JSI Raves: Getting Steamy with Mr. Steam!
If you're contemplating a bathroom renovation or planning a new construction project, you definitely need to consider adding a steam shower! Learn about the benefits of steam and all of the latest and greatest innovations from Mr. Steam!
I recently had the privilege to travel to the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando as part of the Modenus Blogtour team. As a member of this team, I was introduced to some fabulous vendors with new product introductions that blew me away. I came back inspired with new visions for ongoing and future projects and I'm really excited to share these discoveries with anyone who will listen to me. One terrific surprise was getting to know Mr. Steam and the people behind this terrific company.
If you're considering a bathroom renovation or planning a new construction project, you definitely need to consider adding a steam shower! My next bathroom will most assuredly have one. Most people know the benefits that steam has on your respiratory system but I was floored to learn of all of the other great benefits. Learn more of the benefits of steam therapy by clicking this link!
KBIS was all about smart technology this year and Mr. Steam was right on point with their new iSteam®3. Delivering unsurpassed swipe-touch functionality and sleek, contemporary styling, the iSteam®3 control from Mr. Steam offers a variety of exciting new options designed to perfectly adapt to the preferences of every bather, seamlessly personalizing the steam shower environment.
Now available in black and white finishes, iSteam3 now provides the option to choose a black or white display screen mode, fully accommodating the user’s tastes and steam shower design. Designed for exceptional performance in the hot and humid environment of a home steam shower, the iSteam3 control offers a superb user experience and intuitive navigation. The bather can control a wide array of features with the simple touch of a finger, including temperature, duration, AromaSteam, ChromaSteam®3 and AudioSteam®3. Additionally, users can control functions of the steam shower on the go with the free SteamLinx App from their smartphone or mobile device. The iSteam3 is design-matched to the high-grade AromaSteam SteamHeads and pairs seamlessly with the industry-leading Mr. Steam E Series Residential Steam Generators.
And after you've luxuriated in your new steam bath, you'll definitely want to grab a nice warm towel. Mr. Steam introduced their new Lexington Collection of towel warmers. With wider bars to extend the warmth on towels, the Lexington Collection towel warmers are perfect enhancements for contemporary spa bathrooms. Made of high-quality stainless steel in polished or brushed stainless finishes, the five wall-mounted models of the Lexington Collection come standard with a digital timer allowing for convenient pre-start and automatic shutoff.
Ready to update your bathroom and garner all of the wonderful health benefits of steam bathing? Give us a call and we'll introduce you to all of the wonderful customizable steam experiences that Mr. Steam has to offer!
Please note: According to FTC rules, I need to disclose that my trip to KBIS was sponsored. While I did not get paid for my time at KBIS, my hotel, airfare and some meals were covered. As I write about our sponsors I wish for you to know that I do not receive any additional monetary compensation for doing so. And please note, the views expressed in this blog are totally mine!
JSI Raves: Thinking About Renovating? Wilsonart Can Make Your LIfe Easier!
Thinking About Renovating? Wilsonart has solutions not just for your countertops, but for your walls, floors, showers and much more! Check out their new matte black finish which is impervious to fingerprints and scratches. And their new wet walls system makes bathroom renovations a snap!
Are you considering a kitchen or bath remodel in 2018? Or are you building a new house? In the Virginia area, one word that's been left out of the renovation discussion for the past several years is laminate, unless you're talking about taking it out. But, Wilsonart did a terrific job of educating me at the 2018 KBIS show in Orlando. These new laminates are not your Grandmother's old laminate!
Photo courtesy of Christine Kohut of Christine Kohut Interiors
We were treated to a presentation by Danny Seo, Wilsonart’s spokesperson and host of NBC’s Naturally Danny, to showcase Wilsonart’s latest innovations. This beautiful kitchen vignette featured the new Soft Silk (-21) laminate finish which is a stunning ultra-matte surface. This new finish is incredibly soft and smooth with a silky touch. Visit www.wilsonart.com/finish-options to learn more this spring.
One of the big trends that we saw throughout KBIS this year was the matte black finish. It was featured heavily by the plumbing showrooms in their fixtures, but also by a lot of cabinetry lines. While I love black cabinets, one drawback has always been that they show fingerprints and scratches. But with this new Soft Silk Finish featuring AEON™ Enhanced Scratch & Scuff Resistance Technology, fingerprints and scratches are a thing of the past!
Photo courtesy of Erica Islas of EMI Interior Design
I also enjoyed seeing their Material Mixology Collection. With social media driving us to always stay ahead of trends and create instagram worthy spaces, Wilsonart has specially curated this collection that is bursting with character. The out-of-the-box laminates in this collection beautifully capture the fluidity of design style and trends between residential and commercial markets, and join hundreds of other one-of-a-kind designs in the Virtual Design Library collection of laminates. Check out the back lit Arctic Dune (#9253CM) laminate that serves as the backsplash in this terrific galley kitchen vignette. And I love the cabinetry by MasterBrand Cabinets featuring this Wilsonart Phantom Charcoal (#8214K-28) laminate.
Photo courtesy of Claire Jefford of Creating Contrast Designs
This was another terrific vignette showcasing how you can get high style with affordable laminates! Love how they were able to incorporate the very trendy waterfall countertop which wraps around the base also. They also have a lot of great wood grained laminates to create a hassle-free and easy to maintain shiplap wall.
Wilsonart does a lot more than just laminate! They have a beautiful collection of quartz products with a wide variety of styles, colors and textures.
Photo courtesy of Claire Jefford of Creating Contrast Designs
They also do some wonderful things with their solid surface collection. Check out their "Wet Walls" system that allows you to install directly over tile for a quick bathroom update.
Wilsonart Wet Wall System – Benjamin Grey 1887K-22 (behind mirror wall), Grey Elm 8201K-12 (shower), Pearl Sequoia 5001K-07 (vanity wrap) and Mangalore Mango 7984-38 (vanity reveal).
These wet walls can simply any bathroom remodel project! So, if you're entertaining the idea of undertaking a kitchen or bath renovation, be sure to think outside the box with your surface solutions. Laminates, quartz and solid surface materials from Wilsonart are for more than just countertop materials. They can provide a chic, yet affordable option for any surface in any space!
Please note: According to FTC rules, I need to disclose that my trip to KBIS was sponsored. While I did not get paid for my time at KBIS, my hotel, airfare and some meals were covered. As I write about our sponsors I wish for you to know that I do not receive any additional monetary compensation for doing so. And please note, the views expressed in this blog are totally mine!
JSI Raves: Metrie Decorative Moldings and Architectural Elements
At the 2018 International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida, I had the opportunity to visit with Metrie, the largest supplier and manufacturer of decorative trim moldings in North America. I am excited to present their newest collections, Option M and the Then & Now Finishing Collections. Find out how to easily create architectural interest in your home.
A good percentage of our clients lately are either building a new home or undertaking a major or whole house renovation. The one thing I hear the most is that they do not want a "cookie-cutter" production build house. They want a truly custom experience with a unique result that is tailored precisely to their aesthetic. We work with architects and builders from the blueprint stage to create a space that is not only functional but also unique. One way to create a unique space is to look for opportunities to introduce decorative moldings that go beyond the expected crown, base or window trim. Here are a few examples of our own projects where we've included some unique trim details.
I recently traveled to the International Builders' Show in Orlando, Florida as a member of the Modenus Blog Tour. We had the good fortune to spend some time in the Metrie showroom getting to know their products and capabilities. Metrie's story has been developing for over 90 years since they began in 1926 as a family owned and operated manufacturer of hemlock trim in Vancouver, B.C. Now, they are North America’s largest manufacturer and distributor of solid wood and MDF moldings, operating eight manufacturing facilities, plus 26 distribution centers in the U.S. and Canada.
Our firm is based in Richmond, Virginia which has some pretty traditional historic roots. But, it is a vibrant growing community with a lot of businesses and people moving in to enjoy our booming economy, wonderful art scene, and mild weather. Therefore, over recent years, our business is starting to work with design clients with a wide range of styles and tastes and we need to be able to create design solutions for every aesthetic. Metrie has introduced the Option M collection of curated molding and interior door combinations that make it easy to select baseboards, casings, crown molding and doors to achieve popular home décor trends.
Option {M} styles are curated molding and interior door combinations that make it easy to select baseboards, casings, crown molding and doors to achieve popular home décor trends. “We’ve researched the pain points of builders, designers and homeowners in our product category,” said Kenton Low, Vice President of Marketing. “Option {M} addresses many of these pain points by streamlining the selection process to attain desirable, stylish combinations that will bring any room to life.”
During the development process of Option {M}, Metrie closely researched current in-demand and projected future trends in the building and remodeling space to provide attainable look solutions in six different styles. Each Option {M} style features product groupings that work well with each other as well as with other home décor items such as furniture, artwork, and other to express the homeowners’ personal style. Click on the images below to explore each design style further.
Each Option {M} style features product groupings that work well with each other as well as with other home décor items such as furniture, artwork, and other to express the homeowners’ personal style. Not sure what your style is? Metrie has developed a Find Your Style quiz to help you determine which style best suits your tastes.
Looking for even more inspiration? Check out Metrie's Then & Now Finishing Collections which feature professionally designed and coordinated trim and interior doors inspired by different architectural styles. Blending modern and classic design, the elements in each of the five Collections are perfectly proportioned to create a custom and professional look—every time.
Metrie's industry position has allowed them the resources, strength and leadership to dramatically change the molding category for the better. They're not just introducing new products to the mix, but creating solutions for consumers, design pros and our builders to make it easier to select, purchase and design with interior moldings and doors.
I've already been talking with my clients, builders and architects about incorporating some of Metrie's inspiring ideas and products into our current projects and I can't wait to see the finished results. Have you incorporated some unique trim designs in your own home? Send us some photos in the comments to share some inspiration. And be sure to check out Metrie's blog, The Finished Space, for more inspiration and fun ideas. It's a great read!
Please note: According to FTC rules, I need to disclose that my trip to KBIS was sponsored. While I did not get paid for my time at KBIS, my hotel, airfare and some meals were covered. As I write about our sponsors I wish for you to know that I do not receive any additional monetary compensation for doing so. And please note, the views expressed in this blog are totally mine!
JSI Faves: American Standard Introduces the Spectra+ Collection At KBIS
Check out the new touch controlled Spectra+ Collection from American Standard introduced at KBIS 2018! Quick and easy update to any shower!
As part of the Modenus Blog Tour team, we had the opportunity to dive deep into some terrific new bathing options presented by American Standard, my favorite being their new Spectra+ collection. Delivering total control over the showering experience, the new Spectra+ collection offers a comprehensive range of products for savvy homeowners to customize their shower space. The Spectra+Touch showerhead changes spray patterns with a simple touch on the outside ring of the showerhead, making it easy to customize the shower experience, even with wet hands. This pioneering showerhead delivers a luxurious experience with an oversized, multi-function 7-inch showerhead that offers a choice of four 4 spray patterns.
Taking advanced touch technology one step further, the Spectra+ eTouch showerhead includes a remote control to mount on any shower surface, providing a stylish, ergonomically designed solution for users who have difficulty reaching the showerhead due to age, height or mobility restrictions. The Spectra+ eTouch offers users the option of using the showerhead or the remote to enjoy convenient, one-touch operation for change in spray patterns. Both the showerhead and remote are powered by easily accessible batteries in the units.
I found the Spectra+ Touch showerhead available at Home Depot for $69.98 in the chrome finish and $89.98 in the polished nickel finish. Click the links below to upgrade your own shower! Note that I do make a small commission on purchases made through these affiliate links, but the price, service and warranty is the same to you.
The Spectra+ Duo model combines a 9 ½-inch fixed showerhead and 5-inch multi-function hand shower all in one sleek fixture. Designed to deliver a drenching experience through a superior width of water coverage across the user’s body, the Spectra+ Duo shower system offers the widest spray coverage of any two-in-one showerhead on the market. This functional design allows homeowners to enjoy two convenient showering options without breaking any wall tile for remodeling. I don't know about you, but I have to have a hand held showerhead and I love the versatility of this one! I may need to update my shower soon!
Spectra+ Duo Showerhead
All multifunction Spectra+ showerheads and hand showers feature four customized spray styles from five luxurious choices, depending on model: Drench, Sensitive, Jet, Massage and PowerWash. They are offered in a standard 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) model or a WaterSense-certified 1.8 gpm option and feature easy-to-clean spray nozzles to reduce maintenance.
The versatility of this collection and the ease of installation makes this a really attractive option to quickly update your shower without undertaking a full remodel. And at the prices it's offered at, it's a great option to offer your guests a little pampering in your guest bathrooms!
Please note: According to FTC rules, I need to disclose that my trip to KBIS was sponsored. While I did not get paid for my time at KBIS, my hotel, airfare and some meals were covered. As I write about our sponsors I wish for you to know that I do not receive any additional monetary compensation for doing so. And please note, the views expressed in this blog are totally mine!
