Ray’s Favorite Things for the Bathroom

Our designer Ray loves exploring the technical aspects needed to design a space that is functional for homeowners. Below, learn a few of Ray’s favorite things that will make life a little more enjoyable in the bathroom.

American Standard H2Option Toilet

Conserve water and save money with every flush. The American Standard H2Option Toilet is a wonderful investment to help the environment and cut back on your bills. Ray just installed the model in his own bathroom and loves it. You’ll also enjoy the two button actuator on top of the tank. With it, you have the ability to save water with the flexibility to choose between a 1.0 gallon flush or the standard 1.6 gallon flush.

Warmstone Radiant Floor Heating Mats

There is nothing better than stepping out of the shower onto nice warm tile. By installing radiant heat mats underneath your floors, you also eliminate radiators from taking up too much space.

Kohler Inset Medicine Cabinet

With elegant bronze detailing around its frame, this wall-mounted medicine cabinet features a reversible door that can be installed with a left or right hand hinge. You’ll enjoy the storage it provides and how at first glance it looks like a mirror hanging on the wall. Inside there are glass shelves and mirrors on the back of the door and cabinet which come in handy.

Heated Towel Bars

If you should spoil yourself with anything in the bathroom, it is a heated towel bar. It is definitely a worthwhile investment and keeps your towels nice and warm for when you’re ready to dry off.

Tile

As a durable material, tile is an attractive investment in any bathroom. The material looks more high end than painted walls. You can even use tile for the floor, such as marble, which Ray chose to pair with tumbled marble subway tiles for the walls. Another wonderful thing about tile, is that you can use the electric radiant floor heat under it.

-Laura

Unique Surface Materials

When it comes to a home renovation, there are various surface options for homeowners to consider. From flooring to tiling, enjoy the benefits these unique materials will bring to your home.

Ceramic Tile

As a natural, energy efficient and renewable material, ceramic tile has been a popular choice for many homeowners. With a multitude of colors and uses, people enjoy its durability, beauty and easy to clean properties. Many homeowners opt to install ceramic around their fireplaces, woodstoves and kitchen stoves since the material is non-flammable. Another great benefit is the material’s perceived value and how it can increase the appraisal of one’s home. I really like how the tile’s thermal mass outshines wood as it absorbs heat during the day and then radiates it back into the home at night.

Cork

If you’re looking for a durable material, you will love the benefits of cork. The material can stand up to heavy foot traffic and is perfect for floors, walls and countertop. What I really enjoy about the material is how easy cork is to maintain and repair. Moreover, cork is a popular choice for its ability to act as a natural insulator, with the added value of terrific sound absorption. With a variety of beautiful colors to choose from, you’ll love bringing this soft, earthy material into your home.

Resin

Available in a variety of colors, resin is a liquid that hardens onto materials as a hard lacquer or enamel-like finish. As a natural material from plants, it provides an excellent component as a varnish or fabricator to protect applications from cracking and osmosis. Consider using the material on counters, sinks and bathtubs.

Ray’s Favorite Things for the Kitchen

When it comes to designing a kitchen, Ray loves bringing in the technical aspects that are needed to make the space functional for homeowners. Below, you’ll learn some of Ray’s favorite things that will make life in the kitchen enjoyable and convenient.

Wolf Dual Fuel Ranges

While offering a wide variety of top configurations and standard dual stacked surface burners, Wolf’s 48″ Dual Range is a great option for large families and those that like to entertain. The optional steel griddle, infrared charbroiler and French Top give you the freedom to customize your dual fuel range. The large electric oven features Wolf’s dual convection system that helps to deliver even temperature and airflow throughout.

Sub-Zero PRO 48 Refrigeration

Appliances have always been the bling of the kitchen when it comes to making a statement. With it’s bold stainless steel design, Sub-Zero’s PRO 48 Refrigeration is sure to have your neighbors talking. This model provides dual refrigeration that keeps foods fresher longer and prevents odor transfer.

Kohler HiRise Wall-Mount Kitchen Pot Filler

Ease and convenience are the two words that best describe Kohler’s HiRise Wall-Mount Pot Filler. You’ll love having its extensive 24″ reach capability for professional cooktops and ranges that will help you from leaning over the cooking area, or filling the pots at the sink. This model comes in two finishes, brushed and polished stainless, that will provide outstanding durability.

Radiant Floor Heating

For an efficient way to heat a room, radiant floor heating can help increase comfort and decrease your home’s energy bill. It’s a great option to help eliminate bulky radiators and baseboard heat, and to make your kitchen floor nice and warm to walk on.

Wood-Mode Roll-Out Trays

We’ll admit it, digging through you kitchen cabinets to find that pot or pan can be a major hassle. So, why not make life easier with the functional roll-out trays from Wood-Mode? They make much better use of the cabinets’ space and nothing gets lost in the back of the cabinet cave. Ray believes these are the best value for the money when you are selecting accessories for your kitchen.

The Power of Porcelain

Today, porcelain tile use is on the rise in both kitchens and bathroom applications. Fired at an extremely high temperature, porcelain has a rich palette that is remarkably durable, lasting a lifetime while standing up to just about anything. The material offers durability, especially the through-body versions that won’t show chips from dropped pots or hair dryers like standard tile. As a versatile look, faux-wood porcelain can go in showers and other areas where wood won’t work.

As porcelain continues to increase in popularity, homeowners have fallen in love with larger-than-ever porcelain tile on floors and walls, especially with rectified edges. These allow for tighter installation that minimizes grout lines. This will provide a cleaner look and will allow for easy cleaning.

-Laura

Alternative Materials to Hardwood Floors

When it comes to flooring, natural wood floors can be a great addition to any room in the home. It’s important to know that although natural wood floors are beautiful, they need extra care to maintain their appeal. For your home, consider these alternative materials that offer the look you want without the upkeep.

Solid Wood

Solid wood is basically ordinary lumber. As one continuous piece, this wood type offers thicker materials for future sanding and refinishing.

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood is manufactured by binding the strands, particles, fibers, or veneers of wood, together with adhesives, to form composite materials. This product has a thin top layer of hardwood secured to a sturdy plywood-like base layer. Another plus is that the material is cheaper than solid wood and is less likely to be affected by humidity.

Vinyl Wood Flooring

Vinyl sheet flooring comes in a variety of looks, including wood. It is best to add vinyl flooring into the bathroom because the product withstands splashes easily. Also, the hefty base layer allows quick lay-down installation without glue or underlayment.

Porcelain Tile Planks

For wet environments, consider porcelain tile planks with a natural wood design. Porcelain tile is great for the kitchen or bathroom because of its durability to withstand heavy traffic. This material is also easy to maintain within the home.

Reclaimed Wood Flooring

Go green and use reclaimed wood from old barns, homes and other structures for your project. Reclaimed wood is highly desired by architects and designers for the history, quality and character it brings into the home.

-Laura