Product Spotlight: Robern AiO Cabinet

How does technology into the bathroom? There are lots of ways to incorporate technology into the modern bathroom, and one of my favorite ways as with the Roeburn AiO cabinet. Both the medicine cabinet and light source in one, this dual function product is sure to wow.

Lighting
The Robert AiO cabinet features two LED light strips down either side of the cabinet. These light strips are the perfect task light for the bathroom. They equally light up either side of the users face for use when shaving and applying make up. Think of back stage lighting. Those light bulbs lined up along either side of a mirror. This is the LED solution from Robern. The AiO cabinet features an easy to use touch pad under the right light strip which can adjust brightness and turn the light on and off. There is also a small light bar on the interior of the cabinet that lights up when the door is open. Making it easy to find the SleepQuil when your insomnia is keeping you up.

Power
The Rober AiO cabinet also features a few outlets on the interior of the cabinet. Two USB and a 110 outlet means you can charge what you need to. If you a lucky enough to have a Kohler Moxie, you can charge it and your phone right from your medicine cabinet. It also features the one standard outlet, which is perfect for an electric toothbrush, razor, or anything else you want plugged in.

Options
The AiO cabinet has a ton of options. First, you can select from a single door cabinet or a double door cabinet. Here are also several width and height options. The AiO cabinet only comes in four inch depth, but it can be recessed into the wall or surface mounted, with an additional kit.

The AiO also features a handy magnetic doc which is perfect for those smaller items, such as tweezers and nail clippers. When paired with adjustable glass shelves, and interior mirrors and a magnifying mirror, this is definitely a go-to for any medicine cabinet. These cabinets can be banked together for smaller bathrooms, maximizing space and functionality.

Buying Guide: Electronic Faucets

You see the commercials, you see the magazine advertisements. The questions are always the same, do electronic faucets live up to the hype, or are they just something to break? This buying guide will help you know what to look for and what to ask when shopping for your next kitchen faucet.  This will help you also identify the pros and cons of the different technologies available.  

What are electronic faucets?
Some people call them "Touchless" however that isn't the right term. Here is what you need to know. There are a few types if Electronic Kitchen Faucets on the market. Those that require touch, and those that are motion activated, or truly touchless.  It's important to identify the touch style faucets and the motion faucets, and identify which one will work best for you and your family.  Most consumers actually get the touch activated faucets over the motion faucets, but we will get more in detail on that later.

Brizo Artesso Smart Touch Faucet in Polished Nickel

Questions to Ask:  When you get to the showroom, here are a few questions you may want to ask the showroom sales person.  

1. What's the warranty on the specific faucet you are looking at?  Are there any other brands with a different warranty or longer warranty?  
2. What's the power source? If batteries, how long do they last, or is there an option to upgrade to a plug-in style?  
3. What is the quality of the brand? Are they lower end, mid level, or high end.  I always suggest looking at different styles with many price points.  The Faucet is the hardest working "Appliance" in your kitchen.  It's worth the extra investment.  
4. Does the showroom have samples hooked up you can use and test?  I don't recommend buying a motion or touch faucet without "playing" first.  

Delta Touch2O/Brizo SmartTouch Technology
Delta and Brizo have my favorite of the electronic kitchen faucets. They require touch, and for my lifestyle, that just works better. The big difference between the two is ultimately the aesthetics behind the design. Because Delta and Brizo are sister companies, the interior guts are essentially the same. They feature the same cartridges, same electronic mechanism, same hoses, etc.

The wonderful thing about these faucets, is you can touch them (almost) anywhere to turn them on. The neck, body, and handle work as your on/off touch area. They will turn on and be at the same temperature the faucet was the last time you had it on. These faucets also remember which spray pattern you used last.  The key is to actually leave the faucet handle in the on position.  This is great, because if the handle is in the off position, you can touch as much as you want and nothing will happen.  This works great for those of us with cat's at home.  No worry that the cat is going to turn the faucet on while scratching her nose.

These Technologies work great because of its ease of use. Like the "hands" commercial shows, your hands can be ants messy as ever, and all you have touch do is tap the faucet. Tap with your fingers, knuckles, wrists, forearm, elbow, chin, whatever floats your boat.

I personally have used the Brizo Talo and Artesso models, and love this technology. The main difference between Delta and Brizo are limited. Aside from the jump in price, they designs themselves are much more favorable in Brizo. Both feature a 5 year warranty on electronics, and a lifetime warranty on the finish. Both are battery operated, however some of the new Brizo faucets will feature an outlet where aren't electric outlet can be added. These faucets run on 6 AA batteries, and the battery pack is on a long lead which can be mounted toward the front of the cabinet, and need to be replaced about every 6 months. While Delta is typically a "Low-Medium" end faucet, Brizo is more high end and definitely worth the extra investment. As I said, their designs are flawless, and after all, the quality is definitely in the details.  Some of the cons include one big one, the faucet doesn't work when the batteries are dead. At least there is a low battery indicator!

Moen MotionSense Faucets
Moen features two sensors for their motion activated faucets. One is on the front of the body of the faucet, the other is at the top of the neck. This allows for dual operation. The top sensor a lows you to wave the faucet on, then wave it off when done. The lower sensor works similarly to other motion faucets where the faucet will turn on, then turn off as soon as you move away. The lower sensor is perfect for filling a glass, washing hands, and other simple tasks. The top sensor is great for dishes, and more heavy duty tasks.

My biggest concern with motion faucets is simple. I have never been good at operating these types of faucets. I often joke with clients that I am a pale ghost and they just don't see me. I can 0ut ,y hand I'm front and wave away, and nothing happens. The Men faucet that I have actually used, the Arbor, has worked well with my pale hamds, so bonus points for Moen.

Client complaints I have been told include "The Ghost Faucet" where people complain the faucet will sense you walking by and turn itself off and on. Kind of creepy!

Pfister React
Pfister is typically a lower price point option. There is currently few designs available, however the features will speak for themselves.  As I said with Moen, I am not typically fond of Motion faucets because of my transparent skin not working well with them. That being said, I haven't actually used the Pfister model, so I don't know if it see's me or not.

This model features one sensor. This sensor is much smaller than the Moen models, which in my opinion is more favorable, as aesthetics are important.  Some of the features include: 2 minute automatic shut off, easy temperature adjustment, hibernate mode, and a low battery indicator.  The two minute shut off is great, and a feature most consumers ask for. If the faucet is turned off, it will automatically shut itself off, conserving water in a hectic kitchen. Like other motion sensor models, the temperature will always be the same, a preset temperature, which on the Pfizer models, cam easily be adjusted for your lifestyle. Hibernation mode is perfect for cleaning the faucet, or when you go on vacation, preventing the cat from turning the faucet on.

Kohler Sensate
This technology features a sensor under the neck of the faucet. I love this! It's discreet and great for aesthetics. This faucet is designed to let you wave not only your hand, but objects as well, to activate the faucet.

Now, I haven't actually seen this faucet, so I can't say much about it.  But knowing Kohler's track record for quality and a competitive price, I am sure this faucet will wow it's users, and is well worth the investment.  

Like what you see? Be sure to LIKE Steel Lily Design on Facebook and get even more!

Floating Shelves

This eclectic kitchen was designed by
Tamar Schechner

Many times, a new trend surfaces, and it is either loved or hated, with little room for indifference.  This is true when talking about floating shelves.  Some love the open minimalistic feel of an open shelf in their kitchen or bathroom.  They love the casual appearance of a floating shelf being used as a picture rail.  Others, however, don't want all of their items on display, and out in the open to collect dust, fearing having to clean their dishes before each use, or having yet another ledge in the living room to remove dog or cat hair.  So where do you stand on this trend? 

I believe that this trend is yet another versatile trend, and has it's place in the design world.  While like many trends, this one shouldn't be over used in every space, it is a great look for most spaces.   Floating shelves, when styled properly and accessorized creatively and smartly, are a great accent for any space.  If you pile too much onto the shelf, you do have more to dust (and who wants that?) or the shelf could look overly cluttered.  When it comes to the floating and open shelf, less is more.

This eclectic living room was designed by
Michelle Hinckley 

Styling, or staging, a floating shelf is difficult.  There is a fine line between a bare shelf, and an overloaded shelf.  When stylizing your shelf, be sure to have fun, and try a few things.  This picture rail to the left shows various sizes of photo frames, alternating large and small.  The balance is perfect, and by using the same color frames and mat's, you keep the minimalist feel of the shelves.  By showing various sizes of frames, and orientations of the photographs, you welcome in eclectic design.

Traditional Kitchen designed by
Jane Ellison

Floating shelves aren't just for the contemporary space.  When the addition of corbels or shelf supports are used, they can lend themselves to more traditional designs and chic spaces.  The thicker floating shelves are typically more contemporary, but still look great in most spaces. This traditional kitchen uses multiple cabinetry finishes to add to the traditional feel.  They keep the shelves simple by keeping only white dishes on the shelves.  The shelves are utilitarian by having stacks of dishes, and less displayed features, keeping a comfortable, lived in design.  

If you are looking to stylize floating shelves, take a look through the ideabook below.

Floating Shelves

Case Study: Little Kitchen with Big Style

I recently had a disabled client come in and she had a match box sized kitchen, but wanted every feature I could manage to shoehorn in there.  I stared doing some research and realized, there are some great products out there for a small kitchen that make the space usable.

First off, this particular client only had room for three wall cabinets, and with the possibility of being in a wheel chair in the next year, it worried her about how to access the wall cabinets once she was in a seated position.  I suggested, and she went with the Rev-A-Shelf Cabinet Pull Down Shelving System.  At approximately $300, this unit makes any wall cabinet accessible, and is easy to install.

The next hurdle for this customer.  She wanted double ovens, but barely had enough wall space for a refrigerator, much less two wall ovens at an easy to reach height.  I went a little off in the realm of "accessible" by going with a double oven range.  Since the range had to be placed in a peninsula, I went with the GE Cafe Double Oven Range with five burners, and best of all, no pesky back splash.  For this client, all she will typically use is the upper oven, which is at just the right height, and the smaller size makes it great for her meals for two.  A smaller oven means quicker preheating times, and less energy waste.  The lower oven is great for when her kids are home visiting during the holidays, when she will have help with the cooking.  The five burners, including the griddle, is more than sufficient for her typical cooking routine.  The customer originally wanted a downdraft range, but wasn't willing to part with her second oven, so I found a great glass island mounted hood to go above.  With the glass canopy, her view of the adjacent living room wouldn't be obstructed while sitting and cooking.

The next amazing product for this customer, was a Tall Pantry Pull-Out, available through Kraftmaid Cabinetry.  Since the small pantry was squeezed between a wall and the refrigerator, I decided this was a great accessory to easily organize her pantry storage, as well as bump the fridge away from the wall so she can open the door more than ninety degrees.  There wasn't much room for a pantry, but due to the small size of the kitchen, and lack of storage, it was a necessity for this client.

The door style we went with was a wide rail shaker from Kraftmaid.  This door style is simple, and easy to keep clean, and we went with a lightly stained maple, to keep the color pallet light and open.  Since the kitchen is so small, the client was very worried about using too dark of finishes, and closing in the space.  Since resale was a large factor also, she wanted to go with neutral finishes to appeal to the majority of buyers.

For the countertops, the customer had her heart set on marble, but knew that many future buyers, and guest cooks, might damage it.  I suggested a new color from Silestone called Lyra, which is very similar to Carara Marble, yet requires no sealing, maintenance, and is about the same price.  The backsplash is a white subway tile with a glass mosaic liner for added color and interest.

This kitchen is in the process of being installed, and pictures will be uploaded as soon as I have them available.  When doing a small kitchen, it is very important to know what the customer wants, what they need, and what products are available to make their dream kitchen a reality.  It's also good to have a good Kitchen Designer on your side that knows what you are looking for and understands what your needs are.  The customer told me in our first meeting that I was the third designer she had talked to, that everyone told her that her wants and needs list was impossible in the space she had.  She didn't want to take no for an answer, and when I started showing her multiple appliance options and interior cabinet options, she was able to get nearly everything she wanted, and have everything she needed.  

Universal Building and Design Resources

When remodeling or building a home, or even a single room like a kitchen or bath, it is important to think about adding simple barrier free options and upgrades to accommodate not only the older generations, but also the unexpected.  I have written before on simple changes that most wouldn't even notice as being trans-generational or barrier free, such as my post Simple Changes that Encourage Accessibility.  As a home owner, or design professional, when planning for any space, it is good to have some resources and tools available to ensure that any space is easy for everyone to get to, including small children, older adults, or a friend that comes over with a broken leg or arm.

National Association of Home Builders CAPS Directory
Certified Aging in Place Specialists will help with designing a new home, or remodeling your existing, so that you can age in place at home with little effort.

• Eskaton Universal Design Principles
• Eskaton National Demonstration Home Brochure (Livable Design) 

Livable Design by Eskaton is a new certification process for new home construction and remodel.  This new certification process is associated with Eskaton, a leader in housing solutions for the older communities, however the Livable Design is designed for all generations, from newborns and infants to the elderly.  The demonstration home (brochure link above) shows bathing solutions that make it easy for a parent to bathe a small child, as well as a caregiver to bathe anyone at any age.  It features roll in showers, and standard everyday appliances that are easy to reach and use for all users.  [note: if you are in the Sacramento area, or planning a trip, try to see the Demonstration Home, as it is an eye opener for all families to see how easy Barrier Free can be incorporated seamlessly into any home.]

Other Resources 

• Barrier Free Living - Products and Architectural Products. 
• Kohler's Bold Independence Collection - Products for Barrier Free Design. 
• Livable Homes Universal Design Checklist - A simple checklist for use when remodeling or designing a universal space.  
• Designing Well  - An Aging in Place Blog written by a friend, Karla Gustafson. 

Window Treatments

When designing a room, you don't want to forget the windows.  Window treatments are a final touch, that is often overlooked.  With so many products on the market for your windows, they should never be forgotten.  There are many products out there today that are designed to make life with window treatments easier.  Make them more user friendly, for all users in the home.  Here are some solutions for window treatments. 

Automation, or remote controlled treatments are great for larger windows, where the window treatments are too heave to open and close.  Automated window treatments can be hard wired, or even operated by a remote control, and are great for users with limited strength as well.  Most window treatment companies have automation options.  While a more expensive option, it is always a great thing to price out for those larger windows.  Here is a link to Hunter Douglas and their Motorized Options.  Another producer of window automation is Somfy, which has more than just remote controlled options.  

Natural Materials can also be used in Window Treatments.  Grass, bamboo, and other natural elements can work well with many interior design styles and rooms.  These products can also be motorized, and are typically an environmentally friendly option.  The shades below are made from Grass by Perry Design. 

Shutters are another great alternative to blinds and traditional window treatments.  Several companies offer shutter solutions for all types of windows, including french doors and sliding patio doors.  The below shutter was designed by the Baltimore Shutter Company.  

Roman Shades are a beautiful and completely customizable solution to upholstered window treatments.  They can be equipped with black out liners for ultimate light control.  There are many different shapes and styles of Roman Shades, and they look great in formal and casual settings.  The shades below are part of the Perry Design line up.  

Draperies are another great customization options with several casual and formal designs.  Typically custom made, these solutions can be made however the end user wants them, including style, fabrics, liners, shapes, etc.  Draperies can be made with automation and black out liners if requested.  The draperies below are available from Factory Direct Drapes. 

Simple Changes that Encourage Accessibility

I am pretty sure all of us are getting a little older every day, as opposed to getting younger every day.  Along with daily life, there are many simple things that we should be aware of that will make life a little easier when we get a little older, as well as if you break your arm.  

One simple quick fix is switching out all of your traditional light switches with Rocker Style switches like this one from Lutron is a simple way to control your lighting with an elbow, knuckle, etc.  

Switching out any knob style door knobs with this lever style from Schlage  allow easy entry into any room, even when  your arms are full with children, laundry, or a pile of books.  

What about those cabinet knobs.  Try opening those with one finger.   Switching  knob style cabinet hardware with pulls like the one above from Amerock are easy to open with limited effort.  

This pull down faucet from Price Pfister is a great option for the kitchen,  as it's single handle control is easy to use with minimal effort.  There are also some nice TOUCH faucets appearing on the market that are even easier to control.   Single lever faucets are available for every sink in the house, including the bathrooms and laundry room.  

The Steps to Remodeling

When your thinking about a remodel, there are a lot of things to think about.  The first question that comes to mind is always the same, and always the hardest one most home owners have answering: 

"Where do we start?"

Here is a step by step outline of where to start, and where to finish, and what steps to take in the middle.  It is very important that you follow these steps so you don't have to redo certain aspects, or get yourself stuck with something you didn't really want.  

A General Rule of Thumb:  Start from the Top Down!  

Step 1: Starting from the top down, naturally, you should start with the ceiling.  This includes removing that old nasty "Popcorn" ceiling, that 80's honey oak light box, removing the soffit, etc.  All of these elements should be done first.  You don't want to install your flooring, then mess it up trying to demo a dropped ceiling.  It is important to have a lighting plan in place, which can always be implemented later, but at least start planning for it.  

Step 2: The Walls, which are the bones and skeleton of the room.  You don't want to purchase cabinets and then later realize you want to knock down that wall and turn the peninsula into an island.    Be sure to include any new doors and windows.   Remember to paint the walls, because you don't want to get paint on the cabinets or tile trying to add it later.  

Step 3: The Cabinets are done once the walls are in place and where you want them.  Its very important to give yourself a little wiggle room, if ordering the cabinets before the walls are in place, because often the walls don't end up exactly where they are planned.  Even if it is a fraction of an inch, it still needs to be planned for. If your doing a bedroom or living room, this is where you start thinking about your space planning, and purchasing any new furniture.  

Step 4: Lighting.  Now, I know that lighting should have been done along side of the ceiling, which is why it was important to get a plan. You don't want to hang pendant lights over the island, and then the island end up being off center a bit.  So its good to run the wiring for the electrical in step one, as well as any recessed can's, and then hang pendant lights, under cabinet lights, and accent lighting after the cabinets are installed.  

Step 5: Countertop is always, always, ALWAYS done after the cabinets.  Like I said in one of my previous blog posts about Renewing and Refacing, if you get your top first, your stuck with your cabinets.  I have had to tell to many D-I-Yers that hate their cabinet layout that they are stuck with it unless they want to redo their tops....again.  Who wants to go through that again, much less pay for it?  This step is where you will also pick out your new kitchen sink, faucet, garbage disposal, and any other accessories to be attached to the countertop.  Also, consider your back splash.  

Step 6: Now, we are to the ground, the flooring.  Again, you don't want to install new hardwood flooring around your existing kitchen layout when you are planning on changing that down the road.  It is often costly to pay someone to come back in and try to seamlessly patch the flooring after that peninsula is ripped out and an island put in.  Always have a general idea or the flooring selected so care can be taken when installing the cabinets.  

Now, be sure to have a plan before you start the remodel.  You don't want to do a little at a time by the seat of your pants.  This is where errors and redo's happen, and when on a tight budget, you can't afford those.  Especially if you are starting out with your first home, or doing a little remodeling at a time, its perfectly acceptable to do each part of the remodel as you can afford it.  (Or, as you have the three day weekend to tackle the project on your own).  Be sure to consult a designer to come up with a plan, and be prepared, so when you are on step one, you have the finished project in mind, and the plan to follow.  

Tubs

Tired of the same old builder grade tub you've had in nearly every house you've lived in?  That same tub you've seen in apartments?  It's the basic tub, but it's not the only tub.  Even if that is the size you need,

there are a lot of other options out there, that most people didn't even know about.  

The Good Old Fashioned Soaker, a typically deeper tub that allows the user to submerge into water.  These tubs offer a great relaxing experience, and are typically less expensive than many jetted and massaging options.

Duravit Daro Series Soaking Tub in Acrylic 

The true traditional soaker, the American Standard Reminiscence claw foot tub, starting at $2000

The whirlpool tub, often called a Jacuzzi, is a popular option that creates a spa like atmosphere in any bathroom.  Made by many of the leading tub manufacturers, these tubs are great therapy, and come in many shapes and sizes as well as installation options.  These tubs use whirlpool jets to cycle water through the tub.  The jets are adjustable, so the jets can be directed to hurting areas such as lower backs, shoulders, etc.  Be sure to get an in line water heater to maintain the temperature, because with out it, the bath may not last as long, as the water does get cold fast.  While these tubs do require a little more maintenance than other models, the maintenance is minimal and very simple.

The Sia by Jacuzzi starts at about $5000

Bubble massagers, another tub that creates a spa like atmosphere and experience, are typically lower maintenance than whirlpool options, and also less expensive.  These tubs use tiny pin holes to deliver air through the water creating a carbonation like massage.

The Kohler Sunward starting at $2000

The third option for massaging experiences in the bath tub, is a new technology from Kohler, the VibrAcoustic tubs, including the Fountainhead tub.  The first tub to offer the technology uses sound waves to produce the massaging effect.  The Fountainhead tub is the first and only tub available with this technology, and was introduced at the 2011 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.  There are going to be more options available with this technology by next year, including options that fit into the same spot as the standard tub opening.

The Fountainhead VibrAcoustic tub by Kohler starting at around  starting at around $8,500.

The last style of tub that is sweeping the market is the walk in tubs available from many vendors.  This quick draining tub features a door so you can walk in an out, with out having to step over a high side.  These tubs are great for users with limited mobility.  Available as standard soaking tubs or equipped with whirlpool jets, these are a great addition into any home designed for aging in place.

Walk in tubs by Safety Tubs

What are all those letters after your name?

The professionals in the industry of Interior Design have a lot of experience, and certifications.  So what do they mean to you, and what do they mean to your project?  Sure you can do a lot of research, but who has time for that?  So here is the information you need, in one place, and the resources to find those professionals.

AKBD - Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer 
This certification, by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is a professional that is knowledgeable in product selection, space planning, materials and finishes.  They have a minimum of two years experience, one of which must be in the kitchen and bath industry.
[click here to learn more]


CAPS - Certified Aging in Place Specialist
The CAPS designation teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills that are essential to completing one of the fastest growing segments of the residential remodeling industry:  aging-in-place.  With extensive knowledge of gerontology, these designers can design a single space to accommodate children, adults, and the elderly.  These designers have an expanded understanding of the aging-in-place market.
[click here to learn more]


CGP - Certified Green Professional 
Builders, remodelers, and other industry professionals who incorporate green building principles into homes, without driving up the costs of construction.  They posses a solid background in green building methods. There is also the Master Certified Green Professional (Master CGP) which is a more in-depth study of green building science techniques.  For this certification, the professional must have five years of green building experience, as well as have built at least three dwellings in a three-year period.
[click here to learn more]


CID - Certified Interior Designer

This Certification ensures an experienced and competent design professional, qualified to design, prepare, and submit non-structural and non-seismic interior construction plans and specifications to your local building departments.  In order to obtain a CID, the designer has received education, experience, and passed an exam based on their knowledge of the building code.  This includes space planning, life safety, flammability, and disabled access code issues.  

[click here to learn more]

CKD/CBD - Certified Kitchen/Bath Designer
These designers specialize in design, planning, execution of residential kitchens and bathrooms and provide advanced knowledge.  These professionals have passed both a written examination as well as a practical examination.  A further certification is the Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) which recognizes extraordinary experience and achievements in the industry.  These designers must have a minimum of ten years experience in the industry beyond the date of their first certification (CKD/CBD)
[click here to learn more]

CKBP - Certified Kitchen and Bath Professional
This Certification is for Non-Design Professionals, and is administered by the NKBA.  These professionals prove a high level of proficiency and professional knowledge and industry experience as well as education in the kitchen and bath industry.  The curriculum is focused on critical areas of knowledge in residential construction and general business knowledge in materials, products, and project management, and not centered on design.
[click here to learn more]

LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
This Certification for building professionals is an internationally recognized system.  It was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and provides building owners and operators a framework to identify and implement green building design and construction as well as operation and maintenance solutions.  LEED can be applied to all building types, including both commercial and residential, and even entire neighborhoods.
[click here to learn more]

Note: Please feel free to comment alternative certifications that are local or not listed.  Also, feel free to comment on additional information on any of the certifications listed, as the more information the better.  I thank all of my readers and contributors in advance.  

Solid Surface Shower Surrounds

Tired of all that grout in your shower?  Want something other than a "cheap acrylic liner," but not sure what products are out there?  Here are some alternatives that are sure to catch your attention.

Marlique by Cosentino

Marlique is a very affordable options, that is an enhanced marble, which is created with a special process for an enhanced surface that is more durable than traditional marble.  It has a smooth surface and is perfect for all area's of the bathroom, including shower and tub surrounds, vanity tops, and even flooring.  Because Marlique doesn't absorb liquids as much as traditional marble, has little maintenance (that's right, no polishing, no special cleaning!), and is scratch and stain resistant, it is a top choice.  Marlique is simply cleaned with a damp cloth.  If you are interested in this cutting edge material, be sure to check out their website.

Corian by DuPont
Did you think Corian was just for your kitchen counter, or doctors offices?  You couldn't be more wrong.  This durable, low maintenance surface is available in many different installations, including shower surrounds.  With over 100 color options, the only problem you will have with selecting a Corian shower surround will be trying to figure out which color fits the decor of the space perfectly.   Be sure to take a look at their site and explore the possibilities.  Some comparable products can include other acrylic surfaces like LG Hi Macs, Samsung Staron, and more.

Swanstone
Looking for something a little more D-I-Y friendly?  Take a look at Swanstone Products.  These products are simple to install, and pretty much maintenance free.  This line of products includes shower pans and tubs, and they come in easy to customize, but standard sizes.  There are different textures available, ranging from tile, geometric, bead board, or smooth.  Get a traditional shower pan, or even a barrier free, barrier free design.  Swanstone, like Corian, is an acrylic product line that offers a full array of products including benches, seats, niche's, and window's.  They even offer kitchen sinks, vanity tops and sinks, and commercial products.  Their website has all the information, so be sure to check it out.

So, where do you go from here?  I would suggest visiting a bath showroom, and see what they have to offer, and see what other products are available.  Just because I covered these three products, doesn't mean there aren't a lot more options available.

KBIS Show Highlights

The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show is like a large playground for any Kitchen and Bath Designer.  The product is not limited to the kitchen and bath, but it is geared toward that market.  Here is some of the product I found most amazing, and can't wait to use in my designs.

Textures - Cedros, Blocks on Point

Vahallan Papers

Wall paper is back, and Vahallan Papers is an amazing product, with great installation techniques and looks.  One look at their product gallery will tell you, this isn't your mothers wall paper.  With several options of colors, patterns, textures, and weaves, this product is versatile, and unique.  Vahallan Papers was established in 1997, and is currently distributed in over 25 countries.  

Through the gallery, and after looking at their product application, these papers aren't even installed the same way your mother's wall paper was installed.  They can be torn and installed in sections, as blocks, circles, etc.  Because of the custom hand painted texture and patterns, these papers shouldn't be installed in the traditional manner.  The installation patterns that are recommended by Vahallan include: Random Torn, Asymmetric Block, Symmetric Block, and Circles.  

The feedback I received from several designers at the very busy and crowded Vahallan booth, was excitement over wall paper, and the unique look and feel.  The designers were experiencing love at first sight with this amazing product, that can easily be used all over the house, not just in the kitchen and bath.  

Brianna Vessel Sink in Black Nickel

JSG Oceana Decorative Glass 

I have always been completely obsessed with unique glass products, and JSG Oceana creates great decorative products for the Kitchen and Bath, including lavatory sinks, vessel sinks, kitchen and bar sinks, tile, medallions, and other decorative glass products. Their color scheme is truly unique, including 24K Gold or Platinum.  The sinks can be transparent, opaque, or translucent, and can range in thicknesses.  

JSG Oceana is located in Jeanette, PA, and was founded in 1904, and all of their product is made in the U.S.A.  The sinks are made with a product called "Hard Roc" which has several great benefits to any home owner.   The first benefit is, Hard Roc is more scratch and stain resistant than Porcelain or Stainless Steel, which is great when used in a Kitchen or Bath.  Hard Roc is also non porous, so it won't absorb chemicals or liquids.  The JSG Oceana Sinks are also thermal shock resistant, which is great for kitchen use.  These products are all made using recycled glass and are recyclable, lead free, and Green.   

Think Glass - Artistic Kitchen Countertop

ThinkGlass - Glass Countertops

I have already said, I love glass!  ThinkGlass is a great solution, which has custom colors, shapes, and more.  This material can be used in the kitchen and bath as a counter or bar top, including floating bar tops.  ThinkGlass can even be used outdoors and on back splashes. Other areas of use you can find ThinkGlass include commercial installations such as bar's and nightclub's, restaurants and even in health care, such as reception desks, and in doctors offices and examination rooms.  This product can also be used in murals, sculpture, furniture, flooring, and even on walls in fountains and windows.  If you can dream it up, and draw it, they can probably make it.  

JP Paury Pastry Fountain by ThinkGlass

I saw their fountain located at the JP Maury Pastry at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, and was fascinated.  It is a dark and light chocolate fountain as a window display, and to me, is more amazing that Willy Wonka's Factory.  When going to Las Vegas, this is a definite must see.   

Tile Redi

Tile shower bases are great, but hot mopping is not.  Enter Tile Redi Shower Bases.  These bases are designed to be tiled over, and a great alternative to hot mopping.  This product is a One-Piece module that is pre-formed, molded, with fully integrated drains and curbs, splash walls, and pitching.  They are leak-proof and mold-free.  They require no additional on-site waterproofing.  They are easy to install, requiring no mud base, no hot mop or vinyl liners.   Their product includes Single Curb Shower Pans, Bathtub Replacement, and Barrier Free.  Tile Redi also has designer drain covers, shampoo and soap niche's, and custom shower pans.  These easy to install products are great for designers, contractors, hospitality, and even as a DIY for home owners.  

The Beauty Behind Barrier Free Design

Delta Universal Design
Zero Threshold Shower

I hear more and more kitchen and bath professionals talk about the importance in Barrier Free design, especially considering 40 million, or 12% of the American population is over 65 years old.  [read more here]  It is my opinion, and, the opinion of many other industry professionals, that every remodel should have some form of universal design incorporated.  Now this doesn't mean that every bathroom designed should have a zero threshold shower, but that it should at least include or incorporate bracing for the future placement of grab bars, easy to use faucets, comfort height toilets, etc.  According to the American Institute of Architects, demand for Universal design was down in 2010 from 2009, however is still a consideration for home owners when building their new home, 26% of kitchens and 44% of baths.  [read more here]  So while interest may be down, it is still something that home owners should be thinking about for the future.

Moen Home Care by Moen

Grab Bars to fit any bathroom

Some home owners I have talked to, feel that Barrier Free and Universal Design doesn't fit with the rest of their home, and that they don't want their bathroom looking institutional.  Many of them don't realize that Barrier Free isn't cold and institutional anymore.  With manufacturers creating grab bars and other accessories in more traditional and transitional designs and finishes other than chrome and white, it's easy to add them to any interior.  Even if you are in your thirties and don't have any need for a grab bar yet, they are still something great to add to your shower area, strictly because of the unexpected.  I have friends and clients in their twenties, thirties, or even forties, that have had an accident where grab bars would have been a great thing to have in the shower.  Imagine if you fell tomorrow and badly sprained your ankle.  A grab bar would be a great thing to just ease getting in and out of the tub or shower.  They are also useful to any female, for the sole purpose of added stability when shaving legs.  

Moen Single Hole Bath Faucets

How about a new Faucet?

When considering a new faucet, it is important to throw out that old faucet with the plastic round ball, and replace it with a lever.  Also, it is better if you take a single lever instead of one with separate hot and cold controls. There are thousands of options available, and in any design style and budget.  Another tip for picking out that great universal faucet, is how smooth and easy it is to control.  Imagine if you had Rheumatoid Arthritis, a great for you would be one that you could either control with one finger, or a wrist, something easy to use with out having to grab or hold.  Not only would one of these faucets be great for someone with arthritis, but if one were to sprain a wrist, break a finger, etc.  It's also much easier to control temperature with one lever instead of two.  

All of these are simple solutions that not only can be beautiful, but useful for anyone of all ages no mater what their limitations are, permanent or temporary.  It will not only help to enjoy the time spent in your new kitchen or bath, but also help with resale and value.