Innovations in the Design of Classic Bathroom Staples

There are a few things that you may not consider stylish, but at least admit are a necessity in your bathroom- a medicine cabinet, radiator or the toilet. They don't have to be pretty, they just have to be in there. Well, many product designers are taking on the challenge of rethinking some classics into objects that do both.

Below are some examples of traditionally overlooked items (in terms of aesthetics anyway) that can not only bring necessary functionality but a touch of class to your next bathroom renovation.  

Wall*nut 

Medicine Cabinet

by ThinkFabricate

Orig- 30"H x 24"W x 5"D

XL- 31.5"H x 73.5"W x 5"D

Materials: 

American Walnut

Mirrored Glass

Laminated Insert (XL)

Though not the most aesthetically pleasing, tried and true metal-and-mirror medicine cabinets have provided households with functional storage for cotton swabs, cleansers, creams and of course, medicine for generations. Updated asymmetrical mirrored cabinets with walnut accents are a unique take on the classic wall-mounted medicine cabinet that we all remember, if not love. The narrower side door is cleverly designed to provide a quick-access compartment to stash frequently used items. 

Rebel Radiator/Towel Warmer          by Caleido

Vertical- 460 mm W x 1865 mm H x  270 mm D (~18" x 73.5" x 11")                           Material:

Horizontal- 1210 mm W x 545 mm H x  270 mm D (~48" x 21.5" x 11")                   Carbon Steel

A far cry from the clunky radiators of yore, Caleido boasts the elevation of radiators from a "simple source of heat to a point of reference in design and lifestyle". The Rebel Towel Warmer does not disappoint. With a sleek silhouette that is at home in any modern interior, either the Vertical or Horizontal orientation can compliment or substitute traditional heating products in the bath while providing storage for linens with the added bonus of built-in warmth.

W+W 

(Washbasin + Water Closet)

Manuf by Roca

Entire Unit: 

860 mm L x 500 mm W x 760 mm H 

~34"L x 20"W x 30"H

Wash Basin Only:

260 mm L x 325 mm W x 280 mm H (sink 90 mm D)

~10"L x 13"W x 30"H (sink 3.5" D)

Material: Vitreous China

Most of the loos on the market today have been designed to meet specific standards in size, shape and efficiency. But the W+W takes it one step further, combining the wash basin and WC in the ultimate in sustainable efficiency with an extremely modern edge. Grey water from the sink is filtered then redirected to the toilet tank, reducing water waste by as much as 25%. The 4 L reservoir holds the treated water until needed for flushing, disposing of any additional overflow through the traditional water main outlet. And if the reservoir runs dry from too much flushing and not enough brushing, the toilet tank can fill from the main source as well.  

So when considering your next remodel or design project, don't forget the easily overlooked, the medicine cabinets, radiators and toilets of the world. Because even these staple furnishings and fixtures can be re-imagined into something both functional and beautiful.

Key Residential University Park Remodel feat. in a Houzz Tour

Houzz Tour: 'Pieced Together With a Purpose' in Dallas

Many thanks to Vanessa Brunner of the Houzz Editorial Staff for capturing the unique elements of this home in her piece!

For more information about some of the fantastic designers and team members that contributed to this home, click below.

Becci Meier Architectural Design Services 

Email Becci Meier

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Becci-Meier-Architectural-Design-Services/

Jason Osterberger Designs

Email JOD 

(214) 458-7668

http://www.jasonosterbergerdesigns.com/JOD/Home.html

Tuggle Design
Contact Aubrey Tuggle: (214) 704-9989
http://www.houzz.com/pro/atuggle/tuggle-design

ARC Awards Finalist | Best Master Suite (Dallas, TX)

Architect: Fred Roberts, Interior Designer: Joanie Wyll

The Dallas Builders Association has announced finalists in the running for the 2013 ARC Awards and Key Residential is excited to be included on the list for Best Master Suite for the Brookridge Custom Home. While we'll still have to wait for the winners to be announced at the ARC Awards ceremony at the Westin Galleria on August 17th, below are a few details of this project that we think make this master retreat a true oasis. Check out the full list of finalists here. 

Upon entering the  Master Retreat, you are  greeted by a lower, more intimate curved wood ceiling with recessed cove lighting and flanked on either side by high gloss piano finish cabinetry with storage and display shelving for sculptural art. The master bedroom features a custom bed with integrated night stands and a freestanding media storage cabinet. The curved South wall offers access to the patio and features storefront windows with spectacular view into the backyard. Arranged into a stylish seating area, cowhide LeCorbusier LC4 Chaise and LC1 Sling Chair are perfect for basking in the natural light. But never fear, privacy and light levels can easily be adjusted with the touch of a button thanks to programmable Lutron Shades.  

One unique challenge in the construction of the  master retreat was how to install carpeting in the bedroom to be flush with the radiant tile flooring in the bath and the polished concrete in the remainder of the home. To achieve this without the use of any flooring transition strips, the bedroom and bath slab was poured at 5/8" variance from the adjacent areas and the finished flooring materials were installed with expert precision. 

The Master Bath boasts the same attention to detail and luxury with Lutron lighting controls and A/V integration, radiant heated floors, separate vanities and closets, and an adjacent Glass Block enclosed exercise room that is rotated in plan and cantilevers off of the slab. Siena Silver Travertine tiles by Walker Zanger are installed with continuous linear veining throughout the master bath floor and walls.  His and Hers vanities provide necessary storage with style, sporting circular etched perimeter mirrors with LED back-lighting, Starphire laminated cracked glass counters  and pewter vessel sinks.

But even amid such well designed and luxurious features, there are two clear front-runners vying for the star spotlight of this bath- the circular shower and the jetted tub. The rear portion of the shower  houses plumbing for 6 body jets, one rain head, and two towers with a bent glass wall partially enclosing the front, creating an open walk-in shower without a splashy mess. The walls are enveloped in iridescent blue glass mosaic tile from Oceanside with a niche for toiletries and a built-in seat with travertine top.  Across from the shower sits a freestanding jetted tub and a sleek floor mounted filler with hand sprayer. When relaxing in this choice spot, bathers are perfectly situated for a view of the corner mounted television, or better yet a glimpse outside. The tub is adjacent to a window wall that displays the cast concrete water feature and goldfish pond beyond, of course with strategically placed opaque panels that provide privacy where needed while still allowing lots of natural light in.

Check back after August 17th to see if the judges liked this project as much as we do!

ARC Awards Finalist | Best Kitchen Remodel over $100,000 (Dallas, TX)

Interior Design: David Cadwallader, Architecture: Bernbaum-Magadini

With finalists being announced for the Dallas Builders Association 2013 ARC Awards, Key Residential is excited to be included on the prestigious list in multiple categories, including Best Kitchen Remodel over $100,000 for the Hollow Way Kitchen. While we'll have to wait for the winners to be announced at the ARC Awards ceremony at the Westin Galleria on August 17th, below are a few details of the project that we think put this kitchen above the rest. Check out the full list of finalists here.

The gable roof line helps establish a point of reference between the before and after shots of this dramatic kitchen transformation. The previous work space was defined by a partial wall extending into a dual height counter housing a double sink and enclosing a central island cooking station. By removing the wall enclosure, counter and island, the kitchen plan can be reorganized and opened up to include space for an integrated entertainment and lounge area. 

The reoriented plan encloses the north wall opening in-line with the exterior wall, creating additional storage for the office behind, and showcasing custom cabinetry with walnut lowers & towers, paint grade uppers and a luminous acid-etched mirror glass backsplash. Stainless steel refrigeration, vent-a-hood & range by SubZero/Wolf  and a steam oven by Gaggenau are integrated into the custom cabinetry. A new sleek rectangular island featuring an expansive Okite worksurface houses an undermount sink, KitchenAid single and double drawer dishwashers and is illuminated by three Mini-Isla Pendants. The east wall features a Thermador Double Oven, Built-In Miele Coffee Station and integrated electronics area with a larger enclosed pantry tucked behind.

The west wall was re-framed to house a larger picture window overlooking the back yard pool area and allowing much more natural light to pass into the space. This enhances the open plan which allows for a more functional workstation, increased storage and space for entertaining or a family gathering while cooking. 

Black & White Material Palettes | Timeless and Luxurious

Sometimes the simplest color combo can make the biggest impact. 

In part two of our Material Palette exploration, we have another example of Key Residential bath with a few details of the Black & White palette listed below.  The Brookridge Guest Bath is a luxurious take on B&W with high-end finish materials (those applied to walls, ceilings and floors and used to construct cabinetry and built-ins) and demonstrates how the characteristics of the material itself can add visual interest. 

Considered one of the most elegant (and pricey) materials, natural stone is prominently featured throughout this bath, in both the Thassos White Marble tiles of the floor and shower walls and the White Fantasy Granite vanity top. Both materials are cool and smooth to touch, but the juxtaposition of the lighter marble against the variegated granite adds depth and creates visual interest. Thick bands of glass mosaic tile really pop on the rear shower wall because of their tactile appeal and high shine. The result is classic bath with maturity, refinement and touches of masculinity.

Materials: 

1. Thassos White Marble Tiles are cut to 6" x 12" for the both floor and tub/shower walls

2. Elevations Raised Tile Mosaic in Non-Iridescent Black are installed in horizontal bands across the rear wall of the tub adding texture and breaking up the field of white

3. Granite Slab in White Fantasy  (3 cm, 1-1/4" thick) with a Square edge detail stands out on the vanity top and the shower ledge. Though this material doesn't bring any additional hues into the palette, the natural veining makes for a stunning base for the highly reflective vessel sink

Additional Materials:

Piano Finish Black Cabinetry, Polished Chrome hardware and wall mounted faucet, Simply Stainless Steel Vessel sink by DecoLav, Level 5 Wall Finish- Super White

Black & White Material Palettes | Modern and Flexible

When considering an painter's palette, the first image most of us envision is an array of colors waiting to be transformed into art on a canvas (probably happy little trees or clouds if you're seeing the same Bob Ross in your head that I do). But in the case of a builder or remodeler, the daubs of color and canvas combine in the form of the finish materials that are applied to walls, ceilings & floors and used to construct cabinetry & built-ins. It is this base to which the decorative details & final touches are applied resulting in a stunning space. 

And even with the vast array of materials on today's market, where homeowners can choose any color/material palette imaginable, coordinating light switch covers and mosaic tile backsplashes in the perfect shade of aubergine, sometimes the simplest and most basic combo can make the biggest impact. Below is a Key Residential bath with details of the material palette in Black & White.

The Hollow Way Girls' Bath features a modern and youthful take on B&W with  contrasting porcelain floor tiles in a custom pattern, a pure white composite quartz vanity atop white cabinetry, linear black & white ceramic shower tiles and a unique textured wall covering. The accessories include a continuation of the B&W with a graphic shower curtain and the addition of bright pink through bath textiles. With such a crisp material palette, accessories and textiles can be inexpensively modified to change the feel of the entire room. 

Materials:

1. Wolf Gordon Lundie wall covering in Winter is made from 100% vinyl. It not only adds a textural quality to the space but has many environmentally friendly qualities as well, passing LEED IEQ 4.2 for low emissions and includes a mold and mildew inhibitor. 

2. Crossville 6" Porcelain Tiles in Powdered Sugar and Intercermic 2" Porcelain Tiles in Midnight are laid in a custom pinwheel pattern to create visual interest on the floor

3. Matte Ceramic Wall Tiles by Interceramic in White (4-1/4" x 12-3/4") line the shower walls with dramatic horizontal bands of Absolute Black (2-1/4" x 8-1/2"). 

Additional Materials:

Paint Grade White Cabinetry- Douglas Custom Cabinets, Pure White Brushed Stylenquaza Countertop- Holland Marble

Must-Have Kitchen Cabinetry Add-Ons

Whether building a new home or revamping your existing one, attractive and functional kitchen cabinetry is a must. Cabinets are often the building blocks of your kitchenscape, determining the function and flow. And selecting the perfect material, color and layout sets the tone for the type of experience you want people to have within your space. However there's more to consider than just the style, materiality and capacity. 

Think about the activities you enjoy (and dread) the most while working in your kitchen and incorporate details and accessories that make your clean up more efficient or your overall experience just a little more pleasant. There are custom cabinetmakers and vendors that offer unique and creative storage solutions for almost any budget. Below are a few that we consider must-haves for the conscientious culinary consumer.

Soft-Close Drawers

Though slamming a drawer full of loose metalware can make for a dramatic closing statement during a heated stove-side debate, generally it's not a sound we relish in. Enter soft-close drawer guides that not only ensure a smooth motion, opening to full extension, but also incorporate a self closing mechanism that engages as the drawer approaches on the return, easing it into place without the dreaded bang. And once engaged, the self-closing mechanism returns the drawer securely to it's fully-closed position, without the risk of bouncing back open. When specifying the details of your new custom cabinetry, these drawer glides can be side-mounted or under-mounted for the ultimate in concealment and stealth. And for upgrading existing cabinets, there are retrofit options that can be attached to your existing cabinets without the cost of all new hardware systems. 

Adjustable Drawer Inserts

With an increasing number of homeowners choosing to remain in their homes longer, renovations and kitchen upgrades often include modifications that increase ease of use and access for individuals with limited mobility. A shift is being made from upper cabinet shelving with doors to lower more accessible pull-out drawers. However without the proper planning and organizational systems, these areas run the risk of achieving the ghastly "junk drawer" status. Systems like those by Hafele and Rev-A-Shelf with adjustable peg-board inserts convert drawers of all sizes into perfectly configured storage for oversized dishes, sharp utensils and odd-shaped specialty items. The systems include a peg-board base that can be trimmed to size that is subdivided by linear dividers, round or triangular pegs, knife blocks and more to suit your individual storage needs. 

Personalized Built-In Storage

While there are hundreds of customization options for built-in storage, you do not need to utilize them ALL. Rather evaluate what type of cook (and clean-up crew) you are and choose the options that best suit your style. The master chef in training needs a large functional work surface with  access to a cache of ingredients within the work triangle (between the cooktop, cold storage and sink) to increase efficiency. A pull out spice rack or integrated prep area would quickly earn it's keep in this kitchen.  And for those of us that rarely branch out from the S&P but want a clean and organized space, flexible storage conveniently located for expedited clean up is heaven-sent. An appliance garage with pull down tambour doors is a great way to quickly conceal commonly used items and the integration of a hidden paper towel door is the icing on the cake to keep the clutter at bay.

For more unique ideas, take a look at this Houzz article with even more desirable kitchen amenities!

3 Ways to Integrate the Outdoors into your Home

According to Builder Online, of the 15 top trends in design for single-family living, 20% involve the outdoors. Homeowners are tending to desire private and usable outdoor living spaces that encourage entertaining while providing all the comforts of their indoor counterparts. These spaces act as  a link between the indoors and out through larger, more expansive views, creative doorways and innovations in screening and weather protection. If you're contemplating a renovation or addition to better integrate the outdoors into your home, consider the following factors and how they can have a major impact on the experience within your spaces. 

The View: 

An easy (and generally less expensive) way to integrate nature into your home's interior is by increasing visibility from indoor to out. Consider using floor to ceiling windows as a way to remove the visual barriers, bring in natural light and make a dramatic statement within any space. Corner windows are a great alternative as they allow you to enjoy a more panoramic view of your landscaping and create a perfect niche for built in seating. More traditional sunrooms or enclosed porches create an extension of the interior space into the footprint of the exterior, giving you the experience of being surrounded by the outdoors while keeping you fully sheltered at the same time.  

The Doorway: 

When selecting doors to transition between interior and exterior living spaces, the desired aesthetic, visibility, and functionality all come into play. Traditionally sliding glass doors have provided the necessary partition and ease of use while allowing light to pass into interior spaces. An increasing number of vendors such as Jeld-Wen and NanaWall are offering a unique alternative in multi-fold or accordion doors that can be customized to provide as much or as little transparency as desired. This innovative door style provides the flexibility of varying degrees of enclosure, from partially enclosed indoor spaces to entire walls that fold up and open to the space beyond. Such flexibility results in a greater fluidity between the in- and out-door spaces, encouraging  an increased use of both for special events & entertaining or just everyday enjoyment.

The Safe Haven: 

Whether your outdoor oasis is in the form of a poolside cabana or a covered patio, it has to be a welcoming space that allows you to comfortably experience the splendor of nature. Overhead coverage is a necessity for protection from the elements and allows for the customization of outdoor living areas with creature comforts previously reserved for the indoors. Functional kitchens and entertainment areas with integrated media are increasing in popularity. With the inclusion of climate control elements like Built-In Heaters and Large Scale Fans, these outdoor spaces can be enjoyed even longer throughout the year.

A rise in awareness of insect-borne illness has resulted in homeowners, especially here in Texas, requesting the integration of anti-pest measures. One major upgrade from a Citronella centerpiece on the patio table is to install repellent misting systems. These systems are integrated into the landscape design and periodically spray a fine mist of repellent from misters strategically placed around the perimeter of the property, helping to create a bug-free zone. And to ensure an extra level of safety, retractable screens like the ones shown below by Phantom Screens can be discreetly installed in a variety of outdoor areas. They remain hidden until needed and are easy to engage with the touch of a button. 

Outdoor Oasis status achieved!

Dallas Remodel: Outdoor Kitchen & Living Area

 Finishing up just in time for summer...

In just a few months a great amount of progress has occurred to get this Dallas Remodel ready for summertime festivities! The usable poolside space has doubled with increased covered area that will provide greater flexibility for outdoor cooking and dining. By extending the master bedroom and reworking the landscape surrounding the pool, previously disjointed zones are unified allowing for much larger and interactive gatherings.

One great challenge with exterior additions is integrating the addition into the home so that it appears to have always existed as part of the original structure.  Roof lines can be especially tricky to integrate if the additional space will have vaulted ceilings or unique layouts. Matching the exact shingle color and stucco texture may also present a challenge, even with a home constructed as recently as a few years ago. Choosing the perfect material supplier and tradesperson are key to achieve a seamless look. 

Once the additional structures are completed, the process of adding finish materials, cabinetry and countertops, appliances, fixtures and landscaping begins. The space is made habitable during Texas summers thanks to fans from the Haiku line of Big Ass Fans and, though they will not be used for a great many months, ceiling mounted heaters for the chillier times of the year.

With the completion of this outdoor living addition, hopefully our clients will be able to enjoy poolside family gatherings for years to come. Photos of the finished product coming soon!

Remodeling & Home Improvements | Fireplaces: A Feature Buyers Will Pay More For

According to a recent Market Watch survey and data from the National Association of Realtors, fireplaces are one of eleven most popular home improvements that homeowners are willing to pay more for. Approximately 40% of recent home buyers that do not currently have a fireplace are willing to pay an average of $1,400 more for this amenity.  The president of Realtor.com speculated that this could be due in part to the trend of reduced television watching and increased tablet/e-reader use. Perhaps it's not the Rockwell-ian vision of the future, but families curling up in front of a warm fire with an e-book or handy app is at least slightly better than being hypnotized into a stupor by the LED flashes and noise pollution of the boob tube. Over the years, Key Residential projects have featured a wide range of  fireplaces that have each added a sense of warmth (no, not just literally) to the spaces and below are a sampling of different styles and why we think the homeowners love them.

Textural Stonework

Both the Caruth Master Bedroom Fireplace (left) and the Southcrest Family Room Fireplace (right) boast unique, textural stonework. Whether smooth, rounded Creek Rock or rugged stacked Ledgestones, both beg to be touched adding visual interest to the space. Consider not only the type, but the scale, shape and color variation of the stone for your fireplace surround as modifying any one or a combination of these factors can have dramatic results.  And with the materiality making such a statement in these fireplaces, the mantels are smaller and simpler, acting as support for a statement art piece. 

Sleek Integrated Electronics

Let's face it, regardless of the advances in modern technology, most people are not going to chuck the tele out the window. So the challenge arises to integrate electronics into our spaces. Both the Greenbrier  (left) and Edmondson (right) Family Rooms  have TVs that are recessed to be flush with the wall above their respective fireplaces. The  fireplaces are kept simple and sleek with Absolute Black Granite and painted wood molding (lt) full Basaltina Stone (rt) surrounds. And whether gas or wood burning, remember to consider potential heat gain when determining the placement and distance of your electronics from the heat source.

A  Hefty Wood Mantel

From traditional to contemporary, one of the most common materials for fireplace mantels is wood. The Caruth Study remodel features the original stone fireplace surround capped by a hand-carved wooden mantel with various wood inlays highlighted by a distressed paint technique. The Sitting area adjacent to the kitchen includes a new brick fireplace topped with a faux-beam, created from real hardwood and manufactured to resemble a structural framing member, with custom corbels added. Whether old or new, solid or manufactured, these wood mantels pay homage to the craftsman traditions of yore.

See- Through Fireboxes

Besides just plain looking cool, see through fireplaces offer many benefits. They area a great way to connect adjacent spaces and maximize the visibility of your showpiece. You get double the fireplace without doubling the cost by allowing you to experience the heat from both sides. The Joyce Way Formal Living (lt) has a traditional framed see-through fireplace that connects to an adjacent Sunroom while the Hollow Way Den (rt) shares a raised gas insert with the adjacent informal Dining Room. See-through fireplaces are available in a wide range of styles, vented or non, and wood burning or gas, offering tremendous flexibility to achieve your dream design. 

A Grand Focal Point

Finally, the most obvious way to integrate a fireplace is to make it magnificent! The Brookridge Grand Salon features a Rumford Fireplace that extends to the full height of the double-volume space and is enclosed by a Sapele wood surround with a high-gloss Piano Finish.  As compared to it's predecessors,  the Rumford is much more shallow with angled walls to increase radiation with a streamlined throat and restricted chimney orifice to increase updraft and prevent unnecessary heat loss. Traditionally, they are known for their heating efficiency and elegant height, something this fireplace has in spades. Following the overall architectural aesthetic of the home, the fireplace makes stunning use of materials to create a simple and elegant focal point for this open plan living space.

Check out the original article featuring 10 more popular home improvement trends:   http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-most-popular-home-improvements-2013-04-27