master bathroom project: in progress
March 19, 2012
One of our current projects is getting a new master suite… see pictures of the progress so far!
Progress shots of the master bathroom.
a. This picture shows the toilet room floor. We used a 12″ x 24″ tile with a glass mosaic as an accent on the floor.
b.The master walk-in shower features a waterfall of mosaic tiles in shades of watery blues, earthy greens, crisp whites, and soft browns. It adds a nice detail to the shower wall while giving us a chance to put some interest and color on the wall.
c. Here, you can see the beginnings of the custom, curved edge vanity. The cabinet will be finished with enamel and entire back wall and side walls will get mirror applied to them.
d. This is a sweet little ‘beauty’ shot of the vanity up close. The curves add a nice feminine touch to the bathroom. This will be the perfect place to sit to enjoy coffee and get ready for the day, or to unwind in the evening.
kitchen design solutions
January 25, 2012
Here is a snippet of one of our kitchen remodel projects. Our clients came to us to re-work their kitchen after we worked on their master suite a while back. They had moved into this parade home in the 90s and were in need of some updating.
Below you’ll see the before and after pictures and our problems and design solutions.
Before: The white kitchen needed some changes and updates.
a. problem: The clients were tired of their white cabinets and wanted something new. The existing cabinets weren’t constructed very well and didn’t seem to function the way that they needed them to. solution: We designed new cabinets and stained them espresso and outfitted them with pretty french brass hardware.
b. problem: The existing granite and cook top were still in great shape and the clients wanted to keep them. solution: We kept the floor plan the same to accommodate for the existing granite. The cook top stayed in the same place as well.
c. problem: The upper cabinets were only 15″ off of the counter top and this made working under the cabinets hard. solution: Since we raised the cabinets up to 18″ off the counter we selected new back splash tile. Now the counter top can be used to it’s full potential.
d. problem: the microwave was only 14″ from the cook top so cooking in a tall stock pot was out of the question – it simply didn’t fit! solution: We relocated the microwave and designed a custom hood for proper space above the cooktop and the right ventilation.
e. problem: The current set up didn’t allow for adequate ventilation for the gas cook top. solution: The newly designed hood works great for venting and aesthetically fits into the new cabinetry since we framed it in the same wood as the cabinets.
f. problem: The glass cabinets made the existing kitchen feel too busy. solution: We designed paneled doors for most of the upper cabinets to create a more cohesive, clean feel.
g. problem: Once we took the microwave out from above the cook top, it needed a home out of the sight line. solution: We placed a new drawer microwave in the base cabinet to the right of the cook top to keep it in the work triangle, but to keep it out of the sight line.
h. problem: We felt that the base cabinets needed some details. solution: We added legs to the cooktop cabinet and the left and right of the sink. This breaks up the long, linear lines of the base cabinets and adds a custom feel to the new kitchen.
After: Once we studied the kitchen and came up with a list of problems, we designed solutions to make the kitchen more efficient and functional.
year in review: july – december 2011
January 9, 2012
And to round out our highlights from the past year of blogging, here are some of the entries we picked to share again from the last six months of the year…
For July we shared a blog about a cabin remodel on Clearwater Lake that we designed. The project included a new mudroom addition, re-designed kitchen with custom cabinetry, and handmade tile. It turned out to be a great place to spend the warm and sunny summer days and nights!
In August, one of our entries highlighted different projects we worked on with different color schemes. There is one for every color of the rainbow. Revisit the blog for inspiration for your own home.
Cambria came out with new colors this year and in September, we highlighted the new Waterstone Collection. This new collection was the most buzzed about yet – the colors and patterns are so pretty and innovative!
In October we shared an article and video from ABC that talked all about a project in Montana where EVERYTHING going into building the house was made in the USA. The interview is interesting and comes with some eye-opening facts.
During November, we polled our readers to see what color was their favorite and orange won. In this blog entry we posted products that we love in orange… what fun!
In December, we shared pictures and drawings of a master bathroom project we worked on in Edina. With its cozy heated marble floors, shiny Kohler fixtures, and fresh paint, this bathroom is definitely work checking out.
a bathroom project in navy & grey
December 29, 2011
One of our latest projects involved a second floor bathroom that would be used by the family’s little boy as well as guests that were hanging out by the second floor family room fireplace or watching movies and playing games in the hang out area. We wanted the bathroom to keep in line with the rest of the home’s design, while still being a little masculine and something that would ‘grow up’ with the little boy and not be too childish right off the bat.
We settled on a color scheme of navy and grey and after finding classic grey subway tiles, a deep grey chair rail, and glossy navy accent tiles we were ready to roll! The floor is a mushroom colored 1″ x 1″ hex to warm up the space and we used a soft grey Benjamin Moore paint on the walls. We found a Brass Blue granite remnant that tied in perfectly with our colors. The lights add a classic modern feel to the space as well.
Here is a preliminary sketch of the bathroom showing the cabinet and lighting location.
Top: This shot shows the cabinet as you enter the bathroom. Bottom: Here is a shot of the shower area with Kohler fixtures.
While the color is a little distorted, you can see the Brass Blue granite top as well as the installed wall tile.
Master bathroom project
December 13, 2011
Recently, we finished a master bathroom project and would like to share some of the ‘after’ snapshots and hauthaus drawings with you, our loyal reader!
Below, you’ll see the floor plan which shows the door to the bathroom is directly off of the bedroom (at the top of the drawing). The tall linen cabinet and double sink vanity are opposite the wall with the free standing bathtub and glass shower enclosure. We included a special make-up area for our client on the other side of the shower. The door at the end of the bathroom leads to the walk-in closet.
Floor plan of the master bathroom
Sink wall elevation in the master bedroom.
Master bathroom close ups.
Overall master bathroom photos.
storage solution: under the sink
December 5, 2011
One way to tackle the storage space beneath your bathroom or kitchen sink is to put in a bank of drawers. Drawers are one way to ensure that you’re using every inch of cabinet space since you can pull them all the way out (with the help of full-extension glides) and get to the very back and bottom of the cabinet.
In this bathroom, we designed a bank of drawers under this sink. The top ‘drawer’ is false, while the second one is cut in a U shape to accommodate the plumbing. The bottom drawer is full-sized with a notch cut out of the very back, and it’s deep enough to store toilet paper, bottles of shampoo standing up, bathroom cleaners and other toiletries.
If installing a drawer under a sink, make sure that it is U-shaped to accomodate the plumbing.
construction update: edina project
October 24, 2011
A couple more weeks have passed since our last project update . Check out the latest improvements on our project in Edina…
Top: Here is Izzy's bedroom earlier this summer before the windows went in. Bottom: This week her built in bookcases and bench were installed. What a great spot to sit and read!
Top: The upstairs family room before the fireplace surround and bookcases. Bottom: Jeff is working on installing the custom bookcases and mantle.
Top: This shows the wonderful in floor heating system in the master bathroom. Bottom: This week the tile and cabinets are going in! It's going to be beautiful!
a look at in floor heat
October 18, 2011
We recently had one of our clients install in floor heat in their master bathroom and sun porch. If you’re considering this method of heating, here are some points to consider.
Pros:
- Consistent heat – this way of heating helps there to be less hot and cool pockets in your space and offers a more consistent heat throughout the space.
- It’s quieter than a traditional furnace.
- While it costs more to install upfront, it saves money in the long run because your thermostat can stay regulated easier.
- You can set it on a timer, so it’s only on when you’re using the room. (You can set it so the bathroom is nice and toasty warm on those cold winter mornings!)
- This type of system works well with solar-powered sources.
- It is recommended for those with allergies because, unlike a forced air unit, there aren’t lots of allergens floating around from room to room
Cons:
- It is more costly upfront to install because it should be installed by a professional who knows what they are doing to make sure it will work correctly.
You should take into consideration what material you will cover it with. The thickness and type of flooring will determine how much of the heat will enter the room.
In floor heat can be installed anywhere – even under a wood floor if it’s properly installed!
This master bath shot was taken right after the in floor heat was installed. Now it's just waiting for marble tile!
In floor heat installed under hardwood flooring in a lakeshore home.
fall colors
September 15, 2011
Cooling temperatures means that it’s my favorite season of the year!
Fall!
I love it: I love the cool, sunny weather… being able to wear my boots…the wonderful smells of crispy leaves… AND the beautiful fall colors!
We perused one of our go-to showrooms at IMS, Francis King, for furniture, lighting, and accessories in the warm reds, oranges, and yellows of the season. Here’s what we found to inspire you on how to bring these fall colors into your home this season and year round…
(1- Francis King Warehouse. 2- Currey & Co. 3- Somerset Bay. 4- Lee Industries. 5- Somerset bay. 6- Malibu Loft. 7- Lee Industries. 8- Currey & Co. 9- Somerset Bay. 10- Somerset Bay. 11- Somerset Bay. 12- Francis King Warehouse. 13- Lillian August.)
Happy fall!
new cambria collection: waterstone
September 12, 2011
Have you seen the latest colors that Cambria has come out with? I must admit when I walked through the showroom at IMS and saw the full slabs, I got a little misty. They are GORGEOUS!
Well done, Cambria! They have created a beautiful, no maintenance option to granite AND have kept that pretty, natural movement that we love about the natural stone.
Check out the new colors of their Waterstone collection here:
New Waterstone collection from Cambria.
