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!
JSI Raves: Thermador Ushers In A New Era Of Luxury at KBIS 2018!
The iconic appliance brand, Thermador, announced the unprecedented launch of 300 new products and unveiled it's impressive Home Connect technology. After touring the Thermador showroom at KBIS, I've highlighted just a few impressive new entries into the field.
Last week at the 2018 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando, Florida, Thermador, the iconic American luxury home appliance brand, announced the launch of more than 300 groundbreaking new products, the most significant launch in the brand’s 102-year history. As a member of the Modenus Blogtour team, I was there to see the unveiling of several exciting new additions to Thermador's repertoire.
Completely redesigned, the sleek new Masterpiece and Professional Collections deliver the seamless culinary experience consumers expect from Thermador. Both collections offer a seamless inset integration without a bulky frame and they're beautifully styled with metallic gray glass and sleek contemporary handles.
Thermador Masterpiece Series Oven
The new Freedom® Induction Cooktop offers the largest fully usable cooking surface on the market within its class. The entire surface can be used! This new cooktop offers more responsiveness, more flexibility and the first full-color touch-screen interface on an induction cooktop.
In the dishwashing arena, Thermador introduced their newest dishwashers featuring StarDry™ with Zeolite for a superior drying process without the use of chemicals, as well as the Star Speed® cycle which is the fastest hot water cycle in the industry at 20 minutes. One of Thermador's newest dishwashers is called "The Entertainers' Dishwasher". This dishwasher features a gentle cycle that won’t break or damage glasses, with a no-slip, soft rubber lower rack and adjustable stands specifically designed to keep stems secure. The rack stands are fully adjustable at multiple levels to accommodate different heights and sizes of your glasses. It can accommodate up to 26 large wine glasses. What a great addition to a butler's pantry!
Thermador Freedom Induction Cooktop
In the dishwashing arena, Thermador introduced a suite of luxury dishwashers including the New Star-Sapphire™ Dishwasher. It's features include Push to Open, allowing you to either push or pull open the unit, as well as Thermador exclusive Star Glow, which illuminates the inside of the dishwasher in a variety of colors, so you can set the mood that matches the occasion. And, with the two-step StarDry™, Thermador delivers the only program that provides the ultimate drying, so all your place settings are ready for use after each cycle and you can get back to serving your guests. It also boasts the fastest hot water cycle in the industry with the Star Speed® 20 minute cycle.
Thermador's "Entertainers' Dishwasher" features a gentle cycle that won’t break or damage glasses, with a no-slip, soft rubber lower rack and adjustable stands specifically designed to keep stems secure. The rack stands are fully adjustable at multiple levels to accommodate different heights and sizes of your glasses. It can accommodate up to 26 large wine glasses. What a great addition to a butler's pantry!
Entertainer's Dishwasher
One of the most eye catching displays in all of KBIS was the section of custom paneled Freedom Refrigerators which come in a variety of sizes and configerations. These units accept any custom panel and for the show, Thermador outfitted their refrigerators with large panels wrapped in custom abstract art canvas.
Thermador Paneled Freedom Refrigerators
While I'm not sure I have a client bold enough for this look, the features of these units are the real story. You have the option of handle-less units with push latch openers that automatically close if left ajar. Inside, you have soft-close bins, including bins with Thermal Fresh humidity and temperature control. And no more dark corners, these refrigerators feature "theater lighting" in the form of LED panels from top to bottom.
Continuing to redefine the possibilities in the kitchen and beyond, Thermador also introduces the Thermador Connected Experience by Home Connect, an industry-exclusive app. Home Connect provides culinary assistance by partnering with Kitchen Stories, the unique app that provides you with recipes, wine pairing suggestions and video tutorials. It will allow you to remotely control your Thermador appliances through brand partners like Amazon Alexa or EVE, Tesla's connected vehicle software. Cut down on trips to the grocery store by letting Thermador's Home Connect and Amazon Dash inventory and replenish groceries as needed.
With this new launch, Thermador will be able to empower consumers to perfect recipes, enhance their experience with smart tools and provide expert knowledge that helps them reach their culinary goals. With the comprehensive collection of products, exceptional cooks can now choose from more options than ever before to perfect even the most adventurous recipes and elevate their culinary lifestyle.
If you're building a home or considering a kitchen remodel or update, I would strongly suggest that you spend some time getting to know Thermador. Personally, I want to pull out all of my appliances after seeing that exciting showroom!
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: Before and After Westham Renovation Part 3
Explore more of the interior transformations in part 3 of our series featuring the whole house renovation of a home in Richmond's Westham neighborhood. We share the dramatic changes to the entry, the dining room and the living room, along with some images of the wonderful work of our landscape designer.
I hope you've had a chance to enjoy Parts 1 and 2 of this series where we shared some of the background of this whole house renovation project and some of the dramatic before and after photos of the front elevation of the house and the kitchen. The kitchen transformation was incredible! Today, I'm sharing some of the additional interior spaces and closing with some images of the wonderful work of our landscape designer.
The original foyer was a small unassuming entry with the formal dining room off to the side. We raised the ceiling to create a vaulted area with a loft overlook from the newly added living space on the second floor. We added a classic white wainscoting treatment to the walls for added drama and opened up the views to the back of the house. Figuring out the spacing of that wainscoting was a math challenge. We included a hidden paneled section in the hallway for luggage storage.
The original dining room was adorned with a vintage chinoiserie wallpaper. I've been trying to research the pattern to discern it's age. It's reminiscent of the early de Gournay papers, but the condition of the paper led me to believe that it was older, since de Gournay was started in the late 1980s.
Unfortunately, the wallpaper was not in great shape and also not in keeping with my clients' taste. So, we removed the paper in favor of a nice coat of fresh paint. We also removed an adjoining powder room and added a lovely butler's pantry which is evident through the widened case opening at the back of the room.
The soaring ceilings of new homes were not common in ranch style homes of the fifties, so the entire first floor has 8'3" high ceilings. My clients had enjoyed nice coffered 10' ceilings in their previous home and were hoping to achieve the same look in this house, but the lower ceilings presented a challenge. Instead, we opted to create a more unique geometric design on the ceiling with a shallow 1" deep trim detail.
The original living room was a nice open entertaining space with terrific potential. We removed that Dutch door at the back of the room and re-purposed it for our side-door entrance. We replaced all of the hardwood flooring throughout the house when we discovered how much water damage there was from the drenched foundation.
We restored the original fireplace and created new custom cabinetry to display my clients large sculpture collection.
Having traveled to every continent over the years, my clients have collected some wonderful treasures along the way. They've also enjoyed collecting artwork from local artists during their travels and that artwork fits beautifully on the walls of their new home.
One of the early decisions in this renovation process was that the windows all needed to be replaced. The new windows all have less dividers allowing a more open view to their surrounding property which is wonderful. Another valuable member of our Conception to Completion team was landscape designer, Peggy Ford of Glorious Gardens. When my clients purchased this home, it was overgrown with trees and shrubbery that had been sorely neglected for years. Peggy created beautiful paths, small garden corners and a beautiful pond with a trailing fountain. It's absolutely perfect and will only improve with a little love and age.
I truly enjoyed working on this project because of the combined talents of everyone on our team and because I couldn't ask for better clients. It's very gratifying to breath life back into this neglected home and see it come to life with the energy and happiness of its new family.
