Posts Tagged ‘design trends’
Solid Surface’s for your kitchen
June 9th, 2010 | 
Author: Recently, we ran across an article titled, “Costly Stone, Alternatives to Granite Countertops” and it brought out a couple of great points in comparing Granite to Solid Surfaces.
Consider the lifespan of your countertop materials. Al Gerhart, expert in the matter, indicates that some granite and cement countertops can crack, chip, and stain, becoming unusable after just a few years of use. Solid Surface or any other engineered composite countertops are much easier to repair!
The article also described how the “mining” of granite blocks leaves a considerable impact on the environment, while conversion from blocks to usable slabs that end up in your home produces a large amount of waste for which no alternative use has been developed.
Composite products such as solid surface countertops have a far smaller “waste footprint” with a higher potential for recycling than other products.
While this article did not mention pricing, Engineered Composites such as Solid Surface materials are more affordable than ever! When you add up the benefits of affordability, longer lifespan and being safer for the environment it makes sense to look into Solid Surfaces for your next kitchen countertop!
IMI’s Kitchen Counter Tops are manufactured using the newest technology in Solid Surface Polymers and MasterCast Performance Engineered Composites. They also can be made in dimensions that will work in any type of kitchen.
When you need a beautiful solid surfacing material that’s economical and as durable as premium solid surface sheets, there’s only one solution – VISION by International Marble Industries. Vision is a combination of solid surface polymers and cultured marble matrix. Vision Kitchen Countertops offer an elegant matte finish with four special edge choices as standard. Vision is seamless in most applications up to 140″ x 74″. The durable surface resists burns, scratches, scuffs, stains and corrosion. Vision countertops retain their color and are UV stabilized.
Our kitchen showroom at 304 Bell Park Drive shows our full line of products and is open by appointment from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Call us and we would be happy to give you a tour. Our phone number is 770.928.2252. We look forward to hearing from you!
Posted in Counter Tops, Design | 
Tags: countertop replacement, design center, design trends, remodelers, remodeling trends | 
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Universal Design
Many residential contractors are embracing a universal design principle. The goal is simple: Create living spaces that accommodate all people – from the able-bodied to the elderly and physically handicapped–without the need for adaptation or specialized design. The concept is especially marketable to the Active Adult baby-boomer population. “We are seeing the need for universal design and its’ implementation is quickly becoming accepted as normal throughout the country. You can see it in all facets of the residential building industry, including single-family, multi-family, and remodeling.” says Joel A. Bump, CAPS, EPA-RRP Certified. “Smart developers are building spaces that can be used by a larger group of people for a larger period of time.” (Source: http://www.multifamilyexecutive.com/finishes-and-surfaces)
IMI understands both the consumer needs and the builder needs. We currently have a Certified Aging In-Place Specialist (CAPS), EPA-RRP Certification, General Contractor & Master Plumber Licenses, and an Engineer on staff. The knowledge that these individuals bring to the table makes IMI and our MasterCast Engineered Composite vanity tops, tubs, shower bases, and wall surrounds the perfect choice for all your bathroom designs!
If you would like to schedule a time to discuss your multi-family or single-family bathroom needs, we are open by appointment from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Call us and we would be happy to give you a tour. Our phone number is 770.928.2252. We look forward to hearing from you!
Posted in Design, Multi-family |
Tags: aging in place, builders, design trends, international marble, remodeling trends |
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The MAREN introduced at the Atlanta Home Show!
IMI had a great time at the Atlanta Home Show. There were bigger crowds than we had seen in the recent past, which was really exciting! It was great getting to talk with people, answer questions and introduce our newest tub, The MAREN!
The MAREN
The MAREN Stand Alone Soaking Tub is a MasterCast Engineered Composite™ that will offer ageless luxury to your bathroom interior. Our Designer Luxury Baths are manufactured with materials that offer the authenticity of stone to make them hard wearing, yet are lighter and warmer to the touch than stone. The bath combines contemporary and classic design, and presents a minimalistic look to fit into any style of bathroom. The MAREN is available in Solid White, Solid Biscuit, and Solid Almond in a gloss or matte finish. It is also available in our Signature Collection of MasterCast Engineered Composites™ which can also be selected for matching custom shower bases and vanity tops.
If you would like to visit our showroom to see this tub or any of our other products, we would love to show it to you! We are open by appointment from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Call us and we would be happy to give you a tour. Our phone number is 770.928.2252. We look forward to hearing from you!
Posted in Home Show, IMI Creations, Luxury Tubs |
Tags: bathroom remodeling cobb, design trends, luxury bath, Maren |
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IMI is headed to the Atlanta Home Show March 19th-21st.
In addition to IMI there will be over 300 participating companies offering you the latest home remodeling related products and services. IMI has products that can help whether you are buying or selling a home, adding an aging member of your family to the household, or if you are just looking to transform your bathroom!
The Spring Atlanta Home Show has been coming for 32 years! This year it is at the Cobb Galleria Centre. For more information on the hours and admission you can visit the website here.
Posted in Home Show |
Tags: aging in place, bathroom remodeling cobb, cultured marble, design trends, remodeling trends |
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The IMI Difference
IMI offers a hassle-free, all-in-one, custom remodeling process for the wet areas of your bathroom. Visualize your own private sanctuary, complete with the highest quality MasterCast Engineered Composite products that will add enduring beauty to your most personal space. Our Cultured Marble products can transform any bathroom into an area of beauty. Relax while our expert team of in-house trained staff builds the bathroom of your dreams!
Why IMI?
You can expect us to be fast and accurate. These enviable attributes are a “by product” of our incredible systems and processes that sets IMI apart from other companies.
Our accelerated time schedule minimizes disruptions to your home, family, pets or work life. Efficiency and experience combine to insure the highest quality in the shortest time frame.
Expert Design and Construction – Who knows bathrooms better than a company dedicated to one thing? IMI recently celebrated 25 years in the business of bathrooms! IMI is a GA State Licensed General Contractor, GA State Licensed Master Plumber, Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist, and EPA Certified.
Our years of experience help you create the bathroom of your dreams with the best products available. IMI is a manufacturer and fabricator of MasterCast Performance Engineered Composites, including Cultured Marble, Spray Granite, Cast Granite, and Spray Solid Surface Polymers. Our products include Vanity Tops, Soaking Tubs, Whirlpool Tubs, Shower Bases, Shower Wall Surrounds, Tub Wall Surrounds, and Stand Alone Luxury Tubs.
No Subcontractors – You know who is in your home and can trust our highly trained and experienced teams.
One Stop Shop – Convenience and a seamless process eliminate mistakes.
It’s as simple as one phone call! We handle all the details. All you have to do is imagine your new bath!
Guaranteed Price – Cost variances are a thing of the past.
You know exactly what you’re getting and exactly how much it will cost upfront. We price your project from a place of knowledge and experience, rather than a place of “guessing and hoping”.
What are you waiting for; call IMI today to set-up a free consultation! 770.928.2252
Shower and tub wall surrounds for all your needs!
Int’l. Marble Industries, Inc. (IMI) has introduced a new VALUE ENGINEERED line of shower and tub wall surrounds for your multi-family, and hospitality needs. The new line of shower and tub wall surrounds includes 9 exciting designs that offer a completely waterproof wall system, mold & mildew resistance, ease of cleaning, permanently sealed surface, and longevity in style and performance. In addition to the practical side, the walls also transform your bathroom area into a beautiful bath!
These wall surrounds are available in Solid White, Solid Biscuit, Solid Almond, and Sandy Beach Cultured Granite. Our design team is available to consult on projects requiring a signature look and color.
If you are remodeling or building new hotels, apartments, condominiums, student dorms, assisted living facilities, or hospitals, these wall surrounds can transform the bathroom while helping you stay within your budget. In addition to the wall surrounds, we also offer a full range of products for any of your bathroom needs. Call us now for a quote on current and future projects! Our Sales Team can be reached at (678) 501-6002 or sales@intlmarbleindustries.com.
IMI’s full line of MasterCast engineered composites™ includes cultured marble vanity tops, cultured marble shower bases, easy access shower bases, and several other lines that you can see at our website or by visiting our showroom, in Woodstock, GA.
If you would like to visit our showroom we would love to show it to you! We are open by appointment from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Call us and we would be happy to give you a tour. Our phone number is 770.928.2252. We look forward to hearing from you!
Posted in IMI Creations, Multi-family |
Tags: bathroom remodeling cobb, bathrooms, design trends, economy, international marble, Multi-family, remodelers |
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Time to Replenish?
I received this email today from Beth Armknecht Miller of Executive Velocity Inc. As I read it I realized that this is the time of the year to replenish. Wouldn’t you agree?
It is that time of the year once again, the clocks fall back as trees shed their leaves. I have always marveled at a deciduous plant’s ability to shed itself in the fall and then reemerge in the spring with new energy. The process allows plants to conserve water during the winter months and provides them with the opportunity to repair leaves damaged during the spring and summer by harsh weather and insects. And for flowering plants, losing their leaves provides them with an increased effectiveness in pollination the following year yielding more seeds to insure for survival and an increased population.
So if shedding leaves has so many benefits to plants and trees, what can we learn from Mother Nature? Why do so many professionals continue to take on more and more in their lives, both personally and professionally?
What can you shed from your long list of “to do’s”? How would it feel if you planned time to rest and repair? And as a leader, what would be the benefits of encouraging your high performers of shedding some of their “to dos” off their list?
The past eighteen months has been a challenging time for executives and business owners as well as line employees, all of whom have had to take on more versus less. How on earth, you wonder, can you take time to rest and replenish?
One of my favorite books is The Power of Full Engagement, and it outlines a process of energy management and renewal. If you haven’t had the opportunity to read this book yet, I would highly recommend doing so. This book is one that I read once a year to reinforce the importance of replenishing and managing my personal energy to becoming increasingly more effective.
What’s your plan to re-energize?
Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m looking forward to reading this book and becoming re-energized.
Posted in IMI's CEO Perspectives |
Tags: charitable donations, charity, cultured marble, customer service, design trends, economy, IMI |
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Top Ten Bathroom Design Mistakes
(By Jessica Brown For How Stuff Works/howstuffworks.com)
Even though outhouses are more or less an icon of the past, there are a few features that we can learn from their design. They were functional, could be created on a small budget and had good ventilation through the cracks in the wood. They were also inconvenient, poorly lit and frankly, not very luxurious.
Since the time of outhouses, bathrooms have moved inside and multiplied. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the number of homes with multiple bathrooms has increased more than 30 percent since 1973 [source: HUD].
Bathrooms are important to many people in the United States, which is why mistakes in their designs can be frustrating and costly. Bathroom designs vary, and just like with an outhouse, there are advantages and disadvantages to all the designs. In this article, we will discuss 10 common mistakes in bathroom design from layout decisions to design choices and even budgeting.
10. Small Budget for a Big Project
For those of us with limited funds, budgeting correctly can be a large part of actually being able to finish the job. Yet, it can be hard to make concessions when you’re dealing with a bathroom creation you’ve dreamed about for years.
Luckily, there are some ways to take a bit of the guesswork out of budgeting for your bathroom project. Due to the diverse nature of bathroom situations, it’s hard to give firm figures for a remodel. Yet, no matter what you have budgeted, it’s always a good idea to plan for unforeseen expenses. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry recommends saving 10 to 20 percent of your budget to allow for items added to the scope of the work [source: National Association of The Remodeling Industry]. So, only plan on using a portion of your budget upfront, then you have a cushion for those unexpected costs.
To decide how to spend your money, start by making a list of your priorities. Then make a list of must-haves based on the function of the bathroom. A large bathtub with super-powerful jets might be one person’s top priority, while double sinks might rank first for another.
After you’ve narrowed down your must-haves, a trip to your local home-improvement store or a chat with your designer is a good idea. This way you can start to put some tentative prices on some of those items on your list. For most products, you can choose from a range of price points. Take a bathtub; you could go with the deep-soaking version with jets, or you could opt for a more stream-lined model and save a few dollars.
9. Improper Installation
Everyone has heard at least one horror story about projects that have gone very wrong. From leaks to structural integrity, improper installation can end up costing you a great deal of money and trouble to correct the problem.
Besides the repairs involved with poor installation, there can also be safety issues. Cutting through framing to repair a problem can leave structurally weak spots that can damage the room and possibly hurt someone.
Another safety issue to think about is electrical installation. A television set mounted above the tub may allow you to multi-task, but it can also be a safety hazard if the television should ever fall. And improper outlets and light switches could be a fire hazard.
8. Uncomfortable Spacing
Some bathrooms may be just plain small, but sometimes the configuration and spacing in the room are actually making it seem less functional. Building codes do require a certain amount of space in front of and around toilets, tubs and shower entries along with many other space requirements throughout the room. While you have to conform to minimum requirements, adding more space to certain areas of your bathroom might be required by angles in the room or personal preference.
Evaluating exactly what you must have in the bathroom will allow you to utilize your space effectively. If you don’t take baths, forget the tub and expand the shower area. If you don’t need a place for setting curling irons or shaving cream, you can opt for a pedestal sink instead of a large sink with a countertop.
7. Lack of Storage
From shampoo bottles to towels and cleaning products, bathrooms require a lot of equipment. Yet some bathrooms only boast a small medicine cabinet and an approximately 2-foot by 2-foot (approximately 607 mm by 607 mm) closet. That might work for a bachelor, but try adding stuff from two or three people, and you have a storage nightmare. While most people’s storage issues might not be that extreme, more storage space is always a plus for a bathroom.
Some storage issues stem from limited space, but others are hindered by square footage. For those with limited floor space, move to the walls with hanging cabinets or wall shelves [source: Roney]. A mirrored medicine cabinet doubles as storage for small items. Several manufacturers make wall-mounted toothbrush holders, soap holders and soap dispensers, freeing up counter space for other items [source: Harrison and Lynch].
When making a storage plan, keep in mind the difference between hidden and exposed storage. For those who don’t want their towels and cosmetic bottles on display, planning for more hidden storage might be the correct use of space. Those with beautiful perfume bottles or monogrammed towels might want to utilize them as elements to enhance the bathroom’s overall look by displaying them on exposed shelves or in glass-front cabinets.
6. Thinking Short Term
Not planning for the future can leave homeowners with a less-than-effective bathroom. Designing for longevity also means versatility. It can be creating a child’s bathroom that can grow with the child or planning for your needs as you age.
Some parents want their kids’ bathrooms to be a children’s oasis with kid-sized everything and playful fixtures. But having a kid’s bathroom doesn’t have to mean remodeling when they hit puberty. Sarah Barnard, owner and interior designer for Sarah Barnard Design, recommends keeping surface materials simple and adding personality with removable items such as bath mats and shower curtains. This philosophy can also work for those who like to change colors or themes often, but need to stay on a budget.
Planning ahead can also make for a smooth and more aesthetic transition for those who are planning on aging-in-place or who just want the option for an accessible bathroom. This forethought can mean a great deal during a transition period.
Some ideas for planning ahead include reinforcing walls to the standards needed for grab bar installation. By creating an open floor plan with, among other space requirements, at least 32-inch (approximately 813 mm) doorways and 30 inches by 48 inches (approximately 762 mm by 1,219mm) of clear space around the sink, the bathroom becomes more accessible for a wheelchair user [source: Fair Housing Accessibility First]. Adequate lighting and the option of a nightlight can help to prevent falls for both young and old.
5. Going Too Trendy
While peach tile with teal accents may have been trendy about 60 years ago, it’s certainly not going to appeal to a broad spectrum of the general public now. Staying away from very trendy materials and design elements can give a bathroom a much longer life. While trends do differ by region, there are some items you might want to think twice about putting into your bathroom regardless of where you live. This includes ultra personalized items such as decorative motif tiles with images [source: Barnard]. While you might think that a tugboat tile for your son’s bathroom would be charming, your son may not agree with you in 10 years.
Choose items that have stood the test of time. Go with neutral colors. When choosing the color palette and materials for your room, think about the size of the room. A bold color might look great as a paint sample, but painting the entire room that color could be overwhelming [source: House Beautiful]. The same goes for flooring and tile.
Trendy choices may go out of style quickly, but if you don’t use moisture-resistant materials, you may be forced to replace them before they go out of fashion. Let’s explore some materials to avoid using in your bathroom.
4. Choosing the Wrong Materials
One of the biggest enemies to materials used in the bathroom is humidity. Choosing products that can stand up to the rigors of a wet and steamy environment is a major key in safeguarding your investment.
While to some it may be common sense, carpet is not a good option for the bathroom. It can soak up moisture and hold it. You may also want to think twice before you use wallpaper. Although, wallpaper might be a good choice for a half-bath, because it won’t have to put up with the constant steam from the shower [source: Harrison and Lynch].
As far as materials that do work well in a bathroom, nonporous surfaces are at the top of the list [source: Barnard]. Ceramic and porcelain tile work wonderfully for a bathroom. But if you’re going with semi-porous surfaces such as natural stone or hardwood, make sure to have them sealed properly. A great wood choice for the bathroom is teak because it is naturally water-resistant [source: Harrison and Lynch].
3. Ignoring the Environment
From saving the environment to reducing costs, environmentally responsible options abound when it comes to bathrooms. Water conservation is a big part of being Earth-friendly in the bathroom. Some communities are even requiring that home sellers retro-fit their homes with low-water use fixtures before they can change ownership [source: City of Arroyo Grande, California and Grillo]. Changing these fixtures ahead of time lets the homeowner reap some of the benefits instead of making the home more efficient only for the buyer’s use.
Tankless water heaters are another great option for the bathroom [source: Coleman]. While a regular water heater will consume energy throughout the day to keep the water in its tank hot, a gas tankless water heater only heats water as needed. An ENERGY STAR qualified whole-house gas tankless water heater can cut water heating expenses by 30 percent [source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR].
For both an eco-friendly and healthier bathroom, choose materials that have no or low VOCs (volatile organic compounds). These compounds are emitted as gasses from certain solids and liquids and some of these compounds can have adverse health effects [source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Indoor Air Quality]. Low or no VOC paint is one way to reduce these compounds in your bathroom. Also, as mentioned earlier, if using semi-porous materials such as natural stone or hardwood, they need to be sealed [source: Barnard]. Consider using nontoxic sealers.
2. Inadequate Lighting
When thinking about bathroom design, most people might not have lighting as a top priority, but it can greatly affect the functionality of the space. When choosing lighting for a bathroom, a homeowner can go wrong in two general ways: incorrect positioning or poor choice of lighting.
For overall bathroom lighting, overhead recessed can lights are a good option [source: Coleman]. When thinking about the rest of the room, lighting should reflect how a room will be used. If you plan on using the vanity to put on makeup or shave, lighting over the vanity is critical.
It’s also important to not forget lighting in or near the tub and shower. Not including enough light in a shower can be a safety hazard. Choose these lights carefully; they must fit with building codes and should be rated for wet locations [source: Coleman].
Regardless of where you position the lights, you should also think about the type of light you need. When choosing light bulbs, think about going with halogens, which offer a full spectrum of light that closely mimics sunlight [source: Coleman]. Another way to adjust light levels is to put lights on different switches. This allows you the freedom to turn on only the light in the toilet area instead of lighting the entire space. A dimmer on one of the lights offers the option of a nightlight for late-night trips to the bathroom.
1. Improper Ventilation
While ventilation might not be the most glamorous area of a bathroom project, it can become a real problem if not given the attention it deserves. Moisture and steam need a way to get out of the bathroom, or they’ll collect, which can cause biological pollutants, such as mold, to grow [source: EPA].
To increase air flow, an operable window is always a good choice. It also has an added benefit of adding light into the room. For those bathrooms in an area of a home that can not accommodate a window, mechanical ventilation must be added to help regulate the room’s humidity levels. Knowing the total cubic footage of the room, refer to state and local building code requirements for information on the size of windows needed for proper ventilation and the correct mechanical ventilation device.
Ventilation fans can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. New models take into account noise and also ease of use with automatic shut-off options. Other ventilation fans offer the ability to place many vents throughout the bathroom, such as over the sink, tub and shower, pulling all of that air through one central bath exhaust fan [source: Contant].
Whether it’s improper ventilation or incorrect budgeting, mistakes in bathroom design can cost homeowners time and money, while adding worries. Being educated on the areas to watch can hopefully prevent you from making these common blunders during your next project.
Posted in How Did Our Marble Get So Cultured? -Quips From IMI |
Tags: aging in place, bath, bath trends, bathroom, bathroom design, bathroom storage, bathrooms, building materials, caps, design mistakes, design trends, green, green building materials, installation, top ten, top ten mistakes, trendy, ventillation |
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