If you are a Baby Boomer and thinking about a bathroom remodel project, you may want to make sure that you include Universal Design in the remodel.  you do not have to worry about skimping on style and function in your bathroom remodel because Moen has you covered.

Universal Design is a great way to incorporate styles and designs for consumers aging in place, people with disabilities or someone with an injury.  The Universal Design approach takes into account that a household may have a Baby Boomer, Gen X or Gen Y person all under the same roof. It also takes into account style and function over boring and one dimensional approach of times past.

Moen showcases a great selection of their products that fulfill the need for Universal Design in a bathroom remodel. You have items such as a Comfort height toilet for the bathroom. You have levers as handles for faucets, also motion sense faucets for the bathroom.

Check out the video below from Moen on how they answer the need for Universal Design in their various products for the home.

One unique approach to thoughtful designing in Universal Design by Moen is the incorporation of function as an accessory for grab bars.  For example, they offer a toilet paper holder that also serves as a grab bar, a towel bar that also serves as a grab bar and a shower caddy that serves as a grab bar.  All of the Universal Design products by Moen masquerade as something else without broadcasting the disability.

Shower Seats are great additions in a bathroom remodel. Moen offers a pull down teak shower seat that foldsup and stores nicely for the person with a disability in a shower and is convenient for the Baby Boomer that wants style and function.

Make your kitchen remodel standout with a Samsung sparkling water refrigerator

If you are considering remodeling your kitchen, you must take a look at the new Samsung Sparkling Water Refrigerator.  The two door and two drawer refrigerator will definitely make your kitchen remodel look great. The size and dimensions for this 31 cubic feet modified french door refrigerator is: 35 3/4″ x 70″ x 35 1/2″,

I had the distinct pleasure of seeing this beautiful Samsung refrigerator in person at my local Sears Appliance Center.  I was blown away with the sleekness of the design and how well organized this Samsung refrigerator is designed.

If you love sparking water, you will enjoy having it at your finger tips, thanks to the brilliant partnership between Samsung and SodaStream on this new  refrigerator. It is so simple and convenient for you to add the Co2 cartridge to the door of the refrigerator. It is seamless integration with the design and look of this magnificent refrigerator.

The Samsung design team thought of everything when they designed this refrigerator. To start, it has four doors and has the capacity for 31 bags of groceries.  This is great for a family or a person that does a lot of entertaining.  It also has a twin cooling plus system that helps keep your fresh vegetables fresher longer. This cooling system also helps protect against freezer burns.

You don’t have to worry about keeping your refrigerator organized with the Counter height flex zone drawers that have flexible compartments. The homeowner can store Party Trays, ColdCuts, Cold Drinks and Meats all at different temperatures. This is definitely beneficial for homeowners that like to cook with fresh ingredients or that likes to grill fresh fish or meats.

The flexible storage space in the Samsung Sparkling Water refrigerator gets better with the sliding and folding shelves.  Have you ever had a problem storing tall items in your refrigerator?  This problem is alleviated with the slide in/ flip up shelves.

If you are thinking about a kitchen remodel or in the process of a kitchen remodel, I suggest that you check out this innovative and efficient Samsung refrigerator. This new Samsung Sparkling water refrigerator retails for about $3,899.00. If you shop around, I am sure that you can find a deal or a sale on this item.

Click on the following to read more:

Samsung Canada Freshens Things Up with the Launch of the World’s First Four-Door Refrigerator Featuring a Sparkling Water Dispenser - PRNewswire

Samsung’s next Generation Refrigerators are Android Powered and Make Soda – Apartment Therapy

Psst! The new Samsung refrigerator dispenses sparkling water – Consumer Reports

Finally, a Refrigerator with a Sparkling Water Dispenser — Make Your Own Soda, Too - Time – TechLand

When you are looking to remodel your kitchen, you should consider coordinating kitchen elements to make the kitchen look more interesting.

For example, when designing your kitchen remodel, consider choosing a dramatic countertop shape, size or color for your island or do coordinating colors for top and bottom cabinets.

If you are considering a kitchen remodel, remember, your kitchen should be stylish and upbeat instead of lifeless and boring.

Check out a fascinating new video from Kohler and Interior Designer Thom Filicia  on how to successfully Coordinate elements when wanting to update your kitchen. This video gives the essence on how you can be creative in your kitchen remodel without being boring. Check it out on Youtube by clicking on the video button below:

A few interesting items for your kitchen remodel:

• Kitchen Countertop and coordinating island
• Glass Cabinet Doors
• New Kitchen Faucet
• New Undermount Sink
• Slide In Glass Cook Top
• Slide In – Convection Oven

Check out the new Donco Designs video below of a Before & After Bathroom remodel in Pompano Beach.

You can see the beautiful job that was done on two bathrooms – a full bathroom and a powder room. The Bathroom makeover included gutting both bathrooms down to the studs and the following items:

• crown molding,
• frameless shower doors,
• new toilet, new towel bars,
• new custom glass shelf
• Converting a tub to a shower
• Accessible Design
• Grab Bar
• Shower Bench
• Custom Shower Shelf

The bathroom walls were tiled all throughout the bathroom from floor to ceiling, including inside the shower enclosure.

If you are thinking about a bathroom remodel or need a design consultation on options for your space, give us a call at: 954-975-7052.  We work with all budgets and will give you a custom creative bathroom design.

Enjoy the Pompano Beach Before & After Bathroom remodel video.

Serenity Makeover:

One of the most enjoyable pleasures of life is walking into your beautifully spa-like bathroom to enjoy a warm relaxing bath in a soaking tub or spa jets in your shower. Soaking in a tub of luxurious bath salts, essential oils or enjoying invigorating spa jets massaging your body are perfect ways to melt away the stress of the day.

Having your very own Spa-Like bathrooms to enjoy in your personal home is great and is still a top of the list request for a bathroom makeover. However, a new trend seems to be emerging, which is to carry that spa-like bathroom feel  into the bedroom to create a spa-style bedroom. Creating this Zen-Like atmosphere into the bedroom is easily accomplished by adding appropriate decorating touches (think soft lighting, gauzy blinds and textured bedding in soothing hues) at a little extra cost to enhance the surroundings. Here are some basic tips to update your bedroom and infuse your life with peacefulness.

Control the Lighting

A spa is bright and soft, and it typically doesn’t include streaming sun beams. Blinds made from natural materials or gauzy, flowing curtains can help soften the ambiance and create your personal spa by tempering high volumes of natural light. If your bedroom gets little natural light, you can still create a warm, well-lighted atmosphere by stationing several small lamps and other lighting from Kichler around the bedroom. Adding small pools of light by your bed, on the dresser and by the bathroom helps evenly illuminate your entire bedroom in a fluid and natural way.

Coloring Yourself Calm

Don’t underestimate the importance of color in setting the mood. Enter any spa and you’ll find cool color palettes of beige, pale aqua, light sage and white. Choose two or three of these natural colors that you find the most calming. If painting or re-papering your walls isn’t an option, focus on updating the colored surfaces that you can change easily, like bedding, throw pillows and blankets. Bright colors add volume to a room, but they won’t make it feel very spa-like or relaxing. Start by going through your room and deciding which colors or fabrics are loudest and remove them.

Synchronize Colored & Print Pieces

Choose one multi-color piece such as bedding, a tapestry or drapes and build the rest of your bedroom around solid, soothing colors used in the focal piece. For example, if you decorate your windows in silk curtains with aqua, beige and cream stripes, cover your bed with a similarly toned beige comforter and add matching aqua and cream throw pillows.

Ditch the Clutter

One unifying trait you’ll find in all spas is clean space. Uncluttered surfaces set the tone for simplicity and relaxation. Store or toss any figurines or miscellaneous items to give yourself clean, pure surface space. Store your magazines or books in a wicker basket beneath your nightstand and arrange your perfume or cologne on a single silver tray.

Add Detailed Spa Decor

Simple, decorative details can significantly impact your spa-like bedroom. Add one or two candles by your bedside and at your dresser. Unscented candles in white or cream are effective and take up the least space without overpowering scents. Bring the peace of a gently babbling brook into your bedroom by placing a miniature rock waterfall on one of your newly uncluttered surfaces. The waterfall should be an accent, not the focal piece of your spa bedroom so avoid choosing any model that’s more than 1-foot wide. Adding these simple, effective touches to your spa room can enhance a mood for relaxation and peacefulness.

Recently I came across a slideshow of unusual architecture that really stood out as unique.

A few photos that really grabbed my attention were:

1) The Church by the Sea in Tampa Bay Florida that is known as the Chicken Chapel because of its design.  The iconic designed building resembles the face of a chicken with round windows for the eyes and barrel tile that resembles the beak of a bird and wings. The church, located on Madeira Beach in Tampa, was established in 1944. The bird-like features are supposed to be used as a compass to direct ships east and west. Clever design…

Photo credit: ABC News

2) Cottage in San Diego byDo Ho Suh hanging off a building at the University of California. The artist Do Ho Suh created the artwork, called “Fallen Star” which sits on the roof of the university’s engineering building, Jacobs Hall.

Photo credit: Design Boom fallingstar_Doh-ho-suh

Photo credit: Design Boom fallingstar_Doh-ho-suh

3) The Little House – Toronto – This house is a real live doll house at   just over seven feet wide and 47 feet long that actually functions as a home.  The 312-square foot ‘Little House’ of Toronto, Canada is truly captivating in that it has a kitchen, washer/dryer combo, bedroom and dinette set. It is simply adorable.

Photo credit: Little House – Toronto Canada

 Click on the following links to read more on Unusual Architecture Designs

Slideshow: Abc News – Strange Structures in Photos - ABCNews.com

do-ho suh: fallen star now open to the public- Design Boom

The Little House Toronto Canada – The Little House Canada – Main Site

Church looks like Angry Birds: Hundreds flock to worship at chicken chapel in Tampa Bay – Mirror.uk

I am always impressed with Kohler creative and how they are able to just capture the essence of why their products are great for a kitchen or bathroom remodel. They just launched a new commercial series on how Kohler products work for a kitchen and a bathroom without selling. I love, love it…. Check out the new commercial How Bold Makes your Dreams a Reality….

Should I invest in Air duct cleaning after my home remodeling project? Customers frequently ask this question after remodeling jobs such as new flooring, kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel or painting project. We always recommend it, because it can only help improve the home’s air quality, especially after large construction projects that can create a lot of construction dust. If you suffer from allergies, this should be a given and considered throughout the year.

I recommend homeowners to check their air ducts to see if they look dirty. This is just a basic test, but if the air ducts in your home look dirty, you should call a reputable air duct cleaning company. Make sure that you check out the air duct cleaning company to make sure that they have the right equipment and have a good reputation.

There is a national association called, National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), established in 1989, that provides standards and guidelines for Air Duct Cleaning companies that clean HVAC systems and Air Ducts.

• The first major reason a homeowner should invest in a Professional Duct Cleaning Service, is that  it improves Indoor air quality  he home, which is great for people suffering from allergies.
• The second major benefit of Air Duct Cleaning after a remodel project is that air duct cleaning removes, dust, chemicals and contaminants from the HVAC System.
• The third major benefit of Air Duct Cleaning after a remodel project is the impact on energy savings for the home. When your HVAC is clean, the system does not have to work as hard to maintain a room’s temperature, this requires less energy  use, resulting in energy cost savings.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. When contaminants are in the heating and cooling system, it can shorten the life of your system by requiring it to work harder, even with using filters.

What to expect when you have your Air Ducts Cleaned

As with anything, not all companies are the same, that is why it is good to start with finding a company  listed as a member of National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). They abide by a certain set of principles, practices and procedures.

The first step in the air duct cleaning process is a pre-cleaning inspection and consultation.  This is where the walk around your home with you and check all of the ducts and tell you condition of the ducts. The second step is to clean the HVAC system, including the blower, and other accessible parts.  The crewmembers come with ladders, remove all vent covers, and put them back in place after cleaning them.

Larger air duct cleaning companies, like Stanley Steamer  or Sears come with a large powerful vacuum that collects dirt, dust, and other contaminants that often come out during the air duct cleaning. They use agitation tools and compressed air so that the dirt and debris are removed by the large vacuum system. It is important to note, that depending upon the price, they can charge extra to spray antimicrobial chemicals in the ducts before they put the grills and the vents back in place.

Sometimes Air Duct Cleaning companies run specials, so it is always important to inquire up front. Also, make sure that the Air Duct Cleaning Company is not running a scam by checking their license and credentials on sites like the Better Business Bureau, Your Local County Building Department and Angies List.

Click on the following links to read more on Air Duct Cleaning:

• Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning – (NADCA)
• Is Air Duct Cleaning Worth It? - Angies List
•  Air Duct Cleaning – Residential Evaluation Checklist –  (NADCA)

In an older home, you are more likely to find a bathroom that has a dated look. Depending on the size of the budget, there are many ways to make a bathroom remodel affordable.  If  you choose the right bathroom remodel contractor, you can have a beautiful new affordable bathroom remodel.  Start the process with your wish list and desired items and discuss with your contractor. It is important to choose a bathroom remodel contractor that you trust and that listens to your desires. This will help you get the desired results for your affordable bathroom remodel.

Paints, Primer, and Preparation

One sign that your bathroom needs updating is that if your bathroom has powder puff pink, avocado green or baby blue porcelain tile or yellow stains on your tub or bathroom counter. Selecting tile sizes and colors that are current is really the first place to start, when embarking on a bathroom remodel. Since the tile is something that will be a focal point on the walls and floor, it really can provide a wow factor for an updated bathroom remodel. Visit  showrooms like Porcelanosa – USA or discount center Floor & Decor to get a visual of new styles and trends.

An older bathroom can have wallpaper on walls, ceilings and door jambs. This is not a problem but is definitely a project in removing the wallpaper and glue and requires preparation to make the walls smooth. Don’t get alarmed by this, because an experienced Bathroom remodel contractor knows how to do this and make it perfect in the end.

Choosing an interior paint color is an important step in the bathroom remodel.  I suggest bringing paint color charts in your home, it makes it easier by having all the colors with the lighting in your home. A few quality paint brands that we use in Bathroom remodel projects include, Behr by Home Depot, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin Williams.

Affordable Bathroom Remodel Fixtures

Replacing a toilet in your bathroom remodel, will definitely improve the look of the bathroom.  Kohler is a popular brand that has models and styles that can fit any budget.  Do not forget the lavatory (sink), in the bathroom. You can choose an under-mount sink or have a bowl on top of the counter, which is really current and trendy. If you are on a tight budget, consider using an in-stock granite countertop with the sink included, this can be found in Home Depot or Lowes.  Discuss these options with your bathroom remodel contractor to see what works best within your budget.

Bathroom vanities are another essential item for your bathroom remodel. Choose standard sizes for the bathroom vanity, to keep it more affordable. If you want something more unique, look for a wall-mount vanity or one with legs. They often have the lavatory (sink) and the counter in one.  These vanities can range in price, but is worth it to give your bathroom a special custom look.

New frameless shower doors or tub/shower doors can make a bathroom remodel stand out. In the long run it is wise to purchase the best that your budget can allow. A custom frameless shower door looks so much better than the ones off the shelf. It makes you go wow, when you take a shower or look at the shower area. Further, the fixtures are superior quality and will last longer. I don’t recommend skimping on this item, because it sets the tone of the bathroom.

Shine A Light in your Bathroom

If you do not have enough lighting in your bathroom, you are not alone. If you’re lucky enough to have windows that don’t disrupt your privacy, but provide natural lighting in the bathroom during the day, you might want to consider shades and window decor to add to the character. Roller shades need to match your needs and window sizes, even if you have odd windows in awkward spaces in your bathroom. Getting some tips and ideas from online retailers  like www.visiondecor.com can provide valuable deals, resources, and ideas.

However, if you do not have a window in a bathroom, consider using wall sconces, recessed lights (high hats), light bars over a mirror, lighted medicine chest, or a nice ceiling light over the shower. You can have these items in an affordable bathroom remodel, if you shop and follow your bathroom planning. If you are looking for affordable bathroom lights that are quality made and that have a great selection to choose from, take a look at Allen + Roth lighting, which can be found at Lowes.

$100 Or Less

Sconces, wall art, changing the hardware out for something a little more sleek and stylish, adding shelf over the toilet or on a wall, switching out the ventilation for a lighting and ventilation combo– all these things can cost less than $100. Little touches make the difference and sometimes provide that last extra wow factor for the second most personal room in the house. These are definitely things you can do on your own.

Building Permits

It would be remiss of me not to mention the importance of securing a building permit for your bathroom remodel. This will save you tons of headaches in the future by doing it right the first time. This also will give you the peace of mind that your affordable bathroom remodel contractor is following the current building codes for your municipality. Don’t be fooled by someone saying that you do not need a permit to change a tub or change a tub to a shower or lighting. The plumbing inspector, structural inspector and electrical inspector are there to protect you and to make sure that your bathroom investment is done to code. Discuss this upfront with your bathroom remodel contractor

Redoing the bathroom doesn’t have to break the bank and should not cause stress, with the proper planning and the right bathroom remodel contractor. With a good deal of planning and plenty of imagination– and research– you will find that a bathroom remodel is more than doable. Valuable tips and pointers, as well as realistic goals, will bring the appeal you want.

Click on the following for more helpful information:
Home Improvement Workshops – Home Depot

Bathroom Products, Vanities, Tile and Flooring – Porcelanosa – USA

Bathroom Ideas and Planning  – Kohler USA

Bathroom Lighting – Allen + Roth -  Lowes

photo credit Susan Jablon Mosaic Tile

Any tile less than 2 inches wide is considered a Mosaic Tile. Although in the past, mosaics were laid, literally one tile at a time, in more recent times mosaic tile comes in a form that has a mesh backing on a sheet of tile.

Mosaic tiles come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, designs and materials. You can find mosaic tile in glass, porcelain, stone and the wildly popular metal. In a more traditional mosaic tile pattern, the tile pattern will not vary from sheet to sheet. In other instances, you will find mosaic tile patterns that are random, which creates interesting floor designs.

The main reason that I like to use mosaic tile in bathrooms is that it helps make a neutral pattern pop and come to life.  It does take some time and consideration in the overall design because mosaic tile can create havoc in the process, if the wrong colors or shades are chosen.

photo credit: Susan Jablon

Real life example, a client fell in love with a mosaic that did not blend well with the other tile that was selected. The mosaic tile was gorgeous, as was the main tile.  However, the tiles did not work well or  play well together in the bathroom.  Unfortunately the client thought they would work well under a different lighting in a tile showroom. After installing the mosaic tile and looking at it next to the main wall tiles, it did not work at all and had to be taken down. Valuable lesson learned, lighting is important and can make something look entirely different.

photo credit: Mod walls

When making a selection of using a mosaic tile in a bathroom or kitchen, it is important to see it all together. I suggest creating an imagination station in your home with the tile or an area in a tile showroom.  Looking at the tile with several pieces plotted out will help tremendously.  There are several software programs that allow you to upload various tile options  to see how they would look in your space.

When using mosaic tiles in a home remodel project, don’t forget to consider using lighting to bring out the beauty of mosaic tiles with color. If done properly, mosaic tile can turn a wall or floor into a masterpiece work of art. It is a great way to spice up a wall in a bathroom or kitchen.

Commonly used materials for Mosaic Tile include the following:

• Glass Mosaic Tile
• Porcelain Mosaic Tile
• Pebble Mosaic Tile
• Metal Mosaic Tile
• Ceramic Mosaic Tile
• Stone Mosaic Tile

 A few Mosaic Tile Manufacturers we like include:
Susan Jablon Mosaics – New York Company – Uniquely creative designs by inspired artists  - If you can dream it, they can create it and customize it for your needs. They are passionate about design and quality.
Modwalls - Modwalls’ aesthetic is modern and mid century inspired. I like the fact that they make beautiful quality tile that is fun and inspiring yet, so very affordable.
Mosaic House - Mosaic House is a New York based tile company specializing in Moroccan tiles. Exotic tiles that are rich in texture and color.