Taps that Turn you On

Read article : Taps that Turn you On

Studio Apartment Decor, Ideas, and What It Is

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Turn Your Master Bath Into A Spa Retreat

Read article : Turn Your Master Bath Into A Spa Retreat

A Spa Sanctuary: Get away from it all and turn your master bath into a spa retreat

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As you slip deeper into the bubbling, effervescent silky water, warming and moistening your body, your fingers trace the limestone tub. The lights dimmed low, you willingly release the pent up tension of the busy week; with work and kids, you haven’t had a chance to get away.

As you fall further into a calming state of meditation, your trance is broken once your mind begins to question when you were last at a spa. A few months ago? A year? Who cares — your bathroom’s your retreat now.

Not surprisingly, many Scottsdale residents have been ditching the hotel-based day spa and creating that spa experience right in their own bathrooms — for years, even — and they only continue to do so, especially with bathrooms growing in size.

But this doesn’t mean day spas don’t spark inspiration for homeowners just looking for an easier, more accessible means to de-stress and get away from it all — in their bathrooms.
“The bathroom is more than just a place to brush your teeth,” says Jeremy Smith of Central Arizona Supply in Scottsdale. “It’s now a place where you can take time to relax.

“What has really made it more spa-like and people creating more of a spa experience has definitely been led by people going to hotels,” Smith says, “and seeing these hotels have changed the way they do bathrooms.”

Paige Snodgrass, a showroom consultant at the Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery in Scottsdale, has witnessed this trend over the past year as well.

“Eight of every 10 clients I work with are trying to make (their master baths) more of a spa,” Snodgrass says. “This is truly a retreat for them.”

Both agree that homeowners are now spending the extra cash on themselves, to get what they want instead of merely what they need, to make more long-term goals with their master baths to make it that “special room,” as Snodgrass puts it.

“It’s the way of thinking that’s changed,” Smith says. “Now it is much more, ‘What do I want in this bathroom for myself?’ ”

Creating the experience can be as minimal as replacing a shower head to a complete, more elaborate remodel.

One shower head to consider is the Raindance AIR Series from Hansgrohe, which is an AIR-injected shower that adds one part air to every two parts water. Depending on the head and finish, you can purchase this item from $120 to more than $5,000.

“With this new technology, it feels like you’re standing in the rain, which is actually relaxing,” Smith says.

Over the past year, one change Smith has witnessed is an increase in freestanding bath sales. He says in the past, 90 percent of Central Arizona Supply’s sales were comprised of regular bathtubs. Now, it has become a battle of the baths with freestanding tubs taking 50 percent of the business.

“Freestanding can free up to two or three feet of space, making your current bathroom bigger,” Smith says. “So, that’s the reason you’re seeing this trend — as well as they’re beautiful, so it’s an aesthetic thing.”

But the regular bathtubs are fighting back — with the Jason Hydrotherapy tub.

“Since (the Jason Hydrotherapy tub) came out four months ago, our tub sales have gone through the roof,” Smith says, “and that has really balanced the freestanding baths we’ve been selling more of.”

Jason Hydrotherapy tubs, priced at $14,790, are unique in that they are the only tubs that use Microsilk, which are oxygen-rich microbubbles. These clouds of oxygen penetrate deep into your pores for a more thorough cleansing, moisturizing your skin. They also keep your bathwater warm, so you don’t have to add more hot water. It’s also “a technology they’ve been using to clean clams,” Smith adds.

Snodgrass calls bathtubs similar to the Jason Hydrotherapy tub “combination tubs.” These tubs have jets and air bubbles, and the purchaser can have the “best of both worlds,” she says. The No. 1 reason why customers will opt for these tubs in their spa bath? According to Snodgrass, it’s all about the health and stress-reducing benefits.

“The main reason people will put combination tubs in their master bath is for the therapeutic reasons to aid in mental wellness and help your mood,” she says.

Other unique products Smith and Snodgrass have been selling in their respective showrooms include the Numi toilet, which comes complete with feet warming capabilities, a deodorizer, a heated seat, an integrated air dryer and more. “People love it,” Snodgrass adds. This product is perfect for those who want to spend more time in their bathrooms.

On the other hand, there’s the Electric Mirror waterproof TV. This amenity can be found in luxury hotels and can help complete the spa experience in your master bath, but it can also help those multitasking individuals maintain efficiency in the mornings.

A master bath remodel into a spa-like experience can range anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000. It just all depends on what you want and how much you want to spend.

“If you want pretty much a car wash in your bathroom or a toilet of the day, then more money will go into it to create that spa effect,” Snodgrass says.

For more information about how you can turn your master bath into a spa retreat:

Central Arizona Supply
16431 N. 90th St., Scottsdale
(480) 922-9191
centralazsupply.com

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
8340 E. Raintree Dr., Bldg. A-1, Scottsdale
(480) 556-0103
fergusonenterprises.com

Scottsdale Living Magazine Winter 2012

Turn your Bathroom into a Spa, by Joseph Pubillones

Read article : Turn your Bathroom into a Spa, by Joseph Pubillones

As Americans hustle and bustle to make ends meet and the work hours extend well beyond 40 hours per week, stress is an all-time high. Stress is responsible for triggering incidents from panic attacks to illness and even cardiac arrest. This is why the spa business is booming at an alarming rate. While some business folks may get the occasional perks of downtime to book a day at a spa, most American families do not have the luxury of time. Bringing the concept of the spa to your home is becoming quite popular.

Creating an at-home getaway is the goal when transforming your bathroom into a spa. There are several factors to consider in such a home improvement project. To get your bathroom to capture the spa feeling, you will want to capture as much room as possible. You will need more room to accommodate a luxurious tub to soak in, a large shower with massaging jet sprays, or perhaps a steam unit to transform your shower into a steam bath, a bench inside the shower, and a place to sit down and relax.

Give good consideration to plumbing fixtures and hardware. These valves and controls are important because they are tactile items, which affect the way you perceive your spa-bathroom. They are also effective to express a sense of luxury and relaxation.

The colors that are used in spas are deliberately chosen to reduce stress. The colors that are most used as those inspired by the sky, ocean and earth. These colors are usually very light. While they may seem washed out, these colors that are dusty and seem to insinuate another are the best. Like a soft white with an aqua green shimmer, or a beige that reflects salmon paired. These pale colors work the best when paired with white, gray or espresso cabinetry and trim.

Today's new spa-bathroom combinations also make a statement with tiles and stone treatments. The more exotic the marble, granite or quartz, the better. Sometimes great slabs are book-matched for an incredible organic pattern on walls and floors. Mosaics are historically tied to baths since pre-Roman times, and today with advances in technology, micro tiles can be laser cut and assembled to create the most incredible and fantastic patterns and designs.

Other items to be considered in the design of a spa-bathroom:

Candles: For burning at specific times, can be soothing. I would suggest a subtle aromatherapeutic scent. Small votive around your bath area can be beautiful, but also give off a relaxing glow.

The Best Linens: Accessorizing you bathroom with a nice bathrobe, thick absorbent towels, and bathmats are both useful and make your slippery surfaces safe.

Flowers and Plants: Are a great invigorating element of nature to add to your spa-bathroom. Plants are great because they help clean the air and give off oxygen.

Music: Part of the spa experience is too soothe your body and soul. Music is the best therapy to aid in relaxation and stress reduction. Spas pipe soft music everywhere for a reason. Add a couple of new jazz CDs to your repertoire and you are well on your way.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Fla. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

10 Affordable Ideas That Will Turn Your Small Bathroom Into A Spa

Read article : 10 Affordable Ideas That Will Turn Your Small Bathroom Into A Spa

After a long day at work, there’s nothing better for your body and mind than a spa visit. However, as the cold weather creeps in, most would rather skip the pricey trip and just stay warm at home. Given that the gloomy winter weather can snap your energy and make you feel depressed, you need a soothing sanctuary in your own home.

So, why not turn your bathroom into an at-home spa? Like most spa services, your bathroom offers a private space where you can take a relaxing shower or warm bath to de-stress. All it takes is a few more elements to evoke the spa-like atmosphere. In this article, I'll show you how to enhance all five senses by recreating the ultimate spa experience right in your small bathroom.

If you want some professional help, we can connect you with bathroom remodeling pros in your area ready for your spa project.

Sight

The visual appeal of your bathroom is the key element for setting a spa-like vibe. Most spas tend to embrace the “less is more” philosophy, as a minimalist style can help open up a room, giving the space a serene and restful feel.

To help you achieve the similar “clean and comforting” spa look in your small bathroom, here are several tips:  

Paint Your Walls with An Earthy Palette

Nature-inspired colors, such as brown, gray and green, can give your bathroom an organic feel along with a calming effect. Nevertheless, if you have a rather small bathroom, opt for a lighter and more neutral color scheme. Beige, light gray and pale green, for example, can lend a soothing sense, as well as a spacious feel to your small bathroom.  

Install Dimming Bathroom Lights

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If you prefer a late night, romantic bath before bed, consider installing recessed ceiling lights or wall scones that come with dimmer controls. With the help of a dimmer, you can soften your lighting and get the spa-like feel when you need a soothing soak in the tub.  

Installing dimmer controls involves complex circuits or electrical wiring issues. As a result, I highly recommend leaving such work to a professional electrician. According to our database, the national average price to hire a local electrician is $293.

Create A Warm Feeling with Faux Wood Tiles

Although wood flooring can surely evoke the feeling of peace and warmth, it’s never an ideal material for damp areas. Fortunately, thanks to today's technology, homeowners now have another viable alternative. That is, faux wood tile. Faux wood tile is indeed ceramic or porcelain tile that imitates the natural textures of wood. It not only has a higher resistance to water, but also comes in a variety of patterns that can match any spa bathroom décor.

Clear Toiletry Clutter 

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Clutter usually gives us stress. That’s why spas always keep their toiletries hidden and in order. However, storage space is usually a serious issue in small bathrooms. Thus, when it comes to hiding all toiletries, most will get frustrated.

Well, it’s time to get rid of those old and expired toiletries you won’t ever use. By doing so, you should be able to free up a significant amount of cabinet space.

Still need to borrow some counter space for your go-to toiletries, such as cotton balls and Q-tips? To avoid visual clutter in your bathroom, try organizing these items in clear glass jars. Believe it or not, jarred toiletries will look just like a part of your décor.

Touch

You may not be able to afford expansive hydrotherapy facilities on par with your favorite spas, but you can absolutely give yourself that spa touch with these affordable bath amenities:

Pamper Yourself with A Small, Deep Soaking Tub

Just because you live with a tiny bathroom, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub. Bath manufacturers are offering a wide array of scaled-down tubs that are no longer than five feet, but deep enough to soak.

Looking to create an exotic Zen style bathroom? You can’t go wrong with the traditional Japanese soaking tub. Compared to other small tubs, Japanese tubs are much deeper, allowing you to submerge your entire body from the neck down. Better yet, most of them even come with built-in seats, so you can sit comfortably and safely while enjoying the hot bath.

Sound like a good addition to your spa-like bathroom? Don’t forget to ask your local contractors for free installation estimates.   

A Massage Shower Head is A Must-Have

Many homeowners assume a soaking tub is a must-have item in a spa-like bathroom. Yet, chances are that you only use it occasionally, not to mention it may make your small bathroom feel crowded. A massage shower head, on the other hand, won’t take up any extra square footage. Additionally, you’ll definitely use it everyday.

Of course, it would be awesome if you could install both products in your bathroom. However, if you do have budget and space concerns, here's my advice. Sacrifice your tub for an upgraded shower along with a fancier massage showerhead. The spa-like shower will surely satisfy your relaxation needs. 

Warm Up With Heated Towels

No one would like to wrap up a nice, healing hot bath or shower with cold towels, especially during the winter. To retain heat within your body, there’s no better way than indulging yourself in comfy, warm towels after a long session of hot water.

That’s why towel warmers are becoming a popular addition in recent bathroom remodels. You can enjoy the cozy warmth within reach by installing a towel-warming drawer in your vanity. If you want to dry your towels at the same time, towel-warming bars will be a better and cheaper option. Plus, its wall-mounted design can save more space!

Smell

Your rejuvenation journey can’t be completed without aromatherapy, since scents are famous for boosting one’s health and mood. For instance, the easiest and fastest way to wake our brains up in the morning is showering with peppermint-scented soap. Need a good night’s sleep? Lavender and jasmine lotions will surely come in handy.

Except for body care products, the addition of scented candles or old diffusers can also enhance your sensual experience.

While Candles Can Add Some Ambience, Oil Diffuser Provides Safety

Everyone, particularly ladies, enjoys unwinding in the tub surrounded by burning candles. Why? In addition to lovely smells, the flame of fragrant candles can add a warm ambience to your bathroom, making the space feel romantic. However, for forgetful homeowners, oil diffusers will be a better and safer choice. 

Sound

Let’s face it. Taking a long soak in the tub can be somewhat boring. You might see some of your friends mount TVs in their bathrooms. Well, before you copy that idea for your spa-like bathroom, think twice. It’s true that a bathroom TV will keep you entertained. But, does it help you keep a tranquil mind? Probably not.

Have Some Calm Music For Your Bath Meditation

You can create a meditation playlist on your phone and play it through a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. With such a calming backdrop, you’ll take a relaxing soak as long as you can.

Taste

The last sense you should bring into your at-home spa retreat is taste.

Yes, taste.

Of course, I’m not telling you to have a taste of your bathroom; I’m implying that you should take your bath experience to the next level with a glass of wine or champagne.

Use A Tub Tray to Hold A Glass of Wine, Champagne…

Don’t assume drinking a glass of wine while bathing will make you sound like an alcoholic. In fact, this idea has been in vogue for a while. If you take a trip to your local home improvement store, you’ll find there are different types of tub trays available on the market. And almost all of them come with a wine holder design.

Conclusion

Getting the benefits of a spa treatment in your own home is not as hard as you think. With just a few bathroom renovations and additions, you can immediately turn your bathroom into a private oasis, even if it’s short on space.

Is your small bathroom a spa sanctuary? Tell us about it in the comments section. We love seeing successful remodeling examples from our fans.

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