Kids Bathroom Ideas: 12 Fun Bathroom Accessories to 3D Print

Read article : Kids Bathroom Ideas: 12 Fun Bathroom Accessories to 3D Print

With kids, bath time is always fun time. This collection of funny 3D printed bathroom accessories, toys and utensils makes it even more enjoyable. 

This list of 3D printed bathroom accessories has sole purpose: to entertain your kids. Especially at young ages, the bathroom is a fun and adventure place – so why not spice it up a little bit with some cool 3D printed gadgets?

But what if you don’t own a 3D printer? You can always have these printed by a professional 3D printing service for a reasonable fee. If you’d like to find the best available price, consider All3DP’s free price comparison service.

Bathroom Accessories for Kids to 3D Print #1: The EleFun Cup

The elephant goes toot toothpaste! (source: Thingiverse)

What is it? A 3D printed low poly cup with big ears and a looong nose.

How do I use it? Actually, you won’t use it as your kids will be occupying this play cup.

What’s the fun factor? 8/10. Oh, the simple pleasures of pouring water in an elephant cup and letting it pour down through its nose.

Download? Free on Thingiverse.

Bathroom Accessories for Kids to 3D Print #2: Fishy Fish Cork Pal

Is a fish that can not dive broken? (source: Thingiverse)

What is it? A floating playing pal for bathtub sessions with your children.

How do I use it? Put a used cork between the two 3D printed fish parts and glue it together (Make sure not to use glue that is water-soluable though).

What’s the fun factor? 9/10. It’s a nice activity to build this cute little play fish and also a good lesson on recycling. Also, the fish floats so you don’t always have to look for it underwater.

Download? Free on Thingiverse.

Bathroom Accessories for Kids to 3D Print #3: The T-Rex Shower Head

Dinosaurs DO like showers as long as it’s not meteors raining down. (source: Thingiverse)

What is it? A 3D printed T-Rex head that will spit water upon you in the shower as long as you want.

How do I use it? Screw off your old showerhead, screw on this new showerhead, there you go.

What’s the fun factor? 8/10. Rexie here is going to be there every time you’ll take a shower. And he’ll be glad to provide you with water, warm or cold. No need to buy that fancy waterfall-rainforest-showerhead your wife liked so much. The kids (especially boys) will clearly be on your side. Beware: The print isn’t for beginners.

Download? Free on Thingiverse.

Bathroom Accessories for Kids to 3D Print #4: Full T-Rex Bathroom Set

Enough items for a full Dinosaur-themed bathroom. (source: Thingiverse)

What is it? A bathroom accessory set consisting of toilet paper holder, toothbrush holder, soap dish and a towel hook.

How do I use it? A lot of big things to 3D print, but that’s about it. Don’t forget to get screws for wall mounting and a pencil for mounting the toilet paper holder.

What’s the fun factor? 8/10. Want to visit Rexie? He’s everywhere. The whole bathroom is slowly turning into a Jurassic World.

Download? Free on Thingiverse.

Bathroom Accessories for Kids to 3D Print #5: Paste Pusher Animals

Nom nom nom… (source: Thingiverse)

What is it? A set of 3 different toothpaste (or lotion) pushers.

How do I use it? Feed the end of the tube into the animal’s mouth and pull it through.

What’s the fun factor? 7/10. A cow, a pig and a bull get into a bar throom. They all make funny faces and have a great time eating tubes with various contents.

Download? Free on Thingiverse.

Bathroom Accessories for Kids to 3D Print #6: Modular Fish Bone Wall Hanger

Doesn’t look fishy at all. (source: Thingiverse)

What is it? A kids-themed towel and bathroom wall hanger.

How do I use it? Print out the parts, put in a few screws and hang it on the wall. You can vary the length depending on how many items you need to hang.

What’s the fun factor? 6/10. Any maritime-themed bathroom will get more enjoyable for your kids with this.

Download? Free on Thingiverse.

Bathroom Accessories for Kids to 3D Print #7: The Big Tooth

White, strong and flawless like healthy teeth should be. (source: Thingiverse)

What is it? A toothbrush stand shaped like a big tooth.

How do I use it? Put up to four toothbrushes into it.

What’s the fun factor? 6/10. Tell your kids their teeth need to look shiny and white like this. Only without the holes on the top. Demonstrate how to brush one’s teeth on it. Okay, not really funny at all. Give it a name and make it say funny things maybe?

Download? Free on MyMiniFactory.

Bathroom Accessories for Kids to 3D Print #8: Minion Toothpaste Pusher

Think “Nom Nom” in the Minions’ “Bananaaaa”-voice. (source: Thingiverse)

What is it? Another toothpaste pusher, this time Minion-themed.

How do I use it?Let Bob do the work of pushing the rest of the toothpaste out.

What’s the fun factor? 7/10. Minions are always a good laugh amongst kids and grown-ups. Why not get one into the bathroom?

Download? Free on Pinshape.

Bathroom Accessories for Kids to 3D Print #9: Robot Toilet Paper Holder

Doesn’t he look helpful? (source: Thingiverse)

What is it? He’s built to serve: A robot head toilet paper holder.

How do I use it?Get the 3D printed parts together and insert a fresh roll of toilet paper.

What’s the fun factor? 6/10. From now on, the toilet paper is dispensed through a friendly robot’s mouth.

Download? Free on Thingiverse.

Bathroom Accessories for Kids to 3D Print #10: Removable Faucet Waterslide

It’s funny no one thought of this before. (source: Thingiverse)

What is it? An extension for your water faucet so short arms with little hands don’t have a hard time washing them.

How do I use it?Clip it on the end of the water tap and turn on the water like usual.

What’s the fun factor? 8/10. No more awkwardly holding kids over the faucet (which isn’t so nice for your back anyway). And it adds a waterslide!

Download? Free on Thingiverse.

Bathroom Accessories for Kids to 3D Print #11: A Drinking Fountain Conversion

In most countries, tap water is okay for drinking. (source: Thingiverse)

What is it? An extension for your water faucet so it can be used as a drinking faucet.

How do I use it?Clip it on the water tap and turn on the water like usual.

What’s the fun factor? 9/10. Drinking from a fountain is better than plain water from a glass in some ways only young minds understand. Oh, and you can mess around with the water fountain of course.

Download? Free on Thingiverse.

Bathroom Accessories for Kids to 3D Print #12: A Toilet Paper Embosser

“No job is completed until the paperwork is done.” And this is the kid-friendly version. (source: Thingiverse)

What is it? Some sort of embossing press for toilet paper.

How do I use it?Wind toilet paper through it, press firmly and admire the print. Can be also be done with any kind of paper.

What’s the fun factor? 9/10. Although it may seem awkward at first, after installing this you probably will have to tell your children not to unwind the whole roll of toilet paper. If it helps, there are other embossing tools with more friendly designs that don’t wind the paper.

Download? Free on Thingiverse.

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Did we miss any cool 3D printed bathroom accessories for kids? Please feel free to add a comment!

Croydex Chrome Contour Twin Mixer Shower Head ECO Water Saving Bathroom Unit Set • £49.99

Read article : Croydex Chrome Contour Twin Mixer Shower Head ECO Water Saving Bathroom Unit Set • £49.99

See Details on eBay Watch Contact

£49.99 Buy It Now 27d, FREE Shipping, 60-Day Returns

Seller: daily-deals-ltd (403,995) 99.5% , Location: Manchester, Ships to: GB, Item: 361970942865Condition: New, Features: 2-Spray Pattern Shower Head, Brand: Croydex, Material: Chrome, MPN: Dual, 2, Riser, Kit, Adjustable, Electric, Hose,Details: Clothing & Accessories Accessories Children's Men's Women's Electronics Ipod Accessories DIY Car Accessories Storage Boxes Sports & Exercise Basketball Bike Fishing Football Other Swimming CLEARANCE SAME DAY DISPATCH guaranteed quality NO HASSLE RETURNS TRACKED DELIVERIES FAST DELIVERY Croydex Contour Duo Combi Shower Set [078780] RRP £79.99 £49.99 ITEM SPECIFICATION CroydexChrome PlatedHandheld And Fixed ShowerheadsIntegrated Riser RailShower Arm & DiverterMulti-Position Shower Head AdjustmentCompatible With 1/2" B.S.P Threaded FittingsDimensions:Length 94 cm1.5m Reinforced Stainless Steel Hose With 11mm Bore DESCRIPTION Payment Shipping Returns Contact Us DESCRIPTION This stylish shower set from croydex is the ideal choice whether you are looking to replace or upgrade your current product. Chrome Plated diverter allows water to be transferred between handheld and fixed showerheads. Integrated riser rail, shower arm and diverter. Multi-position shower head adjustment. Small round fixed pivot showerhead. Compatible with all 1/2" B.S.P threaded fittings. 1.5m reinforced stainless steel hose with 11mm bore. Contour mini 2 function handset. optional ECO water saving feature included. Easy to clean, easy to adjust, and easy to install. (All instructions come on the box in english.) Croydex Chrome Plated Handheld And Fixed Showerheads Integrated Riser Rail Shower Arm & Diverter Multi-Position Shower Head Adjustment Compatible With 1/2" B.S.P Threaded Fittings Dimensions: Length 94 cm 1.5m Reinforced Stainless Steel Hose With 11mm Bore Payment All UK postage prices are for UK Mainland Only. Collection from Depot welcome for minimum orders of £100. In the absence of fulfilment, Daily-Deals-Ltd reserves the right to cancel your order within 48 hours of receiving payment. All communication between Daily-Deals-Ltd and the customer are strictly private and confidential. This includes correspondence via eBay, email, letter or any other method of communication. The customer must not divulge, copy, forward or use the contents, attachments or information contained therein. Any unauthorised use or disclosure may be unlawful. Shipping Please note that the price quoted is for UK Mainland only and Excludes Highlands, Islands and Northern Ireland if in doubt please email before purchasing as additional charges may apply. Shipping to the following postcodes will be surcharged: IV, HS, KA27-28, KW, PA20-49, PA60-78, PH4-50, ZE, BT, IM, TR21-25, JE, GY, PO30-41 Orders received Monday to Friday before 12pm will usually be despatched same day. Items ordered over the weekend will be despatched the following Working Day. If your item is being sent with a tracked service you will receive an email when it has been dispatched including your tracking number. Returns 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Your Right to Cancel: 14 days - FULL REFUND Faulty Within 30 Days: Full Refund or Repair Shipping and handling charges: Cancelled orders - The buyer must pay for shipping and handling, this includes refused orders without prior agreement. Item condition: The condition of the returned item must be as it was shipped to you, opened box with all original materials and contents in sealed protective wrapping. Incorrect/Faulty/Damaged Items: Please contact us to arrange for the return via eBay messaging or one of the numbers above. NO postage will be refunded unless agreed upon in email or writing prior to returning. Contact Us Please use the ebay messaging system FEATURED CATEGORIES Shop Categories Arts & Crafts Baby & Child Celebrations & Occasions Clothing & Accessories Electronics Health & Beauty Home & Garden Lighting Luggage & Travel Office Equipment Pet Accessories Schmal Furniture Special Offers Sports & Exercise Stationery Toys and Games Wholesale & Joblot Other HELPFUL LINKS Add to Favorite Seller Ask Seller a Question View Feedback Visit Our Store About Us Contact Us ebay listing template design by

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 Price - PicClick Insights - Price  Seller - Over 403,995 items sold. 0.5% negative feedback. Top-Rated Plus! Top-Rated Seller, 30-day return policy, ships in 1 business day with tracking. PicClick Insights - Seller Over 403,995 items sold. 0.5% negative feedback. Top-Rated Plus! Top-Rated Seller, 30-day return policy, ships in 1 business day with tracking. Recent Feedback

Bath Toys & Accessories | Kids' Toys

Read article : Bath Toys & Accessories | Kids' Toys

Make a splash at bath time with our wide range of bath toys and accessories for children of all ages. We carry playful toys like rubber ducks, boats, shapes and puzzles to help your little ones splash around, plus accessories to make the bath safe like water thermometers, tap guards and bath mats.

Shopping advice - Mirror Online

Read article : Shopping advice - Mirror Online

Need expert advice on your home? Email Zena at homes@sundaymirror.co.uk

Q - I need to create an office space in my spare room (with sofa bed), which will look like an office most of the time, but that I can easily convert back for guests. What tips do you have? I only have a budget of around £200.

Alexander, by email

A ZENA SAYS: I think the secret to success lies in wall-mounted shelving, which will release the floor space for other essentials, such as your desk and sofa bed. Look for shelving units with ends, as opposed to the open-ended shelves. Children’s furniture stores, such as Aspace and Great Little Trading Company are very good at these. A narrow-depth desk will also save space but still give you that office look.

The Loft desk is more like a console table and measures 105 (length) x 52 (width) x 90cm (height) and costs £199. Or you could even have a wall-mounted desk - a friend recently made the one in our photograph at a cost of £43! Either option could easily be cleared and the office chair removed when guests arrive.

***

I am looking for a small, ­contemporary sofa to fit into my bay window. It should be no wider than 150cm. Any suggestions?

Cliff Andrews, Edinburgh

ZENA SAYS: The Harry two-seater from House of Fraser (call 0845 602 1073) would look so cute in a bay window. It measures 132cm wide comes in a choice of lime green or the lovely aubergine fabric in our photo (right). ­Usually it would cost £849 but it’s ­currently on sale at just £499.

If you’d like to support an up-and-coming company offering designer furniture and ­accessories direct from the makers at ­discount prices, the Ritchie ­(below) is very similar. It costs £449 from www.made.com and is also available in pearl grey.

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Q - Our electric shower is faulty and needs to be replaced. This will be the second time in five years. Would a non-electric shower have a longer life and is that an option for us, as we have all the fittings for electric? My children have just started showering so it must be safe for them too.

Zach Summers, Leeds

ZENA SAYS: There is a good chance that you live in a hard water area and the limescale build-up is affecting your shower. Mixer valve showers cope much better with hard water and will last longer than an electric shower. A qualified person can easily replace your electric shower with one. Bristan has just launched two exposed valve ar showers – Zing and Frenzy – with Cool Chrome Technology, which is ideal where youngsters are around. The shower body stays cool to the touch and because it’s thermostatically controlled the temperature stays constant. They come with a rub clean handset, which is ideal for cleaning limescale. Zing is priced at £99 and Frenzy from £119 (valve only) and £149 (with kit). Call Bristan on 0844 701 6273 for a local stockist.

***

Q - I recently spent a week on a self-catering holiday in Wales. They had a set of Brabantia Vision saucepans which I would love to buy but cannot find anywhere. Could you tell me if/where I could get them?

Janet Shields, by email

ZENA SAYS: Your encounter sounds like a bit of a holiday romance, Janet. For some strange reason you cannot buy this set of pans direct from Brabantia but Amazon sells them. Prices start at £23.01 for a 14cm stainless steel milk pan.

***

The stair carpet in the communal area of our block needs to be replaced but we freeholders don’t know where to buy a new one or what to look for. I imagine standard hall carpet will be insufficient.

Sarah Brown, Leamington Spa, Warks

ZENA SAYS: According to The Society of British Interior Design, the wear rating of the carpet should be “heavy contract”. They suggest a high-quality 80/20 wool/nylon or 100 per cent polyamide (nylon) pile fibre, as it is very tough.

If the staircases are ­concrete, then non-slip safety nosings must be fitted. Try Vorwerk, an eco-friendly brand which is allergy-free, and Weston-Hammer for a customised design.

Some domestic carpets are also rated for contract or commercial use, too. For example Lano’s Scala range has a fleck option to help hide the dirt until vacuuming. It is rubber backed which helps with spills and ­water from shoes and stops moisture getting into the underlay.

Here’s some technical info with which to baffle your fellow freeholders – Scala is made of 100 per cent solution-dyed two-ply polypropylene for maximum durability and has been solution dyed for ease of maintenance. It costs about £22 a square metre.

The fully impervious backing means that it can be used in areas prone to accidents and where day-to-day performance is of the utmost importance.

However, the SBID does not recommend polypropylene. Although hard-wearing and inexpensive, they say this fibre soils quicker than any other pile fibre, and goes very flat and untidy.

You should also avoid natural flooring such as sisal, coir and sea grass because they get slippery and stain easily.

***

Q - Do you have the web address where I can buy “tile on a roll” wallpaper?

Kate Henson, by email

ZENA SAYS: Tile-effect wallpaper has been around for decades and is a really useful and cost-effective way of covering kitchen and ­bathroom walls that are exposed to water splashes. The designs are very bright and modern and technically, they’ve been brought up to date, too. Graham and Brown’s ­Contour antibacterial range offers protection from bacteria and it’s a paste-the-wall paper, making it really easy to hang. The Keep Calm paper in our photo costs £18 per roll. Call 0800 328 8452.

***

Savvy savers

Alison Cork gets you more... for less.

Home improvement

LIDL always has great prices and now there’s also a sale on home improvement products, too. So whether you’re moving house or just moving the sofa, spare your floors with their five-piece Furniture Transport set, only £4.99. You get a robust steel lever to lift the furniture, and four transport rollers with castors to get it from place to place.

***

Asda home sale

Save on practical kitchen and home accessories during Asda Direct’s home sale, with 30 per cent off products, on now. I ­especially love these collapsible mixing bowls, reduced from £4 to £2.80. They’re perfect for saving ­precious cupboard space and they are easy to wipe clean.

***

Drying balls

Does the wet weather have you using your tumble dryer yearround? Save up to 30 per cent on drying time and energy with these Ecozone Dry Cubes from Nigel’s Eco Store. It’s £9.95 for a pack of two cubes that can be used again and again. Call 0800 288 8970.

***

Be alarmed

You can often get a discount on your home contents insurance if you have a burglar alarm and now’s the time to buy one as B&Q currently have half-price savings on security and alarms. The Standard Wireless Door and Window Contact alarm is reduced to £7.49, and the Standard Wired PIR DC7 motion detector is just £4.99.

For bed linen and other accessories, see Reader Offers.

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Coining it

Why is it that when you need a pound coin – be it for a parking meter, shopping trolley or vending machine – you can never find one? This clever Coin Stash Waterproof Coin Capsule (£4.95) attaches to your keys, storing an emergency stash of five one pound coins for when you need them, while keeping your pockets and car free from easily misplaced loose change. Buy one for Dad at www.gadgets.co.uk

For more gift ideas for Dad, see Reader Offers.

***

Standby for action

According to British Gas, every year we waste around £30 leaving products on standby. Save dosh with an automatic standby shutdown plug, like this one from Energenie. It recognises when you’ve left an appliance or computer on standby and switches off the mains power. Get it from www.homebargains.co.uk for £3.99.

For more computing accessories, see Reader Offers.

***

Shower power

Save water, time and money with a Water Drop shower timer from Eco Savers. Just £4.99, it sticks to the wall – you set the timer and it bleeps when your time is up. It’s a great way to cut bills.

***

Website of the Week

Save on mobile, broadband and energy bills with Incahoot.com. The site uses collective buying power (think Groupon or KGB Deals) but focuses mainly on utilities and practical services. Basic membership is free.

***

For more great shopping offers, visit Reader Offers.

A modern shower for any bathroom

Read article : A modern shower for any bathroom

Just like fashion and everything else in life, décor also has emerging trends. Gone are the days of dingy shower cubicles and minute shower heads - today the modern shower is earning its rightful place in the most stylish bathrooms. Kate van Niekerk, marketing manager of Tile Africa, shares her expertise to help you bring your outdated shower in line with the latest trends and designs. 

 

What are the latest shower trends?

Square, frameless showers are the latest trend, with clear glass to show off the tiles and mosaics. No more grimy shower curtains to be embarrassed about. The modern glass shower enclosure reflects natural and artificial light and creates a sense of space and openness. “It is now super fashionable to showcase the whole package and not just the shower door,” says Kate.

A new range of shower roses and hand-held showers reduces water consumption without affecting the water pressure and amount of water delivered. A water flow regulator maintains a predefined, constant flow rate regardless of the line pressure. The regulator reacts to water pressure changes and adjusts to decrease the amount of water passing through, while the flow-rate remains the same.

 

Pressure variations are compensated for and water consumption can be reduced from 30 to 10 liters per minute.

What is the latest look when it comes to showerheads?

Showerheads, previously available as small shower roses, now come in larger sizes, making this contemporary water spout a standout feature in the shower.“With the invention of water-saving shower heads, consumers can now spoil themselves with larger shower heads, as the size doesn’t influence the amount of water being delivered,” she says.    

What has inspired these shower trends?

Modern bathroomware is developed with the scarcity of natural resources in mind. The latest products with green credentials are designed to make it easier for consumers to conserve the environment.

 

The contemporary bathroom has become less of a personal area and more of an experience of luxury and relaxation. “The whole package of modern tiles, mosaics and listelli encourages us to be more daring with clear versus frosted glass showers,” says Kate.

How can tiles be used to create a unique look for the shower?

A mosaic feature wall or column in the shower will grab attention. Shimmering glass, smooth metal or textured natural stone mosaics are a great way to create a focal point and draw the eye towards the shower.Borders add interesting texture to walls and the creative possibilities are endless. Wide or narrow, horizontal or vertical, borders can be created with beautiful listelli, tiles cut into different sizes or colourful mosaics.Textured tiles and pebble mosaics are perfect for the shower floor to make it less slippery.

 

What are the shower options for a small bathroom?

Most of us will admit to dreaming of a larger bathroom, but it is luxury that many modern homes lack. Fortunately, with adequate planning, even the smallest bathroom can be transformed to accommodate a shower and a bath.Though space may be limited, it is possible to fit a shower in a small en-suite or a guest bathroom by choosing a space-saving layout.

If you prefer a shower, rather than a shower-bath combination, you may want to consider a curved corner or pentagon shower cubicle. “This is a miracle space-saver as it cuts away a corner and therefore frees up space,” says Kate.

Where it is impossible to fit in a separate shower, an all-in-one bath and shower combination is the answer. A shower bath consists of a stylish bath that features shower fittings and a glass enclosure, so that you have the choice between enjoying a bath or a shower.

What are the considerations when planning a shower that will be used by children?

If the bath and shower have tiled edges, make sure these edges are finished off with a round border. Shower corners can be a hazard, so check that they are finished off smoothly, with no sharp edges protruding.Extremely hot water is another danger to consider. Turn down the temperature of the geyser fitted for this particular bathroom. Medicine and cleaning products should be safely stored in a childproof cupboard. 

 

What accessories are available for showers?

A shower caddy is a handy accessory as it keeps all items, such as shampoo and shower gel for example, neatly together and within easy reach. A shaving or cosmetic mirror on a concertina wall stand is a practical option in the shower as it can expand and twist to achieve the right angle. Make sure that accessories are made from stainless steel so that they don’t rust in the humid and wet conditions.Additional storage space can be created by fitting glass shelves and a towel rod next to the shower. “Keep accessories simple as a bathroom can easily look cluttered,” she says. – Antonella Desi

Pictures courtesy of: Tile Africa

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Bathroom Of The '90s Comes Out Of The Closet

Read article : Bathroom Of The '90s Comes Out Of The Closet

November 14, 1992|By Ava Van De Water, Cox News Service

WEST PALM BEACH — Not since the outhouse moved indoors has the bathroom undergone such revolutionary changes.

Bathrooms have grown from just a necessary room to an enjoyable place where we do everything from soak in the tub to exercise.

Just as kitchens are combining with family rooms to become ''real living rooms,'' the master bathroom is joining forces with the master bedroom and closet to become a dressing/grooming/exercise/relaxation suite.

While nothing tops the sybaritic 1980s master bath that was big enough for a family of four, the paring down mode of the '90s has not affected the bathroom as much as one might think.

Some homeowners, especially those whose children have moved away, are combining a small, fourth bedroom and bath into a huge master bathroom suite.

''The master bath is becoming a personal haven, with whirlpools and steam rooms,'' said Dave Johnson of Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath. ''It's not unusual to bring people through and show off your bath.''

And in areas where land costs are reasonable, the master bathroom is becoming equal in size to the master bedroom. But rather than being one huge room, the master bathroom is more compartmentalized, says Liz Hogan, editor of Sunset Books, which publishes home improvement books, including Ideas for Great Bathrooms.

Today's master bath suites have separate showers and tubs, his-and-her vanities, dressing rooms and dual walk-in closets. Some even have reading nooks and fireplaces, although the latter is more popular in northern climes.

Manufacturers are boosting the importance of the bath by offering more choice than ever in fixtures and materials. Besides tile, granite and marble are being used extensively in bathrooms. And cabinets come in as many different styles and materials as in the kitchen.

Today's master bathroom includes space for morning rush-hour dressing. It also functions as a retreat at the end of a stressful day. But it is not whirlpool tubs that today's homeowners turn to - it's the ''power shower.'' Accessories include everything from dual shower heads to therapeutic jets.

Whirlpool tubs, which made their mass debut in the late '70s and '80s, are still popular, although most people don't have time to enjoy them.

''Most people still put them (whirlpool tubs) in, even though 90 percent of the people don't use them,'' said Jane Throckmorton of Davis & Warshow, a luxury bathroom products dealer in Jupiter. But people still want the whirlpools because they give an important boost to resale values, Throckmorton added.

The biggest decision in choosing a whirlpool tub is acrylic or cast iron. Acrylic is lighter and offers more shape options. What's more, at $1,600 to $1,800, it's considerably less than the cast iron, which runs $2,400 to $3,200, depending on size and manufacturer.

If you can live without a whirlpool, a 5-foot cast iron tub runs about $250 to $280. But Throckmorton said most people prefer an oversized acrylic tub - a 6-foot tub that runs $800 to $1,000, depending on size, color and manufacturer.

''There is probably $600 to $1,000 difference between an acrylic oversize tub and a whirlpool,'' she said.

If you are remodeling or updating your bath, think white. Just as in the kitchen, all-white fixtures are the rage now.

''People have a tendency to get tired of color,'' Throckmorton said. It's more economical to change wallpaper, paint, towels and shower curtains. Even the colors they are using are neutral, like peach and 'innocent blush,' '' a sort of almond with a pink tint.

If you insist on using color, beware of black, teal, red and navy.

''Any of your dark colors are high-maintenance,'' Throckmorton said. ''They show water spots and dust. The way the water is down here, there's always a lot of spotting.''

If you really want color, consider colored faucets, which are gaining in popularity. Faucets come in mustard yellow, fire-engine red, teal, royal blue - and even simple black or white.

Bathroom size is still important to homeowners, but with the exception of the ''power shower,'' flashy accessories are not. ''In the late '80s, they would put $1,200 faucets in every bath,'' Throckmorton said.

10 perfect Mother’s Day gifts for new mums

Read article : 10 perfect Mother’s Day gifts for new mums

 

The weeks and months after you have a baby are probably the least stylish of your life – unless you count baby vom and eye bags as must-have accessories. Don’t get us wrong: there’s no reason new moms should give a hoot about their appearance – and we’re not putting on the pressure. But (speaking from experience) some women feel better when they look better; or, at least, less like a swamp thing.
Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to indulge new moms with luxuries that they wouldn’t buy themselves. So here are the essential fashion and beauty gifts for husbands, moms, sisters and best friends to buy. If in doubt, there’s always cake – you can’t go wrong with cake.

A stylish coat with a hood

Because you can’t push a stroller up a hill and carry an umbrella at the same time. Roots’ Westport Tuff Jacket ($178) looks good, is machine-washable and has an adjustable waist. It comes in two shades, but we prefer the off-white Timberwolf for spring.

A pretty nursing bra

Most nursing bras fall into the ‘over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder’ category: built for comfort and practicality, not good looks. The Anita Fleur Wireless Nursing Bra ($71.50, at Diane’s Lingerie and Room for Two) is pretty – sexy, even – but also practical and so, so comfortable – which is why we’ve ordered two more.

 

A nursing tank

We don’t much care for special nursing dresses and such – nine months of pregnancy is quite long enough to ditch your normal wardrobe, thank you very much. Instead, we wear a plain tank under a top, then hoik up the top to discreetly feed. Our tank of choice is the Mother Tucker Nursing Top ($119, at Ellabella.ca), the only nursing garb we own. It offers gentle tummy compression, which can supposedly help reduce loose skin and minimizes that “OMG my insides are all in the wrong place” feeling.

(left to right) The Green Cream, Nude Finish Tinted moisturizer and Double Wear Waterproof All Day Extreme Wear Concealer

Gentle skincare

During pregnancy we got such bad eczema that we had to ditch all our high-tech cosmetics – no fun for a beauty junkie. Then we discovered Toronto plant-based brand Graydon Skincare. We love everything we’ve tried, but especially The Green Cream ($35, at Kiss and Makeup). It’s easily absorbed but hydrating, and makes our skin so glowy we can skip serum.

Tinted moisturizer and concealer

New mums don’t have the time to painstakingly blend foundation, so tinted moisturizer is ideal. It evens out skin tone and makes us look healthier, but can be applied perfectly on zero sleep. We like Bobbi Brown’s Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($45, at Bobbi Brown counters and Bobbibrown.ca), paired with Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Waterproof All Day Extreme Wear Concealer ($30, at Estee Lauder counters), the best concealer we’ve ever tried.

(left to right) Clarins Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate, Lush’s Scrubee Body Butter and L’Oreal Root Cover Up

Posh shower products

Before having children, we thought that bubble bath was a nice gift for a new mum. Ha! Now we know that a long soak is nigh impossible – the most one can hope for is a hasty shower while the baby wails in her bouncy chair. A far more useful gift is some fancy, lovely-smelling shower gel, such as Clarins Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate ($34, at Clarins.com). There’s some evidence that regular exfoliation can reduce crepey post-baby skin, so a nice exfoliant that she can use in the shower, like Lush’s Scrubee Body Butter ($7.95, at Lush and Lush.ca), might go down well, too.

A great new ’do

It’s challenging to keep hair looking on point after a baby arrives – forget about those six-weekly visits to the hairdresser for a trim or root touch-up. For occasional hiding of greys, there’s L’Oreal Root Cover Up ($12.99, at London Drugs), which is sprayed directly on to roots. It lasts till the next wash and comes in seven shades. The ultimate lovely present is to accompany your new-mum pal to her hairstylist so you can mind the baby while she gets pampered.

South Florida's most expensive hotel rooms

Read article : South Florida's most expensive hotel rooms

November 4, 2011|By Doreen Hemlock, SunSentinel

Luxury resorts in South Florida are getting even pricier this winter. Try $7,500 a night for the presidential suite at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.

Few can afford that. But hotel consultant Scott Brush says there are plenty of celebrities, entrepreneurs and foreign guests who can pay for South Florida's deluxe digs, some with private elevators.

"The top 1 percent in the country is people making more than $400,000 a year. And if we're 300 million people, that's 3 million," said Brush of Brush & Co. in Miami. "That's a fair size market."

The Boca resort's presidential suite, for example, has hosted actress-singer Jennifer Lopez and the Egyptian billionaire father of Dodi Fayed, whose son died in a car crash with Princess Diana.

The price gap is wide between top suites and most rooms. Average hotel rates were $125 a night in Broward and $155 a night in Palm Beach county last January.

Here are six of the most expensive rooms in the area and what you get for the money:

• W Fort Lauderdale: The Extreme Wow Suite at the hip W spans 4,330 square feet, including a wrap-around balcony accessible from each room and equipped for entertaining. The terrace can hold up to 25 people on its lounge furniture and dining table – more than many homes.

The two-bedroom suite on the 24th floor sports the latest technology: a Bang & Olufsen entertainment system with a 50-inch LCD TV, DVD player, Tivoli alarm clock/radio and an iPod docking station in the living area, smaller flat screen TVs in each bedroom and high-speed Internet access.

It also offers hip comforts in its 2-and-a-half bathrooms: a whirlpool bath-tub, a rain-forest shower that opens to the balcony, plus a free-standing concrete cast tub surrounded by river rocks.

The price this winter: $5,000 a night, up from $4,000 a night last year.

• The Atlantic Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale: Both Oceanfront Penthouses offer luxury brand-items: Molton Brown bath amenities, Frette bathrobes and La Belge chocolates at turndown.

Each has two-bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and marble bathrooms in its 2,200 square feet, not counting the wraparound balconies.

The price this winter: From $1,500 to $3,000 per night, depending on the date, which is similar to last year.

• Boca Raton Resort & Club: The Tower Presidential Suite starts on the 26^h floor and includes two levels on 6,000 square feet, linked by a private elevator and by a spiral staircase.

The suite has three bedrooms, each with a king-size bed and private bathroom. The master bedroom also has fitness equipment inside and an oversized marble bathtub with jets in it.

For entertaining, there's a grand piano. That's in addition to double-height living area with ample seating areas and picture windows, wet-bar and a media pit sporting a large projection TV with surround sound.

The price this winter: $7,500 a night, up about 5 percent from last year.

• The Breakers Palm Beach: The Imperial Suite was renovated last year before other rooms were redone in an $80 million resort upgrade. Its new décor has a marine theme, with starfish designs on pillows and white coral-like branches on lamp bases.

The one-bedroom suite has five step-out balconies with ocean views. There's a six-seat dining area, wet bar, half bathroom for guests, a new sound system and personal concierge services.

The price this winter: Reduced to $5,400 a night from $5,900 because other rooms are more newly renovated.

• Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach: The Deluxe Oceanfront Suite has two furnished terraces and a railed-in Juliet balcony to step outside the way Romeo's beloved once did.

It has two bedrooms and can expand to three or four bedrooms by adding a connecting room. Newly renovated by Canadian designer Brian Gluckstein, the style is upscale beach house, with fabrics in sea-glass colors and custom furnishings with seashell glaze.

For children, there are brand-name accessories, including a crib and changing table from Maclaren's Cabine collection.

The price this winter: $4,500 a night, up from $4,000 a night last winter.

• Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale: The Two-Bedroom Oceanfront Residential Suite on the 17th floor comes with access for four to the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge. The 8th floor lounge has free food and drink daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., a separate TV room, sitting area, computer station and a dedicated concierge.

The suite has 1,345 square feet, not counting the balconies. It offers a granite-countertop kitchenette, dining table for four, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, marble bath, plush bathrobes, free DVD rentals and a "digital guest control system" to help you turn on and off the TVs and lights.

The price this winter: $2,500, up from $2,000 last winter.

dhemlock@tribune.com or 305-810-5009

19 Practical And Ingenious Bathroom Gadgets

Read article : 19 Practical And Ingenious Bathroom Gadgets

The kitchen and the bathroom are the areas of the house that constantly need changes because technology advances and all sorts of new gadgets and appliances are offered to the consumers. They are meant to make our lives easier and to offer us more comfort along with other improvements. For the bathroom, the following gadgets could definitely be nice additions. They’re not only useful but also fun and good-looking.

Aqueduck Faucet Extender.

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The bathroom is often short and this can create problems especially for the children who have trouble reaching it. It’s when this ingenious and good-looking Aquaduck extension comes in very handy. Attach to the tap and that’s all.available for 13$.

Flo Water Deflector & Bubble Bath Dispenser.

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This is Flo, a water deflector that also has a bubble bath reservoir dispenser. It can be slipped over the faucet and it will divert the water creating a small waterfall. It adds a nice dramatic effect to your bathtub and it’s also very fun and useful for bubble baths.Available for 18$.

Moby Bath Spout Cover.

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This cute little thing is Moby. It’s a sprout cover meant to make your faucet more attractive and cute. In addition, it’s very useful because it’s soft and it protects your baby’s head from accidental bumps in the tub. It features an adjustable fin strap and hook tail.Available for 13$.

Mirror clearer.

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Don’t you just hate it when the mirror is all fogged up after you take a bath or shower. You can clean it with your hand or towel but it will never look clean as it did before. Well, that can change because now you have this useful mirror cleaner. Attach it to your mirror with the suction cup and simply use it as a windshield wiper.Available for 12$.

Roller toothpaste.

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This gadget might seem funny but it’s actually also very useful. It’s a toothpaste squeezer that fits on the end of any toothpaste tube and then easily winds to dispense the toothpaste. This way you no longer have to squeeze the tube and you can also make sure the tube remains empty when it’s finished.Available for 5$.

Toothpaste Dispenser.

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Kids are not very enthusiastic about having to brush their teeth so it really helps to make this habit more fun for them with cute-looking toothbrushes and all sorts of other things. For example, you could use this cute-looking thing. It’s a toothpaste tube attachment for dog lovers.Available for 5$.

Tubtanic bath plug.

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I don’t know about useful but this thing is definitely fun to have in the bathroom. It’s the Tubtanic bath plug, a fun bathroom accessory that looks just like a miniature scene from the legendary Titanic movie. Have fun imagining scenes while you’re taking a relaxing bath.Available for 5$.

Help sink plug.

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In the same category of fun bathroom accessories we also have this drain stopper. Called Help!, it’s basically just a classic drain plug with a fun modern twist.Available for 15$.

Thermometer Spout Cover.

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Have you ever wondered which temperature is perfect for you when you’re taking a bath? It can be useful to know. This spout cover comes with a digital display which shows the water temperature. This way you can simply set it to the desired temperature and adjust the water more easily.Available on site.

Diabolo Toilet Paper Holder .

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Another practical thing to have in your bathroom would also be this toilet paper holder. It has a fresh design that introduced a new concept for an old creation. It operates by a pulley system and it features orange nautical rope that wraps around the white tube.Available on site.

D.Dog Toilet tissue paper holder.

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Also designed to make toilet paper look more interesting, this item will definitely add a fun touch to your bathroom. It’s a playful toilet tissue paper holder in the shape of a canine’s backside. Buy it as a gift or for your own use.Available for 22$.

Toilet paper holder.

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And since we started discussing toilet paper, here’s another interesting and funny gadget for your bathroom. It holds two rolls of toilet paper and they are held by a very strong little man. It’s fun, playful and useful at the same time.

Baby shampoo cap.

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What babies hate most about bath time is the shampoo and water that gets into their eyes. So why not make this activity more fun for them by protecting their faces with this lovely hat. It’s adjustable and it’s made of soft material.

Sticker shower.

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Keep the shower head at the desired height with this cute and useful sticker. It’s made from a rubbery material and it sticks to any surface. Simply slip your shower hose thru and place it wherever you want on the wall but not necessarily.Found on site.

Shaving pedestal.

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This little gadget, if it can even be called so, was designed for women but it could also be useful to men in certain conditions. It’s a non-chip ceramic shaving pedestal that allows you to sit comfortably and safe while you take care of this routine.

iPad shower curtain.

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Wouldn’t you like it if you had speakers in your bathroom and you could listen to your favorite tunes while you’re taking a shower? This is not a problem if you decide to get this musical shower curtain. It has a set of built-in speakers and a waterproof pocket where you can put your iPod/iPad, etc.Available for 45$.

Single-Handed Soap Dispenser by Joseph Joseph.

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Very simple but also very useful, this soap pump has a very nice C-shaped design, hence its name, the C-pump. It allows you to dispense the soap with the back of the hand and it has a non-slip base and a soap level indicator.Available for 15$.

Rinser toothbrush into fountain.

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I’m sure that everyone can relate to this: the moment when you’re brushing your teeth and you have to get water into your hand to rinse. It’s not exactly pleasant. So how about a toothbrush with a design that allows you to turn it into a drinking fountain?Found on site.

Gel Nose Wash Shower Dispense.

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Let’s finish with another fun gadget. This is a nose-shaped shower gel dispenser, very clever and playful. Put it on the wall and simply push whenever you need soap or shower gel. It’s also something that a good friend would appreciate as a gift.Available for 10$.