Kitchens Design Philadelphia
Bath Design Philadelphia
Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Philadelphia

December 8, 2011

Custom Design Countertops-Work of Art

Countertops Become a Work of Art with ThinkGlass by Mailhot

Custom Kitchen Counter TopsDo you want your custom designed countertops to be a work of art? Do you want them to be beautiful and distinctive statement pieces? Do you want a solution that is green and environmentally friendly? Or do you simply want a clean, elegant look? Then look no further than ThinkGlass by Mailhot.

ThinkGlass is comprised of recycled glass and is, therefore, a sustainable material, and it is created using thermoforming, a process that shapes and molds through the use of heat. The glass can be infused with colors or can be lit from within by LED lights, which add a more artistic touch.

ThinkGlass can be used in a variety of applications for both residential and commercial projects. It is a blend of art and function, all at once providing a unique and custom solution while also serving as a performance product. ThinkGlass can be incorporated into residential projects in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, kitchen countertops, tabletops, bathroom vanities, raised bars, backsplashes, doors, walls, flooring, and shower enclosures. In the commercial field it is most often used to create stunning bars and nightclubs, while it is also utilized for hygienic countertops in healthcare and transaction desks in retail stores, hotels, and offices.

ThinkGlass is among the most exquisite high-end products in the world, and no other material offers such versatility, making the possibilities for its use endless. As the producers of ThinkGlass state, the product offers, “luxurious design with chameleon-like flexibility.” Crafted from 100 percent recyclable glass and serving as a sustainable material, each ThinkGlass design is custom-made with a variety of options for texture, thickness, color of glass, and edge treatment. The finished project is always unique and one-of-a-kind due to the customization of the material and the process through which it is made, so no other kitchen or bathroom will look like yours. Since each design is custom-made, it requires the use of highly skilled labor and craftsmanship throughout the design and production processes.

The technology used to create ThinkGlass allows for the unsurpassed creation of these custom designs. As a leader in the thermoforming industry, the producer’s versatile technique used to make the product allows for the creation of new or repetitive textures at a very low molding cost. The company’s exclusive thermoform ovens are the largest of their kind in North America, measuring at 88” x 152”. These ovens provide for the creation of almost any shape without needing to blow the glass, and allow for curving, shaping, molding, and heat sculpting. The technology can also create glass slabs without having to abide by thickness constraints. The variety of thicknesses, ranging from 1/8” to 18”, provide design possibilities that far exceed what can be accomplished with other mineral-based materials, such as granite or marble. For kitchen countertops, the 1.5” thick glass is the most commonly applied, but depending on the client’s desires can range to 4” thick. These custom glass designs can also be infused with dazzling colors by Master Glass Artist, Michel Mailhot, to create a personalized artistic touch so that the glass becomes more of a decorative art object and less of a utilitarian piece.

 

To further visually enhance the awe inspiring aspects of ThinkGlass, powerful LED lights can be imbedded inside to provide a glow from within. The LED lights are offered in pure white or a variety of colors which enable the client to create a light show. Programmable by remote control, hundreds of colors can be manipulated to transform the glass to suit the mood or to add interest to a special event. The client has the ability to pick one color, change colors, fade the light in and out, or create a flashing or strobe light effect. The incorporation of LED lights can highlight countertops and backsplashes, and can transform a simple space into the atmosphere the client desires.

Clients will question the durability and maintenance of ThinkGlass, much like they do with any material proposed for a countertop or vanity material. But do not be concerned, as ThinkGlass’s durability rivals all common countertop materials such as stone, granite, and marble. Under normal use and conditions, the material should not break, chip, crack or shatter. Since glass is pure and non-porous, it will not be affected by any chemicals and it is naturally resistant to scratches, mold, and mildew, making it the most hygienic ThinkGlass: Custom Design Glass Countertopscountertop material on the market. Although it can also endure high heat without cracking or scorching, the producers of ThinkGlass recommend not sitting hot pots or pans on glass counters as breakage near edges or corners can occur under certain circumstances. ThinkGlass is virtually maintenance free, since the textured finish hides fingerprints and the material is impossible to stain. Cleaning is quick and easy. There is no need to use special cleansers specifically designed for the material; simple window cleaners or water and vinegar solutions will suffice.

A cutting edge material in the interior design market, ThinkGlass provides clients with the opportunity to create something truly distinctive and inspiring in their home. Whether it is used as a simple, clean solution for a bathroom vanity, or as a bold, colorful statement for home entertaining, ThinkGlass will become a piece that is talked about. So the next time you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, consider ThinkGlass. The possibilities are endless.

Contact HomeTech Renovations for more information on custom designed kitchen-bath countertops, kitchen-bath remodeling or renovation project.

September 19, 2011

Karen

I love my space and spend as much time there as possible.  It’s so restful and warm.  The fireplace takes the chill off on the really cold evenings and adds to the ambience so nicely.  The bathroom is super cozy especially in the evenings with the adjustable lighting and all.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!  Everyone who sees it thinks it’s beautiful!!

Visit Our Portfolio to View Additional Kitchen & Bath Designs.

Uma & Prabhakar

We are definitely enjoying the bathrooms. It is a very satisfying feeling to have accomplished this major task which we had been putting off for seven years!!  Just love the new baths.

Keith & Judy

First of all, we want to thank you for the great gifts. The flower arrangement and vase were so beautiful that we’re going to recreate it with silks so that we can enjoy it all year long. And the Litolier remote control was the perfect gadget for Keith! You know him well!

Most of all we want to thank you for the gorgeous bathroom that we still can’t believe is in our house! Working with Kate and her wonderful ideas and Ken with his incredible attention to details was such a positive experience. Everyone who worked on our project was a professional and we are so pleased with the quality of work.

We wish the best for the company in 2009 and will be happy to be a reference anytime.

View Additional Bathroom Renovations at HomeTech Renovations Portfolio.

Carol & Bill

We wanted to replace our Jacuzzi bath, which was out of date and released black particle every time it was used. It was also noisy and seemed to be a liability for a 2nd floor leak. This was replaced with a modern freestanding tub. Our small shower was enlarged to allow us to easily shower together. The sinks were replaced with large freestanding units and new cabinets were installed to replace a small closet. We also wanted to change small floor tiles to a more enticing design. These were replaced by wide plank floors in the bathroom and bedroom. Finally, we also wanted white beadboard on the lower walls to offset the floor and to give the room a custom look. All of these were accomplished with the help of expert design assistance and installation.

There were a few major obstacles from our perspective. These included changes to the hot water baseboard heating system, moving drain and supply lines into the wall for the sinks, new exhaust vent through the roof and installing new plumbing for the bathtub. The biggest task was perhaps enlarging the shower area and installing the plumbing, subway tile, and the beautiful glass enclosure. The entire room also has an attractive and functional lighting system.

From our perspective, the cleanout of the old bathroom was a major job that was handled without damage or excessive dirt into the rest of the house. The area was cleared after each day’s work. All of these new construction tasks were handled as scheduled by very courteous employees who appeared to be specialists in their respective trades. The inability to use our bathroom for a period of time was the biggest disruption to our activities, but it was worth the wait.

HomeTech Renovations Portfolio Showcases Additional Bath Renovation Projects.

Jamie & Linda

Our initial needs/objectives included comfort-height vanities, a comfort height toilet with some privacy and a spa shower. Every one of our needs/objectives were met and exceeded our highest expectations.

We don’t recall encountering any major obstacles but all minor obstacles were overcome and any special challenges resolved to our complete satisfaction. Initially the bathroom door could not be opened all the way to the wall so the door was moved to accommodate us. When we felt the vessel sink faucet was too far from the bowl and the granite countertop was pushing on the linen cabinet, a new countertop was cut, delivered and installed within 48 hours. The heating vent was moved several inches to accommodate the vanity and then spray painted copper to match the floor tile. The honed granite shower bench was trimmed when we thought it appeared too large.

We are totally pleased with the craftsmanship. The employees affiliated with our project made the inconvenience of living with construction and strangers in your home as painless as possible. They were neat, orderly, polite and helpful. We are delighted with the WOW factor of the finished product.

Visit HomeTech Renovations’ Portfolio to view additional Bathroom Renovation Redesign Projects.

Greg & Michelle

I think everything is fabulous you guys did such a great job. When we came back it was just phenomenal; it was like being in a whole new house! The kitchen I can’t express enough; Michelle and I both love to cook and both love to cook at the same time and we are not running into each other, not bumping hips. It’s just made such great efficient use of a smaller space for two cooks. We love the look of it; we love the feel! The center island is just phenomenal for working off of.  The appliances are great.  We love the backsplash; the look of the stacked stone is beautiful. By far the favorite is the opening up of the dining area into the living room as well as the bigger doors with the punch out; it totally gave us a whole new area where our large size family could sit down and enjoy meals. It’s a very enjoyable experience. I definitely love this whole bar hutch area here; adding it was just so critical to the whole theme of the household. I just can’t get over whole much space we are able to leverage and utilize in this small area.

The bathroom is incredible it like having your own space away from everybody else the walk-in shower with the beautiful the flooring feels like a massage every time you walk in there. Just the raindrop feeling of the shower head; it’s such a beautiful shower and the glass tile is incredible and the curved shower is amazing we love, love, love the tub; very enjoyable; and every one of the problems we were looking to solve were just solved and even better just phenomenal. You guys did a great job.

 

Visit HomeTech Renovations’ Portfolio to view  additional Kitchen-Bath Remodeling Projects.

Jere & Mary

Our initial goal for both bathroom designs was to create a classic look that echoed the bathroom remodel of the 1920’s.

As you know, I was determined to re-use the original marble sink tops that were installed in the house in the 20’s, and refinish the original southern pine floor. Our goal was to create a look appropriate for the house and use quality fixtures and hardware that would last for a long time.

Your design suggestions of beaded board, subway tile and marble trim that echoes the marble sink tops, were perfect for the look we wanted. Even the frameless glass shower fits seamlessly into the overall design.

Every detail works beautifully from the retro faucet design to the classic white mirrored medicine cabinets. On the third floor, especially, you actually exceeded our expectations.

Visit HomeTech Renovations Bathroom Design Portfolio.

Two Bathroom Remodels in One Home Located in Blue Bell, PA

Our clients lead a  very hectic lifestyle and are always on the go and desired a restful retreat to welcome them upon their return home after a long trip or a busy day. With that in mind we gave our clients a warm and welcoming master suite refuge. This new space gave our clients their own vanities, additional storage, bigger shower, added privacy and a chic updated look. Light and dark emperador marble was utilized throughout the space giving a play between light and dark. Custom cabinetry was designed to maximize storage and the warm painted/glazed finish added more richness to the space. The vanity areas are given the finishing touches with dark emperador marble countertops and a glass and stone blended mosaic backsplash to add an elegant detail. The design pulled all the clients needs together into a beautiful master suite they can enjoy for many years to come.

As a result an amazing transformation happened within their home. Here are some Before and After views:

The other room to tackle was their second floor guest bath. Our clients wanted a clean and simple space for guests to utilize when staying at their home. Cool and calm tones give this guest bath a welcoming, soothing feeling. Coffee stained cherry cabinetry provides subtle drama to this small space and helps maximize storage. A mosaic backsplash give the vanity area a unique twist and compliments the marble top. Glass accents adorn the guest shower area providing an enjoyable experience. An alcove and marble pie shelves were incorporated to maximize storage within the shower.

Once again a beautiful transformation. See below for the before and after shots:

To see more on these projects visit the HomeTech Portfolio and enjoy!

September 2, 2011

Bathrooms Today: From Utilitarian Room to Peaceful Sanctuary

Master Bath Cabinetry, Lacava, Chester Springs, PABathrooms have become more than just a room containing primary functions. These spaces have evolved into an environment that takes on the lifestyle and identity of the homeowner; it has become a refuge to enjoy a peaceful space and escape from the everyday dredger we all go through. This is being done through the materials chosen on a given project and the cabinetry which now more than ever is being transformed into pieces of furniture and sometimes even works of art while maintaining functionality.

There is a move towards using exotic woods, unique finishes and distinctive designs that tell a story and express the homeowner’s style. Vanities are now becoming the focal point of bathrooms; the ideas and options are endless when creating a piece or pieces of furniture for your oasis. Vanities are also being manipulated in the way they are organized to accommodate the need of the homeowner.

We are seeing longer and sometimes deeper. The biggest expression within these pieces is the wood type, finish and style. Cherry and Maple have always been the Custom Master Bath Cabinetry, Chester Springs, PApopular wood species; now emerging in favor is rosewood, walnut, lyptus, mahogany, bamboo and quarter sawn white oak are only a few of the beautiful exotic woods that are now being seen within bathroom designs Rich dark wood tones have been especially popular; their juxtaposition again light airy tile create a tranquil spa-like feeling or the natural tones alongside a multicolor slate and more earthy colored tile create a natural welcoming oasis.  The styles used for these vanities vary from the detailed traditional to minimal modern which can drive the rest of the design. These elements truly embellish and make piece of furniture beautiful timeless works of art.

View our portfolio of  Bathroom Designs.

Older Posts »