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.

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.