Kevin Jones Blog

Do You Need a Water Softener?

Kevin Jones | 2 November, 2022

What Is Soft Water?

The water that comes through our taps contains minerals such as calcium or magnesium and whether it is hard or soft depends on the levels of these minerals it contains. Simply soft water contains lower levels of these minerals.

Here in the Denia to Altea area we have hard water, this is a fact. If you are not sure, you can take a small sample to a local laboratory pharmacist and get it tested.

What is The Difference?

You don’t need to have soft water but generally if you have hard water, by softening it you can prevent build up (scale) in your appliances and pipes. It also improves the taste and smell of your tap water.

Save Money

Overtime, a good quality water softening system is expected to save you money, on repairs to pipes and replacement appliances. Soft water can also lead to improved performance for central heating systems and appliances making them more efficient. Essentially anything that transports or heats water in our homes will benefit from softer water.

Go Big

What are your options? You can buy small home kits that soften water going to single taps or and bar far the best solution is to buy a water softening system that treats and softens all the water going into your property. You will not only notice the difference when making a cup of tea, but you will feel the benefit when taking a shower and washing your hair. If you have ever thought you seem to use more shampoo or soap to get a lather here in Spain, it is probably due to hard water. Soft water lathers quicker, meaning you use less soap, and it is better for your skin.

Other Benefits

Less time cleaning must be a massive win. If you are not sure if you have hard water an obvious clue can be scale build up on taps, plugs and showers. A water softening system can help prevent this build up, often create a faster flow of water from your shower and save on cleaning time.

Thinking About Investing in a Water Softener?

Pop in and have a chat with our friendly team. Simply stop by our Benitachell showroom, where we will show you around and discuss your options and costs.

CONSTRUCTION · KITCHENS · BATHROOMS
www.kevinjones.es
info@kevinjones.es

(+34) 966 493 051
Ctra CV-740 Benitachell – Jávea km 5.5,
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Black Kitchen and Bathroom Taps – Timeless Style

Kevin Jones | 17 September, 2022

You might have noticed from TV shows, magazines, and the videos of social media influencers black taps in kitchens and bathrooms are everywhere. So much so, you could argue they are as popular now as the classic chrome tap.

Black taps add a timeless elegance to our kitchens and bathrooms which is continuing to grow in appeal.

Simply Looks Great!

Black taps are definitely stylish with the matte black finish being by far the most in demand. Why? Matte black as we know from fashion, is timeless, complements and goes with almost everything.

Black taps work with most colour pallets and design styles. They work particularly well against white modern surfaces, with pastel shades, as well as natural stone or marble style finishes.

Today most of us go for a more neutral colour choice in our kitchens and bathrooms, and black taps add that design flare that makes people stop and admire.

In essence they make a statement while being understated and become a focal point and design feature on their own.

Don’t Stop There!

You may have decided on adding a black tap to your kitchen or bathroom but now the fun really begins. What style do you go for? Wall mounted, basin, mixer? Kevin Jones and his team have a fantastic selection and they are happy to work with you to find the perfect design and style for your home. “Black taps work not only in modern homes but in traditional villas, fincas and Ibizan style properties. It all comes down to the design of the tap to fit the style of the property” says Kevin.

The team said many clients also decide to go for a black matte finish shower and radiator when redesigning their bathrooms.

So, whether you are revamping an existing room or going for a full kitchen or bathroom design and remodel, you will not go far wrong with a black tap.

The Best Bit!

They show fingerprints less than chrome.

Let’s Get Designing

Everything begins with a conversation. Simply stop by our Benitachell showroom, where we will show you around and discuss your goals.

CONSTRUCTION · KITCHENS · BATHROOMS
www.kevinjones.es
info@kevinjones.es
(+34) 966 493 051
Ctra CV-740 Benitachell – Jávea km 5.5,
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Butler Sinks – Back in Fashion

Kevin Jones | 8 September, 2022

What Is a Butler Sink?

Butler sinks date back to Victorian London and were as they are named used in the butler’s pantry. Butler sinks are traditionally wider and shallower than a Belfast sink, simply because they were designed to conserve water.

But That’s History

Today we are less concerned about function and more about the style and materials used. Butler or Belfast, both iconic designs have stood the test of time and are as popular as ever not only in country homes but as a feature centre piece in modern or Ibizan style kitchens.

Tradition

The traditional use of ceramic is highly practical in modern, busy family kitchens. Ceramic sinks are hard waring and easy to keep clean, they are generally more stain resistant too. But ceramic is no longer the only choice!

Design Fun

Today, Butler sinks are available in a variety of materials including, stainless steel, marble, copper and cast iron. The fun does not stop there. Butler sinks also come in a wide array of colours, choices of finish, textures, and with decorative patterning.

Let’s Get Designing

Villa, finca, apartment, new or old, we can design and install the perfect kitchen for you. Visit our showroom in Benitachell for friendly, help and advice today.

Why Pocket Doors Are Making A Comeback

Kevin Jones | 2 June, 2022

Do you want to be able to throw open the doors to your terrace or garden to make the most of the Mediterranean sunshine? To carry drinks and food outside without having to keep opening doors and risk dropping everything? Are you looking at ways of making your home on the Costa Blanca seem bigger?

Maybe you want to leave doors open so children and pets can nip in and out of the house without having to ask you to open the door.

With the trend for indoor-outdoor living spaces and the need to save space, it’s no wonder that pocket doors have been making a quiet comeback in the past few years.

What are pocket doors?

Pocket doors are custom space-saving features that run on a floor-mounted track or at the top of the doorframe to slide open and shut. When the door is fully open, it slides into a ‘pocket’ in the wall.

They can be fitted as single doors or pairs and in many styles and prices. They come in a range of materials from traditional wood, wood veneer or panelled wood barn doors to glass pocket doors and high-end designs.

What are the advantages of pocket doors?

Pocket doors are the perfect solution for those warm summer days when you want to throw open all the doors and windows.

With a pocket door or sliding front door or naya doors, you can seamlessly connect your indoor and outdoor space beautifully. Open the sliding door and you can move effortlessly from your living room to your terrace or garden.

We’re finding these are the perfect solution for clients who are upgrading their homes, particularly if their naya is not enclosed and they want to use it during the colder months. They can fit pocket doors to effectively create another inside living space and then slide open the doors for the long summer months.

This is also the reason why external pocket doors are widely fitted. They create a seamless passage between the front of your property and outside space so you can move freely between the two.

These sliding doors are ideal for any room or wardrobe if you’re short on space – they just fit snugly against the wall. They are also widely used if you have a small kitchen, bathroom or en-suite, for example, and don’t want a door taking up too much of the precious space you have.

There’s no worry about a gust of wind slamming the door shut as with a traditional door and they save on space – the open door isn’t taking up any room as it slides next to the wall.

Talk to us about pocket front doors, pocket doors for nayas and internal doors and we will find the best solution for you.

Turn your Costa Blanca home into a tropical paradise

Kevin Jones | 22 May, 2022

With 320 days of sunshine a year, living on the Costa Blanca certainly feels like paradise. That explains why many people like to style their homes, terraces and gardens to reflect the warmth and beauty that surrounds us. That means light or warm colours – pure white, cool beige, sunshine yellow and Valencia orange work well – in natural materials like wood, rattan, glass or bamboo.

A style that works particularly well in our homes is inspired by the tranquil beauty of Bali. Blending the design of this tropical island with the Mediterranean lifestyle works a treat, particularly in areas where we relax the most – the bathroom and outdoors. Here are a few ideas of how to bring Bali into your Costa Blanca home.

In your bathroom, natural stone looks wonderful when creating the Bali look. Stones such as marble and granite in light tones are timeless, relaxing and look beautiful. You can use natural stones on your bathtub, floor, sink and sink countertops for a consolidated look. Add some ferns or other leafy green plants to complete the Bali effect.

Take a look at our fine selection of bathroom fixtures from leading manufacturers to see how we can design a Bali-style bathroom that suits your needs.

If you don’t fancy stone floors, wood works well. If your bathroom is predominantly white, either dark or cool-toned wood will look splendid.

The Bali look is ideal for outdoor spaces where you want to chill out. Like in your bathroom, green plants work a treat. Ferns and palms will look amazing and you could also add a couple of aloe vera plants or even herbs for different plant textures and shades of green.

Water features add to the ambiance. You could have a small pool or a water feature made of stone, which will look stunning and also add the relaxing sound of water to complement the look of your Bali-style garden.

Use natural materials for your garden furniture. You could take a trip to Gata de Gorgos to look at the selection of locally-made rattan furniture.

If you’re thinking about an outdoor kitchen, again, think about using light colours in natural stone so your work surfaces are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. We will be happy to talk to you about designing a Bali-style outdoor kitchen. Read here to see what our professional team can do to ensure you get a quality kitchen of your choice.

We hope we’ve given you some ideas on how to create a corner of Bali in your home on the Costa Blanca. Feel free to get in touch to talk to us about designing your bathroom or outside space.

Sanchis bathroom products for design lovers

Kevin Jones | 15 May, 2022

If your bathroom needs a makeover and you’re looking for a style that is as original as you are, take a look at Sanchis products.

Not only will you be investing in quality, designer-style creations, you’ll be helping the local economy too. Sanchis is based in Alzira in the Valencia Community, just 78 kilometres north of the Kevin Jones showroom in Benitachell.

Sanchis is a family business whose professionalism has kept it at the head of the market since it launched around 60 years ago.

You’ll find a superb range of styles but all have a timeless elegance which will grace your bathroom for many years. The designs can be customised to suit your tastes and to fit into any space in your bathroom.

The 10 collections are categorised into three distinct styles – fresh, natural and sophisticated – enabling you to choose the one that best suits your individual qualities.

If you have a small bathroom, such as a downstairs loo or a compact en-suite, ‘normal-sized’ bathroom furniture can be overwhelming – that small space looks even tinier. This is what makes the Mini range from Sanchis so adorable. It’s an informal line launched as a solution to small bathrooms. You can have stylish bathroom furniture with sufficient storage space. For instance, the compact sinks have cupboards underneath with enough room for your beauty products.

The Ritual collection by Sanchis combines versatility and sophistication. Designed by the creative studio Isho Design, the collection is inspired by the water ritual which forms part of Oriental culture. The concept is based on the balance between two elements that complement each other to perfection.

The sinks, like the spring from which you collect water, represent the act of cleaning yourself. The furniture, as a natural and pure raw material, represents the cat of taking care of yourself and pampering yourself. The two pieces fit together to achieve the ideal balance between basic need – water – and pleasure – pampering.

Among the Elegant styles is the gorgeous Dune collection inspired by the classic bathroom furniture in grand houses. Dune is designed for homes with bags of personality. The lines are exquisite and speak of modernity alongside the glorious glamour of old Hollywood.

Talk to us about getting the right bathroom and accessories for your home on the Costa Blanca.

How installing solar panels can cut your electricity bill in Spain

Kevin Jones | 26 April, 2022

With electricity prices climbing upwards, we’re all looking for ways to reduce our bills. There’s only so much we can do in the way of unplugging appliances when we’re not using them rather than leave them on standby. And making sure we put a full load in the washing machine each time.

With 320 days of sunshine every year on the Costa Blanca, it makes sense to convert the sun’s energy into electricity, especially when studies show that installing solar panels on your home in Spain can cut your monthly electricity bill by around 25-30%.

Solar energy is totally renewable- we’re never going to run out of sunshine – clean and environmentally friendly. Solar energy does not produce any CO2 emissions. It is silent, unlike wind turbines, for example. It’s accessible anywhere, even in remote locations, and is easy to install.

What is solar energy?

Solar energy is a renewable energy source harnessed from the sun. Solar energy is the heat and light from the sun which can be harnessed to produce electricity or hot water.

“The amount of sunlight that strikes the earth’s surface in an hour and a half is enough to handle the entire world’s energy consumption for a full year,” according to the US Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

It’s no wonder solar installation has grown rapidly in Spain since 2018 – Spain’s greatest energy resource is sunshine!

Solar power can be generated through huge photovoltaic plants or through PV or solar panels on your own home. The largest PV plant in Spain is the Núñez de Balboa photovoltaic plant in Badajoz which can supply green energy to 250,000 people.

Installing solar panels in Spain

How do photovoltaic panels and solar panels work?

Solar technology converts that sunshine into electrical energy through photovoltaic panels. This energy is used to generate electricity or can be stored either in batteries or thermal storage to be used later.

The photovoltaic system transforms solar radiation directly into electrical energy. The solar panels contain PV cells which absorb energy from the sunlight. This energy is then converted by the PV cells into electricity.

Solar thermal energy uses thermal solar panels – or collectors – which transform solar radiation into heat. These can be used to heat water for residential or industrial use and the energy can also be used to produce electricity.

The most widespread use of solar energy is through the installation of photovoltaic panels, according to Repsol.

Photovoltaics can be used to power anything from homes and commercial businesses to small electronics such as road signs or calculators.

Add style and sparkle to your bathroom with stunning Swarovski crystals

Kevin Jones | 29 December, 2021

Your bathroom is a space for pampering, putting on make-up, having an at-home spa day, or styling your hair. So why not make the experience even more glamorous by adding Swarovski crystals to your bathroom decor?

The exquisite Swarovski crystals are a wonderful way to add timeless elegance to your bathroom without spending a fortune. Simply change a couple of accessories elevated by Swarovski crystals. You can get bathroom accessories from toilet roll holders to towel rails embedded with stunning crystals.

We can’t recommend these Bathco bath porcelain washbasins with Swarovski crystal designs enough. There’s a lovely range of basins and so you can choose one which will complement your existing bathroom style or even add a washbasin to add contrast and really stand out in your bathroom.

We suggest you take a look at these designs before you plan your bathroom upgrade or redesign. They are sure to give you plenty of ideas on how to create the perfect bathroom for you and your individual needs. You may find that adding a few matching accessories or a couple of features, such as the bathroom sink, is all you need to give your bathroom a completely new, fresh look.

Instantly create a luxury bathroom

It’s amazing how luxurious your bathroom looks and feels by adding a few sparkling crystals to the room, especially when the light streams in and bounces off them.

If your bathroom is predominantly white or a light colour, for example, then the Baroque Silver washbasin with Swarovski crystals can be used as a standout feature. This porcelain washbasin designed with flowers is both very romantic and elegant. It is also timeless and so you can reuse the washbasin whenever you redesign your bathroom.

Other designs are more minimalist if you want to add a hint of glamour without going overboard on the glitz. For instance, the white forest washbasin is suitable for both modern or classic bathrooms. The design in the porcelain bowl is exquisite while being discrete.

Again, all the Bathco basins can be kept for your new bathroom every time you decorate.

If you are planning to redecorate your bathroom or want ideas on adding accessories, such as these patterned sinks with Swarovski crystals, come and talk to us about your specific requirements.

What’s not to love about self-cleaning toilets?

Kevin Jones | 28 November, 2021

It’s not really surprising that cleaning the toilet is top of the most-hated domestic chores.

However, we’re all aware of how important it is to keep our toilet bowl and seat sparkling and germ-free.

That’s why we’re sure you’re going to be interested in these self-cleaning toilets. You can let your toilet do the job you hate the most – and let it clean itself!

Not only that, get yourself a sleek, modem self-cleaning smart toilet and you can say goodbye to a standalone bidet too. These toilets will not only clean themselves but they’ll keep you clean too.

With the bidet function, you can control the position of the nozzle as well as the temperature and pressure of the water. Some are activated by remote control while others have a side panel on the toilet.

We love the Roca In-Wash Smart Toilets as they’re chic, minimalist and multifunctional. They’ll look smart in any bathroom and are compact enough to fit in the smallest of spaces. If you’ve ever planned an ensuite or downstairs toilet but felt you didn’t have enough room, now could be the time to think again.

With the Roca Smart Toilets. we particularly love the user detection feature and that there’s a night light. This handy little light means you don’t have that sudden shock of a bright light in your sleepy eyes when you turn on the bathroom light at night. Nor do you risk disturbing others – particularly useful if you have an ensuite bathroom.

How does a toilet self-clean?

There are various ways the toilet cleans itself. The most obvious way is when the toilet flushes, it releases strong jets of water which wash the sides. Some models come with quick and deep clean cycles which you activate with a button. This fills the bowl with water and cleaner which is released from a cartridge.

Also, how annoying is it when someone forgets to flush? That’s no longer a problem with the Roca In-Wash Inspira Smart Toilet as it has built-in sensors which detect when someone moves away from the toilet and flushes automatically.

Another feature means you can wave your hand in front of the toilet to make it flush – a fun way to encourage youngsters to flush when finished.

With the Roca models, for example, you can choose In-Wash smart toilet models which don’t have a cistern. Instead they use In-Tank® technology integrating the water tank into the toilet bowl. This takes up between 10cm and 20cm less space than a toilet with cistern.

Also the Rimless Vortex design creates a powerful flush combined with 360º water flow to cover the entire bowl. This provides a quality flush using the minimum amount of water. The In-Wash® with In-Tank® models also have Supraglaze® coating, which impedes the buildup of dirt and lets any residue slide off.

Come and talk to us about the various models, sizes and functions so we can find the right self-cleaning toilet for you at the right price.

Create a luxury bathroom with marble effect tiles

Kevin Jones | 27 October, 2021

Marble has been the luxurious material of choice since the Parthenon temple was built in the mid-5th century BCE. Think of the most impressive buildings and monuments in the world such as the Taj Mahal, the statue of David, the Washington Monument and the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the go-to material is marble.

It’s no wonder many top hotels, including Raffles Hotel Singapore and the Waldorf Astoria New York Hotel, have built majestic marble lobbies to impress guests. Hotel bathrooms are also often made of marble to surround guests with peaceful, pampered elegance.

Now you can recreate this sophistication in your own bathroom, thanks to Kevin Jones.

Have an elegant bathroom with the marble look without the marble price

The on-trend way to modernise your bathroom is with marble effect tiles and panels. You get all the advantages of marble, namely:

Timeless elegance
Sophisticated designer bathroom
Long-lasting materials combining both simplicity and strength
A beautiful finish that will never lose its shine

And a few extra bonuses, such as:

Real marble is porous and so can stain and scratch easily while marble effect tiles are not porous and don’t stain
Marble effect tiles are low maintenance and easy to clean
You can have the marble look at a fraction of the price of real marble
Marble effect tiles and panels are durable and easy to install

Different looks you can achieve with marble effect tiles

The characteristic veining of marble can be used to create many different effects. It looks as hot in contemporary styles as well as traditional neo-classical designs for walls and floors. For instance, a white tile with fine grey veins is versatile enough to adapt to contemporary and classic environments while brown or cream marble effect tiles can add warmth to your bathroom.

Traditional checkerboard floors have been popular for centuries and you can get the look for your bathroom floor using black and white marble effect tiles.

You can transform your bathroom with eye-catching grey tiles to serve as a base colour for your bathroom.

For small bathrooms, white marble effect tiles will make your room look larger. Darker colours such as black marble with gold veining add a dramatic and contemporary feel. Marble mosaics also create a modern, fresh feel while adding texture to your walls.

Marble effect panels for walls or showers are also a fabulous way to make a bold statement to your bathroom. As it’s only being used for a small part of your bathroom, you can afford to go for a brighter colour or contrasting texture or colour to the rest of your walls.

How marble effect tiles are made

Marble effect tiles are made from porcelain, which is a ceramic material. It is traditionally made from kaolin – also known as china clay – and petunse or pottery stone fired at very high temperatures. Panels can be made from porcelain and also wood or plywood.

How to clean marble effect tiles

A good natural cleaner for ceramic tiles is to half fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and add the same amount of water. You can add some orange or lemon oil for a pleasant scent. Just spray on the tiles and wipe down. For textured tiles, you can mix three cups of baking soda with a cup of warm water to scrub the tiles and grout. You can also buy tile cleaners but you just need to check they are PH neutral.

Get in touch to discuss the right marble effect bathroom tiles and panels for you and your budget.