Bathroom Design Tips Archives - Kitchens and Bathrooms First
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Bathroom Design Tips

Dec 29
0

Designing Beautiful Bathrooms with Practical Storage Solutions in Mind

By | All Bathrooms, Bathroom Design Tips

By Adam Newton, Kitchens & Bathrooms First Designer

Being the newest addition to the KBF team, my excitement level is through the roof because of the endless possibilities to create masterpieces.

From handcrafted, CANADIAN vanities, to the beautiful shower enclosures and everything in between I’ve never been so enthused by the products available at my disposal.

My Pet Peeve: Beautiful, but Not Practical

I have a bit of a pet peeve when it comes to magazines showing beautiful, but questionable bathroom designs. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of great ideas, designs and well thought out bathroom photos displayed in reno magazines.

This pet peeve goes out to the pictures that display the beautiful wall hung vanities with trough sinks, and towel bars. You know, the ones that look modern, spectacular, and clean; until you start using them. Any household I’ve ever lived in, would take a week (max) to have this beautiful new bathroom look like the 17 minute mark in the Wizard of Oz.

Especially with the amount of hygiene products, lotions and sprays we use in 2016, storage is our friend. There are endless options when it comes to finding high quality, modern, yet practical solutions to fit anyone’s taste, style and budget.

Storage Solutions for Bathrooms

Some of these solutions are listed on our portfolio page. Click on the link below to discover just some of the beautiful, sleek designs built on a foundation of practicality for the modern day family.

https://www.bathroomsfirst.ca/project-type/bathroom/

Nov 07
0

How to Choose Kitchen and Bathroom Materials

By | Bathroom Design Tips, Bathroom Design Trends, Bathroom Products, Kitchen Design Tips, Kitchen Design Trends, Kitchen Products

When it is time to remodel your kitchen or start a bathroom renovation project, the large variety of different products available can make your choices very difficult. As always your choice will be highly influenced by the amount you want to invest in your remodelling project.  Here we will explain the five major types of products available, and the benefits and drawbacks of using them in your kitchen or bathroom remodel.

 

 

Hardwood

wood: bathroom and kitchen reno materialAll species of wood are available (eg. maple, hickory, walnut, teak and so on).

Benefits:  Hardwood is a luxury material.  Hardness of the product makes its lifespan last a really long time.  It can also be sanded down and refinished.  The product can be finished in unlimited choices of opacities, stains and finishes or it can be painted in any color of your choice.

Drawback: Most certainly, the price and also, wood tends to warp in a humid environment.

 

Acrylic

acrylicAcrylic is a process of layering a film of Methacrylate that is a flexible plastic fibre over an MDF or HDF base.  The finish result is a high gloss look.

Benefits: The look only an acrylic finish can create; modern and unique.  It is very easy to maintain and the life span is really long compared to melamine.

Drawback: Less durable than wood and it cannot be repaired when broken.

Melamine

melamineMelamine is a product that has been around for ages but it has also been improved over the years.  It is now more resistant than when it was first introduced. Composition is MDF panel covered with a sheet of melamine.

Benefits: Melamine is very affordable.  Melamine is now offered in a variety of imitation finishes and is really easy to clean.

Drawback: Melamine is relatively less durable than wood and it can’t be repaired once broken.

PVC and Polyester

Both materials are a really good alternative to melamine.  They are a little more expensive but better resistance in everyday usage.  Price points are comfortable and are about the same in both products.  The difference between the two is in the assembly and composition.

PVC construction materialPVC is an MDF base panel covered with PVC that is molded to all contours with the processes of heat. The base can be composed of multiple pieces. Joints are on the inside of the doors.

Polyester is typically a 5 pieces MDF base assembly covered with a sheet of polyester molded to the base. It is molded on all sides in the process, which is what makes its lifespan longer.

Post written by Taniya Lawrence
Interior designer at Kitchens and Bathrooms First

Dec 18
1

3 Kitchen and Bathroom Trends

By | Bathroom Design Tips, Bathroom Design Trends, Bathroom Products, Kitchen Design Trends, Kitchen Products, Uncategorized

When it comes to investing your time and money into kitchen and bathroom renovations, it is paramount to have the design and décor selections to suit your personal style preferences and to encompass the current trends, but also to embrace a timeless appearance. The following upcoming and ongoing current trends will help you to attain these essentials for your kitchen and bathroom renovations.

1. Colour Trends

Bigger investment items, such as; cabinetry, flooring, countertops, and backsplashes, homeowners purchase with the intent of longevity, therefore, neutral finishes and colour schemes with clean lines will be the popular selection.

Less significant investment items, such as paint, will correspond to this colour scheme as well. Warm neutrals, white, off whites, and the new neutrals of greens and greys are going to take over the market. You can add a punch of colour in easily changeable items, such as; accessories, towels, dishes, vases, art pieces, etc.

2. Tiles

Tile trends are leaning towards larger tiles and tiles with interest and texture. Large rectangular and square tiles are very popular for flooring and walls. Not only do they make for less grout lines, they also create a cleaner, more modern look. Mixing and matching shapes and sizes for walls and flooring will be trendy. Accent tiles, for backsplashes, borders, or an entire wall, will consist of unique texture, and classic glass and mosaic tiles.

3. Relaxation/Spa Inspired:

The time for relaxation is wanted by all, but unfortunately only attained by few. Spa inspired bathrooms are on the rise and will continue to be in demand . Spa inspired bathrooms will stay within the neutral inspired colour theme and the fixtures installed will be largely influenced by the theme of relaxation, tranquility, and the escape of everyday life.

Although system tubs, such as whirl pools or air tubs, are soothing and relaxing, the demand for soaker tubs will continue to have a profound increase. The want and need for personal serenity and unwinding is at its peak with the hectic world we live in and are surrounded by today. Having your entire body submerged in a hot bath is one way of accomplishing a personal tranquility in the convenience of your own home.

While the time to have a relaxing, unwinding bath may not be realistic for all, the desire for shower systems will be increasingly popular for those who want a relaxing experience without the additional time of taking a bath. Soothing rain shower heads and calming body jets are going to be in popular demand.

So come visit our showroom at 5-850 Industrial Avenue in Ottawa. Our team of experienced bathroom and kitchen designers would love to take the opportunity to meet with you and discuss your kitchen and bathroom renovation project!

Jul 16
1

Bathroom Renovations Ottawa – Before and After Photos

By | Bathroom Design Tips, Bathroom Design Trends

bathroom renovations ottawa

Do you have a bathroom dating back to the 80s? As bathrooms age, not only does their age show but they can also create health hazards. As moisture damage gets behind fixtures it can develop mold in the space.

 

Bathroom Renovations Ottawa

In the new bathroom designs, installers are moving away from the laminate “stick up” shower models and leaning toward tile shower backdrops. Tile is easy to keep clean and looks very nice.

bathroom renovation ottawa

Your bathroom is a space that you use everyday. Seek a professional to complete a bathroom design that reflects your style and needs. We work with our clients to transform their space to one they love.

Bathroom Renovation Services

  • 3-D Kitchen and Bath Design
  • Detailed Cost Estimates
  • Product Selection / Sourcing
  • Project Management

Contact Kitchens & Bathrooms First to request a quote at bathroom design consultation or visit our showroom located at 5-850 Industrial Avenue in Ottawa to meet with one of our kitchen or bathroom designers.  613-749-1512