How can you be excited about designing a bathroom? I know it seems like it is a just bathroom, but let me tell you, there are some exciting and sexy bathroom options to consider!

Beyond beautiful stone and tile, look past the custom vanity, disregard the plush bathrobes and pretty soaps that we put in all of the pictures, let's talk about form and function coming together to make a truly spectacular bathroom.

Let's start with the toilet. It is a running joke here at my office how passionate I am about toilet details. I have 2 boys you see, so I know the value of a good toilet. What makes a good toilet, besides the style that compliments your bathroom:

1 piece (no break/transition from tank to seat) - this is both a function and beauty issue
Smooth apron to the floor - this is a cleanability detail that you will appreciate
Elongated seat design - this is a preference, but is a nice detail
Comfort height (unless someone in your home is short) - as we get older this becomes more important, and is nice if everyone in the home is over 5'5"
Dual flush - a little water conservation goes a long way!

The bathtub...there are 2 main options to consider -Freestanding or Built in?

Freestanding tubs have beautiful shapes and size options, and typically if you do free standing it is the "wow" moment in a bathroom that sets the tone for the bathroom style. They do offer freestanding in jetted, but those tend to be a bit bulky and not as nice looking. Also with a free standing tub, you have some fantastic tub filler options, wall mounted or floor mounted, or if you are really bold you can do ceiling mounted for your tub filler!

Built in style tubs offer a plethora of options, including easy to conceal jets, bubblers, line heaters and some wonderful features. The other big advantage to a built in style is the surround itself allows us to accessorize with towels, candles, bath salts, you get the picture! Not to mention, there's a convenient place for a glass of wine. Also, there is the safety feature of being able to sit your tush down on the side and easily swing your legs in.

Showers have countless options, but the one I want to share today is called a style or infinity drain. This is one of my favorite items. Drains are no longer typical. The tile in options are so great, you barely notice the drain, the water flows around the tiled area, and there is a little tool that allows you to lift the tiled top off if you need to clean the drain. Also, the elongated version is super cool, both tile in or with a grate, it is just fun to do something different! You can install this drain to run along the wall, or under a bench. Just remember we do have to slope the floor slightly to the drain.

We have even done a round version of this type of drain to go with the penny round mosaic tile.

A splurge item for some, a must in my opinion, is inset medicine cabinet mirrors. No more of the cheesy, little medicine cabinet on the side wall, how about a large 20x30 or 20x40 medicine cabinet that can be 4" or 6" deep, right in front of you as your mirror. Robern makes a fantastic one, Kohler has some, RH has some, you name it, we have lots of options in various shapes and sizes and budgets. On some of them, you can even have power inside (so you no longer need to have your toothbrush or various other counter top clutter items out) You can order them with a locking section for medication and you can get a refrigerated section. Sidenote : I used to think this was for tiny champagne or wine bottles! but its main function is for expensive face cream or medication that should be kept cool. A nice little feature is the magnetic interior detail that holds tweezers or little scissors. Some even come with interior light and a magnifying make up mirror inside, so when you open that door you have everything you need. For the techies out there you can even get a TV in the mirror if you like to watch the morning news!

Let's talk lighting for your bathroom. First, you need good light in the room, this is typically done with recessed lights placed properly in the room, sometimes even over the sink, tub, toilet area - depending on the bath lay out. Then we want some accent light, sconce lights, pendants (don't be afraid to try something different) or over the mirror/medicine cabinet lights. These can be good task lights, but some fixtures are really more ambiance rather than task (especially with Edison bulbs or heavy shades). For your designer, these lights are the "bling" in the room, they let us define the style to compliment the surfaces and plumbing fixtures. One of my favorite little details is to add LED lighting under the toe kick of the vanity for a night light

Another item to consider if your feet area always cold like mine, is radiant heated flooring. We don't do much of this in California, but I did it for my parents and it is my mom's very favorite detail. Yes, it is a luxury, but how nice to not be walking on cold stone flooring in the early morning. Your feet will thank you!

Want a complete spa experience, how about a towel warmer. Not too expensive, just need power, and a wall that accommodates the size of the towel warmer, now you have warm toasty towels when you step out of the shower. I know most people don't think of this, but if you are remodeling anyway, it is an inexpensive way to add something special that I am sure you will enjoy.

One more fun item to consider (very affordable at that) is a blue tooth speaker/LED light/exhaust fan. That’s right you can have your morning play list, a quiet fan, and LED light all in one!

Now ....throw in some plush towels and a nice bathrobe and Voila! Your own custom spa bath

What new feature is your favorite for a new bathroom - Let us know !

It is a New Year and what better way to kick of the year then to refresh our homes to make them lighter , brighter and more open! As designers, we are constantly giving clients tips and tricks on how to design in between the bigger projects. If you are not ready to give your kitchen a complete overhaul or tear down walls in your home, then we have some great tips for you to open your space and make your home refreshed and have an entirely new feel.

First and foremost - creating open space within your home may see complicated, but it is quite easy. Often time here at K. Smith Interiors we will space plan for our clients to help design the best layout possible that incorporates your life along with utilizing the space. One simple tip toward creating an open space (without tearing down the wall between the kitchen and living space) is to clear out the bulky furnishings or move them so that they are not taking up so much of the space in the room. Another tip, if you cannot get rid of the larger bulk pieces of furniture is to paint them in a lighter tone so that they will sink into the space and not take over the space. Custom refinishing can help by creating pieces that will look completely new and updated, as well as having the large pieces blend into the room.

Tricking the eye to thinking the room is bigger than it is by using all one color note, is one way to make your space look more open. Mirrors can also help to make a small space look larger because it draws in light from outside and reflects it back into the room. This is particularly great for tight hallways or small rooms because it gives the illusion of a wider area or creates the look of a “window” where none exists.

If you have a dining room that is rarely used or never used and only walked by… why not change it up? Turn that room into a useable space. Converting the room into an office, den, library, or entertainment room really will bring a whole new life into your home. You will find that you will use this room more often when you make it work for your lifestyle. A few pieces of furniture, rugs, warm paint, and some artwork can transform this room and make it seem like you have even more space in your home.

Let there be light! Lighting is the most effective design element when it comes to making a room feel taller and more expansive. Dark areas in a home are often not inviting and make the space feel very small. Changing out old and out of date fixtures can breathe life into your space, giving it a whole new feel. Lighting should always be layered - ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting. These light layers give the room a glow that will get rid of the dark corners. We suggest using all three basic kinds of lighting - Ambient lighting as your main lighting (often this is overhead lighting that floods the room) , accent lighting ( the decorative lighting that highlights the architecture of the room or artwork – chandelier or sconces) and last but not least- task lighting ( floor lamps and table lamps that add function to that specific area). The three layers of light really brighten up a space and make it feel warm and inviting.

Let there be light ! this room is a great example of the three types of lighting creating a soft and warm lighting scheme. Photo courtesy of Pinterest

When we talk lighting, it is important not to forget about our natural light. Don’t let your windows be bare, especially in these cooler months. Our windows really shine when they are dressed up and frame the outdoors. If you have smaller windows, then treatments can be designed and placed in such a way that it gives the illusion of taller more expansive windows. Updating window treatments is easy and can change the entire look and feel in a room. From sheers, to panels, to woven woods there are different looks and layers that are perfect for each room. By leaving windows bare you are really leaving your rooms unfinished! Remember, you are not covering up your view…. you are simply framing in your view and directing the eye to see the nature that is right outside, with the bonus of controlling the light at the same time.

Creating a space right outside your windows that can be an extra living space (no matter how big or small) is a perfect way to open-up your home. With stylish chairs, oversized cushions, throws and decorative pillows you can create a space that you will want to cozy up with a nice glass of wine and a good book. You will wonder why you had not utilized this space before and it will soon become one of your more favorite spots within the home.

Updating your bathroom, where you spend every morning getting ready, is one of the more important spaces in your home. Starting off your day off in a space that makes you feel like you are in a luxurious spa is a wonderful feeling. If you are waiting to overhaul your bathroom but want a spa like experience, here are some easy tips to refresh your bathroom this New Year. Replace dated door knobs and hardware on the cabinets with more updated trending styles. You can also change out the old smaller rug for a longer runner as well changing out the older vanity lights. Changing linens in the bathroom will have a huge benefit – try swapping out colored towels to soft and fluffy white towels to create a hotel-like look. Paint is also a great way to update and refresh a bathroom and is the most cost-effective way to get a lot of look for less. Hot tip – light colors with warm undertones will make the space feel more inviting and larger.

With just these few simple tips you can make your home feel refreshed and new again. It will give you the kick off for the New Year. It is surprising how space planning, cleaning and painting can be so simple but can make the biggest difference. We love refreshing our clients’ homes and with these very simple tips you can spruce up your space to give you a fresh start into 2018.

Design Your Life!