Thursday, March 24, 2022

12 Gorgeous Tubs That Will Make You Want to Take a Bubble Bath

What better way to unwind after a long day than to treat yourself to a steamy, relaxing bath? These beautiful tubs are not only stylish, but offer all the features that make you want to sink up to your nose in luxuriant bubbles.


BainUltra Thalassa Sensation
Type: Alcove

BainUltra Thalassa Sensation bathtub.

This spacious corner tub is customizable so you can create the perfect soaking experience. Add the ThermoMasseur system to your tub for some hydro-thermal massage. Enjoy zone heating, chromatherapy, and aromas to further enhance your spa-at-home experience.

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Neptune Zen
Type: Drop-in

Neptune Zen bathtub.


Roomy and relaxing, this acrylic tub offer ergonomic comfort and customizable jets and other therapeutic perks. The contemporary rectangular styling on  this drop-in tub makes the looks as good as the bath itself. Enjoy 11 jets (6 turbo jets, 5 micro-rotating back jets) all controlled with the simple touch of a button.

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Duravit Blue Moon
Type: Drop-In

Duravit Blue Moon bathtub.


This unique, round soaking tub is a sophisticated focal point for your bathroom design. It’s deep enough or full immersion for a true soaking experience. It’s easy to get in and out of with its lower wall. The ¼” acrylic construction is easy-to-clean, durable, and beautiful.


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Jason Integrity
Type: Undermount

Jason Integrity bathtub.


A truly opulent encounter, this bathtub features adjustable air jets for quieter operation and excellent hydrotherapy. The MicroSilk Hydrotherapy system oxygenates bath water up to 70% more than regular tap water for a skin purifying and rejuvenating bath.


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American Standard Evolution
Type: Undermount or Drop-In

American Standard Evolution bathtub.


A stunning 36” deep, this is the soaking tub of your dreams. The design eliminates wasted space above the standard overflow cap allowing a higher water level. Fiberglass-reinforced acrylic construction includes molded backrest and dual armrests.

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Fleurco Opus Octave
Type: Freestanding

Fleurco Opus Octave bathtub.


This petite freestanding soaking tub offers a spacious interior with an external footprint that’s small enough for most bathroom layouts. The high-gloss cast acrylic is easy to clean and continues to look great through many bubble baths.

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Premier Copper Products Single Slipper Soaker in Oil Rubbed Bronze
Type: Freestanding

Premier Copper Products bathtub.

Uncompromising quality, functionality, and beauty, this hand-hammered copper slipper tub transforms your bathroom with elegance. It is made of recycled copper and has a 2” rolled rim. As a natural heat conductor, copper keeps your bath comfortable.

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Cambridge Plumbing Swedish Slipper 
Type: Clawfoot

Cambridge Plumbing Swedish Slipper bathtub.


Modern yet vintage, this soaking tub hearkens back to another era of bath takers. It is solid cast iron construction with a porcelain enamel finish, which gives you tried and true bathtub bliss with the benefits of  modern technology. 

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BainUltra Inua
Type: Drop-In

BainUltra Inua bathtub.


The height of aroma, chroma, and hydro therapies, this customizable bathtub offers the ultimate in comfort. It features a back cushion for a full-spine massage. With 50 Geysair jets, there isn’t an inch of your body that won’t benefit from this premium tub.

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Hydro Systems Designer Walk-In Lifestyle
Type: Walk-In

Hydro Sysytems Designer Walk-In bathtub.

Now everyone can access a spa-like experience in the comfort of their own home with this walk-in style jetted tub. The vertical format means no climbing in and out and includes a built-in seat. Eight adjustable jets with Soft Touch electronic controls make it even easier to enjoy this tub.

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TOTO Neorest
Type: Freestanding

Toto Neorest bathtub.


Featuring Galatine solid surface construction, this tub resists stains and retains heat for a bubble bath you won’t soon forget. It keeps a compact footprint externally but is spacious and comfortable on the inside for deep soaking. Includes a waterproof, removable pillow and grab bars.

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Cambridge Plumbing Double Slipper
Type: Clawfoot

Cambridge Plumbing Double Slipper bathtub.


Classic cast iron construction with porcelain finish, this double slipper clawfoot delivers style and comfort from every angle. Relax on either end of the tub or invite your significant other to join you. The lion’s paw feet make for a unique design feature that will set the tone in your bath suite.

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Thursday, March 17, 2022

8 Bathroom Remodeling Don’ts

Bathroom plans becoming a reality as someone imagines what it will look like when completed.

Undertaking a bathroom remodeling project is hard work from start to finish. No matter how much you plan, something is bound to go wrong. Avoid some of the drama by steering clear of these things. It will take some of the pressure off and keep you on the right track. 


Don’t Forget to Set a Budget

A budget is a magical thing. At a basic level, it helps you understand how much a bathroom remodel costs and how that intersects with how much money you have to spend on that remodel. On another level, it can act as a guide that helps you make decisions quicker.

When you have a budget, you set guidelines for yourself as to the materials, hardware, and accents you can use in your new bathroom. This comes in really handy when you’re having a hard time picking between your three favorite bathtubs. Price may help you narrow down the best option. 

A budget also helps you see what’s coming down the pipeline and plan ahead for your spending. Maybe you’re tempted to spend a little more to get that bathtub you love, but one look at the budget may remind you that you wanted shower jets and you decide to go more conservative on the bathtub in favor of the shower jets instead. 

If there’s one thing you remember about the budget, remember that it’s highly likely that you’ll go over the budget. There is always some unforeseen thing that needs to be tended to and adds costs that you didn’t plan on. Always add a 10-15% bumper to the budget to soften the blow of the unexpected.


A person drawing plans for a bathroom remodel and imagining the finished product.


Don’t Proceed without a Design Plan

Starting a bathroom remodel without a solid design plan is like taking a car trip with no maps or GPS. If you only have a destination in mind but no guideposts along the way, you’re sure to get off track or miss something important. 

If you hire a contractor or designer, this will probably be taken care of for you. However, if you’re DIYing all or part of your remodel, be sure to think through every aspect of your remodel down to the tiniest details. 

A design plan doesn’t just keep you on track, it also helps you avoid changing your mind midstream. It’s easy to second guess your decisions, but a plan will help you keep track of your vision and goal. It’s also a good idea, once you’ve come up with your plan, to stop looking at ideas and shopping for products. Changing of the mind is the biggest culprit of over-budget, late projects. 

A design plan will also help you avoid bathroom slip ups like overlooking features you want, adding too much to the design, and over designing your new bathroom. Get a plan and stick to it.


Don’t Overlook Lighting

Lighting is so important in the bathroom. The bathroom is only surpassed by the kitchen in it’s lighting demands. You need to be able to have true light for up-close tasks like shaving and application of makeup. You need to have mood lighting to create a relaxing spa-like environment. You need nighttime lighting for those midnight trips to the bathroom.

Be sure to consider all the different types of lighting you’ll need in the different areas of the bathroom. Don’t be tempted to go with basic lighting; you’ll regret it before that new bathroom smell has a chance to dissipate. 


Ask a designer or lighting expert to take a look at your space and make some recommendations. It’s well worth the quick visit to get lighting that will meet your needs.


Don’t Dismiss the Importance of Ventilation in the Bathroom

Ventilation in the bathroom is important on many levels. It’s a place of increased humidity and a variety of smells, all of which need proper ventilation. Without a bathroom fan to handle steamy showers, you may end up with a mold and mildew problem. 

Bathroom smells may not pose a threat to the structure of your bathroom like humidity does, but without an efficient way to evacuate and circulate air, those smells may make your bathroom a place you avoid.

Be sure to check your current exhaust fan to ensure it is powerful enough to handle the size and demands of your new bathroom. Your contractor can help you out or turn to a professional to give you some DIY tips.


A plumber doing a shower in a bathroom remodel.


Don’t Get Stuck in the DIY Downward Spiral

A few YouTube videos do not an expert make. It can be easy to get in over your head when you DIY your bathroom remodel. If you don’t have some construction experience, be sure to plan for plenty of backup should you get stuck. 

The bathroom involves electricity, plumbing, and detailed construction. It can go wrong quickly. You would not want to run the risk of a bathroom that poses a risk to your home, let alone the increased cost in time and money when you find yourself in over your head. 

Be aware of your limitations and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Define ahead of time where you’ll turn the project over to the pros so you don’t feel like you have to keep going when you know you’re not equipped to deal with it. 

Be wary of friends and family members who have little experience. They may sound confident, but their mistakes can lead to problems too, not to mention injuries and broken relationships. 


Don’t Cut Corners

Remodeling is a big job, especially bathroom remodeling. It’s easy to get tired, but don’t be tempted to take shortcuts. Things that cost less or promise to save time also often result in lower quality and the need for more attention in the future. Attention to detail is a must in a bathroom remodel. Don’t skimp simply to save a little time or money. 

Never overlook local building codes and regulations. It may seem like a bother and a part of the process you’d rather not deal with, but it’s there to ensure your bathroom is well constructed and doesn’t pose a risk to your home’s structure or it’s inhabitants. 


Don’t Put the Cart Before the Horse

It’s really easy to get excited about your bathroom remodel and want to start knocking down walls. However, you need to ensure all your ducks are in a row before you start anything. 

A remodel requires a lot of coordination. If the new bathroom vanity arrives before you’re ready, it might take up space in the garage for far longer than you’d hoped. Be sure all your design plans are in place, the budget is set, and the timeline outlined. Get permits and contracts in order. 

You might lose the use of your bathroom for a time while the renovations are taking place, so be sure to plan carefully and not get overexcited or you might end up increasing the time it takes to finish your bathroom.


Don’t Be Too Conservative

You may have been dreaming about this bathroom renovation for a long time. Don’t sell yourself short by being too conservative. If you want the gold colored fixtures but worry about their design longevity, you’re thinking too hard. 

Of course you want to strike a balance between what you want and what will remain relevant (especially if you might sell in the future). Do some research on current trends and outgoing trends to get a sense of whether your tastes are on point. A good rule of thumb is to keep things neutral, but that doesn’t have to mean boring. Go ahead and splurge on the perks you want. 

A new bathroom is on the top of the list for potential home buyers, so unless your taste is ultra unique, there are many buyers who love the same things you do.


Take the time and care to avoid these bathroom renovation don’ts and your project will go more smoothly. For more bathroom renovation ideas, check out the indulgent ensuite bathroom ideas.


Bathroom Renovation Ideas 


Thursday, March 10, 2022

Functionality & Ambiance: Better Bathroom Lighting

White and black bathroom with strip lighting above the vanity.

The bathroom is probably one of the only rooms in the house that you might find yourself stumbling around in in the wee hours and never turn on the lights. It’s also one of the only rooms where you examine yourself closely and prepare to go out into the world.  

Lighting in the bathroom is unique. Without the right lighting, things can go south quickly. In low light or incorrect lighting, you might not notice that your makeup isn’t quite right, miss a spot shaving, or have an eyebrow trimming fiasco. You might run into things or trip and fall if you opt not to turn on too-bright lights on your midnight trips to the bathroom.

Lighting is also key to creating atmosphere and completing a design. The right lighting make the bathroom more than just a functional space, but one of luxury.

Check out how best to light your bathroom for the ultimate in functionality and design. 


Beyond the Basic Strip

Strip lighting is the most common type of bathroom lighting you’ll find. It’s probably in your bathroom right now. Strip lighting is a metal bar with globe light bulbs going across it in a straight, horizontal line. It’s classic, but it is not always the best type of lighting for the bathroom.

Strip is a look that goes with everything, which is why you see it everywhere. But if you want to do something a little more distinctive, it’s time to go beyond the basic strip. Try something with a little panache like the Varaluz Bodie vanity light, which features industrial styling. 

You can also get outside the box and opt for sconces arranged in a line. You get the same lighting as the strip but with a different style. For example, the Kichler Zolder wall sconce offers an abundance of style  and great halogen lighting. 

Blend the idea of a chandelier and a strip light with a high class vanity light like the Velaruz Social Club or Matrix


White bathroom with recessed lighting across the room.


Light Bulbs

The type of lightbulbs you choose has a huge impact on your bathroom lighting. Soft white bulbs tend to have a yellowish tint to them. They are great for producing a warm glow. That warm glow is excellent over the bathtub for a relaxing vibe, but isn’t so great at the vanity where you want a light that will be more true to your skin tone.

Using different light bulbs for different areas of the bathroom is a great way to solve many of the problems you encounter with lighting in the bathroom. 

If you use incandescent light bulbs, opt for bright white for a more realistic light and soft white for that warm, comfortable glow. Fluorescent bulbs emit a wide range of colors and can be quite bright. But they tend to have a harsh feeling especially in a smaller space like the bathroom.

Halogen lights were designed to recreate sunlight at high noon. It’s a realistic light and they are great for dimmer switches. Lastly, LED lights are champs at directional lighting, or task lighting. They work best for specific tasks and lighting spots that a more ambient light misses. 


Bathroom vanity with backlit round mirror.


Vanity Lighting

There are three types of lighting: ambient (general lighting), task (specific), and accent (more for creating atmosphere). When it comes to applying makeup, shaving, and other up close things, you need great task lighting. This is where much of the bathroom lighting falls short. 

The light has to be close enough to your face, the right color, and strong enough to be good task lighting. Overhead lighting won’t cut it. Consider sconces that can be placed on the wall closer to the level of your face. Or opt for a lighted mirror. 

The lighted mirror has strips of light running around its edges and puts the light exactly where you need it to light all your up close tasks. This Robern Vesper mirror is just the thing for better vanity lighting.


Night Lights

Those inevitable visits to the bathroom in the middle of the night deserve their own special lighting. If you don’t like plug-in nightlights, try something a little more stylish and less noticeable. 

This Robern Uplift light offers the stylishness of a pendant light for the bathroom with the option to switch to night light function. You might also appreciate a lit toilet seat for those nighttime visits. Delta Sanborne seats attach to your existing toilet effortlessly for an easy update. 


Make your bathroom lighting a priority and change the entire feel of the space. Want more great bathroom ideas? Read more on our blog. 


5 Indulgent Bathroom Ideas

Thursday, March 3, 2022

The 6 Best Toilets of 2024



Large, open bathroom with high tech toilet.

The toilet may seem like a purely functional bathroom item, but 2024’s toilets go far beyond basic and allow you to make the toilet an item to be admired. 

To some extent, what makes the best toilet depends on preference and specific needs. However, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get a high-quality, "best" category toilet. 

What to Look for in a Best Toilet . . . 

Water Efficiency

Water conservation is important, so look for toilets that are WaterSense certified or have a low gallon-per-flush (GPF) rating. Water-efficient toilets help reduce water consumption and utility bills.

Comfort

Comfort features like seat height, shape, and design are important. The toilet seat should be at a comfortable height for users, and the overall design should be ergonomic.

Easy to Clean

A toilet with a sleek and streamlined design is easier to clean and maintain. Features like glazed trapways and smooth surfaces can prevent debris and stains from sticking.

Durability

Choose a toilet made from durable materials that can withstand regular use and cleaning without chipping or scratching.

Noise Level

Some flushing mechanisms can be noisy. If noise is a concern, look for toilets with quiet flushing technology.

Size & Installation

Ensure that the toilet's dimensions fit your bathroom space and that it's compatible with your existing plumbing setup. Consider whether you need a round-front or elongated bowl shape based on your space and preference.

Flushing Mechanism

An efficient and powerful flushing system is essential for effective waste removal and to prevent clogs. Some popular flushing mechanisms include gravity flush, pressure-assisted flush, and dual-flush systems.

Additional Features

Some toilets come with extra features like soft-closing seats, built-in bidets, night lights, and antimicrobial surfaces. These features can enhance the overall user experience.

These six models are the best toilets of 2024 because of their stand out functionality and stylish appeal. They are the top toilets in the industry and the best 2024 has to offer. Take a closer look.


Modern style toilet by Fresca in a sleek bathroom.

Fresca Delphinus is a one-piece design with a sculptural modern look. It features dual flush with powerful siphon jet technology and a soft close seat. It’s WaterSense certified and uses less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush, which saves more than 10,000 gallons of water per year. 

Fresca Delphinus


Organically curved modern toilet by Laufen Alessi.

Laufen Alessi’s seamless rounded design is sleek European styling at its finest. It features Clean Coat glaze and a siphonic dual flush system, which uses 1.6 and 1.1 gallon flush to save you thousands of gallons of water per year. It takes up minimal space and is ADA compliant. 

Laufen Alessi



Clean-lined modern toilet by Laufen Savoy.


The Laufen Savoy is a one-piece toilet with both angles and curves that give it a traditional look but is anything but. It features an eco-friendly dual flush with 1.6/1.1 gallons per flush that is WaterSense certified. It’s simple yet luxurious plumbing for both large and small bathrooms. 

Laufen Savoy


Tankless modern toilet by Toto.

The Toto Neorest’s futuristic design gently curves for a look that’s sure to stand out in your bathroom. It is the height of advanced washlet technology  with specialty stay-clean coating, tornado flush system, remote control operation, automatic seat open/close, night light, and warm air dryer. 

Toto Neorest


Square style toilet by Fresca.

Fresca Apus, another one-piece toilet, is compact and angular, perfect for a distinctive bathroom design. It features a soft close seat and minimal water consumption, coming in at only 1.28 gallons of water per flush. It also has a siphonic flushing mechanism instead of a flapper and chain, which creates a powerful jet siphonic function

Fresca Apus


Simple, tankless modern toilet by Toto.

The Toto EP has classic and simple styling but is wall-hung for a streamlined design. It features dual flush for water conservation and DuoFit in-wall tank system keeping all the plumbing out of sight. Perfect for smaller bathrooms or universal designs, it can be hung at any height. Easier to clean with skirted bowl design and Cefiontect ceramic glaze non-stick surface finish.

Toto EP


Bonus: 4 Best Washlets

What's a Washlet?

Washlets are a toilet seat you can add to your existing toilet that gives you much of the functionality of a bidet without having to add anything additional to the footprint of your bathroom. 

The Toto Connect+ is a modern washlet with wireless remote and concealed supply connection. It offers efficient front and rear cleanse with temperature control. Air drying, deodorizing, and heated seat make the whole experience a luxury that you shouldn't have to be without. 

Toto Connect+


Bio Bidet Premier Class Bliss is a new breed of cleansing technology. It has a touch screen wireless control that helps you use the right combination of cleansing. The nozzle is durable steel and self-cleaning. It uses high pressure to clear away any mineral build-up in the nozzle. It cleans itself both before and after use for long-lasting use with no odors

Bio Bidet Bliss


Toto's Round Bidet Washlet features all the best Toto washlets have to offer but in a round seat rather than an elongated seat. It has premist that assists with toilet bowl cleanliness in addition to user cleanliness. the aerated warm dual action spray has oscillating and pulsating stream to get you clean. Then use the warm air drying feature and select your heat from five levels. 

Toto Round Bidet Washlet


Toto Neorest fits square shaped toilet seats for ultra-modern design. This washlet has eWater+ technology that reduces the need for frequent cleaning. You can adjust the spray position for ultimate cleaning. You can also program the seat to remember your cleaning settings. Add to that a soft close lid and heated seat and you're set.

Toto Neorest


Transform your everyday bathroom experience from basic to brilliant with one of the best toilets of 2024. See what these can do for you and your bathroom space.

Want more bathroom design ideas? Read on. 

Indulgent Bathroom Ideas