Updating your bathroom can take quite a bit of time but you really don’t have to do a complete remodel to give your bathroom a new look. There are a number of easy ways that you can update your bathroom.

Get rid of the standard cheap faucet that came with your sink when you purchased it. Update to a faucet that has a unique style that suits the overall theme of your bathroom. Consider alternative finishes like high quality Chrome, Brushed Nickel or bronze bath hardware if that’s the style you want.

Change your Light Fixtures. For less than $50 you can get some great bright modern light Fixtures that will brighten your space and make it feel warm and inviting again.

Consider replacing your plain boring bathroom mirror with one that has a wooden frame around the edges. Match the finish of your new bathroom mirror with your wooden medicine cabinet or if you’re looking for contrast, consider something with a modern, sophisticated look instead. If you have the DIY skills, purchase molding from a hardware store and do the framing yourself.

Change your Toilet to a new dual flush Toilet that has clean lines and Hidden mounting bolts.

Purchase new towels to replace any that are currently stained, torn or outdated. Make sure you pick a color you really love in a style that will match your overall bathroom look. A good quality, plush towel will last you a long time.

If the color of the bathroom needs to be refreshed, it’s time for a new coat of paint. Give some thought to a color that will turn your bathroom into a room you love. Don’t be afraid to try different sample colors until you find the perfect match. Use a semi-gloss paint to get the most wear out of your new paint job.

Consider replacing or upgrading your existing plain shower head with a Shower Panel Column that adds a rain shower head, body massage jets and water fall features all in one and it is so easy to install it is just like hanging a picture on the wall. They also look fabulous and bring in some earthy metal tones with there all Stainless Steel construction.

Shower Panel Column

 

There’s no need to stick with a plain, boring shower curtain any longer. Select a shower curtain in the color, pattern and style that really calls to you and matches your theme. An extra long shower curtain that is mounted higher on the wall will give your room a more elegant look as will adding a curved curtain rod instead of a straight shower curtain rod.

Just applying these few simple and inexpensive ideas you will be amazed that you can transform your bathroom with an updated look for very little expense and most work can be done in a weekend.

Contributed by www.Perfectbath.com

 

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Steam Shower Benefits

Imagine, It’s the end of a long day. You’re tired, or achy, or just want to chase away the winter chill. So you step into your bathroom push a button in your new shower stall, plop yourself down on a bench, and melt into a soothing cloud of eucalyptus-scented steam. Twenty minutes later, you emerge feeling relaxed, renewed, and feeling great.

That kind of indulgence used to require a trip to a health spa. But more and more home owners are opting to recreate the spa experience at home by turning their ordinary shower stalls into warm, vaporous havens called steam showers.

Along with the benefits to your skin and sinuses, there’s no standing around waiting for a whirlpool tub to fill or a sauna to heat up—and when you’re done steaming, you just turn on the shower for a refreshing rinse. To summon the steam, you simply hit the digital controls on the wall inside the shower stall. That triggers an electric valve to fill the small steam generator with about a 2 litres of cold water.

Then, just like a plug-in tea kettle, the generator’s electric element brings the water to a boil, heating the water to a steamy boil that takes only seconds as the steam generator is mounted right on the back of the shower and applies steam on demand as called for by the programmable controls inside the shower. A pipe channels the hot vapor to the steam outlet port, which fills the shower stall with tropical moisture that never gets above a safe 50 degrees Celcius.

Enjoy your home spa as long as you want:
Steaming for 20 minutes consumes a mere two litres of water and only costs pennies to operate your luxury steam shower, but the benefits are priceless. By that reckoning, steam is a “green” way to bathe as even a water-saving shower head sprays about 50 gallons of water in the same period.

Steam units are sized based on the stall’s volume in cubic feet, its shape, and what it’s lined with. In a typical 4-by-5-by-8-foot stall (160 cubic feet) covered with ceramic tile requires at least a seven-kilowatt generator. For a stall tiled in stone, you’ll need twice as much steam-generating capacity. By comparison for a free standing self contained steam shower with tempered glass walls you will only need a 3-6kw steamer to do the same job as they work more efficiently and the steam generator is mounted closer to the steam outlet with the steamer mounted right on the back of the shower wall.

Installation and Costs:

Installing one of these free standing steam showers at home can seem undaunting, but while they look like something out of star trek they are surprisingly easy to install and an average handy man can tackle the task usually in less than a day.

First, you’ll need a dealer; you can find one locally or online. Some good companies to deal with are Beauty Saunas and Baths in Calgary, Alberta or online at www.perfectbath.com where you can have your new shower shipped right to your door and they give free technical support to guide you along the way for your installation of your steam shower. For about $3,000 to $5,000, you can get a stand-alone, steam-ready enclosure that just needs to have the wiring and plumbing hooked up. These futuristic looking steam showers will be the WoW factor in your newly renovated master bath.

Steam-shower makers are betting their products will eventually nudge out the bathtub as the preferred place to luxuriate in the Canadian and American bathroom. Experts predict steam showers will be in 40% of homes in the United States and Canada by 2020 because of the push towards modular steam showers from developers, remodelers and custom home builders installing them in the majority of new construction and remodeled homes.

- The Basics

•What it is: A moisture-sealed shower enclosure equipped to deliver clouds of steam before, during, or after your shower.

• How it works: Cold water piped into a steam generator is heated to the boiling point and then sends fresh steam to an aperture in the shower stall. Digital controls inside the shower let the user adjust the steam’s temperature and duration and can even add piped-in aromas, lighting, and music.

• What to look for: Delivery speed. Better models take less than a minute to build up a head of steam.
• Remote controls – That way, you don’t even have to get up from your bench to adjust steam time or temperature.
• Auto-flush – Reduces calcium deposits on the heating element and saves you from a manual flush-out every 50 uses.

Contributed By   www.perfectbath.com

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When to Renovate Your Bathroom

Have you ever wondered how you can tell you need to renovate a room in your house? Perhaps the room looks fine, and you may still like the layout and design, but the room hasn’t been updated or renovated in a very long time. How do you know if it needs to be done? How about your bathroom? With elements such as plumbing and electricity, there must be a certain time when it should be inspected and even remodeled. This article will explain some of the most tell tale signs that it is time to renovate your bathroom. Some of these signs can also be applied to other rooms in the house as well.

1. Things are Falling Apart 

One of the most obvious signs that it is time to renovate your bathroom is that all the little things are starting to wear out and fall apart. Tile is chipping and breaking and grout on the floor or on the walls is missing, the caulking is cracked and dried out, or your taps and toilet may be leaking pointing to a problem with the plumbing. These are clear signs that your bathroom is beginning to feel its wear and tear and you should strongly consider renovating. Small issues like these, if left too long can turn into much bigger problems later on or even become safety hazards for you and your family.

2. The Needs of Your Family Are Changing 

Another sign that you need to think about remodeling your bathroom is that your current bathroom space is not working for your family anymore. Perhaps you have a big family and the kids are growing up, and your main bathroom is feeling too cramped and busy. You may need to renovate the space to make it bigger, maybe add an extra sink, change the bathtub to a shower, and create more storage space for everyone’s belongings. Another example could be that you are growing older or you have a person with mobility issues living with you. You may want to think of making your bathroom a more accessible space, and consider switching your regular tub to a mobility-friendly walk-in bathtub or a shower with seating instead. These are important situations that may require you to renovate your current space.

3. You are Unhappy With Your Space

A good reason to renovate your bathroom is simply that you are just not happy with it anymore. Maybe you bought the house a long time ago and designed each room a specific way, but now your tastes are changing and you want a new space, a new look and possibly even an entire new layout. This is the perfect time to think about bathroom remodeling. If you are looking for a completely new layout and want to gut your current bathroom entirely, you should consider hiring a professional bathroom remodeling company to do the job for you. Since bathrooms contain a combination of plumbing and electrical elements, a complete bathroom renovation  is much more complex and time consuming than other rooms in the house.

4. You Want to Sell Your Home 

You may be asking yourself why you would need to put money into renovating your bathroom if you are not going to be living there much longer. However, this is precisely why you should do just that. Perspective homeowners will come into a home that is for sale inspecting every room very carefully, looking for potential problems and how current the design of the space is. If they see a bathroom that is outdated and potentially needs a lot of work, it could cause them to walk away from the house as they may not have the budget to renovate any rooms or may not want to deal with those kinds of issues in a new home. Renovating your bathroom, even in a small way through new hardware and small fixtures can really improve the look and overall value of your home. Remodeling this space can make it more appealing to perspective home buyers and it can also add to the value of your home, meaning you will get more money out of the sale depending on how much money you put into this renovation.

5. You Don’t Enjoy That “Retro” Feel

Often times, especially for first time homeowners who are in their starter home, people settle for what they have because it works within their budget and it meets their most basic necessities. This may explain your bathroom. Perhaps when you first bought your house, you figured as long as it works, you are happy with it, and now you look at your completely retro space and shudder. Those old rose or avocado coloured tubs and checkered tiled floors just aren’t what you are looking floor in a space. If your bathroom is stuck in a time warp, it may be time to renovate. You want to enjoy your space, make it a space that you feel good in, a place where you can feel relaxed. After all, a bathroom is one of the most used rooms in a house, and it is often the first room you walk into every morning. Why not create a space that will make you happy rather than settle for something that brings you back to the 70s.

These are some of the most tell tale signs that your bathroom is in dire need of a renovation, so why wait? Start planning, designing and budgeting for your soon-to-be new bathroom space. There is no better time than the present to get started.

Contributed by www.perfectbath.com

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 Bathroom Renovation Tips

When it comes to renovating a bathroom, you are investing a lot of your time and money into a project like this. So how do you get the most out of it? Nobody wants to fully renovate a space only to not like it a few years later or feel that it isn’t functioning like it should. If you install a new floor and fixtures, you should not have to renovate that space for at least another 5 – 10 years. There are things you can do when renovating your bathroom that will help you create a bathroom that will last for years to come – and that goes for not only the function, but for the style as well. Read on to learn more about how to design a lasting bathroom.

Tip #1 – Hire a Professional: One of the best choices you can make to create a bathroom that lasts is to hire a professional remodeling company to do the renovation for you. These professionals have the specific training required to take on such a big job – a job that includes electrical and plumbing elements. A professional renovation team will know how to properly install your fixtures in a way that will get you the longest life span from them, as well as take care of any plumbing or electrical issues that could hinder your bathroom’s performance down the road. This means they will also catch any hidden water damage that has occurred since your last renovation. The professional team you hire will also be able to give you tips on how to properly care for your fixtures in order to make them last longer. Make sure your check there history by checking reviews on sites such as www.homestars.com and your local Better Business Bureau. There is nothing worse than having a contractor that does sloppy work and does not stand behind his work reputation.

Tip #2 – Install Energy Efficient Fixtures: Another great way to get the most life out of your new bathroom is to install energy efficient bathroom fixtures. Today’s energy conscious market provides consumers with endless choices on how to make their home more energy efficient – including in the bathroom. When you decide to install your shower head, opt for an energy efficient model that conserves the amount of water used per shower and uses less pressure than older models. These factors will help you save energy and prolong the life of the shower head. As for your toilet, the new energy efficient dual flush models use less water and more suction per flush which helps reduce things like clogged toilets and toilet tanks that keep running. Even your lighting fixtures can help prolong the life of your bathroom all through the use of energy efficient bulbs. These new light bulbs use only a third of the electricity of a normal bulb and last up to 15 times longer.

Tip #3 – Choose High Quality Flooring: One thing leaves a lot of home owners dissatisfied  with their bathrooms is the type of flooring they choose. As lovely as hardwood flooring looks, it is just not going to last you as long as you like. Since bathrooms produce so much moisture and humidity, you want to choose flooring that can stand up to that for years to come. Not only that, but you want to choose a material that is durable as well. Bathrooms are not the largest of spaces yet they see the most traffic out of any other room in the house. This means they go through a lot of wear and tear. Your flooring needs to survive this. Choose a material like ceramic tile for your bathroom, now if you like the look of hardwood flooring in your bathroom they have ceramic tile options that look just like wood flooring. This material is high in quality, yet more affordable than say a marble floor. As well, this material is extremely durable, easy to clean and water resistant. Ceramic tile flooring also comes in a variety of colours and patterns to suit your preference. Another durable material is linoleum. However, linoleum tiles must be laid properly in order to prevent water from leaking to the floor base which will cause water damage.

Tip #4 –Use Mold Resistant Paint: A great tip to use for every single bathroom out there is painting with mold resistant paint! No matter what kind of fixtures your have or what your flooring looks like, you can ensure your walls will be protected with mold resistant paint. Mold and mildew can appear so fast despite how new your bathroom is. It would be a shame to renovate your space only to see that black spotty mildew forming in the corner of your ceiling over the shower but a few weeks later. Mold resistant paint prevents this from happening. As well, to go along with this, be sure to always use your bathroom fan when the shower or bath is being used. The sooner you can clear away lingering moisture, the safer your bathroom will be and the longer it will last. If you don’t currently have a bathroom fan, get one installed ASAP! This will play a big part in helping your bathroom beauty to last.

Tip #5 – Opt for Timeless Decor: Now that your bases are covered in terms of functionality and preventative measures, the next area that will keep your bathroom lasting longer is your decor. You could have all the right bathroom fixtures and flooring in your space, but if the decor follows a fad or is too spur of the moment, you can guarantee that you will not like in only a few years to come. Choosing timeless decor for your bathroom means that your bathroom will look good no matter how old it is. To accomplish this, stick to elegant designs – nothing too trendy. Choose soft colours for your walls and accents, and hey, white is as timeless as timeless gets when it comes to your bathroom. White looks clean, fresh, and will help your space feel more open. If you paint with mold resistant paint, you won’t have to worry about dark mildew or water stains. Choose very neutral colours for your countertops and flooring. As for accessories and hardware, keep them clean lined and simple, stainless steel accents are a great option. Using these kinds of things to style your bathroom will help it last longer on the design end of things.

Contributed by www.perfectbath.com

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Affordable Luxury Jetted Bathtubs

Most people only ever get the chance to enjoy a luxurious soak in a whirlpool bathtub when they are staying in a quality hotel. However, there are now some incredibly affordable models for sale that can be installed in an average bathroom that will bring the spa experience into your own home. Home owners can enjoy the trappings of style and luxury without ever leaving the house, and the range of different styles available means that there is a suitable whirlpool for almost any size or shape of room. However, the designs and benefits are so stunning, deciding on the best one can be a tough decision. Some models are designed only for singular seating for only one person while other models have seating for 2 with either side by side seating or face to face seating depending on the configuration.

The Advantages of Having a Whirlpool Bath in the Home

The installation of a quality whirlpool system can add a feeling of luxury to a home, and it may also add a little value and appeal if the house is ever advertised for sale. A whirlpool bathtub is a great alternative to a non whirlpool bath, and it is sometimes a direct replacement. Owners of whirlpool baths can take advantage of a stunning source of relaxation at a time of their own choosing, and the chance to take a soothing jet-bath at the end of a tough day at work may be simply too tempting to resist. Sufferers of back-pain may benefit from the massaging functions, so many people believe investing in a whirlpool bath for the home is a necessity rather than a luxury. The use of aromatic oils and bubble baths means that taking a dip in a whirlpool jetted bath can be an experience usually reserved for high-quality spas.

How Does a Whirlpool Bath Work?

Whirlpool baths can be bought in a number of different shapes, designs and sizes. Ventilated jets are fitted into the walls of the tub, and some models have jets on the bottom of the tub,  they are designed to force air and water out at adjustable strengths and speeds. The user can adjust these speeds for very different massaging experiences. For small or awkwardly-shaped bathrooms, combination shower / whirlpool baths can be installed that fit in the same space as just the tub alone. This clever use of space can enhance the daily life of homeowners, and the prices involved are often more affordable than people realize.

Wonderful Massaging Jets

Space Considerations

Where space is not an issue, it may be possible to have a purpose-built whirlpool installed that creates a stunning focal point in any bathroom.  Some models have clear glass fronts or sides giving the look and feel of a limitless pool. The larger models often have capacities for up to three people, and they can be enclosed within their own stylish wooden surrounds or set like an island center piece to your bathroom. Some key decisions to look at when looking for a jetted bath such as the number of jets, the location of individual jets and the depth of the whirlpool and the size of the pump installed in the bathtub.

Built in Features

There are dozens of customizable features with some whirlpools, and they provide users with features that aid both comfort and practicality. Some top-of-the-range models come with user-friendly touch control panels in different locations, so people with mobility issues can create their own experience with ease. Users can opt for additional extras such as individual head-rests, Built in Stereos, underwater chroma- therapy lighting and ergonomic seating arrangements and built in heaters that will keep the water warm and toasty so you can soak to your hearts content without worry that the water will get cold. Some other interesting features found on high end jetted bathtubs is waterfall features allowing the water to come out above the users head and run like a babbling brook into the tub giving a soothing sound and feeling while soaking.  Sanitary concerns that once plagued jetted baths are now a thing of the past as BathTubs from companies like EAGO feature tubs that fill thru the jets, so jet lines are fully purged every time the tub is filled and a patented design that drains all of the jet lines completely after each use so there is nothing left in the lines to go skunky if the bathtub is not used regularly.  In addition the latest innovations in design and significant reductions in price mean that having a whirlpool bath in your own home may be more affordable than you think and a simple matter of deciding how big it should be!

Contributed by www.perfectbath.com

The post The Whirlpool Bath: Spa-Style Bathroom Luxury You Can Afford appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.

Modern Bathroom Designs

The aim of creating a gorgeous bathroom design is to build a space for you that becomes a sort of retreat, a respite from daily worries where you can relax and rejuvenate as you let go of stress. An ideal modern bathroom forms exactly that sort of space for you.

Interior decorators often say that ‘distinction is in the details’. Here we would like to go into some details about how to create a beautiful modern bathroom design with the help of new bathroom design ideas and modern facilities developed for this purpose. After all, 2013 is just around the corner, and you should plan on taking your bathroom into the new year with you! So let’s focus on the chief features for your modern bathroom:

Bathroom Vanity

As in the case of any other decorating project, a point of reference is essential to set the right tone and give the project direction. A good way to go about this is to decide the ‘focal point’ of your bathroom first, and then work from there. This ‘focal point’ will be what catches your attention the first thing when you walk into your bathroom. A great focal point could be your bathroom vanity.

Today, the vanity has become pretty much a staple of modern bathrooms. When you carefully select one, you’ll find it serving two important purposes. First, it gives you storage space, which is especially important in case you’re low on space. Second, it can be a way for making a great design statement which will set the overall tone for your bathroom. Often times you will find it to be the largest bit of furniture in a modern bathroom and with it’s positioning and size, it also makes for an effortless centre piece.

Your goal here is to select a vanity that is modern and alluring, yet warm – we suggest quality  solid wood construction and finish. Once you start on this search, you’ll be amazed by the variety of options available to you. To quicken your search, keep in mind the size and color you desire, which will help begin the process of elimination. Decide in advance whether you want open or closed storage, or a combination of the two. An online search or catalogue survey will help you arrive at your eventual choice much faster.

BathTubs

Your Bathtub can be a wondrous source of daily pleasure and delight. However, since it’s a long term, costly investment you need to understand and weigh your options well.

A great option to go for when it comes to bathtubs is the whirlpool bathtub. Imagine immersing yourself in a hot spring whenever you feel like it. A whirlpool bathtub makes for a lovely place of languid relaxation where your mind floats in peace and creativity. It brings you a wonderful home spa experience, and if you weigh its cost against the long term benefits to your life in terms of health, daily relaxation and rejuvenation, you’ll find the balance easily tilt toward purchasing one. Gone are the days of jetted bathtubs sounding like a jet airplane in midflight or the thought of bacteria growing in the jets that were unable to be cleaned. Modern Jetted bathtubs have evolved into sleek spa retreats that are almost silent in operation and are hygienic in every way with fully drainable jet lines and Ozone disinfection functions built into them.

Another option is a free standing bathtub. These used to be called claw-foot tubs, and were mostly only found in very traditional bathrooms. But these days you’ll find them in sleek and modern varieties as well. Basically a freestanding tub stands alone, without enclosure from walls.

Then there is the corner tub that is enclosed on two sides and usually triangular shaped. Besides that, there is the alcove tub which is quite a practical solution in the case of small bathrooms as it combines both – shower and tub. Some bathtubs incorporate glass sides or fronts to them to give the feel of a larger pool of water and for that ultra modern look and feel.

Toilets

Another aspects of modern bathrooms that has undergone great development is the toilet. Today, luxury toilets have become a trend in such a big way that no contemporary bathroom design is complete without one.

To begin with, you need to decide whether you wish for an elongated toilet bowl (usually people find it more comfortable), or a round bowl, which helps saves space, and it therefore finds its advantage in smaller bathrooms. The question of comfort also comes up when deciding the height of the toilet.

Toilets come as two or one piece units. In a two-piece toilet the tank bolts on top of the toilet bowl. While these are comparatively cheaper, a one-piece toilet, which comprises of an integrated bowl and tank, is much easier to clean and maintain because of  the absence of any seam. Therefore, one piece units have an advantage in hygiene as well. A growing trend is becoming that of using wall mounted toilets with the tank and mechanism hidden in the wall. It is a more luxurious, sleeker looking option which is also the easiest to clean, even underneath and is a good option for smaller bathrooms as it takes up less releastate in the room

Then there are bidets – fixtures that appear similar to toilets but are actually used for the purpose of personal hygiene. They are also useful for those with mobility issues and who find it difficult to stand in a shower or get within a tub.

Shower

This one’s a no-brained. A glass walled walk-in steam shower is an easy recommendation when it comes to modern showers. These days steam showers are picking up as a trend, and it is little wonder why when you consider the host of amazing features they sport. Firstly, the glass walls add a touch of elegance to the bathroom while giving it a more spacey feel. Then there’s the FM music system that makes bathing that much more enjoyable. From health and comfort point of view, steam showers make bathing and cleaning a breeze with soothing and invigorating spa treatments of aromatherapy and chroma-therapy. And these are besides the more obvious features of internal temperature, steam generation and ventilation. These modern free standing steam shower units are also very affordable and easy to install compared to steam showers of the past which involved a major renovation to install.

Medicine Cabinet

A notable advancement when it comes to bathroom décor has also taken place with medicine cabinets. Not long ago medicine cabinets were mundane and typical purchases that didn’t require much thought or time on your part.  But these days however, when it comes to medicine cabinets, things have evolved in a big way. As you browse through newer designs of medicine cabinets, you’ll find that they most certainly posses the potential of making a major design statement besides bringing added luxury to anyone’s bathroom.

Towel Warmer

While a toilet and medicine cabinet may be basics for anyone’s bathroom, a towel warmer is certainly not. But we’re talking about modern bathroom designs here, and towel warmers bring that lovely added touch of class and luxury to your bathroom which would make a great difference to the overall experience of bathing in your bathroom. Imagine stepping out of the shower, early in the morning, on one of those freezing winter days, and getting into the delicious warm embrace of a nice toasty towel – can’t beat that cozy, lovely feeling. But towel warmers aren’t only about the luxury. They also help in stopping your towels from developing that horrid, moldy smell that they are prone to getting. The only problem that we can think of in getting a towel warmer is that once you’ve tried the luxury of one, you’ll find it quickly becomes an absolute necessity.

We hope this article has helped broaden your mind’s horizon on how you can get the most out of your bathroom design. If you’re thinking of upgrading your bathroom, make sure you do it right. Stay tuned for more articles as we bring you up to date with more modern bathroom design ideas that will truly bring your bathroom to the year 2013.

Contributed By www.perfectbath.com

The post Designing Your Modern Bathroom 2013 appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.

Design Ideas For Small Bathrooms

Small bathrooms can pose a huge challenge when it comes to decorating or modelling them. However, with the help of some clever small bathroom design ideas, your little bathroom has the potential of turning into a lovely, cozy space. We have listed below some small bathroom design ideas and solutions that we highly recommend, and although there would be some bathrooms that are just too tiny to modify without increasing their square footage a bit, most small bathrooms are bound to benefit from these effective bathroom design ideas. First consider your budget, then read on and pick your favourite ideas.

• Shower or Bathtub
  

We find that in most small bathrooms, there is either a combination bathtub with a shower set inside, or there’s only a shower. We recommend getting rid of the shower curtains and using a glass door enclosure instead, if your budget permits this. Glass will help create the illusion of larger bathroom space. However, if a glass door is not an option, you could try clear or lighter coloured shower curtains instead. Even for larger bathrooms this is a good idea as it keeps in line with contemporary bathroom design sensibilities.In case you have tall ceilings, it helps to install the shower curtains at a higher height as it gives the bathroom a pleasant elongated feel.

• Toilet

Of course we prefer to have a lot of space around the toilet, but this isn’t always a possibility with modern society’s problem of shrinking bathroom sizes. If you don’t mind changing your toilet, you can find new ones that are better designed and also occupy less space, leaving more floor area around them. EAGO makes some great looking and very functional toilets that will work for  any bathroom large or small. You might want to also consider a wall hung toilet as this shrinks the foot print of the toilet and opens up the space available.  If this is not an option, then try and clear floor space by removing floor items like scales, laundry hampers and trash cans. It goes without saying, that the more floor area you’re able to see and actually use, the better you’ll feel about your bathroom.

• Vanity area

A crucial concern is the amount of area occupied by the sink, and the space left for manoeuvring around it, which is why this one scores high on small bathroom design ideas. We suggest that you consider the specific needs that you have for your sink. Do you need a lot of storage space for a variety of accessories and toiletries? You should use a small vanity with under counter cabinet doors, and within the cabinet, add shelves and drawers for better organization. You may even consider a pretty pedestal sink or else a wall mounted sink and decorative shelving underneath it. If there is no space for either, fret not, for there is still the option of sinks that are designed to fit in the corners of your bathroom. This type of sink has a 90 degree back and nestles snugly between your bathroom walls so that you’re left with maximum bathroom floor space.

• Lighting

We find that darker colors mostly make a bathroom appear smaller, whereas lighter colors can give the room a feel of being larger. But there’s nothing like the luxury of having natural light pour directly into your bathroom which makes it feel way bigger. We would recommend for you to invest in quality lighting that mimics the neutral and sunny tones of natural light which will give your bathroom a warm and inviting feel, or at least replace your light bulbs with those that give a warmer glow. Professionally done up small bathroom design pictures are usually taken under this sort of lighting.An interesting point is that your light bulbs will play a big role in how you view yourself in your mirror. And obviously, you’re going to hate using your bathroom if you don’t like how you appear in the mirror there!

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that it has helped fire up your imagination about the options you have for designing your small bathroom. Just because your bathroom is low on area that doesn’t mean it can’t be shaped into a cozy little space for you and your family. All you need is a little effort, and before you know it, your cramped tiny bathroom will turn into a pleasant little space that will put a smile on your face each morning.

Contributed by www.perfectbath.com

The post Small Bathroom Design Ideas appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.

Improve Your Health Use a Sauna

SAUNA BENEFITS 

For Hundreds of years Finns and other Nordic people have been using Saunas for health and relaxation. Scandinavians are known for their long lifespan and impeccable soft and smooth complexion; They attribute this to there daily use of the sauna and many Sauna Benefits.

Now Saunas have really come of age and clinical studies have proven the effectiveness and benefits of using a sauna.  Especially beneficial are new Far Infrared Saunas or FIR Saunas as they are called. FIR Saunas use light energy to heat the bodies core temperature to promote sweating. FIR is totally safe and is not to be confused with harmful UV or X rays. In fact our bodies actually absorb this beneficial FIR light energy and use it to heal itself. Making FIR Saunas particularly beneficial for use in healing from sports injuries, Arthritis and other muscular skeletal injuries.

Other sauna benefits found in studies show they help to promote weight loss as you can actually burn up to 600 calories in one 30 min session (the same as rowing for 30 min). There are also benefits such as detoxification from heavy sweating.

Saunas also help to improve the immune system by heating the bodies core temperature, inducing an artificial fever. As your body works to combat the artificial fever, your bodies immune system is strengthened and improves your bodies ability to fight disease.

Added to the benefits are Pain Relief, Stress relief, Increased Blood Circulation, and Improved skin tone.

While most people are familiar with Saunas, many people have shied away from traditional rock saunas because of the intense heat making them uncomfortable and difficult for many to breath. With FIR Saunas you do not need to suffer from the high heat associated with rock saunas. You can enjoy a sauna experience and the many benefits at a much lower and easy to breathe temperature. Add to that, new FIR saunas come easy to install plugging into a standard electrical outlet and assemble in minutes. Most also include Color Therapy mood Lighting and CD Players to listen to your favourite music while you relax.

So with all the benefits of saunas it is worth it for everyone to investigate the use of a sauna for themselves.

Sauna Benefits Contributed By Aaron Gruenke, Sauna Expert  www.Perfectbath.Com

The post Improve Your Health Use A Sauna appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.

Home SPA  Morning Rituals

How do you wake up each morning? Have you fallen into a by-rote routine that doesn’t create an energizing head start to your day?

Create Your Home Spa Experience

Waking up is difficult. Whether on a busy weekday or a lazy Sunday, rituals can help ease you into your day and ground you for the hours ahead. Life’s biggest pleasures are the small things that make day-to-day living more balanced and civilized. Here are some ideas to help you design your home spa morning rituals.

Don’t rush
Get up 15 – 30 minutes earlier than usual so that you can enjoy some serenity and calm before you hit the pavement.

Train your brain
Instead of pressing the snooze button too many times, train yourself to awaken naturally. Practice by reminding yourself to awaken 15 – 30 minutes prior to your normal alarm time just before you fall asleep. Leave the blinds partially open to let in the morning sunlight. This will tell your brain that it’s wake-up time.

Create your day
How would you like your day to look? How do you want to feel? Visualize pleasure and success in your daily endeavours. Envision ease, effortlessness and inspiration. Affirm your intentions by declaring them aloud.

Hydrate
Hydrate your body and cleanse your liver by bringing a big glass (or bottle) of water with half of a freshly squeezed lemon and a pinch of natural maple syrup with you in the shower or bath.

Exfoliate
Give yourself a sea salt scrub in the shower for an invigorating glow. Steam showers are even better for exfoliating power. Make your own natural moisturizing scrub with equal parts coconut oil, almond oil and sea salt. Dry brushing your body pre-shower improves lymphatic function and overall health.

Detox
Re-mineralize, detoxify or alkalize your body by soaking for 15 minutes in a regular or jetted bath with high quality products found in health food stores. Oversize baths with light color therapy offer extra relaxation benefits to center yourself for the day.

Nourish
Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast. Trainers emphasize the importance of protein first thing in the morning for weight loss. Blood sugar levels that drop while fasting at night are hard to restore without a good breakfast. Low blood sugar can create an irritable start to your morning, that can build throughout the day. Boost your mood, metabolic rate and energy level with a hearty, healthy breakfast that contains protein.

Set the tone for the day with a tune
Create a playlist of your all-time favorite tunes that make you happy, make you dance or bring back happy memories. Many quality steam showers come with good sound systems for music streaming directly in the shower.

Start the day with a little love
We saved the best one for last. If you are fortunate enough to have a partner, set aside a little extra time for a weekly couple’s shower. Give each other a sea salt scrub and a mini-massage. A steam shower is ideal for setting the mood with space, music and ambience. A little morning sensual and/or sexual pleasure is a fantastic ritual to begin any day!

Content contributed  by www.perfectbath.com 

The post Home Spa Morning Rituals appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.

Far Infrared Saunas and Steam Saunas – What’s the Difference?

Far Infrared Sauna

Are you in need of a trip to a warmer climate? Need to get away from it all and revitalize yourself? Don’t immediately reach for the travel catalogue – think about an infrared sauna instead.

You don’t need to travel very far if you have a sauna in your home. For centuries, bathhouses, hamams (Turkish baths) and saunas have been popular to improve health and relax with friends throughout Europe. Many physiotherapists, chiropractors and naturopaths recommend infrared and steam saunas for their therapeutic benefits.

The far infrared sauna works with a radiant heat. This type of heat penetrates the skin, heating the body core rather than the air. The effect is a dry, softer heat with lower temperatures than a steam sauna. This makes the sauna more suitable for those with breathing problems, for people who prefer a cooler sauna experience!

Far infrared saunas carry numerous benefits for different parts of the body, starting with the cardiovascular system by increasing circulation. If you’d like to boost your exercise regime, athletes use far infrared saunas for cardiovascular conditioning. Regular use is said to improve flexibility and agility, which will in turn be advantageous at the gym. The penetrating heat is excellent for any sports related sprains, spasms, or muscle fatigue from a good workout.

Many of us would like to lose those few extra pounds that have crept up. Both infrared and steam saunas promote weight loss and detoxify the body. They release heavy metal toxins and pollutants, and improve lymphatic and immune functions. A smooth-running body improves its effectiveness at weight loss through diet and exercise.

Chronic pain can distract us from our work and drastically diminish our joy in life. It can also diminish our playtime. Infrared light helps to reduce inflammation and heal soft tissue. This makes it suitable for those suffering from joint stiffness, arthritis, bursitis, and chronic pain. Daily use can significantly reduce pain and promote healing, allowing us to be more productive at our jobs and giving us more pleasure in our after-hours activities.

2 Person Infrared Sauna

Would you like your skin to exude a youthful glow? By increasing circulation and detoxifying, saunas rejuvenate and moisturize the skin and hair. Use of the far infrared sauna has reduced skin conditions such as psoriasis and as an anti-aging tool, both types of saunas improve skin tone, elasticity, and texture and revitalize the skin without the use of chemicals or surgery. Applying hair conditioner on while steaming deepens its effect and gives hair a healthy bounce.

Sleep deprivation affects mood, coordination and concentration. If you’ve been tossing and turning at night instead of dropping off into a restful sleep, using a steam sauna before bed can act as a natural sleep aid. Steam showers also come with luxurious features such as a good sound system, which can be synced with your favorite relaxation tracks.

Steam saunas feature higher temperatures and use a wet heat. For cold and allergy season, you can find relief using a steam shower. Beauty Saunas’ Far infrared Sauna units have port cups for essential oils, allowing you to customize your own aromatherapy treatments for health or relaxation purposes.

For health, anti-aging and relaxation, home saunas offer top benefits with the convenience of an at-home spa therapy experience. The pleasure and luxury they offer will inspire regular use with years of enjoyment.

Contributed By  www.perfectbath.com

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