Big bathroom, little bathroom, Bath Design Guide by Meredith Books, has your decorating ideas for any size of space. With stylish trends in countertops and cabinetry, to smart choices in toilets and showers, this essential guide will help you create a bathroom that's stylish, comfortable and convenient for the whole family. Bath Design Guide also has over 200 photos that will inspire your decorating venture.
Available at Amazon.com.
He leaves the toilet seat up. She scatters make-up on the counter. If you’re like most Americans, you love your mate – but you don’t always love their daily bathroom habits. So what are the things that really drive men and women crazy in the bathroom?
Moen Incorporated found out. During an online consumer survey, Moen’s research team pulled back the shower curtain to find out consumers’ pet peeves in the bathroom and what they’d most like to change about this room.
Luckily, with a few updates in the bath, you can easily remedy many of these problem areas and create a more harmonious bathroom situation.
Paper Pet Peeves
Although there is a battle of the sexes on many fronts, both men and women united in citing their number one pet peeve is not replacing the toilet paper when it runs out. In fact, 42 percent of women and 31 percent of men stated this as the single biggest complaint.
Eliminate the frustration of empty paper rolls by adding a pivoting paper holder. Designed by Inspirations by Moen, this innovative accessory features a spring-free, pivoting arm allowing you to simply lift the arm and drop on the roll. This quick and simple step will help eliminate your paper pet peeves and allow you to start your day “on a roll.”
Clean Up Clutter
Men just don’t understand the need for all of women’s “stuff.” In fact, 20 percent of men surveyed cited the second most annoying thing in the bathroom is wasting valuable counter space by leaving toiletries and cosmetics scattered about. Additionally, when asked what they’d like to change about their current bathroom, 36 percent of respondents cited they would like to increase storage space.
Luckily, reducing clutter and increasing storage doesn’t have to involve a major renovation. The addition of accessories, such as shelves, towel bars and towel rings can take toiletries and towels off the counter and onto the wall. Plus, with stylish collections available in a variety of on-trend finishes, such as the new Addington and Ridgedale collections from Inspirations by Moen, you’ll also add a beautiful style update to your bath.
Free the Floor
When it comes to messy floors, it’s the bottom of the room – but not the bottom of the survey. In fact, 19 percent of men and 22 percent of females state that leaving dirty clothes on the bathroom floor is a top annoyance in the bath. And for households with children, leaving wet towels or dirty clothes on the floor are the two top responses (33 percent each). Freeing the floor can be simple. Choose coordinating towel bars and robe hooks for each person who uses the bath – ensuring that the hooks for children are hung low enough for them to reach. By assigning a spot for each towel and providing an easy spot to hang clothes, bathroom users will be encouraged to hang these items up – keeping floors free and clean.
Add Size to the Shower
When it’s not people providing the pet peeves in the bath – it’s the bathroom itself. In fact, 85 percent of respondents said they’d like to change their bathroom. And, topping the list of bathroom woes was the size of the bath (45 percent want to make the bathroom larger) and the shower (37 percent want to enhance their shower). By adding one product to your shower, you can relieve both bath ailments! Curved shower rods, previously only seen in luxury hotels, are simple to install and can add up to 7 1/2 inches of elbow room in the shower – while also adding elegant style to the room. Inspirations by Moen offers a curved shower rod that adjusts to fit enclosures from 54-to-72 inches wide. The rods are available in today’s hottest finishes - Brushed Nickel, Chrome and Old World Bronze.
While this small room can add a large amount of annoyances, with just a few minor updates you can ease bathroom pet peeves and create a beautiful and enjoyable bath.
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We waste more water and use more chemicals in our bathrooms than any other place in the house! Here's how to green yours up.
Store bath essentials right where you need them with these clever cabinet tricks.
The shower was once the bathroom’s most unassuming area, solely offering functionality while the jetted tub had all the fun. Times have changed however, and this once modest necessity has emerged as one of today’s hottest bathroom luxuries with new options offering the same sense of relaxation and awe that was previously reserved for the bathtub.
For frazzled homeowners seeking an escape from the stresses of the outside world, the master bath provides an ideal place to soothe away the day’s chaos. Unfortunately, time constraints can make self-pampering a rare indulgence. Given that, luxury showers have grown in popularity, offering homeowners a daily sense of relaxation that can be enjoyed in a time-efficient manner.
“The tranquil streams, invigorating pulses and calming massages offered by customized showering systems have transformed the once lackluster shower into a sensory journey,” says Jeff Pratt, vice president of sales for Danze, a manufacturer of decorative plumbing products. As demand has increased, the technology has been upgraded, with the ability to customize any combination of showerheads, sprays and massage jets to create the same relaxing getaway once exclusive to tubs.
“While the bathtub will have a place in many homes, showers have emerged as a ‘must have’ in the bathroom,” says Pratt. “Besides offering a convenient way to unwind, they’re also relatively easy to upgrade, either by replacing an old showerhead or by tapping into existing plumbing to add a second showerhead or body sprays.”
In fact, according to Pratt, many homeowners are surprised to realize just how easy and cost-effective upgrading their shower can be. Here are a few tips on how to upgrade your existing shower:
* Add a high-performance showerhead. Many can be installed by most any Do-It-Yourselfer and can easily replace that old one. If you are unsatisfied with your showerhead’s position, offset shower arms, or shower arm extensions can be used to adjust it to your desired angle.
* Select a showerhead that offers multiple functions to accommodate any mood.
* When selecting a shower system, find components that maximize your water pressure level such as the new 300 and 400 Series showerheads from Danze.
* Find shower products that match the styling and finish of your bath faucets and accessories to complete the room’s look.
If you’re a homeowner who’s considering an entire shower makeover or bathroom remodel, choosing an integrated shower system with multiple components may be the way to go. Combining multiple showerheads, handheld sprayers and body sprays into one customized unit can result in the ultimate shower get-away. Want that feeling, but don’t know where to start? Here are some ways to jumpstart and simplify the process:
* Determine the Project’s Scale - Do you want a simple update to your shower, or an entire bathroom makeover? Determining the scale of your project ahead of time will help guide your decisions on which customized showering options are right for you.
* Know Your Options - With such a dramatic rise in popularity, showering options have expanded to include choices you may never have dreamt of. New technology incorporating lighting, steam, jets, even aromatherapy, has expanded the realm of possibility. Researching ahead of time helps to make an educated purchasing decision.
* Don’t Sacrifice Style - If your preference is a traditional style, don’t settle for ultramodern shower accessories. Many manufacturers, such as Danze, offer shower components in a range of sizes, styles and finishes, allowing homeowners to get state-of-the-art function without compromising personal taste.
For more information on customized shower systems, including the Danze 300 and 400 Series showerheads, visit www.danze.com.
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Want to increase the value of your property? Update your bathroom. This strategic remodel invariably turns out to be money well spent.
Financial considerations aside, spending time in a pretty, cheerful bathroom can lift your spirits every day. And, if you’ve done most of the work yourself, a sense of accomplishment will add to your pleasure. The process is actually less expensive and easier than you might expect.
Start with the largest object in the room -- the bathtub. Replacing it is not a quick fix, but a big, expensive undertaking because it involves plumbers, tilers, flooring contractors and more. But a new look can be achieved with just a facelift. Find a specialist in bathtub and sink re-glazing; your fixtures will look brand new, and while the process can be accomplished speedily, the results are long lasting.
New shower heads and faucets can make a big difference, both aesthetically and functionally. A rainfall showerhead can give you the feeling of being in a spa every time you shower. Faucets can be replaced at minimum cost from one of the many home improvement stores or online. If you can turn off the source of water coming into the house, you can install them yourself. Or, this may be the time to call a trusted plumber.
The fastest, most cost-effective decorating trick available is a big-impact shower curtain. Color is the key, but extra touches can work wonders. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, Art Institute of New York City interior design instructor Mary Saleeby recommends finding just the right contemporary or traditional touches in a trimming store and sewing them on yourself.
“Adding ‘jewelry,’ which is what I call the trim, can enhance the look at a minimum price. Use beads, fringes, or tassels; since all curtains should have a plastic liner, just about any fabric or trim can be used. For a really coordinated look, buy two shower curtains and make one into a window treatment,” she suggests.
Another transformation can come from a new wardrobe of towels, purchased inexpensively at sales or discount stores. Towels too can be trimmed to your taste -- appliqués, lace or anything washable. However, if your current towels are faded and have worn a bit thin, just seeing thick, thirsty new ones hanging on the rack waiting to enfold you will impart a feeling of luxury.
Coordinate all your colors and styles. “The more you repeat themes, the more you achieve a designer look,” says Mary Saleeby. “Repetition is a trick of the interior design trade. Trim on the shower curtain could be repeated on a window shade or on towels. Don’t forget waste paper baskets that can carry your theme to another dimension in accessorizing the room.”
Lighting is crucial in setting the mood of any space. New lighting fixtures can be very inexpensive, with no rewiring needed to create a noticeable cosmetic change. Visit home improvement stores, then compare prices online where you may find real bargains.
Dimmer switches can be used to brighten the bathroom for cosmetic application, or be turned down for mood setting. Lower the lights in the bathroom, light some candles, play music in the background, and look around at all you’ve accomplished; you’ll have a spa experience, enriched by the warm glow of personal achievement.
To learn more about The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.
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Hopefully you don’t notice it, but it can be found in everyone’s kitchen and bathroom. Problems and headaches for homeowners arise when it does become noticeable. Unsightly or missing caulk around the bathroom shower, tub, kitchen sink or countertop not only looks bad, but the real problems arise after years of water damage and neglect.
For homeowners with an active family and busy household, there isn’t really a “good” time to think about resealing tubs, showers, sinks and countertops. Traditional sealants require at least 24 hours to dry before water exposure, leaving bathrooms and kitchens unusable for at least that long and creating problems for the 53 percent of American homes with one or one and a half bathrooms.
Because most homeowners do not have the luxury of waiting 24 hours before using their tubs, showers, sinks and counters, they simply overlook this simple and inexpensive home maintenance project. Unfortunately, this can turn a small maintenance task into a major repair project.
The good news is, new technology such as Polyseamseal EST Speed Seal can cut the drying time significantly. The new fast-dry silicone system creates a durable, flexible and watertight seal that will withstand water contact only two hours after application, allowing you to shower in two hours, which is 12 times faster than traditional sealants.
The primary reason to recaulk is to create a watertight seal. Caulk is the sealant between a fixture and the wall that keeps water from penetrating behind the fixture and, in time, causing water damage or mold. Because bathroom and kitchen fixtures are used daily, the caulking between the fixture and the wall or countertop can crack or pull loose from constant water contact.
Caulking in the bathroom or kitchen is not only a necessary periodic home maintenance task, but it also needs to be done properly to prevent leakage or mold. When there is room for the water to seep into the opening, it damages the joint and the surrounding wall or underlayment. You may have seen stains on the ceiling under an upstairs bathroom – bad caulking, which allowed for water leakage behind the fixture, is one of the major causes of this issue.
Visually inspect, at least twice a month, the edge around the tub, shower door frame, shower handles/spigots, stall base, floor joint, toilet and sink – water most often enters through these vulnerable locations. If any of the caulking around these areas is cracked, shrunken, missing or moldy, it’s time to recaulk. Additionally, any holes or openings in shower walls should be attended to with caulk immediately.
Another reason to recaulk is to give an old tub, shower, sink or other fixture a fresh look. This is an inexpensive project that can give your bathroom or kitchen a major facelift. Old or severely discolored caulking should be completely removed and the area properly cleaned and dried before new caulk is applied. By caulking over soap scum, mold or mildew, discolorations can bleed through the caulk and, in time, the caulk will peel away from the surface.
Knowing how, when and why to recaulk can help busy homeowners quickly and easily update the seal around bathroom and kitchen fixtures. The key is to keep a well-maintained, clean and tight seal around water-prone areas to prevent big repair bills down the road.
For more information on caulking the kitchen and bathroom, or for product information, visit www.polyseamseal.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Don shows you how to perfom some simple fixes to common problems that you might have with some of the cabinets around your house.
When giving someone a tour of your home, do you conveniently skip over the bathroom? Does it look better with the lights off and door closed? If your bathroom is outdated, it might be time for a makeover. Small changes can make a big improvement, and even if you have a small budget, there are many ways to make your bathroom shine.
“Updating a bathroom benefits the home’s overall appearance and is something the homeowners can enjoy every day,” says Dan Auer of Faucet.com, a Web site with a vast inventory which includes all the fixtures and accessories needed for bathroom remodels. “Simple updates can have a big impact and can be done in a small amount of time.”
Easy bathroom updates include:
1) The Faucet
The faucet is the focal point of the entire bathroom and should be one of the main considerations when remodeling. If yours looks like it’s from a bygone era, it’s time to consider something new. Fashion and functionality are now available with many styles and finishes to choose from.
You might also consider replacing the sink to really freshen up the look. Pedestal bathroom sinks and countertop sinks are easy to replace and can make an immediate improvement.
2) Bathroom Accessories
Updating the hardware and other bathroom accessories can be a fast and affordable way to give the room an instant facelift. Towel rings, vanity shelves and even drawer handles can all make or date a room. New accessories come in variety of finishes, including chrome, brushed nickel and bronze.
Looking to add some bath accessories but not sure where to start? Try a towel ring by the sink for a hand towel so guests don't reach for your bath towels. Sink a little cluttered? A vanity shelf adds stylish extra space; some models even have towel bars built-in. A towel warmer is a great addition to any bathroom and surprisingly affordable. The luxury of a toasty warm towel right outside the shower can't be beat. These small items, in matching finishes, can add up to one great change to your bathroom's look and function.
3) Lighting
New light fixtures can update the look of your bathroom as well as ensure safety while in the bathroom. Remember, because you use this room for your daily preparations, you want to have adequate lighting. Choose an overhead light and/or light above the mirror for ease and convenience. Choose from two, three or four bulb fixtures to adequately light the mirror area. Consider adding side sconces and adjustable lighting, so in the mornings you can turn the lights up to get ready and in the evenings, turn them down for a softer illumination during a relaxing hot bath or shower.
4) Showerhead
When updating your bathroom, add something you can enjoy every day. New showerheads come with a variety of options. They can be handheld, adjustable or even massaging. A new showerhead will prove to be a rewarding update to your daily routine. Many people find a custom shower system is a luxurious way to update their bathroom. Try a two-wall diverter system that sprays in several areas for the feeling of a spa shower at home.
5) Paint
The walls of bathrooms get abused with steam, hairspray, perfume and many other items that are involved in a family’s routines throughout the day. A fresh coat of paint will add a new, clean element that will update any room. Integrate fun colors into the bathroom by trying a new shade of paint, or stenciling in details to fit the overall room theme. When buying paint, consider having the paint store stir in a non-mildew additive because of the extra humidity associated with this room.
The best place to start your bathroom makeover is to look at Web sites like Faucet.com. The site offers many ideas and lots of style and finish options. Plus, shopping online can save you money and customer service is easily available for any questions so you are guided as you make your decisions.
“These five steps can be done in a short time for DIYers or within one day for a professional contractor, meaning you can enjoy the updates almost instantly,” adds Auer. “The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the house. Easy updates will make sure it’s more enjoyable for both you and your guests.”
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Bob Schmidt shows you how to use a newer product where any homeowner can fix most common hair clogs in sinks and tubs without taking anything apart and not causing damage to metal parts of sink or tub.
Frustrated with your shower's water pressure or leakage? Replace your shower head and make the shower spray exactly as you'd like.
Are you doing everything you can to preserve water? You may be thinking to yourself, "Sure, I only water the grass on my assigned day and wash dishes when the machine is full." But if you run the water while brushing your teeth, flush tissue and bugs down the toilet instead of throwing them in the trash, and still have an old toilet in operation in your home, you are actually part of the problem.
Did you know that if you have a toilet from 1994 or before, it can use as much as seven gallons for a single flush? That’s a lot compared to today’s 1.6-gallon per flush (gfp) toilets -- the maximum allowable flush volume by law. Older toilets can also waste water through leaks, which are often undetectable. Worn rubber flappers degrade and warp and can leak up to 200 gallons of water a day. You can check for leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank. If the coloring has trickled into the bowl over the course of 15 minutes, you’ve got a leak. (If you try this test, don’t leave the food coloring in the tank more than 15 minutes or it could permanently stain your fixture.)
A relatively inexpensive way to conserve is to purchase a new low-consumption toilet. The American Standard FloWise toilet was the first gravity-fed toilet to reduce water consumption by more than 20 percent from 1.6-gallons to a 1.28-gallon flow rate. Many people are afraid to let go of their old water-guzzling toilets because they think the newer low-flow models don’t work. But the FloWise can deliver high-efficiency performance because it uses American Standard’s proprietary Champion 4 flushing technology, which forces the water into the bowl three times faster than a standard toilet. The FloWise gets a lot of power out of less water.
Now the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is helping consumers choose the right products by marking them with the new WaterSense label. WaterSense works much like the ENERGY STAR program for appliances. By prominently designating products and services that conserve water and perform as intended, the labeling program makes it easy for consumers to identify and select high-performance water-efficient products for their homes.
American Standard’s FloWise toilet carries the WaterSense label. FloWise uses 1.28 gpf, so it qualifies as a “high-efficiency toilet,” or an HET. To earn the WaterSense label, a toilet must use only 1.28 gpf. American Standard is a partner in the EPA’s program to promote water efficiency and market efficient products, programs and practices.
Make Easy Changes
According to an EPA expert on water conservation, if there’s one change homeowners can do, it is to get rid of every rain head in their showers because it is the single greatest water waster in American bathrooms today.
The good news is that fixture manufacturers are offering new showerhead technology to solve the problem without compromising on performance. Replacing showerheads is also a simple and quick change. The new American Standard FloWise showerheads, for example, have a small turbine-like mechanism that spins the water stream through the head, creating an energizing spray just like the standard 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) showerheads.
The best part is that these new showerheads use only 1.5 gpm -- that’s 40 percent less than the current code requirements for showerheads without sacrificing performance.
Get Smart
Anyone can check the Internet and local Department of Natural Resources for specific information about how to conserve water. The EPA also helps consumers locate their local watershed information and provides water conservation tips.
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Have you ever had a toilet get stopped up very late at night? YouToo Can Do host Karen Schmidt shows how you too can clear any clog in a toilet with an inexpensive toilet auger.
Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com demonstrates the process of removing old caulk, and installing new caulk around a bathtub.
Ready to make your home more environmentally friendly? If you’re planning to join the ranks of those who want to do their part for Planet Earth, the bathroom is a good place to start.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), toilets, showers and faucets combined represent two-thirds of all indoor water use, with toilets being the biggest water guzzler of all. It’s a good time to replace older models with the new efficient ones. Here are five things to keep in mind as you shop for a new one:
1. Educate yourself on High Efficiency Toilets (HETs).
A HET is defined as a fixture that uses 20 percent less water than the 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) requirement set by the government. Though still voluntary, HETs are becoming a significant part of the marketplace as manufacturers recognize the compelling need for water conservation and water authorities incorporate them into their toilet replacement programs. You’ll save the most water with an HET.
2. Consider dual flush technology.
A dual-flush toilet offers two different flush volumes: a little flush and a big flush. Popular in Europe and Asia, and even mandated in Australia, dual flush toilets are increasingly recognized for their common sense approach to water conservation as well as their effectiveness. While many manufacturers offer them, none has more than Caroma, the Australian company that invented the technology 25 years ago, with 30 models now available.
A family of four can save 13,000 gallons of water per year by using a dual-flush toilet instead of a single flush model installed after 1994, and 52,000 gallons of water compared to the older toilets that still exist in many homes. If every home replaced their single flush toilets with dual flush ones, 3.9 trillion gallons of water per year could be saved.
3. Look for the Water Sense Label.
The EPA’s new labeling program, called WaterSense, guides consumers to the most water efficient products. Only HETs qualify for WaterSense; and only those certified in independent laboratory testing to meet rigorous criteria for both performance and water efficiency are awarded the label. Caroma now has 29 WaterSense toilets available.
4. Choose an Easy Installation Solution.
Select a new toilet that will cover the footprint of your old unit to avoid the need to replace or repair the floor. For example, Caroma models are designed to fit over most other footprints making them an ideal choice for retrofitting as well as saving water.
5. Check for replacement programs.
Many local water authorities offer significant rebates, sometimes even free toilets, to customers who trade in their old toilets for more environmentally friendly models. Check your local water authority website.
In addition to replacing an older toilet with a newer, more efficient one, other environmentally friendly improvements you can make in the bathroom include switching to a low flow showerhead, which according to the EPA will save 18,250 gallons of water a year; and switching out standard aerators for reduce-flow ones. You should also check your faucets for leaks. Just one drippy faucet can waste up to 13 gallons each day. And you might not even hear it draining your wallet until it's too late. The best way to catch sneaky leaks is to check your water meter. Make sure all the water is off in the house, then look at the meter to make sure the needle isn't moving.
To learn more about dual flush technology, how to save water and to find a store close to you, log on to http://www.caromausa.com/.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
The green movement has turned on the tap of creativity for many manufacturers of bathroom fixtures and accessories. With homeowners increasingly demanding products that are good for the environment, promote healthier lifestyles and complement their interior décor, innovations are flowing into the market place.
The best example of the bathroom’s transformation may just be the evolution of the faucet from lowly water delivery product to lofty conservation tool and design statement, says Amadou Diallo of Fontaine Faucets. While faucets that combine beautiful form with efficient function have been available for some time, the hottest new trend puts a high-tech update on an existing technology: hands-free operation.
There’s no arguing the hygienic advantages of a bathroom fixture that doesn’t require you to touch it in order to operate it. Airports and other high-traffic public places have used the technology for years. But if you’ve ever stood in front of one of these infrared faucets, vainly waiving your hands to elicit a stream of water, you know why the technology hasn’t made its way into home baths – until now.
“We now have the ability to create a faucet that works automatically whenever your hands are anywhere near it,” says Diallo. “That means no more hunting for the beam that infrared sensors use to trigger the flow of water.”
Fontaine has recently begun marketing a conversion kit that allows do-it-yourselfers to turn their traditional Fontaine faucet into a hands-free one. Homeowners looking to replace an existing faucet can purchase a new Fontaine product that comes equipped with the Sensa Field technology.
The next generation of touch-free faucets offers homeowners a myriad of advantages:
* Reliable operation is now a reality. Fontaine’s Sensa Field technology senses a user from any angle. The sensing zone surrounds the entire spout, ensuring activation every time a user’s hands approach.
* Elimination of a major source of germ transmission.
* Encourages effective hand-washing, a top way to prevent the spread of disease.
* Easy to install and easy to use, the new faucets leave behind the unattractive, utilitarian look that characterizes infrared touch-free faucets. Designs emphasize elegance and draw inspiration from popular models to ensure compatibility with virtually any interior décor.
* The technology enhances conservation efforts by doing away with unnecessary and unattended water flow. This can save homeowners up to 70 percent on water costs.
“Homeowners have long understood the value of touch-free function,” says Diallo. “But until now, that value wasn’t available in a reliable, attractive form. Touch-free faucets that leave infrared behind are the next hot thing in baths, and may soon become the standard in quality new home construction.”
To learn more about Fontaine Faucets’ Sensa Field technology, visit www.fontainebrand.com.
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VideoJug: How To Repair A Leaking Showerhead
In this video, learn how to repair a leaking showerhead, which is often caused by a defective or damaged o-ring washer.
VideoJug: How To Get Rid Of Mildew In Your Bathroom
Don't let mildew grow in the corners of your bathroom. See our top tips on getting rid of this mold.
Step-by-step instructions for installing Tripoint bathroom sink faucets, plus setting the temperature and changing the sensor battery.
