Warming Up Your Bath With These Simple Tips

What could be more luxurious in winter than a warm bathroom? Happily, almost anyone can achieve this luxury without sacrificing period style or overrunning your budget. Many of the most desirable options are also the most affordable. For instance, plug-in electric towel warmers can be had for under $150, whereas overhead rain shower fixtures start at around $60. You can find a good pressure-balance mixer for as little as $200. However, if you have money to spend, you can find luxuries such as jetted pedestal tubs and steam shower systems that will set you back a few thousand dollars.

Today’s towel warmers and radiators come in two basic styles. There’s the traditional round tube shape and the flat-panel “Euro” style. If you’re dealing with a smaller space, a great option is a tubular towel-warming basket, which can be mounted to keep your hot fluffy towels within easy reach.

Every towel warmer will generate heat, but some of the more powerful hard-wired versions can rightly be considered radiators. Even the inexpensive electric models that put out 100 watts or so are a wonderful addition to your bathroom. Not only do they dry the towels, but they also reduce dampness and mildew in the room. The more powerful hard-wired electric or hydronic towel radiators will easily heat a larger space if they’re sized and placed properly. If you’re worried about safety, neither version gets too hot to touch. Electric towel warmers only reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas hydronics range between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on how hot you keep the system. These radiators can provide your bathroom with zoned heating.

A good dealer will help you find a unit to match the needs of your space. You need to take into consideration the amount of tile or stone, the type and location of existing heat sources such as steam radiators or forced air, and the number of windows. For those of you will really tiny bathrooms that won’t even fit a small towel warmer, you can probably find room along the baseboard to put a couple of horizontal radiator panels.

Most important, however, is the water in the bath or shower. Especially if you are upgrading the shower anyway, be sure to install a pressure-balanced or thermostatic mixing valve. Pressure-balance valves are less costly and simpler, keeping the water pressure in the shower constant and preventing sudden fluctuations in water temperature, as often occurs when the toilet is flushed, for instance.

If you’re looking for a more sophisticated system, then consider a thermostatic valve, which mixes hot and cold water to fairly precise temperatures (within one degree Celsius of the setting). These valves regulate fluctuations in the incoming water pressure as well.

These truly luxurious valves go for at least $1,000, although you can certainly spend more. No matter your décor, you can find a valve that fits beautifully in your bathroom. Many of these mixers are available in suites that include period-inspired shower heads and cross-handled knobs or levers. Higher-end valves even come with memory settings, allowing each family member to choose and record a preferred shower temperature.

If you are a shower lover who can’t get enough humidity in winter, consider a steam shower. Installing one usually involves a major retrofit. You will need a spot for the generator, and you may have to make modifications for the steam shower doors. On the upside, you’ll use very little water for a twenty-minute steam: only about two gallons. But be prepared. A basic system (including generator, steam head, and temperature controls) starts at about $3,000. Once you’ve added any extras such as stereo speakers, light, and aromatherapy packages, the price will go up.

Do you prefer an old-fashioned tub for your bath? Prices for reproduction roll-top designs with claw feet start at about $1,000 for either cast iron or the more environmentally friendly acrylic. Unsurpassed for soaking, these deep tubs also come in double-ended styles that accommodate two, or multiple children. With the claw feet available in different styles and finishes, you can choose a tub that will complement any décor. If you’re looking at high-end options, you can find custom-made tubs in copper, steel, marble, and even teak.

If you’d prefer a traditional tub that also accommodates a water- or air-jet system, your best option is a pedestal or Roman tub. The skirt will conceal the tubes and motor. Any bathtub can be turned into a home spa with strategically placed jets. Do expect to pay upward of $4,000 for a fully equipped air-jet tub.

Avo Barsoumian has been in the home flooring and interior design industry for over 25 years. He owns and operates a flooring company in Orange County. The carry the best in elegant hardwood flooring, beautiful laminate flooring and plush carpeting. Searching for floor carpets for your new condo or floating wood floors to makeover your older house? Then Carpet Wagon carries everything you need.

Decorating 101: Bathrooms

Do you have a bathroom that feels small and cramped? There are many possible ways to make your bathroom feel more spacious and less cramped. This article will give you tips and ideas that will help you go from a small cramped room to a room that you can appreciate.

By changing the color, lighting and a few other things, your bathroom can be transformed without adding to the square footage. Whether you want your bathroom to look cozy and inviting or elegant, it can all be accomplished with a miniscule amount of changes.

Pale Colors Open Up a Room
This does not mean that you need to paint your bathroom white, but instead that light, pastel colors make space appear larger visually. If you have lighter colored floors try a dark one. Soft shades of peach, cream or any other light colors should be used for the walls. Darker, bolder colors should be used for smaller accents such as towel holders or artwork for the walls. It is preferable for the top of your vanity, as well as the doors underneath, to be light colored. This can be easily achieved with little paint for wooden cabinet doors. If towels are used as décor, light shades that compliment the room should be chosen.

Bring More Light In
An area can be opened up and brightened visually by adding light to it. Wall sconces can be considered for additional sources of lighting in a bath, so can recessed lighting in the ceiling or a small lamp for the vanity. If you have the means for a skylight, consider purchasing one in order to allow natural light to brighten up the room.

If It Takes Up Space, Take It Out!
Many times people will have extra shelving in order to hold vanity items like cotton balls or towels. Objects that protrude into the room often detract from an open and spacious look. Removing shelving and other units of storage should be considered; items stored in them can easily be moved into a linen closet or be put under your vanity. Removing clutter, to find that the room looks larger, will amaze you.

Expand With Mirrors
It has been known for a long time that mirrors reflect light, and this will help any room appear larger. The color and design of the bath can easily be reflected by simply replacing the mirror over the vanity with a larger one. Do you need to use a single, large mirror? No, you can just as well use several attractively arranged mirrors in order to add interest and reflect light. Expanding the boundaries of the room can be easily accomplished by placing another mirror on a separate wall, if space allows.

Clutter always looks messy and, no matter the room, will visually diminish the area. The same holds true for your bathroom. Removing clutter means a more streamlined and cleaner look in the room. You should remove clutter on the vanity by storing away smaller items such as toothpaste, lotions, and deodorant in order to free up space. Make sure to put these ideas to use if you want to make you bathroom look as if it has doubled in size!

About the Author…
Leon Tuberman has been part of the furniture and interior decorating  business for 40 years. He owns and manages a popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They have a large inventory of handcrafted Amish built solid wood furniture for your bedroom, dining room and living room. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for oak dining sets for your dining room and kitchen nook  or tv stands for your living room or media basement then they carry everything you need.

Create Your Spa Bath And Relax

Is your life filled with fifty-hour workweeks, your free time crammed with meetings, soccer games and obligations to your schools and community? Many people today are challenged to find solace in their lives. They have too much to do and too few opportunities to combat the effects of the resulting stress. As you wind down after a hard day or gear up for a new one, can you think of a better way to relax, clear your mind and get some perspective than by immersing yourself in the comforting elements of a spa right in your own home?

There is no more perfect relaxer than water, especially when combined with aesthetically pleasing materials. Think out-of-the-box when creating your own relaxing space. Try Asian-inspired open-base vanities and faucets or traditional console lavatories.  These are spacious, simple solutions, even in the smallest bath.

Look for new formats in tubs that offer the luxury of a deep soak or the exhilaration of a hydro- and air-jet massage. Looking for the ultimate in wake-up stimulation or end-of-the-day relaxation? Consider a shower powered by multiple heads and body sprays. Want an even richer spa experience?  Consider a combination steam and shower unit. Nowadays, you can effortlessly create the perfect spa bath to suit your needs. Looking to create a true spa feeling? Consider a bidet. These traditionally upscale fixtures are now being more frequently used in new construction and remodeling projects.

Nowadays, there are so many new products available that make retrofitting your existing space practically effortless. Tearing into your bathroom’s drywall is not always necessary Consider these soothing options, whether you’re building from the ground up or planning a remodel. There are relaxing options to accommodate any plan, no matter what type of space you’re working with—all with the same luxurious result.

Avo Barsoumian has been part of the interior design and flooring community for the past 25 years. He owns and operates a flooring company in Orange County. The carry the best in elegant hardwood flooring, beautiful laminate flooring and plush carpeting. Searching for that perfect floor laminates for your new home or quality wood flooring to makeover your older home? Then give Carpet Wagon a call.

Electronic Pest Control Review - How Much Is True?

If you do have a problem with pests in your home or office then it is time to read every electronic pest control review you can, after you have decided not to use any form of chemicals around the office or home. With reading the electronic pest control review you will soon find out what products sell mostly, and which ones actually work best for what is needed to be done.

Since every manufacturer that has their name in the electronic pest control review should strive to improve their electronic pest control product if the review has been tagged as terrible, overly expensive or useless, or even that way too many other problems occur with the product and therefore may need replacing on a regular basis.

Correct Business Orientation Improves Profits

The electronic pest control review panel can easily put a manufacturer out of business if all the ratings are bad, as they would seriously have to consider going back to the drawing board and actually giving the customer something that they actually want and how they want it, with a reasonable price tag attached. If companies actually read their own product reviews, including those of the electronic pest control review, they would not put what they think is needed on the market. Owners or suppliers of any product, including pest control products should also read these reviews then at least they won’t fall into the trap of purchasing a whole lot of stock that may never sell on their shelves.

Various Electronic Options

The use of the ultrasonic pest repellents don’t seem to work for every pest you may wish to get rid of. However the novelty toy of the Venus fly trap actually does work, a bit unhygienic when it comes to cleaning out, but it works.

Bug zappers for flies and mosquitoes, or just flying insects, in the electronic pest control review seem to work the best but also seem to be in your face continuously and sometimes over priced, and have to be cleaned out on a regular basis from carcasses.

The best electronic pest control review would so far be on the gadget that you plug into the wall, and by adding a tiny wafer of chemicals does keep the mosquitoes and other creatures out of the immediate area shortly after you have switched it on. The wafers are only supposed to last one night, but have been found to work for longer than that for up to three times for the period needed which is usually eight hours at a time.

It’s true about electronic, this is a organic way for pest control, you can use everyway, in bathrooms, toilet or kitchen.

Designing an Ocean Themed Bathroom

One popular way to decorate a bathroom is with an ocean theme. With some ocean-themed décor items, you can give your bathroom a unique ocean look so that every time you set foot in the room, you feel like you’re at the beach. By following these tips and using your creativity, you should be able to come up with an awesome ocean theme for your bathroom.

Paint the Bathroom with Colors from the Ocean
You can quickly transform your bedroom into an ocean retreat by painting it blue, green, tan, and cream: the colors of the ocean. Paint the walls cream and then add a turquoise accent wall for a distinctive twist to the ocean theme. Another great way to add more color to the room is to add yellow, which highlights the feeling of a warm sun over the ocean.

If you’re really creative, then a really unique idea is to paint an ocean mural on one of the walls. This is a great way to fill a large space and can add a wonderful focal point to the décor. If the bathroom is right off your bedroom, then it will seem as if you are right on the ocean.

Use Real Ocean Accessories
Don’t buy all your décor items from the store. Instead, use items you would find down at the beach or ocean. Things such as shells and sand make great additions to an ocean-themed bathroom. To add instant ambiance, place a basket of shells or bottles of sand on the shelf.

Hang an Ocean-Themed Shower Curtain
People often first notice the shower curtain when they walk into a bathroom. By adding an ocean-themed shower curtain, you can really play up this area. You might choose one with a beautiful ocean or beach scene, or go with a more playful look, perhaps with pictures of fish. Choose your curtain based on what type of mood you’re trying to create: ocean retreat or a fun beach theme.

Look for Themed Accessories to Complete the Look
You should have no problem finding ocean-themed bathroom accessories, as this type of theme is rather popular. There should be lots of soap dishes, bath mats, wastebaskets, and even towels that are ocean-themed. A fish-shaped soap dish would work great with a fun variation of this theme, whereas elegant shell-shaped soaps in a blue soap dish would be more appropriate for a serious ocean retreat.

You’ll find that an ocean theme is just as suitable for a child’s bathroom as it is for a master bathroom. After all, there are many different variations upon this theme, from sand sculptures to fish, to lighthouses. Have fun with this theme, and be sure to include your own personality when designing the style.

About the Author…
Leon Tuberman has 40 years of experience in the home furnishings and interior design industry. He owns and operates his family owned furniture store. They have a large inventory of handcrafted Amish built solid oak furniture for your bedroom, home office and living room. Whether you’re looking for a oak bookcase for your office or a mission bed for your bedroom then they have everything you need.

Dallas Bath Remodel - Big Outcome From A Small Makeover Budget

Many folks view their lavatory as a retreat where they can hide out at the end of the day and enjoy a long soak in the tub or a steaming, warm shower.  These days, bathrooms are more than just bathrooms.  Many folks use bathrooms as a retreat from life. 

Most of us would love to improve our bathrooms but feel that the costs could be overpowering and out of our reach.  Essentially, a bathroom remodel does not have to be such a major expense.  There are several tiny things that we will be able to do to our toilets that may greatly improve them without draining our bank accounts in the process. 

Update the Bathroom Tiles

One change we can make is to simply update the tiles in the bathroom.  I have seen too many bathrooms where the tiles seem to be the least expensive thing that the builder could source.  They are plain and boring.  There are no real patterns or attraction. 

I am not exclaiming that we have to go in and replace all of the tile in the loo either.  If everything is too neutral, we would need to consider some accent tiles here and there to add a splash of color.  In doing this, we might decide to create some colourful patterns on the floors or walls.  If that appears like too much work and expense, we could consider simply doing some coloured tiles to spotlight areas around the bathtub or sink. 

There are plenty of good books available on the way to install tile and it does not have to be a major project.  There are free resources available. 

Here in the US, many of the big-box home-improvement stores will happily provide you with free info, or classes, on the best way to install tile. 

Updating cabinets and Fixtures

Another thing we can do to truly improve the appearance of our toilet or for a simple bathroom remodel is to think about updating the cabinets and fixtures. 

For the cupboards, we don’t necessarily have to replace them since that may be costly.  Putting on a fresh coat of paint or re-staining them can make a big difference in their appearance.  This will make the cabinets look almost brand spanking new and someone who sees them might believe that we have really replaced them. 

The light fittings that builders install are usually not terribly appealing.  Replacing those cheap fixtures can be a drastic improvement.  Light fixtures can be terribly inexpensive and can significantly improve the appearance of the room. 

If we have old, nauseating faucets in the lavatory, we can update them with newer, nicer ones.  New chrome or brass faucets could look great.  This is particularly true if we get something more stylish. 

Like the lighting and faucets, we will also replace the knobs on the cabinets with something nicer.  Knobs are extremely simple to replace and they aren’t really pricey.  After painting or staining the cupboards, just imagine how nice they might look after we put shiny, new hardware on them. 

Merely a Splash of Paint

One of the least cheap things we are able to do to change the appearance of our toilets is to color them.  A fresh coat of paint, in a nice color, can make it feel just like a new toilet.  You can either paint all the walls a similar color or even just create an accent wall to enhance the overall appearance.  We will add some warm colours or we can add some bold colors, depending on our personal taste. 

All we’ve got to do is use our imagination to consider some things we can do to dress up the space without spending too much money.  We will go to our local home improvement store and just peruse around for ideas.  As we look at different ideas, we will estimate how much it might cost us to make those changes.  In reality, we will be able to make changes to our toilets without spending huge amounts of cash.  Just let your budget be your guide and be creative.