Saturday, July 24, 2010

BACHELOR'S BATHROOM REMODEL

SAN FRANCISCO HIGH RISE PROJECT COMPLETED....



Remember my April 25 post, with the pictures of the High Rise view from the 1oth floor? We have completed that bathroom remodel, and we are ecstatic about it! Quite a change from the "before" picture below.....


To see the drawings for this design, refer to the earlier email. Here is the finished product:


This is a tiny bathroom: the footprint is only 5 x 9, and this includes the tub, water closet and vanity. The actual floor space is less than half that figure. The challenge, of course, was to make it appear bigger. I did this by expanding the mirror over the sink to be the full width of the wall, and by using a reflective wall paneling on the opposite wall. Also, replacing the old medecine cabinet with a high quality cabinet the same height as the wall mirror creates a continuous corner of reflectivity, adding to the illusion of space.

This apartment building is about 30 years old, and due to the way the plumbing was configured, it wasn't feasible to change out the water closet. So we chose white grout for the tile, to help minimize the old fixture.


The wall hung vanity also adds to the spacious feel.


The owner of this space is an art collector, with a terrific sense of humor. He chose (with my approval!) this hand painted shower curtain, to continue the "art experience". The artist has a website, and you can order these artsy shower curtains on line, at www.showercurtainart.com


The carved granite sink is a focal point, and is complemented with the hand cut, recycled green glass mosaic tiles.


Halogen lighting adds great clean light to this crisp room....



VIEW INTO THE DINING AREA


We had the BEST contractor on this project: Be sure to check him out if you need work done in San Francisco: Brendan Waters. www.brendanwatersconstruction.com

This project is an excellent example of virtual design. I visited this space 2 years ago and took pictures. That's it. The entire project has been completed long distance, using phone and email. It has been a real pleasure to work on - the client is ABSOLUTELY one of my favorites!

Now we are working on the plans for remodeling the kitchen.

STAY TUNED!









W O W ! ! is this RECYCLED ? ? ?

SAVE THOSE PLASTIC BOTTLES!!!



Look what was launched at the Milan Furniture Fair a few weeks ago!



This is a very classy chair! Shown here in a one ton block of ice (Milan always does things over the top!), the chair is designed by Philippe Starck, and produced by Emeco, in conjunction with Coca-Cola. It's official name is the Navy Chair, and the original design was produced with 80% recycled materials. This new version is called the 111, because it uses 111 recycled soda bottles per chair.



Coca-Cola approached Emeco with the challenge of making a Navy Chair with a new, unproven formulation of rPET (recycled plastic bottles). Spawned by Coca-Cola’s new Spartanburg South Carolina recycling plant, the concept intended to raise awareness about recycling. “The goal of the 111 Navy project was to alter consumer behavior by illustrating the value of rPET with beautifully designed and everyday products - ultimately encouraging more recycling.” They expect to use 3 million plastic bottles per year in the manufacture of this chair.



Looks to me like they will succeed. It sure appeals to my "Green Mindset!"




The chair has a distinctive, “velvet” finish that is scratch resistant and comes in six colors: Red, Snow, Flint Gray, Grass Green, Persimmon and Charcoal. Three of them (Snow, Flint and Red) can be used outdoors.



Drink Coke, and then sit in it!

=)


Sunday, July 4, 2010

TIPS FROM A PROFESSIONAL LIGHTING DESIGNER

Here are some great tips for planning your next lighting project!

PLiNTH & CHiNTZ :: The Online Interior Design Magazine - 2010/06: Oops! 9 Lighting Mistakes To Avoid In Your Next Kitchen Or Bath Project

Be sure to follow the links in the article, if you would like more information. This designer is great in sharing her resources....The link on choosing the correct color in CFLs is especially helpful....