Friday, November 23, 2012

From Studs to Stunning

photo courtesy: Toto


Earlier this month we hosted the first design presentation in the Passport to Design seminar series, “From Studs to Stunning: Remodeling Tips from the Pros.” A panel of local design experts shared their tips on the best ways to prepare for a successful bathroom renovation project from the point of view of a remodeling contractor, Gary Moffie of The Remodeling Company; a representative from the decorative plumbing supply industry, John Magruder of Magruder Associates; and an award-winning interior designer, Sally Wilson of Wilson Kelsey Design.



Guest panelist Sally Wilson with moderator Mary Beth Haggerty
photo credit: Andrew Swaine


Their individual presentations were followed up with a question and answer period moderated by the President of the New England chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers, Mary Beth Haggerty of The Drawing Room Interior Design. We had a full house of guests who arrived eager to learn how to make bath remodel decisions with confidence. Whether creating a small powder room or a large master bath, taking the time to plan in advance was stressed as the key step to achieving the very best end results. 


Images from The Remodeling Company portfolio of projects ...














Bath remodeling statistics and advice from Gary Moffie ...


Bathroom remodeling has the second highest average return on investment when selling your house, preceded by kitchen remodeling.

The two finishes that maintain their original appearance the longest by far are chrome and stainless steel. Bathrooms 10 or more years old with these fixtures still look showroom new. Next best is satin nickel, and the least durable are bronze and brass/gold.

Upgrading your bathroom’s wiring, plumbing, and fixtures can substantially improve your home’s efficiency and safety.

Moisture is your bathroom’s greatest enemy. Mold and mildew will make quick work of any renovation you’ve done so be sure to install a vent fan of appropriate CFMs for the square footage of your bathroom. 

Universal Design: Another trend in master bathrooms is the use of universal design. This approach, designed to accommodate people of all ages and abilities, includes wider doorways, showers with no raised lip around the bottom, larger shower doors and more room around fixtures. Once thought of as industrial-looking, universal elements such as grab bars now blend seamlessly into even the most luxurious bathrooms.

Consider water efficiency: shower heads, toilets, and faucets have all become more water-efficient in recent years.



Guest panelist Gary Moffie (plaid shirt) answering questions from the audience.
photo credit: Andrew Swaine


Gary also stressed the importance of working as a team and trusting your contractor to keep the best interests of your project – and your budget – in mind.

When a design plan is decided in advance, homeowners will be more likely to meet their deadlines and stay on budget by avoiding costly change orders.

Another important tip: beware of lead times. Find out when an item will be available before committing to it in your final design. Tile shipping from another country, for example, could delay the completion of a project if it does not arrive when everything else is ready to go.

When constructing a bathroom, be sure to block (add framing lumber support) for towel bars, toilet paper holders, wall mounted vanities and other heavy-use items that must be secured to the wall. The Remodeling Company will often use strategically placed sheets of plywood to ensure that adequate wall space is designated for these purposes.




Guest panelist John Magruder shared industry trends ...


photo credit: Andrew Swaine
















Some trends that John is seeing in the decorative plumbing industry: double bowl vanities, vanities with open shelf designs, free-standing soaking tubs, attention to aging in place (hand-showers that act as grab bars), shower enclosures without thresholds or headers, wall hung products like vanities and toilets as a small space solution, and environmentally responsible products that conserve water while considering their manufacturing impact.

When planning a bath remodel, John recommends choosing the shower valve first since that has to be roughed in at the beginning stage of the project. A valuable option today is a universal thermostatic shower valve which can accomodate dozens of different trims choices.

John notes that the clean, minimalist lines of contemporary design are showing up more and more in the collections offered by the quality brands that he represents. Where the purchasing trend in New England used to be around 90% traditional design, John is seeing that number change to around 70% traditional, with contemporary and transitional choices making up the difference.





Images from Sally Wilson’s portfolio of bath projects ...















When planning ahead for a bath remodel, Sally recommends that you ask yourself “What have I always wanted in my bathroom?” Start from there in order to prepare an attainable budget that balances desires with necessities.

Designer upgrades that Sally’s clients have appreciated the most: the statement of a custom mosaic tile pattern, the comfort of heated floors especially when paired with marble, the luxury of a Toto washlet, the joy received from a soaking tub. With some of these heavier options, such as marble flooring or a large soaking tub, Sally cautions to plan in the construction phase for added floor weight considerations.

When asked about the influence that trends have on design decisions, Sally encourages her clients to go for what they love and not worry about what is currently considered popular in shelter magazines. Many looks and styles return to fashion after a period of time, so choose based on the style of your home paired with what appeals to you.

When trying to determine the look for a bath, she recommends starting with the faucet. “There are lots of beautiful faucets out there but you can’t own them all.”




photo credit: Andrew Swaine


Vice President Jason Sevinor and Sales Consultant Beezee Honan
with guest Dani Poole from FBN Construction
photo credit: Andrew Swaine


Designer Maureen McGrain with Designer Bath associates Maureen Hodgkins
and Michelle Ritchie, plus Lisa Amore of lucia lighting and design
photo credit: Andrew Swaine


photo credit: Andrew Swaine


Food by Timothy S. Hopkins Catering of Ipswich
photo credit: Andrew Swaine


Floral arrangements by Laura Thomson Design
photo credit: Laura Thomson


photo credit: Yvonne Blacker


photo credit: Yvonne Blacker




photo credit: Andrew Swaine



Thanks to everyone who joined us for this first seminar in the Passport to Design series! Next up will be “New Fabric Trends” which will be presented on Thursday, December 6th from 6:30-8:30pm at Circle Furniture in Cambridge. Click here to register to attend. Then pick up a Passport and enter to win the $20,000 Home Makeover sweepstakes and you, too, could be on your way to creating the designer bath of your dreams : )




Friday, November 2, 2012

Modern Glam for a Vintage Bath

Janet Marena’s Guest Bath at the Junior League of Boston Show House 2012
photo credit: Michael J. Lee


When Janet Marena asked me to be a part of the design of her bathroom at the Junior League of Boston Show House, I was thrilled about the opportunity. It was a chance to take a bathroom space that had at one time been cutting edge and bring it back to life. The challenge was to keep many of the existing structural pieces in place along with the feel of the home. I feel like our choices and Janet’s design talents have returned the bathroom to all its glory.

Jason Sevinor
Vice President
Designer Bath and Salem Plumbing Supply



{bath before: Janet Marena photos}



Tiles being refinished by Boston Stone Restoration


What was once a worn, dusty and dated room has since been transformed into a sparkling gem of a guest bath for the Junior League of Boston Show House at the Potter Estate in Newton, MA. In a recent guest post, designer Janet Marena of JTM Interiors shared her vision with us. She was inspired by the beauty of both the original stained glass window and the antique tile, prompting her to plan her space to allow the past and present to co-exist in visual harmony.      


Designer Janet Marena in The Guest Bath

Overall the Show House has been exhilarating. When I stand in the Guest Bath I feel serene and happy to have met my goal of honoring the history of the room while adding modern and fresh elements.

Janet Marena, JTM Interiors



{bath before: Janet Marena photo}


{bath after: Yvonne Blacker photo}

AFTER: An eye-catching Chihuly inspired light fixture dazzles over the newly refinished soaking tub that appears to melt into the same colored floor tile. Neutral colored grasscloth walls are a warm complement to the curved ceiling that swirls with the same emerald greens as the floor. By adding clear acrylic legs to the wall-mount Duravit vanity, Janet has taken this functionally modern piece to a bespoke level.



{bath after: Yvonne Blacker photo}

A sleek Hansa tub filler in polished chrome is wall mounted onto a custom built towel and storage cubby that also acts as a base for a large potted fern. The original tub was reglazed by Porcelain Patch and Glaze. Vintage inspired bath caddy from Designer Bath.



{bath after: Yvonne Blacker photo}


An elegant oyster-colored embroidered linen panel dresses the shower area that is tucked beside a one-piece skirted Toto Soiree toilet that has earned the WaterSense mark of approval – an appropriate choice for this “green” bath. 




Just outside The Guest Bath is Frank’s Study by designer Frank Hodge
{Yvonne Blacker photo}


There is still time to view the 35 beautifully decorated spaces in the historic Potter Estate. The show runs through November 18th and tickets are available at the door. All proceeds from the show will support the mission of the Junior League of Boston. 


{Yvonne Blacker photo}





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