Fiora Shower Pans

European minimalist shower trays that mimic stone are now available in the US.

The pans are manufactured by Fiora Bath Collections, located in La Rioja, Spain, renowned for the design and manufacture of furniture, mirrors and accessories for the bathroom. Coastal Shower Doors will be introducing the pans at KBIS Jan. 20-22 in Las Vegas.

Flora has patented a new concept in shower flooring based on the use of an artificial stone called SILEXPOL. This new material has anti-slip and bacteriostatic properties, qualities that have proven to be highly desirable to the European audience.

“We expect Americans to not only love the design, but also appreciate the nanotechnology that goes into making the trays water repellent and the maintenance easy and safe,” Patrick Cobb, national accounts for Coastal Shower Doors

While I’m not sure if the full line up will be available, the pans are offered in two patterns (regular and brick) with fourteen colors in each.

One of the new features of the Fiora SILEX shower tray is its adaptability and flexibility to fit into any decor theme, whether in residential or commercial applications. Moreover, two of the trays within the SILEX collection, Extra Flat made-to-measure and Framed made-to-measure, can be adapted to spaces that are not rectilinear or have obstructions such as columns.

If you are not building a new home, careful planning will be required to lower the floor in the shower area if you desire the flush fit. If you are currently living in a condo, you may need to become besties with the neighbors below you to rework the drain and the trap.

January 4, 2015

Kook by Karim Rashid

His designs are famous for their natural soft lines and attention to detail. His work is globally recognized, as it speaks a universal language of beauty. Karim Rashid, a Canadian Industrial designer, is the designer behind the concept kitchen Kook for Rastelli Cucine. Rastelli Cucine is an international kitchen company launched in 2014 by ARAN Cucine owner Renzo Rastelli. Kook was first displayed at EuroCucine 2012 by ARAN Cucine.

“I take a minimalist approach in my kitchens, preferring to create a clean striking surface that is punctuated by splashes of strong color. For the Kook kitchen I wanted to create an innovative design to turn even the most challenging culinary endeavors into pure aesthetic pleasure”.

Rastelli Cucine showed Kook again at Salone del Mobile 2014. Rastelli Cucine strives to create contemporary inspiring designs that are ergonomically, environmentally and emotively superior. Collaborating with designers like Kiram Rashid enables Rastelli to promote the best of Italian Design standards. The Kook Kitchen is strong in both design aesthetics and functional storage. The extra deep work surface incorporates a cooktop and a sink with matching cutting board that conceals the opening for a continuous surface. Motorized shutters hide kitchen clutter behind the angled face. Glass shelves are lit with LED edge lighting and a colored LED lit strip accents tip-on style lower cabinets. Ovens are placed in tall cabinets with pocketing Corian glass panel doors for concealment when not in use. The dishwasher is fitted with an angled front to match the slanted profile of the cabinetry. The refrigerator starts at counter height with storage below. I prefer the Kook Kitchen with the taller elements – blame it on my North American desire for storage. I’d specify the units not to be unfitted because dirt can collect in the gap between the units.

December 28, 2014

2015: The Year Ahead in Bathroom Design

This year brought us the use of matte black fixtures in the bathroom with the declined use of oil-rubbed bronze. Matte gold finish gained ground in fixtures, lighting and accessories – especially in higher end homes.

In 2014 contemporary bathroom design requests surpassed traditional. For 2015 I expect clean, contemporary design will still be most popular with curbless showers and suspended vanities incorporated into designs for continuous sleek tile floors.

LED lighting will not only be used in lighting fixtures on the ceilings and walls but also underneath suspended vanities and recessed to accentuate free-standing tubs.

My prediction for the most significant shift in 2015 will be in the request for semi-recessed tubs.

Homeowners want bathrooms that are easier to clean and the corners and crevices behind free-standing tubs can be difficult to reach. Installing a tub in a semi-recessed design allows the bathroom to look more spacious and modern while eliminating the need to clean behind the tub.

In addition to providing easily accessible storage for bath salts and other bathing items, the partial platform allows for additional plumbing options for the tub filler placement.

The semi-recessed tub installation requires skilled installers that can carefully craft a deck that follows the contour of the tub.

As the 2015 progresses, more manufacturers will make installation easier by offering half-skirts to consumers. Cladding the surrounding decking will become faster and easier.

The semi-recessed tub can also be installed at variable heights providing customization for homeowners and plumbing solutions for drain configuration in bathroom remodeling.

Leave a comment if you think this trend will take off or if you think it’s too custom to get a foot-hold and will flop. Here’s to a prosperous and creative 2015!

December 24, 2014

Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2015

Sherwin Williams Coral Reef | KitchAnn Style

I was going to combine the Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year post with the previous post about AkzoNobel’s Color of the Year 2015 choice but I found so many great inspiration photos I decided I had to break it out.

Sherwin-Williams chose Coral Reef (SW 6606) as their Color of the Year 2015. It’s part of the Buoyant color palette I wrote about previously.

“Its unexpected versatility brings life to a range of design aesthetics, whether traditional, vintage, cottage or contemporary.” -Jackie Jordan, Sherwin-Williams director of color marketing.

Coral Reef is warmer than AkzoNobel’s Copper Orange and is a wonderful compliment to the Blues that have been popular these past few seasons.

Coral reef plays happily with white, black, lush greens and lilacs. For a more subdued palette, mix it with warm neutrals such as gray and soft browns.

Coral Reef is not the pumpkin color from the 50’s. It’s a softer, more approachable color.

Since Coral Reef is such a flattering color, it’s well suited for use in bathrooms. Who doesn’t want to have a youthful glow?

Pair Coral Reef with matte gold or brass for a luxurious vintage feel.

Don’t limit the color to the interior. Consider brightening your home’s exterior by applying it to your front door, shutters, flower boxes or garden structures.

Category: Style