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JANUARY 2021
CONTENTS
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Natural Inspiration for the New Year Gardening: Year-round Blooms Project: New Year, New Fabrics Dream Kitchens Relaxing Bath Retreats
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On the Cover Big Bend is home to amazing National and State Parks, incredible vistas, hundreds of unique accommodations plus the West Texas towns of Marathon, Lajitas, Study Butte and Terlingua. Photo by ARFisher Photography PUBLISHER ............................Mike Harrison, Ph.D. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ........................................ Shirley Barr, Anne Breux, Sam Byrd, Barbara Canetti, Marsha Canright, Mar y Chavoustie, Natalie de la Garza, Susan Fox, Joshua Kornegay, Katricia Lang, Barbara Kuntz, Paris Permenter & John Bigley, Whitney Radley, Robin Barr Sussman CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS........................ Brad Coleman, Miro Dvorscak, Kohanowski Studio, Dragana Harris, Ben Hill, Katya Horner, Illumine Photographic Services, Joshua Kornegay, Morris Malakoff, Paula Murphy, Julie Soefer, Becca Wright EDITOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER..............Glen Cane ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ..................Gabriella Gomez PRINTING ............................................RR Donnelly
Blue Thumb Inc., dba Houston House & Home ("HH&H"), is a news magazine with emphasis on interior design and remodeling. HH&H does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does HH&H or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication. HH&H has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has not verified claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. HH&H makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products. No reproduction is permitted without the written consent of the Publisher. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. HH&H is distributed at over 400 locations throughout Houston.
P.O. Box 131845 • Houston, Texas 77219 • (713) 523-6523 • info@houseandhomeonline.com
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COLONY BUILDERS, INC. Celebrating 33 Years of Excellence • 20-Plus Years Serving Houston and Surrounding Area
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OUTSIDERS WELCOME PHOTOS BY ARFiSHeR PHOTOgRAPHY
The major point of interest in the Big Bend region is Big Bend National Park, which preserves more than 1,100 square miles of the rugged Chihuahuan Desert, the three massive canyons of the Rio Grande and the entire Chisos Mountain range. It is a land of superlatives: Big Bend National Park has more species of birds, plants, cactus, butterflies, bats and reptiles than any other US National Park. Even with these grand distinctions, Big Bend remains one of the least visited National Parks in the country so crowds and long lines are not a problem.
N
amed for a deep curve in the Rio Grande River that connects the United States and Mexico, the Big Bend region of West Texas is a land of striking beauty. The Big Bend region consists of five distinct communities including Marathon, Lajitas, Study Butte, Terlingua and the Big Bend National Park – each with their own unique West Texas flavor. Far from any major city, the Big Bend is one of the world’s last frontiers, an untouched corner of the American West. With a population density of less than one person per square mile, the Big Bend is an ideal place to rediscover the simple pleasures of silence, solitude and open space. Nearby State Parks and Preserves guarantee access to over 1,000,000 acres of Public Lands. 8
house& home | January 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
People come to the Big Bend region to participate in a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, river trips, horseback riding, mountain biking, birding, golfing, photography and even ziplining. Big Bend is also one of the most popular destinations for motorcycles anywhere in Texas with miles and miles of open roads and little traffic. But scenery is not all you will find in Big Bend; there is also a vibrant local culture. The Big Bend region has become a haven for both artists and musicians. Visitors find an eclectic collection of shops and galleries, along with a selection of restaurants, bars and hopping night spots with live music daily. For more information or to plan your next great adventure, go to: visitbigbend.com.
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281-252-0075 www.houston centralvac.com
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GARDENING
BY LindA B. gAY, HORTicuLTuRiST And gARdeneR | PHOTOS BY LindA B. gAY
Clivia miniata will flower in the winter and makes a bold statement in the landscape.
The Asiatic lily (Lilium asiatica) provides beautiful, long-lasting blooms.
BURIED TREASURES Enjoy Year Round Blooms With Bulbs, Corms, Rhizomes and Tubers
T
his is the time for planting bulbs, but what kind of bulbs should be planted? In different parts of the country the bulb varieties will change depending on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The map shows a historic average annual extreme minimum temperature for each climate zone. What this map doesn’t take into consideration is the summer heat and humidity that have an enormous effect on plant growth and vigor. A bulb is a storage tuber that, when purchased, has all the energy needed for the next season’s growth and bloom. A true bulb resembles an onion with many layers of leaf scales that hold stored food. Other bulb-like plants are corms, rhizomes and tubers. These are just different types of geophytes and are referred to as bulbous plants or miscellaneous bulbs for ease of reference. All of these swollen, underground plant parts contain the next season’s plant, including the flower. Spring flowering bulbs are planted September through December, summer flowering bulbs are planted after the last frost in the spring. Bulbs called “shared treasures” are nor-
mally divided as the plants are going dormant, with no foliage, after the bloom season. Shared treasures should be put in a container with holes for drainage and enough soil to cover the bulb and placed somewhere around the garden until you decide where to plant them. This is just a holding pattern until you see green growth sprouting from the tip of the bulb and once you know what the leaves look like you can find a permanent home in the garden. I like to use rocks or plants to protect or remind me where my treasures are when they are dormant. If you purchase bulbs or are gifted with bulbs that have dried up, you can soak them in warm water for a couple of hours to rehydrate them. I like to place them upright in the bowl with roots down for better uptake into the bulb. Below (and continued on the next page) is a wonderful list of bulblike plants to add to the garden for extra interest. Spring flowering: daffodil, narcissus, leucojum (snowflake), scilla (Roman hyacinth), Anomatheca laxa (painted petals), Louisiana iris, Dutch Iris, ipheion (starflower), tulipa clusiana and tulipa chrysantha, and Sprekelia (Aztec lily).
Joshua’s Native Plants & Garden Antiques, Inc. can be found at 502 West 18th Street, 713-862-7444, joshuasnativeplants.net. 12 house& home | January 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
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RESOURCE The Arbor Gate 281-351-8851 15635 FM 2920, Tomball arborgate.com
The lycoris aurea is a fall bloomer that is drought tolerant and deer resistant.
The Asiatic lily bulb will split after blooming, making it easy to propagate the plants or share with a friend.
Bletilla striata (Chinese ground orchid) produces small, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom year round.
A bulb basket will protect bulbs from squirrels and rodents, and also makes it easier to lift tender bulbs from the soil.
Summer flowering: oriental (fragrant), Asiatic lily (trumpet), Polianthes (tuberoses), Watsonia (bugle lily), gloriosa lily, caladium, Haemanthus (blood lily), gladiolus Byzantinus (magenta Byzantine gladiolus), hedychium (butterfly ginger), Kaempferia (peacock ginger) and Curcuma (hidden ginger). Fall flowering: Rhodophiala (schoolhouse lily) and lycoris (naked lily or hurricane lily) Winter flowering: Clivia miniata and paperwhites, which can be forced in containers for holiday gifts. Perennial bulbs keep foliage year round and do not go dormant. This group includes amaryllis, agapanthus, bletilla (ground orchid), crinum, daylilies and rain lilies. The Arbor Gate has a fantastic collection of bulbs that bloom year round. Once you start collecting and planting bulbs, you will be Anomatheca laxa (painted petals) is easy to grow and will bloom in the springtime. 14 house& home | January 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
hooked on filling your garden with new bulbs for every season. Happy hunting and happy gardening.
New Year Sale! Largest & Best Selection Since 1974
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PROJECT
Crypton fabrics by Dana Gibson for Stroheim feature lively woven patterns, fabulous for pillows and seat covers. BOTTOM LEFT: Impervious Crypton performance velvets are available in a variety of colors, including the five jewel tones shown here. Photos courtesy of Crypton
NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK Freshen Up Furniture With Technology-Infused Smart Fabrics
W
BY SAm BYRd
ith the new year come new resolutions, and one that usually gains momentum this time of year is sprucing up the house. One of the easiest ways to turn the old into new is a quick pick-me-up with upholstery. Thanks to advancements in technology, upholstery now has the strength of Superman with the delicate touch and elegance of Wonder Woman. Lines such as Crypton and Perennials Fabrics offer a variety of options for the home — anything from the sofa to pillows to patio furniture. Plus, they come with a style and enough distinguished variety to accommodate anyone's personal tastes. Thoughtful, intuitive products for home decor are the wave of the future, and the latest developments allow for both functionality and beauty in one fell swoop. Crypton’s brand of upholsteries are the equivalent of smart phones in the world of fabrics. They bring sleek pat16 house& home | January 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
terns together that can resist an accidental wine spill or the terror of pet odors and stains. Easy to clean and stylish, it's hard to go wrong with this brand. They're even used in the White House and Buckingham Palace. How's that for a stamp of approval? From bedding to dog beds and car seats, Crypton fabrics can be applied just about anywhere performance is a must. Local vendors who carry this line, or furniture that utilizes the technology, include Calico, Joann, Castle Fine Furniture, Gallery Furniture, John Brooks, Mecox, Nancy Rae Interiors, Pottery Barn and Robert Allen Duralee Group. Likewise, Perennials offers a teflon-strong performance that is still lovely, easy on the eye and soft to the touch. Born from the desire to have both style and convenience, Ann Sutherland, president and owner of Perennials Fabrics, searched for luxurious performance fabrics with design,
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Crypton Home Fabric on Ludlow sofa at Maiden Home. ABOVE RIGHT: Crypton Home Fabric on Twiggy chairs at Thayer Coggin. BOTTOM RIGHT: Crypton Home Fabric on Huntington House furnishings. Photos courtesy of Crypton
color, livability and longevity on her mind. She found the answer with a solution-dyed acrylic fiber. She works with vendors who vigilantly work the looms to ensure each yard of fabric meets the expectations the brand is known for. The fiber is spun into yarn, which then becomes the building block for the weaves that end up as beautiful, versatile designs. They're so resistant to wear and tear that they can be used outside yet still remain easy to clean and faderesistant. The trade can find the line locally at David Sutherland. Since we live in Texas, we're surrounded by perpetual summer, so the fabrics can also be used to create awnings for a shaded space over a backyard porch that require littles attention. You don't have to sacrifice great design for the aesthetic you want in your living space. Perennials Fabrics offers their own line of designs, but if customers want to work with their LEFT: Perennials and Morris & Co. present Strawberry Thief, a reversible acrylic infused with Perennials’ NanoSeal™ Finish and featuring iconic William Morris patterns. Photo courtesy of Perennials Fabrics 18 house& home | January 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
creative team, they can create their own patterns. It's hard to get a more personal touch than that. As long as one is considering recovering furniture or accessories, it's helpful to have a business that can upholster with a professional touch. Local vendors like B. de Vine, Castilian Upholstery and Hien Lam Upholstery can handle the task with grace and aplomb, while also stocking resilient fabrics. Thanks to the versatility of enriched fabrics like Crypton and Perennials Fabrics, design is virtually limitless with this new epoch of textiles.
RESOURCES CRYPTON
7026 Old Katy Road, Suite 296 nancyraeinteriors.com
Crypton crypton.com
Pottery Barn 713-627-8901 4011 Westheimer potterybarn.com
Calico 713-464-8653 9313-B Katy Freeway 713-533-9210 1845 West Alabama calicocorners.com
Robert Allen Duralee Group 713-439-0200 5120 Woodway, Suite 141 robertallendesign.com
Castle Fine Furniture 713-972-1633 3911 Fondren castlefinefurniture.com Gallery Furniture 281-810-9746 6006 North Freeway 2411 Post Oak Boulevard 7227 West Grand Parkway South, Richmond galleryfurniture.com Joann 888-739-4120 joann.com John Brooks 713-622-5271 5120 Woodway, Suite 2001 johnbrookshouston.com Mecox 713-355-2100 3912 Westheimer mecox.com Nancy Rae Interiors 713-359-8917
This tufted chair by Huntington House features Crypton Home Fabric in a soothing shade of blue. Photo courtesy of Crypton
PERENNIALS FABRICS Perennials Fabrics perennialsfabrics.com David Sutherland 713-961-7886 5120 Woodway, Suite 170 davidsutherlandshowroom.co m/showroom/houston
FABRICS AND UPHOLSTERY
Miles Talbott creates quality furniture for dealers and designers, utilizing 70 different performance fabrics by Crypton. Photo courtesy of Crypton
B. de Vine 832-717-0299 122 Vintage Park Boulevard bdevineinteriors.com Castilian Upholstery 281-862-8504 904 West 34th castilianupholstery.com Hien Lam Upholstery 713-523-3416 819 West Drew hienlamupholstery.com
New from Perennials and Morris & Co. are updated William Morris patterns, including this Bachelors Button print available in white sands, nickel, smoke, bluestone, linen and seal. Photo courtesy of Perennials Fabrics 19
Let Cabinets & Designs Incorporated design a custom kitchen that meets your family’s needs. Photo courtesy of Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry
DREAM KITCHENS Home is Where the Hearth Is By Susie Tommaney
T
he paths we took to get here — planning a new kitchen — are as unique and varied as our personal design styles. For some, flooding, fire or another type of disaster made the decision for us. Others ran the numbers between the “love it or list it” options and decided it was more economical to upgrade than move. For those embarking on new construction, the choices for customizing are enough to make the head spin, but what a wonderful problem to have. We checked in with local experts to find out what’s new in the industry, ways to personalize and maximize space, and tips and tricks for adding functionality without sacrificing design.
A FAMILY TRADITION Maria Frank, president of Cabinets & Designs Incorporated, helped more than 50 families recover from flood damage after Tropical Storm Harvey, and she counsels all new customers that cabinets are really the foundation of the kitchen. 20 house& home | January 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
“The one thing that affects everything else is the cabinets,” says Frank, who has seen people with one-of-a-kind granite countertops realize that granite breaks if it later needs to be removed. Frank suggests that high-end appliances can always be added later on, as budget permits. Cabinetry is in her blood. Her father, Dave Steffan, sold his first kitchen in 1949 and began selling the Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry line in Houston in 1966. “Over the years my dad sold many different kitchen products, and always repped more than one line, but he always repped Wood-Mode,” says Frank. The cabinets do seem to last forever. “We get people who come in, we did a new kitchen 30 years ago, and they [only] need a new hinge or a new drawer glide.” “Wood-Mode is a fully custom product,” adds Frank. “With Wood-Mode if somebody draws it they can make it.” Frank also is excited about new finishes just coming on the market, including back-painted glass doors and high pressure laminate with textured super matte or concrete looks, plus aluminum frame profiles and magnetic or resin finishes.
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Let Cabinets & Designs Incorporated help you select the features you need most, such as an insert for packaged foods, a drawer for glasses or plates that tucks into the island, or a spice rack near the stove. Photos courtesy of Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry
CUSTOMIZATION IS KING Randy Kashdan of Ace Kustoms Cabinets & Trim likes that each project is different from the last. With an emphasis on custom, this is the place to go for one-of-a-kind cabinetry. Recently he did a floor-to-ceiling, all white kitchen with white subway tile backsplash that featured glass front, illuminated display cabinets along the top level. For another homeowner Kashdan and his team installed a center island with ornately carved, heavy wooden legs that look more like European fine furniture than kitchen functionality. Modern leather chairs pull up to the island (it doubles as a table) and the cabinetry is finished out with a dark stain. Kashdan isn’t afraid to take chances, either. He recently executed a curved edge island counter that jutted out just far enough to nestle a pair of rustic backless stools underneath. That client went for a deep chocolate finish on the cabinetry, a nice foil to the large ivory tile flooring. Ace Kustoms’ top carpenter has more than 24 years in the industry, so whether you’re going for classic or traditional, Shaker or ranch, modern or industrial, if you want it to be unique then there is a built-in solution that can make those dreams come true. Photos courtesy of Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry 22 house& home | January 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
THE FINAL TOUCH We consider sinks, faucets, drains and accessories the finishing touch to any kitchen design. Make the right selection and it can instantly become the focal point of any room. Sulema Alanis of Brasswerks Specialty Sink Store carries a large selection of glass vessel sinks, but don’t for a minute think the choices end there. Farmhouse (apron) sinks aren’t for everybody, but those who select this style enjoy a large and functional workspace. In addition to the more traditional porcelain, these products also come in nickel-plated and copper finishes that are known to carry antibacterial properties. For a sophisticated, modern look, consider a granite composite sink that blends pure quartz with a high-grade acrylic binder, or stainless steel, which is both durable and stylish. Faucets come in a variety of styles and finishes, including brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze with convenient pull-down spouts. For the ultimate in modern design, though, check out Brasswerks’ LED multi-color faucet that seems to spray colored water from its spout. It’s truly magical and, best of all, no battery is required.
THE PROFESSIONAL’S CHOICE Direct wholesale distributor ASIA Cabinetry Inc. won’t sell to homeowners, but you’ll find their products in new construction and remodeling projects all over the Houston area, as well as at local cabinet retailers. General Manager Jian Ho recently held an open house for their newly expanded showroom, making it even easier for contractors and builders to view the options in person. Builders will find more than a dozen traditional wood styles (including shaker, cherry, pecan and antique white), and a wide variety of modern European (frameless) styles as well. They’ve also just added the new GoldenHome line, a modern European style of frameless cabinetry. From scratch-resistant lacquer to water and fire resistant laminate, it’s easy to see why this product has become the industry standard in China and is committed to becoming a presence here by creating central warehouses in North America. Local contractors on deadline love ASIA Cabinetry, too, because they know they can pick up cabinets from the warehouse on the same day they’re ordered.
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HOME ON THE RANGE By Barbara Canetti
O
ne way to achieve a new look in an old kitchen is to change the range hood, which is the vent over the stove that helps eliminate grease, odor, heat, gas, steam and smoke while cooking. Bob Mathes, owner of The Lonestar Range Hood Company, notes that an updated, decorative vent can also become a focal point. “Design trends concerning color, material and outer accents are constantly changing and are almost always going to vary with the client’s individual style,” says Mathes. “Recently, we have been seeing lots of brass, zinc and powder coats — which is always a winner because of the ability to match the color to another feature in your kitchen, such as cabinets, tile or hardware.”
Brasswerks Specialty Sink Store carries this nickel-plated farmhouse sink. Photo courtesy of Brasswerks
The range hood can be constructed of nearly any material — copper, brass, zinc, wood, stone or plaster — but the liner or insert will most always be of stainless steel for performance integrity. Although many over-the-stove microwave ovens also have a vent, unless they are vented out they will just recirculate air back into the kitchen. Mathes suggests considering the overall design of the room and the feel of the space to determine the shape of the hood, which can be fabricated in various shapes: slant, sloped, curved, waterfall, bell or boxes. “No range hood will be a one size fits all situation, even stock or prefabricated models will be sold according to dimensions and specs required for the job,” he says. “Many times customers will purchase a stock range hood suitable for their job but will need to have a custom duct cover fabricated to conceal the additional ducting up to the ceiling,” he says. The folks at Lonestar don’t just do range hoods. They also can handle custom countertops and backsplashes, install copper or butcher block countertops, apply decorative metal applications, and carry custom sinks. But they do know their range hoods, and have a few pro care tips. A range hood and motor can last for decades, if properly cleaned and cared for. The removable filters are dishwasher safe and should be kept clean to preserve the performance and lifespan of the blower motor. Light bulbs will need to be changed as they burn out but, with periodic care and cleaning, the materials and finishes should last until you decide to update or upgrade again.
Bay Area Kitchens used white Cambria Brittanicca™ engineered quartz, finishing the counter with a live edge in natural solid walnut by Grothouse™. Photo by Benjamin Hill Photography 24 house& home | January 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
Bay Area Kitchens
OPEN Monday thru Friday 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. | Saturday 10-6 | Sunday 12-6
Antiques, Collectibles & more:
• Coins/Paper Currency • Furniture from Different Eras/Countries • Jewelry/Clocks • Artwork/Oriental Rugs • Vintage Clothing/Hats
• Books/Toys • Dishware/China/Silver/Crystal • Fishing/Tackle • Lighting/Decorative Accessories • Military/Metal Signs
In the Northwest Mall Complex | 9950 Hempstead Rd. | 713.688.4211
New showroom displays featuring the latest trends & technology (281) 338-2737 • www.BayAreaKitchens.com 17306 Hwy 3 @ Medical Center Blvd. - Webster Design through Completion Since 1983 • Appointments Recommended
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Covet this warm and welcoming Cape Cod design by Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry. Houston-based Cabinets & Designs Incorporated can help you get the look for your own bathroom retreat. Photo courtesy of Wood-Mode.
A RELAXING IN-HOME SPA Clean Up, Chill Out and Recharge With the Newest in Bathroom Design
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By Susie Tommaney and Natalie de la Garza
he bathrooms of tomorrow will incorporate high-tech gadgets, taking advantage of smart technology and digital innovations for soaker tubs, next-gen toilets and faucets. These features are already showing up in the newer hotels and designers are adopting these concepts for the home. Bathtubs are being made with chromatherapy functions, those colored LEDs that help set a mood. Relax with turquoise and purple, find balance with green, and stimulate creativity with yellow and orange. Other soakers maintain water at a uniform temperature or come with variable pressure air jets that are controlled electronically; both are available in alcove baths and freestanding tubs. Kohler’s Numi Intelligent Toilet isn’t cheap, but with a motionactivated and heated seat, advanced bidet function, dryer, deodorizer, music and foot-warmer, it’s easy to see why. The Brondell Swash 1000 will probably take hold in Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions first, with its separate tank of warmed water for washing nether parts and featuring an oscillating massage. The TOTO Neorest 550 26 house& home | January 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
and the Duravit Starck 3 SensoWash Shower Toilet both come with nightlights while other manufacturers are counting on lifestyle changes. The colorful Neo-Metro miniLoo Toilet works in small spaces and the Sun-Mar Compact Composting Toilet converts waste to fertilizer for soil. In fact, bathrooms are becoming fully automated. Motion-activated lights, digital faucets with a sensor, a news feed in the shower and smart mirrors and windows are just a few of the ways that residential bathrooms are mirroring those found in commercial applications. Bluetooth seems to be the choice of most when it comes to connectivity, followed by Wi-Fi and 3G. But one design mainstay that will never go out of style is luxury, that five-star hotel feeling that helps you get ready in the morning and also sends you off for a good night’s sleep at the end of the day. It’s certainly easier to build luxurious features into new construction but, with the right contractor and designer, even existing bathrooms can be transformed into a relaxing spa environment.
Tired of your old bathroom but don’t want to break the bank? Bath Fitter’s premium quality acrylic tubs and walls fit right over the existing tub in as little as one day. This is the after picture; see the difference with the before picture below. Photos courtesy of Bath Fitter.
CABINETRY Cabinetry serves as the foundation for any project and needs to be both functional and beautiful. There are a variety of options available, including European-style frameless cabinetry, traditional styles, and pieces that resemble high-end furniture. Contractors and builders will have their own trusted sources, like ASIA Cabinetry, a direct wholesaler that stocks a large inventory locally and can offer same day pick-up. Homeowners refitting an existing bathroom might discover that nothing prefabricated will work once the dimensions for new components are factored in. In those instances a custom fabricator might be the best choice. Ace Kustoms Cabinets & Trim can create a personalized storage solution that’s perfect for any space, adding in custom trim and elegant molding for a finished look. Another way to furnish even the most challenging of spaces is with Wood-Mode, a custom line that turns cabinets into functional art. Here you’ll find floating vanities, tub surrounds and linen cabinets in a variety of finishes, including hammered stainless steel, antique mirrors and leather drawer inserts. Whether you’re going for European Colonial influences (think shell details, rattan and exotic island motifs), the soft colors of a Cape Cod Bath, or the sophisticated look of stained and quartered ribbon mahogany in its Park Avenue & Murray Hill Vanity, Wood-Mode has a design for
everybody and every taste. Cabinets & Designs Incorporated is a family-owned business that has been selling the Wood-Mode line in Houston since 1966. President Maria Frank says she “drank the Wood-Mode Kool-Aid” and, not only is she a firm believer in the quality of the product, she’s looking forward to the new features coming on the market in early 2019, including more colors, new aluminum frame profiles and painted glass doors.
SHOWERS AND TUBS The age-old debate of shower versus bath isn’t going to be resolved anytime soon and many homeowners select both. Shower doors and enclosures now come with new features designed to make cleaning a snap, like deSola Glass’s ShowerGuard™ protection, a high energy, ion-beam technology, as well as their ClearShield glass coating. Whether you select a framed or frameless door, deSola Glass now carries all sorts of artistic and etched finishes to complete the look. Everybody’s on a different budget and some are turning to companies like Bath Fitter for an affordable yet attractive alternative. Don’t want to pay to have the existing tub removed? No problem. Bath Fitter’s premium quality acrylic tubs and walls fit right over the existing tub in as little as one day. But this isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. Options include designer finishes like wainscoting, trim 27
because their system avoids tearing out the plumbing, floors and sheetrock. If safety is a concern, they also can convert tubs to showers and install safety mats and anti slip surfaces.
GLASS
Photo courtesy of Bath Fitter and molding, and functional accessories such as soap dishes and shower rods. If aging in place is important or you’re making space for an elderly relative, Bath Fitter has products that incorporate grab bars and shower seats, or, when those tub days are over, they can even convert a bathtub to an easy access shower. Visit their website and get lost exploring all the possible configurations with their fun and interactive design tool, and have confidence knowing that Bath Fitter has already installed two million units and will back their lifetime warranty for as long as you own your home. We understand Shower Designers’ ambitious mission of replacing shower curtains in every bathroom in America, and one look at their glass products and you’ll see why it makes sense. Say goodbye to the children’s splash zone with their practical tub doors or embrace the sophistication that comes with enclosing a shower with a sliding door system or swinging doors. A tub is a tub, right? Not when it comes to Marathon Spa & Bath. They offer soaker, whirlpool, air or combination features in a variety of sizes and configurations, including corner installs with oval, square and polygonal reservoirs. Kick it up a notch and invest in a portable or in-ground spa that can seat anywhere from three to ten persons, which sounds like just what the doctor ordered on those cold winter days. Marathon also carries both indoor and outdoor Finlandia saunas, available in a variety of woods and perfect for soothing and relaxing tired muscles. Sometimes the bathtub works perfectly fine, but you just can’t get past that ding or those stains that seem to build up over time. The tub could just need a facelift. Gallaway Porcelain Works / Texas Tubs can step in to save the day, as can craftsman Wesley McDougle. These refurbishers can repair and restore porcelain bathtubs, sinks and tile, cleaning and polishing them until they look like the day they were first installed. Tubs and Tops takes it a step further, refinishing bathtubs, sinks, ceramic tile, fiberglass shower stalls and even laminate counter tops into like-new condition. For them it’s a numbers game, estimating that they can save as much as 70 percent off a remodel project 28 house& home | January 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
Windows in a bathroom can be both friend and foe. Everybody wants the natural light that comes pouring in, but nobody wants neighbor Mrs. Kravitz spying on you in this most intimate of settings. One creative solution is to incorporate stained or beveled glass in the windows. February’s Glass & Door Designers can create a personalized design that’s both unique and functional. Depending on the intricacy of the design, owner Paula McClung and her team can turn around a window in as little as a week, using colored glass that has been tinted with minerals and metals. Don’t overlook glass blocks as another solution for privacy. Ken Bowman of Houston Glass Block labels it the ultimate in custom, finding the product in many high-end homes. Most homeowners are familiar with the traditional stack bond pattern, in which glass bricks are stacked to create perfectly uniform horizontal and vertical lines. While still a timeless choice, for the more adventurous Bowman suggests the running bond or brick bond pattern, which utilizes half bricks on the edges so that the mortar joints are staggered. Bowman says it’s an option that wasn’t available until recently. In addition to privacy and visual appeal, glass block also can help with security. “Burglars have figured out that bathroom windows don’t have an alarm on them, so we replace quite a few bathroom windows after burglars have broken in,” says Bowman. “I’ve been doing this 15 years, and I’ve never heard of somebody breaking in through a glass block window.” Installing glass blocks is best left to the pros, however, who will understand the need for wall anchors, reinforcing wire and the right type of mortar for structural integrity. Windows can be installed at any time and trimmed with Corian or ceramic tile, while shower surrounds are best left as the last step, so as not to be in the way of painters, plumbers and electricians. Bowman says that glass block just makes people happy and, with so much time spent in one room, finding a way to love your bathroom is a great way to start the day.
FLOORING Deciding on a floor is sometimes an afterthought, but it shouldn’t be. As much care should be spent on the type and color of the flooring as is spent on cabinet selection. The floor experts at EZ Floors Inc. can guide homeowners in the merits of porcelain versus ceramic, the benefits of tile and stone, and how best to care for and maintain these long-lasting flooring materials. For the budget-conscious, they also carry a moisture-resistant luxury vinyl that mimics wood and tile and is resilient. Don’t overlook the puddle-factor. Pet Floors of Texas has a longstanding reputation of installing pet-friendly flooring that is durable,
scratch-resistant and completely water- and puddle-proof. But doesn’t that sound like an ideal product for the bathroom? Much is asked of this hygienic flooring, which over-delivers on its promise and comes with a lifetime warranty. It also is warmer to the touch than hardwoods and is more quiet underfoot. Any wet area has the potential for danger and thankfully there is technology that can help minimize that risk in the home. One such provider is Not Slippery When Wet LLC, a company that uses a chemical process on existing floors to make them slip resistant. It’s effective enough to be used for commercial and institutional applications, giving any residential user peace of mind. Not Slippery When Wet warns that any tile or natural stone floor can become hazardous when wet, and they have safety solutions for bathtubs, showers and bathroom floors, as well as other areas like the entry hall, poolside or back patio. Best of all their invisible slip-resistant floor treatment leaves little or no change to the look and feel of surfaces, which means you can continue to enjoy the flooring you spent so much time selecting.
SINKS AND HARDWARE Don’t leave the house without your accessories and don’t consider a bathroom done without the sinks, faucets and drains. For something stylish, modern and uniquely personal, we turn to Brasswerks Specialty Sink Store for the powder or bathroom. Copper, nickelplated, porcelain, glass, stone and traditional sinks are available in all shapes and sizes, including under mount, vessel, drop-in and countertop. For a bolder, more natural look, be sure to look at the rectangular, low wave sinks in quartz or white and black granite. This is one area where your contractor won’t mind handing over the reins, so stop by Brasswerks’ showroom to select from the hundreds of options to find that finishing touch for your bath or powder room.
you’re comparing apples to apples, and recognize the people who listen to your wants and needs and who also make suggestions for products that are a better or longer-lasting fit. It’s not a decision that should be made lightly, but ending up with a new bathroom will pay untold dividends for years to come. Close your eyes and imagine hanging a plush, fluffy robe in a sparkling new bathroom. The feeling you’ll get relaxing in a deep soaker tub or enjoying the invigorating steam of a hot shower. What it feels like to get ready to face the day in a room that feels more like a spa than just a necessity. Start here.
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LEAVE IT TO THE PROS Perhaps no areas of the house have more moving parts than the bathroom and kitchen, with the necessary integration of electrical and plumbing. A good contractor can lead you through the design stage, drawing up plans and making sure the concept fits your family’s needs in terms of function, budget and style. Whether you hire an interior designer, or your builder relies on someone with whom they work regularly, it’s important that your bathroom project have somewhat broad appeal. It’s great if you absolutely and positively love turquoise, but how will that hold up when it comes time to sell? A professional can suggest elegant finishes that are timeless, and you can always get that pop of color with turquoise towels. Homeowners will be surprised at the range of price points quoted for a new or remodeled bathroom. Get three bids and, in the process, you’ll gain a better understanding about each potential company. The lowest price isn’t always the best price, make sure 29
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