Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs, Inc.

How To Create The Bathroom Of Your Dreams

We learned SO much in Orlando this year at the National Kitchen and Bath Show – I’m still thinking about how to use what product where in our personal and professional projects. As chosen designers on the 2018 Modenus Blog Tour, we were lucky enough to get up close and personal with products you need to know about to create the bathroom of your dreams!

I personally have allergies from hell. I am constantly dealing with sinus infections and more mucus than a human should have to deal with. I’m sure that’s TMI, but if you AREN’T like me, you’ve probably had the flu or the worst cold of your life this winter.  How many times did I drag my kids when they were little with Croup into the bathroom and run the shower until the entire bathroom was a steam room? Would you die for a steam shower about now?  I WOULD. My skin is dry, my nose is dry – this has been one cold winter.

Introducing Mr. Steam.  The answer to all of my dreams in a bathroom. 

The next time you are facing a remodel or new construction – this is how simple it is – shower walls to the ceiling and a generator the size of a brief case built into the wall. 

I have such breathing issues (and stress issues) that I have turned to diffusing essential oils to help me relax at night. Of course Aromatherapy is just one of the many benefits of a Mr. Steam steam shower. SIGN ME UP.

The notion of WARM towels that small like LAVENDER just gets me giddy.

I urge you to visit the Mr. Steam website. The Virtual Spa guide is super helpful – just enter in your shower dimensions and the wall materials (both of which impact the size of the generator you will need) and then choose all the goodies like shower controls, aromatherapy, chromatherapy (adds the effects of colored lighting to your steam) and music therapy (surround yourself with the music of your choice).

Just a few benefits – ALL of which appeal to my life and I’m sure yours too. 

Hydrates drink skin

Naturally detoxes and removes impurities

Provides relief of symptoms of colds, flu, bronchitis, allergies, arthritis and more. 

Eases the pain of tired muscles and joints. 

Let’s say you are in the mood for a long hot bath instead of a steam shower.  No problem. Let’s look at DXV. If you are a fan of the new modern farmhouse movement, you will love the Oak Hill Collection. From the tub (notice the wood legs) to the potty to the vanity – I love it all!

Not to freak you out, but if you’ve never sat on a potty with a warm seat, you should really try it. The DXV Spalet has a warm seat, will clean you front and back, deodorize the bowl and more.  Don’t roll your eyes until you try it!

We are specifying a lot of freestanding tubs in our projects.  I loved this “3-sided” tub from the American Standard Townsend collection created to install against a wall and save space. 

If you are short like me, you will appreciate the new Spectra collection from American Standard. Change the functions on your shower with a touch of a button installed anywhere you want in the shower (i.e. easy to reach).  I love this!

The nicest part? You can just change out your current shower head to a new Spectra shower head without renovating your shower. By the way, the price is also right!

Last but not least, I have to leave you with some FUN.  Check out these Grohe Essence kitchen faucets.

There is SO much more to share.  We talked a lot about these products and more on our podcast “Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole”.   The show on KBIS airs Wednesday morning, February 7th on iTunes.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR NEW PODCAST.

Cheers,

Kelly

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How to Add Value to Your Home

Homeowners are always looking for ways to beautify their home and add value at the same time.  Upgrading doors or adding trim work such as baseboard, crown molding, wainscoting and ceiling designs are a great way to add charm and freshen up your home’s appearance.

We were honored to be invited to attend KBIS 2018 – the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Orlando this month with Modenus Blog Tour where we toured the Metrie booth filled with amazing trim details.

Metrie started as a family owned business in 1926.  They create high-quality, finely crafted architectural elements and are one of the largest suppliers and manufacturers of solid wood and composite molding in North America.

Here are some images showcasing the French Curves Collection:

 Design by Andrew Pike

Harmony Builders

Image via Metrie

Below is one of our favorite projects where the doors were the star of the show – look at what we started with and how trim work helped us to take these flat, boring closet doors from 0 to 100!  This is the Gentleman’s bath we designed for the Cartersville, Georgia Magnolia Showhouse.

Before...

During… (via Mitch Mitton)

After…

Magnolia Show House – Design by Kandrac & Kole

The difference that can be made is remarkable.  Take the time to look at Pinterest boards, Metrie.com , Houzz and shelter magazines to see how you can add interest (and value) to your home!!

Are you Bohemian? Modern Farmhouse? Vintage Industrial? – Click here to take a short quiz on the Metrie site called Option “M” to find your “design style”.   

Joann

Sponsored by Metrie

 

 

 

The Kitchen of the Future 2018

While attending KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) in Orlando with Modenus Blog Tour last week, we were introduced to some exciting appliances from Thermador that are going to change the way we work in our kitchen in ways never imagined.

Notice the wifi symbols on the floor – this means that these ovens are wifi connected  These symbols were seen throughout the Thermador booth denoting which appliances are “wifi-connected”.

Why would an appliance need to be wi-fi connected?  An amazing application called “Home Connect” is what this is all about!  See the partners listed here:

Here are a couple of testimonials from the Home Connect website.

“There’s no magic involved – I can look into my fridge without having to open the door”

“From the aperitifs to the food: I always make a real effort when my friends come around. I often organize nibbles, flowers and prepare a delicious aperitif.  Sometimes I’m standing in the drinks aisle in the supermarket and I can’t remember how much Prosecco I have left in the fridge. A quick glance at my Home Connect app tells me.  It is connected to the cameras inside my fridge and lets me check the contents even when I’m out”.

“The right recipe for the ingredients I have in stock”

“A good meal should also have a good dessert”. “This is where the Home Connect app comes in.  It inspires me with international and national recipes. In honor of the Obon Festival in Japan,  I find a Japanese cheesecake that I want to make. The best bit is that the Home Connect app sends the cooking times and temperatures direct to my oven”.

It was great to see new products and get a private tour to learn about the new innovations.

 Some of my favorites:

The refrigerator from the Freedom Collection is totally customizable inside and out, features soft close doors, and a separate box for herbs.  This unit comes in stainless steel or “panel ready”.   Imagine covering your fridge with original art, granite or even a chalk board!

Another great product from Thermador is what’s called the “Entertainer’s Dishwasher”.  It features a gentle cycle that won’t break or damage glasses.  This specialty “glass” dishwasher allows you to wash up to 26 large wine glasses or even more smaller ones all at once.   This is another appliance that allows control of the appliance through the Home Connect app.

Of course this doesn’t replace your regular dishwasher, but if you entertain a lot this would be awesome!  How great to have a party and not have to hand wash the glasses after your guests leave.  Wake up and just put them away 🙂

Needless to say, times are changing and these appliances, as well as being the top of the line in quality, are also offering convenience and making the household more efficient!  

Stay tuned for future blogs on what we saw at KBIS 2018!

Joann

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