Holistic living for your bathroom

In holistic living, all things are interconnected, which means home design has a big influence on health and wellness. One room where every household member can benefit from the art of holistic living is the bathroom. With some strategic upgrades to the decor, fixtures and appliances, it’s easy to transform a bland space into a grand oasis of relaxation within the home.

The power of color – Studies show certain colors can enhance energy and mood, while others are known for their calming qualities. For example, people go to a spa for rest and relaxation, and you'll notice many are colored in blues, browns, greens or deep reds. You won't traditionally find bright colors, which would be too energetic for a place of respite. So for your bathroom remodel, select colors that soothe to begin your healthy home transformation.

Comfort you can feel – In the bathroom, quality towels, bath rugs and flooring are must-have components of a well-rounded holistic space. You'll know you are giving yourself and your family the best when you upgrade these items to high-quality organic or natural fabrics and materials. Some in-demand upgrades to make your bathroom an upscale indulgence include heated flooring and towel warmers so you never need to experience a chill after a deep soak.

Relaxation you want to experience – Take “me time” to a whole new level when you install the DTV+ advanced showering system developed by Kohler. It has pre-programmed spa experiences that target well-being, relaxation and energy developed by Kohler's Waters Spa, so you know you're getting a true spa experience right at home. The DTV+ has a touch screen interface allowing you to control and customize every feature. Plus, this shower is so digitally advanced, it can control two different water temperatures simultaneously, allowing you to treat a sore muscle with cold water while keeping the rest of you warm with another valve of hot water.

Soothing qualities you can hear – Complete the holistic bathroom experience by adding relaxing music. Pre-program your sound system with classical, Eastern, meditation or nature-style music to help you escape the grind. As you're planning your bathroom redesign, install speakers to create a surround-sound experience, especially in the shower area. Set it up for wireless control, in case you decide you need to change what’s playing in the middle of your shower. The DTV+ is intuitive and consistent with today's popular digital devices, allowing you to interface with up to three devices, funneling your music through your shower.

Souce: http://m.antrimreview.net/mobile/online_features/kitchen_bed_bath/article_c79673e6-292a-5738-aadf-1dc63abacb9e.html

GHBA Remodelers Council: Give some thought to ins, outs of bathroom remodel

Remodeling a bathroom whether small or large can not only provide you comfort to last for years, but can add value to your home. Before starting any bathroom remodel it's a good idea to give some thought to the following:

Bathroom size: Consider whether you need to work within the existing footprint. Must you work within the existing footprint or are you able to do a redesign? If you have a tight budget and tight project timeframe, try to keep plumbing adjacent, above or below the existing plumbing in the house.

Space considerations: Often many of us need to make the space look and feel larger. Adding mirrors and skylights will visibly expand and brighten a room, while slim sinks and cabinetry can provide more floor space. Incorporate a corner shower or curbless shower with frameless glass doors.

You can add open shelving for additional storage, and install a pedestal or wall hung sink for a very small space or powder room.

Universal design: Think about your current and anticipated future needs. Incorporating universal design products can make a bathroom safer for both young and old. There are many elegant and functional products available such as grab bars, walk-in tubs, rubber flooring, slip-resistant tile and comfort-height toilets that can be included in a remodel.

Consider removing the tub to expand the shower area, whose opening can be widened to make it more accessible. If space permits, other useful amenities such as hand-held shower controls, rain heads and bench seating can be added.

Energy efficiency: Incorporate energy-efficient LED lighting products and water efficient fixtures such as faucets, shower heads and toilets.

Product selection: Choose products that are easy to take care of and that are durable. Include products that won't chip or stain such as solid-surface sinks.

Ventilation: It's a must-have - install a fan to prevent mold and mildew.

Unexpected costs: Budget for unexpected costs, planning for a cushion just in case problems arise such as plumbing issues, water damage or electrical problems. It's best to allow 10 percent, because no contractor can see behind the walls.

Keep in mind that the average master bath takes four to eight weeks. Assessing your needs and proper planning ahead of time will help to ensure a successful project outcome.

This article was provided by a member of the Remodelers Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association. The Remodelers Council is dedicated to promoting professionalism and public awareness of the remodeling profession through education, certification and service to the Houston community.

For information on this article, please contact Lorraine Hart at lorraine@idealconsulting.net. To join the council or to find a professional remodeler in your area, please visit www.ghba.org.

http://m.chron.com/news/article/GHBA-Remodelers-Council-Give-some-thought-to-6390749.php

Make the Decision to Remodel Your Bathroom

Why You Should Make the Decision to Remodel Your Bathroom

Each year, thousands, if not millions, of homeowners make the decision to remodel their bathrooms. Are you looking to become one of those individuals?  A large number of homeowners are, but despite wanting to remodel their bathrooms, many do not end up doing so.  One of the reasons for that is because of uncertainty.  You and other homeowners just like yourself often wonder whether or not they could benefit from having their bathrooms remodeled. Of course, the final decision is yours to make, but you will find that you can benefit a number of different ways from having your bathroom remodeled.

What Remodeling Your Bathroom Can Do For Your Home

When we often think of home improvement projects, such as a bathroom remodeling project, we tend to think of what that project can do for us, personally.  While you can easily benefit, a number of different ways, from having your bathroom remodeled. Did you also know that your home can benefit as well?  The truth is that your home, itself, can benefit from a bathroom remodeling project, often in more ways than one.

The Pros to Remodeling Your Bathroom

Are you a homeowner who is thinking about having your bathroom remodeled?  If so, there is a good chance that you will thoroughly examine your decision to do so, before taking any action.  When examining bathroom remodeling, you will find that there are a number of advantages and disadvantages to doing so.  These advantages and disadvantages, when used to compare something, are often referred to as pros and cons.  If you are like many other homeowners in your situation, you may be wondering what the upside to remodeling your bathroom is, in other words, you may be wondering what the pros are.

The Cons of Bathroom Remodeling

Each year, millions of homeowners consider having their bathrooms remodeled. Despite the fact that a large number of homeowners want to have their bathrooms remodeled, not all make the decision to do so.  One of the reasons for that is because of the disadvantages.  Although there are a number of pros to bathroom remodeling, there are also a number of cons.  If you are contemplating a bathroom remodeling project, these cons may make you want to rethink your decision.

Signs That You Should Remodel Your Bathroom

Are you are homeowner who wishes that your home was a little bit different, more exciting, or more attractive?  Although a large number of homeowners are more than happy with their home, there are others who want more. If you are one of those homeowners, it may be time for a change.  Despite what you may believe, that change doesn’t have to involve buying a new home, it can involve a simple remodeling project, such as a bathroom remodeling project.