re-bath of amarillo | Kitchen & Bath in 4701 S Western St - Amarillo TX - Reviews - Photos

Read article : re-bath of amarillo | Kitchen & Bath in 4701 S Western St - Amarillo TX - Reviews - Photos

David Bitting

The firm redid our shower and sink. The stone in the shower is beautiful. The job was professionally done. The bathroom was very clean after every day of work. The courtesy of the employees is excepti…onal. I highly recommend this firm. Our family is very pleased with this job and the high quality of work. I would use this firm again. more »

The firm redid our shower and sink. The stone in the shower is beautiful. The job was professionally done. The bathroom was very clean after every day of work. The courtesy of the employees is exceptional. I highly recommend this firm. Our family is very pleased with this job and the high quality of work. I would use this firm again.

Business Response:

Hello David, We are so grateful for your feedback and 5-star review! Thank you for your kind words - it is truly wonderful to know that our efforts are paying off. We're glad that you like the stone in your shower and that you appreciate our cleanliness! It means so much to our team that you are willing to recommend our company to others! This is the highest compliment you could give our company. We are honored by your choice to do business with us and it was a pleasure to serve you! All the best, The Re-Bath Team

David Bitting

My shower was re done with natural stone. The craftsmanship is excellent. The employees are truly experts. The courtesy of the staff is outstanding. I highly recommend this firm.… more »

My shower was re done with natural stone. The craftsmanship is excellent. The employees are truly experts. The courtesy of the staff is outstanding. I highly recommend this firm.

Business Response:

Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity & we are so delighted you are happy with the results!

Shirley Bridges

We love are new shower that Re-bath did for us they are so nice and the works are so hard on what they do. Everyone are friendly and they clean up after then self every day. We can't wait for the…m to do are front bathroom and more on are master bathroom more »

We love are new shower that Re-bath did for us they are so nice and the works are so hard on what they do. Everyone are friendly and they clean up after then self every day. We can't wait for them to do are front bathroom and more on are master bathroom

Glenda Butts

I am very happy with both bathroom remodels. Everyone at Rebath from start to finish was most helpful, attentive to our needs and professional. Finished projects in a timely manner. Hope to work with…Rebath again for kitchen remodel. I would highly recommend products and services. more »

I am very happy with both bathroom remodels. Everyone at Rebath from start to finish was most helpful, attentive to our needs and professional. Finished projects in a timely manner. Hope to work with Rebath again for kitchen remodel. I would highly recommend products and services.

Business Response:

Glenda, Thank you so much for your review. We know you have many choices when it comes to remodeling and we are pleased that you trusted ReBath of Amarillo to transform your bathroom. We look forward to helping you with your kitchen remodel!!

Carl Ault

Re-Bath recently completed a remodeling of our bathrooms and kitchen. My wife and I are very pleased with the results and we would recommend Re-Bath to others who are considering having such work done… on their home. more »

Re-Bath recently completed a remodeling of our bathrooms and kitchen. My wife and I are very pleased with the results and we would recommend Re-Bath to others who are considering having such work done on their home.

Business Response:

Carl, Thank you for your review. We know you have many choices when it comes to remodeling and we are pleased that you trusted ReBath of Amarillo to transform your bathroom.

April Pollreisz

We love our new shower!!! The staff was friendly and professional through out the whole process. Our new shower is beautiful and easy to maintain. We will defiantly use Re-Bath for future projects.… more »

We love our new shower!!! The staff was friendly and professional through out the whole process. Our new shower is beautiful and easy to maintain. We will defiantly use Re-Bath for future projects.

Business Response:

Dear April, What a pleasure to read such a wonderful review on Google! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience online; it means a great deal to us. We are so glad to hear that you are enjoying your new shower! We pride ourselves on providing the highest-quality standards in the industry and are grateful for wonderful customers like you. Best wishes! The Re-Bath Team

Jim Crossman

Re-Bath came in and completely transformed our bathroom. From contacting them to completion, our project was simple, work was clean and professional. We are very pleased with the work we had done and…we definitely recommend Re-Bath for any and all work you could want done. We will definitely use them again! more »

Re-Bath came in and completely transformed our bathroom. From contacting them to completion, our project was simple, work was clean and professional. We are very pleased with the work we had done and we definitely recommend Re-Bath for any and all work you could want done. We will definitely use them again!

Business Response:

Thank you for your kind review. We appreciate your business and are pleased that you trusted ReBath of Amarillo to transform your bathroom. Enjoy!

Jeanna Miller

Final product was beautiful! Great work!… more »

Final product was beautiful! Great work!

Business Response:

Thank you for your 5-star review. We are so pleased to hear that you are happy with your final product. We know you have choices when it comes to remodeling and we appreciate your business very much!

Barbara S.

Love my bathrooms. They do an excellent job. The crew was friendly, fast, and efficient. And, the mess was cleaned up after each work day. Would highly recommend Re-Bath to all. Thank you for such a w…onderful job. more »

Love my bathrooms. They do an excellent job. The crew was friendly, fast, and efficient. And, the mess was cleaned up after each work day. Would highly recommend Re-Bath to all. Thank you for such a wonderful job.

S J.

I love my newly remodeled bathroom. Re-Bath did a floor to ceiling remodel and everything turned out great. The design process was very thorough and the installers were highly skilled. Communication w…as great and all the employees genuinely cared about our satisfaction. The Jacksons 2-4-2015 more »

I love my newly remodeled bathroom. Re-Bath did a floor to ceiling remodel and everything turned out great. The design process was very thorough and the installers were highly skilled. Communication was great and all the employees genuinely cared about our satisfaction. The Jacksons 2-4-2015

C A Haskell

Very professional and beautiful products. The crews are courteous and careful. Very satisfied.… more »

Very professional and beautiful products. The crews are courteous and careful. Very satisfied.

Tammy Benton

Great to work with, good quality of work, bend over backwards to make everything to your pleasing and work very long hours to get the job finished.… more »

Great to work with, good quality of work, bend over backwards to make everything to your pleasing and work very long hours to get the job finished.

Betty Schmidt

Our bathroom is much more attractive because of our new Re-Bath tub, surround and fixtures The people were friendly and good in working with us to achieve the look we wanted at the most reasonable pri…ce. Installation was quick, done with competency and without making a big mess. We are happy with the service and product. more »

Our bathroom is much more attractive because of our new Re-Bath tub, surround and fixtures The people were friendly and good in working with us to achieve the look we wanted at the most reasonable price. Installation was quick, done with competency and without making a big mess. We are happy with the service and product.

C Newt

From the time they walked into my home, until they were finished, I found them polite and friendly. The two installers never said a foul word, which is rare in today's world. I really appreciated… that. They gave me the feeling that should I need to leave the premise, I could and not worry about anything. They kept everything very clean as they worked and cleaned up when they left so that I had nothing to do except enjoy my new bathtub. Very efficient. I am so impressed that I am having them remodel my other bathroom.
A very pleasant experience. I would highly recommend ReBath to everyone who is planning to remodel their home. more »

From the time they walked into my home, until they were finished, I found them polite and friendly. The two installers never said a foul word, which is rare in today's world. I really appreciated that. They gave me the feeling that should I need to leave the premise, I could and not worry about anything. They kept everything very clean as they worked and cleaned up when they left so that I had nothing to do except enjoy my new bathtub. Very efficient. I am so impressed that I am having them remodel my other bathroom.
A very pleasant experience. I would highly recommend ReBath to everyone who is planning to remodel their home.

Connie Dumcum

The crew from Re-Bath were very polite and professional. They did an excellent job on my bathroom and finished in a timely manner. We love it, and the quality of materials used is exceptional in my op…inion. I would highly recommend Re-Bath of Amarillo. more »

The crew from Re-Bath were very polite and professional. They did an excellent job on my bathroom and finished in a timely manner. We love it, and the quality of materials used is exceptional in my opinion. I would highly recommend Re-Bath of Amarillo.

Jeff Spain

Nice very nice indeed!!!… more »

Nice very nice indeed!!!

Robert F.

All the employees of Re-Bath of Amarillo were friendly and professional especially Gerald the installer. I love my new shower since I am recently handicapped.… more »

All the employees of Re-Bath of Amarillo were friendly and professional especially Gerald the installer. I love my new shower since I am recently handicapped.

Jon Saunders

A shower with glass walls rocks who don't need an update… more »

A shower with glass walls rocks who don't need an update

Wiley Hicks Jr Inc

5.0★★★★★★★★★★

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Small Bathtub Designs Made For Ultimate Relaxation

Read article : Small Bathtub Designs Made For Ultimate Relaxation

A small bathtub is a nice alternative to a regular one and not only because it’d free up more space in the bathroom. These amazing soaking freestanding tubs are made for relaxation and, well, soaking. Besides you can easily turn one into a shower and use the rest of that bathroom space for washers, storage, or simply to create an airy look in an already cramped room.

Small Bathtub Designs of Every Shape

Small bathtubs come in all shapes and different sizes. They aren’t just circular or oval. There are classical claw feet freestanding tubs in minimized versions, square tubs and all kinds of forms in between.

Small Bathtub Designs Made For Ultimate Relaxation" width="900" height="900" />Cyrano Acrylic Slipper 44″ white tub

This Barclay‘s Cyrano Acrylic Slipper tub is just 44″ with the beautiful brushed nickel imperial feet and a roll top. It goes to show that even if your bathroom is tiny you can still create a vintage style interior with a classic tub that won’t take up too much space.

It is ideal for the bedroom too because you won’t end up giving too much of the floor space to the bathroom area. Even though tiny it still has the presence that people like so much about the clawfoot tubs.

Small Bathtub Designs Made For Ultimate Relaxation" width="800" height="800" />Marmorin small soaking tub

Circular shape is probably the most popular among the soaking tubs but this Marmorin Jena shoe-shaped design is all about ergonomics. It may look bigger than it really is but it’s all because of its high back that allows to really lean back and enjoy your me-time.

This form is getting more widespread but it surely requires a bit more space. Well, at least you can sit back and hide from the world behind those tall tub walls.

Small Bathtubs Made of Metal

Asti Copper Japanese soaking tub

Material is as important as the shape of a tub. Copper is a huge design trend right now and the bathtubs that are made of it can surely add some style points to a modern bathroom. This 39″ Asti Copper Japanese Soaking Tub from Signature Hardware has an amazing albeit simple design and can probably fit into the tiniest of bathrooms.

Copper is not only quite easy to clean and maintain, it is also antibacterial. It looks well as it ages and if you choose really carefully it will serve you for quite a long time. Decor tip: match copper with teal or turquoise accents for a truly stunning look.

43″ Simone Polished Stainless Steel soaking tub

Like it or not the round shape is simply the most efficient when it comes to small bathtubs. This is another one of Signature Hardware‘s mini tubs, a 43″ Simone Polished Stainless Steel Soaking Tub, stylish and very small.

It would surely fit into any small bathroom and make it look amazing. The modern stainless steel finish can go well with both traditional and ultra modern or minimalist decorating styles. It all depends on what you’re going for.

Square Freestanding Bath Tub 41' x 41' from ADM Bathroom Design" width="900" height="900" />Square Freestanding Bath Tub 41′ x 41′ from ADM Bathroom Design

Of course, if a square tub works better for your floor plan then you’re in luck because there are quite a lot of them on the market right now. For instance, this ADM Bathroom Design square tub is a perfect fit for a small bathroom, especially if you’re planning to tuck it into a corner.

Some square tubs feature a circle carved up inside of them leaving some space around the angles for storing small things like shampoos and soaps. Some even feature a mini deck with steps to make it easier to get in.

Circular Small Bathtubs

Aquatica TrueOfuro freestanding solid surface bathtub

Speaking of tall and small bathtubs, going upwards is always a valid way to economically use space regardless of the room. In a small bathroom a tall soaking tub leaves so much free space to simply move around.

Circular soaking tubs can often be quite deep and tall like the Aquatica‘s TrueOfuro freestanding tub. It is quite small but a grown adult can clearly fit in it without any problem.

Aquatica Purescape freestanding acrylic bathtub

Purescape tub from Aquatica is designed by the same principle but it has a modern look to it. It also features the decorative rings that make it look like a collapsable cup.

Speaking of which, soaking tubs often have cup-like shapes but there are other small tub designs that resemble things like bowls and even vases.

Colorful Small Bathtubs

Acrylic mini bathtub

While round tubs look more impressive in the middle of the room or beside a bed or a window, they can also quite successfully fit into a corner. This Glass Design acrylic mini tub has its back raised and while it’s circular there’s little space wasted between it and the wall.

Beside shapes, sizes and materials the color of a bathtub is a whole different factor that diversifies the choice. Surely most of them are still white on the inside but the sides come in all the different colors from red to blue to golden.

Flower style back bathtub

Another great small bathtub design from Glass Design looks more like a flower vase (perhaps hence the name) and features a black exterior but the white insides.

Sure, it may not look as convenient or practical but just look at how little floor space it occupies. You can probably stand upright inside of it, which would eliminate the need for a shower. But the question is how does one get in?

Mini Gold Leaf tub

Their Mini Gold Leaf small bathtub can really transform a tiny bathroom. Its beautiful finish would definitely make for a luxury bath interior.

Since its back is raised and a bit pointed, it too fits well into the corner. Although who would want to tuck it in there rather than placing it right in the middle of the room?

Traditional Small Bathtubs

Tubby Torre bathtub

Freestanding bathtubs are very popular right now. But if you need a mini version that would fit into a tiny bathroom the Tubby Torre from Albion Bath Co. is a perfect option.

Painted into a beautiful dark bronze the bathtub would make a gorgeous addition to any bathroom or even bedroom. It’s compact enough to leave a lot of free space in the room. And it’s beautiful enough to pass as a full-sized luxury freestanding tub.

Tubby too short roll top bathtub

Tubby Too Short is another contender for a small luxury bathroom. This mini clawfoot tub painted into bright purple really calls for a mock vintage style or maybe even shabby chic.

It is a great way to add a pop of color to a small bathroom. It both creates a focal point in the interior and requires no additional decorative accents.

Small Bathtubs Made of Marble

Papillon Bathtub in Marble Sandstone and Granite by Stone Forest

Though stone isn’t accessible to most, the bathtubs made out of it can look truly incredible. Even the small ones. Stone Forest shows what marble sandstone can do to such a mundane thing as a bathtub.

Beside the high cost natural stone requires tremendous maintenance. So if you think you want one be sure to do your homework and find out what you’re getting into before the purchase.

EAU Soaking tub

Stone Forest knows a thing or two about impressive stonework. This small bathtub was presented at ICFF and also at IDS12. It earned a 2011 BOY Merit Award from Interior Design Magazine and general media attention for its impeccable design.

Finished with a sealant (like this one), stone bathtubs require careful cleaning. If the sealant is damaged your tub could end up with stains and scratches. But even with sealant intact you still want to wipe it dry after each use. This is done to prevent mineral and soap scum buildup. Do you think you’re ready for such a commitment?

Small Bathtubs Made of Stone

GRAL tub by SIGN

The GRAL bathtub by SIGN looks like an oversized sink and while small it’s definitely a luxury tub as it was made out of a single excavated stone piece.

If you’re trying to save both space and money though you can surely find an equivalent shape among more modest modern tubs on the market.

Circular bathtub in home by Carver + Schicketanz

As we already mentioned, a small bathtub doesn’t have to only be a solution to the lack of space. In a spacious bathroom it can simply allow you to add features that aren’t fit for the other rooms.

This beautiful stone bath is doing just that in a house designed by Carver + Schicketanz. There’s plenty of space in the indoor/outdoor room with some serious furnishings that offer plenty of storage space.

SPA bathtub designed by nespoli e novara for Neutra Design" width="800" height="493" />SPA bathtub designed by nespoli e novara for Neutra Design

SPA bathtubs are definitely the ones that allow you to soak well and relax. This one was designed by nespoli e novara for Neutra Design and it surely looks relaxing. Available in a range of various stones including moonstone and granite it makes for a luxury addition to a small bathroom.

While you may think it’s not as versatile a small bathtub can double as a shower or even a whirl tub.  So even those who lack space can enjoy a piece of their favorite SPA right at home.

Small Bathtubs in Interior Design

JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction" width="800" height="530" />Designed by JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction

Think small bathtubs can’t look impressive? Then you didn’t see this bathroom designed by JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction. Featuring a built-in round bathtub with a marble ring and a waterfall tap this interior is out of this world.

Of course, the glazed walls and a marble fireplace add considerably to the interior design. But you can’t deny that you’ve never seen a tub like this one before.

Master bathroom with a coffee cup bathtub

Another bathtub you may have never seen before is this coffee cup-shaped bathtub complemented with a themed feature wall. It’s cute but nevertheless impressive. A cleverly incorporated mirror makes the small room feel more spacious.

And still there’s plenty of space for storage, toilet, bidet and a sink with a vanity. What an incredible idea and execution!

Teal bathroom with a small freestanding tub

As you can see even a simple small bathtub can look impressive when it’s a bowl-shaped freestanding design accented with bright teal tiles as a backdrop for a pristine white vessel.

Bubble pendant lights play into the picture full of circular shapes. And a wooden ladder that may look a bit out of place adds its own charm to the look.

Bedroom/bathroom by Finnis Architects

This is a great example of how you can combine the bedroom and bathroom by Finnis Architects. A small bathtub doesn’t get in the way and a half wall gives it a bit of privacy.

There are quite a few challenges when it comes to moving a bathtub into the bedroom but in the end of the day the look is definitely worth it.

Small Built-In Bathtubs

Sunken Concrete Bathtub by Lance Workshop" width="800" height="1067" />Sunken Concrete Bathtub by Lance Workshop

A small bathtub doesn’t have to be freestanding of course. If you need or want to build it into the floor or between the walls you can do that especially in a particularly tight room.

This pulley shower system by Lance Workshop features a sunken concrete bathtub that can easily provide residents with both quick morning showers and the prolonged relaxing bathing sessions.

Michaela Scherrer tiny spa bath

In Michaela Scherrer‘s Pasadena bungalow the concrete SPA bathtub features a partially hidden shower and thick enough borders to keep the appropriate toiletries within a hand’s reach.

As you can see you don’t need a fancy tub or tiles to create your own SPA bath. The white plastered walls and grey concrete work quite nicely together making for a very modern minimal look.

Small bathtub in an Oriental Warehouse Loft

Wood is another material on the rise in the bathtub design. Wooden tubs like this one in the Oriental Warehouse are too high-maintenance but they provide the bathroom with an unparalleled look and feel.

Since they too feature a sealant, cleaning and maintenance should be directed at keeping it intact so the water wouldn’t harm the wood.

A small bathtub is not only space-efficient but can also help to create an amazing bathroom interior design. Besides it can also double as a shower or a hot tub. It can look impressive especially if made out of stone and the downsized traditional versions can allow you to have a vintage or traditional look without requiring much space.

Rustic Bath | Industrial Design

Read article : Rustic Bath | Industrial Design

A few days ago, I was emailed a picture of a fantastic bathroom design. The look was equal parts rustic and industrial, and the best part for me was that it was so unlike anything you’d see in a showroom, you just know whoever owns that bath put their heart and soul into creating it.

And to my mind, that’s how home design should be: when people make something that is so perfect for their home and their life that it just isn’t important whether it would translate into someone else’s home or be a commercial success – because it’s the right design, for the right place, at the right time, and that’s all that matters.

Even though this particular fusion of rustic and industrial is unlikely to cross into the design of mainstream bathroom suite, however, you can see some common themes emerging.

Light and space. This is most apparent in the shower area, but the thing that struck me was the way the mirror over the basin contrasts with the chunky, dark wood used in this section of the room. By reflecting smaller details from the opposite side of the room and bouncing light from outside, the mirror really breaks up a surface that could be a little too domineering otherwise. When you’re planning a bathroom, think about where you can add a mirror to get the maximum effect from it, whether you’re reflecting light from a window or an interesting design detail within the room.

Appropriate storage. In this bathroom, they’ve created all kinds of really handy bespoke shelving and added a couple of hooks and a little storage ‘well’ to make their bathroom work for them. Ensuring that a room will work in practice is vital – there’s little point in having a beautiful bathroom that becomes a battleground because everything’s in the wrong place!

Bringing the outside in. You’re not going to get an indoor shower area that’s closer to nature than this one. Ok, so this much glass right next to a shower is extreme and for most of us it will be impractical (I don’t want my neighbours to get to know me that well!) – but you can use the idea. Creating a walk in shower area defined by walls of glass bricks will allow plenty of light to filter through without compromising on privacy; adding natural materials such as plenty of wood or real stone tiles helps to connect the space back to nature. Try using details such as waterfall taps or bamboo print wallpaper elsewhere in the room to extend your subtle tribute to the outdoors.

Working with your environment. This a bathroom for a warm climate: the concrete floor, the single glazed glass, the lack of any visible form of heating… If you live in a cold area, make your bathroom feel snug, warm and inviting through use of softer textures and warm colours.

As I was thinking about all of this, I got to wondering how many design trends there are that we know look great, but that we’re a bit too intimidated by to actually tackle them alone, in our own homes. So next week, inspired by this picture, I’m going to take a closer look at rustic bathroom design…

Photos via Houzz.

Tags:
Rustic Bath | Industrial Design | Bathroom
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24 Hours in Bath, England - with Kids

Read article : 24 Hours in Bath, England - with Kids

Writer, New Yorker, traveling mom and The Vacation Gals contributor Holly Rosen Fink recently visited Bath, England, with her family in tow. Here’s her report:

On a visit to the UK with my family that spanned quite a number of miles, there was one particular city I looked most forward to visiting: Bath. Full of nostalgia for a visit taken there in my 20’s many years ago, I had vivid memories of standing on Georgian terraces, eyeballing breathtaking architecture, taking a ride on the city’s canals, drinking cream tea, retracing Jane Austen’s steps and visiting Roman baths.

Ancient Roman baths

The rub? We only had 24 hours and our time was limited. So, I had questions. Would Bath live up to my expectations? With my family in tow, two pre-teens, would I be able to take in the history and beauty of a city so beloved and so full of historic buildings that it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

How to Spend a Day in Bath, England

Bath is the perfect city to explore by foot. It’s also one of the most beautiful cities you will visit. There is a picturesque bridge in the center of town, lined with views of scenery out of a storybook. There are parks lining the river that overlooks the Pulteney Bridge, covered with boutiques and art galleries.

But we had kids in tow, ages 11 and 13, who can can do their fair share of complaining, so we opted for The City Sightseeing Bus Tour, a good option for a hop on, hop off tour. We planned the day carefully and first hopped off at the Roman Baths, a preserved Roman bath constructed around 70 A.D. The audio tour helped hold my youngest son’s attention. It’s included in the admission charge and features snippets of dialogue by the great travel writer Bill Bryson. The displays do a wonderful job of explaining the history of Bath, the Roman occupation, the significance behind all the artifacts, and the excavation process.

Afterwards, we nipped into Bath Abbey, an Anglican place of worship (and a former Benedictine monastery) for more than 1,000 years, with stained glass windows and majestic stone columns where famed philosopher Thomas Malthus is entombed.

For lunch, we headed to Sally Lunn’s Tearoom, a quaint café decked out in Victorian décor, known for its scones, but they also make a mean cottage pie or lamb and beef pastie. The house is one of the city’s oldest edifices and also contains a museum. After lunch, we hopped on a canal ride to explore the city via the Kennet & Avon waterways. This was a great way for kids to wind down, and the guides gave a good amount of history about the city so my husband and I were entertained, too.

Scene from a Bath canal ride

After the boat ride, it was time to take in a few of the museums Bath has to offer. The Museum of Bath Architecture offers a look at the architectural influences and history of the town’s transformation from provincial town to a world famous one full of classical designs, and its position in the Royal Circus gave us time to gape at some of the most fantastic architecture any of us had ever seen.

Then we stopped by the Victoria Art Gallery, which is free to get into and features historical and contemporary European and British artworks, as well as the Royal Crescent, a Georgian town house built in the 1700’s, where we saw what life was like inside these iconic buildings for wealthy families and their servants during the eighteenth century. From the bus we managed to get a glimpse of a number of hot air balloons launching nearby in Royal Victoria Park, which was quite a spectacle.

Since we had limited time, I chose the next two museums carefully. We spent the latter half of the day at Fashion Museum Bath, a collection of 30,000 items of historical and contemporary dress, with 150 dressed figures representing the changing styles and fashionable trends from the 16^th century to the present day. My 13-year old daughter particularly enjoyed this museum experience and once again, the audio tour was a necessity.

Victorian fashions on display in Bath.

We ended the day at the Jane Austen Centre, where we learned about Austen’s life in Bath and the impact the town had on her writing. A costumed tour guide gave us an introduction and we watched a video about her life and career, which left me wanting to re-read all of her novels and go back to Bath for its annual Jane Austen Festival. The museum itself is very informational and very thorough, so if you’re a Jane Austen fan, you’ll be pleased.

Bath is one of the UK’s most beautiful cities, and I feel privileged to have spent a day showing it to my kids, on whom I hope it left a lasting impression.

Tips for your day in Bath:

• There are several free walking tours of Bath. The Mayor of Bath’s Corps of Honorary Guidesoffers guided two-hour walks, which are very positively reviewed. You can also download audio walking tours of Jane Austen’s Bath and the city’s highlights from the Vist Bath website.
• Bring a good camera. The city will demand a photo tour of your visit.
• Request audio tours to keep the kids entertained in museums.
• Museums can be pricey, so ask for Family Saver Tickets or for child’s priced tickets.

Holly Rosen Fink is passionate about culture and travel. She’s the founder of The Culture Mom and has contributed to Findery, MiniTime, Ciao Bambino, Family Vacation Critic, Go Girlfriend, CBS.com, Savvy Source and has been featured on Huffington Post, Yahoo Travel, Parade and other travel websites. Disclosure: Holly partnered with Visit Bath on this story and received complimentary admission to many of the sites mentioned above. However, all opinions are her own. Top three photos by Holly Rosen Fink; photo below by Ted Rosen, sxc.hu.

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Today's new homes feature an owner's retreat

Read article : Today's new homes feature an owner's retreat

Master suites get royal treatment in today's new homes.

Once a utilitarian room in the house, the owners' bedroom was simply a place to sleep. Only in the past 25 years has the master suite been a common feature in new-home building.

Today the master suite is plush, comfortable and full of luxury. It is often comprised of a good-sized bedroom, his-and-hers closets and a spalike bath. And if homeowners desire, the suite can include all the amenities of a five-star hotel.

If early morning coffee is a must -- voila -- a coffee bar can be installed. Or if relaxing before bed is your style, a lounge chair can be delivered. Whatever your desire, the master suite -- a haven within your home -- can indulge your senses.

"Today, most of our clients want what we now call the "owners' suite," a large bedroom, one or two walk-in closets and a bath with dual vanities, soaker tub and separate shower," said Ray Blankenship, area vice president for K. Hovnanian Homes.

To complement the suite, a soft color palette of cool pastels creates a relaxing, welcoming ambience. And ambience is an important part of the suite package.

That ambience comes in many forms. At Hovnanian's new Regency model, the designer creates a dramatic look in the bedroom with a coffered ceiling and a beautiful chandelier, which give the appearance of largeness and draws the eye upward.

In its Auburn model, Modern Homes Inc. shows a backlit tray ceiling that sets the mood in the sleeping area along with soothing colors and luxurious fabrics.

To enhance the bedroom space, a lot of KLM Builders' buyers do some sort of volume -- tiered or tray -- ceiling, said Kim Meier, president of the company.

KLM Builders also features beautiful silk fabric draperies and bed covers in its model homes. A four-poster bed covered with luscious soft peach silks and an array of beautiful pillows beckons homeowners in the decorated Sonoma model.

Many builders feature lots of glass in the bedroom area with picturesque views of the outside.

"We place the master in the back of the house, and always use a lot of glass with triple views of the outdoors," Meier said. "People have more privacy, and they're looking at trees or a natural wooded setting, and they really like that."

Beth Van Dyke, sales manager for Modern Hones, says buyers are no longer looking for a huge oversized master, but a more moderate-sized space outfitted with large walk-in closets with organizers.

"Big walk-in closets are very popular with all our masters," Meier said. "But the room is still a pretty good size. We haven't shrunk our masters, and there is room to put in a chair or two."

Furnishings also contribute to a room's ambience and provide the comfort and convenience homebuyers desire. For example, The Regency model shows a touch of glamour in its master bedroom with a white love seat at the foot of the bed.

"We wanted to illustrate how people can enjoy the serenity of reading a book or watching a movie in their space," Blankenship said.

Of course, no master suite is complete without a luxury bath where homeowners can start and end each day with a little pampering using fluffy towels, pretty soaps, scented oils, lotions and candles.

People like windows or skylights in the bathroom to let in the natural light, and these features are very popular, Meier said. Builders use lighting to create a relaxing mood and comfortable ambience in the bath, making the room as bright or intimate as clients wish. A chandelier adds a touch of elegance, while recessed lighting distributes the light more evenly.

Will a custom walk-in shower be the centerpiece of the master bath? Yes, it's a new trend some builders say, including Van Dyke.

People have no desire for whirlpools anymore, and some people are replacing the whirlpool that no one uses with an oversized shower with nice benches, ceramic floor and niches for bath essentials, Van Dyke said.

"We're doing a lot of master suite remodels where people are ripping out the whirlpool tubs and using the space for the larger showers. We just completed a very sleek master bath that has white marble in the entire bathroom and only (no tub) the deluxe shower."

"Although the whirlpool is going out, most of our buyers opt for a soaking tub, and they still want the tub and shower," Meier said. The Brentwood model illustrates how inviting a corner soaker tub is with a canopy feel, candles on the ledge and windows above.

Blankenship says they too are doing the soaker tub and separate walk-in shower in their master baths and haven't seen the new trend yet.

Tile in master baths is still a popular feature with ceramic or porcelain on the floors, around soaking tubs, showers and backsplashes. A newer item is glass mosaics that can be used alone or with the more traditional tiles.

"We use ceramic and porcelain tiles in our master baths," Meier said. "We offer so many beautiful porcelain tiles, which are harder than ceramic and look like real stone."

Some builders have banned the toilet from the main bath, placing it in a separate room or using a half wall to separate it from the rest of the room. "We're still doing the compartmentalized toilet," Meier said.

When it comes to the vanity area, single sinks are out, and his-and-hers vanities are in. What a great feature to ease the morning rush. Many builders split his and hers into completely separate countertops, sinks and storage.

Yes, storage. The master bath has not escaped the growing storage movement, and often the basic cabinet under the sink is not adequate for today's buyers.

"People want a lot of space for storage, such as a large linen closet in the bathroom," Van Dyke said.

Cabinetry might also include sets of small drawers, corner cabinets or tall, narrow cabinets on either side of a long single countertop.

Waterworks expert on bath design

Read article : Waterworks expert on bath design

When it comes to changing a room’s design – especially if the space is long overdue for an aesthetic makeover – it can be easy to get excited and jump feet first into the project. But in a bathroom, where fixtures and materials are expensive to change, going into the overhaul without a meticulous plan might not be the wisest decision.

Perhaps no one knows this better than Barbara Sallick, co-founder and senior vice president of Waterworks, who has spent more than four decades in the bathroom design industry. Sallick has distilled all of her knowledge into an artful new book, “The Perfect Bath,” which touches on every possible facet of designing a dream bathroom. From planning to selecting the perfect materials and enlisting the help of a design professional, Sallick arms the reader with her trusted tips and steps through a diverse and breathtaking array of beautifully appointed bathrooms.

We asked Sallick for some key pointers to keep in mind when designing a bathroom.

Q. Designing – or redesigning – a bathroom is a big undertaking. Where do you start?

A. First, imagine the type of space and experience you seek and plan it deliberately. Consider the colors and trends that continually resonate with you and collect tear sheets of images that most closely represent the experience you are trying to create. Next, I always recommend mapping out your daily rituals so the bath is fluid and cohesive to fit your lifestyle. Towels and toiletries should be within arm’s reach, shampoos and soaps should have a home so they’re neatly placed in the shower, and install good, flattering light for applying makeup.

Q.What’s a common mistake?

A. Certain seemingly small things that often get overlooked are quite important – for instance, leaving space for the proper placement of towel bars or hooks. Before selecting shower valves and shower heads, consider the flow of water into the apartment or home. Make sure you’re placing your valves in the right place; installing them in too deep will leave you cold and wet. This is when an experienced design professional can help you find the appropriate products and avoid some of the pitfalls.

Q. A bathroom renovation is a big and often expensive project. What are some of the materials that will stand the test of time and keep the space looking stylish years later?

A. Classic white subway tile in the bath is always timeless and also beautiful and can be updated again and again simply by changing the surrounding accessories. My personal preference? Ceramic, handmade tiles. For the floors, selecting a large stone, avoiding 12-by-12 tile … a small mosaic is always a classic look. Most importantly, make sure everything is properly installed.

Q. In all your years of designing bathrooms, what has been the most popular color with clients?

A. My love of white baths has been contagious. White has infinite range, depth and shading points.

Q. What feature or material is always worth splurging on?

Invest in a beautiful floor. The bath often has a small surface area, so a high-quality floor is achievable at a range of budgets. Quality bath fittings and fixtures are essential, in part because they are often the most costly to fix should something go wrong.

Q. What trends are you seeing take shape that will likely hold steady over the next several months?

I am not crazy about trends in the bath. It’s a space you don’t often completely gut renovate because it takes a lot of time and can be very costly. I believe in installing classic fixtures and fittings and then playing with trends through accessories, art, paint and towels or bathmats. But if there is a trend, right now it’s all about gray.

Q. What’s on its way out?

A. Whirlpool baths. At one point, every renovation had one. However, this is a waning fad.

Q. What’s the best way for clients to express their vision to a designer?

A. You can start by studying your closet to identify the colors and trends you tend to repeat, collecting tear sheets and then sifting through them for the images that most closely represent the experience you are trying to re-create. Make sure to edit yourself before meeting with the designer. Curate your choices.

Q. What does your dream bathroom look like?

A. My idea of the dream bath, for anyone, should be that it aligns with the design of your home. Make sure it’s classic, timeless and refined. The installation should be meticulous.

Q. Favorite paint colors?

A. Farrow & Ball is my go-to brand. I love their paint pots and the quality of the paint – I have at least 20 in my basement. I have used many F&B colors but my favorite is All White. It is what I call a warm neutral, and is a great bridge between all of the tile and marble and the white of the sinks and water closets. My second favorite is Plummett. It’s dark and adds drama to the bath.

Q. Most overlooked feature?

A. Heated floors.

Orchard House, Tisbury Road, Fovant, Salisbury - 4 bed - Guide Price £750,000 - Humberts

Read article : Orchard House, Tisbury Road, Fovant, Salisbury - 4 bed - Guide Price £750,000 - Humberts

Bedrooms: 4

A traditional four bedroom stone village house offering fantastic accommodation with superb character and excellent proportions. Enjoying a delightful setting, with about an acre of gardens, ample parking, oak, double open bay garage and workshop.

Beautiful period house

Character 4 bedroom accommodation

Spacious and light interior

Oak open bay garage and workshop

Well maintained gardens and grounds

Charming streamside setting

In all about one acre

Orchard house is without doubt a perfect example of a traditional stone village house with beautiful mellow elevations and slate roof combining to create a classic façade. Add to this the prettiness factor of the setting, a small brook with bridge and rose covered arch to the front door and extensive, well established gardens and the property easily becomes one of the most desirable in the village.

The character continues to the interior, with much of the original stone exposed, along with beamed ceilings, latch doors and wonderful Inglenook fireplaces. ensuring that the house retains a lovely period feel. Offering superb entertaining space, the accommodation has a pleasing, sociable layout with spacious light rooms that flow from the central reception hall.

Beautifully presented in a relaxed, faintly contemporary country style that allows the features of the house to speak for themselves, complemented by the addition of oak floors, updated bath and shower rooms and a Rupert Williamson bespoke kitchen.

An impressive Inglenook fireplace with fitted woodburner, and original bread oven provides the most inviting welcome in the large Reception Hall, with the inner hall offering excellent fitted storage and cloakroom.

The Drawing Room is beautifully light, rising to full height with attractive beamed ceiling and double, glazed doors opening to the garden, making it a wonderful space in which to entertain in the summer with direct access to the paved terrace. A separate, generous Sitting Room with stone walls and further Inglenook fireplace creates a comfortable place in which to relax and retreat to in the winter months.

Opening from the Reception Hall, the exceptional Kitchen/Dining Room runs along the back of the house, with a bank of windows overlooking the garden and doors to a secluded courtyard. Hand fitted with a limed wood kitchen under granite worksurfaces, and carefully laid out to provide room for a substantial table and chairs as well as sofas and seats, the room forms the hub of this lovely family house. A separate Utility Room offers further storage and appliance space.

On the first floor the Master Bedroom enjoys lovely views of the garden, has built-in wardrobe cupboards and an en suite bathroom with modern suite including vanity unit and matching storage. Bedroom 2 has a large walk-in wardrobe and there are two further bedrooms and separate shower room.

OUTSIDE

A gravelled entrance drive provides ample private parking and leads to the oak, open fronted double bay garage with attached workshop with power connected.

The Gardens are extensive and well maintained, bounded by clipped hedging and with a paved terrace close to the house. Raised stone borders filled with herbaceous planting flank steps up to spacious lawns, with a curving gravelled path leading the eye up through the garden, interspersed with many specimen and ornamental trees providing height and interest and including a lovely mature walnut tree. A clipped Yew hedge, bisects the lawn and at the top of the plot there are some lovely village-scape views to be enjoyed; the lawns giving way to naturalistic planting for ease of maintenance and including a carpet of spring bulbs and flowers, plus orchard with fruit trees and soft fruit cage.

SITUATION

Set in the sought after village of Fovant in the heart of the rolling countryside of the Nadder Valley. The thriving community of Fovant offers a good local shop, post office, inn, doctors' surgery and church whilst Tisbury, approximately 3½ miles, has everyday shopping facilities, schools and a main line railway station for London Waterloo and the West Country.

Fovant is approximately mid-way between the hilltop market town of Shaftesbury and the Cathedral City of Salisbury with their more comprehensive shopping, educational, arts and recreational amenities. The area offers a variety of rural pursuits including walking, cycling and riding.

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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