Grohflex is Here!

Filed under Bathrooms, General Information by on January 17, 2012 at 11:12 am {no comments}

Grohflex

Grohflex is the new universal rough in system From Grohe. A universal rough is the housing that allows you to install the rough plumbing but not add the trim and operating cartridge until trim out. Now rough-in does not have to wait while style and finishes are decided. But the really exciting thing about Grohflex is the flexibility it gives you in creating your shower.

Today, building codes require showers to include safety valves; so pressure balanced or thermostatic valves. Typical

Grohflex Rough

pressure balance valves come in two types. Either as a cycling valve, meaning you start at cold and turn the handle until you get to the right temperature, with no volume control. You can also get some PB valves that offer volume control and pressure balancing. But with the exception of a couple of expensive models these valves can be difficult to use. Have you ever had the experience of trying to tap the handle just right to get the temperature you want?

Grohflex is the solution. Grohflex offers 5 function options; single and dual function pressure balance, single and dual function thermostatic and a custom shower thermostatic option. Single function valves are for shower only or tub and shower installations using a diverter tub spout. Dual function allows for two shower functions (shower head and a hand shower or two heads) or a tub and shower using a non-diverter type spout. The Custom shower thermostat will still require the use of separate volume controls.

Cosmopolitian Dual Function

Authentic Dual Function Thermo

Grohflex keeps it simple. Trim is available in three design groups; Cosmopolitan for a rounded clean look, Timeless for a more architectural style and Authentic for traditional designs. All are available in chrome and brushed nickel. The Authentic group can also be ordered in polished nickel and oil rubbed bronze.

While this system is not entirely new to the industry Grohe has done a couple of things different. In the past these valve types have used two separate handles, one for volume and one for temperature control. Grohe decided that they would incorporate the two handle on one post making the look less cluttered.

Grohe has also included a Dual Function pressure balance option which is a more price competitive option when compared to thermostatic.

Grohflex makes it easier for showrooms, designers, plumbers and homeowners to keep the project moving while offering high quality and choice.

Porcher LXP Toilet Collection – Perfomance and Luxury

Filed under Accessible Product, Bathrooms by on December 15, 2011 at 11:36 am {no comments}

For many years Porcher has been a respected product in the luxury plumbing market.  In the last couple of years Porcher has continued their flair for good design with the introduction of some truly different toilets, the LXP collection. These models are created primarily with a one piece design and a unique look. In addition, the new Porcher toilets have top of the line performance with a 1000 gram MAP score on most models. This while meeting the new HET requirements for California. The LXP toilets are also universal height (ADA).

Porcher Solutions Collection

Most of the new Porcher models are “Transitional” in design “Transitional” is a look drawn from traditional patterns but trimmed to have a clean, more up-to-date look. This means these designs can integrate into a traditional look or into one that is more contemporary.

Porcher HET Veneto

Veneto, Chapeau and Ovale are all excellent examples of Transitional design. The new LXP Veneto is a recreation of a toilet that was enormously popular in the 1990s for its unique look and effective flushing performance. In its day the Veneto was considered one of the best flushing models available but was weak when it came to bowl cleaning. The HET technology addresses that issue.

Porcher Chapeau Toilet

 

Chapeau and Ovale are new designs for Porcher. I personally really like the Chapeau design. It is a good example of the way Porcher has started with a standard 1 piece toilet and transformed it into something new.

Porcher Archive 1PC Toilet

 

 

Of course not all the new designs are Transitional. Two models, Archive and Lutezia, echo traditional themes; and Lutezia is a 2 piece model.  Both Lutezia and Archive are “suite” products meaning there are matching sinks, baths and furniture available.

Lutezia 2PC Toilet

Finally there is the Porcher “Solutions” toilet. It is consistent with the other LXP 1 piece toilet designs, adding the more squared look that has become so popular.  “Solutions” is a new suite for Porcher (see picture above) and is designed for small spaces. The suite includes several sink selections as well as furniture and bathtubs. In addition to the LXP toilet the Solutions collection includes a wall mount toilet for in-wall carrier.

Porcher Solutions one piece

Hudson Valley Lighting – Welcome

Filed under Bathrooms, Kitchens by on November 18, 2011 at 11:13 am {no comments}

We are very pleased to welcome Hudson Valley Lighting to the American Canyon showroom.

Hudson Valley Kirkland Duo Sconce

Hudson Valley is a well respected manufacturer of both residential and commercial lighting products. Their residential products include designs for the bath and kitchen with many designed specifically for wet locations.

Hudson Valley Milford Duo Sconce

Hudson Valley began with mostly traditional style products but in recent years they have been expanding to more contemporary and transitional designs. Some examples of their transitional pieces include “Mill Valley”, “Hewlett” and “Milford”. For a modern look try “Bethel”, “Thompson” or Walton”.

Hudson Valley Hewlett

Hudson Valley Thompson

-

-

Of course there is more to lighting that looking good. Hudson Valley uses a variety of light bulbs or “lamps” in their products. Many have a standard socket which can accept a standard “A” lamp or new compact fluorescent lamps. Some of the smaller fixtures use a “Xenon” lamp which is similar to halogen in light quality but less expensive. Xenon lamps are also small allowing a more petite fixture size.

Hundson Valley Hartsdale

Hudson Valley Lightening also offers a range of finishes that match those used in decorative plumbing today. Polished chrome certainly but also polished and satin nickel, aged brass, old bronze and Historic Nickel and brushed bronze are offered in many designs.

Hudson Valley Keswick Duo

Most Hudson Valley lights use glass shades or diffusers but they also design fixtures using alabaster. Alabaster is natural stone that when lit has a soft glow with a unique beauty seen only in a natural product.

Melrose Alabaster Xenon Fixture

We are currently displaying bath lighting in our American Canyon location but Hudson Valley offers, and we sell, lighting for the kitchen, entry hall and other home locations. Please visit our showroom and see this beautiful product for yourself!

 

You Deserve a Custom Bathroom

Filed under Bathrooms, General Information, Thoughts on Buying by on October 19, 2011 at 10:31 am {no comments}

What makes a bathroom a custom bathroom? The word “custom” gets used a lot but does it conjure up the same image for everyone? It is actually a word with many meanings, two of which seem to contradict each other. According to Wikipedia, custom may mean “a rule that is socially enforced” or “anything made or modified to personal taste”.

Custom Bathroom with Kaldewei Bassinio Tub

I have seen both definitions applied to bathroom design. For example, I have had people tell me things like “I don’t really want a tub but I have to have one for resale” or “we don’t need two sinks but it’s the Master bath so we need to have two”.  Both statements reflect the feeling that one must include certain fixtures in the bathroom because others expect it.

Of course as a kitchen & bath design showroom we deal with the second definition, modifying to personal taste. When it comes to bathrooms it probably isn’t possible for most of us to have things exactly as we might like but there are so many products available today that you might be surprised how close you can get.

Custom Storage for a Small Bath - Ronbow Concealed Drawer

Over the years we have worked with thousands of people and solved thousands of problems that arise when remodeling a bathroom. Some solutions are easy to come up with while others take some creativity. For example, showers are an area of diverse needs. How do you design a shower that can serve a variety of users without installing multiple valves and heads? Easy, a hand shower on a bar. These originated in Europe and let you raise and lower the position of the hand shower on the bar so that children or adults can have a properly placed shower head. Use a bar designed to double as a grab bar and you have a shower that can conform to the needs of a multi-generational family (please note most shower bars are NOT designed to function as grab bars. If you need that function be sure to get the right thing). Plus a hand shower makes it easier to clean the stall. One change and we have designed a shower that can be called custom.

Rohl 36 Grab Bar Handshower Set

Another issue we sometimes run into is the couple who wants a hydrotherapy bath but is very different in height. A tall person wants the 6’ tub because it is comfortable but the shorter person finds that they slide too far down and cannot sit comfortably. There are actually two solutions to this problem. Several manufacturers have designed long tubs with an addition foot rest at the end. This allows the shorter user to rest their feet mid-way and prevent them from sliding too far. Kaldewei has also created a set on cushions that can attach to the tub bottom to function as a foot rest.

BainUltra Essencia Tub Interior - Customized to Fit

What about questions of taste? Remodeling can be very stressful and sometimes we solve problems by ignoring them. Here’s what I mean. Very often people will come in with some very set ideas about what they want. Sometimes these ideas do not mix with the budget or space available. Sometimes it is a couple who each want something very different from what the other wants. Rather than argue about why an idea won’t work or why one is better than the other we work to find out why our clients want a certain thing and then suggest alternatives for consideration. This can work to both confirm the original idea is right or to discover that there is a better way. It isn’t so much a matter of finding a product to match their wish as it is to help identify the ways to get the best result.

This is probably the most important way that a showroom works to create custom bathrooms. It isn’t about the products. It is about using our experience, product knowledge and communication skills to get our customers to the result they want. Because really, that’s what a custom bathroom is all about.

Winter Chill is Here – Time for a Towel Warmer!

Filed under Bathrooms, Hardware and accessories by on October 5, 2011 at 3:43 pm {no comments}

I am surprised that towel warmers are not more common. Towel warmers are useful and enjoyable appliances but not many people buy them. If you need a way to warm up a bathroom or dry towels more quickly or just to enjoy a little luxury a towel warmer is worth considering.

Myson BALA B29 Classic Towel Warmer

Generally speaking towel warmers are either electric or hydronic. Classic towel warmers were hydronic, using hot water flowing through the home water system to provide heat. Later electrical models were introduced. These types still have fluid in a channel system but use electricity to product the heat.

Today it appears that the electric models are much more popular and this may be due in part to the wide range of electric models available. This is convenient but also confusing as there is a wide range of pricing available. Here are a few things to know.

Electric towel warmers are generally made of brass, stainless steel or steel. Brass construction is the top of the line choice. Brass construction offers the best choice for durability of finish and strength and is a better conductor of heat than steel. You can find brass towel warmers in many designs (traditional, contemporary) and sizes. For many years Myson has been a leader in towel warmers and feature the classic styles. While these are beautiful we have found that most people are looking for something a bit more transitional or even contemporary in style. Mr. Steam’s 500 and 600 series offer excellent choices (both electric and hydronic). These units, in addition to brass construction, have stainless steel heaters for controlled quite heat. Finishes include chrome, polished and brushed nickel and oil rubbed bronze. Price-wise brass units will be at the top of the range starting at about $900 with larger multi-rail units priced around $2500.00 – $3500.00.

Mr. Steam 600 Series Warmer - Brass Construction

If you are interested in having a towel warmer but don’t want to spend quite so much consider a stainless steel unit. Mr. Steam’s 300 series offers three sizes of wall mount models as well as a floor standing unit. Stainless steel, while not as conductive as brass, is still an effective conductor of heat and these units use a stacked rail system to create an excellent warming surface. Stainless steel does not allow the same range of finishes but can be ordered in either polished or brushed finish (stainless steel will be close in color to polished or brushed nickel). These units range in price from $800.00 – $1200.00. Amba is another manufacturer of stainless steel warmers. Their units are available in a wide range of size, style and finish.

Mr. Steam 200 Series Towel Warmer

If you need other finishes you can consider a steel towel warmer. Steel is the least heat conductive of the three but still produces a good warming surface. Most competitively priced warmers are of steel construction and can be found in chrome, white, oil rubbed bronze and other finishes. Mr. Steam’s 200 series is available in four sizes of wall mount units and range in price from $600.00 – $1000.00. The 200 series also offers valet package that allows you to expand the usefulness of your unit.

Runtal Omnipanel

All the products described above use what I will call a rail system in designing their warmers. Runtal also uses a rail system for some models but is best known for the Omnipanel model. The Omnipanel began life as a radiator, not just a towel warmer. The design of the rails flattens them into individual panels and finishes each panel and frame in a painted surface that conducts heat effectively. Thus an Omnipanel not only warms towels but really acts as a room heater. Omnipanels have a sleek 2” profile and can be fit into a variety of places; corners, under windows, even ceilings. Omnipanels also offer shelf and hook accessories making them a great choice for a mud room coat rack or spa area. For more on Runtal click here.

Runtal Omnipanel as Coat Rack

As cold weather approaches now is a good time to think about adding a towel warmer to your bathroom, mudroom or pool area. A towel warmer can even be a great Christmas present. It does take a couple of weeks to arrive so now is the time to start thinking about it. Is a towel warmer right for your home?

Runtal Omnipanel in a Laundry Room

Toto Faucets – Innovative Residential Products

Filed under Bathrooms, New in the Showroom by on September 13, 2011 at 2:09 pm {no comments}

Toto Nexus Lavatory Faucet

When Toto entered the US market some many years ago low water toilets were a fairly new thing and Toto realized that no other manufacturer was producing toilets that really worked well. Toto saw opportunity and responded by focusing on design and engineering to bring a truly superior product to the market.  Today Toto is recognized as the industry leader in toilets and bidet seat products. Because of this focus many people do not know that there are other products in which Toto also excels, not the least of which is their faucets.

In my opinion Toto faucets do not get the recognition they deserve.  This may be because when Toto started to produce faucets they started small, with just a couple of designs. Toto continued to develop their faucet products in the same way they did toilets; with a focus on design and engineering quality. In addition, Toto worked on the concepts of suites, creating faucet collections to coordinate with their growing china designs.

Toto Legato Lavatory Faucet

Toto Aimes Lavatory Faucet

For 2011 Toto has introduced two new collections, Aimes and Legato. Both suites include toilets and sinks (and even a bathtub) but I’m going to focus on the faucets.

The style of Aimes is a little hard to define but the first term that came to my mind was “post modern”. The outline is reminiscent of a traditional faucet but it has been flattened and elongated, almost like it was sliced in half. This detail is carried through in the thermostatic valve and volume controls for the shower as well as a deck mount tub set. Toto has added a fun element with the Aimes lighted showerhead. Aimes is available in chrome, brushed and polished nickel.

Legato is contemporary. Square outlines with a blade handle that has a fan-like edge. Legato also uses thermostatic valves for the bath and shower as well as a deck tub set. Lighted shower heads must be a signature look for Toto this year as they have included one in the Legato suite as well.

Toto Soiree Single Hole Faucet

Three of Toto’s most popular designs have been Soiree, Guinevere and Lloyd and Toto has done a fine job with the faucets for these suites. Soiree is a personal favorite. When the sinks and toilets were introduced several years ago I was attracted to the transitional look. The same look carries through to the faucet group. Soiree offers both a single hole and widespread faucet option, not typical of Toto. Toto used ceramic disc cartridges and their smooth action is evident in this single hole model.

Toto Guinevere Lavatory Faucet

Toto Guinevere Thermostatic Valve

Guinevere is probably the most traditional of Toto styles. Handles are available as both levers and cross. This is one of the few suites to offer Oil Rubbed Bronze as a finish in addition to chrome, polished and brushed nickel. The details of the design are carried through on the shower valves and shower heads as well as the faucets and deck sets. A truly beautiful collection.

The Lloyd Collection draws from the looks of Art Deco and has a slightly architectural feel to it. Both pressure balanced or thermostatic shower valves are available. The Lloyd Collection also offers two atypical pieces, a sink console of either metal or wood and a residential urinal!

Toto Lloyd Lavatory Faucet

Another group of faucets (and pedestal sinks) goes under the group name “Ethos” and has four subgroups; Design C, Design L, Design NI and Design NII.

Design C is contemporary with a handle shape that I describe as “Swoosh”.

Toto Ethos Design C Lavatory Faucet

 

Design L is more organic with a handle shape like a shark fin or a splash of water.

Toto Ethos Design L Faucet

 

Toto describes their Design NI faucet as “vintage inspired” and that seems right. It’s blocky but not clunky.

Toto Ethos Design NI Faucet

 

Design NII returns to the modern direction and the design is sort of aeronautic.

Toto Ethos Design NII Faucet

For residential applications Toto offers matching towel bars and accessories for all their faucet suites.

Toto Ryohan EcoPower Faucet

Toto Axiom EcoPower Faucet

Toto also seeks to bring good design to the commercial world by offering the “Ecopower” sensor faucets in four designs; Helix, Fordham, Axiom and Ryohan. Ecopower is a system that allows Toto sensor faucets to work without routine batteries or electrical hookup, reducing maintenance costs and water usage.

We display a large selection of Toto faucet products and keep many models in stock. Please visit us and learn more.

Quartz for the Kitchen and Bath – Better Than Granite?

Filed under Bathrooms, Kitchens, New in the Showroom by on August 30, 2011 at 2:49 pm {no comments}

What is quartz?

Quartz Crystals

a. A rock?
b. The second most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust?
c. A fine crystal used in jewelry?
d. A commercially important source of silicon?
e. A countertop?
f. All of the above?

Quartz is a word which today commonly refers to a group of materials used for the construction of countertops, tabletops, wall panels, floor tile and many other applications. A more correct phrase might be “engineered stone” but this is not a synthetic or imitation product; it is up to 94% natural quartz, the substance that gives granite its hardness.

Over the last few years granite has become one of the most popular choices for kitchen countertops. It is beautiful, and like many people I long thought that granite was the most durable choice. I recently discovered this is not true. In fact, a quartz countertop can be considered superior to granite in several ways. Quartz will not have the softer compounds found in natural granite that may cause surface imperfections or weak spots (granite is 40-60% quartz). Quartz products are are very resistant to staining and do not require sealing to keep a good surface. This makes quartz a very sanitary product and indeed many brands have been NSF certified for use in food preparation areas.

Cambria Buckingham

We recently remodeled our kitchen display area and went searching for a material for the island countertop. We wanted something that would look rich and be able to hold up in a commercial space. For us Cambria was the answer. There are a couple of things I really like about Cambria the first of which is the range of colors that they make. I think Cambria has gotten the closest to the look of natural granite. The color “Buckingham” is a good example; it has the kind of “movement” one sees in many granite slabs. Cambria is also the only quartz product manufactured in the USA.

This project brought us the opportunity to work with a company called Stone, etc, one of the top fabricators in the SF Bay area. We are now teaming up with Stone, etc to offer quartz products to our customers in the Napa Valley. In addition to Cambria we now carry Caesarstone and Silestone.

Caesarstone is probably one of the best known makes of quartz products. It is also one of the most versatile, not just in colors but in the range of applications for which it is suitable. Caesarstone’s distribution network means that the product is readily available so less time waiting for your top to be installed. Caesarstone is always adding to their portfolio of colors and base patterns on stones like slate or travertine and well as brighter options like their “Warm Red” or “Apple Martini”. Caesarstone offers a lot of design choice.

Silestone may be the largest manufacturer of quartz. When it comes to colors Silestone does a couple of things differently. For one Silestone is adventurous. Yes, you can find selections that are very natural looking but check out the “New Life” series for bright greens and blues or the “New Zen” series for soft plum, pink or grey. In addition the “Leather” series offers a new texture for quartz. Silestone is unique for “Microban” an anti-microbial element added to the material to reduce the growth of bacteria.

While quartz is probably most often used in countertops it can also be used for vanity tops and shower walls, tub decks and flooring. If you are interested in seeing what is available please visit our showroom and check out our displays. We will show you color options and discuss what might be right for your project.

By the way the answer to the question is “all of the above”. Quartz is a very versatile stone.

Green Water Rules – Saving and Enjoying

Filed under Bathrooms by on July 12, 2011 at 5:32 pm {no comments}

Saving water has long been a fact of life in California, and is becoming increasingly important in other parts of the Country. In the realm of decorative plumbing, efforts to save water continue to focus on toilets, faucets and showers.

Grohe DreamSpray Shower Technology

As of January 2011 California has adopted a new Green Building Code referred to as “Calgreen”. This code is designed to conserve energy and water by making efficient building mandatory. This includes limiting the use of water in showers (max 2.0 gpm total), faucets (max 1.8 for the kitchen and 1.5 gpm for bathroom faucets) and toilets (1.28 gpm). In addition, some municipalities, like the City of Napa, are adopting even more stringent requirements for energy conservation.

There has been some concern in the decorative plumbing industry regarding Calgreen and the remodeling industry. At this time it appears that Calgreen will apply only to new construction; so you can still add a multi-outlet shower to your master bath remodel. Water usage in toilets however, will be determined by a different requirement.

Porcher LXP WaterSense Veneto Toilet

California AB 715 was signed into law in 2007 and requires all toilets installed in California to be 1.28 gallons per flush by 2014. This is accomplished by requiring manufacturers selling toilets in California to offer an increasing percentage of 1.28 gallon models. Currently 67% of all the toilets a manufacturer sells in California must be 1.28gpf (by January 2014 it will be 100%). What this has meant for our showroom is that there are now certain models of Toto and American Standard (to name the two biggest) that are no longer available for shipment to California.

Toto Drake II Dbl Cyclone 1.28gpf Toilet

Both Toto and American Standard have upgraded most of their models to 1.28 gpf although there are a few exceptions to that. I have seen some concern about the functionality of 1.28 gpf models but I do not think there is reason to worry. We have for the last two years had a Toto Drake II 1.28gpf toilet installed in one of our public restrooms and it has been trouble free and easy to maintain. Some cities in Napa, Marin, Solano and Sonoma counties have offered rebates to encourage the replacement of 3.5gpm + toilets with 1.28 GPF models (see a list here).

Resistance to the use of water saving products is understandable. Low quality devices do often offer substandard performance; but it is not true that all water saving products are a drag to use. Manufacturers like Toto, Porcher, Hansgrohe, Grohe and others have invested heavily in engineering and design to produce effective products. Hansgrohe’s various air technologies result in low water shower heads that feel like much more water than is actually being used. Toto’s new Double Cyclone flush not only flushes well but has an action that results in a clean bowl; one of the greatest challenges for a low flush toilet. Grohe has designed their signature pullout kitchen faucets to meet low water standards while providing the performance Grohe is known for.

Hansgrohe Air Technology

California has always been a leader in green building and what has started here is likely to spread across the country. Water saving is here to stay and we are fortunate to have so many ways to meet the new requirements without giving up performance.

ROBERN – Exceptional Design and Exceptional Quality

Filed under Bathrooms by on June 30, 2011 at 3:08 pm {no comments}

Robern M Series Ganged Together with Vertical Lights

The medicine cabinet starting out as a small mirrored box recessed into the wall above the bathroom sink; it provided a handy place to store medicines or other bathroom supplies. A good idea yes, but not always well thought out. These cabinets didn’t really take into account the wet conditions in a bathroom. They were subject to rust or water damage and weren’t large enough to store much.

Enter Robern. Based in Bristol, Pennsylvania since 1968, Robern has become the leading producer of mirrored bath cabinetry and residential bath storage solutions. Robern took a look at the medicine cabinet and saw many things to improve; quality of construction, available storage space and appearance. Here’s what they did.

Robern Metallique Brushed Nickle

Make the Basics Better

In the past medicine cabinets were typically made from either steel or wood, neither a good choice for the bath. Steel, while sturdy, was subject to rust while wood products absorb moisture and warp; neither ideal for the water rich environment of the bathroom. After some trail and error Robern settled on aluminum as the best choice for the box construction; sturdy, easy to clean and non-rusting. Robern than added a water-tight gasket to seal the door and prevent steam from getting inside the cabinet.

Robern Cite with Oxblood Leather Frame

A Cabinet is Born

Thus the Robern “M” Series was created. Originally the “M” Series included two cabinet heights (30” for MT and 40” for MP) and three widths (16, 20 and 24”). Robern also decided to offer deeper cabinets than had been available in the past; in addition to the typical 4” they added the option of 6” and 8” depths. True, these would not recessed completely in a standard wall but these could be partially recessed, giving one a great deal more storage space with just a 4” extension off the wall. Finally Robern added mirrors to the interior of the cabinet which was attractive and useful for seeing different angles.

Robern M Series with Nightlight

Smart Options

Once they got the basics Robern started adding options that made their cabinets even more effective. They added internal electrical outlets as an option. These allow one to store an electric toothbrush or hairdryer or other appliance out-of-sight, handy and plugged in and charging. Once electrical had been added it was easy to supply a defogging option. A nightlight option was also added. Another useful option is a lock-box addition; medicines can be secured away from children for safety. One of Robern’s most recent addition is a “cold storage” option; a chilled compartment inside the cabinet for the storage of temperature sensitive cosmetics or medications.
By this point Robern already had a great product but they realized there was more they could do. They created a system that allowed one to design multiple cabinet installations. Accessories that allow one to stack cabinets vertically or gang them horizontally or combine cabinets with wall mirrors, shelves or sink top opened up all sorts of possibilities. Then Robern brought out a series of cabinets that replaced the traditional mirror with decorative glass panels. These can be used in the bath or extended into other rooms; entryways, bar/entertainment areas and dressing rooms are a few ideas.

Robern Framed Cabinet Antique Gold

Design, Design, Design

Having come up with so many functional options Robern turned its attention to the visual aspect of their product. The mirror door had always been available in a plain or beveled edge. Next Robern added the option of a wood frame; three profiles in a selection of wood or metal finishes. That was just the beginning. Robern slowly introduced four collections featuring unique framing options.
Cite – This collection is aimed at an urban look with frames available in black, parchment or oxblood leather.
Fairhaven – This is a traditional country look with white frame and crown.
Metallique – Clean profile frame available in polished chrome, brushed nickel or Monaco gold.
Candre – Framed in glass and chrome, the frame glass may be white glass or tinted gray.

Robern Fairhaven Collection Cabinet

Uplift – Looking at Cabinets a New Way

As you can see Robern offers a tremendous array of design options. But it still wasn’t enough. So Robern introduced the “Uplift” cabinet. This time Robern completely reconfigured what we typically expect from a medicine cabinet. The “Uplift” gets its name from the fact that the door does not swing open but instead slides up revealing the entire cabinet interior. The inside has been designed with multiple shelves, interior lighting and defogger, interior electrical outlets, cosmetics organizer, swing-out magnifying mirror and an optional TV mounting to accommodate up to a 22” flat screen inside the cabinet. Matching sconce or pendant lights are also available.

Robern Uplift Side by Side

TV and Music in the Bathroom

Enough right? Nope. This year Robern has introduced TViD. TViD allows the integration of a small screen and sound system into an M series cabinet. The Smart Position screen provides access to TV in the bathroom without having another appliance to worry about. The TViD has an MP3 dock and can be operated from the interior control panel or with a universal remote.


As you can see the offering from Robern is both extensive and exciting. But wait, there’s more! In my next post I will discuss other Robern cabinet collections and accessories. If you would like to see these products for yourself please visit out showroom.

Space Solutions for a Small Bath Remodel

Filed under Bathrooms by on June 21, 2011 at 3:00 pm {no comments}

Do you have a small bathroom that just isn’t what you need? No storage, no countertop space and no room to move. Perhaps you would like to remodel but can’t think of how to make it better? Here are a few ideas that might help make that small bathroom a more functional space.

Duravit Vero for Small Bath - Wall Toilet

In-Wall Tank Toilets

In wall tank toilets are very common throughout the world but few people in the US are familiar with them. These toilets use an inside-the-wall carrier which provides the flushing mechanism as well as the support for the bowl. By placing the tank inside the wall a system like this saves several inches of space in front of the toilet; 6 – 8 inches when compared to a standard elongated toilet. In addition, these models allow you to set the bowl at the standard height or to raise it to a more comfortable height.

Geberit In Wall Carrier for Dual Flush

 In-wall tank systems have been around for many years and there are millions installed worldwide so you can be confident in this system. Geberit is the best known provider of carriers but in the last couple of years both Grohe and Toto have entered the market. Originally a 2×6 wall was required but now there are carriers available for the 2×4 walls typical of residential construction. All carriers currently available by these manufacturers are for dual flush bowls.

 Of course the in-wall tank is only part of the equation; you will also need a flush actuator and a bowl. There are several companies making really attractive toilets for in-wall carriers. Duravit, Lacava, Porcher and Toto all offer wall hung bowls with Duravit offering the most extensive collection of styles. Flush actuators mount on the wall at the top of the carrier and also provide access to the tank should service be needed. In some cases it is also possible to mount the plate on the opposite side of the wall or to get a remote actuator button that can be mounted for easier access. These plates are available in a variety of finishes and styles.

Lavaca Suave Wall Hung Toilet

Wall Hung Vanities

Ronbow Wall Hung with Drawer

One common problem with small bathrooms is a lack of storage space. You might have room for a small vanity but it may make a small room seem crowded. A wall mount vanity, being open underneath, can avoid that sense of crowding while still offering some needed storage space. Even though there is a sink many of these cabinets today have a drawer that is shaped to allow the drain to pass through while still providing some drawer space. In other cases there is a drawer concealed behind the main door.

Another option is a vanity with legs like the Fairmont Woodwood. This cabinet gives you both a small drawer and a towel shelf while still providing an open look. Vanities with this open style can be found in both traditional and contemporary designs. The second concern with small vanities is countertop space. One solution is to use integral sink top to provide some counter space in a small dimension.

Wall hung cabinets start as small as 18″ so there is a model to fit even the smallest bathroom.

Wall Cabinet Storage

Robern M Series 70" Cabinet - Lots of Storage

 A lot of us think of medicine cabinets as a small mirrored cabinet above the sink, OK for storing same bottles and such but not really good for much else. That started to change when Robern got into the business. Starting with the humble medicine cabinet Robern has created an extensive collection of wall cabinets for the bath. There are many things that make Robern different from the rest. First there is the quality of construction. Robern makes the box out of aluminum to prevent rusting and water damage. The interior as well as the door are mirrored and the door seal prevents moisture from getting inside the cabinet.

 Robern’s other strenght is all the storage solutions they offer. First, they have not only taller than standard cabinets but also extended depth; six and eight inches. These can be partially recessed into the wall giving you enough space to store toilet paper, towels, etc. without extending too far into the room. Extended depth cabinets are available in 30”, 34”, 40” and 70” height and 15”, 19” and 24” width making it possible to find the right size for your needs.

 Robern cabinets also offer some optional features like interior electrical outlets which allow you to store small appliances out of sight but ready for use.

Wall Accessories

Smedbo Hook Swing

 A common problem in modern baths is having enough space for towel bars. One solution is to use hooks instead. These can be located in small spaces where a regular bar may not fit. Smedbo and Alno both make some interesting multi-hook products for small spaces. Towel shelves with bar or double towel bars allow you to hang two or more towels in a small space. An unusual accessory is the hairdryer holder. One of these will get that hair-dryer off the countertop and gives you a place to put it that is safe and convenient.

Alno Classic Weave Reserve Tissue Holder

Spare toilet paper holders are common in Europe. These give you an easy place to keep that spare roll. Or perhaps you prefer a double tp holder? Wire baskets are available in a wide selection of sizes and styles and can be really useful, especially in the shower.

 Some even offer additional hooks to keep a shaver or washcloth. There is a pretty wide range of cost for these baskets depending on both style/size and on construction. It does pay to get a better quality one as the cheaper versions have a tendency to rust.

 There are many products available today that can solve all sorts of bathroom challenges. If you are looking for a solution please feel free to contact us. We are happy to help.

Page 1 of 512345»

Write for More Information

Questions or Comments Welcome - ask our experts about your project plans...

First Name *

Last Name

Email *

Comment *