Hibiscus Island Residence: An Island Paradise Home in Miami Beach, Florida

Read article : Hibiscus Island Residence: An Island Paradise Home in Miami Beach, Florida

Would you love to live near the water edges of Miami, Florida? Of course you would say yes! What you would get once there is not just an island paradise experience, but, an island luxury living in a high-end tropical environment in a secluded, exclusive and a gated community in Hibiscus Island, Miami Beach, Florida. A waterfront house with a great indoor and outdoor living so suited for Miami’s year round tropical climate, from a long summer, abundant rainfall, and a mild, dry winter. Surely, this island property that we will feature today is a masterpiece to the designer and a priced-possession to the homeowner.

This modern house design was made possible by Architect Ralph Choeff of the Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture + Design, built by Bosch Construction. A house with a modern architectural design and a high-end tropical environment. Considering that this house is nested in a private island community in Miami Beach, Florida, the quality of living here is of great pride and price. Let us know more of this luxury island paradise living through this Hibiscus modern waterfront residence.

Location: Hibiscus Island Community, Miami Beach, Florida

Designer: Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture + Design

Style: Modern Tropical

Number of Level: Two-storey

Unique feature: A waterfront residence with a tropical architectural design and great massive indoor and outdoor living.

Similar House: A Stunning White Modern Home on a Greek Island

This is an astounding front view of this Hibiscus Residence. A two-level water-front house located in the water edges of Miami Beach, Florida. Ipe wood, natural stones and water features are the tropical elements commonly used in this house.

To the right of the house is the garage guarded in steel railings. Palm trees were placed to achieve a tropical tone in this modern architecture.

A simple wooden door opens the house to its indoor spaces and a lit up entryway warmly welcomes guests to the house. Also, stone steps leading towards the door travel over a Koi pond, one of the house’s tropical touch. Ornamental plants and palm trees surround the area.

This rectangular swimming pool is one of the great outdoor space in this house. Its underwater light effect reflects the water element of the pool. Lounging seats were in place to give comfier and a relaxing pool experience. Surely, your swimming pool experience here will be different from a sandy beaches bath along Miami Beach.

Read Also: Lovely Contemporary Home on Di Lido Island in Miami

Towards the end of the swimming pool is a covered entertaining area with a sunken lounge and an outdoor kitchen. During night time, it’s best to enjoy the view of the city light while lounging with family and friends in this classy and modern outdoor space.

From this photo, the glass panel set as the boundary from the outdoor space to the indoor space of the house. Its interior is a combination of wood and glass accent. Plants placed inside the house add a tropical aura to the space.

In the living room, continuity of accent and design is achieved. Light brown wall and floor tiling compliment the white ceiling of the space.

The modern kitchen design was achieved through a light wood cabinetry and white top design. An island is placed to accommodate five setters. Above the island are three pendant lights that give off simplicity and beauty to the kitchen.

One of the house great indoor space is this media room with a bar beside it. This space is best for a lazy afternoon. Large white couch, pillows, and chairs were added to accentuate the room. The bar on its side will surely add flavor to your high-end experience.

Contrasting colors of black and white made the living room more classy. Glass sliding doors can be opened completely for an uninterrupted view of downtown Miami. Below it is the rectangular type swimming pool.

Safety in style. Light wood stairs with glass railings lead to the upper floor of the house. The materials used for the stairs look great together. One will not question the strength of the glass material and the wood reflects its tropical touch. Modern and tropical.

Another great indoor space in this house is this chic and luxurious master bedroom. A small sitting area and working area had been incorporated into this room so that one can lounge and work at the same time. A glass surround wall is placed for an interrupted view of the downtown Miami. Onward is a balcony which is great for some open yet private moments. And, the space is in great combination with its white ceiling with hidden lights, white wall, and light brown floor tiling.

This is one of the many bedrooms available in the upper space of the house. A wall of cabinetry surrounds the room good for plenty of storage. The bed, its linens, the lampshade, tables and the floor carpet is in consonance with the theme of the whole space.

The master bathroom is placed next to the master bedroom. The space looks great and perfect for its dual sink vanity, a shower with a floor-to-ceiling glass surround, white freestanding bathtub, with views on the palm trees through the large glass windows. Its white ceiling provides a wider space, while the hidden lighting from it emit warm glow on the wood wall and the floor.

Truly, this house is a masterpiece project of the architect and at the same time a prized possession to the house owners. This may be of a very great market value, yet, undoubtedly, the island paradise living it may offer is priceless. This is just another achievement to the Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture + Design for this Hibiscus Island Residence. It is a fact that Miami’s cost of living is really priced high, thus, a home owner resident of Miami will be very much willing to sacrifice cost for luxury, comfort, modern, and tropical island living experience this Hibiscus Island residence can offer.

A Forest Villa Ideal For Family Retreats And Mediations

Read article : A Forest Villa Ideal For Family Retreats And Mediations

A private retreat in a forest, away from everything sometimes seems like a wonderful idea for spending some away with those that matter the most. One such location is in Tala, India. This is where Architecture Brio completed building a wonderful villa in 2016. It’s a 225 square meter structure which can accommodate four adults and two children.

View in galleryThe villa is surrounded by grass and trees on all sides and even welcomes nature inside of itView in galleryA viewing deck offers the inhabitants a beautiful place from which to admire the views and relax

The villa looks modest, one of the goals of the architects working on the project being to integrate it into its surrounding as best as possible. It sits on a hilltop, on a cliff with a rather rugged nature. The conditions on the site and the surroundings inspired the simple and modest design of the building and allowed the architects to create a perfect retreat.

rods embedded deep into the ground" width="800" height="534" />View in galleryThe building is perched on a steep hilltop, being supported by rods embedded deep into the groundView in galleryThe outdoor areas are well-protected and in great sync with nature and their surroundingsView in galleryThe wooden deck wraps around the interior spaces, complementing and protecting them

The wooden decks are a key element in the design of the villa. They wrap around the interior spaces acting like a buffer between them and the forest that surrounds the house. They also frame the views and serve as perfect spots for meditation sessions.

View in galleryThe views are definitely beautiful and together with the secluded nature of the site they make this a perfect retreatView in galleryThe interior is casually divided into several different areas, each with a distinct function

Inside the villa, the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. The colors are simple and inspired by nature. White is used in combination with wood and toned of brown complemented by the occasional touch of green.

small round dining table in the corner by the large windows" width="800" height="534" />View in galleryThere’s a comfortable living space with a small round dining table in the corner by the large windowsdouble canopy bed that overlooks the deck and the view beyond it" width="800" height="534" />View in galleryOne of the bedrooms is defined by a double canopy bed that overlooks the deck and the view beyond it

The layout is simple and meant to ensure a casual and comfortable ambiance. The polished concrete flooring adds a touch of added simplicity to the decor, being beautifully complemented by all the wooden accents. At the same time, large glass walls and windows ensure a strong and natural connection with the outdoors, letting and views and the light enter the rooms.

View in galleryA spiral staircase offers access to a lower level where additional spaces can be foundView in galleryThe staircase drops into another bedroom, equally tranquil and serene

A spiral staircase connects the main areas to a lower level where additional functions can be found. This is a smaller but equally cozy and welcoming space characterized by the same interior design elements, materials, colors and textures.

View in galleryCurtains and timber accents make the space feel cozy and welcoming while keeping it simplefeaturing curved glass walls" width="800" height="534" />View in galleryThe bathroom is open to the outdoors too, featuring curved glass walls

7 stunning bathroom trends for 2017 revealed

Read article : 7 stunning bathroom trends for 2017 revealed

The bathroom is first and foremost a functional space, but it is also a space that can be beautifully designed to make it a standout feature visually as well.

Aside from the usual practical aspects of this space, Kyle Turner from Luximo, the local distributor for the luxurious ROCA sanitaryware brand, offers some insights into the main trends influencing bathroom design going forward:

1. Organic is back

Kyle says organic elements can add warmth, uniqueness, and a rich tactile sensation to the overall composition. As such, materials such as wood, stone, metal and ceramics remain popular.

It is understandable why designers and homeowners alike admire Mother Nature as the ultimate source of design inspiration - organic elements can add warmth, uniqueness, and a rich tactile sensation to the overall composition. As such, materials such as wood, stone, metal and ceramics remain popular.

“Natural materials are being used to great effect to bring nature back into our homes. To stay within budgets, and to ensure easy maintenance and longevity, lots of indistinguishable imitative products are gaining popularity,” says Kyle.

“These warm organically-inspired or natural materials are used to great effect when juxtaposed with modern materials and super clean, streamlined design lines that offer practical and simple arrangement of spaces.”

2. Leading colourways

Darker more moody tones are making a huge comeback throughout the home, as well as in the bathroom.

“Darker tones, especially the rich palette of grey hues, are proving to be enormously popular. In the bathroom, they can be used on the walls and floor, and juxtaposed against brilliant white sanitaryware for maximum visual impact,” says Kyle.

He says can also integrate other popular colours.

“Matte, nude and neutral colours offer the perfect combination when paired with darker greys and blacks, and offer a great way of introducing some contrast to the overall colour palette,” says Kyle.

“Combinations of pastel tonalities in blue, green, salmon and ash are also on the rise, but only when used as accent tones. And of course, the classic all-white monochromatic bathroom never seems to go out of fashion.”

3. Metal and marble mania

“These warm organically-inspired or natural materials are used to great effect when juxtaposed with modern materials and super clean, streamlined design lines that offer practical and simple arrangement of spaces,” says Kyle.

“Marble cladding on the walls and metal accessories in gold or copper are bang on trend,” says Kyle.

“There has been a stylish revival of this 70s aesthetic - brass has really become that most fashionable metal for the bathroom, and when paired with the nobility of marble, it makes a truly irresistible combination.”

4. Play with geometry

A variation of geometric shapes inspired by the strong lines of architectural and structural elements has really come to the fore with regards to tiling and ceramic cladding.

“Hints of the Orient and the Mediterranean are being introduced in a modern and dynamic way in new trendy bathroom tile ranges,” says Kyle.

“An example of this is the rising popularity of the hexagonal tiles used for wall and floor coverings - it is proving to be a very popular design combination with multiple variations that can interpreted in many ways.”

5. Water efficiency rules

Water has always been a very precious commodity, but it is becoming a very high priority, especially in light of the severe water shortages we have been living through of late.

Kyle says awareness of water shortages has made choosing sanitaryware that is water efficient a must.

“You use more water in the bathroom than every other room in your home combined. Choosing water-efficient options is the right thing to do, and it can save thousands of litres and lots of money in the long run,” he says.

“Matte, nude and neutral colours offer the perfect combination when paired with darker greys and blacks, and offer a great way of introducing some contrast to the overall colour palette,” says Kyle.

“Water-efficient taps, double-flush cisterns, and low-flow showerheads all make a big impact on reducing your water consumption in the bathroom. However, there are other really clever and innovative products - one of them being the exclusive ROCA W+W, which reuses the water from the basin to fill the cistern after filtering it, further reducing water consumption by up to 25%.”

6. Smart storage

Adequate storage is essential in any bathroom space, and today, it takes on the role of being both functional and visually pleasing.

“Bathroom storage needs to provide you with easy access to all your items - it prevents the items from getting lost inside the furniture unit. ROCA’s range of bathroom furniture, for example, boasts drawers with full extraction systems that display all their contents so that you may access even the farthest corner,” says Kyle.

“Some models also include a concealed drawer to facilitate the tidiness of?the smaller objects.”

However, he says that modern bathroom furniture has also become smart.

“ROCA’s Statum-N Base Unit, for example, allows you to connect your smartphone to the Bluetooth speakers of the furniture unit and enjoy your music while you shower or get ready to go out. It also offers a built-in socket in its drawer so that you can use to plug your hairdryer, electric shaver, or straightening iron in.”

“Combinations of pastel tonalities in blue, green, salmon and ash are also on the rise, but only when used as accent tones," says Kyle.

7. Deluxe showers

The bath has always taken centre stage in bathroom design, however, there is a trend to replace the bath with a super-luxurious and grand shower instead.

“Showering is water efficient, it is quick and easy, and it provides one of the few occasions in which we are relaxed, calm and away from the stress caused by our everyday lifestyle,” says Kyle.

“It is no wonder that it is really starting to take centre stage in modern bathroom design. From the shower walls, shower heads and faucets, you can customise your shower according to your budget and needs.”

He says another important element to consider is the shower floor or tray.

“Gone are the days when acrylic shower floors were your only option, as ROCA now also provides shower trays in STONEX, steel and vitreous china. Shower trays manufactured in STONEX, a resistant and long-lasting material, may be installed levelled to the floor, and thanks to their textured surface, offer a high anti-slip feature,” says Kyle.

“They are also available?in different natural finishes to meet the needs of all kinds of bathroom environments, providing a very modern look - Helios, wooden texture, Terran, stone texture.”

Adequate storage is essential in any bathroom space, and today, it takes on the role of being both functional and visually pleasing, says Kyle.

Kyle says steel shower trays are functional, long lasting and extra slim so that they are perfectly integrated in the shower space, and it is only necessary to clean them with a wet cloth and soap.

“For greater comfort, ROCA’s In-Floor or Blues XL collections include an anti-slip base,” says Kyle.

“If you are searching for an economic shower tray that is easy to clean and resistant to chemical agents, those manufactured in vitreous china - such as ROCA’s Malta shower tray for example - are a good option.”

All ROCA products are currently available at Bathroom Bizarre outlets countrywide.

 

Stylish Designs And Options for Shower Enclosures

Read article : Stylish Designs And Options for Shower Enclosures

The type of the shower enclosure you choose for your bathroom as well as its design have a big impact on the overall design and look of this space. So choose the style, the material and everything else carefully. The shower enclosure should, of course, match your style and preferences but it should also suit the bathroom functionally.

View in gallery

Frameless glass enclosures are particularly popular in contemporary bathrooms. Their extremely simple and transparent look offers the bathroom an airy and spacious look, enhancing its beauty without necessarily influencing the décor in any way.

View in gallery

A continuous, frameless shower enclosure can also contain the tub and can look like a simple space divider. This option suits large bathrooms and allows them to look and feel spacious and organized.

View in gallery

In that case, the glass enclosure an either be a full-height divider or it can have that small raised portion at the bottom that keeps the water contained. That element would coordinate with the flooring and the design would remain cohesive throughout.

View in gallery

The shower and the tub can be enclosed in the same space, encapsulated by glass and this doesn’t necessarily needs to occupy a large portion of the room. It can be a variation of a typical tub enclosure.

View in gallery

The shower and the sauna each have their own separate rooms. The shower is framed by walls on three sides and uses glass for the front one, allowing the space inside and the rest of the bathroom to communicate and to lend each other their spaciousness.

View in gallery

A tile and glass shower enclosure is another option. A frameless glass wall combined with tiled walls which can either go all the way up to the ceiling or merely go up to waste level would look good given the right layout and décor. This is a design which best suits traditional bathroom with a modern vibe.

View in gallery

A more unusual option is the glass block shower enclosure. It doesn’t have a door and the glass blocks which form it can be arranged in a variety of ways. The blocks have textured patterns which further highlight the shower’s interesting design.

Winter Custom Yachts 60 Wolverine Boat Review

Read article : Winter Custom Yachts 60 Wolverine Boat Review

I met Tim Winter and Capt. Rocky Hardison in Morehead City, North Carolina, as Winter was finishing up the last details prior to delivering Wolverine, his newest 60-footer, to the Fletcher family, and before it made its public debut at the Palm Beach Boat Show in March.

Wolverine’s curved transom, flowing broken shear line accentuated by her intermediate bumper, and beautiful Carolina flare met my expectations the moment I stepped on the dock. The sight of Hull No. 22 from Winter Custom Yachts triggered the special place in my heart for custom Carolina boats. I had watched the progress of the build for the past few months and eagerly awaited stepping aboard the ­beautiful rig to see what Winter had done with his ­latest creation.

Specs:

LOA: 60'6" | Beam: 18'3" | Draft: 5' | Disp.: 79,500 lb. | Fuel: 1,925 gal.
Water: 250 gal. | Power: Twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT 1,700 hp diesels

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“We built Wolverine to be a traveling boat as well as a family boat. They will fish tournaments as a family, and it’s not important to them whether they win or lose, as long as they’re all spending time together,” says Winter. “Wolverine will spend time in the Bahamas, and then fish the tournaments in North Carolina and Bermuda. She will head for the Pacific next year. The Fletchers wanted a boat capable of extensive travel with extra fuel, the ability to fish for multiple species, and all the amenities of home so they can live aboard.”

Cockpit

Wolverine’s cockpit is built to allow the family to have plenty of room to fish and have a good time together. A Release Marine chair with a massive eight-hole rocket launcher and tray is the ­centerpiece of the cockpit. Winter is a man of details: He placed tuna tubes on both the port and starboard gunwales with lids that are a positive fit into the tuna tubes. This simple design element will eliminate rattling and movement while underway. There are also tuna tubes on the transom within the combination livewell/fish box. The mezzanine is complete with gaff, mop and chamois storage below the seat, and also features cockpit freezers on both sides. There is additional storage, including a teak tackle locker to starboard under the overhang. The ice maker dumps into an upper compartment beneath the seat and flows down into a lower box within the step.

Accommodations

Upon entering the spacious salon through the teak sliding door, you immediately notice the beautiful teak veneer work, which was cut from the same log to produce a consistent grain throughout the living areas. A flat-screen TV is tucked inside a teak cabinet to starboard. The aft end of the cabinet contains a storage area for cameras, and is heated by the engine room to minimize lens fogging when traversing from the cool salon to the cockpit on a hot day. Built into the forward end of the cabinet is a comfortable bucket jump seat facing the L-shaped sofa to port. A raised settee sits forward on the starboard side. Below the settee are two drawers that can house an assortment of lures and teasers.

The galley is forward to port and features a pair of Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer combos. A Keurig coffee maker rises up from under the countertop to utilize space that is typically wasted. A cooktop sits forward, along with a microwave in the forward cabinets; the upper cabinets contain custom CNC-cut dividers for cookware and pantry items.

The three staterooms below are accessed by a stairway: To port is the master with a queen bed and an accompanying bath with full-size shower. Moving forward is an over/under berth that is full of storage for rods, clothing and linens, and the day head is just aft. A tackle/rod storage closet sits between the laundry closet and the starboard bunkroom with three bunks. Typically, bunks fold up to allow access to storage, but Winter designed drawers onto the face of the bunks to make accessing this usable space easier. Winter incorporated another unique feature that affords an extra bunk: One of the lower bunks extends below the stairwell to create an additional sleeping area.

Engine Room

The Seakeeper 16 is located directly below the access to the engine room from the mezzanine. Wolverine’s engine room is spacious, allowing ample room to access the outside of the engines. All wiring is concealed behind accessible panels, creating a clean, visually appealing snow-white engine room. The dual 21.5 kW Caterpillar generators are aft of the engines and are easily accessed, just like the rest of the systems on board.

Bridge

The helm console sits port to center with a faux-teak electronics console, pod and dash. Winter typically mounts the electronics under a door, but Wolverine has three Simrad MO19-T monitors mounted to a black acrylic background with two rows of Bocatech switches for pumps and lights, producing a sleek array of electronics. A lid to port of the helm pod houses the Simrad autopilot, trim tabs, FLIR camera and the VHF command mics. Two Release Marine helm chairs sit behind the helm, and bench seating is forward of the console and on the starboard side of the bridge. A freezer under the forward bench can accommodate plenty of bait or food for when the boat is ­traveling. Other handy features include an air compressor to fill polyballs, as well as a separate washdown for cleaning the bridge after a long day of fishing.

Construction

Boatbuilding methods have advanced in recent years, but many builders continue to utilize plywood hulls. Wolverine is no exception, incorporating a triple-plank fir bottom and fir stringers. The remainder of the boat is constructed from Diab closed-cell foam to create a strong and light structure, and all of the hatches and hatch gutters are molded fiberglass. All areas of the boat are ventilated with forced air; Winter also utilizes an Arid dry-vacuum system to keep all bilge areas completely dry.

Performance

A pair of 1,700 hp Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines matched with ZF gears turns the set of Veem propellers to provide the power for Wolverine.

As we approached Beaufort Inlet, Capt. Hardison eased the throttles forward, and she quickly raised out of the water and accelerated with no bow lift. She settled into her cruising speed of 31-plus knots at 1,900 rpm while burning 118 gph; wide open, Wolverine makes 42 knots at 2,360 rpm with a fuel burn of 180 gph.

It was a calm day, so we were unable to observe how she handles in rough water. However, as any Winter owner will attest, the boat will exceed your ­expectations in any sea condition.

“Wolverine is a culmination of all I have learned in the previous 21 boats, and I could not be prouder,” said Winter as we returned to the dock. In the custom-boatbuilding arena, Winter is proving to be a hard worker with a talented team of craftsmen seeking to learn and make each boat better than the last.

Pics: Making a splash with bathroom decor

Read article : Pics: Making a splash with bathroom decor

Cape Town - There is no more personal a room than the bathroom, and homeowners can use this private space to embrace their own personal style.

At the centre of any domestic bathroom is the ever-important basin and tap. It is important to pair the two to ensure a unique style and statement bathroom feature.

Craig Taylor of Bathroom Butler says spending time and money on designing a bathroom space is becoming increasingly important.

“From its former role as a hidden, exclusively functional space, the bathroom has achieved the status of a proper room, with the same importance placed on decorating it as the rest of the home. As such, it has increasingly become the object of the careful attention of both homeowners and architects, who treat it as a privileged space that can assume different functions.

“The bathroom of today is treated as a central core of the home – a place to linger and relax. We spend an increasing amount of time in our bathrooms each day, whether it’s bathing the kids, getting ready for work or a night out, or washing away the day gone by. Putting some thought into the design of your bathroom can make a huge impact on your experience,” says Taylor.

Modern moods go organic

The use of chrome, brushed satin or polished satin in tap material has an enduring elegance, suited to most bathroom styles. But the shape and profile of the tap can offer a different look and feel.

Jasmin Kraneveldt of tile and sanitaryware supplier Bathroom Bizarre says the trend is towards organic bathroom design, rather than opulence and colour.

“As well as incorporating the constantly growing eco-friendly trend, bathrooms this year will also adopt more open space, as well as striking sanitary fittings and showers that stand as features in their own right. It is all about interesting designs, practically attractive layout and clean and unfussy lines.”

The contemporary school of design that embraces minimalism and modern brassware is no exception. Clean, simple lines offer neat, fresh appeal.

A mixer allows for easy use and cuts down on clutter around the tap. A paddle or lever handle, whether situated on the top of the spout or at the side of the tap, is an effective way to manage the water source.

The spout is likely to be elegant and functional, with angular lines for a more dramatic, modern look. Square tap profiles that tie in with accessories can also bring an up-to-date look and energy.

Waterfall spouts are popular for baths and basin as they deliver water in a quiet, splayed fashion, rather than the usual stream.

Today’s taps are also environment friendly.

“The modern bathroom is fresh, elegant, slick and unafraid to experiment with new trends for the realisation of a relaxed living environment. And it is increasingly drawing from our natural surrounds to achieve this,” says Taylor.

Chrome continues to dominate the material choice for taps. It can be brushed or lightly buffed for an attractive appearance.

Black, diamond-finish taps, with single tap heads or mixers, offer a distinct texture and hue, which is highly contemporary.

The basin itself should be clinical, with defined edges and placed on a cool, modern surface, such as granite or Corian. Open cabinetry and suspended vanities complete a modern look.

“Floating vanities and free-standing baths make for clean, chic and modern-looking bathrooms. Fittings such as floating vanities which attach directly on to the wall can help create a larger-looking and more flowing space in the bathroom area, as well as providing a clean and modern atmosphere,” says Kraneveldt.

Basins can be found in a variety of interesting materials, such as enamel and steel. Glass and quartz offer new-age fabrics that modernise the interior of bathrooms. Other materials suited to the modern bathroom are copper and ceramic with a metallic finish.

Bette, bathroom suppliers, uses all-natural raw materials, such as glass and titanium steel, for the manufacture of a unique product that is strong, scratch-resistant, impact-resistant and permanently retains its shape.

This combination of steel and enamel means the product will keep its brand-new look for many years.

Modern shapes include square and rectangular basins or free-standing pedestal basins in a chunky rounded finish.

Water-saving taps are another must-have item in the up-to-date bathroom.

“Different faucet manufacturers use different methods to ensure their taps are water efficient – namely aerators, flow restrictors, and cartridges built into the mixers that lower the flow rate,” says Kraneveldt.

Traditional trends

A stand-out characteristic of traditional styles is the fabric used. Standard brass is an economical option and can incorporate other materials, such as pot metal or plastic. DZR brass is high quality, with the perfect amount of zinc included in the make-up. It ensures no leaching and guarantees a longer-lasting product, ideal for bathroom taps, and the brass can be polished to a high sheen.

The inset basin is placed directly into a pre-designated cavity. The rim peeps over the edge of the surface top, which is often placed on a full piece of furniture.

The underslung basin sits below the surface, creating a concealed receptacle that shows off the surface top. The hidden sink also has hygiene advantages as the top can be easily cleaned.

A set-top basin can also boast clean, simple lines.

Bathroom Bizarre has recently introduced a new imported range of ultra-thin basins.

A pedestal sink can conform to tradition, says Kraneveldt. “Freestanding pedestal basins are a great way to make a strong visual statement in a bathroom, thanks to their distinctive aesthetic, and they are a great option for a bathroom where space is at a premium.”

She says vintage-inspired pedestal basins have made a huge comeback. “It’s a pure example of what goes around, comes around.”

Old-fashioned spouts boast chunky base elements with vintage detail around the spout extension which can include ornate curves with a kink and “chess piece-style” components. And the handles of the widespread three-hole configurations are often traditional side handles. The ever-popular spider handles are still very much in vogue.

Classic basins need to conform to simple, clean lines and styles of installation to stand the test of time. Round and oval shapes offer a restful feel, ideal to pair with established tap styles. Although most traditional basins are in classic white porcelain, there are eclectic options available, such as stone and pure granite, offering a rustic take.

How you mount taps makes all the difference

The placement of spouts and bath and basin mixers or tap handles can alter the style dramatically.

HOME looks at a few options:

The areas around a drop-in basin offer superb opportunities to surface-mount taps on either side of a spout.

The surface-mounted tap will make use of either a curved extension, with a sharp square edge that allows the spout to sit horizontally over the basin or bath or gently protrude over the lip of the basin. The lever is then situated either to the side of the spout or at the back, in the case of basins.

Wall-mounted spouts can feature a small curved end or a sharp 90 degree drop with a spout long enough to reach over the basin or bath

An elevated spout can be serviced by a wall mixer or paddle handle.

Wall spouts have a modern, up-to-date appeal and can be positioned to fill the basin directly from the wall.

Monoblock basin mixers feature all-in taps and spout placed on the surface as one element.

Samantha Hartshorne, Independent HOME

Pictures: Bathroom Bizarre and Bathroom Butler

Built-in bath mixer with handle without lever HAPTIC

Read article : Built-in bath mixer with handle without lever HAPTIC

Collection

Name of product/article

HAPTIC | Single lever bath mixer

Type

Built-in bath mixer with handle without lever

Design Year

2016

Hapticmoves the attention from the ergonomics to the contact with the material choosing the concrete, a raw and structural material that becomes the protagonist of the project. The handle is the element of control, the trait-d'union with the user: in this case the concrete tactile potentials deeply express themselves, The eye catches that porosity that becomes smoothness to the touch. The manufacturing of the handle made of concrete Leaves traces in the history of the final product. A product that evolves in time and tells a story of handmade pieces. the defects give value to the product and certify its originality, each piece is handmade.

Now also available in black and white finishing. A timeless, simple and classy combination, in line with the main features of the entire brand offering.
A contemporary design combined with the tradition of "made in Italy" excellence makes these products unique: the special mat texture in black and white, besides ensuring excellent adhesion and resistance, makes the products elegant and exclusive.
The study on these new finishings has allowed to achieve very high quality standards: they resist to corrosion, light and water action, combining inalterability and ease of maintenance with a delightful aesthetic, suitable for enriching any bathroom environment.

House Tour: A Contemporary, Classic Cape Town Rental

Read article : House Tour: A Contemporary, Classic Cape Town Rental

Name: Melissa and James Lawrence
Location: Vredehoek, Cape Town, South Africa
Size: 1184 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years, renting

Cape Town-based interior designer Melissa and her husband James didn't want to invest a ton of money in this home since they are renting it. But because Melissa is in the interior design field, they knew exactly what could to be done to enhance the space and in a cost effective way. They've been able to cleverly add their own touches to their rental apartment, creating a space that feels like home.

The first task was to tackle the flooring, which was originally dark brown and in a poor condition. The light whitewashed floors that you see now required a lot of work, but the result is a brighter, more contemporary look they both love.

Melissa and James love entertaining so updating the kitchen was a must — and the space needed a major overhaul and some serious TLC. The cupboards were originally a mix of dark wood and grubby white, and so fresh white paint was an obvious choice. They also added pine door knobs for an inexpensive and easy update. James made the overhead copper utensil hanger (which creates a great focal point) and they added cut vinyl to spruce up the existing white tiles. This is also where Melissa spends time producing her soy candles for her Melissa Louise label.

Their apartment goes to show that with just a few clever DIYs and design savvy thinking, you can easily revamp a rental space. Just remember to get your landlord's approval before you start!

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style:Our style has evolved over the years, from the eclectic mix of furniture that we first accumulated when we moved in together to now investing in classic furniture pieces that will last. We tend to gravitate to an overall contemporary look and feel with classic details.

Inspiration:As an interior designer, it is my job to stay up to date and be relevant; I am always inspired by the work of my favorite designers. Instagram and Pinterest are great tools for staying relevant and storing beautiful content that inspires.

Favorite Element:Melissa: Our high ceilings and the natural light that pours into every room. Often inner-city apartments can feel small and cramped; I love that our apartment feels light and spacious.

James:The lounge. It's where we unwind and watch series, play PlayStation and most importantly drink wine and socialize with our friends when they are over.

Biggest Challenge:The defined layout of our apartment. The closed floor plan means each room is separated from the others by walls and hallways. Hallways tend to be narrow and often have very little character.

What Friends Say:We aim to have a warm and comfortable home for our family and friends. Our friends echo this, as most nights are enjoyed over dinner and wine or even movies and popcorn.

Biggest Embarrassment:Melissa: Our bathrooms! They are outdated and tired, we have run over the finances but it simply isn't viable to do any major alterations to a rental property. Also sloppy workmanship in the past has left our vintage black cisterns speckled with paint...

James:Our bathroom! It's so old and I wish we could renovate and make it one large wet room! The bath isn't big enough for me, so a walk-in shower would be great!

Proudest DIY: Melissa: When we moved in, our floors were chocolate brown and worn through in places; they were in desperate need of attention! Having a creative eye I saw the potential they had when we first viewed the apartment. James and I sanded, treated and sealed the floors of the apartment ourselves, while living in the space. It was a tough two weeks, but it has really transformed the space and was SO worth it.

James:I made the copper utility hanger above our kitchen counter; a few trips to builders warehouse and there you have it. Super simple, but effective!

Biggest Indulgence:Melissa:Our five-plate gas stove and electric oven. We love entertaining, this was one of the best investments!

James:Our TV.

Best Advice: A lick of paint makes ALL the difference! It is a cost effective way to update a space, making it feel fresh and brand new!

Dream Sources: I love the convenience of shopping and sourcing online at places like @home living spaces, MRPhome and Weylandts, while finding hidden treasures at local antique shops. And supporting small developing businesses is a thrill!

Resources:

ENTRANCE
Stokholm sideboard – MRP Home
Aztec reversible rug — H&M Home
Basket — Milnerton Market.
Tall Basket with lid — Community upliftment program bought when Melissa was in high school
Light — Ikea, gifted to us by friends who were relocating

LIVING AREA
Sofa — @Home living space
Standing angle poise lamp — Weylandts
Beni Ourain inspired rug — MRP Home
Ladder shelf — @Home living space
Glass coffee table — MRP Home
Round side table — Superbalist
Curtains — Woolworths
Round mirror above electric fireplace — MRP Home
Sewing machine — Vintage piece, handed down from James' grandmother.
Duros Armchair — vintage shop
Large white pot —M RP Home

BEDROOM
Bed — YouMeHome
Bedding — H&M Home
Oval mirror — Vintage store in Woodstock
Sullivan hoop — Hooped by Sue Britz
Lamp base — Milnerton Market
Jewellery stand — MRP Home

KITCHEN
Stokholm dining table — @Home living space
Chairs — Chair Crazy
Clock — MRP Home
Fake plants — SuperFloral
Metallic plant pots — Simply Home
Gold candle holder — Home and Giftware Pop up shop at the V&A
Striped runner — MRP Home
Copper book stand — Handmade by a family friend and gifted to us.
Wooden chopping board — Ikea
Copper book stand: Handmade by a family friend and gifted to us."
Teapot — Le Creuset
Patterned vinyl — Designed and applied by Frizzy Diamond
Diamond hanging pot plant — Typo

STUDY
Chairs — Chair Crazy
Desk — Trestle legs and pine top bought at Timber City
You're a gem hoop — Hooped by Sue Britz

Thanks, Melissa and James!

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