KBB - May/June 2013 - (Page 14)

modern for my clients’ taste, I use a double accent band that is wider and runs horizontally along the top and the bottom of the shower. I call it the “shoes and hat” for the shower. Another great trend is to use quartz counters instead of granite. The unique sparkle and movement in certain brands make it look like gems embedded in the countertop — not to mention it won’t get etched by contact solution or dulled by bleach cleaners. The variety of quartz available is enough to please even the most discerning clients. I appreciate the fact that I can offer a counter that has a neutral undertone with a blue spec and is more affordable than blue granite. Larger tiles have been very trendy in bathroom design. Instead of the old 12-in. by 12-in. floor tile, many designers are using 18-in. by 18-in. tiles. The standard 1-in. by 1-in. listello glass tile has been replaced by 2-in. by 2-in. or even 3 x 3-in. glass tiles. Even the wall tiles are much larger. The small 3-in. x 6-in. subway tile has been replaced by the much larger 10-in. x 20-in. tile, but it is still installed in the staggered pattern like a subway design. Using a larger wall tile allows you to use the same tile on the walls DO: Using a larger wall tile allows you to use the same tile on the walls as the main floor — overall offering a much cleaner and transitional look. DON’T: The combination of the wallpaper and blue cabinets along with the style of lighting feel obtrusive and overwhelming — this room has too much color. as the main floor — overall offering a much cleaner and transitional look. A larger tile also means less grout and less dirt to deal with. I recently designed a shower wall using 12-in. x 24-in. wall tiles in two different colors, and I had them installed evenly in vertical rows. One row had the light pattern, and the next row had the darker pattern. It was a busy design, but because it was installed in such a balanced way, it came out looking clean and modern. For a long time, the simple, white, undermount porcelain sink was very popular. It offered a classic look and went with everything. To my surprise, 14 + K BB the drop-in sink is starting to make a bit of a comeback. A drop-in sink can offer more detail with its layered rim or ornate design, and I think the extra detail of a simple trimmed rim adds beauty to a counter. I have also recently designed bathrooms using stainless sinks, which can give a transitional stone-like slate a more modern appeal, while still perfectly complementing a glass counter. If overdesigned in a bathroom, stainless sinks can be interpreted as too masculine, but when used in just the right balance, stainless offers a modern look that is sleek and sexy. The bottom line is to research the trends and pick a favorite. Try to hold back from using every cool feature you see and find a focal point. The best tip is to pick the tile first and let the cabinets contrast it. Design starts from the ground up. Remember to keep the space balanced, store away clutter, contrast and complement, and when in doubt, focus on symmetry. In my design world, less is more. n —“Live. Love. Design” is the motto of Jamie Janson, owner of SoFlo Home Design, a petite design company specializing in kitchen & bath designs, remodels and renovations. She lives in West Palm Beach, Fla., with her husband and business partner Erik Wietholter. Janson also brings beauty and design to the masses on her blog http://soflohomedesign.wordpress.com/. Visit http:// www.soflohomedesign.com for more information. May/June 2013 / www.kbbonline.com / The Official Sponsor of K/BIS www.kbis.com http://soflohomedesign.wordpress.com/ http://www.soflohomedesign.com http://www.soflohomedesign.com http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - May/June 2013

KBB - May/June 2013
Editorial
Show Director’s Note
Online Contents
Opinion
KBIS SPECIAL SECTION
Web Savvy
Trends
Products
Abroad
Design
Form and Function
A “Wow” Design
Favorites
Ad Index

KBB - May/June 2013