River Rocks In Luxury Bathroom Designs
The use of materials found in nature are making it way into luxury bathroom designs. From bamboo, grasses, distressed wood and rock, the look of natural elements mixed with shiny luxury components such as metal baths make for nice contrasting characteristics.
The smooth look of river rock is adorning everything these days from the walls to the flooring bringing a little of the outdoors in. River rock is a choice material designers like to use for its textured look, variety of color options and custom abilities.
The flooring underneath this Japanese bath tub was designed using large river rocks as well as some pebbles mixed in for a real life look in nature. Old barn timbers were also used to add to the natural feel of the bathroom.
Inlaid river rock on flooring plays a large part in this bathrooms design. Said to be good for the feet in that it hits pressure points, river rock adds a nice visual resting place.
Here is a great idea by a designer who chose to use a clear glass sheeting over the river rock which gives the appearance of still water over the rocks. Another element of bringing nature into the bathroom.
Book Your Appointments Now for Spa Week
By definition, spas are places devoted to overall well-being through various professional services that renew mind, body and spirit, according to the International Spa Association. For years, the spa industry has been undergoing an exciting transformation of making these services more diverse and wellness-focused than ever before, offering more programs and incentives for consumers to lead healthier, happier lives. Spa Week, the original and most successful Spa Marketing Event to date, continues to successfully spread this message by making it possible for millions to take advantage of the healing benefits of the spa with its biannual, signature $50 treatments.
Moving into its 16th installation this Spring, Spa Week will deliver the most innovative, cutting-edge services at a discount to deserving consumers across the United States and Canada. From April 16th – 22nd, hundreds of commercial spas (day, medical and resort), yoga and Pilates studios, fitness centers and other health and wellness practices will offer up to three signature treatments at the major discount of just $50 each. As always, Spa Week partners with some of the most prominent, respected names in the industry to deliver the most current trends in spa and wellness services. From introducing new massage therapies like Acupressure and Bamboo Massage and advanced, clinically proven, skin-perfecting facials to weight-loss and nutrition classes, Spa Week is responsible for educating spa-goers on how to incorporate specific treatments into their lifelong health regiments.
Welcome Peyton to The Mile High. May We Suggest a Cold Plunge?
If you live in Denver right now, you may be able to hear the Orange and Blue fan base shouting from the Mountain tops! Denver is going CRAZY over the news of Peyton Manning choosing the Denver Broncos to be his team where he will make his comeback. With 49ers and Titans out of the race, Bronco fans are going twitter crazy with the news.
Manning who has been in recovery after 3 neck surgeries in the past 19 months is back to tip top shape and is ready to come to the mile high city to prove to everyone that he still has it. Let’s face it Mr Manning is no spring chicken and has some doubting that he still has that famous passing arm, but to many he is the best in the league.
One of our suggestions to Mr Manning in his comeback and in his post surgery is a cold plunge pool which is already used by a majority of the NFL teams and most college level football facilities.
Designed specifically in mind for athletes who want and need the ultimate recovery after engaging in their rigorous sport, cold plunge benefits are plenty and include everything from stabilizing blood pressure, to enhancing the immunity system to numbing the nerves around the joint, thereby reducing pain and relieving inflammation and muscle spasms. Peyton Manning had an anterior fusion procedure which caused some issues with his nerves in his triceps and his arm strength. Manning threw the ball around for Broncos VP football operations John Elway, and from what he saw, Manning’s nerve damage in his throwing arm was sufficiently recovered. Peyton Manning will be a great addition to the Bronco Club and we look forward to getting him 100% healthy, and bringing the Broncos to a Championship.
Welcome to Mile High Country Peyton. We look forward to having you!
Kick your Feet Up and Stay Awhile
Stainless Steel Mid Contoured Soaking Tub
Diamond Spas is an expert when it comes to high end bath tubs. In the business for over 15 years they have worked with private residents in the Trump Towers to the commercial sector in high end hotels such as the Ritz Carlton in Lake Tahoe and The Terranea Hotel and Spa in Southern California.
Every product that leaves their doors is one of kind. A guarantee that they stand behind..A unique bathtub that is handcrafted for each individual client.
One of the many custom options that Diamond Spa clients have, is choosing the shape of the bathing well. Depending how you like to bathe will determine what well option will be best for you. Do you like to lay back in a lounge chair like seat while bathing? Do you like to bathe with a partner? Would you like to have your feet elevated or lie flat? Here are some of the options to help get the most out of your luxury bathing tub. Kick your feet up and stay awhile.
TWO-PERSON FLAT BOTTOM
The two-person flat bottom is designed to accomodate two bathers. Both ends are built with a gradual recline for each bather, descending into a flat bottom. Minimum recommended length: 66”
MID-CONTOURED BOTTOM
The mid-contoured bottom bath is designed for two bathers. A gentle contour is placed in the middle of the bath,
elevating the knees of each bather. Both ends of the tub are reclined for back
comfort. Minimum recommended length: 72”
TRADITIONAL FLAT BOTTOM
The traditional flat-bottom is designed for one bather in mind.
The back has a full recline descending into a flat bottom.
Minimum recommended length: 66
CONTOURED BOTTOM
The contoured bottom is designed for one bather. The back has a full recline for optimal comfort and the
feet are elevated for a lounge chair effect. Minimum recommended length: 66”
Piscina Model Added to Diamond Spas Product Line
Diamond Spas New Piscina Model
Diamond Spas new copper drop in tub is making waves in the industry. The French Country style of the hammered copper well is beautifully detailed with its scalloped edging and traditional lines. The dark patina finish was added to give the high end bath an old world antique feel.
A drop in tub also known as a deck mounted tub is a nice option especially for the budget minded. The additional cost of skirting can add up, and one of the quickest way to drop pricing is taking out the additional skirting. The drop in feature still gives you the luxurious custom look without having to spend on the extra materials.
Air Jets and LED lighting are still available on the drop in product line.
Diamonds Spas product line is entirely custom made for each client. The tub measures 42 inches by 72 inches by 24 inches. The Piscina Tub is also available as a free standing tub.
Residential Swimming Pool Boasts Largest Waterslide West of Mississippi
A mansion in one of the most affluent neigborhoods of the Bay Area, Hillsborough, is currently up for sale for a mere $16,500,000. The 15,000 square foot home could be its own little lodge with its spacious 11 bedrooms, 8 baths and 3 half baths. 
More like a resort than a home the grounds include a regulation size lighted tennis court, a luxury swimming pool, a catering kitchen, a separate outdoor kitchen and beautifully manicured gardens with custom water features.
One of the most unique diversions on the property is the 185 foot water slide that meanders through the lush property landing into the large pool. This slide is of the sorts you would only see at public water parks.
The residential water slide is said to be the largest water slide West of the Mississippi. Can you imagine how many “instant” friends you will make having this type of merriment on your property? Good thing it is in a gated community, or you may have some thinking it is open to the public!
The palatial home also includes a pool cabana, a work out room, and pool hall and sweeping views of the bay area.
The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show Makes it’s 48th Deput
Planning a magnificent dream bathroom or thinking of remodeling that 70′s avocado colored kitchen? If so, you should plan on attending the annual KBIS show. The KBIS show which is the largest international trade show features everything that is current and trending in the kitchen and bath industries. The show will be held at the great McCormick Place in Chicago April 24th-26th. This years event speakers include TV personality Candice Olson, and Liza Hausman vice president of Houzz, the revolutionary platform for residential design. With over 500 exhibitors showcasing their latest products, the show is sure to be inspirational for new ideas. Register here today.
Considering your Options with a Stainless Steel Sink
Stainless steel sinks are finding their way into the kitchens, bathrooms and now the utility rooms of today’s home. There are many reasons why stainless steel is taking over the house which includes everything from its durability, it’s ease of clean, and the overall stylish look. Whether you’re building, remodeling, or just sprucing up your kitchen, choosing a sink that suits your needs is crucial. Look to these guidelines which will help you make the best choice for your kitchen – for years of optimal performance and high quality appearance.
Know the Gauge
When it comes to stainless steel, knowing the gauge size is important. The thickness, called “gauge”, can be determined by its number. A higher gauge metal is more susceptible to denting, vibrating and bowing. Even the simple act of placing pots and pans into the sink will cause noise from the thin metal.The lower the number, the thicker the steel. Most sinks come in 18 or 20 gauge steel, whereas a stainless steel bathroom sink by Diamond Spas comes in a luxurious 14 gauge.
Stainless Steel Apron Farm Sink by Diamond Spas
Deep Waters
When it comes to the depth of your sink, you need to consider your lifestyle. How many meals are cooked at home, how many people live in the home, and how often do you entertain? The more meals that are cooked at home usually require a deeper sink for stacking pots and pans. A custom kitchen sink can give you the options of a larger area to place prep dishes and a deeper basin to hold the dirty pots and pans.
Look to the Back
One of the most overlooked features in a sink is its underside. The undercoating of the stainless steel beauty is almost as important as the top side. Look for a thick layer of insulation which will deaden the sound of rushing water and clattering silverware. Give the sink a good tap with your knuckles to see how it takes on vibration.
Let it Drain
Sink manufactures are getting smart realizing that a rear drain is better for stacked up pots and pans. Placing a drain towards the back of the basin allows for dirty dishes to stack up in the basin without covering the drain. A drain placed toward the the back also allows for more usable space in the cabinets below.
Stainless Steel a Top Bath Trend for 2012
Courtesy of NKBA
Stainless steel contemporary soaking tub
More than 350 National Kitchen & Bath Association member designers took part in the 2012 NKBA Design Trends Survey to cite the materials, product types, and styles that they’ve incorporated into their luxury bath designs over the final three months of 2011. While broad trends won’t be evident in every local market, the following are 10 overall trends for baths across the United States and Canada.
BATHROOMS
Transitional Over Traditional For the first time since the NKBA began tracking annual design trends, traditional is no longer the most popular type of design. In both the kitchen and the bathroom, transitional is now the most common style. While the traditional style has consistently been used by roughly three quarters of NKBA member designers in both the kitchen and the bath, that figure fell to 58% in kitchens and 59% in bathrooms this year. These figures come in just below the transitional style, which is a blend of traditional and contemporary, typified by lines that are simpler than traditional, but a bit more elaborate than contemporary in order to create a modern classic look. Contemporary is the next most common style, up 5% to 52% in kitchens and up 10% to 53% in bathrooms from a year ago. Shaker, arts & crafts, and cottage remain the next most frequently used styles.
Diamond Spas Copper Bathtub
Solid Surfaces A year ago, the use of solid surfaces was a key trend in the kitchen; this year, it’s an even stronger trend, and one that impacts both the kitchen and the bathroom. In the NKBA’s 2011 Design Trends Survey, the use of solid surfaces in the kitchen jumped from 11% to 26% from the year earlier. This year, that number has increased again, as solid surfaces have been specified recently by 30% of designers for use in kitchens. At the same time, while granite and quartz continue to be the clear #1 and #2 choices, their popularity has waned just slightly, with granite falling from 91% to 87% and quartz declining just a bit from 71% to 69%. The same pattern holds true in newly remodeled bathrooms, as solid surfaces have over the past year risen from 26% to 34%, as granite has fallen from 84% to 71%. Quartz’s popularity has dipped over that time from 56% to 53%. Marble is currently the third most popular vanity top material at 41%, up 3% from a year ago. Also notable is the use of glass vanity tops, which has more than doubled over the past two years, from 5% heading into 2010 to 11% today.
Shades of Gray When artfully incorporated into a space, gray color schemes can allow for very attractive, distinguished looks without overpowering a design. In kitchens, gray was used as the overall color scheme by only 9% of designers as we moved into 2010, but that figure nearly doubled (to 17%) last year and then nearly doubled again (to 33%) this year. Over that time, the use of gray color schemes has risen just as dramatically from 12% to 21% to 40% in bathroom remodels. Whites and off-whites continue to be the most popular color schemes in the kitchen and bathroom, followed by beiges and bones. Brown is the third most popular color in kitchens and the fourth most popular in bathrooms, just behind gray. In the kitchen, bronzes/terracottas have risen over the past two years from 20% to 25% to 31%, while greens have increased from 18% two years ago to 32% today. Green was the color trend in bathrooms last year, being specified by 25% of designers, and its use has remained exactly the same this year. Blue has emerged as the fifth most popular color in bathrooms, rising from 23% to 30%.
Stainless Steel Vessel Sinks
Polished Chrome is Back Supplanted by brushed metal finishes in the past, polished chrome is staging a comeback. After being specified by 34% of designers in kitchens last year, polished chrome has recently been specified by 52% of NKBA member designers in kitchens today. In the bathroom, polished chrome use has increased from 46% to 65% over the past year. At the same time, polished nickel is up from 17% to 25% in kitchens and from 28% to 32% in bathrooms over the past year. The increased use of polished finishes is clearly coming at the expense of brushed finishes. Over the past two years, brushed nickel is down from 62% to 46% in kitchens and from 66% to 46% in bathrooms. Brushed chrome is down from 20% to 17% over the past year in kitchens, but has increased from 11% to 18% in bathrooms. Meanwhile, over the past year, satin nickel—which lies between a polished and a brushed finish—is down from 64% to 56% in the kitchen and from 57% to 52% in the bathroom. Only stainless steel has managed to clearly buck the trend away from brushed finishes, as it rose slightly from 46% to 50% in the kitchen and increased significantly from 16% to 28% in the bathroom. Bronze finishes continue to be popular, but dipped a bit from a year ago, falling from 49% to 41% in kitchens, while their use remained flat at 41% in bathrooms.
Diamond Spas Unveils New Copper Cabinet Kitchen Line at AD Show
Diamond Spas is preparing for their exhibit at the distinguished Architectural Digest Home Design Show in New York City which is less than a month away. Their Architectural Metals Line will have their newest concept, Copper Cabinets on display, as well as a new free standing bath tub that will be shown to the public for the first time.
Their booth (#187) will also include their stainless Japanese bath which is becoming a customer favorite. Check them out March 22-25 at Pier 94 in NYC.
