The Beauty of Shower Niches
Amidst the various elements that contribute to a luxurious bathing experience, shower niches stand out as both functional and aesthetically pleasing additions. These built-in shelving units not only enhance the organization of your shower space but also elevate the overall design of your bathroom. In this blog, we'll delve into the charm and practicality of shower niches, exploring their benefits and the creative possibilities they offer. Design Considerations Shower niches can be built in a diverse range of shapes and sizes, providing ample room for customization. Whether you lean towards a recessed shelf, a corner niche, or a more intricate design, their versatility ensures a seamless integration into any bathroom layout or style. To achieve the envisioned outcome, meticulous planning and design considerations are crucial before construction begins. Much like framing a window, the niche is framed early in the construction process, emphasizing the importance of determining its size and placement at this initial stage. It's essential to note that niches cannot be incorporated into exterior walls where insulation is needed, or in areas with a pocket door, plumbing, HVAC, or electrical components. Addressing these constraints may involve furring out the wall to create the necessary depth for the niche, albeit at the expense of some shower space. Additionally, designing a niche around a specific tile further emphasizes the value of having precise measurements planned from the project's outset. Streamlined Aesthetics & Functionality Shower niches provide a sleek and seamless appearance to your bathroom. By integrating the storage solution directly into the shower wall, you eliminate the need for external shelving or storage units, creating a clean and uncluttered visual appeal. Toiletries, shampoos, and shower essentials can be nicely tucked out of sight, adding organization to the space as well as functionality. When designing, it is important to consider the niche’s placement from a functionality perspective, making sure first that it’s located in a spot that is easy to reach while using the shower. Next, you can decide if you’d like it to steal the show or slip into the background. Make it a Statement Piece Adding a niche to a shower design instantly creates an opportunity for it to be the focal point of the shower. Selecting a more intricate or contrasting tile for the back wall of the niche is one simple way to make it stand out. Alternatively, the shape, size, or placement of this clever nook can be what catches your eye. To add more ambiance, lighting can be incorporated with the use of hidden LED tape light or recessed lighting placed inside the niche. This produces a subtle glow, highlights gorgeous tiles, and creates a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom. Conclusion Shower niches are not just utilitarian features; they are an expression of thoughtful design and an investment in the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Embracing the elegance of shower niches transforms your bathing space into a haven of sophistication and practicality. So, whether you're planning a bathroom renovation or building a new home, consider integrating shower niches into your shower design and enjoy the advantages for years to come.
Past to Present: Unveiling the Timeless Allure of Powder Rooms
Real estate listings define a powder room, or powder bath, as a bathroom that consists of a toilet and single sink. It is typically located on the main floor, strategically tucked away for privacy while remaining conveniently adjacent to the living room, dining room, and kitchen. Powder rooms are functional, yes, but they also provide the opportunity to make a statement and introduce your guests to the overarching style of your home. History Lesson The term "powder room" traces its origins back to the 1700s when the elite class frequently adorned wigs, requiring regular primping and powdering. During this era, having a dedicated space for such grooming rituals was indicative of social standing and affluence. In the absence of modern plumbing, these rooms typically featured a dressing table, a plush stool, and, notably, a mirror. As plumbing advancements emerged, the room's purpose evolved, and the powder bath gained popularity during the post-World War II construction boom. With the rise of makeup use, the powder room became a sanctuary for a quick touch-up, coining the phrase "powder one's nose." From a privacy standpoint, the powder bath functioned as a dedicated space for guests, sparing them the need to encroach upon the more intimate areas of the home – this remains one of its key features. What Makes a Powder Room so Special? Today, the main components that make up the design of a powder bath include the toilet, sink, mirror, and light fixtures. Beyond these essentials, additional features such as tile, wallpaper, accent paint, wainscoting, and art can be seamlessly integrated to add a layer of intrigue. The allure of the powder room is its compact footprint – this allows a splurge in higher-end materials since the square footage is so minimal. It provides you with a space to create a jewel box within the home that speaks to its overall aesthetic in a more daring way. It can be moody, experimental, colorful, busy – all the things you may be too timid to try in other areas of the home. These design risks are safer done in a confined, capsule-like room. Plus, beauty can take precedence over function here; due to its limited usage, issues like steam, splashes, and other messes are less prevalent. Explore these inventive ideas to add a touch of creativity and charm to your powder bath: Statement Wallpaper: Choose bold, vibrant wallpaper with fun patterns or textures. Lighting: Opt for a pend ant (in lieu of a sconce) and integrate toe-kick lighting for a layered effect. Mirror Magic: Find a uniquely shaped or ornate mirror to serve as a focal point. Wall Treatments: Painted wood shiplap, wainscoting, or wood cladding on the walls will help set the tone of the space. Unique Faucets & Fixtures: Upgrade faucets and fixtures to unique and stylish designs that become conversation starters. Open Vanity or Pedestal Sink: Choose an open vanity or a stylish pedestal sink to give the illusion of more space and add a touch of sophistication. Bold Color Palette: Paint all walls, ceiling, trim, and door in a bold color to transport your guests. Vintage Touches: Incorporate vintage or antique elements such as hardware or fixtures. Considering a remodel that includes a powder bath? Connect with us, and let's work together to turn your vision into reality!
Elements of the Midcentury Modern Home
Part of the appeal of the midcentury modern style is it’s nostalgic feel. The furnishings and fixtures of the time utilize organic shapes and warm color palettes. Combine those themes with a modern backdrop… it is hard to go wrong! Also, you can easily integrate midcentury antique furniture or décor in any modern-leaning home without it feeling wildly out of place. Midcentury modern is an aesthetic that allows the new to come together with the old when remodeling or building new construction, creating a timeless and widely appealing home. Bridging the Past to the Present The midcentury modern style originated in the middle of the 20th century, after World War II. It’s clean-lined and simplistic look resulted from a backlash toward the more ornate traditional styles that came before. Today, midcentury modern (also known as “MCM”) is one of the most popular architectural and interior design styles. It is modern without being too cold or minimalist, and it’s retro vibe adds a touch of fun without the risk of being too trendy. Architecture & Interiors The architecture of the home is what you see first, and therefore should ideally represent the midcentury modern aesthetic. Some MCM architectural features might include… Low pitched shed and gable roofs, flat roofs Wood and stonework siding accents Concrete sitework & porches Extended eaves Horizontal lines Minimal adornment & trim work Asymmetrical features Clerestory and floor-to-ceiling windows Pop of color The interior design should reflect the architecture of the home and help round out the midcentury modern vision. Here are some design features found in the interiors of MCM homes: Vaulted ceilings often with wood cladding & exposed beams Teak, walnut, or oak wood species Walls with wood cladding/paneling Fireplaces with stone surround Light fixtures with globe shades Slab or flat panel doors Minimal trim work Multiple levels/sunken living rooms Straight set tile Geometric patterns Natural materials Pop of color MCM Today & Tomorrow If you’re looking to build a new home or renovate, going midcentury modern will not only yield an inviting and sophisticated space, it will also stand the test of time. Here are a few additional tips to successfully achieve this timeless look: Avoid trends – when in doubt, ask yourself if it would work in a 1950’s or 60’s home? Update without wiping out – For example, replace the pink ceramic bathroom tile of your truly midcentury home with something in the same size/pattern but with a new fresh color. Adapt for today’s world – Open up the main living spaces, make the kitchen larger than it would be 70 years ago Something old, something new – integrate classic pieces like the Eames lounge chair and Nelson Saucer pendant to help your new space feel connected to it’s MCM roots Furnishings, décor and accessories are the final touches that bring a design style together to form one cohesive look. Since the midcentury modern style is so widely popular, there is no shortage of resources to find the perfect items to go with your new space. With functionality and simplicity at the forefront, this design style is likely to remain popular for the long haul.
Intentional Interior Design at H2D Architecture + Design
Intentional Interior Design, In House One of the main services we offer at H2D in addition to architectural work is interior design. If you work with us on a remodel or new build, we can help you make finish and fixture selections in a way that pulls together a unified design for the whole home. Offering interior design in house allows for the interiors to be considered from very early on in the architecture process – this is a win for everyone involved in the project! Here’s why… Our team works collaboratively, so often times our interior designer will be part of the schematic and design development phases of the architectural work. This means that we can spot opportunities to add key design elements, arrange components of kitchens and bathrooms in a thoughtful way, and make sure that interior design ideas are captured in the architectural plans. The interior design will be more premeditated rather than an afterthought. Additionally, our familiarity with the plans makes it easier to jump into the interior design phase. This approach benefits the whole team, and lays the groundwork for a more cohesive and beautiful interior. Plus, less mix-ups are likely to occur during construction since everything is communicated clearly between all channels (client, architect, designer, and builder). Our interior design packages include concept boards, digital colorboards (sourced fixtures and finishes), 3D renderings, electrical plans, interior elevations, exterior paint/siding layouts, and documenting selections. The interior design phase occurs simultaneously with the architectural process, starting as soon as the floor plans have been finalized. We kick things off with an introductory questionnaire that you fill out to help give us an idea of your preferences for the style and function of your new spaces. We then curate design concept boards that include inspiration images and ideas to aide in communicating the aesthetic direction. Once we’ve agreed on the direction, our design team begins sourcing finishes and fixtures to put together cohesive colorboards for each space in the project scope. The colorboards include items like cabinetry, flooring, tile, countertops, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, mirrors, etc. It’s important to note that we do not provide sourcing for furnishings and décor. Each space to be designed will have a board for scheme A and scheme B, from which you can make your selections. We can also provide additional sourcing as needed to get to the point where all selections are finalized and documented into the specification sheets. These boards also include realistic looking renderings to help you visualize the suggested finishes. After you’ve made your selections, we finalize the interior elevations so that they include details about the finishes and fixtures that will be installed, ensuring that the end product turns out as planned. We also check that the electrical plans accurately reflect the placement and requirements needed for the light fixtures that you have chosen. The specification sheets will have information that corresponds with both the interior elevations and the electrical plans. During construction, we are also available to visit the site to consult as needed. Our main goal throughout the whole process is to guide you toward making choices that support your goals as well as the architectural style of your home, resulting in beautiful, functional spaces. It might feel overwhelming, but we will be there to offer guidance and answer your questions along the way. Written by: Lauren Groth, Interior Designer
How to Find the Balance Between Timeless and Trendy Interior Design
A common concern we hear from our clients is how they can make selections for their remodel that will not go out of style in the next few years. Selecting finishes and fixtures for your home can be daunting and potentially confusing, especially if you’re worried about making smart and timeless choices. Interior finishes and fixtures are like a wardrobe for your house. Imagine if you had to wear the same outfit every day. What would you pick? I bet it wouldn’t be the bright orange and white striped T-shirt, the hot pink shoes, or the sequin sweater. Even if you love those items of clothing individually, that doesn’t mean they’d look good together, or that you’d love them day after day for 10-30+ years. You might, however, consider adding a bold necklace or bright red socks that add little hints of character to a more neutral backdrop. It’s all about balance. Browsing for Inspiration It’s easy to swoon over inspiration photos – we’ve all been there. Something catches your eye and you find yourself daydreaming about living in that space. The aesthetic might be something you haven’t seen before - it might showcase some crazy chandelier or have a bold paint color on the walls. Not to mention, everything in the photo is tidy and organized, brand new, and the budget was incredibly high. Try to see past the shine and notice what it is specifically that you’d like to see in your new space. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself when reviewing inspiration photos: Is there a specific thing in the photo you like OR do you like it’s whole vibe? Is this a style you admire but feels out of your comfort zone? How would your furniture look dropped into this space (if you’re keeping it)? Does it feel like you? Can you see yourself and your household living there? Also, if you’ve been working on a Pinterest board or Houzz ideabook over a long period of time, you may notice that you don’t even like some of the older posts on the page that you were once obsessed with. This is why it’s important to check in with yourself and make sure that what you’ve started liking after spending more time browsing online is still in line with your general style, and not just the latest new thing. Emphasis is Key Find areas where you can have a little fun! Emphasis is key to good design. Rather than picking all unique, brightly colored tiles for the bathroom, use a unique tile just for the backsplash or shower niche against a neutral palette so that it pops. Here are some examples of where it is safer to take risks; most of these items can be swapped out somewhat easily or inexpensively in a few years if you remodel or decide to sell: Cabinet pulls/knobs Paint colors Light fixtures Faucets and shower trim Door levers/knobs Here are examples of where to stick with neutral colors and classic designs: Cabinetry Tile (unless in small quantities) Doors Hardwood flooring Reality Check It might be helpful to contemplate your current or past residences – what did you like or dislike about the design style or selections? Also, think about the logistics of how long you plan to stay in the house. I am all for selecting products that you’re in love with, but consider what the next buyer might think and maybe go more subtle. Most importantly – stick to what feels true to you because it is, after all, your home. Written by: Lauren Groth, Interior Designer with H2D Architecture + Design
Navigating Interior Design Decisions for a Home Remodel
Selecting finishes and fixtures for a remodel is fun and exciting, but it can be very overwhelming if you feel uncertain about the style you are going after. Though many people initially know what they like, there are so many images out there that can pull you in different directions and lead you to feel unsure of how to make those ideas come together cohesively. To make things more complicated, many of our clients are making decisions with their spouse or partner. This can potentially to lead to frustration, but our aim is to help our clients get on the same page and make compromises where necessary so that their completed home will be adored by all parties! Though I’m no marriage counselor, here’s a few steps to help this process go smoothly from the start: Step 1: Individually make a list of needs and wish list items for the remodel. Try to stick to high-level at this point. If you are on the same page, that’s great – but most couples have at least a few discrepancies. Next, you should combine your separate lists into one that captures the items of highest importance from both lists. Step 2: Create a shared collection of inspiration photos using Houzz, Pinterest, or saving pictures in a folder. Try to add notes to the photos you contribute that explain what you like about that space. There will likely be conflicting styles represented in the photo collections, but spending some time reviewing them will help you see what design ideas excite you most. Step 3: Pick a style direction. Although you already have inspiration photos that communicate the design direction you wish to achieve, it is helpful to try to classify the design style with a couple of words as well. Below is a quick style survey you can fill out together and/or separately. Circle your preferences from 1-5 in the categories below: MINIMALIST 1 2 3 4 5 LIVED-IN Clean & utilitarian; you prefer everything to be buttoned up Homey & real; you prefer a space that is allowed to be messy MONOCHROMATIC 1 2 3 4 5 COLORFUL Neutral colors only Color everywhere you look FORMAL 1 2 3 4 5 RELAXED Serious & high-end Casual & approachable CURRENT 1 2 3 4 5 RETRO/ CLASSIC Trendy design with fads & latest technology at the forefront You want designs that reflect a certain time period in design SOFT & NEUTRAL 1 2 3 4 5 RUGGED & BOLD Pale colors and light wood tones, spa-like Deep/rich colors, dark wood tones, textural GLAM 1 2 3 4 5 UNDERSTATED Shiny & showy; think fancy chandeliers Design that doesn’t call attention to itself; somewhat utilitarian URBAN 1 2 3 4 5 RUSTIC City loft, sleek, youthful Cabin or farmhouse, raw materials MODERN 1 2 3 4 5 TRADITIONAL Clean-lined & simple, utilitarian design Ornate details and classic inspiration Step 4: Let us work our magic! We will utilize your lists, photos, surveys, and n otes to come up with the best design possible. We can provide 2-3 schemes to help you explore different aesthetics for each space; this is especially helpful if you’re stuck between two opposing styles, or would like to see a couple different ways one style can be expressed in your home. From that point on, we work together to fine tune the actual selections you would like to go with. If you are a couple, this is where that compromise comes into play again. All said and done, our goal is to give you the process and tools to bring your dream home into reality in a stress-free, organized, and enjoyable way. Written by: Lauren Groth, Interior Designer with H2D Architecture + Design
Living Room 101
The living room is the social gathering space in your home and the design should encourage conversation, create a relaxing atmosphere, and function well for both social occasions and family down-time. Typical living rooms are square or rectangular in shape and vary in size. The following design guidelines apply to all room shapes/sizes to create the perfect living room space! Measure, measure, measure! Write down the dimensions of your room and bring them with you while furniture shopping. If you have your eye on a furniture item you can use string, tape, cardboard, etc. to “mock up” how it will fit and feel in your space. Select furniture that fits the scale of your living room and that work well together. A sectional sofa would overpower a small living room, but is great to break up a large space. Keep the overall scale of your furniture pieces proportionate to one another such as multiple small-scale chairs or a few large items. Similarly scaled pieces create a calming atmosphere. Arrange furniture to promote conversation and invite guests into the space. Furniture pieces should be facing each other as opposed to a media center. Love movie nights? Choose smaller, moveable pieces to allow for re-arranging based on what you’re hosting. To create an inviting space, arrange furniture that allows you to walk directly into the space. It’s best to avoid having the back of a sofa or chair facing the room entry. Built-Ins are a fantastic addition to a living room. They create visual interest and can help keep your space organized. Some great examples of built-ins are a bay window seat or shelving and cabinets around a fireplace. Last, but not least: Lighting! Since our living rooms are used for several purposes it is important to have adjustable lighting levels. An affordable way to add this to an existing space is with dimmable floor/table lamps. If you’re building new, add dimmers to the ceiling lights. Dimmers help to create that great “warm” evening lighting! Try to avoid direct fluorescent light as much as possible. They are cooler in color and can make spaces feel cold and unwelcoming (think big box supermarkets!). LEDs are a great alternative as well as a simple change in lampshades to something with a tan/brown/orange hue to it. This will diffuse the light and give your space the warm glow without sacrificing energy efficiency! Now that your living room is perfectly scaled, arranged, and lit; create a character in your living room that reflects your personality. Use area rugs, pillow, lamps, books/shelves, photographs, and art to bring it to life and make it your own! By Lisa Kramer, Interior and Architectural Designer at H2D Architecture + Design