Kitchens Design Philadelphia
Bath Design Philadelphia
Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Philadelphia

September 13, 2012

Style Specifics: Modern

Located in Media, PA is a master bath remodel completed by HomeTech Renovations which showcases the key elements of modern design.

Modern design emphasizes the importance of simple form and function, and features clean lines, geometric shapes, neutral color palettes, uncluttered space, orderliness, and the mix of industrial and natural materials. Form is perhaps the most important element in modern design, which focuses on geometric and angular shapes. Forms are generally simple with little or no ornamentation, providing flat surfaces and unbroken, clean lines. Even though simplicity and a minimalistic approach fuel this style, the spaces are not boring. Neutrals such as whites, beiges, and browns are commonly complemented by a bold accent color. The neutral palette allows specific objects and materials to be showcased. In modern design “less is more,” so choosing accessories that either blend into the space to keep the emphasis on order or that create a strong visual impact is important. However, sculptures and paintings serve as integral parts of this design style. Industrial materials such as chrome, stainless steel, glass, and plastic contrast against the softer more natural materials like linen, leather, and wood. Surfaces are smooth, sleek, and even, and floors are usually cement, concrete, or bare wood. A key element in modern design is lighting that highlights focal points and emphasizes the decorative elements in a space as well as its simple interior architecture. Many people view modern design as cold and stark, but this design style creates a delicate balance of simplicity and comfort which is expressed through its materials, forms, and functions.

Modern design evolved during the Modernism movement of the early 1900s when the German Bauhaus School of Design developed the philosophy that “form should be combined with function.” Modern design is related to the time period in which there was a movement from traditional forms in architecture, design, and art toward more simplified, streamlined, and unadorned forms and materials. Modern spaces tend to follow a strict style format that has remained unchanged for several decades.

This “modern” master bath showcases clean, crisp lines and design. Sleek and streamlined floating cabinetry creates an open feeling in the space while providing multiple storage options, which is a prime example of “form and function.” Rectangular mirrors, sleek sconces, and the geometric shapes of the amber glass mosaic and the Brazilian slate speak to the angular forms commonly found in modern design. The freestanding wall in the shower area becomes a piece of sculpture within the room while also providing more privacy for the shower, again combining “form and function.” The white walls create a neutral backdrop from which the earthy tones of the materials and the pops of color from the accessories stand out. The industrial materials such as the chrome plumbing fixtures, amber colored glass mosaic tile, and black linen porcelain tile on the main floor contrast against the natural materials such as the Brazilian multi-color slate, walnut cabinetry, and pebbles on the shower floor. The skylight over the corner tub allows natural light to highlight the space’s interior architecture, and the spot lighting on a custom piece of artwork creates a focal point in the space. The sleek forms and clean lines, blending of industrial and natural materials, neutral color scheme with pops of color, and overall functionality of the space make this master bath a modern retreat.

This project underwent some innovative changes throughout the remodel. Below are some before and after photos:

To see more of this modern master bath remodel visit our portfolio: Modern: Media, PA.

 

August 29, 2012

Style Specifics: Contemporary

HomeTech Renovations Completes Contemporary Style Master Bathroom Design DoylestownLocated in Doylestown, PA is a master bath remodel completed by HomeTech Renovations which showcases the key elements of contemporary design.

Contemporary design features clean lines, neutral color schemes, smooth surfaces, and uncluttered space, while creating an inviting, warm, and comfortable atmosphere. Contemporary design is often confused with “modern” design which refers to a historical design movement with strict guidelines, while “contemporary” simply means “of the present time” and “in the now.” Contemporary style is all about what’s current, innovative, trendy, and ever-changing. Unlike modern design, contemporary design is not rigid and harsh, but instead is a blend of softer, more comfortable, and more livable elements. Contemporary design focuses on line, space, and color to create interiors that are sleek and fresh, and simplicity and texture help to define this style. The style’s simple lines and smooth finishes create a calming atmosphere and are contrasted by edgy, textured, and unique design accents. The contemporary style borrows functionality and streamlined ideals from the modernist movement, but it is also inspired by a wide range of other design styles.

The key elements of contemporary style are line, space, and color, of which line is perhaps the most distinctive. Clean lines, gentle curves, simplified details, streamlined structure, and minimal decoration exemplify the forms found in this style. Rounded forms and asymmetrical designs are often featured as well. Space is another primary element, as plain and unadorned space is fundamental to contemporary style. Bare space is equally as important as the areas filled with objects, since less is more in the contemporary design philosophy. Each piece should stand out individually, and for it to make an impact, the space needs to be uncluttered. Contemporary design uses neutrals, such as blacks, whites, tans, creams, browns, and grays, as the main interior colors. The neutral palette is usually accented with a bright, bold, statement color since the aim is to evoke a warm and vibrant feeling in the space. By using neutrals to create a basic background, accent pieces stand out even more.

Contemporary Bath DesignOther features of contemporary design include natural textures, metal accents, dark wood tones, reflective surfaces, and focal lighting. Textures should be natural and are used to soften and warm the space. Flooring should be bare and smooth and made out of wood or stone. Accenting with metals, such as chrome, nickel, and stainless steel, is another important design aspect, as they provide a sleek finish and clean look. The use of various metals also helps to balance the warm, very light or very dark wood tones often found in contemporary design. Reflective surfaces also play a role in this style and can be incorporated as mirrors, glass, and exposed metals. Lighting is pivotal in this style because it illuminates a space’s design and highlights its focal points. Some common contemporary lighting choices include track lighting, pendants, and recessed lighting. Overall, contemporary design is a mixture of natural and industrial materials.

This “contemporary” master bath serves as an adult retreat and incorporates various materials and ideals that are commonly found in this design style. The master bath is an open, functional, uncluttered, and Zen-like space that has various privacy zones. A large, curved shower wall provides the space with drama while still keeping it simple. A custom, curved window seat echoes the shower wall’s sleek form. Due to its tan-colored walls, this space has a neutral backdrop which allows the accent colors to stand out and make a statement. The orange in the glass mosaic tile applied to the curved shower wall and the orange and ochre hues in the multi-colored slate tile pop against the tan walls and dark elements.

Natural textures are incorporated into the bathroom through the use of exotic, leather finished stone countertops and jambs, Sunset Glory slate tiles on the floor and inner shower wall, boucle tweed vessel sinks, and a custom resin panel that features a woven grass texture. Polished chrome plumbing fixtures are sleek in their design and create contrast against the other materials. Dark wood cabinetry in a streamlined style grounds the space and allows the accent colors to make a larger impact. Reflective surfaces are integrated in the form of the large, sheet mirror located above the vanity, the custom mirrored alcove in the shower, the multi-colored glass tile used on the curved shower wall, and the polished chrome plumbing fixtures. The lighting highlights the focal points and guides the eye around the room, allowing the design to be experienced in its totality. A custom pendant light casts a beautiful design on the walls and creates a comforting ambience. The materials used in this master bath retreat provide a feeling of tranquility and create a spa-like environment, and this bathroom exemplifies the contemporary design style.

This master bath took on quite a drastic transformation. Below are some before and after photos:

Bathroom Designer Montgomery County: HomeTech Renovations Contemporary Bathroom Redesign

Bathroom Remodeling Bucks County Contemporary Design

Bathroom Remodeling Bucks County: Contemporary Redesigned Master Bath

To see more of this contemporary master bath remodel visit our portfolio: Contemporary: Doylestown, PA.

 

July 11, 2012

Style Specifics: Transitional

Filed under: Baths,Designer's Thoughts,Style Specifics — Tags: , — HomeTech Renovations @ 10:15 am

Transitional Bath Design Blue Bell-Montgomery County PALocated in Blue Bell, PA is a master bath remodel completed by HomeTech Renovations which showcases the key elements of transitional design.

Transitional design is a blend of traditional and contemporary styles and aesthetics. Different pieces, materials, finishes, lines, and textures from these two styles combine to create a classic and timeless design. Typically, a common element is used when mixing styles and helps to pull different pieces together, making the space feel cohesive. A neutral color palette provides a clean and serene atmosphere, and this lack of color allows for the integration of interesting textures and patterns. Dark brown or other dark accents are often used to ground the space and to add depth to the layers of beige, tan, and cream. Transitional design fuses the ornate lines found in traditional design with the more basic lines found in contemporary design, producing lines and curves that are simple yet sophisticated. This merging of different elements and styles creates a casual and comfortable feel with an air of sophistication and refinement. The combination of these opposing design styles offers visual interest and requires an eye for balance and careful, thoughtful planning.

This “transitional” master bath remodel incorporates traditional and contemporary design elements, giving it an overall comfortable, yet classic and timeless design. The use of a neutral color palette provides the space with an elegant and calming atmosphere. Light emperador marble tiles blanket the floor, while dark emperador marble is used for the vanity tops and shower jambs, grounding the space and contrasting with the cream colored cabinetry. A glass and stone mosaic vanity backsplash and accent in the shower adds a striking detail which ties the entire space together. In the shower, taupe colored tiles create a neutral backdrop from which the glass and stone mosaic stands out. Contemporary elements can be seen in the pebble shower floor which adds a spa-like feel to the space, the mirrored medicine cabinets, the decorative sconces above the vanities, and the glass accents in the mosaic, while the door style of the painted and glazed cabinetry and the use of natural stone suggest a more traditional design. The decorative hardware and the plumbing fixtures are a perfect blend of the two styles. The mixture of materials throughout the master bath strikes a unique and beautiful balance of texture and tone so common in transitional design.

This master bath took on some major changes throughout the remodel. Below are some before and after photos:

Blue Bell PA Transitional Bath Design

Montgomery County Bath Design - Transitional Style

Philadelphia Area Bath Redesign - Transitional Style

To see more of this transitional master bath remodel visit our portfolio: Transitional Elegance: Blue Bell, PA.

 

April 18, 2012

Style Specifics: Rustic Eclecticism

Located in Chester Springs, PA is a kitchen remodel completed by HomeTech Renovations which showcases the key elements of eclectic design.

Eclectic design is a combination of particular elements from different time periods, different origins, and a wide range of historical styles within a single project. Instead of creating a disorganized look, eclectic style provides a harmony throughout the design in which different pieces, materials, and concepts have their own unique places in the overall design. Each element of an eclectic style connects with other styles present in the room to create one cohesive design. Eclectic design is a way of expressing true individuality by playing with color, form, function, and materials, and by incorporating an unexpected combination of styles.

This “rustic eclecticism” kitchen remodel incorporates different design elements, giving it an overall eclectic atmosphere. The use of a variety of natural materials such as character cherry, tiger wood, slate, and brushed black ash granite lends itself to the rustic style, while the cabinetry style, decorative light fixtures, and open layout provide the space with a contemporary twist. The kitchen opens to the family and dining rooms, making the space a dynamic and multifaceted entertaining area, a popular design trend for many contemporary settings. Here bold statements blend with subtle details. This blending of materials, styles, and designs is what is so fascinating and attractive about eclectic design.

This project took on quite a drastic transformation. Here are some before and after photos:

To see more on this eclectic kitchen remodel visit our portfolio: Rustic Eclecticism: Chester Springs, PA