One particular constraint you might be faced more often than others is limited space, particularly in bathroom renovations. That said, choosing a bathroom design that can solve the five most common bathroom woes will definitely earn you a gold star in your client’s book.

1. Limited Space

The most obvious challenge you will need to deal with in small bathroom renovation is the limited space. This is particularly difficult to deal with if the space you will be remodeling can no longer be expanded (e.g. apartment and condo units), and your client still wishes to add a new element into the picture, like shower divider, for example.

What you can do, in this case, is to opt for a shower curtain over a glass door. This is because shower curtains can move back and forth without disrupting the flow of traffic inside the space.

You can also trade the pedestal sink with a corner sink to improve the overall moving space. Aside from maximizing what is usually considered dead space in the bathroom, a corner sink will also offer a solution to the awkward moving condition that typically occurs with the movement of a swinging door.

2. Overcrowded Bathroom

Functionality is an important factor to consider when remodeling a bathroom. That said, an overcrowded bathroom with a “wet wall” (a tub, double vanity, toilet, and pedestal sink lined up in against wall) might impede the optimum functionality of the bathroom. To remedy this, you can opt to reconsider the arrangement of all the elements in the bathroom—and probably ask if you can replace some of it.

The double vanity, for example, can be replaced by a floating vanity or a round one. Floating vanities are mounted and offer more moving and storage space below while a circular vanity can optimize moving in tight spaces without getting in the way of foot traffic. You can also ask if your client will agree to sacrifice the tub for a walk-in shower.

3. Lack of Lighting

Bathroom lighting is important, especially if the homeowners spend a lot of time preparing in front of a vanity. This means that you should absolutely avoid overhead lighting that creates shadows rather than illuminates people looking onto the mirror. Instead, go for wall-mounted lights that take up less space and offer functionality at the same time.

Aside from ambient lights and task lights, it is also important that you add some accent lights to your bathroom design to create a relaxing environment for your clients. To achieve all these, you can add plenty of lamps and candleholders for when the homeowner wishes to have a dreamy spa-like soak.

4. Claustrophobic Windowless Bathroom

Having windows in the bathroom offers a lot of advantages, including providing natural light and making the room feel less enclosed. Unfortunately, not all bathroom spaces are created equal—some are even built without a single window.

To prevent your clients from feeling claustrophobic in their own home, install a big mirror and lots of reflective surfaces inside a small, windowless bathroom. The mirror will make the room feel twice its actual size while offering a more dramatic aesthetic, especially if it comes in an elegant or unique frame.

As for the reflective or glossy surfaces, these will serve as a fun addition while allowing light to spread, for better illumination in the room. You can also opt to have the entire room repainted with a single, light-hued color. This will provide the same effect as reflective bathroom accessories as well as the room expanding effect a mirror offers.

5. Disorganized Bathroom Wares

No matter how beautiful a bathroom design is, it will always seem cluttered if there is a lack of storage spaces. That said, make sure to add ample storage areas for storing your client’s makeup, toiletries, towels, and other bathroom knick-knacks.

For this purpose, maximizing the space under a floating vanity is a good choice. You can put baskets and other containers for your clients to keep their things in.

You can also capitalize on vacant wall space by adding floating cabinets, but be careful not to overcrowd the room by placing too much along the walkway. Mounting a towel bar on the door will also provide additional space for other things in the cabinets.

If the toilet is situated near the sink, you can extend the sink counter over the toilet with a banjo-style layout. This will add a vacant surface where homeowners can put hand soaps on without taking up the very small space left in the sink.

End Those Small Bathroom Woes

When working on a bathroom remodel, you can choose many elegant bathroom designs that not only add the desired aesthetic to a small space but also optimally provide functionality.

Think outside the box, consider every possibility, and choose a reliable bathroom solutions partner to finish your project.

Concept Bath is here to help. Shoot us a message to get a quote.

The post Design Solutions to Top 5 Small Bathroom Woes appeared first on Concept Bath.

If your client is leaning towards a modern kitchen, you can pare down the options and lessen their confusion by presenting designs evocative of future homes or, at the very least, the latest trends.

Top Kitchen Design Trends of Tomorrow

Here are some of the kitchen design ideas that are expected to be a hit this year and in the years to come:

1. U-shaped layout

U-shaped kitchens are already quite popular in North America, the U.K., and Germany. It will soon overtake the L-shaped layout which is the leading choice for kitchen design globally.

A U-shaped kitchen layout is more efficient and simpler to use than an L-shaped one. This is because there are fewer steps to take when moving from one area of the kitchen to another.

In addition, a U-shaped floor plan gives homeowners more work surfaces and greater storage capacity – two qualities that are essential and highly sought-after in a kitchen.

2. Dark colors

According to builders, designers, and suppliers, there has been an increase in orders for black kitchens. And this is a trend that will continue in the coming years. This is because black provides a touch of elegance and uniqueness to the kitchen.

However, black isn’t the only color you can recommend to your clients. Navy is also a popular choice since it is versatile; this color can adapt to both modern and traditional interiors.

3. The use of stone

Quartz will still be the number one stone of choice for kitchen islands. This is because quartz is highly durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. Moreover, this material has antimicrobial properties.

This material also now comes in a variety of colors and patterns. As long as you choose the right manufacturer or supplier, you can even get quartz with swirls and vein patterns that look like real stones.

The prediction for using stone in the kitchen, though, is that it will extend to more than countertops. Natural and engineered stone materials can also now be used for creating backsplashes and waterfall edges. They can even be used to create a focal point in the kitchen that can extend all the way to the ceiling.

In addition, with the right builder, drawer fronts and hood vent covers can even be fabricated out of stone.

Ceramic will also be a popular option in terms of kitchen flooring. What’s more, they can be manufactured to look like natural stone or hardwood which will look great in any kitchen.

4. Efficient storage solutions

The kitchens of today and the future will have storage provisions that are multifunctional, in the open, or hidden. Because of this, providers of kitchen design services in the UAE say the demand for bespoke storage will increase.

Kitchen cabinets will receive modern touches as well. Some of the expected modifications are:

• Tray dividers
• Drawer dividers for utensils
• Pull-out racks for spices
• Roll-out trays
• Built-in garages for small appliances

With these additional features, storing food, beverages, utensils, and small appliances will be easier.

5. A bigger, multipurpose kitchen island

More and more kitchen islands are being designed with a multifunctional purpose in mind. And this is a trend that is expected to continue in the years to come.

A multifunctional kitchen island is one that is equipped with a sink, one or two stovetops, and a prep area. It will also have a number of drawers, shelves, and cabinet storage. It can even be a mini-bar. Lastly, it will have sufficient space for dining.

This multipurpose kitchen island will, therefore, be a cooking, storage, and dining fixture.

To accommodate all these features, kitchen islands will be bigger. Because of this, expect kitchen islands to extend into living room spaces in homes with open plan layouts. With this option, homeowners will have a multifunctional kitchen island that won’t eat up all the space in the kitchen.

6. Varied appliance styles

Appliances that have the same colors and finishes are out; different tones and styles are in.

To make your kitchen stand out, choose appliances with interesting colors. This means staying away from traditional stainless and white refrigerators, stoves, and other big appliances.

Additionally, having induction cooktops with single wall ovens in the kitchen is a trend that is worth following.

Lastly, steam ovens are expected to be the new must-have kitchen appliances. Unlike conventional ovens, steam ovens are better at retaining the nutrients and flavor of food. They cook food faster as well.

7. A smart kitchen will be a necessity

Due to the convenience that technology offers, it is inevitable that all kitchens will be equipped with smart appliances, automatic lighting, and built-in Bluetooth speakers in the future.

Moreover, there is a growing trend concealing key kitchen technology pieces such as coffee machines, induction hobs, and other smart appliances. With these appliances hidden when not in use, the kitchen will look more spacious and organized. You will not have to worry about finding a place to store them in as well.

Finally, this trend in concealing is also expected to extend to moveable work-surfaces, drawers, larders, and wine cabinets to allow homeowners to fully maximize the available space in the kitchen.

 
By incorporating these trends in your client’s kitchen design, you will ensure they will have a modern kitchen equipped to meet their demands now and in the future.

Get in touch with us at Concept Bath today if you need additional advice or assistance with designing your client’s dream kitchen.

The post What Will the Kitchen of the Future Look Like? 7 Predictions to Know appeared first on Concept Bath.

This should be no surprise as more and more people see their bathroom not only as a place for hygiene, but also as a sanctuary for relaxation. Therefore, a bathroom needs to be as visually appealing as it is exceptionally functional.

This has been a long-established preference when it comes to bathrooms. However, people’s evolving lifestyles and the emergence of new eco-friendly materials are breeding new and exciting “beautility” design ideas for 2019.

If you are an interior designer, keeping an eye out for innovations is a top priority. To help you stay updated, here are six bathroom design trends or styles you can expect a lot of clients to ask for this year, as shared by the seasoned bathroom contractors at Concept Bath.

1. Wood and concrete for minimalist bathrooms

There is a growing appreciation for this particular combination of materials. Most designers say that the best benefit of this lovely concept is that bathrooms using only these two materials can be quite low-maintenance.

Polished concrete and finished wood comprise this simple yet sophisticated bathroom style. These provide the perfect backdrop for sparkling white porcelain sinks, tubs, and toilets. Likewise, they make stainless steel or faux gold hardware stand out.

The minimalist vibe that wood and concrete create together makes for an elegant bathroom for both men and women.

2. Open and airy

More and more homeowners are embracing an open design for bathrooms. This means there are no walls from the bedroom leading to the bath, which normally consists of a shower and a tub. Clearly, this design trend targets confident singles.

But, style-wise, open and airy bathrooms are in demand because they are ideal for smaller abodes that tend to feel more compact when spaces are clearly compartmentalized. When it comes to creating the illusion of a bigger space, “open” bathrooms are simply perfect.

3. Future-oriented

This particular bathroom design trend is inspired by the technologically advanced bathrooms in Japan. The bathrooms look almost like any regular bathroom with tiles and porcelain fixtures. The difference? There are built-in sensor controls for different bathroom features which, at times, even include an entertainment system.

The sensors provide functions to create the most satisfying bath as well as to save water and energy. They can also make the bathroom’s features perform additional tasks such as drying laundry, weighing users, and even determining the blood sugar level of the person using the toilet.

Incorporating technologically advanced fixtures into bathroom designs requires the services of top bathroom solutions providers. It can be quite tricky to uphold style and also make sure that the technology works effectively. Therefore, make sure to work closely with reputable specialists to execute this design trend flawlessly.

4. Industrial

Salvaged antique bathroom hardware and fixtures, along with repurposed or upcycled items, are all the rage for people who love a creative and industrial design. This is another tricky trend to execute because it is rather uncommon to find properly working antique bathroom hardware and fixtures.

In addition to that, upcycled items need to be thoroughly tested by bathroom contractors to make sure that they will perform the function assigned to them. It is always difficult to make items that originally had a completely different purpose to work in a different way.

For example, using a bicycle to hold up a sink will require a lot of customizations. This way, it is not just visually interesting, but also stable enough for all the activities for which a sink is used.

As a bathroom designer, you need to explore the bicycle’s own design so you can make the necessary tweaks and seamlessly incorporate it into the room’s design while also supporting the function it is supposed to have.

5. Vintage Parisian

Ornately designed bathroom hardware, clawfoot tubs, salvaged French doors, warm-toned tiles, and baroque style sconces make up the vintage glamor of Parisian-inspired baths. A lot of young women want this old world brand of chic, even for really small bathrooms. And it is completely up to interior designers to make it work, even with space constraints.

The proper execution of this design results in a classic and regal style that is sure to impress whoever uses the bathroom.

6. Black and white

Nordic aesthetics are still popular. The related bathroom designs are all about incorporating long, clean lines and lots of black and white.

For the black and white color combination, marble is still an in-demand white material. Other alternatives are subway tiles and other polished white stones.

For the black element, an onyx wall provides a lovely contrast to the white. Also, matte black hardware such as doorknobs, window frames, taps, showers, and even lighting fixtures such as sconces and lamps provide a touch of richness to the immaculate palette, especially when warm lighting is used for the bathroom.

These are the bathroom design trends to keep an eye out for this year. They are beloved by many and, for sure, many homeowners making over their spaces will be asking for these styles, or greatly similar ones, to be implemented.

For more stylish inspirations for the bathroom, check out Concept Bath’s installation portfolio where you will see the gorgeous bathrooms we have worked on and the top-of-the-line products that make these design the complete delight of our clients.

The post 6 Bathroom Design Trends to Look Out For in 2019 appeared first on Concept Bath.

However, aside from the homeowners’ preferences, there are also several elements that need to be considered in order for a kitchen to be considered “well-designed.” Here are five essential elements to keep in mind for when you decide to make changes and upgrades to your kitchen.

1. Work Space

The available workspace is one of the most important considerations when it comes to designing a kitchen. Maximizing the area allotted to this part of the house, especially when there is limited floor space, is imperative when it comes to achieving both functionality and aesthetic appeal for the design.

With that said, it is important that you keep the kitchen work triangle in mind when creating a kitchen design. This concept encompasses three parts of the room: the sink, the refrigerator, and the stove. As the name suggests, this idea involves positioning all three parts in a way that they form an invisible triangle.

The purpose of the kitchen triangle is to optimize workflow by providing easy access to the ingredients (the refrigerator), the area where these are prepared (the sink), and the area dedicated to cooking (the stove). It is also a good idea to ensure that at least three people will be able to work in the kitchen simultaneously to ensure that the kitchen triangle can cater to the most ideal kitchen workflow.

2. Lighting

If you are in the midst of designing a new home, you have the luxury of creating a kitchen in a way that will let natural light in. Having natural lighting inside the kitchen means you won’t have to add too much artificial light to work there (and you can save on energy costs). It even provides homeowners with an option to grow herbs that they can use for their cooking.

In case you’re renovating and cannot do anything about how much natural light can come into the kitchen, it may be time to think about different types of artificial lighting. There are three: basic lighting which illuminates the entire space; task lighting ensures that there is ample light to work in specific areas of the room, and accent lighting that makes the kitchen look more elegant.

For all three types, LED kitchen lighting is probably your best bet since it saves energy, it is cost-efficient and environment-friendly, and it is relatively sturdier and brighter than other alternatives.

To top that off, you should also install lights to illuminate important areas in the room, particularly the spaces under the cupboard and above the sink.

3. Storage

The kitchen is a room in the house that requires ample storage not just for food items, but for utensils and other tools as well. To ensure that your client doesn’t have to dig through tons of items just to find a can opener, include an organizing component into the cabinets and drawers of the kitchen.

Speaking of cabinets, many kitchen designs feature cupboards that are too high up. These may be great to look at, but may not be the best choice functionality-wise since these hinder the homeowner’s workflow. Instead, you can try to incorporate as much storage as you can in easy-to-reach drawers or add a big island into the kitchen design.

4. Seating Placement and Layout

Back in the day, the kitchen’s purpose was limited to serving as the area where food is prepared. However, those days are long gone as new age interior designers have transformed this room into another communal space where people can gather together, share delicious meals and build wonderful memories. Because of this, kitchen designs evolved into something more stylish and elegant in recent years.

Of course, you should still put functionality on top of your priority list. This means that you should create a seating layout based on what the homeowners plan to do in the space, which can range from parents entertaining guests during party meal preparation, to the children doing their homework while waiting for dinner to be ready, and the whole family gathering around the counters and enjoying afternoon snacks while catching up with each other’s day.

A functional kitchen should also consider the workspace when it comes to the layout of the seating space. This means that if the area is expected to become crowded because of too many people watching the food preparation process or conversing with the cook, it would be better to place the seats away from the kitchen triangle.

Instead, you can incorporate a nook or countertop with stools in the opposite side of the room to serve as a space to entertain guests while preventing them from hindering the cooking process.

5. Ease of Cleaning

A well-designed kitchen also helps make cleaning up a piece of cake. While this may not seem like the first thing you would consider as the interior designer or contractor, it is something that your clients would appreciate very much.

Ideally, the kitchen should be one of the cleanest rooms in the house since it is where food is prepared. However, it is possible that it can end up as the messiest area if the kitchen design doesn’t support ease of cleaning.

As the designer, you should keep in mind how parts of the kitchen are cleaned. Make sure that crumbs, grease, and water won’t accumulate and can easily be tidied, which means there should be no hard-to-reach areas. There should also be waste disposal bins in strategic areas.

One Last Thing…

Before offering a kitchen design to your client, you must first ask them what they plan to do in it and how they want it to appear. After reflecting on their responses, work on the project with these important elements in mind to ensure that your clients are satisfied with their newly built or renovated kitchen.

If you’re looking for a reliable LED light and kitchen solutions supplier, you can hit us up. Concept Bath would be delighted to provide quality products that are sure to meet your clients’ expectations.

The post 5 Elements of a Well-Designed Kitchen appeared first on Concept Bath.

Some of the pertinent topics to discuss are listed below. Read on to learn more about making the most out of that first meeting with your clients.

Discuss Your Credentials

Your work background will elicit a sense of confidence from the client. Providing a bit of your history will help them see why they should trust you with the job.

1. Show them your portfolio

Make sure to show new customers pictures of finished projects so they can assess your past work for themselves.

Clients looking for help with bathroom solutions may meet with contractors with some design ideas already in mind. If one of your past projects reflect similarities with their vision, it will increase your chances of getting hired. The pictures could also give clients new ideas about their bathroom design.

2. Talk about your experience and specialization

As you go through each photo, tell them a bit about how you handled certain things in that project. You could mention how you overcame certain obstacles and problems during the renovation to give them some insight into how you resolve issues that may come up during the change.

Give them a brief overview of your specialization. Clients often want to hire experts who have experience with the work required to finish their home renovation project.

3. Show them your certification or license

After they’ve seen your past work and learned more about you as a contractor, show them your certification to cement your image as an industry professional.

Customers will often ask for tangible proof that you have gone through the legitimate form of education necessary to work as a contractor. They can be wary of working with someone who has no solid evidence of their background. Having your certification or license ready could quell their doubts about picking you.

Talk About the Finances

Funding could make or break a project, which is why all expenses and potential costs must be discussed early.

1. Ask clients about their budget

Be thorough, clear, and concise when it comes to working with the client’s budget. The amount of money they’re willing to spend should already make the wheels in your mind turn. You should have a general idea of what bathroom solutions would work with their allotted funds and you should be able to present and discuss their best options.

2. Ask them what they want

Ask customers about the design they’ve envisioned. Take each detail and talk to them about how each one could affect the budget.

Discuss any adjustments that might need to made in the design to accommodate their budget. Talk about what they’re willing to let go of or can’t live without in their bathroom.

3. Give a realistic estimate

Once you’ve thoroughly talked about everything they would want in their solution, give them a final estimate of the costs and expenses. Make sure to inform them of potential additional costs if a problem arises. Advise them to prepare a budget buffer for any unforeseen incidentals.

4. Discuss the payment schedule

Talk about a payment schedule with clients. Discuss how the payment schedule may affect the timeframe of the project.

Determine the Project’s Timeframe

1. Ask clients about their deadline

Clients often have an idea of when they need their home renovation projects to be finished. Make sure to know when they would like to be presented with the final product. Also, ask them if they would be willing to extend their deadline in case any surprise issues come up.

2. Give them a breakdown of the project

Talk through everything that needs to be done. Give clients a general idea of how long each process could take and how it would affect the finished product and the timeline.

3. Devise a work schedule that works for them

Of course, your client will be preoccupied with their usual responsibilities and will need to adjust to the renovation activities taking place in their home. So establish a work schedule that fits their lifestyle and provides the least amount of disruption to their routine.

Highlight the Value of Trust

Trust is essential in any relationship. The same is true for one between a client and contractor. You must prove your trustworthiness and reliability.

1. Tell clients about your team

It’s a given that you will not be handling this project alone. So make sure to introduce the client to everyone on your team.

Give them some background information about the people who will be working closely on the job with you. Briefly discuss their credentials and what they will be doing.

2. Discuss the importance of transparency

Transparency and trust go hand in hand. Talk about how you will be handling the paperwork and finances openly with your client.

3. Talk about customer care initiatives

Discuss other services you may offer during and after the renovation, like cleaning up after every work day. Customers will appreciate the extra mile you put into your projects.

Good Communication and Planning Fetch Results

Clients will always seek reputable contractors to handle their home improvement projects so they can have peace of mind that their property is in good hands. And to achieve the best and desired results, open communication and thorough planning are they key.

Make sure that you and your client are on the same page at every stage of the bathroom renovation project. And of course, work with a trusted provider of top-quality bathroom solutions like Concept Bath to ensure your client’s satisfaction.

The post Planning a Bathroom: A Discussion Guide for Clients and Contractors appeared first on Concept Bath.

A bathroom is more than just a place to take care of your hygiene needs. Often, this space in the house is also utilized for refreshment and renewal — a sanctuary where people can get away from the stressors of the outside world. A bathroom is where one can truly connect with the self and unwind by taking hot baths or hot showers to wash away the day’s worries along with all the grime or dirt accumulated from being outside.

And since bathrooms are vitally important, it is a must that you design it in a way that your client envisions it. Generally, it must be built using materials, ornaments, colors and textures that reflect the personality of your customers and bring forth a positive vibe. Whether they want to achieve adorable farmhouse details or a sleek modern feel, there is a bathroom style that best suits everyone’s needs.

To help you determine the most suitable bathroom design for your clients, we share these bathroom ideas you can recommend to suit their desires, preferences, and personalities.

Traditional Style

Bathrooms with traditional style put emphasis on functionality, comfort, and practicality. This design idea is punctuated by classy colors. Some of the integral parts of a traditional bathroom include complementary hues, polished wood, and the use of tile, marble, and glass. Typically, its tone is more neutral to highlight an inviting, relaxing, and comfortable environment.

Contemporary Style

The hallmarks of a contemporary bathroom include clutter-free expanses of open space, clean lines, and minimalist adornment. In this bathroom design, you will see metal accents, polished hardwood, and simple color palettes.

Contemporary styling focuses more on details and simplicity. To create visual contrast, you just have to use both light and dark elements. For instance, high-quality knobs and door pulls made from metals can be combined with flooring and countertops made of tile, wood or stone.

Eclectic Style

The eclectic style is rising in popularity because this idea includes a collection of design elements that are curated carefully. In this type of style, your client can expect the unexpected. Unusual color options and a combination of materials, finishes, and textures are common. Examples include a sparkling chandelier with gold accenting or a fleur-de-lis pattern in yellow.

Beach Style

As its name implies, a beach-style bathroom patterns its design from the ocean. To create a relaxing effect, shades of aqua and watery blue are used, combined with decorative ornaments like seashells, ocean-themed art, and jute fabrics. White accents offer a burst of vitality as well as highlight the subdued green and blue colors.

Farmhouse Style

Part country and part rustic, farmhouse bathrooms are popular nowadays. These are full of unique details with a touch of modern flair.

A common design element of this bathroom style is the sliding barn door with tracks. Moreover, it has plenty of polished wood, high ceilings with open beams, and lots of glass, white, and contrasting details.

Organic Style

This bathroom style is all about natural materials – from matte tiles and warm timbers to indoor plants. The cabinetry has obvious wood grain while the bath appears fluid in shape. Stone and bamboo may also be present.

This design idea makes homeowners feel like their bathroom is an oasis where they can relax after long, tiring days at work. It embraces lots of decorative cues and indoor plants.

Luxe Style

This bathroom style appears like those in luxury hotels. Everything is all about luxury and the wow factor. The space emphasizes grandeur with a more graphic look. To further evoke sophistication, warm metallic scents are being introduced.

This bathroom design idea offers plenty of shine and shimmer. The tiles have a gloss finish while the tapware has bronze, gold or copper hues. The towel rails may be heated. The vanities are most likely raised off the ground. Dramatic pendant lights may also be installed.

Transitional Style

This bathroom style embraces the best of both worlds as it makes use of both old and new design elements. Glass, stone, and wood finishes are not common. Instead, unique details like dark-finished metals, patterned floors, and artisan door handles are used.

If a homeowner decides to build or renovate their bathroom, there are plenty of styles you can offer them. The bottom line is that you need to achieve a bathroom that will evoke the same feelings within them. A style that inspires them to relax, rejuvenate, and be happy is the best idea you can introduce to them. So the best way to achieve the most suitable bathroom design for your clients is always to ask what their needs and preferences are.

From there, you can narrow down their options. If their needs and wants can be accommodated by a single bathroom style, then that’s great news! But if not, don’t be afraid to combine any of these bathroom styles to achieve their desires and make the room uniquely theirs. For more ideas, check out our bathroom catalogue today.

The post Bathroom Design Ideas: From Classic to Contemporary to Cutting Edge appeared first on Concept Bath.