Showing posts with label universal design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label universal design. Show all posts

Monday, October 21, 2013

What exactly is Universal Design?


Leo Chantre, Lisa Bonneville, Mark Doughty and Jason Sevinor
photo credit: Jessica Delaney

Our ability to navigate comfortably through our homes on a daily basis was the topic of discussion at a Design New England Design Salon that we hosted earlier this month in our Beverly showroom. Three guest speakers – Lisa Bonneville of Bonneville Design, Leo Chantre of Stone Projects, and Mark Doughty of Thoughtforms – joined us to share what they know about designing a home with accessibility in mind.


While some think of Universal Design as preparation for Aging in Place, the real plus side of planning ahead for possible limited mobility is that spaces designed with universally accessible features actually benefit a variety of ages and abilities. From the very young to the elderly, to those with temporary or long-term physical challenges, the principles of universal design improve quality of life by creating environments that are safe and comfortable. For those who want to remain in their homes as long as possible, preparing ahead may actually save money in the long term, by avoiding the expense of having to move into an assisted living facility.


photo credit: Jessica Delaney



We asked designer Lisa Bonneville to share the story behind her award-winning master bath that featured universal design products from our showroom. Lisa is the author of The Safe Home, and is an expert on creating lifelong interiors. Lisa explained how there are many thoughtful options available today for universally designed spaces. Gone are the days of commercial looking grab bars and sterile environments. Homeowners can age safely and comfortably in their homes and still satisfy their design sensibilities.




Bonneville Design // photo credits: Eric Roth




Universal design considerations mentioned by our speakers:

prevent falls and slips with flush
entries and adequate lighting
install wood paneling behind drywall
for future grab bar installation
install curbless entry in shower and plan
for room for caretaker in the bath 
touchless faucets and toilets with self-care features
provide independence in the bath
non-porous countertops require least maintenance
while being extremely hygenic
non-glare surfaces and layered light options
are helpful for the vision impaired
include multiple surface heights to accommodate
a variety of ages and heights
provide accessible storage via
roll out shelves and drawers
plan for single level living (full bath on ground floor)
when hoping to age in place 
incorporate exterior views and natural light into the home to be enjoyed by those who spend large stretches of time indoors




photo courtesy: Thoughtforms



photo credit: Jessica Delaney

We had a full house for this event, and a number of people with physical challenges who rely everyday on accessibility through universal design were in the crowd and generously shared their unique points of view.


We thoroughly enjoyed presenting this very important topic for discussion and are always happy to assist our customers in discovering the best fixtures and accessories for a safe, efficient, and beautiful bath. 

To view additional photos taken during our Design Salon event, please visit our facebook page.




Timothy Hopkins Catering // photo credit: Jessica Delaney



Floral arrangements by Laura Thomson Design
photo credit: Jessica Delaney




Event sponsored by Design New England 
   





Friday, August 16, 2013

Our Designers Shine Winners!




Each summer, we host a special evening event in appreciation of the design professionals who partner with our showroom consultants on their bath and kitchen projects. We have had the opportunity to see some really great spaces brought to completion and thought why not let others see them to? So we created the Designers Shine with Designer Bath Awards to celebrate and give recognition to the talented designers that rely on us to provide the products and customer service that makes them look their best.




We received dozens of submissions this year. The work was impressive across the board. At stake was a first place prize that includes the submitted space being featured in our full page ad in the November/December issue of New England Home Magazine with a complimentary photo shoot done by Eric Roth, plus a $1,000 Gift Card to our showroom. Winners in additional categories would each receive a $250 Gift Card to Designer Bath.

Our panel of judges included Jerry McGinn of Tile by Design, Lisa Amore of Lucia Lighting, Sarah Garabedian of Circle Furniture, Julie Arcari of Landry and Arcari, Heidi Best of Moynihan Lumber and Kathy Bush-Dutton, publisher of New England Home Magazine. We sincerely thank them for taking the time to help us select the winning entries of our 2nd Annual Designers Shine Awards 2013 ...


Grand Prize Winner: Kristina Crestin Design
Overall Design + Green/Sustainable Design

David Simone and Kathy Bush-Dutton of New England Home Magazine
with Kristina Crestin and photographer Eric Roth




Kristina Crestin Design // photo credit: Jamie Solomon



PROJECT: New Construction Kids Bath

CRESTIN’S DESCRIPTION: This client was willing to take some risk, but very much wanted a camp that was family friendly. They were open to my desires to work with local and reclaimed materials. For the kids bath we pulled a vibrant color from the surrounding forest and ran with it – the tile we built it around was called “fiddlehead! I designed the sink base, got crafty with bypassing mirrored doors that hide storage, and using plumbing parts for towel bars. The door to the space is a salvaged door that we put on barn door hardware. 

This bath was recently published in the July issue of New England Home! My client had an easy time selecting plumbing and has come back to Designer Bath for another new project. 




Large Space Design Award Winner:

Amanda Greaves with Designer Bath President Jason Sevinor



photos courtesy Amanda Greaeves and Company




PROJECT: New Construction Master Bath

GREAVE’S DESCRIPTION: The interior of this newly constructed 8,000+ square foot waterfront residence is simple, yet elegant with clean visual lines. The design reflects both the homeowner’s worldly aesthetic and desire to create an intimate setting. The rooms are filled with generous natural light and a soft spectrum of beach sand and sea glass hues. The house is a bright, shingle-style residence. The design-build team of Windover Construction and Olson Lewis Dioli and Doktor Architects, both of Manchester, MA, created an updated interpretation of traditional New England architecture by blending vintage style with contemporary “coastal cottage” details.

Mindy was fantastic to work with on this project. She was attentive, in tune with the schedule, worked really well with the contractor, and helped keep the process moving fluidly, and positively. 



Small Space Design Award Winner:

Mindy Sevinor-Feinberg and Betsy Bassett 



photo credit: Betsy Bassett



PROJECT: Small Space Bath Remodel

BASSETTS DESCRIPTION: The pre-existing bathroom was an outdated ’50s bathroom only measuring 5' x 7', single bowl vanity and a shower the size of a telephone booth. We demoed the existing “His and “Her closets that bordered the existing bathroom to create more space. My clients love contemporary clean lines and wanted a spa feel to the new bathroom. I kept the lines clean using a limestone called Cloud Stone for the counter and walls and floor. The detail wall in the shower is a carved and polished three dimensional Wave stone 24" x 24". I designed the custom made vanity to accommodate my client storage needs.

I drive from Newton to visit your showroom because your customer service is so outstanding. Mindy is organized, professional and a pleasure to work with. 



Universal Design Award Winner:

David Simone with Lisa Bonneville



photos courtesy Bonneville Design



PROJECT: Aging In Place Master Bath

BONNEVILLES DESCRIPTON: When they bought what seemed to be their last house, these baby boomers started planning ahead – step-by-step they began remodeling spaces throughout their home so that they can live there as long as they choose – even into old age. This past year, they demolished what was once a tiny windowless vanity and shower tucked under the large sloping front roof of their 1968 contemporary home and created this spacious relaxing and joy-filled master bathroom. Now they enjoy the full complement of bath amenities they had dreamed of: a streamlined style to match the architecture in a neutral palette of porcelain tile; contrasting Caesar stone surfaces and Douglas Fir cabinetry fit wall-to-wall; a large double sink vanity with storage hidden in shallow sink-side drawers and the out-of-sight storage of necessities in his and her tall recessed medicine cabinets; a full linen closet with pull-out lower shelves; a roll-in showering alcove with adjustable height and detachable shower head to reach a sitting bench nestled under a second window; a wall-hung heated WC with programmable controls; and ample open floor space for walker, wheelchair or .... for dancing! 

I have worked with Dale, Maureen and the whole sales staff at Designer Bath for over 30 years. Dale has always made me feel like a special customer, treated my clients fairly and promptly responded to any issues, questions or deadlines my projects involved. I have furnished many baths with their products and am proud of the professional relationship we have maintained throughout our careers.


One Stop Shopping Award:

Megan Meyers with Jason Sevinor







photos courtesy Megan Meyers Interiors


PROJECT: Master Spa Bath

MEYERS DESCRIPTION: My client wanted a bathroom that combined rustic and refined with traditional and modern.  They envisioned a spa-retreat that would simultaneously relax them and serve their day-to-day needs. Dark Shale finish cabinets from Bertch were combined with quartz by Okite to provide a balance of light and dark, elegant and natural. These blend elements of green with subtle sophistication. The enlarged steam shower is spacious and heavenly. Glass panels bring in natural light while chrome fixtures from Sigma add their own sparkle. When the couple steps out of the shower they are greeted by a towel warmer and radiant floor heat. A claw foot tub from Victoria and Albert adds a feminine touch. Sonoma Tilemakers recycled Vihara stained glass accent tiles in watery hues bring peaceful color into to the space. Porcelain tiles on the floor and shower mimic marble, enhancing the luxurious feel. A new Runtal baseboard heater adds much desired warmth to the room.

With Mindy and the Designer Bath team’s help, I created the perfect spa-master bath for my clients.  Mindy was extremely helpful and educated me on the best products while sourcing for this project. I look forward to working with the Designer Bath team on my next project.



C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !



Congratulations to all of our award winning designers and very talented submitting designers! Below are just a handful of pics from our 2nd Annual Designer Shine Awards. Please like and visit us on Facebook to see the entire album. 




Chive Events serving up sangria, local wines and craft brews.










Guests networking while enjoying refreshments from Chive

Lisa Bonneville, Lynda Onthank, Elizabeth Swartz

Ralph Sevinor and Susan Lefkowitz

Michelle Ritchie, Krisi Gallagher, Robin Davis, Dale Gusman


Sharon Hunt with Jerry McGinn and Doug Madden of Tile by Design


Lori Scholtz and Sue Adams


Linda Hentschel, Linda Holt, Yvonne Blacker


Grace Garrison and Jamie Nicholas


Todd and Sidney Vendituoli with Brizo rep Brian O’Neill


Beezee Honan and Sharon Hunt








Manufacturers reps Michael Varian, Darrin Wahlberg,
and Brian ONeill with Maureen Hodgkins 

Designer Bath showroom consultant Maureen Hodgkins worked with Kristina Crestin on her winning space. Congrats!



Yvonne Blacker, Jennifer Griffin, Jason Sevinor

“The Shine Event was a great opportunity to celebrate the talents of our designer partners. To see their work come to life with the help of Designer Bath is inspiring. I feel very fortunate we get to work with individuals so skilled in design. We can’t wait until next year to see what they come up with!”  
– Jason Sevinor, President, Designer Bath 



Special thanks to our Shine Event sponsors:








Look for our ad with the winning space in the
November issue of New England Home!













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