Wet Rooms - The Newest Trend in Bathroom Design

Have you noticed the recent wet room design trend? Wet rooms as extremely stylish and can add a contemporary feel to your home. According to Kitchen and Bath Design News magazine, the formal definition of a wet room is "a bathroom in which the shower is open or set behind a single wall, its floor area being flush with the floor of the rest of the room and the water draining away through an outlet set into the floor." Wet rooms can be created from both small and large bathrooms, downstairs bathrooms, or as part of a master suite.

Photo: HGTV.com

Perhaps, a couple of reasons why the wet room has been gaining recent popularity is due to the sought-after spa like bathroom experience. Wet rooms convey luxury with their clean lines and minimal design. They also allow the free standing tubs with the chance to steal the show.

While many wet rooms have recently been found in luxury and larger bathrooms, they previously started out in lower budget and institutional settings. Over recent years, free standing tubs have become a staple in bathroom design and can perfectly complement a wet room. Free standing tubs are often complemented by floor-mounted tub fillers. These might invite some extra splashes and spillage. While this could cause concern, wet rooms have been professionally waterproofed to avoid any possible leaks leading to water damage.

One of the main challenges associated with wet rooms is figuring out an efficient way to keep certain items dry, including towels and toilet paper. One way to keep water from going everywhere is to install a frameless shower screen placed in front or to the sides of the shower. This allows the room to still feel open, while being able to keep some key areas dry. Another way to keep your wet room dry is by adding under floor heating. Adding under floor heating to your wet room is highly recommended. Not only does it mean that you will have a nice, warm floor to stand on, any standing water from showering will evaporate much quicker.

Photo: Pinterest

When planning any wet room, it is imperative to choose non-porous and slip resistant water-friendly materials. A couple of suitable materials include ceramic and porcelain. Choosing slate, marble, and limestone may not be the best choice since they are porous and would require sealing every few months to prevent water damage.

*Bonus: Although it may be expensive, a great way to create a luxurious feeling is by installing the same materials throughout the floor and run it to the ceiling.

While wet rooms can be a beautiful addition to any home, having the shower and bathtub in the same space may be a personal preference and may affect resale. If you are considering a wet room, or a bathroom remodel, please consult with a trusted contractor first. Balducci Additions and Remodeling is a well-known contractor and has been serving the metro Richmond area for over 30 years. Please contact us to schedule a free estimate.

Porcelain Tile Design Trends

Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile that is made of finer, denser clay. Since porcelain is denser than ceramic tile, it is also harder and less porous. This makes it very stain ad water resistant. Porcelain is available in several textures including: natural, smooth, polished, and textured surfaces. Porcelain tile is offered in glazed and un-glazed options; however, un-glazed tile requires more frequent cleaning. As a bonus, porcelain is much lighter than marble and granite  - meaning easier installs.

porcelain tile bathroom renovation

The versatility of porcelain is almost endless. Porcelain tile can be incorporated in several places of the home, including the kitchen, bathroom, and even fireplace. It has recently emerged into the bathroom design scene since it is low maintenance and can handle moisture and daily use.

A great thing about porcelain is that it is available in several "looks." It can even be made to look like metal, wood, and stone. Additionally, it can be used indoors and outdoors. With advancing technologies, porcelain is now available in larger segments.

Photo: Houzz

A recent trend in bathroom design is covering all of the walls with porcelain slab tiles. The large tiles can help to make the room appear larger due to the little number of grout lines. This creates a minimal look with little upkeep. Porcelain slab tile is a great option for those who want to create a glamorous look without the high costs since it is cheaper than marble. Although porcelain slab tile may be currently seen as a luxury item, it is expected to come down in costs as it becomes more popular.

Porcelain is a great option for flooring, backsplashes, walls, and other accent areas in the home. It is a durable and stain resistant, which is a plus for any family. One of the major advantages of porcelain is that it is extremely versatile since it can be used in several areas of the home, as well as outdoor spaces. Porcelain tile is also available in many styles and can mimic the look of wood and metal.

4 Major Components of a Kitchen Remodel

Have you been dreaming of remodeling your kitchen? Whether it be to create more space, update the look, or increase your home value, kitchen remodels are a great investment for your home. Here are 4 major components of a kitchen remodel:

1. Layout

The layout of your kitchen is one of the most, if not the most, important components of your kitchen remodel. Since kitchens often undergo so much usage, it is important that the work flow is efficient and works for your needs. Some experts say that a no-fail solution to efficient kitchens is the "work triangle." The work triangle was developed in the 1940's to examine the efficiency between the three major kitchen appliances: the refrigerator, sink, and stove. The "work triangle" is a great tool to use when planning your kitchen layout.

Kitchen Work Triangle

2. Materials and Finishes

The materials and finishes you choose will largely depend on your budget and personal preferences. Some major decisions that need to be made for a kitchen remodel include: countertop material, cabinetry, and flooring. Material options can dramatically range in prices, so it is important to do your research on each option. Some popular countertop materials include granite, quartz, laminate, concrete, and marble. Flooring options range from ceramic tile, hardwood, linoleum, vinyl, among many others. Cabinets are also available in a wide range of materials including: solid wood, plywood panel, aluminum, wood veneer, and polyethylene.

3. Lighting

Kitchens require lots of light for safety when cooking. Along with adding safety to your kitchen, lights can set the tone of the whole space. Like cabinets, flooring, and countertops, there are many lighting options for your kitchen. A good option for kitchens are several can lights, pendant lights over a bar/breakfast bar area, and under-cabinet lighting. Lighting is also a good way to make some energy-efficient choices through choosing LED or fluorescent bulbs.

4. Finishing Touches

Finishing touches can make or break a space. Some finishing touches to keep in mind are: paint color, seating options, backsplash, as well as other decorative items. A good rule of thumb is to contrast your cabinet color with your paint color to add some dimension to your space. For example, a dark paint color paired with dark cabinetry could leave the room feeling too dark. Create the illusion of more light by choosing a lighter color. The same concept applies to your backsplash. Your backsplash should contrast with your cabinet and countertop, as well as add visual interest to the space. Don't be afraid to steer from subway tiles and choose a more decorative option. The finishing touches of the space are a great way to let your personality shine through.

Custom Kitchen Remodel by Balducci Additions and Remodeling

There are many factors that have to be considered in a kitchen remodel, including: layout, materials, lighting, and the finishing touches. A kitchen remodel can be an overwhelming and stressful project if it is not planned out, which is why it is important to get a professional's opinion and guidance. If you are considering a kitchen remodel for your home, feel free to call Balducci Additions and Remodeling to schedule a no-obligation appointment.

Tips to Update Your Home Office

According to globalworkplaceanalytics.com, telework has grown about 94.8% in for-profit companies from 2005-2014 and we don’t see that number slowing down anytime soon. As the number of telecommuter jobs increases, so does the demand for a home office. We briefly mentioned home office spaces in our previous blog post: More Living Space: 5 Great Garage Conversion Ideas. A home office is beneficial for those who get distracted easily by things around the house and need more privacy to get work done at home. Don’t think updating your home office is worth the investment? Bank Rate claims that 44% of buyers would pay an extra $1,920 to pay for a home that includes a home office. A home office doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips on creating a functional office space in your home:

Raise your computer to eye level. Many of us working desk jobs are hunched over day in and day out. Over time, this causes havoc to our health. A stand for your laptop will keep you neck and back straight.

Upgrade your desk chair. Traditional desk chairs can be dated and don’t provide much personality. Opt for an upholstered dining chair instead. Pick one that you love and you will want to sit there each day and get some work done! We like this one from West Elm:

Saddle Office Chairs – West Elm

Add some life to your space through plants or other greenery. We recommend low maintenance succulents for an effortless look. If you decide to go the floral route, try to avoid too much fragrance. This can cause a headache-definitely something that you want to avoid while working!

Curate your desk space. You should be leaving only the items that you use regularly out on your desk. All other items should be stowed away. In regards to the items that remain on your desk, these things should spark your creativity and inspire you to be productive.

Work Space – Photo: maryjanemorrisphotography.com

Want to see some inspirational home offices? Check out our “Home Office Inspiration” Pinterest board!

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Like what you see? Consider following us on Pinterest!

Kitchen Renovation: Granite or Quartz?

Kitchens are the heart of the home, it is where you prepare your meals and where family comes to gather together. A kitchen remodel is a large investment; however, it can also have the most bang for your buck. Thus, kitchen remodels are becoming increasingly popular. According to Home Advisor, your kitchen remodeling budget will be broken down by:

• Design fees: 4%
• Installation: 17%
• Appliances and ventilation: 14%
• Cabinetry and hardware: 29%
• Countertops: 10%
• Lighting: 5%
• Flooring: 7%
• Doors and windows: 4%
• Walls and ceilings: 5%
• Faucets and plumbing: 4%
• Other: 1%

Even though countertops only account for an average of 10% of your budget, choosing the right countertops can either make or break your kitchen remodel. The top two countertop materials on the market right now are granite and quartz. However, what are the pros and cons of each of these options?

Photo: Rise Above Remodeling

Appearance

Granite offers a natural stone aesthetic with many variations in the colors and markings. Some may prefer to have a natural look to their countertops, while others are turned off by the variations.

Quartz offers a more consistent look and comes in a variety of colors from neutrals to striking colors of blues, greens, oranges, and so on.

Granite Countertops in a traditional kitchen. Photo: Pinterest

Cost

In real estate, granite is often seen as a luxury item. It typically costs around $50-$100 per square foot. However, top-of-the-line granite can cost as much as $225 per square foot.

Surprisingly, quartz is often the more costly choice for countertops. This option can cost as much as $100-$185 per square foot.

White quartz countertop with white cabinets. Photo: Houzz

Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of granite is its incredible heat resistance; however, it also comes with a major drawback. Granite is naturally porous, which makes is prone to stains and scratches. Depending on the type of granite and how often it is used; granite may be needed to be sealed every 1-3 years. The typical cost to have it sealed can range from $0.68 to $1.49 per square foot. Over time, this expense can add up.

On the other hand, quartz is non-porous and doesn’t require annual sealing like granite. Quartz is hygienic and is durable against scratches and stains. However, it is important to note that quartz may be burned easily from hot pots and develop chips in the material. To repair chipping, a professional service is required.

Comparison of Granite vs. Quartz Countertops from Forbes.com

Return on Investment

Given the recent scare of radon in granite, some homeowners may be weary of moving into a home with granite countertops. However, Forbes.com says, “granites contain parts per billion of radium…it is determined that there is a minimal and acceptable amount of radon in average granite building materials.” Considering the radiation we experience from day-to-day life, including flying and walking around the city; the radium levels in granite should not be of very high concern. Fortunately, many of those in the market for a new home see granite as a bonus and can add as much as 75% return on investment.

Quartz comes in a close second to granite, as far as kitchen countertops go, with an average of 60% return on investment. This could be because of their lack of natural looking pigments and colors. Although quartz can come in almost any color, a neutral colored countertop would yield a much higher return than a brightly colored countertop.

Have questions about the best countertops for your kitchen remodel? Feel free to call us at 804-730-0982.

Why You Should Decorate with Taupe

The 2017 Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year, Poised Taupe, is available in SW 6039. Photo: Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams recently announced its Color of the Year for 2017: Poised Taupe. Susan Wadden, top color picker, describes this color as, “what happens when cool gray gets together with brown and has a baby.”

What exactly is taupe? Taupe can be defined as “a moderate to dark brownish gray, sometimes slightly tinged with purple, yellow, or green.” The word taupe, meaning mole, originated in France in the early 1900’s.

How do they choose the color of the year? In an article from Custom Home, Kayla Devon notes:

“At Sherwin Williams, six team members substantiates their color picks from a concentrated industry and presents a color story to all other team members expressing what the story says about cultural sentiment. From there, four final color stories are determined, which Jordan says is significant because there are different tastes and different things happening simultaneously. When it comes to choosing the color of the year, Jordan takes over, searching for the story with the strongest message and the color that communicates the larger picture.”

After choosing the Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year for 2016, Alabaster, Jackie Jordan stepped down; which gave room to Sue Wadden to enter the role as top color picker. Although we cannot be sure that the the current top color picker for Sherwin Williams, Jackie Jordan,  uses this process as well; there is no argument that choosing the Color of the Year doesn’t happen by accident.

Poised Taupe is a dynamic color that accents well with neutrals and vibrant colors. Photo: HomeDit

Why is this color applicable now? After years of seeing gray dominate the home design scene, it is about time that a warmer color would come into play. The gray-brown color adds a level of sophistication and warmth to any home and can be seen in many home decor companies.

Poised Taupe proves to be a dynamic, yet muted color. It has more personality than a typical beige or gray; yet it can coexist with neutrals and vibrant colors alike. We believe that this is the perfect color for those wanting to add some warmth to the overwhelming amount of gray that appeared in home design this year. According to the Huffington Post, Poised Taupe is “not hot or cold, gray or brown, dark or light, taupe exists somewhere in the lukewarm middle zone.”

Sherwin Williams colors of the year from 2012-2017

There are a variety of hues from the Color of the Year picks from 2012-2017. From 2012-2014, cool colors dominated the scene. Then in 2015, Sherwin-Williams picked the vibrant pink-orange color: Coral Reef. Coral Reef was chosen for 2015 because it was, “perfectly suited to celebrate a mid-decade year that’s poised for revitalization.” This can be seen as the turning point for Sherwin-Williams Colors of the Year to follow.

The next year, the paint company chose Alabaster for the 2016 color. Alabaster represents the “less is more” mentality-perhaps stemming from the rise in minimalism. From there, another neutral color was picked: Poised Taupe. With Alabaster in 2016 and Poised Taupe in 2017, we can only guess what is on the rise for 2018. Do you think that neutral colors or here to stay, or will we go back to vibrant colors such as Argyle and Coral Reef? Who knows, maybe the bright and vibrant colors of the past will come full circle.

The Poised Taupe painted ceiling adds an element of coziness to the tall ceilings in this dining room. Photo: Dump McConnell

Not sure how to use the Sherwin Williams’ 2017 Color of the Year in your home? Check out their website. The popular paint company has put together several color palettes that best accent their Poised Taupe.