The 2010 ELLE DECOR Showhouse...AKDO Tile Party

by innerspace

On November 10th, AKDO Tile hosted an exclusive cocktail reception at the the 2010 ELLE DECOR Showhouse, 
located in St. Francis Wood, a historic San Francisco neighborhood.
Many thanks to AKDO for the invitation!

The 2010 ELLE DECOR Showhouse
300 St. Francis Boulevard | San Francisco, CA 94127 | November 6-21
Photo by ELLE DECOR

AKDO, a preferred partner of the showhouse, manufacturers some of the most beautiful quality stone mosaics and tile, often in unusual sizes, shapes, or patterns.  With so many ensuite bathrooms, the showhouse is a perfect showcase for AKDO.  Even the laundry room backsplash showcases AKDO mosaic tile!

Click here to see the laundry room backsplash 
AKDO | Polished Thassos and Ming Green Marble | Imperial Mosaic Tile

Photo by AKDO

Eleven bay area interior designers, selected by ELLE DECOR, let the materials speak, creating a visual dialogue between rooms.  In the library bathroom, designed by Will Wick, a wall of onyx and marble tile. in a black, white, and honey harlequin pattern, makes a bold statement.

Library Bathroom Designed by Will Wick   
Shower Wall

AKDO | Polished Onyx and Marble | 12"x12" Field Tiles | Fabricated into a Harlequin Pattern

Photo by katiedid

On the walls and floor, understated Calacatta marble mosaic tiles modulate the exaggerated harlequin pattern.

Library Bathroom Designed by Will Wick     
Walls | Floor

AKDO | Polished Calacatta Marble | .375"x.375" Mosaic Tile

Photo by AKDO

The dialogue between black and white design elements continues in the library.  The ebony enameled bookshelves, black enameled ceiling, and dark hardwood floor make a unified statement without enclosing the space.  The ivory walls, ivory window coverings, and blond sisal carpeting balance the ebony envelope.  The silhouettes of the off white furnishings and accessories, plus the patterns of the black and white works of art and the zebra skin rug punctuate the space. 

 

Library Designed by Will Wick

Photo by Chad Ziemendorf

But, the marbleized Fromenthal wallpaper covering the wet bar sliding doors completes the conversation between materials.

Library Designed by Will Wick
Fromenthal Wallpaper Covering the Wet Bar Sliding Doors

Photo by katiedid

Fromenthal Wallpaper | Gypsum | Marlin

Photo by Fromenthal

In the master bedroom suite, designed by Jay Jeffers, nothing is lost in translation.  Instead of tile from AKDO, the bathroom features tile from Ann Sacks, another showhouse sponsor.  A wall of pietra dura tile, in a Gothic tracery pattern of grey, taupe, and white marble, determines the design vocabulary for the master bathroom.

Master Bathroom Designed by Jay Jeffers

Wall 
Ann Sacks | Honed Marble | Custom Pietra Dura Tile

Photo by Simplified Bee

Stacked mosaic tiles in Athens gray marble cover the shower, tub face, and floor.

Master Bathroom Designed by Jay Jeffers

Shower | Tub Face | Floor

Ann Sacks | Athens Grey Marble | .5"x3.0" Stacked Mosaic Tile

Photo by Ann Sacks

Willem Racke Studio reiterated the linear mocha ribbons of the Athens gray marble on the plastered and hand painted walls and ceiling.  A masterful interpretation!

Master Bathroom Designed by Jay Jeffers

Walls | Ceiling

Plastered and Hand Painted by Willem Racke Studio

 Photo by Simplified Bee

In the master bedroom, a parchment secretaire cabinet, designed by Samuel Marx, repeats the strie pattern.

 Master Bedroom Designed by Jay Jeffers

Parchment Secretaire Cabinet Designed by Samuel Marx from Modern One | Los Angeles

Photo by Modern One

As does the gray marble fireplace.  The ottoman in front of the fireplace is upholstered in custom appliqued and embroidered fabric by Holland & Sherry, a direct translation of the tracery pattern.  Even the silhouettes of the handles on the Swedish Biedermeier stools at the foot of the bed recall the Gothic design.

Master Bedroom Designed by Jay Jeffers

Custom Appliqued and Embroidered Fabric by Holland & Sherry on Ottoman 
Swedish Biedermeier Stools from Sevnska Mobler | Los Angeles

Photo by Chad Ziemendorf

But, the story isn't over yet!  Willem Racke Studio hand painted the ceiling of the bedroom in a tonal Neoclassical design, inspired by 18th century Scottish architect Robert Adam.  But, you need to read between the lines to understand the poetry!  The central medallion of the octagonal grid pattern mirrors the shadows cast by the eight-arm chandelier.  And, the running chain pattern on the octagonal banding alludes to decorative molding.  

Master Bedroom Designed by Jay Jeffers

Hand Painted Ceiling in a Neoclassical Design by Willem Racke Studio

Photo by Casasugar

On the sheer window coverings, the octagonal burn out pattern references both the ceiling and the tile patterns.

Master Bedroom Designed by Jay Jeffers 

Sheer Window Coverings by Jim Thompson
Photo by SFWire

  

Who could ask for closer connections between design elements?

Beautiful Bathrooms

Beautiful Bathrooms
by Jan Gunn Interior Architecture and Design

Bathrooms are at the top of the list for home remodeling projects in 2010.

With the current trends in bathroom remodeling, there is something for everyone, no matter what the budget is.  If you haven't been in to Ann Sacks recently, they just launched "AS Basics", an new line of tiles at "economy friendly" suggested retail prices of under $12.00 per square foot.  Likewise, Robern just launched a new "builder" line that is also very reasonably priced.

From tub changes, to “borrowing space” from an adjacent closet, to fresh paint and new lighting, a dated bathroom can always be improved.

May all your bathrooms be showplaces!

photo by Doug Salin 

Suitability

A good place for you and your client to begin is by evaluating the value of their home.  A remodeling project shouldn't be so extravagant that it overwhelms the underlying property value!  The National Association of Home Builders suggests that when all other factors are equal, an additional half bathroom increases the value of a home by 10.5%, and an additional full bathroom increases the value by 20%.  New bathrooms recoup approximately 60% of the initial investment within the first year of completion.  But, it may take up to five years to recoup the full expense of a major remodel.

Once you and your client have decided to move ahead with the project, it’s time to set a budget based on the homeowner's finances, and the suitability of the remodeling project for the home.  After the budget has been agreed upon, the design process can begin!


Lighting
Layered lighting is important irregardless of the style of the project.  Did you ever hold a flashlight under your chin in a dark room as a child?  The same ghoulish effect occurs in reverse (top down) in a bathroom that is illuminated with a single overhead light!  Who needs to look like they have dark circles under their eyes?  Side sconces by the mirror(s) serve as flattering task lights.  Halogen lamps are the best type of lamps for sconces.  The color of halogen light is the closest to daylight, so the appearance of cosmetics is similar to what others see.  Accent lighting can add a “pop” of personality to the room. General ambient lighting should be controlled by dimmers, which are flexible and energy efficient.  However, building codes often restrict the use of low efficacy lamps, such as halogen or incandescent, in bathrooms, even if they are controlled by dimmers.  So, employing motion or vacancy sensors instead of dimmers could free the designer from these limitations.

photo by Misha Burk

Ventilation
In recent years, ventilation has gotten much more sophisticated.  Better fans and combination fan/light units are whisper quiet.  And, the units can be purchased with humidity driven switching or motion detector actuated night lights.  To determine what size of fan your project requires, simply divide the cubic footage of the bathroom by 5.   In this case, bigger is not necessarily better, because an exhaust fan that is too powerful could pull more air out of the bathroom than can enter.  This could make the fan overheat, make it less efficient, or make it noisier.

Sinks and Faucets
Sinks and faucets are the "eye candy" of a bathroom.  Both are now available in a wide variety of specialty finishes.   Even though toilet flushing plungers are not yet available in some finishes, the handles could always be re-plated to match the finish of the faucets for an additional cost.

photo by Doug Salin 

Toilets
Comfort height toilets are increasingly popular, and are no longer only considered for ADA projects. And, the styling has vastly improved!   For example, the Kohler "Persuade" toilet not only has contemporary styling, but also is dual flush.  In-wall tank toilets, which make marvelous use of small spaces, are another option to consider. 

Bathtubs
It is generally accepted that home buyers like a house to have at least one bathtub.  So, this should be a consideration when planning a bathroom remodeling project.  Now, hydrotherapy whirlpool tubs are gaining popularity over traditional water jet tubs.  Hydrotherapy tubs give a more soothing, vibrating massage, while water jet tubs give a more vigorous, pulsating massage.  Hydrotherapy tubs are considered more sanitary than water jet tubs because the water does not remain standing in the internal pipes when the tub is not being used.  And, the new infinity edged tubs with overflow drain systems are amazing! 

Shower Heads
If you are installing multiple shower heads in your remodeled bathroom, such as a combination of rain showers, hand held showers, or body sprays, consider completing the installation by the end of 2010.  A new building code goes into effect on January 1, 2011 that requires using valves, which can only activate one water emitter at a time. 

Fireplaces
For a really luxurious and romantic element, consider adding a fireplace to the bathroom!   Today's direct vent gas fireplaces are economical and easy to install.  Since direct vent gas fireplaces do not require a chimney, they can be vented through a wall or through the roof. The direct vent operates not only by drawing combustion air, but also by venting to the outside atmosphere.  So, direct vent fireplaces don't consume warm air from inside the house, or compete with the furnace or other appliances for combustion air.  Plus, direct venting eliminates the heat loss and the drafts associated with other types of fireplaces.  How better to make your bathroom toasty?

What makes your bathroom a showplace?

A Kohler Retreat

by Jan Gunn Interior Architecture and Design

 

I've just returned from a three day adventure to the Village of Kohler, Wisconsin, the home of Kohler Plumbing.  
I was one of about 18 California designers treated to an informative tour of the Kohler facilities.

We visited the cast iron factory (that produces tubs, sinks and various commercial machinery parts) and the vitreous china factory (that produces toilets and sinks).  
I found both tours fascinating.

We even saw the casting process, in which molten iron is poured into various forms. 
That wasn't too surprising, but the real surprise is how the end items are colorized. 
The iron piece is heated to 2700 degrees, and then a coat of powder is applied with a device that looks like a flour strainer. 
The powder that falls on the iron piece doesn't have any color initially, but as the piece cools, the color comes up!

Casting itself is also interesting to observe, apart from the powder coating aspect. 
As you might imagine, it takes a negative form to manufacture the vitreous china end product, and to get it a positive "pattern" is pressed into loose sand, which then is the basis for the negative form.

Our group was also shown sneak previews of new products, but no photos were allowed!  

 

Kohler's three story design center was filled with vignettes of bathrooms and kitchens created by designers from all over the country.  
Kohler owns the upscale plumbing company Kallista, as well as the modestly priced Sterling line. 

Our Carriage House Hotel was beautiful and furnished in Baker and McGuire furniture, companies that are also part of the Kohler corporate family (along with Ann Sacks).  
We were offered a marvelous massage at Kohler's world class spa, which boasted every pampering amenity one could imagine.  
They treated us especially well when meal times arrived.  The beef Wellington hors d' oeuvres were unforgettable!

photos by Kohler

A Kohler Toilet Primer

by Jan Gunn Interior Architecture and Design

Kohler makes four types of toilets.

We are all familiar with the single flush gravity feed toilet.  In addition, Kohler now makes a dual flush gravity feed toilet that uses only 0.8 gallons of water for liquid waste and 1.6 gallons for solid waste.  Most residences would use one or the other of these toilets.  For a "never plug" toilet necessary in commercial applications they have two additional options.  The Pressure Lite toilet uses the street water pressure to activate a sealed canister which acts as a power booster to eliminate waste.  The Power Lite toilet has an even more aggressive system.  An electric motor pressurizes a canister to activate the flush.  This type of toilet has a very sleek, "tank-less" look as exemplified by the Hatbox toilet.

Portrait toilet, standard gravity feed  

Persuade toilet, dual flush gravity feed

Wellworth toilet, Pressure Lite flush system

Hatbox toilet, Power Lite flush system












photos by Kohler

Interview with...Jan Gunn

Design Philosophy
"Our design philosophy starts with listening. You know
what you like, but how do you achieve your goal?
We listen as you articulate your vision, whether in
abstract or concrete terms. As we come to understand
your lifestyle and your tastes, we become better
equipped to translate your vision into reality, often with
spectacular results beyond your expectations. We’re
there at every phase of the project, helping you to
realize your goals."

Specialties
"Our expertise is best used when executing your vision
requires major remodeling. In one example, the client
wanted no surface left untouched. In others, walls
have been moved or disappeared, and rooms that were
previously of low value have been translated into
beautiful, cherished spaces. To achieve these marvels,
we manage various contractors, subcontractors,
furniture and cabinet makers, stonemasons, lighting
analysts, and other types of construction crews with
skills demonstrated to us on our many prior projects.
In the interiors, we have extensive product knowledge,
and can lead you to a wide variety of products that
match your taste. We’re also experts in kitchen and
bath remodeling, as well as lighting design."

Firm Profile
"We have led projects in places as diverse as
both coasts of the US, Aspen, Guam and Cairo, over the
last 30 years. Locally, we’ve completed projects as far
north in the Bay Area as Sea Ranch and as far
south as Los Altos. Our office is located in Orinda;
we have done many projects in the Lamorinda area.
Our repeat client base includes Fortune 500 CEOs,
technology entrepreneurs, college presidents and many
others who appreciate the value and quality of our
design and project management expertise. From
traditional to cutting edge contemporary design,
we bring fresh ideas, a sense of adventure and a
refined aesthetic to every project. Jan Gunn, the
principal, was on the Board of Directors of
Northern California ASID from 2004 – 2007 where
she was Director of Professional Development for the
Society’s 700 members."

Jan Gunn Interior Architecture and Design
http://gunn.asidcalnorth.com/

More of Jan Gunn

By Jan Gunn

This gracious living room shows off the owners’ personal tastes while offering a comfortable entertaining space.

A cheerful bath was formerly part of a closet and a spare bedroom.

The cabinetmakers meticulously handcrafted all the wooden pulls for this walnut kitchen. All glass cabinetry is illuminated with halogen lights. The ceiling is coffered and illuminated with LED lights.

Interview with...innerspace interiorDESIGN

by innerspace | Lisa Walsh, Allied Member ASID

photo courtesy of innerspace interiorDESIGN | Lisa Walsh, Allied Member ASID

"The art filled living room and dining room of this Oakland, CA home are the essence of understated style, simplicity, and comfort-a trademark of innerspace interiorDESIGN."

photo courtesy of innerspace interiorDESIGN | Lisa Walsh, Allied Member ASID

"The minimalist style, monochromatic colors, and luxurious materials create a sense of serenity that the owner describes as 'So Zen!'"