Transform Your Bathroom With a Small Bathtub

Posted on October 15, 2010 by MaryJo

By installing a small bathtub, you can increase the functionality of even the smaller bathrooms in your home. In many homes, the bathrooms off the common areas do not include bathing facilities. Though this is done with space conservation in mind, it can make mornings in shared houses more crowded than they have to be, particularly when one is playing host to overnight guests. With a quick and inexpensive conversion, one can add another full bathroom to their home in just a few days, increasing their homes value and function.

Small bathtubs are not necessarily ideal for adult bath taking, but they will provide more than enough room for an adult to take a shower or a child to take a full bath. An added benefit of their small size, they also tend to be priced considerably lower than their larger counterparts, and often come in all the same style and material choices. Small claw foot tubs are a nice addition to any bathroom and will give it a very distinctive touch. A standard ceramic tube lends your room a classic, clean feel and is available in a number of different sizes to fit most spaces. For something really eye catching, opt for a copper tub, that will bring elegance and a more spacious feeling to even the smallest bath.

A corner bathtub will maximize your space conservation efforts. These tubs will hug two walls of your bath, taking up little floor space and keeping the flow of the room intact. They will take little more time to install and in most bathrooms will not require any major construction undertakings. Corner tubs are available almost anywhere that tubs are stocked and can be found for extremely reasonable prices.

By doing nothing more than adding a small bathtub to your spare bathroom, you will quickly find that your house has become far more comfortable and less crowded feeling.

Bathroom Vanity Unit Designs Vary Greatly

Posted on September 25, 2010 by MaryJo

If you want to give an instant lift to your bathroom, one suggestion is to change the bathroom vanity unit. Bathroom vanity units come in a myriad of different styles making it extremely easy to find something that both fits and looks great in any bathroom. Corner units can be perfect for small sized bathrooms, whereas the larger double units are great for a larger bathroom.

Units with cupboard space underneath are very helpful if you need extra storage space in your bathroom. While these may be used for extra towels and linens they are not always that good for storing such items due to high humidity levels in bathrooms. They are, however, perfect for storing extra toiletries and cleaning supplies.

While you can find wood vanity units you do need to be careful that the wood is not only high grade but also treated to be able to withstand moisture. Most wood bathroom vanities are specifically treated so that they will not warp when moist, although it is still a good idea to wipe them down when damp. It is not recommended to buy faux-wood units as they will soon deteriorate when subjected to normal bathroom conditions. An alternative to wood is the metal unit. Metal looks very neat and clean and is also easy to care for. Stainless steel units are usually fairly expensive and look much better when installed in a more contemporary bathroom. PVC is perhaps the cheapest of all materials vanity units are made from, though again they are very easy to clean and resist water damage very well.

If you are looking to save space a corner bathroom vanity unit is a very good buy. Specifically designed to fit snugly into the corner of a bathroom these vanities are ideal for small apartment bathrooms or guest bathrooms. The cupboard built underneath can be somewhat awkward to get at, especially towards the rear of the cupboard however it is not a problem if you store your bathroom cleaning supplies towards the back, while the smaller objects are stored towards the front.

Bronze Vessel Sink Faucet

Posted on September 23, 2010 by MaryJo

A vessel sink faucet is one that pours into a sink atop the counter. The spouts themselves often are tall and have a single lever handle (though some have the traditional two knobs) for controlling the water flow out of the nozzle. They are sometimes called vessel fillers. It is a classic and elegant design choice for the bath or kitchen.

Some of the best in appearance are bronze faucets, which nicely augment darker color schemes in a room design, and usually have a more ‘antique’ or classical look to them. At least one beautiful bronze faucet is made by many companies, including Kohler’s ‘Brazen Bronze’ faucets and Delta’s ‘Venetian Bronze’ faucets. Most companies have some sort of bronze offering. While they are usually designed to accompany a specific vessel sink, nonetheless they are sold separately if you prefer a different combination. Kingston Brass, naturally, has many attractive bronze vessel sink faucets.

Bronze faucets are not as simple to maintain as a traditional faucet. Bronze itself is highly water resistant, which is what makes it a good choice for a faucet. However, they can tarnish, and many cleaners are abrasive enough to damage them. One thing to keep in mind is that if you buy bronze, you will need to do some regular maintenance and be careful not to strip it of its protective coating. This is easily accomplished by a weekly soft, damp rag wash. If necessary, warm water and a gentle soap should be enough for regular cleaning. Be sure to dry it off with another soft cloth and you are all set. If your brass needs more cleaning than this, the strongest you should go is a little vinegar and water for removing any corrosion (again being sure to dry it after). The mild acid of the diluted vinegar should handle the white buildup safely.

Brushed Nickel Towel Bars – Function Beyond Simplicity

Posted on August 31, 2010 by MaryJo

Homes are not merely houses. They are design elements from the front lawn to the backyard. Every room is swamped with different furniture and new items with up to date concepts. A couch purchased three years back would seem so old with the immense number of designs at the present time.

The simplest and smallest form of matter takes its figure from the different ideas exploding in the designer’s mind. Doorknobs that seem simple and monotonous like a school uniform which does not show change in years or even decades now come in an unimaginable array of designs. Deciding on which brushed nickel towel bar to install in your bathroom is actually not much of a predicament. They may have undergone transformation through the years, but they simply function as something to hold a towel on. With a bar to hold your towels as the focal point, you can’t go beyond the straight line. Curves and angulations are out of the picture. A simple piece of rod is your main focus, and to match the ingenious design of your bath, it still has to have that oomph.

Brushed nickel towel bars have three main concepts – either a single bar, double bar or a swing type three level bar. A brushed nickel double towel bar may also be designed with a shelf on the topmost part to offer more space and function. It can also be a space for bathroom décor just for that little zest in the most intimate part of your abode.

The bathroom could be the room in the house that wins the most number of visits yet the least decorated. People run to the bath not just to relax but sometimes to have some of that quiet time. It may just be proper to accord this room the attention that it needs, not just merely for design purposes.

Enjoy Your Bathroom by Turning it into a Walk In Shower Wet Room

Posted on August 29, 2010 by MaryJo

There are many features to having walk in shower wet rooms, which is why they are becoming a more popular upgrade for homeowners. They quickly turn an ordinary bathroom into a relaxing, ambient atmosphere, while also adding safety and easy maintenance to the list. These types of bathrooms have open floor plans and do not need a boxy bathtub fixture, leaving more room to move around while showering. Yet before this type of bathroom can be installed, certain measures need to be taken. These steps are necessary to ensure that there won’t be any damage to the home from leaking water.

These modern-day bathrooms require a drainage system and professional waterproofing. To waterproof the area, subflooring will need to be placed on the ground and lower half of the walls. It will then need to be sealed with waterproof materials. Drainage holes will also be placed on the ground, avoiding the risk of standing water. Some homeowners choose to place floor heaters in their wet room floors, which are great during the cooler months and for drying out water faster.

Another part to installing this type of bathroom is that the proper tiles are used. Larger and lighter tiles are ideal for making the space look larger, while also making re-grouting an easier task. The tiles will also need to be professionally installed so that water does not seep through the cracks. Keep in mind that in walk in wet room showers, the whole area will be lined in tile. Choose non-slip tile for the floor and ceramic or porcelain tile throughout.

Although these bathrooms are easy to keep clean, they do require basic maintenance that will keep them in excellent condition. For example, using porous tiles means that you may be resealing every 2 to 3 months, while other tiles may allow for 6 months in between. However, resealing properly reduces the risk of water damage and keeps your shower looking stunning.

Modern Shower Design Basics

Posted on August 24, 2010 by MaryJo

You’re ready to embark on a bathroom renovation, and specifically of your shower. However, the standard ceramic tiles and brass fixtures just won’t cut it for you: you want a modern shower design right out of the pages of a sleek home magazine.

Walls

Ceramic tiles aren’t the be all, end all for walls in modern shower design. Sure, they’re affordable, but they really aren’t anything special. Think outside of the box and find wall coverings that are as unique as your style is. Consider natural stones like slate, which add warmth and texture to your bath. A little above your budget? How about save and do something good for the environment all at once. Try recycled glass tiles. They come in a wide range of colors and depending on how you lay them, they can make your shower look spa-like with a soft palette or even club-like with intense colors.

Fixtures

Bathrooms require a lot of metal. You need hardware for your sink and especially for your shower area. Besides a shower head, you may need a diverter, faucet and hot and cold knobs. These should all match, featuring the same finish material. If you want to look modern, consider shower fixtures with brushed nickel or chrome finishes. Shinier finishes show water marks easier, but it’s really a matter of preference.

Finishing Details

Finally, you need those special details to make your modern shower design look complete. Add a soft, fluffy white rug to step out onto as well as a stack of neatly folded white towels near your shower door. Don’t bother with the gallons of bubble bath and cute guest soaps. Pour your toiletries into uniform metal or clear pump containers. Avoid cluttering the interior of your shower by installing dedicated shelves and racks so each thing has its right place.

Having a modern shower is about having the right attitude: you are aware of good design, but you don’t push it to the point that you are trying too hard.

Choosing the Right Vanity Units for your Bathroom

Posted on August 23, 2010 by MaryJo

If you are planning to remodel your bathroom, you want to factor in those elements that you absolutely need, and then you may want to concentrate on the aesthetics such as vanity units for bathroom renos that enhance the appeal of the room. The vanity serves practical uses as well, such as extra storage space and functionality.

photo credit: Gord McKenna

When you are choosing a vanity for the bathroom, you may want to consider how much space you have to work with. Some bathrooms have fixtures for a double sink or two separate sinks available. If the space you are working with is small, you may only have room for a single vanity sink to be put in. You need to consider the size of bathroom before you make your purchase and have precise measurements of the length and height available to you when shopping so you choose just the right unit for you needs.

When it comes to storage you want a vanity unit that has the capacity to handle either large storage needs or small ones depending on what you need it for. Also, some vanities come with drawers where you can place your personal care items hidden from view instead of placed on top of the vanity counter space.

The design you choose for your bathroom vanity can range from simple wood to a more modern high-tech design. It all depends on what your taste and style may be and the overall décor for the bathroom. You want your vanity to complement your surroundings or stand out as a showpiece that attracts attention away from less desirable elements. If you are remodeling your entire bathroom, choosing the perfect vanity can go a long way in creating the right environment for you.

When you have given consideration to storage space, size, and style of vanity, you will also want to choose colors that appeal to your sense of beauty. You can choose neutral tones or something with a little extra flair that adds an element of excitement as well as beauty. When choosing colors make sure that they compliment the room decor as this can add a certain element of style in itself.

Having a bathroom that adds a sense of peace and elegance to your home will create more than additional value, it will create a space where you can relax and unwind and enjoy the beauty of your home in your private time. Your home should be a place of beauty that you can enjoy for years to come and your guests will also appreciate your efforts.

The high technology TOTO toilets

Posted on August 10, 2010 by MaryJo

On one hand the world is talking about High Definition technology and 3D technology in the production of television and other visual media and on the other a large section of people is falling in love with high technology designer TOTO toilets. These toilets are designed keeping in mind the latest technological developments and take the concept of human sanitation to an altogether new level.

The efficient toilet manufacturer TOTO essentially hails from Japan and now you know all the fuss (read: innovation) about the toilets being high tech. The South-East Asia has indeed made a lot of technological progress and TOTO toilets are just an example of it. The company has forayed into American, Asian, Australian and recently the European markets. In fact, in Europe TOTO has collaborated with renowned designer Stefano Giovanni to create an entire range of designer, advance technology toilets. In California, Orange County Toto Toilets can be purchased at various locations in Anaheim.

photo credit: benzpics63

In America a large number of plumbing houses and sanitary stores are supplying TOTO products and TOTO toilets. The toilets are manufactured in two basic categories: one piece or two-piece. The one piece toilet very subtly combines the flush tank with the bowl while the two-piece TOTO toilets have the traditionally separated system of distinct flush unit and distinct bowl.

There are different ranges of toilet utilities available from TOTO depending upon the design and technology employed. Some of most popular ones are TOTO Neorest, TOTO Drake, TOTO Carlyle, TOTO Ultramax and TOTO Soiree. These come in a wide variety of colours and designs. You will be virtually spoiled for choice when choosing the ideal TOTO toilet for your bathroom. In fact, the sanitary store salesman will not look at you in surprise if you ask him for a toilet in colour that matches the motifs on your bathroom wall. He will be simply amused and more than happy to show you the different TOTO toilets matching your requirement.

Good Recommendations on Basement Toilet Installations

Posted on August 1, 2010 by MaryJo

Any home improvement project, whether big or small, would certainly require proper planning. The same thing goes when you are thinking of installing an additional toilet in the basement. There are important things that you have to consider to ensure that you will be able to accomplish you home improvement plan.

Remember that plans are just frameworks to help you get ready for the task ahead. With that said, it is critical that you devise a well-thought plan to prevent encountering future difficulties. To help you do that, here are some good recommendations that you have to consider, especially those who are just constructing their basement toilets for the first time:

Get the services of professional and reliable contractors. Building basement toilets is not that simple. You need the services of an experienced contractor to take care of the project. Make sure to find reliable contractors that charge reasonable fees. It would be a great idea to ask referral from your friends, relatives, or colleagues who have already worked with one.
Ensure that you have enough funds to cover for your home improvement plan. Having a limited budget is considerable. But, take note that you need to have a few extra bucks for emergency and unexpected needs for the construction. Even if everything is going as planned, there is still a possibility of encountering bumps along the way.
Be a practical and create a realistic plan. It might be best to devise a floor and design plan for your basement toilet. Doing so provides you the benefit of skipping the risk of starting from scratch. There are available plans on the Internet that you can access for free. You might also want to consider making one on your own so you could personalize the look of your new toilet area. Just make sure that you cover all the basics before lavishing it with aesthetic improvements.

Take note of these helpful tips when you consider installing a new or additional toilet in the basement. Doing so will ensure that you will be able to successfully accomplish your home improvement plans.

photo credit: TheStoryBehind (back from Istanbul)

How a Walk In Shower Can Make Your Bathroom Into A Spa

Posted on July 22, 2010 by MaryJo

When you hear the word spa, what do you think of? Massages and facials, relaxation and rest? You may also think of beautiful waterfalls or ocean views of exclusive resorts. But did you know that you can have the same relaxing experience in you own home? With planning and care, you can install a walk in shower in your bathroom that will provide all of this and more.

photo credit: TomasM2009

Spas are upscale, elegant places. They have the look of luxury and the feel of peace. A walk in shower can also have these properties. If you construct one with lots of glass and muted colored tile you can get the same look yourself. Using the minimum of mounting fixtures to hold the glass means that you have a clear view of soft white or cream marble walls. Your bathroom is open and glamorous.

A large walk in shower has plenty of room for teak. Whether you decide upon a teak bench or a small teak deck as a drying area, this will contribute to the beauty of your bath. It also provides a wonderful zen, peaceful feeling to the bathroom. Like a spa, you will feel relaxed and feel the worries of the day fade away.

Also, a walk in shower is a perfect opportunity to have multiple shower heads. Instead of having just one that comes at you from above, you have several all around, surrounding you with warm water. This gives a lovely feeling of being massaged and pampered. And all of this in your own home. No need to travel for relief.

A spa in your own bathroom may seem like a dream, but it can become a reality. Soft colors for tile and fluffy white towels can transform even a small bathroom into a spa like atmosphere. If you have the room for a walk in shower, then you can really create a spa feeling. Upscale glass, teak benches and massaging shower-heads all make a walk in shower your own personal spa.

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