by Debra on Monday, August 3, 2009
If you’re designing a bathroom from scratch and have plenty of budget to play with, then you’ve got an opportunity to create something extra special. Bathroom furniture design has developed hugely in recent years, opening up whole new avenues for stylish and luxurious living. Whilst there is a lot to be said for convention and traditional practicality; the contemporary twists that are now available can take your bathing experience to another level.
photo credit: w00kie
A good example of a classic concept with a modern twist is the whirlpool bath. Whilst enjoying all the usual benefits of a standard bath, the whirlpool adds an extra dimension with jets of water massaging you. Designs and styles vary, as do the jet patterns, giving you the opportunity to find a model that fits in with your bathroom and meets your personal requirements.
Corner Baths
Corner baths, even without the added luxury of a whirlpool option, provide a completely different perspective from the standard rectangular tub. With added freedom of movement, even extra depth, it’s an experience that you’ll look forward to time and time again. There are models of all sizes, and can be useful where space is at a premium. There are even submerged designs that can be built in to the floor or an existing solid enclosure.
Steam Showers
If you’re more of a shower person then there are plenty of fantastic options available to provide that sensual and luxurious experience. If you’re looking for the very height of luxury and cost is no object, then a steam shower could well be the thing for you. Combining invigorating body jets that provide coverage from head to toe with your standard shower head, it offers an unrivalled experience. As a self-contained unit it produces a beautiful steamy experience and often comes complete with the latest technology – including LCD display and FM radio – it is ideal for the modern home.
Choosing a Shower Enclosure
Whilst the steam shower is a fantastic integrated system, if you’re only looking to create your own shower complete with enclosure and system, you’ll want to select the component parts individually. Shower enclosures range from the simple to the ornate. Available in a variety of shapes, suitable to stand anywhere in the bathroom, contemporary design offers you the kind of versatility that would never have been possible in days gone by.
Power Showers
Once you’ve chosen your stunning glass enclosure (or perhaps even a wet room style instead), you then have a choice of showers at your disposal. For the highest pressure and the very best in versatility, it has to be a power shower. Packed with features, including temperature safety cut-offs and a choice of unique spray patterns, the power shower remains one of the most popular choices in bathrooms throughout the country.
Electric Showers
Not far behind is the electric shower. It too offers a great deal of power as well as a similar diversity of safety and luxury features. Whilst thermostatic controls maintaining temperature at the designated level and a fantastically enjoyable spray pattern – although this is often determined by the head itself – you can really indulge yourself and relax in your own bathroom oasis.
Be sure to get precise measurements for your bathroom and also ensure that water pressure is compatible with the device you’re looking to install. If you’re shopping for bathroom furniture online, be sure to check out the specifications and don’t be afraid to contact the company to enquire further about compatibility with your system.
With the amazing choices that are available to you today, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to designing your perfect bathroom suite. So for a sumptuous shower or a beautiful bath, shop around and get yourself a great deal.
Below are a few things to consider for the rest of the bathroom:
- Bath
- Decor
- Shower enclosure
- Basin
- Shower
- Toilet
Design Ideas for Bathrooms (2nd edition)
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by Debra on Wednesday, May 6, 2009
photo credit: Bah Humbug
How to fix a dripping bathtub faucet, but you don’t need to call a plumber and spend money on a service call. The following insider tips on plumbing repairs will soon make you a DIY expert. If you ever need to fix a leaky shower faucet then this article is just what you need to get the job done.
The first thing you need to do is turn off the water supply to the sink. The most common place to find the valve that shuts off the water supply is directly below the faucet.
If the valve resists being turned, put a drop or two of oil right where the stem disappears into the large nut. Then use a wrench to loosen the nut one complete turn, and tighten it back up by hand. Wait for a couple of minutes and then you should be able to turn the valve off.
The next step is to take out the stem from the body. You can then remove the small nut by turning in a counter clockwise direction. Grasp the handle and turn it counterclockwise, as if you were turning on the water. At this stage you should be able to pull out the inner workings of the faucet.
You will need to remove a setscrew near the bottom of the handle if you are working on a ball-type fitting. There will be a plastic ring or cap which you just unscrew and remove before pulling out the ball assembly.
Don’t be put off repairing leaking shower faucets, it’s not all that difficult. Even if you don’t know anything about bathtub shower faucet repairs, you can still fix your leaking shower faucet.
You are almost finished, just need to replace the washer, which should still be attached the ball assembly you just pulled out. There’s a screw holding it on so remove that, replace it with the new washer, tighten the screw back on and be sure not to go too tight where the washer starts to become damaged.
To reassemble the faucet, simply repeat the previous steps in reverse order. Remember to tighten the larger of the nuts. Lastly, reconnect the water supply and you should be all set to go.
If you are unlucky and the leak persists, you will most likely have to replace the entire unit. Most manufacturers have available kits for repairs and you can find them at most reputable diy stores. On some occasions you may not be able to get a replacement part made by the original manufacturer. In that case look for a generic spare part from any well known vendor.
The worst thing that can happen is to commence the repair and then discover that there are no replacement parts available. So it’s always a good idea to check first!
The Everything Fix- It Book: From Clogged Drains and Gutters, to Leaky Faucets and Toilets
All You Need to Get the Job Done
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by Debra on Wednesday, April 29, 2009
photo credit: veganstraightedge
Is the space for your bathroom extremely small? This is a hard situation to deal with. Renovating a small bathroom or having a limited amount of space on a new build can be frustrating but if you have the correct bathroom floor plans, you can create a lovely bathroom even with limited space.
The key to utilizing a small space for the bathroom is paying attention to detail. When creating the plans this attention to detail will ensure that, every part of the room is just right. Here you will find some planning ideas that will help you get the most bang for the buck with your small bathroom.
Choose the Right Colors and Lighting
Believe it or not the color scheme for your bathroom is just as important as choosing the right floor plan. Lights and color can make all the difference in your bathroom. While the floor plan is important for function the right choice of color and lights can instantly make a bathroom feel much bigger than it actually is and do away with the closet feeling you may have otherwise.
Avoid Accessories of Appliances that Stick Out
Appliances and fixtures that stick out are something you definitely want to avoid when creating your bathroom remodeling plans. Every inch that they stick out into the room will take up valuable space. Go with fixtures that affix close to the wall and smaller appliances. This way you have more floor space available and the bathroom looks bigger.
Vertical Lines
Using vertical lines in the bathroom decor can do a lot to make your bathroom look bigger. Vertical lines on the wall provide height in a small bathroom. Consider having tiling that goes from floor to ceiling. You can even go with wall paper in the bathroom that incorporates vertical stripes. Vertical lines give the illusion of more height.
Add Mirrors for a Better Look
Most bathrooms have a mirror over the sink, but did you know that a couple more well placed mirrors could make the room look bigger? The reflection in the mirror opens the room. Place a few decorative mirrors around the bathroom and you have instantly added the appearance of square footage.
Consider a Shower Instead of a Tub
When you are creating your bathroom floor plans for a smaller bathroom, think about having an area for a shower instead of having the full tub. Everyone enjoys a soak in the tub but since space is limited, you may have to forgo that pleasure in order to have more floor area. The shower will take up a lot less space, giving you more available room to use in the bathroom.
Designing bathroom remodeling plans when you are limited on space can be frustrating but it can be done. Take the tips from above and allow them to guide you. With these ideas you can come up with a beautiful bathroom no matter how limited your floor space may be.
Ultimate Guide to Bathrooms: Plan, Remodel, Build
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