Ways to Escape Without Ever Leaving Home

There are good days and then there are the get-me-outta-here-NOW days.   If you’re approaching the point where escape not only sounds good, it sounds like the only way to refrain from screaming and scaring the hell out of your coworkers, we have some home product ideas to help you relax and reset.  (Of course, if your coworkers are the source of your angst, you might want to seek alternate employment.  Life is just way too short for that.)  And, while these aren’t immediate fixes (after all, they do take time to implement), maybe just thinking of them will help in the meantime. 

Whirlpool/Air Bath from Aquatic

Hydrotherapy

We’re a big fan of hydrotherapy and we think that the combination whirlpool/air baths from Aquatic are just what the doctor ordered.  Want your back massaged by shiatsu jets?  Consider it done.  Need a barrage of tiny air bubbles to work their calming magic?  These tubs have that, too, as well as an inline heater to keep your water nice and toasty.  With options for pulsating neck pillows and chromatherapy LED lighting (check out our earlier post that features other chromatherapy products), you’re well on your way to creating the perfect relaxation environment.   

Since you’re already updating your bathroom to install the whirlpool/air bath, add a gas fireplace for additional warmth and ambience.  We like this small, contemporary gas fireplace from Regency.  Why not add a bathroom audio system to pipe in some mood enhancing tunes while you’re at it?  These SoundTile speakers from Kohler integrate with any audio system to provide you with the exacting performance and quality your bathroom haven requires.

Built-in CocktailPro Station courtesy of Lynx

Get Out (Literally)

Need to escape further than your bathroom?  How about escaping to your backyard instead? 

Create the perfect oasis for chilling and grilling with an outdoor kitchen.  Fancy yourself a barbecue master?  You need this charcoal smoker from Viking to prove once and for all that you really should be on BBQ Pitmasters.  More of a beverage genius?  We think this built-in cocktail bar from Lynx could have you serving up the perfect martini in no time.  With your newfound bartending skills, you're going to need an outdoor ice machine, too.  Good thing Sub-Zero makes one that fits under the counter and holds up to 26 lbs of ice. 

So, turn off your phone, relax and enjoy your downtime.  And if you need help with getting your home outfitted with resort-like amenities, get in touch. 

Architects Cost Less Than You Think (And Far Less Than Design Mistakes)

Perhaps one of the greatest misconceptions homeowners have regarding residential construction projects is that hiring an architect or building designer is too costly.  Instead, as a cost savings, homeowners rely on their builder or remodeler to talk them through what the end result is going to look like. 

Before (Actual Photo)

If you have no imagination, this is difficult.  If you have lots of imagination and can visualize your finished project with ease, this is even more difficult: you may find that what you visualize isn’t the same as what your builder visualizes.  No one wants that disappointment. 

Maybe that specialty window you have your heart set on won’t look the way you think.  Maybe you need to remove an interior wall if you really want a kitchen island.  Not only can your architect tell you this, he can show you – and he can show you other options that might be a better fit.  Take a look at the “before” photo and proposed “after” rendering (yes, that’s really a rendering) for a project we’re currently working on.  It’s a lot easier to decide what to keep, what to change when you can see how it all works together.    

Proposed After (Rendering)

In our office, we like to joke that architects are artists who are really good at math.  They make sure your project is viable, functional and beautiful.  But what hiring an architect really affords you is a glimpse into the future – into what your finished project will actually look like before construction even begins.   For a small 

percentage of the total cost of the project, you get peace of mind: a great design and no mystery.   

If getting exactly what you want is important to you, make sure you design, then build.   Contact us:  our on-staff design team can help you make your project look just the way you want.

Selecting Surfaces: Zen and the Art of Countertop Maintenance

Before you set off to specify which countertops you want in your new kitchen or bathroom, make sure you know the basics about maintenance. Knowing your tolerance for upkeep may refocus your options. But, once maintenance is addressed, it’s time to find your inner artist. Here, we have selected the three surfaces we most commonly install along with slab samples inspired by some of our favorite artists.

50+ Shades of Granite

While it seems that everyone and his neighbor has granite countertops these days, there was a point in the not-so-distant past that granite was über-expensive and only came in a limited color palette (so limited, in fact, that you could count the colors on one hand and have fingers leftover). My how things have changed! These days, you can find granite in a mind-blowing number of colors and patterns like the one shown here from Pental Granite & Marble.

Generally durable and heat-resistant, when it comes to maintenance, granite does take some care. Because it’s porous, it requires sealing every one to three years – a process you really don’t want to overlook. Without sealing, the microscopic cracks and fissures inherent to natural stone can absorb stains and become home to bacteria that thrive in their haute new accommodations. Another consideration: make sure your cabinets are sturdy – granite is very heavy and needs extra support. Still, it’s easy to put up with a little bit of pain to live with such beauty!

Beneath the [Solid] Surface

An engineered surface comprised primarily of acrylic, solid surface countertops – unlike granite – do not require sealing. Great at resisting microbial growth due to its lack of cracks and fissures, solid surface can be susceptible to heat and scratches (which can be buffed out) so take care with hot pots and sharp knives if you’re out for a virtually maintenance-free relationship.

In the looks department, solid surface tends to be too uniform to pass for real stone (which, in some cases, is exactly the point). However, if you’re wanting colors not found within the real stone spectrum, like Fiery Red from Hi-Macs or DuPont’s Corian® Azurite, this is the ideal surface for you.  Bold is beautiful!

Delta Quartz

Also – and, perhaps, surprisingly – an engineered product, quartz countertops are formulated with ground quartz, pigments and resins, making them non-porous like solid surface (and a great choice to keep germs at bay). More durable than granite (less likely to crack and chip), quartz never needs to be sealed; this is what you want if you’re looking for a no-maintenance countertop.

As with granite, the early days of quartz didn’t provide many choices but, thankfully, times are changing. We find that Cambria offers a nice selection of colors and textures sure to please most tastes. In fact, we have Cambria’s Bellingham installed on our very own office beverage bar.

Reached Your Zen State?

When you’re ready to design your new kitchen, let us know. We’ll help you pick the countertop that reflects your personality and lifestyle.

It’s a Beige Alert! The Case for Blue Shag Carpet

If you read enough articles on remodeling and decorating, you’ll see a recurring theme about implementing features and design aesthetics that appeal to the masses: whatever you do, make your home neutral and re-sale ready. That theme – hammered into homeowners, builders and designers alike – is all about Return on Investment. (And at times, even we are guilty of focusing on this concept to the exclusion of others.)

But unless you’re remodeling a rental property or are truly about to sell your home, that doesn’t always make sense.

Here’s why:

We asked a few people to quickly tell us about their favorite room from all the places that they’ve lived or visited. One chose a kitchen at one of his previous homes, describing it as “not very large, but it was laid-out really well and was easy to cook in – and talk to family at the same time. I never felt cut-off from conversations just because I was cooking.”

Another picked the sumptuous hotel room at the resort where she got married. “It was an island resort with lots of exotic hardwoods – the floors, furniture and even the walls were wood – only the white linens and the interesting local artwork broke it up. It was relaxing and exciting at the same time.” (Note: neutral doesn’t have to be boring!)

A third admitted, “I feel a bit like Ray from Ghostbusters when he conjured the Stay Puft marshmallow man – the only thing that pops into my mind is my childhood bedroom with royal blue shag carpet. Shocking, I know! My mother let me pick that carpet when I was four-years-old and, while by today’s standards it was absolutely hideous, it was such a happy, cheerful room. Sure, they swapped it out for beige when they went to sell that house but, for the nine years we lived there, my room was fun and uniquely mine.”

What do these answers have in common?

They picked these rooms because they made them feel something: included, relaxed, happy… We forget the uninspiring spaces that have no emotional affect on us.

So regardless of whether you’re looking for a home that’s a soothing escape from hectic everyday life or a bright and cheerful place that makes you wake up every morning feeling like you could conquer the world, dare to make your home live the way you want. Only worry about making it work for someone else when you know someone else is going to be living there.

Need help finding that perfect look between builder’s white and blue shag? Get in touch!

Bathroom Design That Glows on You

Image Courtesy of Lucedentro

Whether your style is traditional, modern or somewhere in between, there are a surprising number of glow-in-the-dark and illuminated products available to add whimsy or practicality (or both!) to your bathroom.

A simple-but-elegant way to give your bathroom glowing appeal is to utilize photoluminescent tile. When used as an accent around the sink or as a feature on a tub surround such as the one, above (featuring Mosaic Opus One tile by Lucedentro), this type of tile acts as a built-in night-light that doesn’t take-up a precious power outlet. But if the limited color palette of glow-in-the dark tile doesn’t appeal to you, you can always use regular bathroom tile with photoluminescent grout such as Night Vision to achieve a Tron-like effect. (Don’t knock it; it’s actually pretty cool.)

Image Courtesy of Kohler

More of a minimalist when it comes to glowing bathrooms? This toilet seat from Kohler lights the way to the throne with less drama. Regardless of which route you go, fumbling to the bathroom in the middle of the night just got a lot easier.

If mood-enhancing color therapy is more your style than accident-free nocturnal visits to the loo, you have options, as well. With eight colors to sequence or select from and a continuous cascade of water over the sides, the Sok bath from Kohler is the ultimate in chromatherapy.

Image Courtesy of Hudson Reed

But tubs aren’t the only fixture worthy of colored lights: there are a variety of LED shower heads that allow you to control (or randomize) the color under which you bathe. Of course, you could always go for an LED shower head that indicates the water temperature instead (like this one from Hudson Reed). Not surprisingly, blue light indicates that the water temperature is acceptable for polar bears, while red light lets you know it’s rather toasty. Sandwiched between the two is the green light that might be the Goldilocks-zone for some or the not-quite-there-yet indicator for others. We think it makes groggy mornings a little more interesting.

If you’re ready to remodel your bathroom and want to implement these or other clever products, let us know.

Remodeling Versus Moving (There is Math Involved)

Zillow’s recent report on home prices and values indicates that the Seattle Metro area is a very hot real estate market. Values are up 10.3% over last year to a median of $316,000 and the median list price is now approximately $172/SF (note that both of these figures are considerably higher within the City of Seattle).

This is great news if you’re a seller (or thinking of selling your home) but, unless you’re selling and relocating to a part of the country that’s currently a buyer’s market, you’ll most likely find it challenging to find and purchase the home of your dreams without a few disappointments along the way (think bidding wars, finding that the house you want sold on its first day on the market, etc.). Keep in mind, too, that just as you got top dollar on the sale of your house, so will the people you’re buying from.

With that in mind, there are bona fide financial incentives to staying and remodeling.

Besides the obvious fact that remodeling your home has the potential to increase its value, there is no need to pay fees for real estate agents, appraisals, home inspections or movers (or for any other “hidden” fees that you may encounter along the way). While realtors' fees are negotiable, in the Seattle area, 6% is the de facto standard. On a $500,000 home, those agent fees alone are $30,000 — $30,000 you spent, not invested. And did you know that a local move for an average 3-4 bedroom house can cost as much as $5,000 if you also pay the movers to pack your belongings?

Do the math, and it’s surprising just how much moving really costs.

Instead of throwing that money away, invest it in your current home. Perhaps a new kitchen or bathroom will be enough to fall in love with your home all over again…or maybe you’ll want to give it a complete overhaul. Either way, possibilities abound.

So unless there is a compelling reason to move – such as a lengthy commute to work or that you and your neighbors have become the modern equivalent of the Hatfields and McCoys – consider remodeling as a way to have a “new” home without the expense of moving.

When you’re ready to see just how beautiful your current home can be, get in touch. We’ll be happy to make your vision become reality.

Up for Grabs: Stylish, Practical Ideas for Bathroom Safety Bars

Bathroom safety bars are something most of us don’t think about adding to our homes when we’re picking out all the beautiful finishes to make them look exactly the way we want. In fact, if you’re like most people, the thought of bathroom safety bars makes you inwardly cringe and think of institutional environments like hospitals and convalescent homes: they’re a product of unfortunate necessity.

Image Courtesy of American Standard

Luckily, though, not all bathroom safety bars are created equal.

American Standard recently introduced their Invisia™ Collection of dual-purpose support bars. Integrated into the design of products such as towel bars (pictured), toilet roll holders and soap dishes, these safety bars are modern and aesthetically pleasing: they don’t even look like safety bars. Available in either a polished chrome or satin nickel finish, these structurally-mounted products will make your bathroom safer and more beautiful.

But what if you have an immediate, temporary need for safety bars?

Surprise! You tripped over the dog and broke your ankle, and learned the hard way that it’s not easy to get in and out of the shower with a cast. You’re not ready for permanent bathroom safety bars (no matter how lovely you think the Invisia Collection is) but it’s obvious that you do need something.

Image Courtesy of No Drilling Required

The great thing about the No Drilling Required safety bars from German manufacturer Nie Wieder Bohren (which, in case your German is a bit rusty, literally translates to “no more drilling”) is that you can install these ADA compliant grab bars that support up to 250 lbs. without – you guessed it – any drilling. Their patented installation process allows you to place their attractive safety bars (as well as other bathroom accessories) on natural stone, tile, glass, metal, wood and some plastics, affording you simple, non-damaging installation of bars produced in a wide range of finishes (pictured, right). When that ankle is all healed, an equally simple removal method returns your surface to its previous state. Of course, you still have the dog, so maybe removing those grab bars isn’t such a great idea…

Don’t forget: if you’re in the Seattle area and are planning to remodel a bathroom to be stylishly accessible for aging family members or for someone with limited mobility, please contact us. We can give you more information on these products, as well as help you with a bathroom design that’s right for you.