Category: News & Projects

Have you ever had the opportunity to visit Kohler, Wisconsin and wander around the Kohler Design Center and the Kohler Museum on the floor below?

If so, you were probably struck by the story of the first “modern” bathtub. In 1883 John Michael Kohler took a cast iron horse trough, covered it in enamel, and added four decorative feet—the precursor of the claw-footed tub. The one featured in the museum is a later model – 1905. This one looks a bit more ergonomically designed than what I imagine a horse trough would be.

Kohler also invented the first cast iron skirted bathtub and the one in the museum looks like many tubs we see today.

Over the years, bath designers have been tweaking and modifying the bathtub. The “roman” tub was a large, deep tub designed for soaking and was typically dropped into a platform surrounded with tile.

I believe the eighties were the heyday of the whirlpool bathtub. We designed primary baths with giant whirlpool bathtubs and tiny showers. Tubs those days were mostly oval and still dropped into a platform surrounded with tile.

But with the new millennium, showers started to grow in both size and popularity. Let’s face it, no one wants to take a shower in a 3′ by 3′ “phone booth”. As the shower grew, so did its features. A single faucet was no longer enough. We needed pulsating, messaging jets of water, rain head shower faucets, body sprayers, and handheld shower heads.

When the great recession hit the housing market, December 2007 through June 2009, both showers and bathtubs were downsized again and many features were downgraded. Many plans eliminated the bathtub altogether.

Let’s face it, there is something wonderful about taking a relaxing bath. Add a cool faucet to fill your tub and you have a full-blown water feature inside your home. The sound of running water, and the look of it if you select a cascading waterfall style faucet, is almost as relaxing and soothing as soaking in the tub!

But what if you could have your cake and eat it too ? What about an awesome shower and an elegant tub – not a giant oval dropped into a sea of tile – but instead one that is free standing and sculptural. Today’s freestanding tubs have taken that first claw-footed tub and combined it with the convenience of the skirted-tub and created a piece of art that you can relax in – the perfect way to unwind and eliminate all the stresses of the day.

My favorite – the Veil – is pictured above. I just love the sensuous curves and the non-symmetrical shape – quite the journey from a horse trough with feet!

Adapted from Housing Design Matters Blog

Let’s face it, even though most of us fight growing old, it happens. Aging affects many aspects of our lives, but the ability to live in our home—safely and comfortably—is paramount. Let’s talk about the ways our homes can respond to the unique changes that happen to all of us as we age.

EASY AND EFFORTLESS LIVING

Some of the items being addressed can only be implemented if you are designing/building a new home. Others can easily be incorporated into a remodel/update.

If you are designing a home, perhaps a mono-slab foundation will serve you better than a crawl space as a slab foundation can be a single, low step into the home. If a crawl space is preferable, think about a gently sloping ramp at one door location as they are easier to traverse than a set of stairs. Who wouldn’t want to roll their suitcases into the home, rather than the bump, bump, bump up the stairs?

Larger doors are great for wheelchair accessibility should it become necessary, but they are also invaluable when it comes to getting larger furniture pieces into the home. A minimum of 2′-8” wide door is recommended.

In the bathroom, who doesn’t want a zero-entry shower? Done correctly, it feels luxurious – not geriatric. Why not include grab bars that matches the rest of the bathroom hardware—in the shower and by the toilet—especially in the primary bathroom? A bench seat in the shower is a must!

In the kitchen, people of all ages would appreciate a convenient location for the microwave. Whether it is a senior citizen or a young child, reaching above the range to access the microwave is awkward and potentially dangerous.

LIGHT IT UP

The need for generous lighting is critical as we age. The lens of the eye thickens, allowing less light to pass through. The result is a 60-year-old needs six times as much light as a 20-year-old. Fortunately, adding light is an important option when designing or remodeling. I recommend both layered and way-finding lights. Lights under the upper cabinets in the kitchen are a great way to add an additional layer of light. It also lights up the workspace and eliminates shadows from an overhead light.

Way-finding light can be as simple as adding a night light feature to existing switches and outlets. I recommend this feature in hallways, stairs, and the path to the bathroom. And who doesn’t appreciate natural light, so be sure to add as many windows as possible if you are in the design stage of building a home.
In the bathroom, take cues from luxury hotels and install a lighted mirror. Not only does it offer great light, but it delivers it in the most flattering form. That is, it doesn’t exaggerate shadows to wrinkles. Add LED strip lighting above each hanging rod in the closet to help you distinguish black from navy blue.

LOW-MAINTENANCE FINISHES

When was the last time someone (of any age) said they wanted a high maintenance house? Fortunately, with the improvements in flooring in the past few years, floors can be durable, affordable, attractive and most importantly, low maintenance. Other low-maintenance finishes to consider are quartz countertops instead of granite which need regular sealing and large format tile in the bathroom to minimize grout which can be a pain to clean.

ACCESSIBLE STORAGE

While all people want ample and convenient storage, those of us 55+ need that and then some. If you are designing a home, incorporating additional storage in a garage is a great idea—make it 42” deeper than what is needed to park a car. This allows for decent garage storage. If your plan allows for a stair to be added at the end of the garage to reach the attic storage, do it despite the extra cost. This is a far more convenient way to access attic storage – not to mention safer. If you aren’t building, a garage organization system can go a long way to making items needed regularly easily accessible.

So, even if you haven’t hit the 55+ milestone, many of these suggestions should not only be considered, but implemented in your home. It will not only allow you to age in place if you remain in your home but will also increase the appeal of your home to a larger segment of buyers if you decide to sell. Here’s to staying young at heart and making the most of aging!

Adapted from Housing Design Matters Blog

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, winter weather is sure to arrive. Over the last decade, outdoor living has become a major trend. Our desire to connect with the great outdoors all year is evident in most backyards nowadays. And by adding a source of heat to these spaces, we no longer allow the cold weather to trap us inside. When this happens, our houses become smaller. I thought now would be a good time to review some cold weather adaptations for outdoor living.

Sorry for stating the obvious – but when it comes to ways to add heat, there are several choices:

FIREPLACES

A lot of outdoor living spaces have fireplaces. But the location and type of fire makes a difference. For example, you could have an alcohol fireplace. This type of fireplace doesn’t require a flue and may be best suited for moderate climates. The key to determining the best type of fireplace and fuel is the BTU it has the potential to produce. I was surprised to learn that propane burns hotter than natural gas.

A wood burning fireplace has the potential to burn the hottest, but it requires constant effort to feed the flame. It also produces lots of smoke.

Since heat rises, having a fireplace in a covered outdoor living area can help trap and contain the heat verses a free-standing outdoor fireplace. But even a firepit, in an open air area can provide warmth if you pull your chair up close enough. And the ambience dancing flames create is unparalleled.

PORTABLE HEATERS

If you have ever dined outside at restaurants, you have undoubtedly seen a variety of portable outdoor heaters. Many use propane as their fuel and come with wheels and a cover for the propane tank. You can easily get a heater online. When I typed in outdoor patios heater at Home Depot, it gave me 59,509 results. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, styles, and price ranges. If you’re looking for an outdoor heater, there’s an abundance to choose from.

If you want something more permanent, you might want to consider a ceiling-mounted permanent heater. Most permanently mounted heaters are electric, but you can also run a gas line to a ceiling mounted heater. The early versions of these heaters were rather crude. Indeed, just a ceiling mounted space heater. But the rise in popularity of outdoor living has led to more aesthetically pleasing choices. Most use radiant heat which means they heat objects instead of the air.

KEEPING THE HEAT IN AND THE WIND OUT

Many restaurants and homes have started adding roll down clear vinyl shades. You can get them manual or powered. The key is they keep the wind out and the warm air from your heat source in – all while not blocking your view. You feel connected to the outdoors while staying warm. This is a great way to capture the feeling of being outside without freezing to death on those frigid days.

Here’s wishing you a warm and toasty winter season!

Adapted from Housing Design Matters Blog

What makes a house a home? Of course, the short answer is that “people make a house a home.” But what else? What other things should a house provide to promote that feeling that nothing in the world is better than “home sweet home.”

A PLACE TO GATHER

A home should provide and promote the coming together of family and friends. So, an open-concept plan, where kitchen, living and dining space are connected, without walls of separation, truly facilitates this idea. Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, the cook needs to be connected to friends, family, and activities while preparing a meal for all to enjoy. This could include a three-sided kitchen island where it is easy to gather around while not being underfoot as meals are prepped.

A PLACE FOR REST AND REJUVENATION

A home also needs to promote rest and rejuvenation. Of course, this means well-designed bedrooms for sleeping. But it also could include a spa-like bath with a refreshing shower to start the day or a soaking tub to unwind at the end of the day.

OUTDOOR LIVING

We certainly learned during the pandemic lockdown the importance of outdoor spaces. We no longer take for granted to importance of fresh air, sunshine, and all nature has to offer. Outdoor living is multi-functional—it’s both a source of rejuvenation and provides a delightful gathering space.

PRIVACY AND INTIMACY

We all need privacy at various times of the day. Houses should include both public and private zones. We need privacy oftentimes when we work from home. Privacy is necessary when we bathe and when we use the toilet (I’ll spell it out – the toilet room needs a door). Naturally, that privacy also includes a place for intimacy which should have both visual and acoustical privacy (I won’t spell this one out).

SELF-EXPRESSION

Personal elements can be transformative. It might be family pictures or memorabilia. It could be the pop of color on an accent wall. Or the furnishings that convert a room into a man-cave or sports bar. Nothing makes a house a home like putting your personal touches throughout it.

PET FRIENDLY

In so many households today, pets are a part of the family. Creating space for our furry friends could include the space under the stairs for the dog’s bed or room in the laundry room for a cat’s litter box, or simply a designated place for the pet’s water and food bowls so we don’t trip on them and make a mess.

Big and small details are what help make a house a home. And everyone has a different vision for their home. But no matter what, I do believe most of us agree with Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz: “There’s no place like home!”

Adapted from Housing Design Matters Blog

What is more important in a kitchen – how it looks or if it is functional? The correct answer is that both are important. But in today’s world, the look is becoming more important than pure functionality.

It starts with the appliances and cabinets. I say this somewhat in jest, but a custom range hood can cost the same as an inexpensive new car. This kind of investment sets the tone for the entire kitchen. It’s not enough to have top-of-the-line appliances, they must have cabinet fronts across them for a sleek and seamless finish.

Today’s high-end homes don’t only have a kitchen, but include a Messy Kitchen, otherwise known as a Scullery. Here, you will likely find a second refrigerator, sink, dishwasher – maybe even a built-in coffee maker that is pre-plumbed, and of course, ample cabinetry.

Don’t forget the pantry. They are no longer the size of a linen closet but are now spacious walk-in pantries with both open shelves, baskets, and extra cabinets.

Other items include the giant eight burner gas cook tops or ranges. Those that want it all require – a pizza oven, double wall ovens with features like an air fryer and steaming feature. An inconspicuous drawer microwave is a given! Take it to the next level with a lit wine cabinet that can host hundreds of bottles.

Cabinets are double stacked with glass fronts on the top layer. Add LED or puck lights to the upper cabinets and LED strip lights below for task lighting. And speaking of lighting – the pendant lights hanging over the island are truly the jewelry of the kitchen. Combine these with a kitchen island fully clad in cabinets and a quartz waterfall countertop and this becomes the centerpiece of the kitchen. Comfortable barstools, with a minimum of four, but preferably six, makes this space the heart of your home.

Quartz or quartzite is a must – and not just for the countertops. Running these products up from countertop to ceiling is beautiful and practical – but it’s also expensive. A less expensive alternative is to run a tile backsplash to the ceiling.

As far as sinks go, the farmhouse style is still trending and is available in a variety of finishes including concrete.

WHAT’S OUT?
Remember pot fillers? These seem to be losing favor among the high-end kitchen designers. Warming drawers seem to be out – at least in the south. Maybe because it’s too warm here already.

Not everyone has the space or means to have a totally high-end kitchen. But as you design a kitchen for your new home or plan a remodel, consider the look you are trying to achieve and incorporate the features that are most important to you. Flair and functionality in a kitchen do not have to compete, they can occur simultaneously, which will truly make the kitchen the favorite room in your home.

Adapted from Housing Design Matters Blog