Bathroom Showcase: Top 5 Bathroom Trends of 2011

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There is no doubt that 2011 has been an innovative year in bathroom design. Creativity and function have shined this year to bring forth several trends that we believe will hold strong in 2012 and even beyond. From aerated shower heads to natural building materials, here is our showcase of the top 10 bathroom trends of 2011.

1. Spa-like Tubs

This year one of the driving factors of all bathroom design has been to add a bit of luxury. So many spa-like elements have been boosted in 2011, but perhaps none quite like the spa-like tubs we have seen. Tubs like the MTI Atlantica which offer multiple jets, whirpool action, and air bath technology. These options are usually customizable to provide you with the ultimate in personal relaxation.

2. Luxury Walk in Showers

Following in suit with spa-like tubs are the walk-in showers. These are not your typical, just-stand-there showers, though! Showers of 2011 have multiple water sources/showerheads, aerated water, and even seats. Everything in the design of these showers is geared towards providing you with a highly relaxing and rejuvenating experience every time.

3. Conserving Water

Every part of the home is getting a push toward green living, and the bathroom is no exception. With so much water being consumed in the bathroom on a daily basis, one of the largest and most important bathroom trends of 2011 is conserving water. From showers heads, to bath designs, smart faucets, and even toilets, every water-consuming element of the bathroom can be upgraded to a better, more green version.

4. Multiple Sinks and Mirrors

In continuing with the spa-like feel of 2011 bathrooms, many are choosing to add more than one mirror and sink. These can be delegated as his and hers, or simply used to make a room feel more spacious and classy. Luckily, it is also relatively easy, even if you have a small bathroom!

5. Toilets with Options

Technology in the year 2011 has made many things much smarter. Now toilets can also be added to the long list of innovative redesign in 2011. Just a few of the common features in these toilets of the future are heated seats, adjustable rear wash, MP3 jacks and even smart-touch remote controls!

Plumbtile Showcase: Native Trails

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As the kids head back to school and summer begins to wind down, Plumbtile is taking a look at some of the most memorable moments of the summer, and those we have to look forward to. This year has seen many strides in kitchen and bath design, function, and responsibility. New, eco-friendly, and glamours trends are gaining speed. There is one brand, however, who has always been at the forefront of our minds when we think “green,” Native Trails prides itself on hand-crafted products which are “one of a kinds works of art” and made of sustainable and recycled materials. Native Trails also showed up with very innovative and – as always – beautiful ideas at the Dwell on design showcase of 2011.

That is why we have decided to place Native Trails for today’s showcase. Take a look at the video below to get and idea of the artistry that is Native trails design!

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If you would like to find out more about Native trails and the other eco-friendly brands that Plumbtile is proud to offer, check out our site here.

6 Tips For Choosing the Best Kitchen Faucet

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When you are thinking of the perfect elements for your kitchen, it is important not to overlook the kitchen faucet. It may seem small but the faucet has a lot of impact on the kitchen’s entire look and function. You will want one which is paired nicely with your kitchen design, and that gets the job done! Here are 6 tips to choosing the right faucet for your kitchen.

1. Choose the right finish

The finish you choose should blend well with the overall color and design of your kitchen. If you have a very modern kitchen with all stainless steel appliances and a basic black and white color scheme, then a brass finish on your faucet is going to cry out for attention in a very negative way.

2. Select the right faucet for the job

Many kitchens are equipped with only one sink, and it is mostly used for cleanup. This type of area is served best by a pull down faucet which will let you direct water where needed as you clean. Also consider a faucet with a higher clearance for filling pots easily.

3. Match the faucet to the sink size

Make sure that the faucet will sufficiently cover the entire area of the sink. Smaller “convenience” sinks will need smaller faucets, but the larger ones will need more coverage. If you really want and understated and tucked away faucet, consider one like Kohler’s Karbon faucet.

4. Choose the right product for you

Those with lower dexterity in their hands or who often have their hands full will want a faucet that is easy to turn on and off. Lever handles are traditional is this aspect, but there are also several emerging technologies to help out. Faucets with options like Brizo’s SmartTouch technology could even replace those handles completely.

5. Consider the installation

Different sinks require different types of installation, and some may not be convenient or even possible in your home. From wall mounts to single sink holes, you need to be sure you get a faucet that can easily be installed in your kitchen without ruing the over look or function.

6. Choose the best style for you

Finally, it is important to choose a sink style that not only flows with the rest of the room, but that you will love to use and look at. You may not realize just how much you use that faucet, but having one you don’t like will bring that to your attention very quickly. To find the right design, you may need to look online or in magazines and books to get  ideas, and then discuss your options and tastes with the retailer of your choice.

 

Luxury Spa Treatment Right at Home

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Today’s showcase features two of the best spa quality tubs you can find for your home. Whether you are looking for a massage experience or supreme soaking and relaxation – or both – you can trust on these companies to provide you with the perfect balance of function, style, and price. And you can trust Plumbtile to bring you the eco-friendly versions!

Jado Porcher

The Jado Porcher fusion brings together two harmonious worlds of aesthetics. Specifically, the Ecosilent Whirlpool and Smooth Air bath models let you easily add spa-like options to your bath time.

Powered by an integrated pump and motor that’s practically inaudible, the Ecosilent Whirlpool baths offer relaxing hydrotherapy in a tranquil environment. The pump and in-line heater work together to reduce energy consumption, while the EverClean antibacterial circulation system ensures the whirlpool stays clean longer.

The Smooth Air massage system produces full bubble immersion from perfectly smooth air jets and is available in all Jado Porcher air bath models

Hydro Systems

The Hydro Systems reputation for delivering superb personal bathing satisfaction continues with each new series they create, and the customized options available for each mean you get nothing but your absolute dream tub.

In particular, we love the Yvette for its perfect spacious design and comfort. It is available as a Heated Soaking Bath, Whirlpool, Thermal Air or Combination Whirlpool-Air Bath.

The Alexis is also a wonderful option for oversized tubs with a slightly different design. It incorporates two sloping back rests, arm rests, and is also available as heated, whirlpool, thermal air, and combination.

Of course, the Plumbtile site features dozens of other spa-quality tub options from brands like Americh, Duravit, and ToTo. Don’t forget to check out our sale page to see out hottest deals on tubs and bath accessories!

Preview of Dwell on Design 2011

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Dwell on Design 2011 will be held from the 24th – 26th (that’s next weekend, folks!) at the LA Convention Center. Not only are we at Plumbtile very excited for this event, but several of our own top brands will  be there!

As many of you know, only the top brands and best designs are selected to appear at Dwell on Design, and this year promises to surpass your expectations. Here is some specific info on our favorite brands who will be there:

Blanco – Booth Number 537. Blanco will be presenting innovative sink designs such as Blanco Precis, Blanco Perfoma, Blanco Cascade, Blanco Purus 1, and Blanco Culina, designs that were produced from start to finish in three materials.

Brizo – Booth Number 339, will be featuring premium faucets and distinctive designs such as Loki, RSVP, Siderna, Talo, Venuto sets, and a Virage Sensori Shower.

Duravit – located at booth 543, and will be showcasing brand new and exciting designs by Starck, Matteo Thun, and Sieger Design for residential and public building use.

Hansgrohe – Booth Number 447, will be bringing its newest additions from top designers Antonio Citterio and Philippe Starck, which will include showerheads, faucets, and shower pipes.

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Kohler – Booth Number 247. Kohler will be featuring the new Numi, a remarkable porcelain toilet with climate-control, an I-Pod dock, and a built in bidet and deodorizer.

Lacava – Booth Number 115, will be presenting eco-friendly products including Torre Pedestal, Trevi Toilet, Trenta Pedestal, La Scala Faucet, Twin Set Bathtub, and La Scala Vanity.

Native Trails – Booth Number 220. Native Trails will be bringing a variety of sinks and bathtubs such as a Savannah Vanity, Maestro Ananda Sink, Chardonnay Vanity, Aspen Tub, Cuzco Vanity and Tatra Sink, Sumatra Vanity and Laguna Sink, and Yanamah Vanity and Eclipse Sink.

Toto – Booth Number 321, will be presenting the ultimate bath experience from Upton Faucets, Aquia One-Piece Toilets, Kiwami Showers, to Neorest Faucets and Toilets.

WetStyle – Booth Number 340. WetStyle will be featuring eco-friendly natural stone composite materials and sustainable hardwoods from floating sinks to premium bathtubs and various motifs.

We would like to congratulate all these brands before the exhibit and hope to hear lots of great news and stories after the event!

Top 5 Ways to Create a Spa Experience in Your Bathroom

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How awesome would it be to create a spa experience in your own bathroom?  After a grueling day at work or wrestling with the kids, wouldn’t you like to relax in a cozy tub or wash away the day in a refreshing shower? At Plumbtile, we strive to offer you that exact experience with the highest quality from top name brands. Here are the 5 best ways to create a spa experience direct from us to you!

1. Large Shower Heads

Large, oversized shower heads are a huge trend today, and not only for their looks and fantastic function. These provide full–body coverage over clean water in fact, many of them, such as Hansgrohe shower heads, use less water than the smaller, traditional models. You can relax easily and guilt-free knowing that you are not harming the environment to do so. You will come out of one of these showers feeling rejuvenated after a tough day’s work – or invigorated to start one.

2. Soaking Tub

For a longer period of relaxing, soaking tubs provide a very unique experience. These are slightly different than your grandmother’s tub, and do wonders to melt away your cares and worries quickly. The designs are almost always edgy and contemporary, but still flawlessly fit into almost any décor or bathroom design.  Stone Forest is one of the leading producers of luxurious tubs and sinks. They come in many shapes and sizes, and they will even customize one to suit your specific taste through the use of natural materials such as bronze, copper, and especially stone.  As a bonus, they offer matching vanities, sinks, and pedestals.

3. Lighting,

Lighting is so essential in creating the right environment for the full spa experience. Too much light will ruin the entire experience, but you also need more light during other times of the day, so the real trick is placement.  In areas where more light is needed, such as around the vanity, don’t shy away from using what you need. To switch from this to lower lighting, use recessed or even underwater lights that are less bright and create more of an ambient glow than a harsh glare.

4. Natural Stone Tile

It’s no secret that here at Plumbtile we just LOVE pebble tile. Not only is it easy to use, but it creates a wonderful and authentic feel to any patio, bathroom, or even kitchen. There are, however, plenty of other options for natural stone tile. If you are not a fan of pebble tile, or simply need something to compliment its use, try options like the Mandala Tile Etrusco Collection to create a neutral, yet pleasing and forward thinking design.

You don’t need to have a large budget to implement just one or two indulgent elements to your bathroom. Something as simple as upgrading your shower head can do wonders. For more ideas, inspiration, and clearance items, feel free to stop by the Plumbtile site.

Do you have an item or design element that makes your bathroom a sanctuary of relaxation? Share it with us by commenting below!

Reminder: Exquisite Hansgrohe ISH Display

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Although ISH occurred several months ago, we wanted to take a minute to give you a little reminder of the Hansgrohe display – undeniably one of the best in show! Aside from the innovation we can expect from Hansgrohe – such as shower heads which provide luxury and eco-friendly solutions, the company rolled some of our favorite new products of the year.

While offering a beautiful design for faucets, shower heads, and other accessories, Hansgrohe also believes in concentrating on the end user. By offering such a wide range of choices, the company allows you to choose a look that best suits the room, and function that best suits you! Take a look at just a few of the products below, and if you’d like to look at more of the products in-depth, visit our Hansgrohe page.

Hands down my favorite is the Axor Starck “ShowerHeaven” shower head. This large, ceiling mounted head rains down water to cover your entirely and allows for more efficient showering and a spa-like relaxation. Definitely one of those “must try” products!

What are your favorites? Comment below to share!

Lacava Sinks Put Elegant and Eco-friendly Designs to Work

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When it comes to bathroom design, there are a few pieces that should be counted as very important accessories. The sink you choose is one of the most important ways to make or tie up the statement made by your bathroom’s design – it is also the easiest place to ruin the whole look!

While some may not even think of the bathroom sink as important, consider the amount of exposure this fixture gets. Daily rounds of shaving, washing, brushing, and primping give your sink literally hours of use, so it is very obvious you need a sturdy model.

As for the design, you may not think of it as important now, but it is painfully obvious when the worn sink has been chosen. The wrong color, shape, style, and design can make this part of your bathroom an eyesore – like a bad painting in an otherwise chic living room.

In modern times, contemporary bathroom designs and accessories are very popular. Balancing an eco-friendly utility with a trendy design that will be in style for years to come is at the top of the list for most consumers. Thus, we have seen many companies make a shift in their focus and products. Elegant and water –saving options are flooding the shelves and inventories. The issue now is knowing that a company actually knows how to deliver on such high promises when they are simply following a trend.

One brand, Lacava, does not have such a dilemma. With roots in Italy, this Chicago-based company has been creating the highest-quality contemporary sink designs for years. Not only that, but the motto and badge “Green at Heart” is proudly displayed on their home page, with a full-page description of their eco-friendly policies.

“Lacava strongly rejects the idea of disposable low-quality furniture, which is made mostly of particle board, laminates, plastics, and other oil-based derivates and not intended to last longer than a couple of years. Our high quality furniture is made of renewable resources like natural wood with the least processing possible. Our craftsmanship combined with durable materials and wear-resistant parts allow people to enjoy Lacava’s furniture for many years to come, and is often passed on to the next generation as a valuable asset of the house!”

Lacava is not just following a trend – they have created one. To be sure your chosen design will flow with the rest of your bathroom, you will be happy to know Lacava also carries a full range of bathroom furniture, fixtures, and accessories. Feel free to browse the entire selection at Plumbtile for a better understanding of the possibilities.

Walker Zanger- Stone from the Holy Land

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jerusalem For some people, integrating their religion or beliefs into a visual expression of themselves is an incredibly important matter. Many people will combine ornamental sacred symbols in their interior decoration. Aligning your spiritual values with the place you call home will enrich it and make you feel more attached and content where you live. While some people hang crosses, stars or other representations of faith, Walker Zanger allows helps you build your home out of materials of the Holy Land.
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Phylrich's Ornate Traditional Stylings

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A lot of the products that Plumbtile.com deals in tend towards a minimalist design; or evoke a futuristic fashion statement. That is well and good, however, there are some customers out there who might want an investment quality brass fitting that could have been taken directly from the 1950s or earlier. Some companies have a selection of bathroom fixtures that hearken back to design eras that have passed us by, but Phylrich’s entire range of products provide an extraordinary traditional setting that will complete your classic French or English styled boudoir.

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