More Freestanding Bath Shapes and Sizes Suitable for Smaller Bathrooms Available at JT Spas

Read article : More Freestanding Bath Shapes and Sizes Suitable for Smaller Bathrooms Available at JT Spas

JT Spas, a leading supplier of bathroom products in the UK, introduces a more varied range of shapes and sizes for its freestanding bath selection – ideal for the smaller bathrooms of today.

JT Spas understands that not all bathrooms have unlimited space – in fact, most bathrooms in the UK today are small and compact, allowing only for a limited number of bathroom elements. But people who are thinking of replacing their bath with a freestanding bath are concerned about the availability of space; this bathroom product supplier has just the solution: smaller, more compact freestanding baths.

The selection of freestanding baths available at JT Spas is more varied than ever. There are still many of the traditional freestanding baths on offer, with sizes ranging from 1700mm by 750mm by 600mm and 1770mm by 730mm, but there are other, smaller freestanding baths available as well.

These smaller and more compact freestanding baths are ideally suited to smaller, more compact bathrooms. One example is the Royce Morgan Kensington Small Freestanding Luxury Double Ended Roll Top Bath, which is only 1495mm by 785mm by 610mm. Another small and compact freestanding bath is the Royce Morgan Woburn Small Freestanding Bath in a modern, contemporary design, and it measures a mere 1490mm by 790mm by 590mm. There is also the Charlotte Edwards Belgravia Contemporary Small Freestanding Bath, with measurements of only 1500mm by 730mm by 590mm.

There are also smaller freestanding baths which can be installed against a wall, such as the Premier Campion Luxury Back to Wall Freestanding bath, complete with feet, which is only 1700mm by 745mm.

JT Spas says more about its freestanding bath collection: “Though a common item of the past, these elegant baths are gaining popularity again in this modern age. Their unique design and function make (them) a good candidate as an additional feature in any bathroom. JT Spas are proud to provide a diverse range of products that are created with a certain flair for quality and elegance that does not come at a hefty price, all sourced from leading manufacturers such as Moods, Phoenix and Royce Morgan, to name only a few.”

For those with small bathrooms, getting the freestanding bath of their dreams is not an issue at all. JT Spas has a wide array of baths that are more than suitable for any bathroom size.

To find out more about the freestanding bath selection at JT Spas, visit http://www.jtspas.co.uk

About JT Spas

JT Spas is a trusted and popular bathroom product supplier in the UK offering budget-friendly yet high-quality bathroom products, including a varied freestanding bath selection. All its products can be found on the JT Spas website.

Media Contact
Company Name: JT SPAS
Contact Person: Jim McKnight
Email: Send Email
Phone: 0330 111 9745
Address:Ash Building, Willowbank Business Park, Willowbank Road
City: Larne
Country: United Kingdom
Website: http://www.jtspas.co.uk/

More Freestanding Bath Shapes and Sizes Suitable for Smaller Bathrooms Available at JT Spas

Read article : More Freestanding Bath Shapes and Sizes Suitable for Smaller Bathrooms Available at JT Spas

JT Spas, a leading supplier of bathroom products in the UK, introduces a more varied range of shapes and sizes for its freestanding bath selection – ideal for the smaller bathrooms of today.

JT Spas understands that not all bathrooms have unlimited space – in fact, most bathrooms in the UK today are small and compact, allowing only for a limited number of bathroom elements. But people who are thinking of replacing their bath with a freestanding bath are concerned about the availability of space; this bathroom product supplier has just the solution: smaller, more compact freestanding baths.

The selection of freestanding baths available at JT Spas is more varied than ever. There are still many of the traditional freestanding baths on offer, with sizes ranging from 1700mm by 750mm by 600mm and 1770mm by 730mm, but there are other, smaller freestanding baths available as well.

These smaller and more compact freestanding baths are ideally suited to smaller, more compact bathrooms. One example is the Royce Morgan Kensington Small Freestanding Luxury Double Ended Roll Top Bath, which is only 1495mm by 785mm by 610mm. Another small and compact freestanding bath is the Royce Morgan Woburn Small Freestanding Bath in a modern, contemporary design, and it measures a mere 1490mm by 790mm by 590mm. There is also the Charlotte Edwards Belgravia Contemporary Small Freestanding Bath, with measurements of only 1500mm by 730mm by 590mm.

There are also smaller freestanding baths which can be installed against a wall, such as the Premier Campion Luxury Back to Wall Freestanding bath, complete with feet, which is only 1700mm by 745mm.

JT Spas says more about its freestanding bath collection: “Though a common item of the past, these elegant baths are gaining popularity again in this modern age. Their unique design and function make (them) a good candidate as an additional feature in any bathroom. JT Spas are proud to provide a diverse range of products that are created with a certain flair for quality and elegance that does not come at a hefty price, all sourced from leading manufacturers such as Moods, Phoenix and Royce Morgan, to name only a few.”

For those with small bathrooms, getting the freestanding bath of their dreams is not an issue at all. JT Spas has a wide array of baths that are more than suitable for any bathroom size.

To find out more about the freestanding bath selection at JT Spas, visit http://www.jtspas.co.uk

About JT Spas

JT Spas is a trusted and popular bathroom product supplier in the UK offering budget-friendly yet high-quality bathroom products, including a varied freestanding bath selection. All its products can be found on the JT Spas website.

Media Contact
Company Name: JT SPAS
Contact Person: Jim McKnight
Email: Send Email
Phone: 0330 111 9745
Address:Ash Building, Willowbank Business Park, Willowbank Road
City: Larne
Country: United Kingdom
Website: http://www.jtspas.co.uk/

Renovated Victorian townhouse

Read article : Renovated Victorian townhouse

‘When I first viewed our 1960s home, I couldn’t see anything good about it at all,’ remembers Elaine.

‘The whole house was dreadful. It was stuck in a time warp and everything was dated and falling apart.

‘I thought my partner Paul had lost the plot when he said he wanted to buy it, but once he explained his vision and we had the plans drawn up, I started to feel really excited,’ she continues.

‘It was the first big renovation project for both of us, but we just jumped into it head first.’

Fact file

• The owners: Elaine Avery, 46, a full-time mum and landlady, and her partner Paul Reid, 42, sales director of an insulation company, live here with their daughter Olivia, five, and Elaine’s son, Alexander, 17
• The property: A five-bedroom, early-1960s detached house
• The location: Whitley Bay, North Tyneside
• What they spent: The couple’s bathroom cost around £13,000

The property

Elaine had lived in a lot of places before meeting Paul, so this time she was looking for a ‘forever home’. The house was on a sought-after street and had a large plot, and the couple knew that they could add value by completely reworking the layout. They built an extension to include a large kitchen/diner, garden room and utility on the ground floor, plus two extra bedrooms and a home office on the first floor.

‘We sold our previous home quickly, and so we decided to move into rented accommodation during the five-month project,’ explains Elaine. ‘Around three-quarters of the house was knocked down and there was no water or electricity for a while, so it wasn’t feasible to live there.’

The bathroom

The original bathroom was a world away from the contemporary spa-like retreat that they now have. There was a small bathroom with a separate WC next door, which wasn’t conducive to family life, so the builders knocked down the dividing wall to create one large space. As the staircase was being turned around as part of their renovation plans, they were able to incorporate some of the landing area into the new bathroom. They also took some space previously occupied by the dated fitted cupboards along one wall, and from the extension on the opposite side.

‘The bathroom hadn’t been updated since the 1960s, and had a pink cast-iron bath with matching toilet and basin, as well as carpet on the floor,’ says Elaine. ‘I didn’t like having a shower over the bath and a big, high window near it. It definitely wasn’t to our taste, although my five-year-old daughter loved it as she said it was just like Barbie’s!’

Fixtures and fittings

While Paul focused on the structural side of the extension, Elaine was responsible for the overall look of the space. ‘It was quite hard to visualise, as it was going to change so much,’ she says. ‘I had to rely on the plans, so I found my mood board invaluable. I knew the style I was going for, as I’d looked through a stack of magazines for inspiration, and had an idea of the colours I preferred. Our previous bathroom was beige and cream, but this time I wanted grey, white and charcoal.’

The two essential items on Elaine and Paul’s wishlist were a freestanding bath and a wet room-style walk-in shower. ‘I wanted a freestanding bath from day one, but a modern style rather than a traditional roll-top,’ says Elaine. ‘It had to fit all the way to the floor rather than having legs, so that it won’t gather dust underneath and is easy to clean.’

After visiting various showrooms, Elaine found a beautiful egg-shaped bath at local store Your Home Improvements. ‘They gave me the idea of raising it on a plinth with recessed lights,’ she says. ‘We had plenty of space, and it adds an extra dimension and really showcases the bath.’

The couple were also inspired by the displays at nearby Domani Bathrooms. ‘Although I didn’t buy everything from there, only the basin console and chrome support arms, it gave me lots of ideas, such as having the double basins,’ explains Elaine.

Tile designs

When it came to the tiling, a local tile showroom gave Elaine and Paul advice on which styles would work together. They decided to mix a range of four different designs, with large-format square floor tiles alongside rectangular wall tiles. ‘The tile company suggested a dark charcoal design by the shower and bath, with a stripe to highlight the twin basins, a pale grey everywhere else, as well as complementary mosaic tiles on the floor to demarcate the shower. We didn’t want a shower tray.

‘We were careful to use the charcoal-coloured tile in the right proportions, as we were conscious that it was quite dark. I think it worked really well to have the bath and shower area darker than the rest of the room, as it gives a nice contrast.’

Heating

Polished-chrome radiators and a storage unit next to the basins finish off the space perfectly. ‘I decided to position a radiator under the window and have two towel rails, as it’s such a large room and I hate being cold,’ explains Elaine. ‘I was worried that three heaters might be too many, but it works well and means there’s always a towel within easy reach.’

The finished project

The couple’s project went slightly over budget, mainly due to the cost of removing asbestos from the cupboards, but they tried to absorb any overspend by making savings elsewhere in the property. ‘I knew that if I spent a little extra on the bath, then I would be able to sacrifice having a wine cooler in the kitchen for instance,’ says Elaine.

Although the house still looked like a building site only weeks before they were due to move in, everything came together just in time. ‘I admit that I was getting worried, as we had to leave our rented accommodation,’ says Elaine. ‘The tilers were finishing off the bathroom after we moved in, but fortunately we were able to use our en suite for those few weeks.’

While admitting that she would never tackle such a big project again, Elaine loves spending time in her spacious new bathroom. ‘I’m proud of what we achieved, and we got a lot for our money,’ she says. ‘When I look back at the pictures, I can’t believe the transformation.’

Project notes

Elaine Avery shares her tips for designing a new bathroom

What I’ve learnt

‘Using several different suppliers helps to keep down costs. We shopped around to find the best deals, and compared prices online, as well as getting several quotes from plumbers for the fitting.’

My best advice

‘Plan ahead and always make mood boards. For mine, I cut out pictures from magazines, took photos of hotel bathrooms and collected tile samples to make sure that it would all work together. Remember to take your mood board with you when you visit showrooms, too.’

My dream spot

‘I love the deep, egg-shaped bath — it’s so luxurious. It’s great for Olivia as there’s lots of space for her to play, but I love having a long soak with a glass of wine and my Kindle. I made sure we created a recess next to the bath so that I would have somewhere for my glass!’

Favourite website

‘I’ve added houzz.co.uk to my bookmarked list of websites because it has so many fantastic ideas. I find the designs on there very inspiring, and there were so many amazing photographs of the exact style of bathroom I was looking for. I found the idea for our tiled shelving recess on the site — it’s the little details that add wow-factor. It was also helpful for showing how using different shades and textured tiles could give us a contemporary spa-style space.’

Essential buy

‘The walk-in shower area is brilliant. It’s great to have the handheld hose as well as the fixed overhead rain shower as it’s invaluable for cleaning. The discreet shower screens with a barely-there look were also a good choice and add to the wet room feel.’

If I did it all again…

‘…I would perhaps add more lighting over the shower. The space is a little dark as we had to block up one of the windows to build the extension.’  

The costs
Sanitaryware	£5,400
Labour	£5,000
Tiles	£850
Showers and screen	£820
Lighting	£200
Radiators	£650
TOTAL	£12,920

5 Bathroom Innovation Award concepts to make it into production

Read article : 5 Bathroom Innovation Award concepts to make it into production

Product design awards have a tendency to yield amazing, ambitious but unrealistic concepts, however every now and then works that showcase great innovation reach the production stage.

There have been a few success stories coming out of the Reece Bathroom Innovation Award (BIA) over the past seven years that underpin this trend.

Here are five successful products from the awards that are on the market or being developed for production.

The ‘Halo Shower’(2005)

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2005, the competition’s inaugural year, Reece awarded its professional BIA to Duncan Ward for his ‘Halo Shower’ design.

The Halo innovation came from its effective redirecting of the droplet array coming from the shower head. This was achieved by inverting the standard rain head shower design which increased the diameter of the droplets and gave the user a sensation of water immersion akin to being in a bath.

The Halo was quickly picked up by manufacturer Phoenix Tapware and has since been sold in Reece stores nationwide.

 

 

 

 

The ‘Eaux Eaux basin’ (2011)

2011 professional category finalist, Joel Roberts designed the Eaux Eaux basin which has since been picked up by Romanian manufacturers. The all-encompassing design consists of a rolling crest trough which acts as its catchment area, spout and splash back.

In use, the spout expels water which completes the basin cycle through an entire crest with a clear blade of water. Eaux Eaux’s lean body is hollowed to embody and eject the water without a hint of fixturing, evoking a playful yet mysterious nature.

The base is secured into a recessed counter top and the stainless steel cast body is coated with a soft touch paint to maximise its tactility.

The Fl’eau Bath 2012

Joel Roberts was also featured in the 2012 BIAs with his Fl’eau bath design a finalist in the professional category.

Fl’eau is a freestanding bath created from a single surface corian body and since 2012 has been picked up by a Chinese manufacturer and will be on show at USA design and trade shows this year.

The Koeda Intuitive tap mixer (2012)

Designed by 2012 Student category winner ShanShan Wang, the Koeda intuitive mixer tap subverts the traditional mixer tap controls. The dial control mixer tap has been picked up for production since its award and will be manufactured in two versions; a non-electrical and electrical version.

The Koeda utilises a modified progressive cartridge that provides an innate dial control. By rotating the dial in a clockwise motion, water temperature gradually changes from cold to hot. Water pressure flow will progressively increase as the dial is rotated further - ensuring users are less likely to accidentally turn up water flow and waste excess water.

Koeda is handcrafted in porcelain and features an aerator that manages the directional flow of the water and softens the water’s texture. A slight bump angled at a 15 degrees incline in the faucet also minimises excess splashing.

A series of six LED lights, efficiently powered by two lithium cells, change from a light sky blue to a warm orange and finally to a dark searing red, indicating the mix of cold and hot water.

The Wind Rain Fire (2013)

Wind Rain Fire was designed by Chris Connell and was awarded the 2013 Professional category award. 

The design features a flush-mounted shower head combined with an extractor fan in one single unit and Connell has hinted that the design has attracted manufacturers’ attention since its win. Connell says he is currently in discussions with manufacturers and believes the Wind Rain Fire will be available on the market in the near future.

By incorporating the shower head and extractor fan in one unit, the Wind Rain Fire eliminates the issue of another appliance on the ceiling and also minimises trade and fit time. The unit places the extractor at the closest point of steam which Reece suggests will minimise foggy mirror and condensation build up on wall surfaces. The shower/extractor is operated automatically by the touch sensor on the shower mixer unit.

Apart of the design also includes an 800mm wide by 80mm strip rail towel-warm. The long flat surface is heated by an internal element incorporating an inbuilt fan, gently blowing heat down the surface of the towel drying the towel much quicker than a conventional towel rail.

The 2014 edition of the Reece BIA will also guarantee another manufactured project with the winner of the professional category promised a prototype model by Omvivo, one of Australia’s leading vanity unit manufacturers.

See our coverage of the awards for information about entrant criteria and the judging panel.  

Images courtesy of Reece. 

Luxe baths evolve into personal spas

Read article : Luxe baths evolve into personal spas

Settle in and have your achy muscles caressed. Breathe fragrant aromas of eucalyptus, lavender, sandalwood or grapefruit. Listen to Bach, Beethoven or cool jazz, and melt away stress in a steam shower.

Pamper yourself. You know you want to, and there’s no need to travel to an exotic location. Today’s luxe bath can be your own personal spa and so much more.

Like uber thread counts that determine a bed sheet’s degree of luxury, the number of jets and how many nozzles control the dance of water now are deciding factors in upgrading shower and tub features.

Even the lexicon has changed. Today’s home spa emphasizes hydrotherapy, and there is nothing ordinary about it. The water is healing and magical because of amazing technology.

“It’s all about de-stressing,” says Ann Roever, senior product manager of bathing products for Kohler Co.

Beyond the whirlpool, the choices today are dizzying. Consider how soothing or invigorating a massage you want. Then think about whether you want to add chromatherapy, which allows bathing in a pool of changing hues, or aromatherapy in a range of scents.

Showers simulating rain that virtually massages the body were a novelty a few years ago, but today most manufacturers offer at least one model. The German manufacturer Dornbracht offers a large rectangular rain shower that recesses into the ceiling and adjusts from the equivalent of a drizzle to a tropical downpour.

Hansgrohe’s Raindance Rainmaker features a “three-whirl massage” that goes from droplets to intense spray, plus four mood lights and two air-spray modes. It sells for just under $3,100 and looks like a futuristic feature from a spacecraft.

There now are WaterTiles, a Kohler trademark, which come in fetching square or round shapes, recessed for a cleaner look. Some are even directional, allowing adjustment of the spray to targeted areas. One of Kohler’s newest products is a sexy shower wand that provides a rain-like spray.

Glass showerheads offer another attractive design option in today’s home spa. Like other bathroom hardware, showerheads also are available in a range of finishes, including polished and satin nickel as well as oil-rubbed bronze. High-end models cost several hundred dollars apiece.

With so many body sprays, the inside of a shower these days may resemble a car wash. It’s not surprising that there’s a trend to open up the space and make it unencumbered even by glass doors, conforming to barrier-free universal principles. One of the more elaborate shower towers, the Waterhaven by Kohler, features seven water “ports,” a two- arched telescoping shower head, four movable body sprays and one handheld shower wand for $7,260.

Methven, an Australian company, this summer is introducing a spa experience called “shower infusions.” The infusions come from a small cartridge that fits into the base of a handheld shower wand, permeating the space with aromas as it hydrates. There are four flavors: Lift (a combination of grapefruit and pomegranate), Fresh (green tea and peppermint), Bliss (jasmine and ylang ylang, a tropical Asian tree) and Balance (lavender and vanilla).

Another company, Mr. Steam, offers in-shower music therapy speakers, aromatherapy and mood lighting.

The tub, as well as the shower, is not lacking bells and whistles. There’s the air bath that offers the champagne equivalent of tiny bubbles, which creates a soothing to invigorating massage. Some compare the air bath to bathing in hot springs. Or you can choose a soaking tub, a deeper tub also known as a Japanese bath.

Tubs no longer need to be tethered to a wall. Freestanding tubs in the middle of a room add a new dynamic to the bath. With crisp, angular lines or sculptural curves, these baths are showstopping artistic architectural centerpieces in an interior. One design from Agape resembles an enormous shallow bowl.

In an effort to stimulate the senses, MTI Whirlpool’s Stereo Water is an invisible audio system that delivers sound through the tub. State- of-the-art speakers are acoustic “transducers,” applied to the bath shell’s exterior surface near the waterline. The sound is evenly distributed within the tub, enveloping the bather in sounds of choice, from rousing rock to a calming concerto, according to the company.

Many tub extras can be monitored with the touch of a button on a control with digital readout. Some companies even offer remote controls that are submersible so you don’t have to lift your hand out of the water. Perhaps even more welcome are devices that baffle the sound created by whirlpool jets.

Of course, there are dozens of spa bath accessories, including ergonomically designed backrests and armrests, some heated to soothe tired muscles, neck massagers (Jacuzzi’s Fuzion 7242 whirlpool offers a cascading neck-massaging waterfall), heaters in tubs that keep warm water at a constant temperature, anti-fog mirrors and towel-warming drawers. Even pet spas manufactured by MTI Whirlpool are part of the mix.

As in other areas of the home, the emphasis these days is on customization. Pearl Baths Inc. offers “recipes” for specific therapies that direct sound, light and type of massage. SilverTag provides a computer-controlled environment with 18 showerheads and 30 shower frequencies, programmable with a touch screen. The price is staggering; it sells for about $100,000.

Bath design really began to evolve in the 1980s, when almost any room that was a candidate for remodeling got supersized. With an emphasis on health, fitness and cocooning, whirlpools were the centerpiece of the movement, with big tubs for two persons among the hot features. Footprints expanded, with space carved from extra bedrooms to create giant havens for relaxation, often with separate walk-in showers.

The trend took off in the ’90s, with more attention focused on healthy eating and exercise. Bath design continued to upgrade, and everyone wanted cabinetry that resembled furniture.

Recreating the day spa, or travel experiences at spas in luxury resorts, seems to be driving the 21st-century sanctuaries.

“With a day at the spa costing $400 or more, you can invest this money in your home and benefit over the long haul,” says Kohler’s Ann Roever.

The clean lines of the latest tubs and showerheads call out for a more minimal design style. Decorative accessories, furniture and fancy accoutrements (like dripping crystal chandeliers) arrived in the ’80s and still show up in traditional luxury baths, but the spa bath has taken on a decidedly more Spartan look.

The spa bath often features Zen-like environments. Vanities, basins and other furnishings often seem to float. Even toilets have morphed into more stylish forms, some more sculptural, such as rounded models recently introduced by Villeroy and Boch. Natural stones play a role; river rocks sometimes decorate tub surrounds and areas around showers.

Some detractors say the current spa trend smacks of hedonism and narcissism. A brochure from Pearl Baths suggests basking in a tub “reminiscent of Cleopatra” by adding flower petals or two cups of milk to the water. Still, there are therapeutic benefits. Bubbles promote circulation, and music and candles can be soothing.

“We think of the home spa as a place to relax, refresh, rejuvenate and retreat,” Roever says.

Master Bath Over $50,000 - KBDA 2017 Gold Winner

Read article : Master Bath Over $50,000 - KBDA 2017 Gold Winner

Award Winners Aug 6, 2017   Share

VIEW GALLERY  

Photos: Jon Mancuso Photography

Face-to-Face

Lori Carroll & Alexander Burch, Lori Carroll & Associates, Tucson, AZ

Curves and angles have long added interest to kitchen and bath designs. While they can sometimes make a contemporary space seem stark, the right combination can add drama and warmth.

This Oro Valley, AZ master bath is the pinnacle of such a space, with curves caressing squares and rectangles at every turn. Lori Carroll  and co-designer Alexander Burch of Lori Carroll & Associates created this 347-sq.-ft. oasis for clients who were looking for a mix of modern and casual style with a relaxing aesthetic.

The focal point showcases dual-sided wall-mount “block” lavatories, where Lacava sculptural white vessel sinks hang gracefully from blocks finished with The Tile Shop’s Metallic Glaze Porcelain tile. The sinks are paired with Puravida Single Hole Faucets from Hansgrohe, sitting just below a Jura Grey Limestone floating countertop from Arizona Tile. Open shelving is incorporated on both sides, and a suspended, dual-sided mirror serves as a room partition, with LBL Tube 2 lighting on each side.

A storage system featuring Italian White Oak Veneer cabinetry from Stone River Studios includes open shelving with baskets. Deep drawers were added to store small personal items and toiletries to reduce clutter.

Beyond the sink area, Lacava’s Ovale Freestanding Soaking Tub takes advantage of the floor-to-ceiling windows. The contemporary silhouette of Hansgrohe’s Puravida Freestanding Tub Filler complements the space.

The Imola Koshi Dark Grey rectangular tile flooring changeswhen entering the bathing area, moving up to the walls of the curvedopen shower. The Metallic Glaze Porcelain tile is continued on the walls, bordered within the wall design by Bronzeworks Beach GrassLiner. The shower delivers a spa-like experience via the Puravida Rainshower, Handshower and Bodysprays from Hansgrohe.

Completing the space are a Kohler Persuade Circ Dual Flush Toilet with Elongated Bowl, Motiv Sine Collection hardware from Ginger and Bruck Scobo Sconces.

It has always been my dream to take on a renovation project

Read article : It has always been my dream to take on a renovation project

Despite dozens of house-hunting trips over the years, Tom Wilson and his wife Jacky – who have lived in their bungalow since 1996 – had never found anywhere that was able to beat it for its location, plot size and friendly neighbours.

‘We came home one evening after viewing two houses we absolutely adored and realised there was something missing that didn’t clinch it for us,’ Tom explains. ‘So, rather than uproot ourselves by moving to another property in a new area, we decided to make this our dream home.’

Their bungalow originally belonged to a GP who had lived in the house next door and built it as his doctor’s surgery. It had already been converted into a home when Tom and Jacky bought it, but it didn’t have a perfect layout.

There was a warren of dark rooms on the ground floor, with two small bedrooms upstairs which didn’t suit the family’s needs, especially when their teenage son Luke grew older. A new open-plan kitchen and living area was central to their plans to remodel the bungalow, which would eventually include stripping the house back to only three exterior walls, then extending and reworking the space to the rear, front and into the roof.

Fact file

The owners: Tom Wilson, a TV producer and director, and his wife Jacky, who owns a hairdressing salon chain
The property: A three-bedroom bungalow
The location: Newcastle, Tyne & Wear
What they spent: The renovations cost £155,000. The house has been valued at £750,000

The couple turned to interior designer George Bond to come up with a layout that would reflect Tom’s love of all things modern, and Jacky’s need for a relaxed and welcoming family home.

‘It turned into a major project,’ Tom recalls. ‘We thought that only one or two walls would be knocked through, but George and his team came up with some amazing design ideas.

‘They took on board everything on our wish-lists, which wasn’t easy because Jacky’s tastes are more traditional, while I love New York loft-style apartments,’ he adds.

A light-filled, open-plan layout was essential to their needs, as Tom explains: ‘Before the redesign, I rarely went upstairs to the two small bedrooms as Jacky and I slept in the bedroom downstairs – but we needed to maximise all that space.’

Working to the Wilsons’ budget, interior designer George pared back Tom’s wish-list and reshaped it into a clear plan for open-plan living, featuring bold blocks of colour, with a dramatic expanse of glass at the rear of the bungalow.

‘We gave George free rein,’ says Tom. ‘There was no point in commissioning someone as talented as George, without allowing him to be creative.’

The plans involved moving the staircase and knocking through a wall, the chimney breast and the small ground-floor windows to turn the study/hallway and living room into one large, open space. A mix of rooflights and larger windows would let natural light into the core of the bungalow.

An extension at the front created space for a new entrance porch and ground-floor wetroom. In addition, the roof level was raised, so that they could extend the two first-floor bedrooms and create an extra bathroom and en suite shower room.

The most dramatic change was the new extension at the rear, which trebled the size of the kitchen and created a large living and dining area, with a bank of folding sliding doors opening out to the garden. The old bathroom was also knocked through and a conservatory was demolished.

‘Luckily, we had no problems with the local authority planning department,’ says Tom. ‘They objected to only one thing in our plans – a balcony on the flat roof of the kitchen. We weren’t allowed to build one, because it would have affected our neighbours’ privacy.’

Tom, Jacky and their son Luke, who was 15 years old at the time, moved into rented accommodation nearby, leaving the way clear for the builders to start work, which began in the summer of 2006.

‘I visited the site every day,’ says Tom. ‘Admittedly, it was quite horrible watching it being taken apart because we loved the house – we wouldn’t have bought it if we didn’t – but we’d accepted the new plans and were happy to go ahead with them.’

Two major building projects, including their own, were going on at the same time in their road, so there were delivery trucks and skips everywhere. ‘Luckily, we have fabulous neighbours who were very supportive and patient,’ says Tom.

The only real setback to the project came early on. ‘The local building inspector said that the foundations had to be deeper,’ Tom explains. ‘They had to go down to approximately a man’s height – it was something to do with all the trees round here and the risk of subsidence. Trouble was, the builders had released the diggers and everything had gone off site, so they had to be re-booked.’

By early 2007, when the structure was complete, the Wilsons started planning the interior. As they enjoy inviting family and friends to their home, a space where they could cook and entertain was a must. As Tom explains: ‘We love parties. We probably hold four or five a year – and all good parties tend to end up in the kitchen.’

Tom and Jacky chose three colourways – white, black and burgundy – for their open-plan kitchen-diner at the rear of the house, combining the units in bold blocks of colour with ice-white porcelain floor tiles, bamboo worktops and cream walls for a stylish contemporary look.

‘The white reflective surfaces make the most of the light, while the flooring, cabinets and black glass splashback all have a high-gloss finish which adds to the feel,’ says Tom. ‘We painted the walls in cream flat oil to create a subtle sheen and a neutral backdrop for the kitchen’s working area.’

The original kitchen door was moved to create space to wrap the new L-shaped run of units around the corner of the room. This has provided space for cooking and food preparation, while a large working island takes centre stage and a separate bank of wall units incorporates the fridge-freezer and extra storage cupboards.

Once the new kitchen and appliances were in place, interior designer George was able to reflect Jacky’s love of English country style with a bold fl oral wallpaper on two feature walls, one of which frames the opening to the kitchen area.

This wallpaper helps to divide the space by signalling a change of mood from the working kitchen area to the entertaining and living spaces. A mix of vibrant, softly curved furniture complements the contemporary kitchen design perfectly. ‘There is a second living room at the front of the bungalow featuring a double-height ceiling, which continues the airy, open-plan feel,’ says Tom.

Upstairs, the new family bathroom is simple but stylish with white sanitaryware, chrome fittings and neutral wall and floor tiles, while a contemporary freestanding bath makes a stunning focal point.

The newly extended master bedroom has mirrored wardrobe doors and a wallpaper featuring horizontal stripes to create the illusion of a wider, more spacious room, plus it has its own en suite shower. Luke’s larger bedroom also benefits from a wall of mirrored wardrobes and built-in storage.

The exterior of the bungalow was rendered to blend the old brickwork with the new. George gave Tom and Jacky a choice of colours, and they opted for green.

‘All the houses on our street are a mix of styles,’ says Tom. ‘They’re set back from the road, so you don’t particularly notice it that much. None of our neighbours has raised any concerns about the green render, which we think works well.’

Inevitably, the couple’s budget for the seven-month project was stretched, as they chose high-spec finishes and fittings. ‘Jacky and I manage budgets all the time in our line of work, so we had always criticised renovators on TV makeover shows if they went over budget,’ Tom laughs. ‘Our budget was over before we even started. We wanted a high-spec look and were not keen on having to replace things in a few years time, so it all mounted up. It’s amazing how much money is spent on items you don’t see, like pipework.’

He and Jacky are thrilled with the bungalow’s transformation – and its resultant rise in value. As Tom says: ‘It was well worth the outlay. Every time I come downstairs, I’m impressed. We were right to trust our instincts and stay here.’

The costs
Building work	£120,000
Designer’s fee	£13,000
Decorating and furniture	£10,000
Kitchen	£4,793
Appliances	£3,624
Flooring	£1,700
Worktops	£1,600
TOTAL	£154,717

Two Axor projects win three awards at the European Hotel Design Awards 2011

Read article : Two Axor projects win three awards at the European Hotel Design Awards 2011

Tuesday 22nd November marked the annual European Hotel Design Awards at the Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster Bridge. Held on the eve of the prestigious 2011 Sleep Event, the black tie dinner was hosted by BBC Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine and celebrated the very best in new hotel design from across Europe.

Recognised by the judges for their creative excellence and commercial viability, two of the winning projects - The Savoy Hotel and Four Seasons, Park Lane, London, both feature showers and bathroom fittings from international bathroom brand Axor, the designer brand from Hansgrohe. 

Following an ambitious £220 million restoration, the Savoy re-opened in October 2010 and won two awards ‘Interior Design of the Year’ for its lobby and public areas and one of the key accolades of the night ‘The European Hotel Design of the Year’.  A British icon since 1889, the new design successfully blends old and new while allowing English Edwardian and Art Deco interiors to shine with timeless elegance and glamour.  The Axor Montreux collection with its nostalgic, turn of the 20th century styling and modern technology was a perfect fit for the bathrooms in 215 of the hotel’s 268 guestrooms and suites.

Axor designers, Phoenix Design, combined clear, geometric shapes with pure, traditional elements such as filigree cross handles, ceramic detailing at the centre of each mixer handle and accessories such as wall lights with handmade crystal glass shades, soap dishes and towel rails.  Other unique reminiscences of the era include bridge mixer taps and a freestanding version of the bath tub mixer. All taps, shower and accessories are available with a distinctive brushed or polished nickel finish or, as chosen by the Savoy, the timeless option of polished chrome.

These latest two awards join a cavalcade of prizes to round off a successful first re-opening year including the ‘2011 Hot List’ from Condé Nast Traveller and ‘Favourite UK Hotel’ at the Telegraph Travel Awards.

The Four Seasons on London’s Park Lane won the top award ‘Architecture of the Year’ for conversion of an existing hotel building. Hansgrohe supplied its design-led, superbly crafted Axor Citterio bathroom collection to all 192 luxury guest rooms, including 45 one, two and three-bedroom suites with airy views across fashionable Mayfair rooftops and the greenery of Hyde Park. 

Axor Citterio was the ideal partner for the finely detailed bathrooms which feature delicate marble and brushed steel, enhanced by walnut and marble cabinetry and vanity mirrors with integrated televisions. There are over 70 individual items bearing the Axor Citterio label including a wide choice of mixers for basins, bidets and baths, as well as coordinating showers, showerpipes, bath tubs and accessories.  All are characterised by a strong geometric design with gleaming, perfectly crafted chrome surfaces and a harmonious combination of straight angular edges next to rounded curves.  Designed to perfectly blend into both modern and classic interiors, the line radiates luxury as an expression of quality, workmanship, expertise and added value.

Ben Reed, Contract Manager responsible for both the Savoy and Four Seasons hotels comments, “It has been a privilege to be involved with these tremendous hotel projects. The Savoy is steeped in history so was not only a great contract to win but crucial to get right in order to meet the exacting standards required of the hotel design team. With the Four Seasons, we worked very closely from start to finish with the client’s designers at ReardonSmith Architects, so I am delighted also to see the practice recognised and rewarded for their vision and talent with Patrick Reardon winning the award for ‘Outstanding Contribution’ ‘.

 

Axor, the designer brand of Hansgrohe AG, successfully realizes “Designer Visions for Your Bathroom". In cooperation with Axor, leading product designers, architects and interior designers develop their vision for the bathroom as a living space. The Axor collections offer a great number of unique and sustainable solutions to create personalised bathrooms of the highest aesthetic and technological levels. To date, Axor collections have been created by Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio, Jean-Marie Massaud, Patricia Urquiola as well as Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. They all contribute towards making life in and around the bathroom a little more meaningful and beautiful. The Axor brand is headed by Philippe Grohe.

 

Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort Opens

Read article : Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort Opens

By: Hyatt Hotels & Resorts |  0 Shares     12 Reads

Opening sets new standard of luxury for Sanya Island in China

February 02, 2015 // Franchising.com // CHICAGO – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the opening of Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort in Sanya on Hainan Island, China’s southernmost province widely known as "the Hawaii of China." The hotel marks the fifth Park Hyatt hotel in China, as well as the 35th Park Hyatt hotel in the world.

Situated on a stunning inlet and featuring a private lake and white-sand beach, Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort combines the luxury of privacy and exclusivity with accessibility, being a mere three mile drive from Yalong Bay, the island’s most popular tourist destination.

"We are delighted to introduce the Park Hyatt brand to Sanya," said David Udell, Group President, Asia Pacific, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. "This opening is a testament to our commitment to strategic, thoughtful and purposeful growth in China. The tourism and hospitality industry in Sanya has been booming in recent years, and we are proud that the Park Hyatt brand can be part of that growth. We look forward to welcoming travelers to our most premium brand, where we create sophisticated and enriching experiences."

"It is extremely exciting for us to open our doors in this incredibly unique location -- a place where our guests can enjoy privacy and exclusive access to our beautiful bay and beach overlooking some of the most breathtaking views in Sanya, all while remaining close to the vibrant Yalong Bay only minutes away," said Nicholas Lacey, General Manager, Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort. "Topped off with the elegantly designed spaces and personalized service that Park Hyatt hotels are known for, Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort will be a sanctuary for our many guests from around the world."

Design and Guestrooms

Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort was created by the award-winning Belgian architect, Jean-Michel Gathy of the renowned design-consultancy firm, Denniston. The strikingly modernist development comprises six standalone, arch-shaped buildings designed to allow chi, the traditional Chinese notion of energy, to flow unhindered between ocean and mountains. Set amid the lush landscape next to the beautiful Nan Hu Lake, the placement of every building and internal space has been carefully considered to maximize guests’ enjoyment of the breathtaking view. The six buildings are linked by wide walkways and are decorated with paintings and sculptures to create a tranquil and rarefied art-walk experience.

Designed to replicate the feeling of living in a private mansion by the sea, the sophisticated, elegant interiors are residential in style with a subtle Chinese sensibility. As in private homes, the spaces are wholly flexible. Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort features 207 luxurious guestrooms, including 26 suites and 17 villas. At almost 700 square feet, the standard rooms are among the largest on the island, and almost all of the guestrooms enjoy unadulterated views of the South China Sea.

Drinking and Dining

The ethos of the international culinary team at Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort is to offer a range of authentic Chinese and Western dishes that incorporate ingredients of the highest quality, sourced locally wherever possible. In keeping with the residential concept and ambience of a resort setting, guests are welcome to order from the menu or request bespoke dishes as relaxed and freely as they might do at home. The culinary team is primed to create unique and memorable dining experiences for guests, whether it is a champagne breakfast on the beach, a family barbecue in the villa, or a sunset supper on a yacht.

There are eight main drinking and dining venues: Dining Room, Cellar, Pool House, Pool Bar, Bath House, Library, Terrace and Tea House, following the notion of rooms within a large residence. At each establishment, guests can order from the menus of any of the other dining venues.

Dining Room is the main residential-style dining space offering Chinese cuisine focusing on seafood and steaks. Cellar is a cozy extension of the Dining Room, offering private dining in an intimate setting.

Next to Cellar, in a traditional Chinese-style building topped with ceramic-roof tiles, is Tea House. The impressive, light-filled space, featuring a mezzanine floor and a 30-foot high ceiling strung with myriad birdcages, will serve a premium selection of Chinese teas, an afternoon tea menu, and regional Chinese cuisine.

Guests can also enjoy Western and Chinese comfort food such as pizza, burgers or chilled noodles, either at Pool House, Pool Bar, or Bath House alongside the pools. Library and Terrace are also great choices for guests who want to relax and read a good book – or take in the ocean views – while sipping on a cold drink or a premium cocktail.

Meetings and Events

Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort aims to be the most desirable, upscale event venue in Hainan. The hotel features eight unique, residential-style event venues, ranging from 450 square feet to over 3,600 square feet. All venues feature an abundance of natural light, outdoor terraces and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and lighting.

Chamber is the largest indoor event space, measuring just over 3,600 square feet and comprising three separate spaces: a reception area, an open kitchen and a main dining area. Equally unique is Gallery, a long, 3,100 square foot space with paintings and sculptures decorating both sides to resemble an art gallery. The Salons are perfect for smaller, more intimate events. The almost 1,700 square foot Grand Salon with its 36-foot ceiling height and walls lined with wooden lattice, is an ideal venue for a wedding or gala dinner. The 6,500 square foot lawn in front of Pool House is ideal for atmospheric outdoor events.

Recreation and Activities

The recreation team has spent years researching and testing activities to offer guests the most unique and memorable activities during their time at Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort. Five separate pools – a 375 square foot pool, a children’s pool, a family pool, a spa pool and an indoor pool – are available to suit all types of swimmers. While at Camp Hyatt, kids and young adults will be both entertained and educated with activities like cooking classes and eco-activities by availing themselves of the latest toys and video games or simply by reading or resting in the "silent room."

With a focus on local culture, as well as marine and environmental education, the resort offers myriad outdoor activity options for all ages, include hiking, golfing and stargazing, along with tours to nearby attractions such as Butterfly Valley, Nanshan Temple, Yazhou Ancient City and the Ganzaling Nature Reserve. Water sports enthusiasts will be thrilled with Baifu (Fortune) Bay – a private bay right next to Sunny Bay – renowned for offering some of the best diving conditions in China, as well as being an ideal spot for boating and kayaking.

The Spa at Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort is due to open in late 2015. Located by the lake and accessed by buggy, the spacious, light-filled spa will be built in a traditional Chinese style and will feature a main, two-story building and eight freestanding villas around an open-air courtyard. The semi open-air villas will each include a couple’s treatment room, a private foot treatment room, a freestanding tub, a shower, a walk-in wardrobe and an oversized daybed. Meanwhile, the main spa building will feature four additional treatment rooms; three foot-treatment rooms, a TCM consultancy chamber and a lounge on the first floor. The floor below features a gym, a yoga studio and an outdoor infinity pool. Benefit-driven treatments will be carefully conceived to incorporate proven traditional Chinese practices, as well as the very latest in international spa techniques.

For more information on Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort, please visit the hotel’s website.

About Park Hyatt

Park Hyatt hotels provide discerning, affluent business and leisure guests with elegant and luxurious accommodation and offers them highly attentive personal service in an intimate environment. Located in several of the world's premier destinations, each Park Hyatt hotel is custom designed to combine sophistication with a distinctive regional character. Park Hyatt hotels feature well-appointed guestrooms, meeting and special event space for groups, critically acclaimed art, food and beverage programs, and signature restaurants featuring award-winning chefs.

There are currently 35 Park Hyatt hotels in the following locations: Abu Dhabi, Beaver Creek, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Busan, Canberra, Carlsbad, Changbaishan, Chennai, Chicago, Dubai, Goa, Hamburg, Hyderabad, Istanbul, Jeddah, Maldives, Melbourne, Mendoza, Milan, Moscow, New York, Ningbo, Paris, Saigon, Sanya Sunny Bay, Seoul, Shanghai, Siem Reap, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Vienna, Washington D.C., and Zurich. www.parkhyatt.com.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences and vacation ownership properties, including under the Hyatt, Park Hyatt, Andaz, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Residences and Hyatt Residence Club brand names and have locations on six continents. As of September 30, 2014, the Company's worldwide portfolio consisted of 573 properties in 48 countries. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the rate and pace of economic recovery following economic downturns; levels of spending in business and leisure segments as well as consumer confidence; declines in occupancy and average daily rate; if our third-party owners, franchisees or development partners are unable to access the capital necessary to fund current operations or implement our plans for growth; changes in the competitive environment in our industry and the markets where we operate; our ability to access the capital markets; and other risks discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which filings are available from the SEC. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable laws. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Contacts:

Lillian Zhang
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts – China
+86 10 5928 1234
lillian.zhang@hyatt.com

Jamie Rothfeld
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts – Corporate
+1 312 780 6070
jamie.rothfeld@hyatt.com

###

Share this Story:

Comments:

comments powered by