Having a well thought out plan, far in advance, is the first step to creating a visually and functionally pleasing environment.  Besides choosing materials that will last the test of time it is important to evaluate the plumbing source.  For example:  Is the piping in good condition and the right size as well as the correct location for your new shower?  Phoenix Interior Designers will consider the hard water conditions and the wear piping takes after decades of use well before finalizing the cost analysis.  Adding additional fixtures such as a hand-held shower heads with a stationary or rain shower head may also require enlarging the pipe diameter.  By replacing old valve sets with new modern fixtures, updating may necessitate an entirely new “rough-in” plumbing schedule that will require the collaboration of the homeowner, Phoenix Interior Designer and plumber.  Count on removing and replacing drywall as part of your plan, as exposing the pipes will take more room than generally anticipated.  If more than one person will use the shower you will also need to consider heights and location of valves and shower heads.  Additionally, be sure to calculate how many gallons per minute (GPM) will be used with the additional fixtures and multiple users.  New shower fixtures are equipped with low-flow water saving devices however; increasing the fixture count and distance away from the hot water heater may all play a part in water usage especially on a cold day.

More Phoenix Interior Designers have begun to use natural stone for shower walls, floors and even ceilings.  Your Interior Designer, licensed General Contractor and or tile installer should be well versed in the proper installation methods, care and maintenance required by natural stone.  Water-proofing the drywall, building a sloping shower pan and sealing both the grout and stone are all part of the process to a long lasting space.  If you are considering building a steam shower it is strongly recommended to use porcelain tile rather than ceramic or natural stone as the porcelain will resist damage from heat, steam or prolonged moisture and pressure.  If you must use a natural stone in a steam shower, each tile must be mechanically fastened to the wall or ceiling as the aforementioned environment will cause tiles to break away if not installed properly.  Consult the Ceramic Tile Council of America handbook for guidance.

Finally, after you have designed and specified the plumbing and tile materials you will need to choose a shower enclosure to keep the water inside.  If you’re on a budget there are many styles of shower curtains with liners available.  However, tempered glass enclosures have become more popular and are available as framed sliders or swing doors as well as frameless heavy-glass units.  There are many styles of glass from translucent to opaque, clear and textured.  Door hardware such as frames, hinges and handles also come in a myriad of finishes to include chrome, stainless steel, brass, oil-rubbed bronze and others.

Whether you are using a Phoenix Interior Designer or planning your shower remodel yourself, take the time to create a well thought out plan and research all your options.  A properly designed shower with quality materials that are well maintained will last decades.

Phoenix Interior Designer Dan Heldenbrand is an award winning ASID Interior Designer who has also been featured on HGTV as the winner of Designer’s Challenge.  He specializes in construction remodels in the Scottsdale, Phoenix area.

Keeping in mind a good balance of design and proper coverage as well as ease of function, one must first start with the style of the room.  Many window treatments, either made of fabric, wood or metal, have designs that vary from traditional to contemporary.  Depending on the scale of the room and complexity of the treatment, using fabric will enable you to repeat materials, pattern or texture from other items throughout the room such as furniture or upholstered walls.  In some cases the window treatment may repeat the same balance as the furniture with like fabrics or become the focal point with additional details such as trims, welting or cording.  Most traditional treatments have more fabric and details such as over-lays, valances or cornices with drapery panels and even sheers.  Contemporary treatments are usually kept to the minimum.  However both may incorporate multiple materials such as wooden crowns capping valances or shades, metal or glass details inlayed on upholstered cornices and or drapery panels over wooden blinds.

With stationary or operable drapery panels, consider using a durable lining to protect the decorative fabric.  Keep in mind how the window treatment looks from outside the home or office.  Using a lining that is cream or tan in color rather than white will typically blend into the window and exterior paint.  Lining is also less expensive to replace than the whole panel itself if sun damaged.  Adding interlining will control the light penetrating the panels to keep a darker room.

Finally, as a trained Scottsdale Interior Designer, it is my job not only to understand the aesthetics of window treatments but the installation and function to avoid costly mistakes during the specification stage.  Wall construction, weight of fabrics, anchoring methods and electrical needs for motorized treatments are just the beginning.  Be sure to locate wall studs for mounting hardware prior to design.  Adjusting the width or height of a cornice, valance or drapery rod in order to hang them properly usually does not cost that much more but will certainly help the installation.