All about building the perfect bathroom...

All about building the perfect bathroom... 


Today I am sharing with all of you all about bathrooms.. How to turn your bathroom into a spa, accessories, how to build and why build an outdoor shower, different styles, and new shower controls and new shower models that will turn any bathroom into a dream room...


Enjoy the pics and Post... 


Turning your Bathroom into a Spa... 

You don’t have to do an entire remodel on your bathroom to create a spa atmosphere. Adding a few essentials to your decor and hiding the clutter will ensure that you find tranquility whether you’re soaking in the tub or just trying to escape the chaos of a busy home.

Choose a Theme

Spas will rarely have mismatched towels or a confusing theme so you may need to purchase a few new essentials. A natural garden, blue lagoon or Asian theme are just a few ideas to get you started.

Add a Little Nature

Vases with fresh flowers, a hanging fern or some bamboo are all fabulous ways to bring nature into your bathroom. These living things breathe life into your space and promote a calming environment.

Pay Attention to Detail

You don’t have to spend a fortune on decor. Roll a few towels and place them in a basket, add a small table with a tabletop fountain and make sure that you place a few soy candles around the room.

Eliminate Clutter

Spas are simplistic and so should your bathroom be. Instead of having things laying around your sink, tuck them away somewhere. There are simple storage solutions available to accommodate even the smallest bathrooms. Remember, a spa is a peaceful place. If your eyes come to rest on a pile of towels on the floor or an assortment of hair products laying around, the entire aesthetic of the room is compromised.

Spa Accessories...

It is interesting how many people devote a substantial amount of time and money into creating the perfect spa setting in their bathroom and then fall short on the simplest accessories. If you still have a generic chrome toothbrush holder screwed to your wall or if your soap is just sitting on the edge of your sink, you understand!

The stoneware bath accessories available from West Elm are the perfect compliment to any spa theme. The pieces are hand carved in India by stone artisans and the natural finish offers a clean, simplistic, earthy style. They are made from mint soapstone and the best thing about them is not only do they clean up easy, they are priced quite moderately. The prices rang from $10 to $19 and since they are all sold separately, you only have to buy what you need.

Think your soap dish isn’t important? Think again! When you have guests over, the bathroom is the one room where you can’t actually see their reaction to the decor. The small accents like this will allow you to feel confident that they most certainly are getting noticed. Not to mention, stone cleans off so much easier than plastic so soap scum doesn’t become an unattractive distraction! Take the time to put the finishing touches on your personal spa!

Building an outside Shower...

There are basically two types of outdoor showers, those that leave you fully exposed which are often used for rinsing off after a dip in the pool or those that are fully enclosed. Why would you want one if you don’t have a pool? Just because! An outdoor shower is a nice refreshing experience, out there with nature, the sun shining, cool breeze and listening to the birds.

Besides, an outdoor shower is ideal if you’re filthy from mowing the lawn or working in the yard or if you happen to work in construction or a factory, so you don’t have to get your indoor bathroom so dirty. Not to mention, they are the perfect place to give the dog a bath too! Whether it’s cold, hot, sunny or gently raining, there’s just something invigorating about showering outside.

Location is Key

How you are going to use the shower will influence the location. If it’s meant for guests to rinse off after swimming, a neutral location is fine. If it’s for personal use, aim for a location that offers natural surroundings. Of course, plumbing is going to ultimately dictate location but if you have a skilled plumber, things can be made to happen.

Wherever you install your outdoor shower, make sure that it offers plenty of ventilation. The space needs to be able to dry out thoroughly after use to prevent mildew and mold from accumulating.

Remodeling the Shower/Faucets...

The trend today seems to be making sure that you have the most spectacular bathtub to soak in to create the feel and appearance of a tranquil spa. However, the fact of the matter is, you probably still spend significantly more time in the shower. Most people enjoy a relaxing bath as a treat when they can escape for a few moments, the shower gets used daily so shouldn’t it be just as spectacular?

Remodeling your shower not only will make your rushed time in the morning a little more enjoyable, it will add value to your home.

Material Choice

Although plastic and porcelain seem to be the most popular options, tile is an exquisite choice. Yes, it does cost more than the other two and installation is much longer but it will also have a very long life and it looks spectacular!

Add a Bench

Wouldn’t it be nice to sit for a moment and soak up the steam or have a place to shave your legs? Benches can either be removable or built right into the shower. You can purchase shower stalls that are prefabricated with a bench in plastic, porcelain or fiberglass options. If you chose tile, the bench will need to be built and installed separately.

Change Your Fixtures

Not prepared for an entire shower remodel? Why not just add a new shower head? Rainfall shower heads varieties are becoming very popular right now!

Install Doors

Replacing that shower curtain with doors in either translucent or frosted glass will give your bathroom a huge facelift. They look elegant, are easy to clean and they prevent water from ending up all over your floor.

Ultimate Control...

Wouldn’t it be nice to figure out that one perfect temperature that grants you the most refreshing or soothing shower every single time? If you’re like most people, you probably turn the hot and cold water on, let it run and fidget with the setting until you find a comfortable setting, get in the shower and fidget some more. If you had a digital faucet like the one pictured by Jado, you could find your ideal temperature and set it there every time with the push of a button. Not only is this wonderful for you, less water is wasted which allows you to do your part to preserve the Earth’s natural resources.

The digital faucet pictured brings a clean, elegant, futuristic look to your bathroom. This E-vision faucet is the first of its kind in the industry letting you control your temperature, flow and volume with an easy to use touch panel. You can even program personalized settings so you know the exact temperature to turn to on a cold day and then set a cooler temperature for those post-run showers.

The faucet offers a flat panel display with a glass-covered modern face, complimented by contemporary chrome hardware. If you’re ready to add that last finishing touch to your bathroom remodel, the E-vision faucet may be what you never thought you needed but you simply can’t live without.

Bathroom Styles...

In most homes, bathrooms are relatively small so creating a whole new look can often be done with minimal changes. Unless of course, you want to gut the room and start over fresh, this is fine too! The trick is to basically decide on a theme and color palette and carry it out throughout the whole room.

Creating a coherent look consists of using the rule of three as your guide. This means you need to repeat every major color three times. Bathrooms are spaces you can really have fun with but you still need to employ a few practical points.

• Safety – Style should never come before safety. Step up tubs must have handrails, floors should be slip-resistant, etc.

• Look into the Future – If you’re spending a substantial amount of money, you want to make sure that this is what you’ll still want in the future. If you have to put off the remodel for a month to make sure you still feel the same away about your choices, so be it.

• Simplicity – Too many things in a small space look very cluttered. If you have a large room, you can add more items but small rooms should be simple with a place for everything.

• Quality – Just because it’s the bathroom doesn’t mean it shouldn’t receive the same consideration as other rooms in your home when it comes to buying quality products.

Many people jump into a bathroom remodel spontaneously. This is a room that is entitled to as much thought as any other area in your home. When in doubt, wait and see if your theme and color palette are still appealing to you down the road.

Your Bathroom-Your refuge...

Your bathroom is a sanctuary, if you put it into perspective. It is a place where you can take a long, hot shower in preparation of a hard day at work, and return to for a relaxing warm bubble bath after that day at work.

Your bathroom is a refuge from the demands of the day, where your mind can be at peace – so why not dress it up as the place of relaxation that it should be?

Soothing, tranquil bathrooms should speak to what you find relaxing.

To start, why not do a little painting. Calm, cool blue and greens will inspire tranquility. They will make your bathroom feel like a luxurious spa room, rather than just a functional room.

Another way you can remake your bathroom into a refuge is by removing the clutter. Look around your bathroom, and see what could be stowed away – you’ll likely be surprised at how much you can simply tuck away underneath your vanity.

If you want to go all out, try giving your bathroom the whole spa effect. An elongated soaker tub with jets, a streamlined vanity, and mood lighting are great relaxation additions. Or how about doing a complete renovation, and adding a sauna to the corner of your bathroom? This will relax you, improve your skin, reduce your stress and help you unwind after a tough day.

Your bathroom can be a place for you to find an oasis in your day, so bring out its inner spa and let yourself be pampered.


Perfect styles and bathroom ideas..


AG Home Goods

Featured Designer & Trend Setter: Mario Morales

 Featured Designer.. Trend Setter

 Mario Morales

Mario Morales, Formerly of Mario & Marielena the multi talented and high demand designer has been designing textiles, bedding, accessories, drapery’s and furniture for the high-end interior and hospitality design community since 1994. His high energy, spirits and passion for his work make him stick out among the many choices of designers and firms available in today’s high demand, quick turn around market. Currently focusing all his energy on his new start-up Company, Mario Morales Boutique Hospitality Designs, which anyone who personally knows Mario can attest that it will be a huge success sooner then later as his energy, drive, and Spirit are well noticed the minute anyone begins to interact with him and his passion for the new company is clearly evident. His history and determination for success will make this new company the powerhouse he made Mario & Marielena. 

Some Examples of Mario's Amazing Work in the hospitality Industry... 

Mario Morales Boutique Hospitality Designs (MMBHD) began with a single vision from a talented and creative individual who was not only tired of the same old fashion approach coming out of the majority of the firms in today’s market but his personal goal to provide the finest room designs, residential and commercial textiles, bedding products and furniture to the Hospitality market in North America, combined with high degrees of interaction between client and firm and with un-paralled customer service, both things which seem to be lacking from most design firms these days.. More and more corporate structured and run, with little interaction between the firms and their respective clients, Mario aim is to change all of that and be readily available whenever a client calls no matter how big or small the job. MMBHD has lofty goals and aspirations and aims to expand and impact markets in Latin American and the Caribbean.

Today, with its main offices in Nashville, Mario Morales Boutique Hospitality Designs' workforce has expanded across the United States to Miami and San Francisco. Our Founder, Head Designer and Principal, Mario Morales, along with his very talented staff and associates, a list of individuals Mario has come to rely on over the years have the experience and historical backing through his long list of completed projects to bring Room Design, Bedding Design and Furniture to the Hospitality industry, becoming the ultimate one-stop shop for the professional interior designer, hospitality property owner and purchasing company wanting that extra push required to stick out in today’s high demand, highly competitive market.  

Mario Morales Boutique Hospitality Designs manufactures and markets top-of-the-line furniture at a reasonable price. Crafted (MADE / BUILT) in the United States, with the finest attention to American craftsmanship and design talents.

Modern contemporary style of design using impact colors but notice rather then use Lime Green Mario uses Olive and his favorites are Hunter Green and Deep Maroon red, going outside the box as everyone in the industry uses the same candid apple red and Lime colors.. 

His designs are not only trend-setting but cutting edge and always have a spark to them causing instant fanfare in all design circles.. Designers watch and Listen when Mario releases new designs and completes projects, and with customer satisfaction being his number one priority, he gives his personal attention and complete dedication to all his projects whether a luxury hotel project or a simple room for a friend or family member.. 

This guy puts his heart, energy, and soul into every project he does and designs.. He is a workaholic mangling two phones, two iPads, two computers, and always seems to be doing something.. 

More stunning examples of Mario's Work in the Hospitality Industry...

Whenever anyone hears success is easy and not hard has never seen someone like Mario work, constantly wanting to better himself and learn yet, he is still humble enough to ask and seek the advice of all of those around him, treating everyone with importance and the respect they deserve. He gives everything and expects the people around him to perform but is the first to reward or say thank you or great job, once that happens. A genuine individual who left an impact on myself the first time I had the pleasure of meeting him.. 

Now many of you may think I have known him for 20 years yet its been less then a months and in that time I have seen a genuine caring individual deserving of everything he has which he has accomplished through hard work and dedication. I admire him and value our friendship as he is truly an individual who knows the value and payoff in hard work and passion in your job.. 

Mario Morales Boutique Hospitality Designs and  delivers fashion, sophistication and a unique lifestyle. Our goal is to provide 100% durability, design uniqueness and branding, cost effective proposals and projects, and high degrees of trendy styles  for the commercial hospitality environment. We build relationships that last with our attention to service, delivery and design and of course our goal of 100% customer satisfaction through interaction and communication.

Mario Morales founder and previous owner of Mario & Marielena, brings more than 20 years of high end interior designer resource experience in the textiles, bedding, accessories, drapery and furniture business. He successfully continuously provides the design trade with innovation and cutting edge design and new and invigorating trend setting designs.

What makes them so Unique… Easy! They are unique among design firms in that we have a high degree of Collaboration between our client and the designer, to then blend fashion with quality materials and alluring design to create a finished product that was unique and original that both designer and client are satisfied.

More examples of Mario's stunning work...

More traditional decor and modern furniture design... 

The designs shown above will bring life and uniqueness to any modern contemporary home. Designs that are original unique and impact full very well describe the designs created by Mario Morales, truly a talented Individual... 

Our standard service includes textile assistance, dimensional changes, creative modifications, all in an effort to create a finished product that is exactly what our client needs and gives them a feeling of complete satisfaction, which is our number one goal with any project. We also aim to make every particular project shine and stick out among the many redesign projects occurring in todays very intensely competitive hospitality industry

Our design influences, techniques, and look range from contemporary to traditional, and as a firm are not afraid to tackle complicated demands, logistics, or the challenges of any design style available today or even create a new style as unique as our clients themselves. We strongly believe good materials, good craftsmanship and good design, with high degrees of collaboration and communication with our clients will ensure a finished product that is both unique, spectacular, and sticks out among others which in turn will generate new business for our clients.

We are in the business of creating a complete package, starting with the design aspect and ending with a unique product that will generate new business opportunities for our clients in the Hospitality industry where simple things that are not present in their competitors can make them shine among the thousands of choices consumers can make. We have a strong conviction to customer service and our goal is to achieve complete satisfaction and we accomplish this by combining good customer relations & services, good business practices and affordable and very competitive prices, combined with logistical and creative support for every Project that comes through our doors. This should make us your number one choice.

In conclusion Mario has had a long and detailed history one filled with shining examples of his work, that clearly shows his dedication to the design industry. His continued work in the industry and production of several trend setting design ideas have proven that not only does this guy have what it takes but it makes him and his new company one to look out after and watch and possibly even follow because where they go, most likely everyone else will likely follow.. 

His new firm does their work in the following steps.. 

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

 

Design assistance & collaboration

Design concept storyboards

Guest Room Renderings

Material Coordination

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Planning & execution coordinator

Dedicated Client- Project manger 

 

MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCTION

 

Furniture

Bedding

Drapery

Booths

Banquets

Concept to execution

Should any of you want to personally contact Mario, please follow the link found below to his contact form on his website.. 

Contact Mario Morales 

or visit his website @

Hope all of you enjoyed learning about one of the most talented designers in today's highly competitive interior design business... 

AG Home Goods

Kitchen & Dining Ideas...

Kitchen & Dining Ideas... 


Today I am sharing with all of you Kitchen and Dining ideas for your home.. I have prepared all sorts of things that many of you will find very interesting.. From complete kitchen sets to cutting boards and unique tables of glass.. Read on for a complete Kitchen and Dining post will teach all of you a little something..


Enjoy the pics and post... 


Stainless Steel Kitchen... 

While the picture above might be a little bit over the top, stainless steel is almost a no-brainer when it comes to kitchen appliances. Sure, you have other options, but why not go for the classic yet modern, sophisticated yet stylish, stainless steel?

It’s always in fashion, and it will, nine times out of ten, match whatever decor you surround it with.

So what is it about stainless steel that is so appealing?

First, it is a sophisticated material. Your oven, refrigerator, dishwasher and, yes, even your garbage bin will enjoy a glean of sophistication when you choose to have them done in stainless steel.

If you are able to get all of your appliances – the large and the small – in stainless steel, your kitchen will have a posh, unified look that will verge on the ultimate in style.

Stainless steel is a clean look, one that makes its surroundings look neat and organized as well. The crisp lines and reflective surface would be a luxurious addition to any home.

Although stainless steel will make your appliances stand out more than if you chose to conceal them, they’ll stand out with a bold, beautiful punch. Stainless steel is the material of bold designers who want to accentuate their stylish flair.

If you’re looking for a way to bring together your kitchen in sophisticated, timeless, yet ultra modern style, stainless steel is the way to go.

Range Hoods... 

In most homes, a range hood is there to keep grease from accumulating on walls, paint from peeling and odors from taking over in a kitchen. However, a stylish range hood can completely transform the look of your kitchen and even become a focal point!

Style

The first thing that you need to decide is if you prefer a range that fits under a cabinet or one that is wall mounted. You also need to determine if your range will exhaust pollutants outside or if you’re going to buy a recirculating one.

Features

Some range hoods have dishwasher-safe filters which is rather convenient. You may also want to consider if you want one that is completely smooth or if you won’t mind getting a toothbrush out to scrub any grooves.

Would a remote control be handy or do you want one that turn on by itself when the heat sensors tell it to? You should also evaluate the lighting. A well lit cooking area allows you to really get a good look at the food you’re preparing.

Noise Level

If you find one on sale but the noise level is a little obnoxious, keep shopping. A great deal isn’t so spectacular when the volume on the television in the next room has to be turned up or if your guests have to talk over the noise. A range should never become a distraction!

Dining Rooms... 

While you may assume that bigger is better when shopping for a dining room table, you need to take the space into consideration. That gorgeous, extra wide table may look spectacular in the showroom but it will quickly dwarf a small room. Not to mention, you want your guests to be able to comfortably walk behind the chairs (not squeeze), even when they are occupied.

Average Size

Most dining room tables measure around 30 inches tall with an average width of 36 to 42 inches. While that may not seem like a big difference, six inches can have a positive or negative effect on a room. Unless you absolutely have to, avoid tables that are narrower than 30 inches as things tend to get a little cramped if you have all of the seats filled.

Round or Square?

Although square tables tend to be preferred, if you do a lot of entertaining, round dining room tables are actually ideal because your guests can chat a little easier. Not to mention, since they sit on a pedestal, there are no legs to take up extra space. If you love the look of a traditional square table that seats four people but you know that on occasion you like to invite over an extra couple, consider buying one with a leaf that can be added and invest in two additional chairs that you can store in the spare room.

The Extras

If you have a rug under your dining room table, it needs to measure at least four feet wider and longer than the table. This will allow room on all sides. No one enjoys sitting in a chair half on and half off of a rug.

Also, if you have a large chandelier, your dining room table needs to be 12 inches wider than the piece. This will balance the room and ensure that no one hits their head when they stand up.

More Dining Ideas...

Make your next evening one to remember. The modern dining room can be conceived of in many ways, but one of the most popular has been to incorporate Italian styling, for its sophisticated, minimalist roots. The Party Modern Dining Set is designed by Antonello Italia, a native of Italy, to be a luxurious dining experience. The basic set contains your choice of either walnut or wenge table with a black or white glass tabletop, and four matching leather chairs, customizable in one of over twenty different options. You can infuse this rich, deluxe dining set with your own personality, and watch as your guests marvel at your sense of style. The Party Modern Dining Set by Antonello Italia can be found at eRoomService.com for $4,375.00 and up, depending on additional components.

Modern Buffets... 

Sophisticated, contemporary and a taste of Italian influence. It would make sense for an Italian-inspired piece to be available in the kitchen, the place where so many of our favorite savory dishes comes from. The City Modern Buffet is an embodiment of the sleek styles to come out of Italy, and it is infused with an air of sophistication that can only come from modern living. The large main storage area is composed of rich wenge, while the doors are genuine brown leather. This combination of textures will inspire any chef to be daring with his or her next meal. 

This City Modern Buffet can be found at Spacify.com for $2,180.00.

Modern Tables...

Enjoy your meals in style with this Fly Dining Room Set. The table features an ebony base composed of two crossed thick wooden legs that hold up a unique plexiglass tabletop. You can enjoy a touch of class with your meals, as the pristine white leather of the chairs compliments the eye-catching table. The chairs are made of genuine white leather that is woven onto the frames to create a secure, stable and comfortable seat. A high-gloss, matching buffet is also available that will round out your dining room and ensure a consistent and modern decor is maintained throughout the entire room. You can purchase the Fly Dining Room Set from Spacify for $4,811 which includes 6 chairs and the table, or for $7,900 which includes the 6 chairs, table and ottoman.

A Unique Cutting Board...

ONE CUTTING BOARD IS NEVER ENOUGH, so designer Ed Annink created the Cut-in-Half which actually separates into seven smaller pieces. Sizes for each board vary from orange-wedge sized to the full-size base, making this useful for both chopping and serving. Made from seasoned beech wood.
$288, driadekosmo.com

Glass Glass and more Glass... 

FANS OF SUPERMAN’S ICE FORTRESS (you know you’re out there) will love Haziza’s line of dining, coffee and console tables. The rest of us can at least appreciate the way light interacts with the multifaceted acrylic shards, each of which seems to grow organically from the base. Available in over a dozen colors, we definitely prefer our tables without any tint; the other colors come across a bit too flashy–flashy for folks sans superpowers, that is.
haziza.com

Kitchen and Dining Ideas...

AG Home Goods