Archive for December, 2011

Don’t settle for a boring bath to shower conversion – new products to add style and function

Saturday, December 31st, 2011
Curved shower door and base enclosure

Curved shower door and base enclosure

To increase safety and improve the function of small bathroom spaces typical in many 5 foot by 7 foot bathrooms homeowners are choosing to convert a bathtub into a shower. Since most of these bathtubs are 60” x 32” there is not as much elbow room for a shower as some would like. In the past many customer’s have opted for curved shower rods and curtains to gain some extra room in a shower conversion project – but often shower curtains can get stained and need to be replaced too often.

 

A new solution has come into the market with a line of curved shower bases and curved shower door systems. The “Bowfront” acrylic shower bases made by Fleurco are only 32” at the at the sides of the two walls for shower alcove but it curves (or bows) out to 36” in the middle of the shower for extra elbow room in the shower. The bases come in white and biscuit colors with drains located on the left and right sides.

 

The curved shower doors are available with clear glass (for someone who wants to keep a view for intricate tile work or plumbing fixtures) and with obscure glass (called Paris Point) for a higher level of privacy. The systems are available in framed or semi-frameless designs with chrome or brushed nickel finishes.

 

To add more safety to these showers consider a decorative grab bar for the entry and to increase the inside space use recessed niches to hold soap and shampoo.

 

What do you think of the design and function of these curved shower walls? Please comment below.

 

 

If you’re looking for more information or an estimate on curved shower wall enclosure and base system call or visit  Bath Doctor of Cleveland (216-531-6085) and  Columbus (614-252-7294) or for a more extensive bathroom remodeling project visit Cleveland Design & Remodeling  (216-658-1270). If you’re looking for nationwide supply on this item call Innovate Building Solutions at 877-668-5888.

 

 

Project Spotlight: Converting a Closet into an Accessible Roll In or Walk in Shower

Friday, December 23rd, 2011
Glass block curved shower wall

Glass block curved shower wall for an accessible design

When Cleveland Design & Remodeling division was approached by Bob Armstrong of Master Stone Crafters to create a shower out of an existing walk in closet the project had a familiar theme to it. Bob’s potential customer was not only looking to update an existing cramped bathroom (which currently had a tub/shower combo with a larger walk in closet) but they wanted to make it cool looking and safe for elderly family members who visit their home. Some of the requirements the customer had for this project included:

 

  • Creating a large walk in shower (up to 6 foot by 8 foot) that could be used from a seated (roll in shower) or standing position.
  • Finding a way to create storage in the bathroom for clothing that could not be stored in the walk closet anymore.
  • Have a sleek contemporary look that was also safe for their visitors.
  • Make the shower as maintenance free and waterproof as possible.
  • Add updated shower features to make a more relaxing showering experience.

Continue reading “Project Spotlight: Converting a Closet into an Accessible Roll In or Walk in Shower” »

7 Tips to select shower accessories and doors for a remodeling project

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Shower accessories are often treated like the ugly stepchild of a shower remodeling project. The decision on what accessories should be used is often figured out late in the building process (a thoughtful decision made in the design process will usually create a better result). Watch the video below and read these 7 tips to make better accessory decisions (this will make your next shower or bath remodeling project not only more functional – but more decorative and interesting as well).

 

Continue reading “7 Tips to select shower accessories and doors for a remodeling project” »

Ranch home sales on the rise in 2012 – Ease of use & universal design are the drivers

Saturday, December 10th, 2011
Single level ranch home
Single level ranch homes offer simple floor plans and universal designs

In the movie “Field of Dreams” the famous line was if you build it they will come. In the home building industry applying this mantra without an understanding of what the market needs and wants will provide a quick path towards not having a business. Given the challenging home construction market the question a smart home builder will ask is what do people today need and want. According to an article from Builder Magazine 7 of the top 10 selling home plans were in 2012 will be ranches (i.e. single level home designs). This article will explore why single level homes are increasing in popularity, the advantages and disadvantage of this type of design, and what features might be included in this type of home to make it more useable by people of all ages and capabilities. If you aren’t in the market for a new home you can also learn a few remodeling tips to take advantage of features of a single level home in your existing 2 level design.

Continue reading “Ranch home sales on the rise in 2012 – Ease of use & universal design are the drivers” »

Project Spotlight: Decorative Glass Block Shower Wall & Partition on a Luxury Houseboat

Thursday, December 1st, 2011
Luxury Houseboat with glass block shower docked at Lake Cumberland Kentucky

Luxury Houseboat with glass block shower docked at Lake Cumberland Kentucky

Have you ever gone to a place where luxury boats are docked and thought how cool it would be to live on a houseboat with all the features and benefits of a high end home? It is just those kinds of dreams that companies like Thoroughbred Houseboats make into reality. If you can create it on land then Shawn Heinen (President of Thoroughbred) can usually make it come to life for a home on the water as well.

 

When a new customer of Thoroughbred’s came to visit one Thoroughbred’s existing houseboats one luxury feature that caught their eye was the use of a glass block shower wall. In this article you’ll learn more about this luxury houseboat, where it is docked and how the glass block shower and partition walls progressed from a design concept to a finished project.

 

 

Continue reading “Project Spotlight: Decorative Glass Block Shower Wall & Partition on a Luxury Houseboat” »