The bedroom space is such a highly personal room. People are riding the trend of primary bedroom that feels LUX, which naturally implies luxury and relaxation. Clients are craving an almost sacred space they can loose themselves in and forget about the stresses of the day. Other than that, it is personal in how that translates, either deep dark, moody vibe or bright and airy.
First of all, patience is the best practice when entering into a renovation project of any kind. At the end of the day you are dealing with other humans as a collaborative effort to create a beautiful space. Covid has also create a headache for all supply of plumbing, tile, etc. Best advice, is make a plan and purchase early and then start any construction once the items have arrived or close to arrived. This will limit the time your bathroom is torn up and will reduce disruption. You will also have to embrace the dust. Construction dust is very fine and floats and hangs in the air. Even when the crew sweeps and cleans at the end of each work day, expect to be dealing with the dust.
If you have other construction projects in your home, this is the time to do it. It is easier to get a team to come out for a larger project, stay focused until it’s complete. Also most clients that have lived through the dust and construction typically do not want to live through it a second time.
Selecting tiles for your bathroom is a long term commitment. The product with installation is often the most expensive line item on the remodel quote. There are so many styles and colors to choose from that it can be an overwhelming decision. With these thoughts in mind, many clients request classic white subway tiles. This style is featured in nearly every design magazine, blog, and HGTV show, and after this much exposure it feels, well, a little bland. This doesn't mean you should shy away from these durable, budget friendly ceramics. Instead, opt for an unusual size or play with the pattern layout. Here are a few ideas to create a stand out space:
The basketweave pattern alternates the tile direction. Make sure the tile dimensions have a nice ratio or the tiles will not line up properly. A 3x9 or 4x12 tile will create rows of 3, whereas 3x12 tile will have rows of 4.
Image Source: J Miller Interiors
COVID has really slapped us in the face and made us rethink our home space. Everything from clutter, home office make over and e-learning situation for the kids. We are reevaluating our home sphere, because, let’s be real we could be sheltering in place for another year. The pandemic of the 1918 lasted for 3 years.
We wrapped up this basement over haul right before everything was shut down. We dug down 3 feet to make a 8ft ceiling into 10ft ceilings, so it truly became a lower level vs a basement space. We equipped it with a golf room simulator, full bathroom, lounge area, ping pong table, built in bunk beds and wet bar with full fridge, for an edgy teen space.
Author: Sydney Piwowar
Often for whom this is their first time working with an Interior Designer freak out at the idea of custom furniture. They want to see in front of them exactly what they are paying for, before they pay for it. This is often not the case in our practice. Nearly all of the millwork (cabinets and built ins) we design are custom. This means combinations of designs, colors, and patterns never done before. By nature, you will not be able to understand its full glory until completion. If you are working with a good and transparent designer, she/he will take the appropriate measures to ensure you have all the tools necessary to feel comfortable with your investment.
To create peace of mind for our clients at JTD, I have come up with a 5 step system to ensure you are happy with your purchase.
1. Adequate drawings
Not every interior designer has experience with construction drawings or details. It is important that no matter how creative your designer is that they are able to successfully communicate their design intent in these drawings. This will maintain total control of the design and limit the amount of miscommunications and damage control later.
2. Renderings
Some more complex or large installations should be conveyed in 3D or color 2D renderings. This will help you start to imagine how form and function are working together in your piece. Some designers who do not offer this as a service should be able to outsource it or complete themselves at an additional service fee.
3. Samples
If your designer does not provide you with samples for all materials, they are not doing their job. You should see all finish materials for metal, woods, and upholstery. It is custom that they do not show you building materials that are not visible in the finished product though.
4. Contractor’s portfolio
For those who are hesitant to pay for an additional service or contractor for their custom piece, it helps to review their existing portfolio. You can see their craftsmanship and previous experience this was to create peace of mind.
5. Trust your designer
At the end of the day, they know what they are doing. Designers have a muscle in their brain that allows them to envision spaces and forms without any external support. Many people without this muscle struggle to trust. If you have never worked with this designer before, or have never worked with a designer before, it is ok to ask about their experience with custom furniture. Ask to see some of their other work. This will not only allow you to see their capabilities, but the level of originality and practicality of their custom designs.
Author: Sydney Piwowar
Something designers across the board talk a lot about is color depth. Whether that is in space, graphics, photography, fashion, etc. it is all very similar. In interiors, people often confuse color depth with having lots of colors. The more is not always merrier people! These monochromatic palettes have me falling in LOVE. Despite each room essentially being painted shades of the exact same color, it creates a sense of visual and architectural depth to a space in a way that just painting it all one color wont do. Take a look at these Inso images to see for your self!
I absolutely love the way these different paint colors highlight the architectural significance of this wall. Traditionally, people would choose a floral wallpaper to pop in these panels. I have never been a fan for the obvious choices though - be bold, be different.
This picture needs no introduction. What a great way to highlight the unique arch of the ceiling without drawing the attention up and away from the bathroom features.
Author: Sydney Piwowar
I am sure you have all seen this trend in the 2018 design magazines and Pinterest. Well news for you, it is not going anywhere in 2019. Truth is, after so much technological innovation, we are all craving a sense of hand crafted work in our spaces. These Zellige Tiles are the epitome of that. The mosaic tilework is made from individually chiseled geometric tiles set into a plaster base. This form of Islamic art is one of the main characteristics of Moroccan architecture. To round up some inspiration for you, I have pulled my Top 5 Favorite Applications and specific tile recommendations for those designs.
Bathroom Shower
Cat Skill’s Hayfield Wedding Venue used Cle Tile’s Wheathered White Tile.
Kitchen Backsplash
Nicole Hollis used Cle Tile’s Glossy Black Tile in her Design of the kitchen.
A Nook or Built In
We could not find the source of this design, but pulled a tile we think would we be perfect for this application. The rustic emerald tile in the image looks similar to Riad Tile’s .
Fireplace
Designed by Georgia Ezra, check out her tile collection, Tile of Ezra. She used her own mosaic for this space.
Flooring
For a similar look, check out this 2x6 subway tile from Zia Tile.
Author Sydney Piwowar
We have seen and heard of cement tiles for years - that is nothing new. What is special about the ones we are seeing today is that they are Encaustics. Encaustics are paintings and ceramics using pigments mixed with hot wax that are burned in as an inlay. Each tile is handmade and dries slightly different from the next, with variation in depth or bleed at the edges of the pattern. The inconsistency adds to the overall beauty of the tile when laid. There is a slight variation and shadowing in the tones of each tile, when installed in mass the result is pure sophistication and character! These beauties can be used for indoor/ outdoor flooring, in bathrooms and kitchens on the walls or floor and splash backs.
Check out these uses of my current favorite color: soft dove grey. It literally makes the space glow!
Author: Sydney Piwowar
I did it myself as a kid, every year I wanted to re-do my room. For me, that was the first sign I wanted to become a designer, but for most it is the growing character and evolving taste of impressionable teens and pre-teens. This often leaves parents feeling frustrated as they just re-painted their room, or bought a new bed spread, new drapes, etc. We have all learned the hard way that a key to success in kids spaces is VERSATILITY.
There a few places though that the term versatility doesn’t apply. One of them being Bathrooms… tile, wallpaper, plumbing, oh my… all so permanent. This is why it is important that you feel confident that the bathroom design and palette reflects the culture of your family. Whether it be more sophisticated or young and playful. The key to getting the most out of your space is to make sure it matches you and your life style.
I have broken down design for teens into three palettes to match your family’s character. Check them out below and some Inso images for each!
Bold + Playful
Clean + Monochromatic
Bright + Cheery
Author: Sydney Piwowar
I have been secretly waiting for this trend to gain popularity for years! Because seriously, who actually likes bullnose? It’s not exactly an inspiring way to end tile. To prove how amazing exposed edge tile can be, I have curated a few of my favorite applications below. See more inspiration here, on my pinterest board.
In the last 10 years of its rise, we have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of subway tile. Everyone loves it though - its simple, easy to clean, and inexpensive! Despite its versatility, I cringe when clients ask for the classic subway pattern. There are so many amazing ways to lay tile, why should we limit our selves to the Running Bond pattern? I say no. I say get creative. If you aren’t sure where to start, I have curated some of my favorite LUXURIOUS & MODERN ways to lay the classic tile.
Cross Hatch
The 4-Stack Parquet
Different Scales
Combination: Traditional + Diagonal Herringbone
Stacked Bond
Vertical Stacked Bond
Author: Sydney Piwowar
When they became a trend back in 2017, you had to pay BIG bucks for these beauties. Now that the trend has set in though, there are so many amazing vendors selling them stocked and ready for you! Here is our round up for Top 5 Black Framed Shower Doors.
For Large Showers
For Small Showers
For Industrialists
For Minimalists
For Those On A Budget
For inspiration on matching hardware and bathroom accessories, see our blog post on Design Details: Toilet Paper Holder and The Anti-Trend: Black Hardware.
Author: Sydney Piwowar
I have decided to start a series called Design Details where I touch on the details of a space. There are so many little things that effect your every day life that people don’t think about. This week topic is: Toilet Paper Holders!! Yep. That’s right. Everyone has a specific method they prefer (upright, side ways, open ended, spring bar, etc.) Who knew there were so many options?!
I have curated a list of a few of my favorites to liven up a very practical detail in design.
Chrome:
Black:
Brass:
Wood:
Author: Sydney Piwowar
It wasn’t until recently that companies like Restoration Hardware emerged, providing aesthetically pleasing options for a very functional piece of decor. Traditionally, stylish mirrors are just surface mount mirrors, with no storage. If you wanted something more practical, you were stuck with the same utilitarian, old fashioned mirrors we have seen since the 50’s. We have curated a list of our top 5 modern medicine cabinet options to provide both aesthetics and needed storage.
