add Comment
 

Simple Touch or Hands-Free Faucet

04/22/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Delta Faucets has recently introduced a new collection of bathroom faucets featuring a Touch 2Oxt™ Technology.  The faucet can be activated by a simple tap or touch, making it much easier to turn off water flow with messy hands or between tasks so water is conserved. The sleek design is attractive but the way this faucet functions is what sets it apart for sure.
Picture
In addition to this new technology feature Delta has incorporated another design with Touch 2Oxt Technology that enables you to activate the spout when it senses you near the spout OR letting you turn the water on and off with a simple tap anywhere on the spout or handle.

This new technology is being introduced into home bathroom remodels instead of just for commercial end use.  They are a great way to conserve water and save you money.  For more information on these faucets take a look at Delta's website.
Add Comment
 

Top Remodeling Trends for 2011

01/02/2011

0 Comments

 
Now that the new year has arrived, I thought it would be a good time to share my views on the top remodeling trends for 2011. This year has been challenging for homeowners and remodelers alike. The good news is that although progress is slow, remodelers across the valley say that things are looking up.

Homeowners are looking to the New Year with a renewed sense of optimism about remodeling their homes. Home prices have stabilized and the economy is moving in a more positive direction. Astute remodeling contractors have found ways to lower their overhead and pricing to be competitive during the recession.  Many people think that 2011 will the best time we have seen in years to remodel a home.

The number one trend in 2011 remodeling will be expanded use of creativity by homeowners and remodelers as a team. The use of design build remodelers will continue to expand due to their holistic approach to balancing both design and budget
Picture
The focus will be on creative use of existing space and moderate sized additions. The use of color as a way to define space and bring out architectural features will continue to gain popularity. Kitchens will be made over to be brighter, open and less formal. Granite and quartz continue to be the countertops of choice, but soapstone is emerging as a unique alternative for an earthier feel in a solid surface countertop. Many kitchen and bathroom remodels will include cost effective techniques to recycle or renovate features rather than replacing everything.

Formal spaces in the home will be repurposed by opening up existing walls and creating more usable family centered space. Many people will find that their home can take on a whole new feel and function by reorganizing the seldom used formal open floor plan, living and dining rooms. 

Master suites and bathrooms will also be designed around how we live our lives, with less focus on over the top extravagance.  By focusing more on function and reasonable scale over flash, home remodels will have the feel and features we want without unsustainable budgets.

Integrating home energy performance improvements with various types of remodeling projects will continue to grow in popularity due to their positive return on investment. Homeowners are discovering that advances in building science have illustrated that there are numerous cost effective adjustments that can be made to their homes during a remodel.  These adjustments and repairs will improve their energy bills and make their homes more comfortable at the same time.

An excellent resource for perspective on remodeling in 2011 can be found in Sarah Susanka's book "Not So Big Remodeling. Sara is an Architect and bestselling author. She has been a proponent of designing and building living space that is more in line with how we live our lives. Her earlier book on home building "The Not So Big House" has led the trend away from building homes that are built for show instead of function.

Her longstanding focus on remodeling better instead of bigger will be the perfect homeowner perspective for 2011 for homeowners in Phoenix AZ and the surrounding communities of Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Sun City, Glendale and Peoria Arizona.

Add Comment