Home renovation boutique combines unique products, design service
By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Business name: Rooms with a View
Address: 45 East Main St., Westborough
Owner: Kate LaCount
Contact Information: 508-870-2211
How do you describe Rooms with a View?
“There are three basic facets to our business. Our showroom displays a full spectrum of porcelain tiles, natural stone and many other finish materials for which we provide installation services. Design services are also offered for a wide range of home renovation projects. With a background in construction as well as design, we are capable of providing various levels of project management and contractor liaison services,” said Kate LaCount, owner of Rooms with a View. LaCount started the company in 2000 and relocated to Westborough in 2011, serving customers in the Metrowest area.
“The decision to change our showroom hours from traditional retail hours to several ‘open for browsing’ days was based on our desire to provide a more personalized service approach for our clients. Scheduling visits by appointment allows us ample time to focus on the particular needs and desires of each client.”
What products do you offer?
“We carry porcelain tile, natural stone, hardwood flooring and specialty vinyl products in the showroom. While we provide countertops, plumbing fixtures and glass enclosures through our shop, a visit to our local distributor to view products is sometimes arranged,” LaCount said.
“Although we do have mainstream products to offer, we have made an effort to bring in unique offerings from small studio artisans as well as larger manufacturers. The showcase of offerings you will find here is on par with what one would find at the Design Center, with lower pricing and closer to home.”
What services do you provide?
“Installation services are available for all products we sell. A lot of our business these days is full-scale bathroom and kitchen renovation. Along with design guidance for the project, it is important to provide a comprehensive vision and budget before any successful job begins. We have established a team approach and can provide reliable trades such as carpenter, plumber, electrician, cabinet maker and, of course, tile installer.
“I am available to offer project management services on the front end to establish the full overview and budget, as well as during the actual execution phase. Some of these services are fee-based and are outlined for each customer during initial consultation. Our team approach typically brings projects in under the cost of most general contractors.”
What are the trends in bathroom design?
“Bathrooms are moving more toward oversized showers without bathtubs. That shower is designed to fit both the way people live today and the age-in-place concept. People are interested in linear drains that allow a barrier-free shower.
“The average master bathroom is moving toward better storage, larger customized vanity space and more creative walk-in shower spaces. When a bathroom is so big that taking the tub out looks like something’s missing, we’re moving toward a soaking tub and away from Jacuzzi tubs.
“A lot of people are choosing tile-warming for bathroom floors, a relatively inexpensive upgrade. Thermostats in bathrooms are programmable so they can provide several warming cycles and turn on before people are up.”
Rooms with a View is open for browsing Tuesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; other times by appointment.
