Home and Design Studio

Why this comparison matters Walk into any home improvement showroom in the East Bay and you will likely be shown two very different product families when shopping for shower walls. On one side: acrylic panels with a PVC backing, often pitched as a fast, affordable, "one day bath" solution. On the other: porcelain slab wall systems, increasingly chosen by homeowners who want a premium, lasting result. Both are marketed as waterproof. Both come in attractive finishes. But once they are mounted...

An honest, designer-led breakdown of what your dollars buy in a Bay Area bathroom, from acrylic to porcelain slab, and every line item in between. By SHOTA SHUBLADZE · HOME AND DESIGN STUDIO Every contractor answers this question differently, and that is exactly why homeowners feel lost before the first sketch is even drawn. The truth is, behind every estimate there are predictable numbers driven by materials, labor, code requirements, and design intent. After years of designing and...

When planning a bathroom remodel, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area where moisture and humidity can be a challenge, waterproofing your shower wet area is not something to skip or rush. I’ve seen many projects where missing a step in the waterproofing process led to costly repairs down the line. In this post, I’ll walk you through why every step matters, what materials and brands work best, and the pros and cons of different shower base options. I’ll also explain the importance of...