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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query the design solution. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday, November 17, 2017

Wet Room Design Considerations | Kitchen Bath Design

Read article : Wet Room Design Considerations | Kitchen Bath Design
<a href=Wet Room Design Considerations" src="http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/sola-images/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/24155731/MaryJoPeterson-Web2017.jpg" class="img-responsive primary" />

Expert Advice Aug 6, 2017

A wet room can expand the space in a small bathroom, or create the sense of a luxury spa experience in any size bathroom.

authorsMary Jo Peterson 

The wet room is expanding in purpose, in definition and in its incorporation into residential bath design. Current wet room trends are likely driven by our love affair with free standing tubs and the space they require, as well as by European designs and our interest in the clean lines of minimalist design.

A wet room can expand the space in a small bathroom, or create the sense of a luxury spa experience in any size bathroom. As designers, we will be guided by a number of pros and cons, and design considerations relating to the integration of a wet room in a particular space, and this column will examine some of them.

WET ROOM BASICS

So, what is a wet room and where did it come from anyway?

The formal definition of a wet room is “a bathroom in which the shower is open or set behind a single wall, its floor area being flush with the floor of the rest of the room and the water draining away through an outlet set into the floor.”

Many wet rooms today include the shower and a tub, usually free standing, behind a wall or divider, often glass, separating the wet area from the rest of the room. Typically, the floor will be pitched slightly to a flush linear drain, with open passage or a door and doorway.

Today’s wet room is frequently part of a spa experience in a luxury and larger bath, but you might be surprised to know that this was once a concept used mainly in lower budget and institutional settings to improve access.

All bath designers have experienced the ubiquitous post-WWII 5’x8′ bath, and when square footage cannot be increased, the first step toward improving access and opening the clear floor space has been to eliminate the tub and make the entire space a wet room.

If you’ve traveled through Europe, you will likely have experienced traditional bathrooms that have evolved through the addition of a hand-held spray and a floor drain to include showers where historically, the tub was the main focus for bathing and personal hygiene. This, in essence, becomes a wet room by definition – and, depending on the care given to the design details and water control, a success. As in any bath or shower space, a prime consideration must be containing the water.

BENEFITS & CHALLENGES

Having defined what a wet room is, let’s look at the benefits, challenges and key design considerations relating to these spaces.

The foremost benefit of a wet room is that it opens the space, both visually and functionally, and usually improves access for a variety of bathers. In a small full bath, removing the tub and making the entire room waterproof reduces the amount of floor space given up strictly for passage. Another benefit of this concept is that it reduces the amount of space needed to convert a powder room to a full bath in a tight space.

The main challenge when the entire room is the waterproof or wet area is keeping desired items and areas dry. Towels and the lavatory can be planned out of the water’s path. Sometimes when designing for access in a 5’x8′ bath conversion, the toilet is planned on the wet side of the curtain or screen, so that it can do double duty as a shower seat – with a hand spray, it can support personal hygiene.

Of course this means extra challenges in keeping the toilet and its paper dry. To help resolve this, there are paper holders with covers, and because they’re flexible, shower curtains can be useful.

Another challenge in this scenario is the containing of water at the threshold of the room. Although a level entry is preferred, in limited space, one solution can be to raise the threshold not more than 1/2″; planning a second drain near the entry can also help.

When there is more space available, wet room design can include a generous shower, often planned to emphasize the tub, free standing or otherwise, and to bolster the sense of a luxury spa. Depending on the design, the tub may double as a seat for showering. A disadvantage for some would be the wetting of the tub every time the shower is used. This can be resolved with a pivoting glass screen between the two or, when the shower is large enough, the user can simply direct water flow away from the tub. When the space can be planned with no threshold, the expansion of clear floor space further increases safety, flexibility and visual impact.

Whatever the size, the waterproofing for a wet room is different than the traditional installation in that it covers more area and should be continuous. One approach is to use liquid or viscous membrane and to spread it over the entire area and up the walls of the wet room. As in any wet area, non-porous and slip resistant water-friendly materials must be specified throughout. Finish materials are typically run floor to ceiling – an added expense, but another enhancement of the luxury spa feeling.

Determining whether or not a level or flush threshold is possible requires consideration of the construction of the floor and whether the slope is possible, as well as the direction of the water flow and the distance from the water sources to the wet room’s entrance. Client preferences and intended uses also contribute, especially in the related consideration as to whether the entrance will be open or have a door, and what type of door. An open passage can be a beautiful design statement, enhanced by continuous use of the same flooring throughout, but it offers no assurance that the water or heat will be retained in the wet area. Adding a door will help resolve this, and the most effective option will be a hinged door with a gasket. In addition, incorporating radiant heat can help resolve the issues relating to warmth in the space.

Incorporating a wet room into a bath plan offers wonderful design options, but it clearly requires careful consideration and installation. It’s a huge opportunity for us as designers, and hopefully this conversation has whet your appetite to dive into the possibilities. ▪

Mary Jo Peterson is an award-winning designer whose work has earned national recognition, including induction into the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Hall of Fame and recognition as the NAHB CAPS Educator of the year for 2014. Author ofUniversal Kitchen and Bathroom Planning (McGraw Hill) andGracious Spaces (McGraw Hill), Peterson is certified in kitchen, bath, aging-in-place and active adult housing design. She has over 25 years of experience, and is president of her own CT-based design firm, Mary Jo Peterson, Inc.

Saturday, March 11, 2017

What goes into a spa bath that wins a National 'Contractor of the Year' award? | Articles

Read article : What goes into a spa bath that wins a National 'Contractor of the Year' award? | Articles

It's a matter of record that only one National Contractor of the Year (COTY) award was conferred on a Washington-area company in 2017. The winning project is a spa bath in the McLean home of Sunder and Premilla Raman. The project was ranked the nation's best residential bath in the $25,000 to $50,000 range.

The winning remodeler, Michael Nash Design Build and Homes, is a 30-year-old design build firm which maintains an extensive Lee Highway showroom.

Michael Nash is no stranger to awards for excellence in home remodeling. In recent years, the firm has won several prizes from the “Finest in Family Living” competition sponsored by the National Association of Homebuilders, and about a dozen Chrysalis awards from Qualified Remodeler Magazine, which assess the quality of remodeling projects in a nationwide contest.

More generally, Michael Nash ends the year by submitting work to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry's Washington, D.C. chapter, which has conferred its Contractor of the Year award on Michael Nash projects in one category or the other every year for 30 years. In fact, the full-service remodeler has amassed more Washington-area COTY awards than any company in the award's nearly 40-year history.

Among other things, the COTYs are designed to assess what the remodeler has accomplished within a specific budget range.

“The criteria works well for us,” says Sonny Nazemian, Michael Nash founder and CEO. “Our work culture is oriented towards outperforming the limits of the budget. Yes, you can point to an upscale celebrity bathroom in, say, Architectural Digest that's more luxuriant than anything we've done, but what the story doesn't reveal is that someone spent $200,000 on it. The COTY, by contrast, compares apples to apples, and we are good at stretching the size and quality of what can be achieved in a bathroom within a specific budget parameter.”

Part of this, the remodeler observes, is the design and technical back-up provided by the firm's 11,000-square-foot showroom. Nazemian places a premium on being able to sell finish work materials for close to cost.

Even so, the range of counter surfaces, cabinetry, flooring, plumbing fixtures, lighting solutions on display are without rival in Northern Virginia. Then, too, the company commits to a “fixed price” contract, which means that the quoted figure is binding even when there may be change orders.

The company's greatest value component is its talent pool. The top designers have been with the firm for a minimum of 12 years. There is always a professional in the showroom to talk through ideas with browsers when asked.

Some homeowners say they “discover” the core solution to a previously undeveloped design problem on the first visit. Others take their time, treating themselves to multiple visits, researching online and in magazines, then spending long afternoons in the showroom.

Premilla Raman falls into the later “patient and deliberate” category. Raman and her daughter spent hours poring over selected web sites and magazines – even talking with neighbors who had recently remodeled.

It was on a friend's recommendation that Premilla Raman wandered into the Michael Nash showroom, and began looking at full-sized displays and talking with staff designers.

“There are hundreds of samples; I could wander around on my own gathering ideas and taking notes. There was no sales pressure, but when I asked for feedback, I received immediate assistance and very relevant suggestions.”

Raman's vision called for converting a 210-square-foot production-house master bathroom in their four-bedroom Colonial into an open, free-flowing spa bath loaded with cutting-edge amenities. After occupying the house for 22 years, the Ramans – both seniors – were ready for luxury.

“In the previous floor plan, there was a platform tub in a bay window that absorbed about half of the available floor space, yet the shower was too small,” Premilla Raman recalls. “But once we starting looking at alternatives with the designer, we began to see the possibilities of a much more luxuriant space.”

Still, the larger question was how “successfully” can a dated production-house floor plan be transformed into a flowing postmodern design while sticking to the boundaries of the bathroom's existing footprint? For instance:

“We wanted a larger walk-in design that wouldn't require a built-in curb to keep the water in,” the homeowner remembers. “But weren't sure this was even possible.”

To meet these new requirements, the design team removed the platform tub and introduced a subfloor that raised the floor about an inch. The shower is now lower than before, and the subfloor bevels slightly toward a linear drain, eliminating the need for a built-in lip around the shower.

“Of course, this kind of change demands angles that are absolutely precise,” Nazemian explains. “Water is an absolute judge of whether a shower design works well.”

Tucked behind floor-to-ceiling glass walls, the new shower sits on river rock flooring that connects it visually to a freestanding pedestal tub. There's a small bench at one end, a hand-held shower nozzle within easy reach. Overhead, the stainless steel “waterfall” shower head proffers a range of body sprays with varied temperatures and pressures.

The shower's inside wall is finished in soft Brennero Pearl porcelain accented by a glass tile inseam; cubbies designed to hold personal items are within easy reach.

For a still more leisurely bathing experience, the acrylic tub tucked into a three-window bay presents a restful view of the tree tops. Window shades by Applause can be easily adjusted to screen back light.

For enhanced convenience and privacy, the former double sink has been replaced with a pair of floating vanities, each on a different wall.

Featuring espresso-colored maple and mission style cabinet facings and white quartz surfaces, the vanities present a clean, linear elegance in a room that is refreshingly simplified and spacious.

Is this the nation's prettiest new spa bath?

“We like it,” Premilla says. “Better yet, everything we were promised was delivered. That's a good feeling.”

For information call (703) 641-9800 or visit MichaelNashKitchens.com

John Byrd has been writing about home improvement for 30 years. He can be reached at (703) 715-8006, www.HomeFrontsNews.com or byrdmatx@gmail.com

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

A Family’s Cramped Bungalow Is Replaced With an Accessible and Affordable Prefab

Read article : A Family’s Cramped Bungalow Is Replaced With an Accessible and Affordable Prefab

Since launching their Los Angeles-based prefab company Connect Homes, Jared Levy and Gordon Stott have worked with scores of modern-design lovers to build their dream homes. But when they received a query from prospective clients complete with concept drawings rendered to look as though they’d been plucked from the architects’ own canon, an incredulous Stott emailed back asking, "Who are you?"

A Family’s Cramped Bungalow Is Replaced With an Accessible and Affordable Prefab - Photo 1 of 13 - Universal design and affordability were uppermost in the minds of TJ Hill and Jay Heiserman when they asked Jared Levy and Gordon Stott of Connect Homes to replace their cramped bungalow with a modern prefab. Since the firm’s modules are 8 feet wide, the house could only be 16 feet wide, but the architects used the remaining space for a large deck, creating a flexible and seamless first-floor plan.

Universal design and affordability were uppermost in the minds of TJ Hill and Jay Heiserman when they asked Jared Levy and Gordon Stott of Connect Homes to replace their cramped bungalow with a modern prefab. Since the firm’s modules are 8 feet wide, the house could only be 16 feet wide, but the architects used the remaining space for a large deck, creating a flexible and seamless first-floor plan.

The couple—disability rights attorney and mental health advocate TJ Hill and Emmy-winning production designer Jay Heiserman—had clearly done their homework. And their dilemma was one that many of Stott and Levy’s clients share: Their older home was ripe for replacement, but they had neither the budget nor the time for a ground-up custom build. 

A Family’s Cramped Bungalow Is Replaced With an Accessible and Affordable Prefab - Photo 2 of 13 - TJ and Jay’s daughter, Chloe, colors at an <a href=Ameriwood Home table from AllModern." />

TJ and Jay’s daughter, Chloe, colors at an Ameriwood Home table from AllModern.

Moving wasn’t an option. They loved their Santa Monica neighborhood—an established enclave on the border of Venice—but the charm had worn off the 850-square-foot home they had purchased in 2009. They’d coped with the limited square footage, the water damage, even the termites that rained down from the ceiling, but the steep entry stairs, narrow doorways, and cramped interior presented significant obstacles to TJ’s younger sister, Melissa, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, when she visited from Florida. Things reached a breaking point when the couple’s household expanded to include their daughter, Chloe.

A Family’s Cramped Bungalow Is Replaced With an Accessible and Affordable Prefab - Photo 3 of 13 - The dining area features a <a href=custom Eero Saarinen table for Knoll and vintage Arne Jacobsen chairs for Fritz Hansen. KitchenAid appliances, IKEA cabinets, and Home Depot tile furnish the kitchen.&nbsp;" />

The dining area features a custom Eero Saarinen table for Knoll and vintage Arne Jacobsen chairs for Fritz Hansen. KitchenAid appliances, IKEA cabinets, and Home Depot tile furnish the kitchen. 

"There were lots of things about the house that didn’t work," says TJ, who also serves on the City of Santa Monica Disabilities Commission. "Those barriers are highlighted every day when you have a child and you’re just trying to get a stroller in and out."  

A Family’s Cramped Bungalow Is Replaced With an Accessible and Affordable Prefab - Photo 4 of 13 - Ensuring that the house would be accessible for wheelchair users like Marielle Kriesel, who serves on the <a href=Santa Monica Disabilities Commission with TJ, guided the design." />

Ensuring that the house would be accessible for wheelchair users like Marielle Kriesel, who serves on the Santa Monica Disabilities Commission with TJ, guided the design.

Rebuilding was in order, but the couple wondered if they could construct a house that not only was accessible, affordable, and environmentally friendly, but would adapt to their needs in the coming years. 

"While we’re aging in place, our needs are constantly changing. This house is adaptable and responsive to those changes." TJ Hill, resident

A Family’s Cramped Bungalow Is Replaced With an Accessible and Affordable Prefab - Photo 5 of 13 - "We always knew we wanted to do prefab—here it is something interesting and beautiful that adds to the character of the street," says TJ (on deck, with Jay, left, and Chloe). "There weren't many options for staying in the area with a growing family," notes Stott.

"We always knew we wanted to do prefab—here it is something interesting and beautiful that adds to the character of the street," says TJ (on deck, with Jay, left, and Chloe). "There weren't many options for staying in the area with a growing family," notes Stott.

"More and more of our clients are fitting this mold," Levy explains. "They own homes that were designed for consumer demands and needs that are now close to sixty years old. These homes are at the end of their life expectancy. If TJ and Jay were to rebuild going the conventional route, it would take close to three years through design, approvals, and construction and cost twice as much." 

A Family’s Cramped Bungalow Is Replaced With an Accessible and Affordable Prefab - Photo 6 of 13 - For the front deck, the couple chose a dining set by Teak Smith; the driftwood and metal corkscrew is by <a href=sculptor David Tanych.&nbsp;" />

For the front deck, the couple chose a dining set by Teak Smith; the driftwood and metal corkscrew is by sculptor David Tanych. 

Whether they’re designing for a lot with views for miles or one in the middle of an urban streetscape, Levy and Stott, who spent more than five years at Marmol Radziner Prefab, believe prefab offers the perfect solution. For TJ and Jay’s 25-by-80-foot property, they set two of their steel-framed 8-by-40-foot modules side by side, with another pair on top. Two 8-by-20-foot modules above a new, site-built garage form the master bedroom and closet. At 1,600 square feet, the four-bedroom, three-bath structure nearly doubled the size of their former home. But because it doesn’t maximize the lot, it adapts comfortably to the neighborhood. 

A Family’s Cramped Bungalow Is Replaced With an Accessible and Affordable Prefab - Photo 7 of 13 - The master bedroom consists of two modules set above a site-built garage. The fabric is from IKEA.&nbsp;

The master bedroom consists of two modules set above a site-built garage. The fabric is from IKEA. 

Since accessibility was a priority, the architects set the building to one side of the lot, a move that paved the way for a sizable wraparound deck that’s flush with the interior so that Melissa can easily negotiate indoor and outdoor spaces. For now, she and other wheelchair users enter the house via a portable ramp, but once on the property they have full access to the entire first floor.

A Family’s Cramped Bungalow Is Replaced With an Accessible and Affordable Prefab - Photo 8 of 13 - In the living room, a <a href=vintage Danish chair faces a sectional upholstered in Knoll fabric. The Nelson Ball clock is from Vitra and the throw pillows include a Jonathan Adler Seahorse design. Acacia flooring from Reward Hardwood Flooring was used throughout.&nbsp;" />

In the living room, a vintage Danish chair faces a sectional upholstered in Knoll fabric. The Nelson Ball clock is from Vitra and the throw pillows include a Jonathan Adler Seahorse design. Acacia flooring from Reward Hardwood Flooring was used throughout. 

To accommodate an office for Jay (an Ellen DeGeneres Show veteran and now a freelance production designer and art director) that would double as a guest bedroom for Melissa, the architects subtracted 10 feet from the kitchen and dining area. "Our standard Connect4 model doesn’t have a bedroom on the ground floor," notes Stott. "But TJ and Jay knew exactly how they would make it fit for their program and lifestyle needs."

A Family’s Cramped Bungalow Is Replaced With an Accessible and Affordable Prefab - Photo 9 of 13 - A <a href=George Nelson Bubble lamp hangs in the stairwell." />

Similarly, the couple’s desire for expansive windows translates to rooms flooded with light and opens up the house to the street. "Gordon and Jared kept asking, ‘Are you sure you want this many windows?’" Jay recalls.

A Family’s Cramped Bungalow Is Replaced With an Accessible and Affordable Prefab - Photo 10 of 13 - A <a href=Curtis Jere sculpture hangs above a bed from CB2 in the upstairs guestroom. The Louis Ghost chair is by Philippe Starck for Kartell.&nbsp;" />

A Curtis Jere sculpture hangs above a bed from CB2 in the upstairs guestroom. The Louis Ghost chair is by Philippe Starck for Kartell. 

Continues TJ, "At night, you can see us living in our house: We’re making dinner. Chloe is reading a book. A lot of our neighbors have said, ‘But we can see into the house.’ We have sun shades, but when we were thinking about the house, we were thinking about really being a part of the neighborhood. We did something that breaks molds for the neighborhood and for what people think about modern and indoor/outdoor living."

A Family’s Cramped Bungalow Is Replaced With an Accessible and Affordable Prefab - Photo 11 of 13 - In the downstairs bathroom, the <a href=semigloss wall tile is from Daltile; the floor tile is by Deko.&nbsp;" />

In the downstairs bathroom, the semigloss wall tile is from Daltile; the floor tile is by Deko. 

Levy and Stott are delighted that they could give their clients a home that will meet their needs for the long run. "The core of the business is trying to make architecture more accessible for everybody," says Stott. "And that’s truly at the bottom of the modernist idea: Better design doesn’t have to be expensive. That was the idea more than a hundred years ago, and it’s the same idea now." 

A Family’s Cramped Bungalow Is Replaced With an Accessible and Affordable Prefab - Photo 12 of 13 - Chloe’s bedroom features a Blake Tovin bed and nightstand from The Land of Nod. The roller blinds throughout are from Steve's Blinds and Wallpaper.&nbsp;

Chloe’s bedroom features a Blake Tovin bed and nightstand from The Land of Nod. The roller blinds throughout are from Steve's Blinds and Wallpaper. 

A Family’s Cramped Bungalow Is Replaced With an Accessible and Affordable Prefab - Photo 13 of 13 -

Monday, May 15, 2017

McLean spa bath wins COTY for remodeler Michael Nash | Articles

Read article : McLean spa bath wins COTY for remodeler Michael Nash | Articles

A spacious master bath renovation in a circa-1990s center hall Colonial has won a “Contractor of the Year” (COTY) award for Michael Nash Design Build and Homes. The recently-completed McLean makeover was named the Washington-area's best residential bathroom in the $25,000-$50,000 category by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry metro DC chapter.

The winning solution successfully converts a 210-square-foot production-house master bathroom into an open, free-flowing spa bath with many cutting-edge amenities. The remodel features a walk-in shower and freestanding pedestal tub artfully situated on river rock flooring. Two custom-designed hanging vanities and several original built-ins provide functional accommodations smoothly integrated into a “transitional style” interior that balances textured surfaces, glass walls and a subtle interplay of colors and tones.

Acknowledging the honor, Michael Nash president and founder Sonny Nazemian, credited his design and production team:

“This is an award about outperforming the limits of a budget,” Nazemian noted. “We collaborate closely with our clients to achieve cost benefits-- exploring creative solutions that will maximize the investment. A COTY always tells me we're doing our job well.”

For homeowners Sunder and Premila Raman who have occupied the four-bedroom Colonial for 22 years, however, the award is also an acknowledgment of many hours researching an ever-evolving catalog of contemporary design styles.

“We didn't add any square footage, yet the bathroom looks and feels substantially larger than its predecessor,” Raman recalls.

“In the previous plan, there was a platform tub in the bay window that absorbed about half of the available floor space, yet the shower was too small. Once we starting looking at alternatives, we were ready for a more luxuriant space.”

Thus motivated, Raman and her daughter spent hours poring over selected web sites and magazine-- even talking with neighbors who had recently remodeled.

It was on a friend's recommendation that Premila Raman wandered into the Michael Nash showroom on Lee Highway, and began browsing and talking with staff designers.

“The showroom is a great resource,” Raman observes. “There are hundreds of displays and samples; I could wander around on my own gathering ideas and taking notes. There was no sales pressure, but when I asked for ideas, I received immediate assistance and very relevant suggestions.”

On this point, Nazemian notes that there are more “decision points” in a bathroom than any other part of the house.

“We've really concentrated on developing an exceptionally experienced interior design staff skilled at helping homeowners discover their personal style,” he adds. “It's our combination of more purchase options and a seasoned talent that gets each new project off to an inspired start.”

For the Ramans, the larger question was: how successfully can a dated, production-house floor plan be transformed into a free-flowing postmodern design while staying strictly within the bathroom's existing footprint?

“We wanted to replace the old shower with a much larger walk-in design that wouldn't require a built-in curb to keep the water in,” the homeowner remembers. “We just weren't sure if this was even possible.”

Nazemian adds:

“To meet the new shower requirements, we removed the platform tub and introduced a subfloor that raised the floor about an inch. The shower is now lower than before, and the sub floor bevels slightly toward a linear drain, so there's no need for a built-in lip around the shower.”

“Of course, this kind of change requires angles that are absolutely precise. Water is always the judge of whether a shower design works well.”

Tucked behind two 7-foot glass walls, the new 3.5-by-7, open shower sits on smooth river rock flooring that connects it visually to a freestanding pedestal tub. There's a small bench at one end, the hand-held shower nozzle within easy reach. Overhead, the stainless steel “waterfall” shower head features a range of body sprays with varied pressures.

The shower's inside wall is finished in soft Brennero Pearl porcelain accented by a glass tile inseam; cubbies designed to hold personal items are within easy reach.

For a still more leisurely bathing experience, the acrylic tub tucked into a three-window bay presents a restful view of the tree tops. Applause window shades can be easily adjusted to screen back light.

For personal use and privacy, the design team replaced the former double sink with a pair of floating vanities, each on a different wall.

Constructed of espresso-colored maple and featuring mission style cabinet facings and white quartz surfaces, the vanities present a clean, linear elegance in a room that is now refreshingly simplified and spacious.

Better yet, the end result fulfills the vision:

“Everything we were promised was delivered,” Premila says. “That's a good feeling.”

For information call (703)641-9800 or MichaelNashKitchens.com

John Byrd has been writing about home improvement for 30 years. He can be reached at (703) 715-8006, www.HomeFrontsNews.com or byrdmatx@gmail.com

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Small Bathtub Designs Made For Ultimate Relaxation

Read article : Small Bathtub Designs Made For Ultimate Relaxation

A small bathtub is a nice alternative to a regular one and not only because it’d free up more space in the bathroom. These amazing soaking freestanding tubs are made for relaxation and, well, soaking. Besides you can easily turn one into a shower and use the rest of that bathroom space for washers, storage, or simply to create an airy look in an already cramped room.

Small Bathtub Designs of Every Shape

Small bathtubs come in all shapes and different sizes. They aren’t just circular or oval. There are classical claw feet freestanding tubs in minimized versions, square tubs and all kinds of forms in between.

Cyrano Acrylic Slipper 44″ white tub 900x900 <a href=Small Bathtub Designs Made For Ultimate Relaxation" width="900" height="900" />Cyrano Acrylic Slipper 44″ white tub

This Barclay‘s Cyrano Acrylic Slipper tub is just 44″ with the beautiful brushed nickel imperial feet and a roll top. It goes to show that even if your bathroom is tiny you can still create a vintage style interior with a classic tub that won’t take up too much space.

It is ideal for the bedroom too because you won’t end up giving too much of the floor space to the bathroom area. Even though tiny it still has the presence that people like so much about the clawfoot tubs.

Marmorin small soaking tub <a href=Small Bathtub Designs Made For Ultimate Relaxation" width="800" height="800" />Marmorin small soaking tub

Circular shape is probably the most popular among the soaking tubs but this Marmorin Jena shoe-shaped design is all about ergonomics. It may look bigger than it really is but it’s all because of its high back that allows to really lean back and enjoy your me-time.

This form is getting more widespread but it surely requires a bit more space. Well, at least you can sit back and hide from the world behind those tall tub walls.

Small Bathtubs Made of Metal

Asti Copper Japanese soaking tubAsti Copper Japanese soaking tub

Material is as important as the shape of a tub. Copper is a huge design trend right now and the bathtubs that are made of it can surely add some style points to a modern bathroom. This 39″ Asti Copper Japanese Soaking Tub from Signature Hardware has an amazing albeit simple design and can probably fit into the tiniest of bathrooms.

Copper is not only quite easy to clean and maintain, it is also antibacterial. It looks well as it ages and if you choose really carefully it will serve you for quite a long time. Decor tip: match copper with teal or turquoise accents for a truly stunning look.

43" Simone Polished Stainless Steel soaking tub43″ Simone Polished Stainless Steel soaking tub

Like it or not the round shape is simply the most efficient when it comes to small bathtubs. This is another one of Signature Hardware‘s mini tubs, a 43″ Simone Polished Stainless Steel Soaking Tub, stylish and very small.

It would surely fit into any small bathroom and make it look amazing. The modern stainless steel finish can go well with both traditional and ultra modern or minimalist decorating styles. It all depends on what you’re going for.

<a href=Square Freestanding Bath Tub 41' x 41' from ADM Bathroom Design" width="900" height="900" />Square Freestanding Bath Tub 41′ x 41′ from ADM Bathroom Design

Of course, if a square tub works better for your floor plan then you’re in luck because there are quite a lot of them on the market right now. For instance, this ADM Bathroom Design square tub is a perfect fit for a small bathroom, especially if you’re planning to tuck it into a corner.

Some square tubs feature a circle carved up inside of them leaving some space around the angles for storing small things like shampoos and soaps. Some even feature a mini deck with steps to make it easier to get in.

Circular Small Bathtubs

Aquatica TrueOfuro freestanding solid surface bathtubAquatica TrueOfuro freestanding solid surface bathtub

Speaking of tall and small bathtubs, going upwards is always a valid way to economically use space regardless of the room. In a small bathroom a tall soaking tub leaves so much free space to simply move around.

Circular soaking tubs can often be quite deep and tall like the Aquatica‘s TrueOfuro freestanding tub. It is quite small but a grown adult can clearly fit in it without any problem.

Aquatica Purescape freestanding acrylic bathtubAquatica Purescape freestanding acrylic bathtub

Purescape tub from Aquatica is designed by the same principle but it has a modern look to it. It also features the decorative rings that make it look like a collapsable cup.

Speaking of which, soaking tubs often have cup-like shapes but there are other small tub designs that resemble things like bowls and even vases.

Colorful Small Bathtubs

Acrylic mini bathtubAcrylic mini bathtub

While round tubs look more impressive in the middle of the room or beside a bed or a window, they can also quite successfully fit into a corner. This Glass Design acrylic mini tub has its back raised and while it’s circular there’s little space wasted between it and the wall.

Beside shapes, sizes and materials the color of a bathtub is a whole different factor that diversifies the choice. Surely most of them are still white on the inside but the sides come in all the different colors from red to blue to golden.

Flower style back bathtubFlower style back bathtub

Another great small bathtub design from Glass Design looks more like a flower vase (perhaps hence the name) and features a black exterior but the white insides.

Sure, it may not look as convenient or practical but just look at how little floor space it occupies. You can probably stand upright inside of it, which would eliminate the need for a shower. But the question is how does one get in?

Mini Gold Leaf tubMini Gold Leaf tub

Their Mini Gold Leaf small bathtub can really transform a tiny bathroom. Its beautiful finish would definitely make for a luxury bath interior.

Since its back is raised and a bit pointed, it too fits well into the corner. Although who would want to tuck it in there rather than placing it right in the middle of the room?

Traditional Small Bathtubs

Tubby Torre bathtubTubby Torre bathtub

Freestanding bathtubs are very popular right now. But if you need a mini version that would fit into a tiny bathroom the Tubby Torre from Albion Bath Co. is a perfect option.

Painted into a beautiful dark bronze the bathtub would make a gorgeous addition to any bathroom or even bedroom. It’s compact enough to leave a lot of free space in the room. And it’s beautiful enough to pass as a full-sized luxury freestanding tub.

Tubby too short roll top bathtubTubby too short roll top bathtub

Tubby Too Short is another contender for a small luxury bathroom. This mini clawfoot tub painted into bright purple really calls for a mock vintage style or maybe even shabby chic.

It is a great way to add a pop of color to a small bathroom. It both creates a focal point in the interior and requires no additional decorative accents.

Small Bathtubs Made of Marble

Papillon Bathtub in Marble Sandstone and Granite by Stone ForestPapillon Bathtub in Marble Sandstone and Granite by Stone Forest

Though stone isn’t accessible to most, the bathtubs made out of it can look truly incredible. Even the small ones. Stone Forest shows what marble sandstone can do to such a mundane thing as a bathtub.

Beside the high cost natural stone requires tremendous maintenance. So if you think you want one be sure to do your homework and find out what you’re getting into before the purchase.

EAU Soaking tubEAU Soaking tub

Stone Forest knows a thing or two about impressive stonework. This small bathtub was presented at ICFF and also at IDS12. It earned a 2011 BOY Merit Award from Interior Design Magazine and general media attention for its impeccable design.

Finished with a sealant (like this one), stone bathtubs require careful cleaning. If the sealant is damaged your tub could end up with stains and scratches. But even with sealant intact you still want to wipe it dry after each use. This is done to prevent mineral and soap scum buildup. Do you think you’re ready for such a commitment?

Small Bathtubs Made of Stone

GRAL tub by SIGNGRAL tub by SIGN

The GRAL bathtub by SIGN looks like an oversized sink and while small it’s definitely a luxury tub as it was made out of a single excavated stone piece.

If you’re trying to save both space and money though you can surely find an equivalent shape among more modest modern tubs on the market.

Circular bathtub in home by Carver + SchicketanzCircular bathtub in home by Carver + Schicketanz

As we already mentioned, a small bathtub doesn’t have to only be a solution to the lack of space. In a spacious bathroom it can simply allow you to add features that aren’t fit for the other rooms.

This beautiful stone bath is doing just that in a house designed by Carver + Schicketanz. There’s plenty of space in the indoor/outdoor room with some serious furnishings that offer plenty of storage space.

<a href=SPA bathtub designed by nespoli e novara for Neutra Design" width="800" height="493" />SPA bathtub designed by nespoli e novara for Neutra Design

SPA bathtubs are definitely the ones that allow you to soak well and relax. This one was designed by nespoli e novara for Neutra Design and it surely looks relaxing. Available in a range of various stones including moonstone and granite it makes for a luxury addition to a small bathroom.

While you may think it’s not as versatile a small bathtub can double as a shower or even a whirl tub.  So even those who lack space can enjoy a piece of their favorite SPA right at home.

Small Bathtubs in Interior Design

Designed by <a href=JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction" width="800" height="530" />Designed by JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction

Think small bathtubs can’t look impressive? Then you didn’t see this bathroom designed by JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction. Featuring a built-in round bathtub with a marble ring and a waterfall tap this interior is out of this world.

Of course, the glazed walls and a marble fireplace add considerably to the interior design. But you can’t deny that you’ve never seen a tub like this one before.

Master bathroom with a coffee cup bathtubMaster bathroom with a coffee cup bathtub

Another bathtub you may have never seen before is this coffee cup-shaped bathtub complemented with a themed feature wall. It’s cute but nevertheless impressive. A cleverly incorporated mirror makes the small room feel more spacious.

And still there’s plenty of space for storage, toilet, bidet and a sink with a vanity. What an incredible idea and execution!

Teal bathroom with a small freestanding tubTeal bathroom with a small freestanding tub

As you can see even a simple small bathtub can look impressive when it’s a bowl-shaped freestanding design accented with bright teal tiles as a backdrop for a pristine white vessel.

Bubble pendant lights play into the picture full of circular shapes. And a wooden ladder that may look a bit out of place adds its own charm to the look.

Bedroom/bathroom by Finnis ArchitectsBedroom/bathroom by Finnis Architects

This is a great example of how you can combine the bedroom and bathroom by Finnis Architects. A small bathtub doesn’t get in the way and a half wall gives it a bit of privacy.

There are quite a few challenges when it comes to moving a bathtub into the bedroom but in the end of the day the look is definitely worth it.

Small Built-In Bathtubs

<a href=Sunken Concrete Bathtub by Lance Workshop" width="800" height="1067" />Sunken Concrete Bathtub by Lance Workshop

A small bathtub doesn’t have to be freestanding of course. If you need or want to build it into the floor or between the walls you can do that especially in a particularly tight room.

This pulley shower system by Lance Workshop features a sunken concrete bathtub that can easily provide residents with both quick morning showers and the prolonged relaxing bathing sessions.

Michaela Scherrer tiny spa bathMichaela Scherrer tiny spa bath

In Michaela Scherrer‘s Pasadena bungalow the concrete SPA bathtub features a partially hidden shower and thick enough borders to keep the appropriate toiletries within a hand’s reach.

As you can see you don’t need a fancy tub or tiles to create your own SPA bath. The white plastered walls and grey concrete work quite nicely together making for a very modern minimal look.

Small bathtub in an Oriental Warehouse LoftSmall bathtub in an Oriental Warehouse Loft

Wood is another material on the rise in the bathtub design. Wooden tubs like this one in the Oriental Warehouse are too high-maintenance but they provide the bathroom with an unparalleled look and feel.

Since they too feature a sealant, cleaning and maintenance should be directed at keeping it intact so the water wouldn’t harm the wood.

A small bathtub is not only space-efficient but can also help to create an amazing bathroom interior design. Besides it can also double as a shower or a hot tub. It can look impressive especially if made out of stone and the downsized traditional versions can allow you to have a vintage or traditional look without requiring much space.

Friday, March 9, 2018

Make Your Bathrooms Inspiring With Beautiful Shower Enclosures and Frosted Glass

Read article : Make Your Bathrooms Inspiring With Beautiful Shower Enclosures and Frosted Glass
image

When designing a home most individuals focus on comfort and style.

The home is an extension of the resident’s personality and needs to project their personal style.

It is also the space one seeks maximum comfort in to relax after a long day. While a lot of people focus extensively on bedrooms and living rooms to balance these two concerns, they often forget about the bathroom.

The bathroom is an important part of one’s house but is often dismissed with the same structure.

However, with modern innovations in the field of design, there are now several stylistic options that can transform your bathroom and enhance its beauty.

One such revolution has been caused by toughened glass solutions that are aesthetic and resilient, making it the perfect element for a bathroom.

Luxurious shower enclosures

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A common concern in many bathrooms can be seen in the shower area.

Most bathrooms have a shower curtain separating the two units which is hardly adequate to limit water spills.

Further, soon after it has been fitted, even the finest shower curtain turns wrinkly and spotty giving your bathroom an old and unkempt look.

Also, with the water spilling into the rest of the bathroom, there is a constant messy look that isn’t very appealing.

Instead with a glass shower enclosure now even your bathroom can look like a luxurious hotel style space.

These modern enclosures work wonderfully to enclose the shower area while also adding style and glamour to the space.

Further, due to the reflective properties of glass, it can make even a small bathroom look bigger and more open.

Clean and mess free

A major benefit with a material like glass in the bathroom is also its ease of maintenance.

Any water droplets on the glass can simply be wiped down by a squeegee or soft cloth to leave it sparkling and clean for years to come.

Also with modern enclosures that are fitted well, one never has to worry about water spills in any other section of the bathroom.

Privacy and artistic solutions for every individual

image

Along with style and glamour, a bathroom also mandates privacy solutions. With modern glass, this can be achieved in a classy manner easily.

Frosted glass doors on the shower enclosure are among the most popular solution to accommodate privacy with good aesthetics.

This obscure and cloudy glass solution works wonders to block the view while still allowing for slight transmission of light.

Thus, the unit stays completely private while also maintaining the reflective brilliance of glass.

For the artistic individual, one can also opt for a unique pattern or design on the glass as well.

An intricate design can add creativity to the space while also blocking the view.

Sturdy shelves for all your products

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Along with a good shower enclosure, individuals also need space to place all their products.

Options like wood and metal aren’t the best idea as they can rot and corrode at an extremely fast pace while also increasing the risk for termites and bacterial infestation.

Further, plastic trays or something similar can ruin the aesthetics of the whole space.

Instead, residents can opt for colourful and durable glass shelves made from lacquered glass.

This stylistic solution works wonders as shelves, cabinet doors or even counters for all your bathroom essentials.

Further, it is highly durable and resilient and doesn’t get affected by the heat and humidity in the bathroom.

With these innovative glass solutions individuals can completely transform how their bathroom is structured and maintained.

No longer does one have to wait for a vacation and hotel stay to experience a magnificent bathroom with stylish shower enclosure, but can enjoy them in the comfort of their home.

For individuals concerned with safety in association with glass solutions, modern advances take care of that too.

All these solutions are made from toughened or tempered safety glass that is five times stronger than regular glass.

The manufacturing process involved in creating these solutions changes the internal chemistry of the glass solution rendering far more durable and resilient to impact.

A leading glass supplier in your city will be able to provide you with additional details on these products as well as help you pick the perfect solutions to uplift your bathroom.

Sunday, June 4, 2017

Top RVs, campers and tents of 2014

Read article : Top RVs, campers and tents of 2014

Another year, another few dozen ways to escape urban life and set up camp in the wild ... 2014 has been an interesting year for campers. From the heavy-duty off-road machines of Overland Expo to ultralight bicycle campers, and from familiar campground designs to new concepts of sea and air camping, the year has seen a large variety of innovative designs from around the world. Here are our picks for the best tents, camper vans, trailers and mobile homes of 2014, in no particular order.

Tentsile Vista multi-story tree tent

Since we first featured Tentsile in 2012, the company has continued to impress us with its suspended tents. Other manufacturers offer hammock-based tents, but Tentsile makes large, spacious aerials that are more like canvas treehouses, none more so than the all-new Vista. The non-weather-sealed nature of the design isn't for everyone or all conditions, but the available multi-floor layout is certainly an interesting twist on the tree tent. The primary Vista tent protects three campers with a combination of detachable insect mesh and removable rain fly. The really cool part of the design is that you can add extra floors to make a suspended, multi-level "portable treehouse" for nine or more people. The basic tent without extra floors costs US$595.

SylvanSport GO-Easy ultralight camping trailer

A compact, 275-lb (125 kg) gear trailer, the SylvanSport GO-Easy is designed to give the smallest cars and motorcycles the ability to haul all kinds of sports gear and tools. To add overnighting capabilities, SylvanSport teamed with Roost tents to create a flip-top tent camper with underbody storage. When you don't need a tent, remove the foam mattress and canvas sides and Roost's innovative two-person clamshell becomes a gear box. To add some of the comforts of home, SylvanSport offers options like Goal Zero solar power systems and the Road Shower. Combine the $2,000 price of the GO-Easy with the $3,000 price of the Roost tent, and you have an ultralight, ultra-versatile camping trailer for around $5K.Prior to 2014, we knew Tonke as the Dutch company behind some the most stylish wooden trailers we've ever seen. This year, it added one of the most stylish aluminum trailers on the market not named Airstream. The Mercedes Sprinter-based Fieldsleeper International is built as an expedition vehicle, available in both 4x2 and 4x4 drive options. Its aluminum skin creates a more modern exterior style, but the interior still features the warmth of mahogany wood.

Tonke attempts to give Fieldsleeper International owners more off-grid autonomy by eliminating the liquid propane systems typical in RVs in favor of a roof-mounted solar array and auxiliary diesel tank. The 400- to 600-watt solar system powers onboard equipment like the refrigerator, stove, lighting and even air conditioning. The five-person camper includes a washroom with sink, shower and cassette toilet.

When we covered it earlier in the year, the International was offered with a 190-hp Mercedes Sprinter 519Cdi for $192,000, but now it's listed with a 160-hp Sprinter 516Cdi base for a bit cheaper – $154,576.

XVenture XV-2 penthouse trailer

Simple problem, simple solution. The military-grade Xventure XV-2 makes the most of its small trailer form by pushing the pop-up tent high above the cargo box below using an elevated rack system. The adjustable height opens up more storage space in the cargo box – enough for an ATV, even – and makes everything inside that cargo box easier to access. As a few astute readers pointed out, it looks like the configuration could prove quite chilly in the winter, when the thin floor of the XV-2 could use the added insulation value of a trailer directly below, but that shouldn't be as much a problem in the popular warmer months, or with a heavier sleeping pad. And if it is, you can always adjust it to one of the lower settings on the six-setting rack. The pricing information we received earlier in the year put the XV-2 with elevating rack system and roof tent at around $14,500 to start.

Wide Path bicycle camper

There are dozens upon dozens of camping trailers on the market, but the overwhelming majority of them are designed to be towed by vehicles with motor. The slim, 88-lb (40-kg) Wide Path Camper, on the other hand, is built to be towed by leg power alone. The bicycle camper offers enough sleeping space for two adults and one child and includes a basic but functional interior with a folding table, convertible bed/seats and 300 liters (79 gal) of storage capacity. Add a few select pieces of gear like a propane stove and portable toilet and suddenly you have a fully functioning mobile home on the back of your 12-speed.

The Wide Path Camper was still in the prototype stages as of last month, but its Dutch designer hopes to have it ready for sale next year, starting around $2,500.

Amok Draumr hammock tent

While not quite as common a sight at the campground as a dome tent or RV, the hammock shelter is a widely available camping option offered by brands like Hennessy Hammock and Grand Trunk. Typically, these hammocks are strung between trees end to end, but the Amok rotates the Draumr around 90 degrees, creating a side-to-side hanging structure. This construction creates a flat, sleeping pad-cushioned bed designed to deliver a more comfortable night of sleep. With a few tugs of the adjustment straps, it also turns into a suspended chair.

The ISPO BrandNew Award-nominated Draumr is available now for $379, which includes mosquito netting, straps and a rain fly, but not the required sleeping pad. All in, the Draumr weighs less than 4.5 lb (2 kg).

MVP Aero MVP seaplane camper

We're already suckers for amphibious vehicles, so throw in a convertible overnight package, and you get one of our favorite vehicles of the year. Billed as the "world's most versatile plane," the MVP, which we checked out at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014, is part seaplane, part fishing boat and part floating/flying camper. The tri-phibious plane can land on dry land, snow or water. On water, it can motor along and act as a boat, and slide the canopy back and it offers a flat deck for fishing and observation. The wings also fold up, adding to its maneuverability on water.

At night, the MVP's instrument panel lifts out of the way, creating a large, flat floor with the help of a four-panel origami deck that slides over top the seat wells. Tent fabric secures over the entire cockpit area, providing shelter for two occupants. A fitted inflatable mattress offers added comfort, and there's also a hammock that sets up between the engine pylon and the tail.

The MVP isn't exactly a practical camper for the masses, but one can certainly dream of using it on some pretty epic adventures. The aircraft is still in the prototype stages, but for those that simply can't wait, it's available for reservation at a price of $189,000. Delivery is not expected until 2018/19, however.

Audi-Heimplanet Q3 tent camper

Two innovative German brands teamed up for something a bit different at Volkswagen's 2014 Wörthersee festival. Heimplanet custom-fit its inflatable tent technology to the hatch of an Audi Q3 2.0 TDI. The design created an extended car-tent living space with vestibule and also allowed for a freestanding tent set-up. The inflatable tent and Q3 combo certainly wasn't the most rugged camper design of the year, but it was rated up to wind speeds of 43.5 mph (70 km/h).

The Audi-Heimplanet inflatable car camper was clearly designed as an eye-catching showpiece (a role it filled quite nicely), and we don't expect to see Audi dealerships advertising the Q3 "overnight package" anytime soon.

2014 EarthRoamer XV-LTS xpedition vehicle

A beastly, intimidating contradiction on wheels, the 2014 EarthRoamer XV-LTS combines one of the more rugged 4WD expedition vehicle platforms out there with a carefully-detailed, luxury-level interior and front porch. In designing the truck, Colorado-based EarthRoamer fortified a commercial-duty F-550 chassis for rough, off-road use, bolted a composite living module to the back and outfitted it for comfortable off-grid living. The design includes a cozy six-seat living room, sleeping space for four to six and a bathroom with a sink, full-height shower and cassette toilet. Occupants are furnished with utilities by way of a solar-driven electrical system, engine-powered dual alternators and a 90-gallon (340.7-L) fresh water tank. It appears to be an extremely cozy space to retire to after hard days of fighting through mud, boulders and dust with the 300-hp V8 turbo diesel and 37-in tires. The model we stepped inside at Overland Expo even included luxuries like a wine cabinet with engraved wine glasses, slide-out Keurig coffeemaker, and exterior tailgating package with retractable 46-in TV.

The 2014 XV-LTS sold out, but EarthRoamer is now advertising the 2015 model at prices between $312,000 and $560,000.

ADAK Trailer

It's not at all rare to find a gritty, all-terrain expedition vehicle furnished like a luxury apartment on wheels. In fact, there are two on this list, including the EarthRoamer we just looked at. When you're spending six or seven figures on a large, motorized toy, there's no reason you can't have it all.It is rarer to find that mix of any-terrain readiness and luxury in the far more modestly priced camping trailer segment. Most off-road trailer manufacturers we've covered seem to put all their R&D money into building a bombproof chassis and body ready to take on everything Mother Earth can throw at it, leaving live-in accommodations to a simple fold-out tent or small, spartan teardrop interior.Built by a group of outdoorsman tired of inferior campers quitting when the road got rough, but too seasoned for a skimpy, uncomfortable shelter, the ADAK Trailer offers an admirable combination of rugged exterior and spacious, comfy interior. The design uses a mix of aluminum and composite to hold up to rough, choppy roads and off-roads. Inside the trailer's 116-sq ft (10.8 sq m) cabin, campers find three beds, a bathroom with toilet and shower, a tankless hot water system designed to work in the middle of winter, and available wood flooring and cabinetry. When we originally covered the ADAK earlier in the year, pricing started at $49,000.

Volksleisure T5 camper van

After more than a decade of focusing on camper conversions for vans from manufacturers other than Volkswagen, Wellhouse Leisure presented its first production-ready VW camper van this year. The first offering from the brand's VW-centric subsidiary Volksleisure, the little people mover packs enough versatility for both everyday and holiday use. It's Wellhouse's electric rear bench that makes the Volksleisure camper a van that you can overnight in on the weekend and get the kids to school in come Monday morning. The bench slides the length of the cabin, allowing it to work as a live-in camper, regular people mover or big-item hauler. The camper van offers sleeping space for up to four people, along with a kitchen area, refrigerator, dining table, and 35-L (9.2 US gal) fresh and waste water tanks. Volksleisure's T5 camper is currently listed at a £47,850 ($75,000) base price.

Safari Condo Alto R1723 teardrop pop-top

Combining two timeless camping-trailer concepts into one seamless family tag-along, the Alto R1723 by Safari Condo is a pop-up teardrop camper designed to get the family outdoors. The 83-in-high (2.1-m), 1725-lb (782-kg) teardrop design gives the Alto R1723 drag-cutting aerodynamic performance on the road and garage clearance during storage. The electric aluminum roof pops up at camp to offer 82 inches (2.08 m) of interior headroom, more than enough for the average person to stand up and walk around, a convenience that smaller, lower teardrops lack. The trailer sleeps three or four and includes home-like comforts such as a flush toilet and shower. The large windows let you experience the grand scenery of the outdoors while remaining under the roof.

The Alto R1723 starts at around CAD$28,500 (US$24,500), and Safari also offers the smaller R1713 for CAD$1,000 less.

Knaus Travelino camper concept

Much like automakers do at every major auto show, German manufacturer Knaus Tabbert has been using the annual DĂĽsseldorf Caravan Salon to showcase ideas for the future of the industry. It followed up last year's much talked about Caravisio concept with the 2014 Travelino trailer.

While we aren't really sold on the odd, broadsided shape of the black-and-white Travelino, the real highlight is the interior. The caravan offers very versatile use of its limited space through carefully designed and placed equipment. In place of a dedicated bathroom, a folding-panel wall and slide-out cassette toilet provide indoor privacy without permanently occupying floor space. The indoor and slide-out outdoor kitchens share a portable camping stove, eliminating the need for fixed cooktops.

The Travelino launched as just a concept, so there was no accompanying price information, but it's easy to see how some of its features could find their way into production camping trailers.

Marco Polo Activity light camper van

Manufacturers around the world have come up with very clever ways of packing all kinds of amenities and comforts into small, portable vehicles. But there's really only so much equipment you can fit into a camper while keeping it light, spacious and comfortable. And not every overnight trip requires a full bathroom, kitchen and living room. If you're sleeping in a ski resort parking lot or adjacent to a surf break so that you're in prime position to take advantage of first tracks/early morning waves, you don't necessarily need a fully equipped RV, just a roof and a comfortable place to sleep.In that spirit, Mercedes-Benz dropped some of the usual camping equipment to make a lighter, simpler camper van in the form of the Marco Polo Activity it revealed in DĂĽsseldorf. The Activity has a three-seat bench that extends clean across the width of the van thanks to the absence of the kitchen unit. That bench folds down into a bed for up to three, and two more people can sleep below the pop-up roof. If you need to cook your own meals, you can slide the bench forward on its rails and store a stove, cookware and plenty of other gear in back, then eat on the included folding table in the cabin. What you give up in equipment and amenities, you gain in versatility and spaciousness. The Activity was released at a starting price of €38,960 (US$49,000).

Action Mobil Global XRS 720 6x6 camper

Our second rolling, all-terrain luxury apartment, the Action Mobil Global XRS 7200 introduced at the 2014 DĂĽsseldorf Caravan Salon was this year's exercise in no-expense-spared expeditioning opulence, the type of vehicle one only considers if the very thought of "roughing it" is a much bigger deterrent than a seven-figure price tag. The 720-hp, 18-ton MAN-chassised 6x6 is eager to travel to any part of the world and stay there about as long as its occupants can handle. Once inside the spacious, climate-controlled cabin, they'll immediately forget about whatever harsh, desolate reality surrounds the exterior walls. The cabin is appointed in materials like stone and metal, includes a master bedroom, is hydrated by a 720-L (190-gal) fresh water tank, and keeps everyone entertained with a multimedia system that's more impressive than what many people have in their living rooms – 40-in HD TV, satellite internet, Apple TV, Bose audio, and a large-capacity hard drive for storing multimedia content. There's even a bidet and washer/dryer. Not a bad living situation for the middle of $#@#$in nowhere.

Pricing info out of the DĂĽsseldorf show put the XRS 7200 at €850,000 (US$1.1 million) to start.

Look through our gallery for a closer look at the interiors and features of each of these campers and tents. And if you're wondering how this year's designs compare to last year's, take a trip back in time with our best of 2013 camper round-up.

View gallery - 108 images

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

The Bath Kitchen Pros LLC | Kitchen & Bath in 11246 Timber Tech Ave - Tomball TX - Reviews - Photos

Read article : The Bath Kitchen Pros LLC | Kitchen & Bath in 11246 Timber Tech Ave - Tomball TX - Reviews - Photos

Glenn Morrison

Terrific place to get nice furniture… more »

Terrific place to get nice furniture

Herb McNaspy

We could not be more pleased with how our master bath came out. This is a small company that does quality work at what I consider to be a reasonable price. Everything goes together. The colors blend a…nd all of the materials are high quality.
Our installer, L.J., did almost all of it by himself. He is very professional and did an excellent job. My advice is to leave him alone and let him do his job and you will not be disappointed.
We were interested in a quality product where everything was done the right way and I feel that is exactly what we got.
more »

We could not be more pleased with how our master bath came out. This is a small company that does quality work at what I consider to be a reasonable price. Everything goes together. The colors blend and all of the materials are high quality.
Our installer, L.J., did almost all of it by himself. He is very professional and did an excellent job. My advice is to leave him alone and let him do his job and you will not be disappointed.
We were interested in a quality product where everything was done the right way and I feel that is exactly what we got.

Jerry Surber

Wow, Bath Kitchen Pro's do Beautiful shower remodeling. They are professional, timely, and have great quality. That life time, owner-to-owner, warranty they have, adds more value to my house, if…you ask me, thx! more »

Wow, Bath Kitchen Pro's do Beautiful shower remodeling. They are professional, timely, and have great quality. That life time, owner-to-owner, warranty they have, adds more value to my house, if you ask me, thx!

Faith Builders Inc

I have worked with both Mitch and AJ. These guys are some of the best in the industry. They work hard, communicate well, and have a strong sense of integrity. I have always seen them deal fairly with…whoever they are working with, and that says a lot in this industry. I may not be one of their customers, but I am one of their competitors. I think so highly of them that I took the time to share some of my thoughts about them. more »

I have worked with both Mitch and AJ. These guys are some of the best in the industry. They work hard, communicate well, and have a strong sense of integrity. I have always seen them deal fairly with whoever they are working with, and that says a lot in this industry. I may not be one of their customers, but I am one of their competitors. I think so highly of them that I took the time to share some of my thoughts about them.

Glenn Ozburn

We love our new shower including the awesome look of it, its ease to clean, the functionality it brings, and the promise of a mold-free, healthier solution. The Bath Kitchen Pros did a wonderful job…meeting our needs and even going above what we expected. Mitch, AJ, Arnold, and Michael were all great to us treating us with respect, committing to doing things right, working with our schedule, offering wonderful design suggestions, and providing great communication. If we decide to do further bathroom remodeling, we would definitely do business with them again. more »

We love our new shower including the awesome look of it, its ease to clean, the functionality it brings, and the promise of a mold-free, healthier solution. The Bath Kitchen Pros did a wonderful job meeting our needs and even going above what we expected. Mitch, AJ, Arnold, and Michael were all great to us treating us with respect, committing to doing things right, working with our schedule, offering wonderful design suggestions, and providing great communication. If we decide to do further bathroom remodeling, we would definitely do business with them again.

Business Response:

Thank you Glen for all of the kind words. Please let us know if we can be of any assistance in the future.

Paul Porterhouse

AJ and his crew did a fabulous job. They were very professional, on schedule and within budget. The workmanship was excellent, down to the finest detail. They will definitely handle my next bath or k…itchen project! more »

AJ and his crew did a fabulous job. They were very professional, on schedule and within budget. The workmanship was excellent, down to the finest detail. They will definitely handle my next bath or kitchen project!

Christen Borgan

My husband and I met The Bath Kitchen Pros owners at the Katy Home and Garden show in January 2017. We discussed our master bathroom needs. One of the owners Mitch came to our house and made an excell…ent presentation, we decided on the spot to commit to the remodeling. The job took 4 1/2 days, and the results were excellent. We would recommend Bath Kitchen Pros. more »

My husband and I met The Bath Kitchen Pros owners at the Katy Home and Garden show in January 2017. We discussed our master bathroom needs. One of the owners Mitch came to our house and made an excellent presentation, we decided on the spot to commit to the remodeling. The job took 4 1/2 days, and the results were excellent. We would recommend Bath Kitchen Pros.

Business Response:

Thank you Christen for the feedback and all of the kind words. It was a pleasure to do business with the two of you. Please let us know if we can be of any assistance in the future.

Anne Park Marshall

Easy to work with, dependable, hard-working, responsible! Very happy with the final product!… more »

Easy to work with, dependable, hard-working, responsible! Very happy with the final product!

A Google User

Great customer service, team was courteous, prompt & very professional.
On time, on budget, GO PRO'S!!!
… more »

Great customer service, team was courteous, prompt & very professional.
On time, on budget, GO PRO'S!!!

Business Response:

Thank you for all of kind words Gary! You were a pleasure to do business with. Please let us know if we can be of assistance in the future.

Elijah Thomas Jr.

The Bath Kitchen Pros remodeled our master bath, we are 100% satisfied with project and the price from the beginning to the end. The owners, AJ and Mitch are true to their word and committed to custom…er satisfaction from start to finish. I highly recommend this company and rate them 5 stars. more »

The Bath Kitchen Pros remodeled our master bath, we are 100% satisfied with project and the price from the beginning to the end. The owners, AJ and Mitch are true to their word and committed to customer satisfaction from start to finish. I highly recommend this company and rate them 5 stars.

Business Response:

Thank you so much for the kind words Mr Thomas! We appreciate your business and please let us know if we can be of any assistance in the future.

Gary Wysong

Great customer service, team was courteous, prompt & very professional.
On time, on budget, GO PRO'S!!!
… more »

Great customer service, team was courteous, prompt & very professional.
On time, on budget, GO PRO'S!!!

Business Response:

Thank you for all of kind words Gary! You were a pleasure to do business with. Please let us know if we can be of assistance in the future.

Rachel M.

Bath kitchen pros did a great job replacing an old shower. The shower is nicely updated now. The only reason for the 4 star rating is because I had to request them to
come back out to do a more
…thorough job of cleaning up when the job was complete. For the cost of updating, I would expect a nice job of cleaning up when finished. Other than that, the workers were very nice and polite. more »

Bath kitchen pros did a great job replacing an old shower. The shower is nicely updated now. The only reason for the 4 star rating is because I had to request them to
come back out to do a more thorough job of cleaning up when the job was complete. For the cost of updating, I would expect a nice job of cleaning up when finished. Other than that, the workers were very nice and polite.

Kindra Krueger

We love our roll in shower that Bath Kitchen Pros made for our disabled daughter! They were professional, polite, and took steps to minimize the dust and noise. Mitch was available for any questions… that came up, and the team came up with a great solution to keep our daughter warm while getting a shower, using 2 fixed shower heads and one hand held. We are very happy with the work from Bath Kitchen Pros and are happy to recommend them to friends! more »

We love our roll in shower that Bath Kitchen Pros made for our disabled daughter! They were professional, polite, and took steps to minimize the dust and noise. Mitch was available for any questions that came up, and the team came up with a great solution to keep our daughter warm while getting a shower, using 2 fixed shower heads and one hand held. We are very happy with the work from Bath Kitchen Pros and are happy to recommend them to friends!

Kindra Krueger

We love our roll in shower that Bath Kitchen Pros made for our disabled daughter! They were professional, polite, and took steps to minimize the dust and noise. Mitch was available for any questions t…hat came up, and the team came up with a great solution to keep our daughter warm while getting a shower, using 2 fixed shower heads and one hand held. We are very happy with the work from Bath Kitchen Pros and are happy to recommend them to friends! more »

We love our roll in shower that Bath Kitchen Pros made for our disabled daughter! They were professional, polite, and took steps to minimize the dust and noise. Mitch was available for any questions that came up, and the team came up with a great solution to keep our daughter warm while getting a shower, using 2 fixed shower heads and one hand held. We are very happy with the work from Bath Kitchen Pros and are happy to recommend them to friends!

Sheila R.

The Bath Kitchen Pros worked with me to help create the Master Bath of my dreams.… more »

The Bath Kitchen Pros worked with me to help create the Master Bath of my dreams.

Carliss C.

They are an awesome company.… more »

They are an awesome company.

Christine Tsai

Just had our bathroom remodeled where we took out the tub and expanded the shower. We love it. Will post a video soon of the finished product.… more »

Just had our bathroom remodeled where we took out the tub and expanded the shower. We love it. Will post a video soon of the finished product.

joejurak

First and foremost - our new bathroom is stunning. The results of our full master bathroom remodel far exceeded our expectations. How many people can say that after having a room remodeled? Mitchell a…nd his crew with The Bath Kitchen Pros were nothing short of amazing and nearly one year later we are still overwhelmed with the beauty of our new bathroom. This team worked so carefully with us every step of the way to make every single corner / nook / detail - exactly as we dreamed. They are truly passionate about their work and strive to make their customers happy every step of the way. Mitchell is truly one of the nicest and most professional people we have ever met. The industry should use Mitchell as their mold for how to make a perfect remodeling contractor. He is truly a genuine and great guy and his company stands behind their work. The Bath Kitchen Pros will be our first call for any future project. We cannot thank Mitchell and his crew enough for their talent - commitment - and professionalism every step of the way before , during, and after the project. If you have a chance to work with these guys - do it - they are a rare gem. Sincerely - Joe and Lena more »

First and foremost - our new bathroom is stunning. The results of our full master bathroom remodel far exceeded our expectations. How many people can say that after having a room remodeled? Mitchell and his crew with The Bath Kitchen Pros were nothing short of amazing and nearly one year later we are still overwhelmed with the beauty of our new bathroom. This team worked so carefully with us every step of the way to make every single corner / nook / detail - exactly as we dreamed. They are truly passionate about their work and strive to make their customers happy every step of the way. Mitchell is truly one of the nicest and most professional people we have ever met. The industry should use Mitchell as their mold for how to make a perfect remodeling contractor. He is truly a genuine and great guy and his company stands behind their work. The Bath Kitchen Pros will be our first call for any future project. We cannot thank Mitchell and his crew enough for their talent - commitment - and professionalism every step of the way before , during, and after the project. If you have a chance to work with these guys - do it - they are a rare gem. Sincerely - Joe and Lena

Anonymous

The final product looks great, and the high and low fixed shower head plus a third hand-held shower head works very well for giving our disabled daughter a shower and keeping her warm.… more »

The final product looks great, and the high and low fixed shower head plus a third hand-held shower head works very well for giving our disabled daughter a shower and keeping her warm.

Anonymous

None. They met and exceeded my expectations.… more »

None. They met and exceeded my expectations.

Claudia H.

Bath Kitchen Pros is reliable and trustworthy. We were able to leave town and give them access to our home to complete the job.… more »

Bath Kitchen Pros is reliable and trustworthy. We were able to leave town and give them access to our home to complete the job.

Anonymous

I was most satisfied with the quality and style.… more »

I was most satisfied with the quality and style.

Anonymous

I will call you to remodel another bathroom soon!… more »

I will call you to remodel another bathroom soon!

Herman W.

From the beginning to the end we knew exactly what was happening what they were doing and when they would be finished and what the next step would be… more »

From the beginning to the end we knew exactly what was happening what they were doing and when they would be finished and what the next step would be

Anonymous

We're so happy with the way the shower turned out that we decided to go ahead and let them update the rest of the bathroom… more »

We're so happy with the way the shower turned out that we decided to go ahead and let them update the rest of the bathroom