The Big Move Part V Progress Not Perfection

It's time for Part FIVE!!! I know how patiently you've all been waiting for this new installment of The Big Move.  It's been a challenging week including a meltdown that turned a Phase two project into a Phase NOW situation.

The Big Move Artful Kitchens

 

It's July in FLA and we just had to address the AC situation so as not to lose our dearly beloved labor force (Bob).  The result of the first service call yielded a $99 bill and no relief from the heat.  Granted the AC unit, we've discovered, looks like THIS!  

We need a new 2 1/2 ton unit and were quoted $6,500.  Next up, the second service call.  For this one, we called a smaller company who we have worked with in the past and guess what?  He's actually got the current unit working for the time being.  In fact, it's been cooling for about 5 days and counting so Bob is cool for now and we'll see what number two's estimate is.   I have high hopes since this AC guy is apparently a miracle worker.  I digress.  This week I promised a peek into what exactly is going on in the bedroom and master bathroom, which, to be sure, is a mini master.  Check out the tricks, tips and snarky commentary by editor Joe and see what we are doing to make small work in a big way.

 

 

As promised, here are the products we're using as mentioned in The Big Move Part V:

 

Brizo Euro Square Hydrati 2 in 1 showerhead Artful Kitchens

 

In the spirit of full disclosure, this showerhead was gifted to me by the lovely peeps at Brizo faucet a few years back.  It's our style, works great and we love it so it's moving with us.  The center portion pops out for hand held function.   It comes in chrome (above) and polished nickel.  Brizo is a part of Delta Faucets offering some really cutting edge design options but I actually love what Delta offers in their main line and it's what we chose for the shower and sink faucets.

 

 

 

Vero faucet Delta single hole Artful Kitchens The Big Move

We went with a single hole/handle model as it is what will work with our furniture vanity which is pre drilled and looks like this.

Alexa 30" vanity by Adornus The Big Move Artful Kitchens

 

It comes with matching mirror and is a high gloss white finish which will look great with the shiny shower tiles.  Furniture vanities can be a great solution if they work with your space as you have the counter top and sink already done and included in the total price of your vanity.  The shower also will have the matching Vero design. I love the Vero styling because it incorporates square clean lines as well as the softness of the circle. I want it all!

Delta's Vero shower valve in chrome The Big Move Artful Kitchens

 

We didn't want to sacrifice any precious space for a shower bench but a girl's gotta shave her legs, right?  I plan to get this cute shower stool. I love the fact that you can move it.

Dahlia Gloss Resin Bath Stool

 

So now for the toilet.  As Joe so accurately pointed out, we did not, in fact, end up with a skirted toilet.  I thought that's what we ordered but it wasn't.  I'm okay with this and truthfully just thrilled to have a Toto toilet.  It is, however, a compact model just perfect for small spaces with a tank that measures just 14 1/2".  Incidentally, we also had an outlet put in right next to the bowl for a future Washlet and if you don't know what that is you should and you can read all about it here.

Since storage is at a premium we're going to include this mirrored medicine cabinet over the toilet. 

 

15" by 26" Aluminum Single door mirrored medicine cabinet The Big Move Artful Kitchens

Last but certainly not least is the light.  I thought this lovely fixture was just the right style and size to illuminate this artful mini master bath. 

 

 

Solbi 3-Light Chrome Finish Bath Vanity Wall Fixture White Alabaster Glass 24"
 
 
 

 

The barn door was an excellent solution for two doors that didn't get along very well!  So there you have it!  Please feel free to comment.  I'd love to hear your thoughts and don't forget to subscribe to the blog for more tips tricks and some upcoming behind the scenes revelations of this Artful Kitchen designer. xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

 

BEST IN SHOW, KBIS 2010



The premiere annual ritual for those of us in the "biz" is the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) This year the show was held last month in our favorite mid-west metropolis, Chicago.  Each year certain trends, technologies and companies tend to stand out.  This is what we'll be hearing about in the world of Kitchen & Bath Design in months to come.  Here's the buzz, especially for you, from those in the know.


I think Jenn-Air stole the show with their new premium products.  Jenn-Air's intuitive double ovens (won most innovative product by KBB for 2009) and built-in refrigeration can meet the demands of buyers of other premium brands, not to mention, the new DUCT FREE downdraft cooktop, an item apartment and condo dwellers have long been waiting. 


Morton Block, CMKBD, IIDA
President Morton Block Associates
I noticed the emphasis on bevel and diamond shapes was more dominate this year. This was featured on: cabinetry doors, plumbing fixtures, hardware, mouldings, lighting fixtures and tile.
Joanna Menke
Millwork Sales & Design, CKD and Associate IIDA

Loved the Kohler Stages Sink (I love any sink with bells and whistles and this one has A LOT of bells and whistles).
As for trends, I noticed bits of bling and was pleased that it was done with subtlety and sophistication. Little hints of shimmer, crystals, etc on door knobs, cabinet hardware, faucets. A door knob by Hamilton Sinkler comes to mind, knobs and such by a beautiful Italian manufacturer whose name is escaping me.

Karen Swanson


The trend I seem to notice more this year was towards saving water and energy as well as more recycled products.

Randal G. Winter

President Randal G. Winter Construction

As a trend, I would have to respond not with a product but with an attitude. It seems many of the conference speakers as well as individuals I spoke with, were emphasizing 'seeing' from the viewpoint of the client. I like to think we have always put the them first, but apparently there is a very real need to educate the designers and contractors in the ways of the economically impacted buyer. The human factor prevails. 

Carl A. Smith III

One of my favorites, shown here,  was this nifty corner cabinet accessory by Korner King.  It allows full use of your corner not only lazy susans but drawers as well! 

To see all of the best of KBIS entries click this link.