The Ricks Company

I am always asking myself at the beginning of every year what really makes someone feel secure about hiring my company or, for that matter any company. I suppose it is not all that different in how we choose our friends. First and foremost there has to be common interests or goals. I really like to interview my clients in such a way that we really both are able to find out what we have in common. This then establishes trust or at least the desire to trust that the other person wants to reach the same goals and is therefore capable of handling decisions, strategy and results which will be mutually beneficial. I actually have noticed that I do a much better job of designing a kitchen or bath when I really dont even talk about fixtures or colors with my client but rather get to know more about their routine, habits and interests. I automatically know after about 15 minutes of talking to them about topics unrelated to kitchen and bath design what they are going need and want in the design. I have even said to many potential clients, ” Just give me 15 minutes of your life story and I can design the kitchen or bath of your dreams.” I havent been wrong yet.

The last component that makes the relationship work well between a designer and owner is the communication that starts early on. We all communicate differently so I try to introduce verbal, visual and vigilant  communication tools throughout the entire process. I accomplish this with obviously spoken words ( verbal), pictures ( visual) and expectations ( vigilance). This keeps the original trust between me and my client as long as I clearly communicate expectations in this manner throughout the project. It works. Its key and I wonder how many other areas of our lives we could apply this to and be much more successful in almost all aspects of our lives.

So this isnt really a discussion about what to do in your kitchen or bath so much as it is a thought provoking discussion on how we all respond to certain words, pictures, smells, sounds…. you get the point. We are sensory driven. As a designer I am always changing up the way I describe things. Let me give you an example. I used to describe things a “rich”. ” Wow, Mrs. Smith, that will look so rich in you kitchen”. Now, I use words like authentic or organic. “This will be very authentic in your kitchen” or ” It has such an organic feel”. My clients respond to these new types of descriptions in a very positive way simply because in our economic times we are all looking for something that provides longevitity, makes practical sense and maybe even take our senses back to a time when things were a little simpler. Does this mean we are finally starting to realize that enjoyment of things can be simpler by nature but last a lifetime if they have a history of timeless beauty and solid performance? I feel inspired by the idea that materials really can be a “living” part of our lives. Yes, they may age a little but I guess as I get older I dont mind the idea of having things around me that get a little character as they get older. Stainless steel, wood, metals are all such vital parts of an authentic kitchen or bath. I dont believe in trend setting. I do believe in things that inspire conversation, create subtle beauty and respond eloquently to the vigorous demands we put upon them. Yes, thats it. I will now tell people I design “living” spaces that really do “live”. That sounds good right?

So I like to watch the commercial where the IT guy is waving his hands commanding the computers in his lab. I do think that the future of home technology will be drastically changed due to this new motion command. It does kind of remind of “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” where the waving gets way out of control causing chaos. I would really like to be one of the first to try making an entire meal or entertaining a group of friends using a variety of motions to command a martini, rib roast or perfect apple strudel. I tend to wave my hands a lot when I speak so I am not sure if this would work well for someone like me but I am definately willing to give it a shot. I am constantly looking for the newest products that come out. Its going to get exciting I am positive. There are just so many possibilities for modern appliances and kitchen convenience that make the future look really bright.

I like to call the shower systems that are being put in  that include water or hydrotherpay with fixtures like body jets, rainheads, water tiles, etc the new stand up spa. These types of showers have gained considerable popularity due to the fact that modern routines for many people are a little more compact making a shower more convenient than a tub bath with hydrotherapy. So, if you like the idea of stand up hydrotherapy then there are lots of choices out there to include in your spa shower. The first things you will want to consider are:

1. water usage— these types of fixtures can use anywhere from 5-7 gallons of water per minute. Having several on at once can use about 15 gallons of water per minute. While this tends to take most people back there is an upside. The whirlpool tubs hold anywhere from 70 gallons on up so there  shower actually give people more control over water usage.

Make sure that the water heater you have is turned up high enough in temperature to produce speedy hot water. Many people also consider installing a tankless water heater which will solve delays in hot water getting to the shower ( a definite water save).

2. Placement—In order for these spa items to work

properly they should be placed in the shower so that they will hit key areas on the lower, shoulders and neck. Many of these body sprays will adjust to accomodate more than one user. Take into to account not only the height but width of shoulders and hips  in order to make the most out of this type of hydrotherapy.

3. Overspray — often overlooked, this characteristic of spa showers makes it important to see, if possible, these fixtures in action before purchasing. If pointed directly at the shower entrance they can put a lot of water in areas that make them very slippery. Plan on putting a 100% cotton rug right outside of the shower in order to avoid water pooling. Also, try and have these fixtures point away from the entrance.

All in all spa showers are a tremendous way to relax and live a healthy lifestyle with frequent hydrotherapy available for injuries and stress. These shower will continue to be a highly desirable feature for the modern bathroom.