COVID19: The Remote Designer

During this time we all are trying to have some normality in this weird time and designers are just like every other professional trying to keep projects going. This particular project was done completely remotely. It took a team of people to make this happen but the finish product turned out just the way I designed it!

The beginning started with construction drawings from the builder, for me that gave me a sense of how much of each material was going to be throughout the home. So when I began sourcing materials this was a key point in making sure nothing was overkill or too subtle for each space.

This particular builder had a some options for countertops and cabinet finishes and these were my building blocks for the rest of the selections. I helped my client decide what direction they wanted to go and what overall look they were trying to achieve.

Also this being a semi custom home we wanted to make sure each space had slightly different selections but all coordinated throughout the entire home.

The kitchen selections turned out great together with the warm natural wood floor, soft gray cabinets and a white quartz with a little grey speckle throughout, finished off with a stone looking skinny rectangular back splash tile.

In the master bathroom we wanted a relaxing but sophisticated look. A wall like that looks like concrete and a hexagon shape floor tile to coordinate with so different pattern and texture for all the other surfaces in the bathroom. So drama with the darker grey wood stained vanity and added lightness with the white quartz counters for a high contrast look.

For the guest bath we went with a matte finish wall tile, which looks so clean and minimal just something other than a white subway tile. This tile did the trick! contracting with all the chrome fixtures these two finishes really complement each other well.

This was a home built in Philadelphia and I work in Houston. I share this info because I have had potential clients in the past say "Oh I don't live in Houston, but I really love your work and want to work together!" This is a possibility and a great finished product came out of it! This is one of a handful of remote projects I have successfully completed and so happy to have people who enjoy my work and want me to be a part of their new home.

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Spa Like Bath with A Six Foot Tub!

This bathroom was all about utilizing the existing square footage. This was a large bathroom to begin with but poorly laid out for two people to function easily in. A couple things my client had on their must have list included a 6 foot tub, a curb-less shower and plenty of storage for everything they needed to access everyday in the bathroom.

We relocated the shower and tub to allow for a larger that normal tub and giving plenty of light from the cave of a shower they had before. In the shower there was no where to store anything so we installed 2 niches in the pony walls so they visually were hidden and give each person their own space for shower items. Keeping this a clean and minimal space. All the bells and whistles in this spa like shower, body sprays, an hand held and a rain shower head! Something for everyone.

In the tub area we made the perfect relaxing alcove. Free standing 6 foot tub long enough for even the tallest person to lay in and it also features a handheld sprayer. We did a feature wall in a marble and glass diamond mosaic tile which gave a great contract to the larger white tub.

On the vanities we did deep drawers with cut outs for the plumbing to maximize the storage space. We incorporated a pull out laundry bin as well. Her vanity has a lowered countertop for putting on make up with some additional storage above and small shelves and drawers for everyday items.

The color palette we wanted something light, natural looking and easy to clean. The floor we did a 24' square porcelain tile that looks almost seamless with a color match grout. Shower wall tiles are a matte white finish that will hide water spots and be super easy to clean. topping the vanities, shower niches, window sill and pony walls we did a leather finished quartzite. It's natural stone and has a semi matte finish so it gives even more of a natural look instead of a smooth gloss finish.

We framed the large mirrors with a wood build-out going all the way to the ceiling with a crown to top it off. This was a great feature to give the appearance that all the custom cabinetry a more furniture look.

Overall this bathroom feels 10 times bigger than before and has made it a stunning place to spend some time!

 

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Designing Smart and Healthy Spaces: COVID19

All of us have been affected by COVID19 and before this pandemic time design requirements looked a little bit different.  Hospitals and medical settings were on the forefront of sanitizing and preventing spread of germs in interior design. That importance is spreading into everyday design for residential, office and restaurant/hospitality design. A majority of my design work is residential but occasionally a small office or hair salon make it into my design work.

Keeping surfaces clean is making its way to being top priority for everything aspect of life. This can start with interior designers doing their part when sourcing materials for projects. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) has been doing it's part in recognizing designs that take it's impact on the world seriously and making better design choices for the greater good. I am happy to see that I see more LEED residential projects each year and this is what we need as a society. Better materials, smarter design and overall less negative impact on us.

To touch on a few key points, clean-ability, durability and sourcing local have always been important in my design selections for clients. Now these will still remain important but now we add another up and coming important element in material selections, killing bacteria! There are materials out there that have anti-microbial elements to help kill and keep surfaces cleaner and less likely to spread diseases. Some materials commonly in hour home that could have a healthier option to a traditional material. Countertops, tile and paint are all good places to start when designing a kitchen or bathroom in your home.  Silestone is one of those manufacturers who design their material to help keep bacteria away and not penetrate into the surface.

Another company that takes killing germs seriously is Sherwin Williams, they have formulated a paint called paint shield that is seen mostly in hospitals for it's ability to kill surface bacteria quickly. I think we will see that product in homes more often since COVID19.

Tile is also one of those materials that can be formatted to be easier to clean and resist bacteria to grow on it's surface. Natural stone tiles isn't always the best choice as something like a porcelain might be better suited for a certain application. Interceramic is another manufacturer who is taking "green" design seriously in not only commercial spaces but applying that into residential spaces. Having safer, smarter and cleaning materials will improve our quality of life and reduce our chances of spreading germs.

Sometimes these materials might be more costly than it's less health conscious option nut in the long run your health is important and these materials with these technologies can last you longer therefore remodeling as often might not be needed. When thinking of your next design project, remember there are healthier material optinos and you should ask your designer for these if this is an important thing for you.

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Sea of Blue: Seabrook Island Master Bathroom

This week, we’re featuring yet another remodeled master bathroom! This couple is celebrating their ten year anniversary of living in a city by the sea by finally getting around to modernize their master bath. As you can see, neutral colors are very popular for master bathrooms, but this couple had a particular theme in mind: the coast! See how we brought the oceanside inside this Seabrook Island home with coastal colors, textures, patterns, and a fresh, more functional floorplan! 

But first let me share a few before photos.

 And now for what it turned out like!

 For those of you who are extra vain, you’ll love this extra long vanity! In addition to the ample counter and storage space, there are three recessed mirrored medicine cabinets. Now there is no excuse for any bathroom clutter: you know, shave cream cans on the counter, makeup scattered about, or hair styling tools on accidental display. With more than enough room between sinks, Jack and Jill can perfect their morning routines without bumping elbows!
 

 

When mirrors are in abundance, lighting must be too! The bright glow from the wall sconces allow for a soft, clean light to reflect all your beauty (and flaws, if you have any!). A small, double-sided mirror attached to the wall is a perfect add-on to any bathroom. Notice that all the metal matches: it is especially crucial to keep continuity in the metals used in any space.

 

Step on in to your stupendous shower! This oversized shower has room for two, or enough dancing space for one. Though massive, it manages to keep the bathroom spacious with its crystal clear glass and tiles to match the floor. Though opposite the vanity, the same metal is still used in the shower head, faucet, handle, and on top of the shower- never feel that you must compromise continuity! You can always get exactly what you want.

Now, let’s take a look at the color scheme: grays, blues, whites, and sandy gradients bring in the beach. Even the gray backsplash features tiles with a ‘sea glass’ effect. The walls are the color of where sea meets sky: a subtly blue hue. The tile and countertops feature sandy gradients, while the white cabinetry with its custom millwork reflect the style of southern, beachside properties.

If you didn’t think there was enough storage between the recessed mirror medicine cabinets and the extra long vanity, look to the right! No master bathroom is complete without standing linen storage: his and hers. Where else could you store all bathroom and beach necessities?!

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Bathroom: What is Mid-Century Modern? (A short summary)

Not sure exactly what kind of interior design classifies as 'mid-century modern?' Well, you gon' learn today! If you've been a loyal follower of S Squared Design, you've probably seen this term tossed around to describe many projects and pieces. So, what exactly is mid-century modern? 

Obviously, there's an apparent, overarching theme among mid-century modern interiors, but the exact definition of this term is slightly more elusive since styles in this genre can vary so greatly.

 

Mid-century modern design in America developed roughly from the 1930s through 1960s when the middle class attitudes about wilderness, nature, technology, mobility, and city life began to materialize in interior design. To demonstrate, this remodeled master bathroom employs essential aspects of mid-century modern style from monumental design to minute details. (Hint: keep an eye out for tiling, fixtures, patterns, and appliances that bring elements of nature into a highly functional space!)

  

Ceramic, ceramic, ceramic!
With its sleek curves and shiny glaze that disperse light throughout a space, it's no wonder that ceramic is a material of choice for mid-century modern designs. (Look up Heath Ceramics founded in 1948!)

Geometry in Nature

Ever seen honey comb in a bee hive? This tessellation of hexagons patterns the floor in this master bathroom with dark grout and bright white tiles. This contrast emphasizes the shape as found in nature, but the small size of the tiles allows this pattern to subtly complement the rest of the bathroom's design.  

Vintage and the Elements

The white ceramic and silver appliances are of course reminiscent of the 1950s. This vintage design juxtaposed with slate stone tiles is another wonderful example of mid-century modern design: natural elements with the 'latest' technology. 

So, there you have it! A quick run-down of mid-century modern style: where nature meets technology in a sleek, 1950s-esque design!

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The Hidden Gems: Mid-Century Modern Bathrooms

I have always had a love for mid-century homes. I think they go back to a simpler time where not everyone have a 3000+sq ft home, where small and efficient were normal. Now for some of the older generation they may not prefer this type of home because that is what they grew up in as a child but for us in our 20s and 30s we tend to gravitate towards smaller more functional homes. In the 50's most home had one bathroom, maybe two, but they weren't large how we see newer homes master bathrooms. This was purely a functional space that lacked extra room. There is not anything wrong with small, but when it comes to renovations its about effective storage, function and flow in a bathroom. That small only bath in your mid-century home can work for you better than you may think. With help from a designer and a list of what you need in that space can make all the difference in modernizing a 50+ year old bathroom. These are some good ideas for the spatially challenged bathrooms in older homes. Enjoy!

 This bathroom has kept the same look of a mid-century bathroom but with a few modern touches like new faucets, toilet and a simple blue vanity with crystal pulls.  Clean lines and simple materials can be beautiful.

 This bathroom features wood floor, which isn't typical for a bathroom but they have done a great job with the rest of the selections. A wall-mounted trough sink and simple 4x4 inch tiles set in a brick pattern add to the vintage style of the bathroom. A little color never hurt anything.

 Black, white with a little red chair!  Classic floor tiles and a claw-foot tub with a little facelift and a few new pieces make this bathroom feel like new.  Wallpaper seems to be making a comeback.

 Oversized hex floor tiles give a classic tile a more modern feel. The streamline sink with attached towel rack take up little room in this small bathroom to allow the feeling of space to be present.

 Storage can be hard to find in a small older bathroom. When renovating your bathroom thin vertically. There most likely is free wall space that can be utilized for shelving or cabinets.

Yellow might not be for everyone but it can be the center of attention if you want it to be. How do you make such a bright selection go with other choices? Well keep it simple. white subway tiles, neutral color vanity and one metal choice, like in the bathroom they went with a polished chrome.

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Clean it Up: Bathroom Edition

A Bathroom is usually where you start your morning once you get the energy to roll out of your comfy bed. Bathrooms are especially important because it gets used everyday. Functionality in this space is crucial and they best way to get the most of our your bathroom is to evaluate your routine. How many people are using it, what times and the order of tasks you go through each morning. These particular bathrooms below are all crisp and clean in white. This can be very relaxing in the morning and keep you calm, rather than stressed.  Some may think an all white bathroom is boring but with the right textures and some lacquer finishes you can create interest without having to introduce any other colors! Let the form of the bathroom fixtures make create the interest. Take a look and let us know what you think! Enjoy! 

Tiling the wall all the way to the ceiling is a great way to give your bathroom more height and with a hot shower your walls won't be sweating they moisture will just run right off. 

Windows at the ceiling line brings in lots of light without sacrificing privacy. Even in the shower you can have a window! 

White Shelves and white accessories make this white bathroom even whiter! Little hints of stainless steel break up the all white bathroom.

The flooring is amazing! Small flat stones give a much needed texture and natural pattern for a white bathroom. 

 Reflective surfaces like mirrors and glass let the light bounce around the space, making it appear as if there is more light than there really is.

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Color of 2013: Emerald Green

Green has always been a favorite color of mine. I have green eyes which I think was when I first fell in love with green! Although my eyes are emerald green....they are still green! :)

Rich, saturated colors are so bold and make such a statement in a space. Please are naturally drawn to eye-catching things(such as bright colors) and it stimulates the brain and makes people think! That is how I feel about interiors, in my designs I always have elements that standout on purpose! It creates more interest and keep people in that space longer usually. Well I have yet to use emerald this year in my designs but I am sure it will be used soon with all these beautiful examples of the hue! Enjoy!

 Oh my! These tiles are gorgeous! A stunning use of the color, but make sure you are going to still love it for years to come. They even used the tiles in a vertical and horizontal pattern which gives it more of a modern look!

Love the color but not sure where to bring it in to your space? Well a great way is in a small accent piece, such as a nightstand. Mix it with other patterns and colors for a mixed look! 

 

 Want a quick fix for a bland room? Pillows are a great inexpensive way to bring in color. Whether you change your pillows for the season or every year or so this is a great way to keep your home looking fresh!

   Paint, the other quick fix for adding color. Keeping your furniture neutral is a great way to add accents elsewhere in the room. Like the wall for instance, and a can of paint makes a statement and is easy on the wallet!  

   Bathrooms look great in white but sometimes white can be lonely, which is why a friend is nice to bring in.  Here the emerald is paired nicely with the crisp white on the walls and a few decorative accessories.

 

Hope you guys enjoyed today's inspiration! Fell free to leave a comment.  Tell us what you liked and if you are in need of inspiration and its not here.....we will find you some!

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