One of the great things about living in today’s world is that innovations seem to come at a dizzying pace. The field of medicine is one prime example, such as stents first being used in 1986 to treat heart attack patients. (1) Surgeries that used to require a large cut in the patient’s body can now be handled through a small incision, allowing instruments to be inserted and controlled via wires. Not every innovation has to be earth-shattering. There are lots of new technologies that allow you to enjoy greater comfort in your home like windows designed to keep out heat. One area of the house that has seen some technological changes over the last few years is the bathroom, especially in regards to fixtures. The design experts at All About Bathrooms and More have some suggestions to help expand your horizons when it comes time for a bathroom remodeling project.

It should be noted that the latest and greatest bathroom features do tend to cost more than the old faucet and light fixtures you grew up with, but the benefit is greater luxury and expanded use. Creating and sticking with a budget for a bathroom remodeling project is important. In fact, the percentage of homeowners likely to set a budget for remodeling increased by 12% from 2015 to 2017. (2) The good news is that there is something for every price range, and All About Bathrooms and More can help you find some truly innovative fixtures that will fit your budget.

Lights

Lights now come in all shapes and sizes for your bathroom. One intriguing piece is the eFinity Lighted Mirror. While serving as a great mirror to shave and brush your teeth in front of, the eFinity Lighted Mirror also features four strips of LED lights on the mirror itself just inside the borders. The frosted lights are perfect for the bathroom. There’s also a version that features a Bluetooth speaker system that allows you to listen to your favorite tunes as you’re getting ready in the morning.

Another interesting light fixture is the Uplift Sconce, which is a cylindrical glass light that sits a few inches out from the wall. The Uplift Sconce is stylish and modern, but homeowners with small children will love another key feature of the light. There’s a slim night light on top of each cylinder that can be controlled separately.

An innovative light fixture that the designers at All About Bathrooms and More love is the LightDisc 40 Indoor/Outdoor Light. The LightDisc 40 is a slim circle of polycarbonate that emits a surprising amount of light. This is a very versatile light as it can be placed on walls or ceilings, and there is a suspended version as well. It is also waterproof, allowing it to be placed in the shower.

Photo courtesy of HOUZZ.

Faucets

There is a staggering amount of options now available when it comes to upgrading faucets during a bathroom remodeling project. A chic choice is a faucet that boasts a D-shaped spout, such as Moen’s Doux Chrome One-Handle High Arc Bathroom Faucet. The D-shaped spout releases the water in a thin, silky ribbon. Faucets with waterfall spouts also release water in such a way and add a touch of class to any decor.

Touchless faucets are becoming increasingly popular. The sensor in such faucets detect hand movement and automatically begin dispensing water. In this time of COVID-19 worries, not having to physically touch a faucet to wash your hands is a tremendous boon. Another benefit is that parents don’t have to worry about kids leaving the tap open. Once the little tykes are done cleaning and move away, the faucet will turn itself off. There are many different touchless faucets to choose from, including ones with a waterfall spout.

Style meets functionality in LED faucets. These faucets add some bright color to the bathroom via their LED lights when the faucet is turned on. Some models can even change from one color to another. The best part of such faucets is that they come in a wide variety of styles. You can find LED faucets that are touchless, feature waterfall spouts, or come in a standard arch configuration.

When it comes to innovative new fixtures for your bathroom remodeling project, the sky is the limit. You don’t have to use the same old faucets and lights found in your parents’ and grandparents’ homes.  If you have any questions on how to upgrade your bathroom, feel free to give us a call today at 720-524-7546.

References:

1) https://www.sj-r.com/article/20140225/BLOGS/140229561

2) https://paintersinbergencountynj.com/home-renovation/21-home-renovation-statistics-and-trends/

How to Properly Clean Your Bathroom and Kitchen for Coronavirus

The world is currently in the grip of a massive pandemic. Coronavirus has spread across the world, disrupting economies and the daily lives of hundreds of millions of people. Over one million cases have been reported worldwide with roughly 53,000 deaths so far. (1) The likelihood that such numbers are actually higher is pretty strong as a number of countries have had their official tallies labeled suspect. However, the reality is that millions of people are now being ordered to stay at home, including most people in Colorado, and there is a healthy concern about how best to protect oneself and one’s family. (2) Besides wearing masks and limiting your exposure, another method of protection is to thoroughly clean your home. All About Bathrooms and More wishes to offer some useful cleaning suggestions to help keep you and your loved ones safe during this difficult time.

Our cleaning suggestions will focus on the bathroom and kitchen, the two rooms most commonly used on a daily basis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a number of recommendations on how best to use cleanliness to fight against COVID-19. The first suggestion is to always wear disposable gloves when cleaning. If you use reusable gloves, then make sure they’re only used for cleaning and disinfecting the bathroom and kitchen. Always thoroughly wash your hands after removing the gloves.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

There are two stages to properly scrubbing your bathroom and kitchen against coronavirus: cleaning and then disinfecting. When it comes to cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, high-touch surfaces should have priority. This means doorknobs, light switches, toilets, sinks, handles, chairs, and so on.

Begin by using soap and water to wash all non-porous areas. This includes items like countertops, floors, stove, microwave, sinks, shower doors, and cabinet handles. Wash each area thoroughly. Once you have washed the various items in your kitchen and bathroom, it is time to disinfect.

For non-porous items, like a curtain for your kitchen window, you should use an appropriate cleaner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The items should then be laundered in the warmest appropriate water.

After washing the non-porous surfaces, the CDC recommends using disinfectants approved by the EPA that are effective against COVID-19, such as TNT from Clorox and Lysol Bathroom Cleaner from Reckitt Benckiser LLC. (You can find a full list of approved items here. LINK!!!) However, if you don’t have such a disinfectant, you can use bleach instead.

The CDC recommends using a bleach solution of 1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water. Conversely, you can use 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water if you’re only disinfecting a small area. (3) You can also use alcohol solutions that are at least 70% alcohol. Make sure to leave the disinfecting solution in place for at least one minute. If you’re using bleach, always remember to never mix it with ammonia or any other cleaner. Another thing to remember is to ensure you have adequate ventilation while disinfecting your bathroom and kitchen.

What If Someone in Your Home Has COVID-19?

Cleaning takes on a new priority if someone in your household is infected with coronavirus. The best scenario is for that person to have their own bathroom and to stay in their own room until the virus passes. If an infected person has their own bathroom, then it should be cleaned and disinfected whenever needed, such as a surface becoming dirty.

However, if an infected person has to share the bathroom with others, then it should be cleaned and disinfected after they use it, every time. All About Bathrooms and More understands that this will require a great deal of supplies and time but keeping one’s home as safe as possible is paramount. The CDC says that if it is impossible to clean the bathroom every time after an infected person uses it, then a non-infected person should wait as long as it is practical to clean and disinfect the bathroom.

We hope these cleaning and disinfecting suggestions will help keep you and your family safe. All About Bathrooms and More understands that this is a trying time for everybody, and we heartily recommend following the instructions given by the CDC.

References:

1) https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

2) https://covid19.colorado.gov/stay-home-except-essential-needs

3) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html

LINK:

https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

One of the most common rooms to remodel in the home is the bathroom. In 2017, the guest bathroom accounted for 27% of all home remodeling projects while the master bathroom accounted for 24%. Only the kitchen, sitting at 31%, gathered more attention by homeowners when it came to remodeling. (1) However, remodeling a bathroom can get pretty expensive. A study by Remodeling Magazine in 2019 found that the average cost of a bathroom remodeling project for small and mid-range projects came to $20,420 on a national level. (2) However, there’s no need to panic as the design experts at All About Bathrooms and More can offer a number of tips on how to update your tired old bathroom in an inexpensive manner.

Use Materials That Look Expensive but Are Not

You can make your bathroom look like a million bucks without spending that amount of cash. Perhaps you really like the look of wooden planks for the floor. An inexpensive alternative is to put down vinyl flooring that replicates the look of wooden planks. Not only is this option far cheaper, but it also looks really good. The same can be done for countertops. Instead of buying an expensive granite countertop, choose a less expensive laminate or quartz countertop instead. You can also buy a granite countertop that has some flaws in it as they are cheaper than standard granite countertops. If the flaw is masked by the sink’s location, all the better.

Recycle

A popular choice when doing a bathroom remodeling project is to use an old dresser as a sink pedestal. A lot of retail stores sell such dressers but at a hefty price. You can save a lot of money by using one of your own dressers or picking one up cheap on Craigslist or at a yard sale. An old dresser can be made to sparkle by sanding it down, cleaning it up, and applying a new coat of paint or stain. You can cut out the spot for the sink and for the plumbing in the back just by doing a few measurements. A little time and effort can result in a true conversation piece.

Go Easy on the Tile

Another tip on how to spruce up your bathroom without going bankrupt is to not go crazy with the tile. The reality is that tile can be quite expensive. If you want some tile, then just put in a row or two on the wall or put it only in a high-traffic spot, such as the floor. You can use some expensive tiles as accent pieces and surround them with cheaper tile. Such an arrangement will cause expensive tiles to draw all the attention.

Paint Is Your Friend

Probably the cheapest way to update your bathroom is to paint it. Paint is far, far cheaper than tile or specialty woods. A new color or two can make a huge difference in how a bathroom looks. However, you should use a high quality paint with a satin finish due to the moisture found in bathrooms. Besides painting, another great option for giving an old bathroom an entirely new look is wallpaper. There are thousands of different designs to choose from that can add a touch of elegance for pennies on the dollar.

Update Your Fixtures

Another great suggestion on how to update your bathroom without breaking the bank is to update the fixtures. Instead of putting in a new shower, adding tile everywhere, and having a shiny new granite countertop put into place, you can radically change the look of your bathroom by simply replacing the faucets, drawer handles towel racks, and light fixtures. Such items are not that expensive, but putting in new fixtures can really make a bathroom pop with freshness. The best part is that there is a staggering array of choices to choose from when picking out new fixtures.

As you can see, there are a number of ways that you can make your bathroom feel new again without having to spend a fortune. If you have any questions about sprucing up your bathroom, feel free to contact us today.

References:

1) https://paintersinbergencountynj.com/home-renovation/21-home-renovation-statistics-and-trends/

2) https://www.bankrate.com/loans/home-improvement/bathroom-remodel/

One housing trend that has increased dramatically over the last twenty years is the man cave. This term came into being in the 1992 book Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus by John Gray. (1) While it is often said that a man’s home is his castle, the reality is that the wife usually makes the majority of decorating decisions. The increasing size of houses, coupled with the falling amount of men-only clubs and organizations, has led many men to take a room in their house and stake a claim to it. However, not every man cave is equal. Here are some tips on building the perfect man cave.

What men want from their man cave can vary by age. Baby boomers list having a fully stocked bar as their most important feature. By contrast, millennials list having a game system as their must-have in their man cave. Generation X wants multiple TVs. (2) No matter what your age is, the design experts at All About Bathrooms and More can help you create your perfect masculine refuge.

Having multiple TVs in a man cave is a must. This allows you and your friends to have several games on at once to keep up with all the action. For watching movies, a projection TV is a tremendous choice. A projection TV allows the man cave to be transformed into a home theater, and the screen can be kept rolled up when not in use, allowing the wall behind it to be used for hanging posters, jerseys, or dartboards. Plus, projection TVs are less expensive than a huge TV. (3) Seating is important in the man cave, so comfortable recliners with built-in cup holders are a great choice. Nothing beats sitting back and having a cold one while watching an action movie or a game with your friends.

Another aspect of building the perfect man cave is entertainment. If you’re into video games, then including a gaming system or two is a must. Wireless controllers allow everyone to get into the action with ease, but you should also have a charging station in the man cave to recharge the controllers or the batteries they may use. Putting in an arcade video game cabinet is a great way to enhance the man cave. There are multiple companies that sell cabinets that include dozens of arcade classics like Galaga and Pac-Man. A pool table is always a solid choice if you have the room. You can add versatility to the pool table by choosing one that has a tabletop cover so that the pool table can serve as a card/gaming table as well.

Having drinks on hand is another feature of the perfect man cave. The size of the bar counter will depend upon the size of the room. A Murphy bar is great for smaller man caves as it can be folded up after use. Another option for smaller man caves is a multiple liquor dispenser, such as a bar caddy that holds four to six bottles of liquor or an electric dispenser that attaches to multiple bottles. The bar itself can vary by the taste of the owner. You can have a full-size pub-style bar counter put in if you’re into a classic look. Another idea is to convert a truck bed into a bar. Naturally, one needs a refrigerator, mini or full size, to hold plenty of soda and beer.

An adjoining bathroom is an important feature of the perfect man cave. Having facilities close at hand means you don’t have to run far away when the need arises. Plus, you won’t get waylaid by your significant other or children if you have to go. There are some ways to spruce a bathroom up to make it part of the man cave experience, such as having a urinal made out of an old beer keg or the sink made out of a whiskey barrel.

Flooring is an important consideration when making the perfect man cave. Tile is a far better choice than carpet as it is easy to clean and there’s no worry about spilled drinks or food. Tiles come in many shapes, colors, and themes. If you’re into football, you can lay tiles down to recreate a football field. As for lighting, fluorescent is a bad choice as it is glaring. Go with warmer lights, specifically lights that can be dimmed. This allows you to make the lighting more comfortable when playing video games or watching a movie on your big screen.

Lastly, making the perfect man cave means making sure it reflects your interest. Putting up framed jerseys and pictures of your athletic heroes is what you should do if sports is your passion. Big into Star Wars? Then get a life-size R2-D2 cooler, framed posters of the movies, and have shelves full of Star Wars action figures for your man cave. If you’re a racing fan, decorate your room like the Daytona International Speedway and place racing helmets and NASCAR collectible cars around the room. Remember, your man cave is your masculine refuge from the stress and worries of the world.

There are lots of ways for you to build your perfect man cave. If you have any questions on how to make one of your own or enhance the one you currently have, feel free to contact us today.

References:

1) https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/how-the-man-cave-took-over-americas-basements

2) https://brobible.com/culture/article/survey-men-features-perfect-man-cave/

3) https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/projectors-vs-tvs/

The world is changing. We’re beginning to realize that our actions affect those around us and that while we’ve become accustomed to the conveniences that the modern world offers, we still need to be cognizant of its effect on the environment.

We could start by making a few small changes in our daily lives, which include creating a more energy-efficient home. Not only will this benefit our world, but it will also have a positive effect on our pockets.

Decrease your water usage

Thankfully, this doesn’t mean that you need to convert to a shower-once-a-week lifestyle. It actually means swapping out your current fixtures, like faucets and showerheads, for more water-efficient options.

You can even change your toilet system to use less water than your current model.

Take care with your thermostat

This means lowering the temperature while you’re not home during the day or at night while you’re sleeping. There are even programmable thermostats available to take out the hassle of doing this manually.

Seal your windows

This is done through the process of caulking. Essentially, it means sealing off any gaps between your window and the frame. You won’t have to worry about cold air getting inside during winter and cool air-conditioned air escaping in summer.

Wash with cold water

We don’t mean taking a cold shower every day. We’re actually referring to your washing machine.

Switching from hot water to cold water will really make a difference in your energy consumption. Just make sure that you use a suitable detergent.

As a side note, a lot of manufacturers are producing energy-efficient appliances such as dishwashers. This could be something to consider for the future.

Switch your lighting

This is a simple fix that involves swapping out your incandescent bulbs and even your compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) for light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs as these actually last longer.

Use renewable energy

While not the cheapest change, it is, arguably, the most effective. By installing solar panels, you’ll get the benefits of traditional electricity while saving costs in the long-run as well as reducing your dependence on fossil fuels.

Because of the cost, this is a decision that requires careful thought and consideration but it could be worth it in the end

Contact us today to find out how we can make your home more energy-efficient and save you money in the process.

References

https://www.quickenloans.com/blog/16-ways-to-make-your-home-more-energy-efficient

https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-make-your-home-energy-efficient/

https://zeroenergyproject.org/build/twelve-steps-affordable-zero-energy-home-construction-design/

Images courtesy of Pixabay.