Custom Home articles from April 2004

Custom Home archives from April 2004

Evolution.(Editor's Page)
April 1, 2004... Not so long ago, kitchens and baths were perceive differently than they are today. In some ways they were more important then and in other ways less so. Consider how our expectations of bathrooms have changed. When I was growing up, most...

Go to the symposium.(Readers have their say.)(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2004... I want to thank CUSTOM HOME magazine for supporting the NAHB Custom Builder Symposium. I urge every custom builder to attend this important event, which will be held Nov. 12 to 14, 2004, in Indian Wells, Calif. The Custom Builder Symposium...

Knew him when.(Readers have their say.)(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2004... Congratulations on your article on Terry Wardell, your 2004 Custom Builder of the Year ("Staying Stoked," January/ February 2004, page 76). You really captured Terry's dynamic personality. I trust you remember that I am the "boss that moved to...

Branching out.(Readers have their say)(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2004... Until this year, our company's typical project was a 5,000- to 7,000-square-foot custom home in the Main Line area of Philadelphia or a suburban Marriott Hotel. But the combination of overbuilding in the local hotel market, a lack of suburban...

Cabinet opening: open shelving elevates function to art form.(Trend Lines/Design)
April 1, 2004... Homeowners crave a kitchen that looks like a living room but they also demand increased functionality. Architects and designers are using open shelving to address both of those issues. Open storage has long been a given in commercial kitchens,...

Full metal jacket: metals from aluminum to zinc are making the materials A-list in kitchen design.(Trend Lines/Design)
April 1, 2004... Metal is making a comeback according to builder/ designer Deborah Malone, who has been styling custom kitchens for more than a decade. Lately, her clients either want an updated version of their grandmothers' kitchens or something...

Take a powder: make way for bold powder rooms.(Trend Lines/Design)
April 1, 2004... Powder rooms go beyond function; for many homeowners they're all about style. "Powder rooms have less programmatic weight to them by not having all of the functional requirements of a full bath," says architect Mark Weber, principal at...

Bathing beauties: the bathtub as art.(Trend Lines/Design)
April 1, 2004... What's the latest way to add glamour to a master bath? More designers, manufacturers, and homeowners are turning to the tub to make this room a standout. Freestanding tubs in exotic materials and sculptural shapes are redefining how this...

Universal style.(Trend Lines/What's New)
April 1, 2004... Universal design in the bathroom doesn't have to be bleak and institutional anymore. New grab bars, tub grips, shower chairs, and benches from Creative Specialties International combine safe, solid construction with an appealing design. ...

Off the wall.(Trend Lines/What's New)
April 1, 2004... The his-and-her bath has just taken a big leap forward, putting an end to the battle of the toilet seat. Toto has introduced the Lloyd residential urinal, designed to integrate with the Lloyd collection of fixtures that includes toilet, bidet,...

Gourmet's dream.(Trend Lines/What's New)
April 1, 2004... The Waldorf cooking suite from Jade Appliances gives home chefs the ability to do just about anything the pros can do. Originally created for commercial kitchens, the custom suites come in a wide variety of configurations for residential...

Storage gems.(Trend Lines/What's New)
April 1, 2004... Diamond Cabinetry goes behind closed doors to reorganize the kitchen. The new Logix collection offers clever storage solutions to give homeowners extra visibility, accessibility, and more efficient use of space. The SuperCabinet (above),...

Certified pure.(Trend Lines/What's New)
April 1, 2004... The Purefecta water purifier uses a seven-stage, multi-barrier process to remove bacteria. viruses, and protozoa from drinking water. The drinking water system is certified to remove more than 99.99 percent of unhealthy organisms from water by...

Makes scents.(Trend Lines/What's New)
April 1, 2004... No one wants a funky-smelling home--at least that's the reasoning behind Aromatic Bio-Technology Systems' aromatherapy-oil diffuser systems, which can be incorporated into a home's HVAC system. The key difference between Aromatic...

Mark your calendar: important upcoming events.(Trend Lines/Events)(Calendar)
April 1, 2004... April 14-16, Building for Boomers & Beyond: 2004 Seniors Housing Symposium. Hyatt Regency, Chicago. For information call 800.368.5242, ext 8338, or visit www.nahb.org. * April 21, NAHB Spring Construction Forecast Conference. NAHB National...

2004 Watermark Awards: these seven projects bear the mark of excellence.
April 1, 2004... The second annual Watermark Awards, jointly sponsored by CUSTOM HOME and BUILDER magazines, celebrates the fine art of kitchen and bath design. The competition is dedicated to honoring design excellence for these two most important rooms. We...

Good connections: kitchen design is a relative matter.(Cover Story)
April 1, 2004... Open-plan kitchens have captivated designers and homeowners for several years, but recently the idea of connecting them to the rest of the house has evolved to a higher level. No longer thought of as an individual room, the kitchen is routinely...

Light refreshment: baths master the art of renewal.
April 1, 2004... In the past generation master baths have grown lavishly in both size and appointments. The most opulent now rival kitchens in lineal feet of countertop, and some give the living room a run for its money in square yardage of curtain fabric. But...

Double bubble: tubs combine whirlpool and air massage.(Products/State of the Art)
April 1, 2004... Just when you thought that bathrooms and home spas couldn't get any more luxurious--what with whirlpool tubs, jetted showers, and the like--bathtub manufacturers up the ante by offering tubs that feature both whirlpool and air-massage systems....

In your face.(Products/Spas)
April 1, 2004... Bathers can keep their faces cool while taking a warm soak in the new Bellavista tub. Two pop-up Ambient Air facial jets enable bathers to control the temperature, intensity, and direction of air flow, to their faces. The jets retract flush...

Built for two.(Products/Spas)
April 1, 2004... Designed for face-to-face bathing, the 72-by-48-by-27-inch Crescendo spa provides separate systems that let each bather control air and whirlpool jets. The acrylic unit features head, back and arm rests; integrated seats; and two grab bars....

Spare beauty.(Products/Spas)
April 1, 2004... The forma AirMasseur bath is part of the new Minimalist collection. It features a variable-speed blower with air heater, 20-minute timer, and automatic air channel purge and dry cycle. Options include digital controls, LED mood lights, and...

Good experience.(Products/Spas)
April 1, 2004... Experience whirlpools offer homeowners the ability to customize their spas with four Enhanced Experience options. Option packages include combinations of air bubbles, chromatherapy, stimulating Flexjets, back jets, and neck jets. The tubs also...

Tiny bubbles.(Products/Spas)
April 1, 2004... Two new models of the Champagne Bubbler offer deep bathing wells, low-profile decks, and two lengths: 66 inches and 74 inches. Three settings--constant, wave, and pulse--control the speed at which thousands of bubbles emerge from air portals...

Stow below: refrigerator drawers fit in almost anywhere.(Products/State of the Art)
April 1, 2004... A cool refrigeration concept is red hot with homeowners. "People love refrigerator drawers," says interior designer Jana Erwin of Woodlands, Texas-based Classic Designs. "They especially love the fact that they integrate with the regular...

Simply stainless.(Products/Kitchen Products)
April 1, 2004... Stainless steel chimney hoods feature 650-cfm blowers, six speed settings, electronic touch controls, and 15-minute delay shut-offs for fans and lights. Dual halogen lights with a night light option illuminate cooktops The hoods are available...

Distinctive display.(Products/Kitchen Products)
April 1, 2004... Cabinets and drawers provide storage space in the bottom of the 9-foot Kingsbridge Breakfront, while the top provides two glass cabinets and shelving with plate grooves. It comes in a distressed finish and is also available in an 8-foot-tall...

Island living.(Products/Kitchen Products)
April 1, 2004... Available with a choice of 13 valance styles and six leg designs, Designer can be speced in any of the maker's standard wood species or finishes. Cabinet pieces are designed as end caps or base hutch island end caps to finish the sides and ends...

Modern mystery.(Products/Kitchen Products)
April 1, 2004... The faucet and drain are placed at opposite ends of the undermount Mystic Sink, allowing water to cascade along its 40-inch length. Its meandering shape is tapered and shallow at the faucet end and wider and deeper toward the drain. Constructed...

Safe filling.(Products/Kitchen Products)
April 1, 2004... The Melrose collection 15-inch swinging pot filler features a shut-off valve at the wall and a control valve at the end of the spout to make controlling water flow safer and easier. The pot filler is available in chrome and stainless steel....

High relief.(Products/Kitchen Products)
April 1, 2004... Intended for vertical applications including backsplashes, wainscoting, and fireplace surrounds. Bas-Relief textured solid surfacing panels come in five stock patterns. The straight-edge panels measure 9 inches by 18 inches. Each pattern...

New traditions.(Products/Kitchen Products)
April 1, 2004... The Aga Legacy dual-fuel range features chunky curved doors, retro spiral handles, and enameled steel construction. Six burners deliver from 5,000 to 15,000 BTUs. The range features multifunction, convection, and broiling ovens. The product is...

Companion pieces.(Products/Kitchen Products)
April 1, 2004... Designed to augment primary cooking surfaces in the kitchen, 24-inch griddle, char-grill, and wok ranges are available in 14 colors. The wok range delivers i 27,500 BTUs; the griddle range has a stick-resistant finish; and the char-grill range...

Hot mix.(Products/Kitchen Products)
April 1, 2004... The Perrin & Rowe collection's kitchen bridge faucets feature a temperature-mixed side spray. A non-stick diverter allows switching between the spout and the spray to provide a mix of hot and cold water. They come in cross handle and lever...

Supreme chef.(Products/Kitchen Products)
April 1, 2004... Constructed of polished or brushed stainless steel or brass over enameled steel, the Supreme cooktop is available in eight colors. Measuring 51 inches, the cooktop comes in two modular configurations. Morice. 800.998.8966. www.morice-usa. com....

Clean zone.(Products/Kitchen Sinks)
April 1, 2004... The ultimate clean-up station, the AquaCenter houses a 16-gauge stainless steel sink and integral counter, a Jenn-Air dishwasher, and a pullout storage drawer. The customizable unit comes ready to accept cabinet doors and can be configured with...

Copper creation.(Products/Kitchen Sinks)
April 1, 2004... This handcrafted 16-gauge copper farmhouse sink has a generous 30-by-19-by 10 inch basin. In addition, its sturdy, foam-filled double wall construction minimizes the noise associated with this material. Stone Forest. 505.986.8883....

Apron art.(Products/Kitchen Sinks)
April 1, 2004... The Chameleon collection farmhouse sink features four interchangeable aprons handcrafted out of solid bronze. Themes include hummingbirds, dragonflies and cattails, wilderness views, and barnyard scenes. Also available with a plain or hammered...

Stone look.(Products/Kitchen Sinks)
April 1, 2004... Composed of 80 percent granite, Silgranit has the look and feel of natural stone, says the maker. The non-porous material has superior stain-, scratch-, and chip-resistance, plus it is easy to clean. Eleven designs are available in a variety of...

At your service.(Products/Kitchen Sinks)
April 1, 2004... The Briva is a dual-bowl stainless steel sink with one extra-deep basin that doubles as a dishwasher for up to five place settings. Remove the rack and arm and it can hold a 14-inch stockpot. Sized to fit a 42-inch or 48-inch cabinet, the unit...

Let it pour: luxury shower products gain popularity.(Products/State of the Art)
April 1, 2004... In a recent NAHB consumer survey, "What 21st Century Home Buyers Want," 69 percent of the respondents replied that they would install a separate shower enclosure; 67 percent would add water-temperature controls. A somewhat less impressive 58...

Sleek simplicity.(Products/Bath Products)
April 1, 2004... The Atrio bath line includes a wall-mount vessel faucet, wide-set and center-set lavatory faucets, bidets, exposed shower/tub fillers, Roman tub fillers, and bath accessories. Options include a cylindrical Lever or spoked handle and polished...

European flair.(Products/Bath Products)
April 1, 2004... The Extraordinary bath collection includes furniture-style vanities and sinks in contemporary designs. A variety of sink shapes are available in marble, porcelain, and glass. Vanity material options include the blue lacquer cabinets shown here...

Antique collectibles.(Products/Bath Products)
April 1, 2004... Reflecting Georgian architecture, the Leighton Ensemble of bath fixtures includes the Comfort Height toilet with an oval tank, a 36 inch high pedestal lavatory, and an elliptical basin with a step up rolled rim. An oval mirrored cabinet is also...

Falling water.(Products/Bath Products)
April 1, 2004... With a fill rate of 18 gallons per minute, the Cascading tub filler comes in models to fit tub wall thicknesses ranging from .06 to .75 inch. It can be installed on tubs or whirlpools made of most materials, including granite and marble. The...

Natural metal.(Products/Bath Products)
April 1, 2004... Hand-forged stainless steel and brass CIXX faucets feature hammer marks. Available in either deck-mount or wall-mount configurations, faucets are hand-finished to highlight their rustic appearance. Tub faucets are also available. Sonoma Forge....

Rain massage.(Products/Bath Products)
April 1, 2004... The Raindance Handshower features the Turbo3 Massage spray with three individually rotating streams and five spray settings. The Allrounder showerhead holder accessory allows the Raindance to rotate positions, providing an overhead spray, a...

Casting call.(Products/Bath Products)
April 1, 2004... The Geometrique collection of sinks comes in a variety of shapes: cube, rectangle, cone, pyramid, half-sphere, and circle. The cast glass sinks feature seamless construction. Porcher. 800.524.9797. www.porcher-us.com. Circle 168 ...

Vintage rendition.(Products/Bath Products)
April 1, 2004... The Renditions collection suite features a toilet with elongated bowl and separate oval tank. a pedestal lavatory, console lavatory with tempered glass shelf, self-rimming countertop lavatory, and 6-foot drop-in whirlpool bath. All come in...

Regal flush.(Products/Bath Products)
April 1, 2004... Constructed of solid ash, the Dagobert wooden throne toilet features a Gothic arched back, full armrests, a china cistern, a candleholder, and ashtray. When the lid is raised, a musical chime plays "The Song of Dagobert." The flush is...

Softly subtle.(Products/Bath Products)
April 1, 2004... Designed to provide a smooth, translucent surface, the Ritual collection features matte finish glass tiles in a soft color palette. The tiles come in mosaics, 2: and 4-inch-square and 2-by-4-inch field files, as well as bar and baby bar liners,...

Estate planning.(Products/Bath Accessories)
April 1, 2004... The Estate Bath 2003 accessories collection includes four styles--Arts and Crafts-inspired Richland. Victorian-style Peyton, classic Springfield, and graceful Edinburgh in polished brass, chrome, and nickel; satin nickel and brass: Venetian...

On the edge.(Products/Bath Accessories)
April 1, 2004... The For Loft collection by designer Michael Smith offers bath accessories with an industrial look. It includes a toilet tissue holder, robe hook, and towel bars in chrome, nickel silver, and brushed nickel finishes. Kallista. 888,452.5547....

High seas.(Products/Bath Accessories)
April 1, 2004... The Hatteras collection features nautical styling inspired by the lighthouse in Cape Hatteras, N.C. Accessories coordinate with the line's faucets, tub fillers, and shower components and come in polished chrome, platinum nickel, and brushed...

Matched set.(Products/Bath Accessories)
April 1, 2004... The Michael Graves, collection offers a range of matching lighting and accessories. Towel bars, a glass shelf, robe hooks, towel rings, toilet tissue holders, soap pumps, and a toilet tank lever coordinate with light sconces from Progress...

Double duty.(Products/Bath Accessories)
April 1, 2004... The Clodagh bath suite includes dual-function accessories: The robe hook also is a towel holder; the towel bar also is a shelf. Offered in stainless steel and wood finishes, the line includes a toothbrush holder, toilet paper holder, toilet...

Sensible chic: Merillat Cabinetry helps builders "wow" customers.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... Beautiful Kitchens Sell Homes No other room has the ability to "wow" potential customers like tile kitchen. It's the builder's first and best chance to make an impression. And the key component of the kitchen is the cabinetry, which has...

Wine cellars.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... Baby boomers make up the majority of serious wine drinkers in this country, according to industry and research groups, and now their children, in their 20s and 30s, are getting into the market as well, often at the premium level. These...

Chance of showers.(Last Detail)
April 1, 2004... In this Cape Cod, Mass., pool house, the two-story shower is more than a place to get clean. "Most likely, you're already wet from the pool and just rinsing off," theorizes architect Steven Foote of Boston-based Perry Dean Rogers & Partners...