design advice

An Interior Designer’s Guide To Bathtubs and Showers – For Your Luxurious Bathroom Design

Keeping clean has never been more luxurious and spectacular. The primary bathroom, in particular, is the second most popular room to be renovated after the kitchen. Visual appeal, functionality, and unique design elements are the key ingredients to a luxurious bathroom experience.

Tubs and showers are a great way to make your unique statement. Here are some tips that Interior Designers think you should know:

Bathtubs

The new attention grabber is the free-standing tub. A sculpture that bathes you in comfort. It appears to float, taking less space than a built-in bathtub and easier to clean.

Free standing tub in the centre of the bathroom placed under the window, with a shower on one side and the vanity on the other

Modern bathroom with a free standing tub in clean lines in white against a gray and black finishes on the floor and walls

Studying these tips for your unique bathtub experience not only makes you feel great, but it will also look great too.

Bathtub Tips:

Tub Size: Not only does it need to fit properly into the space, but it also needs to fit your body size. For example, a taller person requires a longer bathtub. And, a small tub will have a tall person hugging their knees to their chin. Which would not be very comfortable at all.
Statement Lighting: Add that wow factor with statement lighting over your bathtub! Make sure your fixtures are rated for damp or wet locations. Place the switch on a separate circuit.
Light Colour Temperature: 2,700K to 3,000K provides a warm, cozy atmosphere. You want to look your most attractive self even if you are the only person in the bathroom.
Dimmers: Varying light levels can be pre-set to the timing of your choice. Light levels can be low to relax or placed to full brightness so that you can clean the bathroom. Place the switches on a separate circuit.
Bathtubs Need Space: Three inches or more against a wall is necessary to clean around a freestanding bathtub. The handle of a mop will need to reach around the back so that you can clean it from all sides.

Showers

The shower is where you stimulate your senses. Glass shower enclosures have eliminated thick tiled walls allowing for more space. Glass doors can roll or hinge effortlessly.

There are items people don’t tell you about until it’s too late. I think you’ll enjoy learning about these handy pieces of knowledge.

Shower Tips

Curbless Showers: Curbs virtually disappear with a curbless shower system such as Schleuter Kerdi-Line Systems. They make shower kits that provide the necessary waterproofing membrane and floor sloping for drains. Note: Linear drains, which are 2” deep long troughs, lie beneath the floor and need to run in the direction of joists or be carved out of a concrete floor.
Body Sprays Everywhere: Water can rain on your head or jet you from three sides. Be careful when selecting body spays. Make sure that they accommodate all members of the family, both short and tall. While body sprays can be adjusted to suit your needs, jet spays can be very powerful and you could end up with a mouthful of water or overstimulating sensitive body parts. You may want to install a grip rail too.
Large Tiles: Large-format tiles, quartz stone or Corian are now used for seamless shower walls, eliminating the need for those pesky, hard-to-clean grout lines. Ask your contractor if you have enough room to get these large tiles up the stairs or in an elevator before installation.
Shower Floor Foot Grip: Shower floors need small tiles for foot grip and safety to avoid slipping. Specify a darker grout colour that coordinates with the tile. Grout always gets darker over time, so you might as well pick a colour you like.
Shower Light Fixture: Install a waterproof light fixture overhead for safety. (Yes – you can still install an overhead shower.) Make sure it’s on a separate switch
Place the light fixture on a separate switch and with NO dimmer.
Shower Benches: Benches are useful for a quick sit down during a long shower and also to perch your foot while shaving your legs.
Steam Showers: Steam showers are a wonderful way to relax and detoxify. It is nature’s magic therapy. The mechanics can be installed within an enclosed bench with an opening to the side for access. Remember: The perfect steam starts with selecting the right size steam shower generator.

Special Touches

Here are two items that can make your bathtub and shower experience even more luxurious and accommodate your practical needs too.

Heated Floors: Made more affordable and doable with Ditra-Heat-E-Kit by Schluter (our go-to guys). It has a ¼” profile that minimizes the thickness of the finished tile floor. Remember: Minimal floor material height is necessary when renovating an existing bathroom.

2. Wall Niches. Scavenge space from wall cavities with niches. Wall niches can come in stainless steel, quartz stone or tile. Not only are they a decor element, but they also make all items more accessible. Remember: A slight slope is needed to drain water.

Neutral bathroom in a more traditional style in beige and cream palette, with a free standing tub and a shower that has a wall niche

Educate Yourself – Knowledge Is Power

What do you want or need from your luxurious bathtub and shower?

Many of the top bathroom fixture suppliers have very educational websites that will answer many of your top questions. You’ll get lost in all the knowledge that you need to know prior to selecting products and before construction starts.

Bathtubs and showers are just two of the elements that you need to explore so that you can create your very own unique and fabulous clean and healthy bathroom experience.

3 Reasons to Hire a Registered BCIN Interior Designer in Ontario

Are you thinking about renovating your home or making an addition?

It can be challenging to decide whether to take on the design yourself, hire a contractor or a professional designer.

Many people think that they need an Architect or an Engineer to help them with the drawings and permit application. Still, another class of designers can assist you and help you with all the details of your project: a Registered Interior Designer.

Here are three reasons a Registered Interior Designer is the perfect fit for your next major renovation project:

1. PERMIT DRAWINGS ARE REQUIRED

Whenever a homeowner wants to construct, demolish, or renovate, almost any change to an existing building requires a permit from the City. And when a permit is required, permit drawings are needed.

Homeowners can choose to take this task upon themselves; however, if they do, they are taking on all of the project’s risk and liability if something goes wrong. Also, there is a ton of details and coordination that needs to go into drawings for permit application. So even if you know the construction, knowing design and drafting is an entirely different matter.

A Registered Interior Designer is qualified to create construction drawings and file for building permits on your behalf. Since you need drawings to apply for your permit, why not work with a registered, insured, and educated professional?

2. AN ARCHITECT IS NOT THE ONLY SOLUTION

In 2006 Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing issued Bill 124, allowing licensed designers to streamline the building permit process across Ontario.

A Registered Interior Designer can help you with any project you are planning to do in your home. They can help design and construct a one-storey residential house and up to three storeys, with a building area of 600 square meters (6458 square feet) or less.

Compare to the architects, an interior designer is looking at the building from inside out, thinking through all details and functionality of the space. Working with an architect will be a different experience where some important aspects might be left off for the construction phase, for the owner and a general contractor to sort out.

Of course, the choice is personal, but having a Registered Interior Designer on board will provide you with all the necessary expertise and knowledge at a much better price.

3. SMOOTHLY-RUN CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

Design and construction are stressful and time-consuming processes. They bring many changes to your day-to-day lifestyle. Therefore having a detailed and coordinated set of drawings is much safer when construction kicks into your door. A well-drawn and thought-through construction set of drawings will save you, the homeowner, time, money and frustration.

Having experience working on small to mid-size projects, a Registered Interior Designer creates easy-to-read drawings. A general contractor and trades get all their information on the same page; nothing is left for them to assume. Therefore, there are no surprises for the homeowner.

A complete set of drawings always includes details and information about materials, finishes, schedules and construction details. A Registered Interior Designer ensures that the end result matches the signed design concepts presented to the client in the first stages of the project.

In case you are planning an update or renovation that involves construction or demolishing, a Registered Interior Designer may be the best person to help you, and save you time, money and worry. If you are not sure how to go about hiring a Registered Interior Designer, we have plenty of resources and tips about Interior Design!

An Interior Designer’s Guide To The Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen

Our summers are short. From March through to July and into November, an outdoor kitchen allows us to share our food experiences with family and friends extending our outdoor playtime. More people are choosing to invest in their homes and backyards rather than vacationing elsewhere.

Before planning and spending on this space, ask yourself some simple questions:

How much time do I want to devote to maintenance? What’s critical-to-have, must-have, and nice to have? Knowing this will save you a lot of grief and disappointment.

Critical To Know

Safety first! Make sure you meet your region’s building and fire codes. There’s a difference between a code for building a house and a code for preventing open flames, and in-and-near a building. They are two different things. Protect combustible materials.

Choosing Cabinets and Materials

Cabinets and counters need to be corrosion and weather resistant, low maintenance and made with stable materials. ALL materials expand and contract with temperature change and moisture. The sun fades colours and natural materials breakdown over time. There are 3 types of cabinetry-based kitchens for outdoor use: HDPE/Polymer, Wood and Stainless Steel.

Polymer: Waterproof, sun-safe, available in a variety of solid colours, lower maintenance, plastic, and of variable durability.

Wood: Flexible design requires some maintenance, most affordable, and it is not fire-resistant.

Stainless Steel: Heat and fire-resistant, non-corrosive, easy to clean, available in powdered-coated colours. It does need to be covered up to protect it from soot, soil and environmental pollution.

Things to Consider

Appearance: What do I want to see when I look outside my kitchen window? Choose your landscaping and furniture for that perfect outdoor style.

Clean-Up: Install a sink with water. You may not want to use your indoor kitchen to clean greasy, sooty stuff. Plan ahead for plumbing.

Heating and Electrical: Layer your heat sources. Consider heat lamps, fire pits or a built-in infrared heater. Make sure you put in multiple outlets that meet the fire code pertinent to your municipality. Plan ahead for electrical.

Shade: Create shade from the sun and protection from the rain with pergolas, retractable patio covers or tents.

Stay Cool: Cool yourself off with fans, misters or rugs to shield you from the hot floor, and use light-coloured furniture.

Layout and Seating: Transition your rooms with removable screens, doors and walls. Offer a variety of seating – low Muskoka chairs, chaise lounges, stools and benches.

Storage Space: The ultimate amenity. Think of what else needs to be stored – like equipment, furniture, sports and hobbies. You don’t want to run back and forth from the house or garage to the outdoor living area.

Small Spaces – Condo Balconies and Terraces

Electric grills make outdoor eating possible despite strict fire and safety codes. Brown Jordan has fully assembled kitchens for terraces, to be lifted by a crane, or custom units transported by a service elevator.

Nice To Have And Trending

Specialty right-sized appliances replacing mammoth grilles. These can include: Argentinian grills, smokers, side burners, pizza ovens, fridges, dishwashers, beer on tap, espresso machines, ice makers and Kamado-style grills (a.k.a. “ eggs”). Lighting schemes, TVs and sound systems can also be a great addition. Treat this space as another room of the house.

Adding Value To Your Home

Outdoor kitchens seem to be replacing the pool as an add-on feature. It increases your competitive edge when selling because people will imagine themselves having great times in their new backyard.

Good design blurs the lines between the indoors and the outdoors. What creative ways do you use to create your very own private outdoor oasis?

Wine Cellars & Wine Tasting Rooms – Coming Of Age

In wine there is truth and in wine cellars there are many truths.

Wine collecting and having the “right” bottle on hand, requires a special space of its own and more homeowners are installing wine rooms in new and existing homes. With today’s technology, refrigeration, and modern materials, wine can be stored in almost any location. However, this ancient beverage still requires tender loving care.

Wine Is Fussy – The Basics

Wine “breathes” through the cork and ages in the process. Too much oxygen makes the wine bitter. The pace of this breathing is faster at higher temperatures and slower at lower temperatures. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity accelerate this aging process.

Wine Storage – The Basics

Wine requires a cool, dark space with higher humidity than the average living space. Wine does not like noise or vibrations from any source.

It doesn’t like any temperature extremes. 45F to 65F degrees are the temperature for serving wine. 55F degrees is the ideal storing temperature for long-term storage, regardless of your wine style. Wine storage rooms come in two types: passive and active.

Passive Wine Cellars such as caves, basements, closets are naturally cooler and only receive indirect sunlight. They minimize swings in temperature and damage to the wine.

Active (Cooled) Wine Cellars are fully climate controlled and can be set to the perfect storage temperature and humidity level that ensures ideal conditions. They are more flexible and can fit into any large, small or odd space in your home.

Modern Design Trends

Glass enclosures allow you to show off your wine collection and can be built as tall or wide as you want. The choice of tempered glass used is extremely important. The insulation value should maximize the refrigeration, humidification benefits, and UV protection that is required for wine rooms that are in direct contact with sunlight. Etched or frosted glass are decorative options.
Integrating wine cellar design into your space for that ‘wow’ factor. Placing wine storage in living areas, man caves or kitchens, allows you and your guests to engage with your wine collection and show off your expensive wine bottles.

Label-forward, displays the label art facing out. It creates an intimate interactive experience with the user and the bottle of wine.
Metal and acrylic wine racking. These materials are gaining popularity in contemporary wine cellar design. They provide the same quality for storage as wood and can be much more cost effective.
Bridging old & new – Combining wood with metal or acrylic allows for more flexibility in project design that is less stuffy and ornate and more contemporary and inviting.

Modern Design And Construction Considerations

Use LED lights and UV film for glass enclosures.
No vibrating wall speakers and no noisy air conditioners nearby. Insulate your mechanical air ducts or use a ductless air conditioner.
Vent equipment heat outside the storage area.
Storing a large number of bottles requires a reinforced wall behind. Many choose plywood backing for wall installation.
Make sure you have proper wall insulation, a vapour barrier, and moisture resistant, green board walls.
Easy access to electricity.
Flooring is to be moisture resistant, consider the insulation value of the floor and materials.

Return On Your Investment (ROI)

A wine cellar is a high-end investment, and in some homes, it is a must-have upgrade. With an average bottle price of $95.00, it pays to design your investment so that it can add value to your home.

Galileo tells us that: “Wine is sunlight, held together by water.” Then together, sunlight and water hold the truth in wine. Take good care of your truth.

An Interior Designer’s Mini Guide To Bar Design

A bar by any other name is still a bar. It can be an espresso bar, a wine bar, or maybe a sports bar. Stand-alone or as part of a kitchen. It can be dry or wet. Which one would you prefer?

Dry Bar – No Plumbing Involved

A dry bar is simple to set up, especially where space is an issue. It can be a bar cart or a dedicated nook with a cabinet and counter (below right). Bar accessories are a definite must.

Wet Bar – H2O Required

You can modify an open-plan kitchen where the island becomes the bar (below left). Or, you can construct one in the basement as part of your very own entertainment complex, or a spa bathroom, or bring it outside to create your own mini-resort, where you can mix a batch of frozen margaritas while you’re flipping steaks.

Anatomy Of A Bar – The Basics

Put all your ideas on paper and just like the pros, let’s use ergonomic standards and proper measurements for optimum bar design.

Bar Height: 42 inches to 45 inches high. Great for sitting or standing.
Sitting At The Bar: 8in. deep for your knees. The more the better.
A special touch? Include a small hook for hanging a jacket or a purse.
Body Width: 24 inches per seat. 30 inches is better and feels less crowded. Stand-up or sit down, a bar stool is a great prop. Bonus points for stools that go up and down.
Foot Rail: 7 inches to 9 inches off the floor. A classy touch and appreciated by people with back problems.
Bar Top: 16 inches to 20 inches wide. Materials should be sturdy and waterproof. Add panache through colour and pattern.
Behind The Bar: Install a 36 inch high counter to mix cocktails, slice lemons, set bottles or install a sink. Under this counter make sure you have a waste receptacle, a microwave oven and mini fridge for snacks and ice.
Back Of The Bar: The highest reachable shelf should be 69 inches to 72 inches high. Above that is storage.

Other important items:

Back Bar Shelves: Needs to fit the tallest and widest bottles you stock.
Flooring: A wet bar gets messy, so a resilient floor is necessary.
Electrical, Light Switches And A Sound System: Party central needs power, ambience and great music.
Building Codes: Check them. Safety comes first.

The Extras – The Ultimate Pro Details

Beer Taps: Keep in mind that flushing the system is mandatory. Too much work? Stick to bottled beer.
Wine Fridge: For chilling any bottled liquid beverage.
Ice Maker: Never run out of ice!
Espresso Machine: Caffeine is always required.

The Wow Factor

Here are a few tips and trends to impress:

Vary Your Lighting: Add style through statement sconces or titillate with LED backlighting to shelving (see below), a foot rest and bar front lip. Provide recessed general lighting overhead and add pendants to enhance your theme. Don’t forget dimmer switches for a signature mood.
Mix-up Your Finishes: Here’s where you can use fanciful woods, metallics and statement tiles. Think textures, patterns and colour.
Use Glassware and Bottles As Decor: A wine wall with fancy labels can show off your sophistication. Lots of glasses of different shapes and sizes can sparkle with strategic lighting placement.
Floating Shelves: Display your favourite spirits or memorabilia.
Television: Root for your home team in style.

And, remember no matter what age, shape, size, or planet – sitting or standing – let’s make sure your bar can accommodate everyone who wants to join in the festivities.

So use this Interior Designer’s Guide wisely and let’s make very merry fun.

All project images from Dolores Pian.

How does an Interior Designer save you time?

If you’ve been following my video journey, you’ll recall the video called Fabric Sourcing and You outlining why it’s not as easy as you think to pick out the right fabric for your sofa. That was a LOT of fabric and wallpaper, plus there was a lot more I didn’t show you on the other side of the showroom, AND the tables you see behind me have fabric and wallpaper under them. Does sorting through that fill you with dread? Well me too!

That is if I didn’t have the training, intuition, and experience that tells me what I’m looking for. AND a professional who is a partner in my project- who knows where everything is and can point me in the right direction(s).

This means what may take you an entire day of exhausting searching, takes me an hour or so to get the main choices sorted, then another small amount of time once I get the samples delivered to pick out the best one(s).

What about kitchens? Melissa, you say, I can just visit a kitchen place and pick that out myself? Hmm, well, have you or someone else ever spent a few weekends going to a few kitchen places because they didn’t quite see what they liked, and by the end probably didn’t even KNOW what they liked?

Or maybe that friend was you on a previous project. I have the knowledge and experience (and the deep understanding of you and your family) to curate the finishes in a much short amount of time, and then present you with a couple of choices you’ll like.

Let’s talk tiles. I have a favourite place to source tiles. SS Tile and Stone in Etobicoke. That’s because it has SUCH a huge selection. Have you ever walked into a tile store and been immediately overwhelmed? What about visited multiple tile stores and been even more confused? You aren’t alone!

This is a huge reason to hire me to help you when you technically could handle choosing the finishes yourself- who wants to give up their nights and weekends to do that? You’ve worked hard to save the money to do the renovation you’re doing, why should you spend so much of your precious time sifting through mountains of choices when I can make it a fun, pleasurable experience?

All of these decisions for a kitchen could be presented to you in 30 minutes and we would have the finishes chosen. 30. Minutes. Versus nights and weekends spent selecting them yourselves- and dealing with five or more different opinions on how you should do your kitchen. Moreover, almost none of those professionals have had the proper time to get to know you, what you LOVE, and how the space would best serve you.

So, why not keep your evenings and weekends for YOU? And leave the design process to me. You’ll just get a space you love, a relaxing fun process, a project on time and on budget, and your precious time back.

This post previously appeared on Sanura Design, “How Valuable is Your Time?“