Category: Bathrooms

Loyal Clients Repeat the Process

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

Self-admittedly, Becky and Casey Jansen needed a remodel badly. “Our kitchen was dark and outdated. The layout wasn’t functional for entertaining, the island was bulky, and overall, it just wasn’t a space we enjoyed spending time in. We knew it was time for a change,” Becky said.

  

The couple started their home renovation by looking at downtown remodeling companies, but none seemed to understand their vision. Frustrated, they decided to try something different and went local. That’s when they found Thomas Kitchen & Bath. 

 

From the moment they met Amy, our lead designer, they knew they were in good hands. “She had a brain and ideas, and she played a big part in making our kitchen look so great,” Becky noted.

 

Amy understood their needs and helped the couple create a space that was brighter, updated, and had a better flow. 

 

The project required a complete gut of their kitchen and to start from scratch. We installed taller cabinets with a beautiful range hood. The outdated pinkish-red countertops were replaced with textured quartz countertops that resemble concrete. The fridge, which used to be the first thing you saw when you walked in, was relocated to create a more welcoming entrance and more open sightline. We even made sure to consider the cats as we planned out the space!

It made a significant difference to Becky and Casey. They love their new kitchen!

 

A few years later, when the couple decided it was time to tackle their hall bathroom, they called on Thomas Kitchen & Bath once again. They wanted us to create a guest suite by changing the bathroom access from the hall to the bedroom, and of course, update it in the process.

Becky and Casey reached out to our team, and once again, they said we exceeded their expectations. After completing the design and construction process, we succeeded in creating a beautiful space for their guests. 

At Thomas Kitchen & Bath, we offer the whole package. From layout, design and selecting materials, to managing the project and ensuring it is completed professionally, we make the entire process easy for our clients. That’s why many customers, like Becky and Casey, come back for a second project. They trust us to deliver exceptional results. 

 

We’ll leave you with this final thought from Becky, “I would recommend Thomas Kitchen & Bath because they were professional and courteous. The people who worked on our project were very polite and understood they were in someone else’s home. As a homeowner, I think that goes a long way.”

Bringing a Dated Bathroom Back to Life

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

Pam and Steve Peigh recently completed a bathroom renovation that began in August and finished in November. The couple had moved into their house in 2010, and the bathroom was original to the house, dating back to when it was built in 1996. It was clear that the bathroom needed an update, especially since it lacked sufficient storage and had a bathtub that was too small and inconvenient to use. The Peighs wanted a bathroom that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional.

To achieve their goals, the Peighs decided to gut the bathroom completely. The couple chose to go with Thomas Kitchen & Bath for the project because they had heard good things about them from friends who had used their services. Pam and Steve commented, “We knew this would be major, and because they are local and specialized in kitchens and baths, we knew their reputation was important, so we chose them.”

The process began with the Peighs meeting Amy — lead designer — to discuss their vision for the bathroom. Pam noted, “I had in my mind what I wanted to accomplish, but she was able to make the vision come alive!” 

 

“The Peighs wanted more built-in storage space in their bathroom so they could get rid of all the superfluous clutter,” Amy recounted. “Having a therapeutic bathtub was also a critical item on their wish list. Their current layout did not allow for either, so we had to get creative! By borrowing from an adjacent hall closet as well as combining their two closets into one large walk-in closet, and also changing the configuration of the room doors, we found that we could make it happen in a beautiful and functional way, including Pam’s dressing table under the windows!”

 

Amy showed them renderings of the new layout as well as how the colors and materials would look together and helped them make informed decisions. Pam appreciated being able to see how everything would look before making any final choices.

Once the project started, Tim from Thomas Kitchen & Bath came in and prepared the area for renovation. The Peighs were impressed with the organization and transparency of the process. They were given a worksite calendar that outlined the schedule and progress, so they knew exactly what would be happening each day. They also appreciated that the team would promptly communicate if there were any delays or issues.

Throughout the renovation, the Peighs were constantly updated on the progress. Each day, as the work crew finished up, they pointed out what had been accomplished that day and any remaining tasks. Steve, in particular, was impressed with the skill and expertise of the entire team.

  

Now that the renovation is complete, Pam is thrilled with the results. The bathroom is neat, clean, and organized, with a place for everything. She loves the new tub, which is a BainUltra ThermoMasseur, and even has self-cleaning capabilities. With delight, Pam and Steve commented on the overall experience, “We felt very comfortable with them and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again!” In fact, the Peighs have already begun the process to update their kitchen this fall!

Carpeted Bathroom Gets New Inspiration

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

Jim and Pam Tate have been living in their Lebanon home since 1996. It was constructed using builder-grade finishes, including base-model countertops and wall-to-wall carpeting in the bathroom. Yes, carpet in the bathroom! Beyond the carpet, their large bathroom had a small shower, lacked organized storage, was largely monochromatic, and was showing signs of wear.

 

Being empty nesters, the couple decided it was time for a change. “It’s just the two of us now; let’s do it!” Pam said. They contacted Thomas Kitchen & Bath to help them remodel the bathroom. Amy, the lead designer, visited their Lebanon home to assess the space and put together a design and an action plan. Pam and Jim were very pleased with how we thought of things they hadn’t considered, such as how to enlarge the shower and improve room lighting. “This large bathroom just needed some inspiration! When I saw the lonely can light above the tub, I knew that was a great place to start!” Amy recalls.

The project began in late spring and took eight weeks to complete. The Tates pointed out that our team was considerate of their home and always kept it clean. Tim Thomas, the owner, oversaw the implementation of the project plan. Pam commented, “We nicknamed Tim the Energizer Bunny. If there was stuff to be done, he took care of it!”

 

Now the Tates have a gleaming new bathroom complete with a larger, more functional shower, beautiful stained-wood cabinetry that offers better organization and increased storage (including a dressing table for Pam), striking satin black fixtures and accessories, and a new freestanding tub, complete with a dimmable chandelier, great for a relaxing soak in the tub. Pam and Jim are also pleased with the wall color, which complements everything nicely. Best of all, there is no wallpaper or carpeting to be found!

The couple highly recommends Thomas Kitchen & Bath for anyone looking to remodel their bathroom. After making their dated bathroom brand new, Pam and Jim have nothing but positive things to say, “We were really happy with our bathroom and glad to show it off. They thought of everything!” 

 

If you want to take your home from dated to purposefully designed, contact our team for a consultation today!

Newcomers Find the Perfect Fit

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

Sally and Bruce LaVergne moved into their Tennessee home two years ago after moving from Northern California. “The second I saw the house and property, I just loved it, but the kitchen and bathroom had to go!” Sally explained. The couple didn’t know anyone in Tennessee, as they had only recently moved, so they didn’t know who to use for renovating their bath and kitchen. 

After looking up several contractors online, they decided to walk into the Thomas Kitchen & Bath showroom to see what we had, and the couple immediately met our designer, Amy. Sally recognized our knowledge and expertise after walking in, stating, “It was a feeling. I could just tell they were going to do it right.” Sally and Bruce made their appointment, and Amy came out to their home to take photos and make measurements. 

 

During this time, Bruce wanted to get additional quotes to compare services. What they got back from other contractors just wasn’t comparable to what we were offering. So, after seeing those other quotes, they decided to go with Thomas Kitchen and Bath. With newfound direction, Bruce and Sally headed back to our showroom on a mission, and Amy was ready to present full-color renderings of the couple’s new dream kitchen and bathroom. Sally immediately thought, “Oh my God, this is it!”

We began remodeling their kitchen and bathroom, finishing the project in only two months. Our team gutted everything in both the kitchen and bathroom, starting in the kitchen and working our way to the bathroom. The original kitchen was small, with a wall stifling the space, and the bathroom was bright blue with old tile and a small shower tucked into the corner. 

Now, the kitchen feels massive, and the bathroom has a large modern shower and understated color palette. Sally says she loves the low-entry new shower, the hardware on the kitchen cabinets, the large kitchen island, and the use of drawers instead of cabinets for kitchen storage. “I got everything I wanted!” she exclaimed. 

Sally and Bruce were so excited about the final result and their entire experience working with our team. They summed it up with, “You can look anywhere you want to, but you won’t find anyone better. Don’t even look any further! They stand behind their products and do what they say.”

A Bathroom Renovation for the Harpers

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

When they bought their second home in TN, Stan and Jamie Harper were in for a surprise as they walked into the primary bathroom. The last time anyone touched the house was when it was built in 2004, and it needed a lot of updating.

 

 

The bathroom counter height was too low, the oak cabinetry was dated, and the shower had an insert behind a false wall, making it feel cave-like and dark. There was less to be desired, meaning it was time for an upgrade. 

 

Stan and Jamie originally dropped into the Thomas Kitchen and Bath showroom to try and reorder handles for a few cabinets. After speaking with Amy Garcia, the lead designer, the Harpers realized they could get a full remodel and leave the handles to the professionals. “Amy was phenomenal. She really listened to what we said,” they commented. 

 

Once all the materials and supplies came in, Thomas Kitchen and Bath went to work remodeling their outdated bathroom into a dream. Stan and Jamie noted, “We feel good with who they bring into the house. We trust them.”

Our team gutted the entire bathroom but kept the same footprint, added medicine cabinets to increase storage space, removed the false wall to lengthen the shower to the ceiling, built custom cabinetry, and added a heating setting and exhaust fan. 

 

 

Even though the Harpers live full-time in FL, the entire project went smoothly and finished in about six weeks. The couple was most excited about their new shower, exclaiming, “It’s just so improved from what we had before; it looks twice as large!” Even when comparing the primary bathroom in their current FL home to the newly renovated primary bath in their TN home, they favored the latter. 

 

 

Stan and Jamie loved working with Thomas Kitchen and Bath so much that they tasked us with a guest bathroom remodel and kitchen remodel, declaring, “Thomas Kitchen and Bath have a good product. Not just their materials but their whole business model. They are true professionals.”

 

A Yellowed Bathroom Turned to Lakeview Paradise

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

When Chuck and Gertrud Jeffries bought their new house, they quickly realized nothing had been touched for 25 years. What sold them on the property was its stunning lake view, but the inside of the home was outdated. One room they knew needed immediate attention was the primary bathroom.

  

Their primary bathroom carried a laundry list of problems, the most obvious of which was the terrible yellow paint color. Their son called it “the color you use if you want to make everyone mad.” In addition to the paint, the counters and toilets were low, the shower was small and cramped, an enormous tub occupied too much floor space, tile installed on top of linoleum, storage was limited, and the space flowed awkwardly.

           

The couple, wanting to clean the slate and start fresh, listed all their wants and needs: dedicated enclosed space for the toilet, a larger, more attractive shower, improved storage, an updated tub, better use of the bathroom square footage, and preserving their gorgeous view of the lake.  

Chuck and Gertrud quickly found Thomas Kitchen & Bath online. They appreciated that we were close to them in Lebanon, TN, and they also knew people in their neighborhood who had worked with us before.  

Next, they walked into the showroom (without an appointment) and spoke to our designer, Amy. After that discussion, they got more serious and set a time for her to visit their home. Amy took photos and measurements and designed a bathroom that met their needs and wants. She presented the Jeffries with design renderings and sample materials to show them just how their new bathroom would look. Chuck commented, “She reimagined the space and floorplan for us!”

When the project began, we gave them a workflow schedule which outlined what to expect each day and what work would occur. Of course, we updated them in advance if there were any changes to the schedule. This was something they really appreciated as it allowed them to plan each day out and know to a “T” what was happening with their bathroom remodel.  

The bathroom was gutted down to the studs and beyond. Thomas Kitchen & Bath replaced everything: floors, cabinetry, mirrors, tub, shower, toilet, exhaust fans, plumbing, lighting and even moved walls. “It was interesting to go in and see what was happening each day,” Chuck commented. 

From start to finish, it took eight weeks for the bathroom renovation, even considering supply chain issues with the glass for the shower. “If something wasn’t right, they came back and fixed it. Not everyone does that!” Gertrud commented. She continued, “They did what they could to minimize the dust and even cleaned up after themselves.”  

   

The couple love the heated towel bar, medicine cabinets, quiet exhaust fans, fresh paint colors, and the gorgeous full view of the lake from the open shower. They both fell in love with their primary bathroom, as emphasized by Chuck saying, “We aren’t used to a bathroom this nice.” 

Contact Thomas Kitchen & Bath today to update or completely remodel your primary bath.

Before and After The Perfect Primary Bathroom

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

At some point, everyone dreams of having the perfect bathroom in their home. Modern fixtures, beautiful tile work, a spacious vanity, and plenty of storage are just a few trademark bathroom features designed for luxury that most homeowners crave. When Steve and Linda realized they could finally have a bathroom that fits the luxury standard, they never looked back. 

 

Having lived in their home since 1999, the primary bathroom was a sight to see. It had 20-foot ceilings and windows covering the entire outward-facing wall. When asked why they finally decided to remodel the primary bathroom, Linda exclaimed, “It just needed it!” 

        

After looking online at several other companies, the couple decided to trust their bathroom remodel with Thomas Kitchen upon walking through our showroom and feeling confident in their conversation with our designer, Amy. Linda remarked that Amy was a great designer who was easy to work and communicate with. 

 

Upon getting started, Amy visited Steve and Linda’s home to perform a thorough walkthrough, render what the new bathroom would look like, and provide a quote for the project. “We just didn’t know what things cost now,” Linda said in response to the quote. Though initially shocked at the market rate, they decided the renovation would be worth the investment. 

 

Thomas Kitchen began working away on June 1st and finished by the end of July. Creating the perfect bathroom for Steve and Linda took about eight weeks. We gutted the entire bathroom, replacing everything: cabinets, flooring, vanity, bathtub, shower, and lighting.

           

Throughout the course of those eight weeks, we never had any issues during the project, and Steve and Linda were in constant contact with Tim and Amy to stay informed.

  

In the end, the couple spent more money on remodeling their bathroom than they expected— by choice. They got everything they dreamed of, allocating more money to put in a luxury bathtub and heated floors. Steve and Linda wanted a perfect bathroom, and that’s what they got.

  

The large shower with a bench and an added storage tower were just two of Steve and Linda’s favorite features. When asked why Linda loved the storage tower so much, she said, “Anytime you walk into our bathroom, it always looks fabulous!”

          

Steve added, “The tile guy, the electrician, they were all great. Tim expected that from them. [I loved] the quality of the work, and they stuck to the quote.” Now, Steve and Linda can enjoy their dream bathroom, brought to reality. Even their friends and family love the beautiful transformation!

 

If you want to get your dream bathroom designed and built by professionals, schedule a consultation with our team today!  

 

Which Type of Bathtub is Right for You?

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

It’s been a long, hard day. That one unreasonable client just won’t leave you alone, your kid spilled juice on the carpet, and your mother-in-law needs you to explain to her how to use Zoom for the fourth time. There’s nothing you’d rather do than draw up a relaxing bubble bath, light some candles, and grab your favorite magazine. If you’re in the market for a luxurious new bathtub, you’re probably wondering which type of tub you should invest your money (and your evenings) in. Here’s a guide:

  1. Freestanding tubs

If you want to feel like a Victorian heiress, you’ll love a freestanding tub, likely with a classic clawfoot bottom. While this charming style fits in with traditional homes, it requires you to have a fairly large bathroom. Moreover, one drawback is the exposed plumbing—you can get specialty plumbing parts to accompany your old-school bathtub, but it’ll cost you.

  1. Drop-in bathtubs

This type of bathtub involves a shell that fits into a pre-made deck; a carpenter will build a deck, and then the tub is installed into that structure. This gives your bathroom a finished, “together” look, and the extra tiles on the sides of your bathroom provide a nifty place to store shampoo, candles, and body wash. However, most drop-in tubs are installed in an open area, making them more expensive and more in need of floor space than alcove bathtubs (though less so than freestanding tubs).

  1. Alcove bathtub

Have you ever seen a tub/shower combination? Then you’ve seen an alcove tub. This type of tub fits within a three-sided enclosure, likely with tiled or paneled walls. This will be your most cost-effective tub, as well as space-effective—if you have a smaller bathroom to work with, this is your best bet.

  1. Corner bathtub

A corner tub is exactly what it sounds like— a large, triangular tub that fits into a corner of your bathroom. This is the tub to focus on if you really want luxury; you’ll get more size and capacity, and it’s easier to install bubble and whirlpool features. However, the drawbacks are numerous: These tubs are costly, take a long time to fill up, use a ton of water, and eat up your bathroom floor space.

Ready to build your dream bathroom? Schedule a consultation today!

Before and After: The Dodsons’ Bathroom Remodel

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

If you live in an older home, you may love the nostalgic aesthetic and the classical architecture, but wish you could make your home’s features accommodate your modern lifestyle. Barbara and Pierce Dodson loved showing off their 50+ year old home in Lebanon, Tennessee’s Oak Hill neighborhood, but wanted a nice, updated bathroom for visitors and party guests. The Dodsons decided to remodel their guest bathroom, and hired Thomas Kitchen and Bath to get the job done.

 

Before photos of the Dodson project

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Tennessee couple is no stranger to home improvement projects, undergoing several remodeling jobs on their home over the years. However, Barbara noted that in previous projects she felt the need to be involved the whole way through, and “I needed someone who could listen to me and go in and design the space for me.” According to the Dodsons, Thomas Kitchen and Bath stood out through our proactive planning process, meticulous project management, and high-quality finished product.

First, the Dodsons met with our Lead Designer Amy Garcia to come up with a plan together. The plan included a detailed list of everything that was going to be done; the Dodsons knew exactly what to expect before the project had even started. “My job was in the planning and figuring out what I wanted. The planning was everything. Once it was done, I just got to relax,” said Barbara.

 

Renderings of the Dodson project using state-of-the-art CAD technology

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The end result was a sleek, elegant transformation. We switched out pink countertops and flowery wallpaper for a mix of sophisticated grays. We updated the hardware on the faucets, installed brand new cabinets, put in tile flooring, and modernized the bathtub and shower to give it a spa-like aesthetic.

 

After photos of the Dodson project, completed remodel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dodsons also noted that our management of the remodeling project made us stand out. Problems were addressed swiftly and taken care of promptly, details were paid attention to, and our staff’s expectations for our team were high. The couple also gushed over the work of our crew, noting that they were very timely, considerate of time and space within the home, and that every person who worked on their home cleaned up after themselves.

Take it from Barbara: “They have a desire to be the best at what they do, and they are!” If you’re looking for a high-quality remodeler to take on that home project you’ve always dreamed of starting, give us a call!