2019 Pantone Color of the Year

The interiors and fashion worlds wait expectantly every year for Pantone’s color announcement. Pantone announced their 2019 Color of the Year as Living Coral. This color embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment.

Described as vibrant yet mellow, Living Coral communicates warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment. The engaging nature of the color welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity and embodies our desire for playful expression. It is also a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and displays a lively presence within social media.

 “Color is an equalizing lens through which we experience our natural and digital realities and this is particularly true for Living Coral. With consumers craving human interaction and social connection, the humanizing and heartening qualities displayed by the convivial Pantone Living Coral hit a responsive chord.” – Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

I’ve always wondered who gets the interesting job of choosing names for paint colors and who actually has the authority to choose the Color of the Year for the world. The entire world of fashion, automobiles and interiors takes their cue from this company. They don’t take their job lightly. The color of the year is a symbolic color selection; a color snapshot of what we see taking place in our global culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude. Thousands of hours of research and filtering are done to determine what the color of the year will be. Pantone has been the world's color authority for nearly 50 years, providing design professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. They are the provider of professional color standards for the design industries. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone also offers paint and designer-inspired products and services for consumers.

What do you think of this color selection? Do you already have some of this shade in your home or closet? If not, will you try to incorporate it somehow? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Send me an email at jessica@webbercoleman.com.

Accessible Bathrooms

One topic we frequently discuss with clients remodeling their bathroom revolves around the issue of accessibility. It is no secret that we are all getting older. What things can we include or measures we can take to ensure that our bathing experience is accident free and easy to use? Regardless of our age, we all need to think about this. What if you broke your foot? Would your current tub or shower be able to be used? Do you have a bad back or just hate bending over? Do you have small children or dogs that you wash in your bathroom? What items do you need to think about?

1.      Additional shower heads or a hand held sprayer. We almost always add a separate handheld sprayer on an adjustable grab bar to the shower space. Normally positioned near the bench, someone can use it when they are sitting on the bench. This sprayer also comes in handy when cleaning the shower.

2.      A bench-this can be a straight or corner bench or a wall mounted fold down bench. This is always a great addition. At the very least, a small foot prop for shaving your legs or cleaning your feet is a great addition.

3.      Zero threshold showers-Have you ever stumbled into your shower late at night or early in the morning? It can be dangerous if you don’t pick up your feet enough to step over the curb. No raised curb on the shower will allow you to easily step into the shower or, if need be, roll a wheelchair or walker into the space.  It also makes cleaning the shower easier.

4.      Grab bars-I know, these guys get a bad rap. But they are helpful and manufacturers have wizened up and made them more attractive. They really are a great addition, regardless of your age.

Have you made any changes to your bathroom that are helpful? Have any questions? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

International Woodworking Fair

The International Woodworking Fair was recently held in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center. This event draws attendees and manufacturers from around the world. There are networking opportunities, continuing education classes and the trade show floor. We always make a point to attend this trade show. It is a great opportunity to learn about new products, hardware, finishes and equipment. A couple of things that caught my eye this year were:

1.      Electronic locks for cabinets-keypad or finger activated, this is a great option for securing valuables or important papers

2.      Hardware-great looking new styles and finishes. So many options!

3.      Finishes-technology has brought wood finishing a long way and there are a lot of paint and stain options now.

4.      Feet-Osborne Wood Products has some great new acrylic and metal feet options. I can’t wait to use these on some upcoming projects.

These were the items that stood out to me but there was sooooo much to look at and see. It can be overwhelming but we’ve learned what we need to see over the years of attending this trade show and the best way to take it all in. Can’t wait for the show in 2020! Have any questions? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Kohler Factory Fire

On January 24, 2018, a fire broke out in the cast iron foundry at Kohler Company. Seven fire departments responded to the fire and all the employees were safely evacuated. Kohler is a manufacturer of kitchen and bath plumbing faucets, tubs, sinks and toilets, tile, small engines and generators. This fire has disrupted the plumbing world and caused major backorders and long lead times in order to get cast iron sinks and tubs. One of Kohler’s most popular items is their Whitehaven apron front sink. We use these sinks in about every 1 out of 3 kitchens. If you want to use this sink, it is important that you go ahead and get the sink in hand before proceeding with your project because their backorder situation is so unreliable right now.

Speaking from personal experience, business fires are always devastating and costly. While it is frustrating to not be able to get a sink for 3 months, I know that the company is working as hard and fast as they can to get the factory up and running and make their clients happy. Just a heads up if you are wanting to use a Kohler product, plan ahead and be willing to wait for the product that really works best for you. Kohler, we are rooting for you to get your factory back up and running! Have any questions? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Sub-Zero & Wolf

 I recently had the opportunity to visit the Sub-Zero & Wolf factories and headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin with a group of designers from the Southeast and wanted to share my experience about what I learned and saw with you. First, who is Sub-Zero & Wolf? They are a family owned, American company that designs and manufactures luxury cooking and refrigeration appliances. Westye Bakke founded the company in 1945 and invented the technology to store foods at below freezing temperatures. That’s where their refrigeration company gets the name, Sub-Zero. They are known throughout the industry for their innovation and quality. It is not unusual to find a 20 year old refrigerator still running well in kitchens around the world. It’s difficult to get most refrigerators to last 5 years these days let alone 20 years! They then added the Wolf brand to the company with cooking appliances and have just launched their dishwasher brand, Cove.

During my visit to the factory, we got to see first hand the production of cooktops, ranges and refrigerators. The factory floor was so clean and organized. Their turnover rate of employees is very low and they have many second generation employees working there. That’s a testament to the excellent work environment and benefits that the company provides. We also visited the testing and research and development departments. It was incredible to see the very in depth testing and quality checks that each appliance goes through to ensure that a quality product is shipped to each client.

We also had the opportunity to cook on all of the appliances in their fully functional on site kitchen. That was great fun! It was nice to have hands on experience with each of the appliances to fully see how they work and what some of the best applications are. We learned in depth about induction cooking and steam ovens.

It was great connecting with other designers but also learning about these great appliances and all the options they offer for our clients and different applications. Oh, and they had lots of great food for us to enjoy! Have any questions? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Polished Nickel vs. Polished Chrome

One question that often comes up when selecting plumbing fixtures, cabinet hardware or light fixtures is should we use a polished chrome finish or a polished nickel finish? Today we will explore the differences and when you should choose one over the other.

Polished chrome is generally less expensive than polished nickel. It used to be easier to find, but today most things are also available in polished nickel. Polished chrome has more of a grey, cool undertone while polished nickel has more of a gold, warm undertone.  Generally when using cool grey paint colors and white Carrera marble, you would want to use a polished chrome finish. If you are using warmer cream toned paint and Calcutta gold marble, polished nickel would work better.

Do you need to match every finish in a space? That’s a big question for another day, but no, your cabinet hardware, faucets and light fixtures don’t all have to match. You can easily combine a polished chrome faucet with brushed nickel hardware or polished nickel with other oil rubbed bronze accents. I love the look of a bright and shiny faucet. There’s something just so clean and fresh about it.

So before you select polished nickel over polished chrome, take a moment to evaluate the other colors and finishes in the space. You may find that polished chrome works best…and you can save a couple of bucks. Questions? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com. I’m always happy to answer questions or give you further information.

Tiny Houses

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Tiny House Competition in Sacramento, California sponsored by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. It was an amazing experience and the creativity displayed by all of the teams was mind boggling and inspiring.

"The Tiny House Competition – Build Small and Win Big" is a new competition in the Sacramento region, challenging collegiate teams to design and build net-zero, tiny solar houses.

The event was open to all colleges and universities in California. Participation promoted an interest in energy conservation, energy efficiency and green building and solar technologies.

This event was modeled after the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon. An educator or other school administrator mentored each team. During the two years leading up to the event, students designed and built energy-efficient houses. A stipend between $3,000 - $8,000 was  provided or students had to get donations from local businesses.

During the competition, students exhibited their houses to the public, judges and the media. The categories of the competition included architectural design, livability, communication, affordability, energy efficiency and balance, appliance load, technology/electrical and mechanical systems, transportation, sustainability and documentation. Teams were awarded trophies and monetary prizes.

There were food trucks, games and other booths to enjoy during the beautiful fall day. The lines of people to get in to tour each tiny house was very long, showing the amount of interest in this subject. If you get the chance to attend an event like this, I highly recommend it. Questions? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Bar Stool Finds

A frequent question I am asked is "Where can I buy bar stools?" Below is a list of places where I have found great stools. Note: when looking for stools, make sure you are ordering the correct height. If your island top is 36" tall, you will need counter stools. If your bar top is 42" tall, you will need bar stools. Make sure you order the right ones! Also, allow about a 2' wide space for each stool. So if your island is 6' long, I would order 3 stools. If your island is 7' long, I would still order 3 stools.  You might be able to squeeze one more stool in a 7' island, depending on the size of the stool, but better to have to order one more than have too many.

-Pottery Barn

-West Elm

-CB2

-Restoration Hardware

-Rejuvenation

-Williams Sonoma Home

-World Market

-Pier 1

-TJ Maxx

-Crate & Barrel

-Ballard Designs

-Houzz

There are many options to consider when choosing a stool. Do you want a back, should it swivel, do you want a single base or 4 legs? All important considerations to take into account depending on your family age, lifestyle and space available. These are the most common places I purchase bar stools from. Do you have another great source? I'd love to hear about it! Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Holiday Projects

            School has started, football season is near, the weather is teasing us with glimpses of fall temperatures and, yes, it is time to start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Only seventeen weeks left till Christmas. Yes, I really did just say that. It may seem like a long time away, but we all know that it will be here before we know it and probably before we are ready.

I am not one to rush thru the days in anticipation of the next one, but I am for planning and organizing so I can enjoy every day. Ready or not, the holidays are upon us. As this realization hits, we start to make a mental or written list of all the things we need and want to do before the holidays are actually here. Maybe you just found out that your home will be the location of this year’s Thanksgiving or Christmas celebration and your broken oven just won’t cut it for baking those cookies.  Do you want a new kitchen or bathroom before Thanksgiving? Maybe you can’t redo the entire room but want to make some small changes. Or maybe you just want to finally get the dining room repainted or new carpet in your bedroom. Now is the time to start thinking about it and making plans. If you begin now, you will have plenty of time to get your project done before Thanksgiving hits and then you can enjoy your new space all throughout the Christmas season. It’s no secret that contractors are busy these days. (And if they aren’t, is there a reason for that…?) Even more of a reason to start now in order to get something done before the holidays. First question to ask your contractor is “Can you complete this before Thanksgiving/Christmas?” If they can’t, no sense stressing about it. Don’t be surprised if they are already booked for the rest of the year.  Just get on their calendar for January or February.

Before you start to panic and hyperventilate, take a deep breath and let’s take a realistic look at the calendar. Depending on the amount and magnitude of work that you want to do in your kitchen or bathroom, you can expect a remodel to take anywhere from three to six weeks from demo to final cleanup. If you start your planning and decision making now, you can realistically have a new kitchen or bathroom by Thanksgiving. Consult with the professionals who will be completing this work for you and they will be able to give you a better idea of the time needed to complete your project. Whatever you do, DO NOT plan to wrap up your remodeling project the day before company is expected to arrive. Something might be backordered or take longer than expected and then you will really be up a creek without a paddle or eating your Christmas dinner at Waffle House. The holidays are hectic enough without adding that little bit of stress.

As you consider who will be doing the work for you, make sure they have a good reputation, are doing what they say and completing projects in a timely manner. Check their references and don’t let the bottom line make the decision for you. Sometimes there is a reason one person is less expensive than another. The holidays are not a time to risk having issues with a contractor. Make sure you clearly communicate your deadline to the contractors you work with to ensure an on-time project. That way there will be no surprises and everyone is on the same page.

We all know the holidays can be a stressful time. There are parties to attend or host, food to be prepared, gifts to be wrapped and memories to be made with your family and friends. Endeavor to enjoy this season and all of its wonderful food, people and events by planning ahead. Take time to slow down and remember that this is the most wonderful time of the year.

Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com and let me know if you have any questions regarding holiday projects.

Product Review: Touch Faucets

One of my favorite new inventions in the kitchen and bath industry are touch faucets. Most every faucet manufacturer makes a faucet like this these days. Made for both the kitchen and bathroom, you don’t have to give up style for function. Typically they work by turning the handle to on and then tapping it on the spout or body for it to come on and then tapping it again for it to turn off. The water temperature is controlled by the on off handle so set your temperature before you need the water.

The touch function is great when you are cooking and have raw meat juice on your hands or hands covered in dough. Simply tap the faucet with your clean forearm and everything stays nice and clean.  Once you have the opportunity to use a touch faucet, you will not want to go back!

Touch faucets are powered by batteries or being plugged into an outlet. Battery operated units last for over 2-5 years depending on the battery your use. The original touch faucets could be glitchy, but most every one we install today doesn’t have any problems. Touch faucets cost slightly more than a regular faucet, but are well worth it in my opinion.

Do you have a touch faucet? What has your experience been? I’d love to hear.  Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Gas vs Induction

One of the fastest rising technologies in kitchens today are induction cooktops. There are pros and cons to each type of cooking surface and today we will explore those together.

Style: A gas cooktop can look very professional or it can be more streamlined for a cleaner look. Induction cooktops are a smooth glass top that are very clean and modern in appearance.

Cleaning: An induction cooktop is much easier to clean as it is a smooth piece of glass vs the gas cooktop that is a stainless basin with steel metal grates set on top of it.

Heat Precision:  Gas cooktops have progressed well over the years in their ability to precisely control heat. Both gas and induction do this well.

Safety: Since induction generates heat in the pot and not on the surface of the unit, the residual heat on the surface once a pot is removed is minimal. The steel grate on a gas cooktop can stay hot for a while after cooking has ended.  Also, a gas cooktop has an open flame while an induction cooktop generates heat via a magnetic induction. Induction cooktops have a safety lock feature preventing them from being accidentally turned on.

Do you have a preference in cooking surfaces? Are you deciding between the 2? I would highly suggest visiting a showroom that has both, preferably live and working, that you can evaluate side by side. Questions? Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Shower Benches

If you are having your shower remodeled or considering building a new house, one question you need to answer is “Do I need a bench in my shower?” There are several different types of benches you could have in a shower, but why do you need a bench? A bench is helpful if you need to shave your legs, wash your feet, just need to sit down or have a broken foot and aren’t able to stand in the shower for much time.  Below are a couple of options to consider.

1 .Built in bench-whether this stretches wall to wall in your shower or is a triangular corner bench, this permanent structure is often tiled to match the rest of your shower. You have great flexibility over the size of this bench and it is very sturdy. It can be a collecting point for shampoo bottles so make sure you also have a built in niche to wrangle those items.

2. Fold Down Bench-often times made out of teak wood, this bench is mounted to the wall with metal brackets and can fold up against the wall and out of the way. This is especially great if you don’t have much space to work with. Typically these benches can hold 220 pounds. They can be a great aesthetic addition to your space.

3.  Freestanding Bench- a moveable piece of furniture this can be made out of plastic or teak and can be moved around the shower and taken in and out of the space giving you the most flexibility.

4. Foot prop-maybe you don’t have space or need for a full blown bench, but would like a small shelf to prop your foot on to clean or shave your legs. Small corner shelves can be mounted down low, approx.. 14-18” off of the floor and are perfect for that need.

What have you found to be the best solution for your space? Do you have any other ideas for benches? I’d love to hear.  Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Quartz Countertops FAQ’s

Quartz countertops continue to enjoy a rise in popularity and manufacturers keep coming up with more and more beautiful options. Below are some questions I am frequently asked.

1.      Can I set hot pots or pans directly on the countertop? While the manufacturers do not recommend setting hot things directly on the countertop, many homeowners have without incident.

2.      Is it stain resistant? Yes, most manufacturers claim their products are stain resistant and are easily cleaned with a mild cleaner like 409. Do not use abrasive products or pads on the countertop.

3.      Can I cut directly on the countertop? Manufacturers suggest using a cutting board, but again, many end users have cut directly on it without any trouble.

4.      Will it chip? There are conflicting comments out there about this. Some people have reported chips on the edges or sink areas. If this happens to you, check your warranty.

All in all, quartz countertops are fantastic and I would not hesitate to use them anywhere. Do you have quartz tops in your kitchen or bath? Have you experienced any of the above issues? I’d love to hear. Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Garbage Disposal Air Switch

Do you have a garbage disposal on your kitchen sink? Do you turn it on with a switch in the wall or in the cabinet underneath your kitchen sink? A counter mounted air switch is a great alternative.  What exactly is an air switch?

Made by InSinkErator, the sink top air switch is a convenient alternative to a wall switch. Ideal for island installations where you don’t have a wall nearby, this switch is air-activated and easily mounts to the counter top or cabinet face. Just press the switch and a blast of air travels to the module below to turn on the disposal. Press it again and it stops. The SinkTop Switch can be used with any disposal. Not only is this an ideal use for islands, it also attractive and a great way to get a switch out of your tile backsplash.

Keep this great accessory in mind. It can be added to your existing countertop at any time. Questions? Contact me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Sheen vs. Gloss

A common decision in kitchen and bath projects is what sheen paint to use. Whether that be on the cabinets, the walls, ceiling or trim, sheen or gloss can make a difference. What exactly is sheen and gloss and how do you need to use them?

Gloss and sheen are 2 aspects of the same thing: the amount of light reflected off a painted surface, independent of its color. Gloss is measured in units from 0 (no gloss) to 100 (mirror like) by reflecting the light onto the surface at a 60 degree angle. Sheen is measured using the same units but by reflecting the light onto the surface at an 85 degree angle.

Most paint companies will list a numerical measurement for the amount of gloss and/or sheen contained in the can. The higher the numbers, the glossier the finish. Paint falls into 4 basic categories:

1.      Flat or Matte-no to very low reflection

2.      Eggshell, Low-Gloss, Low-Sheen, Satin, Velvet-low to medium reflection

3.      Semi-Gloss, Pearl, Medium Luster-medium to moderate reflection

4.      Gloss or High-Gloss-high reflection

In many ways, the gloss and sheen can be just as important as the color itself. Using paints with different gloss and sheen values can create subtle shifts in color and depth perception. It used to be that gloss was the most durable finish. But changes in technology of paint means you can use any sheen or gloss and have just as good a performing paint. Questions? Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Coverings Show

There are three main events worldwide each year dedicated to the ceramic tile and natural stone industry. Cersaie, Cevisama and Coverings.

In Italy, Cersaie, held in Bologna, Italy, is the 36 year old major Italian trade fair for ceramic tile and natural stone. In Spain, Cevisama, held in Valencia Spain, is the 36 year old Spanish ceramic tile industry’s major annual trade fair. And in the United States, Coverings, held in rotating locations, is the nearly 30 year old preeminent event for the tile and natural stone industry in North America. These 3 events showcase the latest and most cutting edge designs, materials, colors, installation techniques and tile and stone equipment.

This year Coverings was held in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2017, I was selected as one of their Rock Stars. The Coverings Rock Stars – an Emerging Leaders Program – honors the best and brightest young talent in the tile & stone industry. Since its conception, the program has recognized dozens of young leaders who have connected at Coverings through mentorship and networking opportunities. The program underscores Coverings mission to support the growth and success of the industry by recognizing top-notch talent and fostering networking and educational opportunities. It is a great honor and experience last year in Orlando, Florida. This year I was invited back for the induction of the 2018 class of Rock Stars. It is so encouraging and inspirational to see the rising leaders in the industry and make new connections.

But back to the actual Coverings show…It was held at the Georgia World Congress Center and featured over 9 miles of the latest products, trends and tools from over 1,100 of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers. There is a strong presence from North America, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Brazil businesses. There are also continuing education seminars and the great opportunity to make connections with new businesses and say hello to your current network.

This year I noticed several trends I wanted to share with you. First was the large display of plank tiles. In varying sizes and colors, this wood plank trend is not going anywhere! There is also a lot of large format tile-48”x48” specifically but even larger as well. Texture, texture, texture-that is the name of the game.  Tiles just screaming for you to reach out and touch them. I also saw a lot of small 3D tiles. And plenty of angular, linear shapes and designs. I love tile and natural stone and the endless possibilities and can’t wait to use some of the products I saw in some upcoming projects. Questions? Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Ice Cooking

My mouth dropped open when I read about this newest form of cooking the other day and I just had to share it with you. We’ve had a lot of great new appliance introductions to the industry in the last few years such as induction cooking and steam ovens. Recently Miele announced their newest oven: the Dialog Oven. It looks like the traditional oven complete with a touch screen, however, it is much different.

At a recent trade show in Berlin, the Miele team demonstrated exactly how the Dialog Oven worked by cooking a piece of raw cod fish in a surprising way: inside of a block of ice. The chef showed the raw fish sitting inside the ice, which was then covered with a top and placed in the oven for nine minutes. After that time, they took out the perfectly intact ice, removed the top and revealed a steaming hot, thoroughly cooked fish fillet. While not many of us will find ourselves cooking with ice, here’s another example of what the oven can do.

Take a traditional German meal of veal, vegetables and potatoes. Instead of preparing each of these components separately and cooking them at different times or temperatures like in a conventional oven, all of the elements were placed inside of the Dialog Oven at the same time. After 30 minutes, the chef removed the dish to reveal that the veal was evenly cooked through and the vegetables and potatoes were cooked just enough and not overdone.

This method of cooking is possible with electromagnetic waves. The Dialog Oven features a modular unit that generates electromagnetic waves in a specific frequency range and distributes these in the oven with two antennas. As the molecules in different foods are arranged in different ways and even rearrange during the course of cooking, the technology provides the Dialog Oven with feedback on the amount of energy that has been absorbed by food, and the oven targets the right foods and responds. This is how different foods are detected and cooked accurately. Another advantage of the oven is that food is cooked volumetrically; a filet of meat is for instance cooked uniformly from the edges right through to the core. In a conventional oven, this is much more difficult since heat travels from the outside in. In the Dialog Oven, electromagnetic waves ensure the food is cooked from the inside out.

Since cooking with electromagnetic waves does not brown the surfaces of food, bread can be baked entirely without a crust. For a classic loaf of bread and the roasted aromas in meat, the oven technology always combines with radiant heat.

The oven first launches in Germany and Austria. While you may not see this oven in your neighbor’s house for a while, this is definitely something to keep your eye on. Questions? Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Where Does Color Come From?

Have you ever wondered where color comes from? Who is in charge? And who gets to name all of the colors? I wonder this all of the time when I am looking at paint colors and all of the interesting names they are called.  Well, today we are going to find out.

Begun in the early 20th century by Edward Waldo Forbes, director of the Fogg Art Museum, the Forbes Pigment Collection is housed under the greater umbrella of The Straus Center for Conservation and Technical studies at Harvard Art Museums — the United States’ oldest fine arts research, training, and conservation facility. Forbes would collect his samples from his travels all over the world, bringing back pigments from excavated sites at Pompeii to rare lapis lazuli found in Afghanistan.

By the 1920s, Forbes had amassed containers of deep blues, rich purples, vibrant yellows, and myriad other colors from his travels to Europe and the Far East. Through the years, word of mouth helped the collection to grow as other art lovers and experts donated their own pigments.

Though growing all the time, today’s Forbes Pigment Collection comprises a technicolor array of 2,500 samples, arranged most pleasingly by color. Displayed in little jars, the pigments mimic artists’ color wheels in 3D, morphing from purple to red to yellow to blue and back to purple again along the cases’ shelves.

If you can’t make it to the floor-to-ceiling display of pigments in Cambridge, you can see an electronic directory of these materials through the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s Conservation & Art Materials Encyclopedia Online (CAMEO) database. Next time you are in Boston, stop by and take a look.

Linear Shower Drains

Why have a drain in the middle of your shower floor when you can have in against the wall? This newest drain style is my favorite!! A linear drain is just what is says. A 2” wide x 20” to 72” in length drain that can be placed adjacent to walls or at intermediate locations. The floor can be sloped on a single plane to the drain, which enables the use of large format tiles and creates interesting design opportunities.

A linear drain consists of a formed stainless steel channel body and grate assembly. There are 3 grate options: closed design stainless steel, stainless grate with perforations and a stainless steel plate that can be tiled to match your floor. When the grate it tiled, it is almost undetectable in the floor.

One of the pros of having the drain against the wall is that you are not standing on the drain or in the way of water draining from the shower. The ability to slope the floor away from the furthest point of the door allows you to have a zero threshold shower that makes accessibility for people of all ages easier.

Every client we have installed a linear drain for has loved it. Have you seen one of these in person? Do you have one or wish you could have one? I’d love to hear about your experience. Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Concrete Tile

One of the newest trends in tile is concrete tile. And boy is it beautiful! These tiles produce floors, walls and backsplashes that are a throwback to centuries old floors found throughout Europe and the Middle East. Concrete tile has been around for centuries known as encaustic tile.  Encaustic tile was traditionally made from colored clay. Since clay wears down over use and foot traffic, the tiles have morphed to be made from concrete and pigmented cement. The industry has taken an old method and improved it.  Concrete tile is a timeless work of art making huge strides in commercial and residential spaces alike. Manufacturing has progressed over the years and companies are jumping at the chance to create custom floor designs for any homeowner.

While some people install solid color concrete tile flooring, most people are drawn to concrete tiles for it’s the functionality and decorative attributes.  Flooring/Walls/Backsplashes are artwork, after all.  Designers love to coordinate surrounding decor around the colors displayed in concrete tiles.  Got a busy concrete tile design?  Pair it with simpler, clean lines of surrounding decor.  Got a busy room of decor?  Pair it with simple designs of concrete tile flooring.  The options are limitless and really let you show off your creativity and personal style.

Concrete tile needs to be sealed with quality floor sealer after it’s installed.  Choose one that is long-lasting.  It adds a coat of abrasion resistance, UV protection and is great for sealing your grout lines.  The end result for you is a concrete floor that requires little-to-no maintenance for many years. The tiles are typically thicker than other tile and most have slightly irregular edges. Many tiles are hand painted, giving you a one of a kind look.

Have you used concrete tiles or do you dream of using them? Do you have a favorite color scheme or pattern? I’d love to hear. Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Best of Houzz 2018

This year we were honored to be awarded the 2018 award from Houzz for best in Customer Service. You may say "Who cares and what does it have to do with me?"

First, what is Houzz? Houzz is an online platform for new home building, home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish - online or from a mobile device. From decorating a room to building a custom home, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community powered by social tools, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin, Sydney, Moscow and Tokyo.

Second, what are the awards? The Best Of Houzz awards are given in three categories: Design, Customer Satisfaction and Photography. Customer Satisfaction honors are determined by a variety of factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2017. Winners will receive a “Best Of Houzz 2018” badge on their profiles, helping Houzz users around the world who discover and love a professional’s work to learn even more about that business’ popularity and satisfaction rating among their peers in the Houzz community.  Best of Houzz awards are only awarded to 3% of the professionals on Houzz.

If you haven't discovered Houzz yet, I highly recommend checking it out.  One of my favorite ways to use it is as a search engine for design. Say I’m looking for a picture of a white subway tile backsplash with grey grout. Type it in the search bar and thousands of pictures will pop up. It’s a great way to gain a visual of how you want something to turn out. It’s helpful to share pictures of what you expect the end product of your project to look like with your contractor. It helps eliminate any confusion and helps translate the vision that is in your head. Any questions? Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Maximizing your space efficiency

Storage space is a precious thing. We all have too much stuff and not enough space to store it. It is important to maximize your space efficiency.  Here a few tips & tricks.

1.      Pullouts-being able to pull out what is inside a cabinet and see it clearly is by far a better use of space than the unknown dark recessed of a cabinet.

2.      Cabinets to the ceiling-instead of having a soffit or putting decorative things on top, extend your cabinets up to the ceiling and give yourself another shelf or two. You also cut down on the amount of cleaning you have to do. 

3.      Miniature turntables-found at Target or the Container Store, these small plastic turntables allow you to easily organize and access items inside your cabinets. I love this for spices, especially!

4.      Tray dividers-standing cookie sheets, baking pans and cutting boards up is a far better use of space than stacking them inside a cabinet.

5.      Cabinets under the overhang-instead of having a blank panel on the backside of your island, do you have room for some shallow storage cabinets?

What are some ways you maximize your space? I’d love to hear. Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

What is an Air Bath?

One of the most exciting items new to the market is the air bath technology in bathtubs. The days of black gunk swirling in your whirlpool are over. Welcome to a cleaner, easier bathing experience. So what is air bath technology?

Sometimes referred to as “bubblers”, the technical name is thermo-air massage and is the newest technology in whirlpool bathtubs. Air baths utilize a blower that generates millions of tiny air bubbles through very small air jets in the bottom of the tub. These bubbles caress the body as they move toward the surface of the water and revitalize the bather with a light, full-body massage. Because they provide a gentler massage than whirlpools, aging adults can also enjoy and benefit from this form of hydrotherapy. Generally air baths are cleaner because they do not circulate water in pipes within the tub.

Typically controlled with a keypad, you can control the speed and intensity of the bubbles. Plastic air jet nozzles and housings prevent water and residue from reaching the fiberglass backing of the bath. Built-in check valves are designed to allow the air produced by the blower out but prevent any water from coming in. An automatic purge cycle activates 7 minutes after the water has drained out of the tub. The blower turns on and blows air through the air lines, removing any water that may be in the top portion of the jet nozzle. The check valve has already prevented any water from entering the air line. Do not be alarmed. It sounds like a jet plane is taking off in your bathroom, but it will only last for a minute.

There are several manufacturers that make tubs like this-MTI, Kohler and American Standard to name a few. If you are considering replacing your tub, an air bath tub is seriously worth considering. Have you had the opportunity to experience an air bath tub?

I’d love to hear about your experience. Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Custom of Off the Shelf?

One question I am often asked is what is the difference between a custom cabinet and a cabinet off the shelf or “box” cabinet.  Personally, I am partial to custom cabinets, because that is what we build. J But, personal feelings aside, let’s explore the differences.  Disclaimer: While none of these characteristics are hard and fast, they are a pretty close generalization. Bottom line-do your own homework before making a decision.

Off the shelf or “box” cabinets are readily available, whether at a local home improvement store, a local dealer or even online. You are limited in the styles and finishes available and interior organizational opportunities. The biggest difference is size limitations. Off the shelf cabinets come in 3” increments, needing fillers to make up the difference in your space.  Some brands can be custom ordered in exact sizes, but that drives the cost and delivery time up. Many of the off the shelf cabinets are made with particle board, a lower quality material, that does not hold up as well long term as a solid wood and plywood cabinet. Most of the time when you buy a premade cabinet, you have to assemble and install it yourself or hire an installer to install them for you.

Custom cabinets are a whole different ball game. The sky is the limit-or rather your budget and space is the limit. Anything you can dream up or see in a magazine can become a reality.  Local shops vary in size and professionalism and ability.  Cabinets are able to be built down to the 1/16^th of an inch, allowing you to maximize the space you have. Any finish, style or interior organization idea is a possibility. Many custom shops build their cabinets with solid wood and plywood. Installation is normally included in the cost of custom cabinets.

Surprisingly, sometimes there is not much cost difference between off the shelf and custom cabinets. Style, finish and detail play a role, but before you sign on the dotted line, check out both options. What’s your experience with custom and off the shelf cabinets? Any further advice you have to add? I’d love to hear. Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Design Trends in Iceland

If you’ve known me for any time, you know that I love to travel. And I mean love. Traveling stimulates my creativity and opens my eyes to new ideas, trends and designs. This fall I had the opportunity to travel to Iceland.

Iceland is known as Fire and Ice. Home to glaciers and volcanoes, thankfully, we only saw the ice side while we were there.  In our explorations, driving and sightseeing, I observed some interesting design trends.

1.      Monochromatic: White, black, natural wood color, dark blue/gray colors. Building exteriors & interior decorations were very monochromatic. Even the sheep, ponies and reindeer fit into this color scheme.

2.    Colorful: In the capital city of Reykjavik, we climbed to the top of the famous Hallgrímskirkja Church. From the lookouts at the top the colorful houses and rooftops were a sight to behold.

3.    Glass: With such amazing views in any direction you looked, most homes had a lot of glass in them allowing the outside landscape to be part of the interior art.

4.    Simple: Many of the interior furnishings and decorations felt very Scandinavian which makes sense since that’s the next closest inhabited land mass.

It truly was a trip of a lifetime and I can’t wait to visit one spring when everything is green and I see a completely different side of this beautiful country. Have you observed any design trends on your travels? I’d love to hear!  Send me an email at jessica@webbercoleman.com.