Bathroom Remodeling: Steam Showers, Whirlpool Bathtubs, Luxury Bathroom Design

Thera Steam Showers

2010-09-12T17:57:00.002-07:00

There is a new player at the top of steam shower industry. Therasteam.com, a business based in Seattle, Washington, is now offering a line of tremendous steam showers. Beautiful design and top-notch features have put them at the forefront of prefabricated steam showers. My personal favorite is the Magellan.

For those of you who haven't been following the trend, steam showers and steam rooms are rapidly growing in popularity around the United States. Research has shown that a daily steam shower cleans the pores in skin, leading to fewer blemishes and a younger look.

How to Import Steam Showers (or anything else)

2010-07-24T10:24:00.003-07:00

Looking to start an import/export business or get advice on how to import your own bathroom fixtures? Customs HQ has put together a blog called 'How to Import like a Customs Broker' with virtually every piece of information you need to start importing on your own. Check out the site, you won't be disappointed.

Envy Walk-in Bathtubs

2010-07-24T10:22:00.002-07:00

Envy Walk-in Bathtubs offers free walk-in bathtub & installations for qualifying veterans. Contact the company directly to find out more about this great service. A walk-in bathtub can significantly improve the quality of life for many elderly and disabled individuals.

Sharperoo - General Contractor Reviews

2010-04-23T00:49:00.002-07:00

Sharperoo is a new website that lets you rank and review contractors. Surprisingly, there just isn't much like this out there, at least not for free. The site also lets general contractors and other home improvement specialists upload photographs of projects they have completed. It lets homeowners do the same. Sharperoo seems like a great resource for homeowners and contractors alike. Check them out.

Wasauna Steam Shower

2008-03-18T17:16:00.004-07:00

This is an innovative walk-in, built-in steam shower made by Wasauna. The shower includes features such as a vitamin c showerhead, chlorine filter, and a "never feel a drop of cold water" system that heats the water to a preset temperature so that every time you turn the water on it comes out at the exact temperature that you pre-specify. The built-in shower allows you to tile your own floor, so that you stand directly on your bathroom, creating a sturdy unit that won't budge with even heavy users.

A picture of the built-in steam shower before it is installed:

Gorgeous bathroom designs by Wasauna Showers. Visit their site to see a good video of a steam shower in action. The video explains chromotherapy and other features of the shower.

Update: Here is a low resolution version of the video:

Remodeling a Small Bathroom

2008-03-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

If you are remodeling a small bathroom, we recommend considering a shower stall without a bathtub. This shower is about 34" x 34". You could never get away with a bathtub this small. If you don't use a bathtub, you'll end up having a more useable bathroom by making the shower small and increasing the space for your vanity, sinks, and toilet. If you are planning to sell your house within a year, I would say make sure to keep a bathtub. Otherwise, feel free to rip it out.

Steam Generators

2008-03-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

I'm looking for information on steam generators: how to install them, how they work with different control panels, who the most reliable manufacturers are, and anything else you can think of. I'm ultimately looking to put together a piece on custom steam rooms. If you have any info, please send me an email. Thanks. Surprisingly, I've found that installing a steam generator is a lot easier than finding reliable online information about them. One question I have is: if I buy a control panel from Kohler, can I buy a steam generator from Toto, or do I have to use the same manufacturer for everything.

Kohler Steam Rooms

2008-03-10T14:06:00.001-07:00

This is a custom steam room with Kohler fixtures and a Kohler steam generator, I'm pretty sure. I found it in the Dallas News. I can't figure out if it has a door, but I love the shower heads, ceiling rain, and look of the control panel. This is modern bathroom design at it's finest, in my opinion. Estimated cost: $35,000.

ShowerMania.co.uk

2008-02-24T15:52:00.000-07:00

Looking for bathroom fixtures in England? ShowerMania.co.uk has everything, including Grohe, Triton, Kohler, Deva, and more. Contemporary or classic, family friendly or just for you. "Beautiful Bathrooms Need NOT Cost The Earth Here at SHOWERMANIA We Supply Top Quality Taps, Showers, and More at up to 45% Discount on High Street Prices."

The Bathrooms Video Star

2008-02-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

UK online bathrooms and showers retailer WD Bathrooms has set an industry standard by pioneering a new form of online shopping. Originally launched in Sheffield by two local businessmen, WD Bathrooms are the first company in the UK showers and bathrooms industry to launch a series of TV-style product videos to help customers. The videos featured on the website aim to make shopping for showers as informative as possible. The short, simple and informative videos make a point of avoiding confusing sales jargon. The videos aim to add to the convenience of Internet shopping, by showing a virtual tour of a product. Hosted by Bid TV's Carmel Thomas the viewer is taken through all the features and benefits of the product. A typical example can be found on http://www.wdbathrooms.co.uk/acatalog/Aquanos_Teardrop_Q ... Mark Wilson of WD Bathroom states “As a mainly online business, we are always looking for ways to help customers. When buying online it can be difficult to get a real idea of a bathroom product just from an image. Our videos aim to help shoppers on our website, by reducing any confusion and helping inform as accurately as possible.”

iInnovators Concealed Bathroom Cabinet

2008-02-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

Check out this very cool medicine cabinet by iInnovators. The storage is hidden behind a picture frame door so you can't even tell it's there. They have several colors, sizes and styles you can check out at www.iinnovators.com

Bathroom Shower Designs

2008-01-24T22:37:00.000-07:00

Glass bathroom shower doors.

Brett Jensen - Dentist - Folsom - Do not trust him!

2007-12-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

Brett Jensen, DDS, is a Folsom based dentist. Do not let him work on your teeth. He convinced me to get veneers about 5 years ago and the resulting problems were an absolute nightmare.

1) The veneers were so badly done that I had to get them removed and have a more professional dentist apply them. It was awful paying a fortune to have Brent do the work, only to have them removed because he made them yellow and fake looking. If anyone wants pictures of Brett's awful work, please email the site and I will have them sent to you.

2) He told me insurance would pay for a significant portion of the procedure, which seemed fine. 6 months later, after I had left the state, he sent me a bill for this portion, saying that he was wrong and that insurance actually wouldn't cover it. I feel certain he knew insurance wouldn't pay for it, but he told me this to convince me to go through with the operation.

3) He never communicated with me that he needed the money -- he simply sent the case to a collections agent, who reported badly to my credit. Once I saw the money was due, I paid it immediately, but Brett has steadfastly refused to remove this from my report.

Anyway, the bottom line is that Brett fakes like a nice guy but his staff is untrustworthy. There are so many dentists out there, why go to a guy who will rip you off at the drop of a hat, especially when he performs really poor work.

Korral Luxury Sauna Shower Spa

2007-10-15T22:34:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

We are looking for pictures of a Korral Steam Shower Sauna All In One unit. Please send us one if you find one.

Carribean Fish Sink

2007-02-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

Really cool bathroom plungers

2006-12-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

You know the feeling.
You flush the toilet, it clogs up.
The water starts to rise...
And you run around the house looking for a plunger!!

The solution is to keep a plunger next to every toilet in the house. But the last thing anybody wants in their beautiful bathroom is an ugly plunger. Well, who says a plunger has to be ugly? Plungees is the world's first pretty plunger in a pretty box. It's a practical solution. It's an ingenious design. And it's a fun decorative accent piece. Now everybody will always have a plunger right when and where they need it.

That's the beauty of Plungees.

Visit plungees.com or call 888.788.0483 for more information!

Bathroom Idea

2006-12-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

Great usage of tile and vessel sinks in a bathroom design.
This bathroom was done by dreamkitchens.com, a Skokie, Illinois
based kitchen and bathroom remodeler. You can contact them at (847) 933-9100.

Turkish Towels

2006-12-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

Possibly the worlds best selection of bathroom towels, by TurkishTowels.com. They feature bath towels and bathrobes made from egyptian cotton. A huge collection is available on their website.

Tradewinds Import Sinks

2006-12-01T13:56:00.000-07:00

This is one of hundreds of unique bathroom sinks offered on www.tradewindsimports.com. For more information, you can reach them at (888) 611-7774

African Towels

2006-12-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

All sorts of towels are available at decorativetowelsonline.com, including these African Art towels. They also offer custom engraving.

Bathroom Sinks

2006-10-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

Creative bathroom sinks by Vaughan L Smith. View more work by the artist at bellpottery.com or contact them at 845-687-7256

"Westcote Bell Pottery has been sold nationwide in museums and galleries for 20 years. Our sinks are hand thrown to size and painted by hand. Many have carved elements to add dimensions to the work. They have been installed in homes and restaurants where they have been enjoyed and used, adding beauty and style to the bathroom."

Bathroom tile and sinks

2006-10-29T12:55:00.000-07:00

Here is some custom bathroom artwork by Cheryl Love, of CustomerArtTile.com. "All work is original and each project is carefully designed, painted with china paints, and then kiln fired to temperatures between 1,300 - 1,500 degrees to insure maturity of colors and permanent fusion."

Contact Cheryl at 515-999-2067

Mexican copper

2006-10-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

Mexicancopper.com has a website full of unique copper sinks, including these four. "Our family run business has specialized in hand hammering vessel sinks and copper sinks for generations. The copper sink that you desire for your kitchen or bathroom has a very long history as an art-form that has been passed down through the generations along with various forms of decorative copper artwork and accessories. Through generations of artisans, our family has handcrafted a large selection of copper sink designs for you to choose from."

You can reach them at 1-866-479-5710.

Modern bathroom concept

2006-10-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

A modern bathroom design with plenty of space and utility. This and many more bathroom ideas are available on fixturesetc.com. You can reach them by telephone at 1-866-TAPS-ETC.

Circular Drop in Bathtub

2006-10-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

Brought to you by taps4less.com - reach them at 0845-8386394

Modern yet comfortable bathroom

2006-09-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

Adam Gibson Bathroom Design

2006-09-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

Rendering - "The client wanted an addition with a roomy master bath and closet. The corner was rounded and the tub recessed into the niche. The shower glass reflected the ceiling’s pitch. Concrete was used on the vanity tops. The idea’s reception was dubious until the client saw this rendering."

Finished Product:

Balmoral Bathtub

2006-09-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

Handicap friendly bathtub

2006-08-31T14:59:00.000-07:00

Jacuzzi + Granite Top

2006-08-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

An Orange Country bathroom and kitchen remodeler, Eternity "can handle any type of remodeling project, from conception to completion. Our international experience allows us to combine special European designs (Art-Deco, Renaissance, Classic & Modern) with the California lifestyle to create high quality environments."

Eternity Construction, Inc.
Phone: 800-941-0555

Luxury Bathroom Remodel

2006-08-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

Not Just Kitchens

2006-08-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

"Not Just Kitchens, LLC is a design and rebuild firm emphasizing all aspects of Kitchen and Bathroom remodeling. We design for and implement construction of Kitchen and Bath redesign and restructure, room additions and make overs."

You can reach them at 608.442.6849

Custom glass showers

2006-08-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

Custom murals

2006-08-25T14:42:00.000-07:00

Fine custom art by Christopher Pothier (cwapothier.com) - 617 833 7555

Whirlpool Systems

2006-08-24T17:29:00.000-07:00

Bathroom candles

2006-08-24T17:12:00.000-07:00

Nifty bathroom candles by candleswithclass.com

911 Central Ave.
Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501
515-576-6401
dkadams@mchsi.com

Laurel Marble

2006-08-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

Laurel Marble presents the Ceramic Tile Shower Base. These shower bases offer the unique combination of the strength and durability of cultured marble with the beauty of real ceramic tile. The one-piece shower base construction means you will never have to worry about your shower floor leaking, and the epoxy grout is resistant to stains, including mold and mildew.

www.laurelmarble.com
Telephone: (877) 894-6290 (Toll Free)

Oasis Bath

2006-08-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

Check out these nifty bathtub designs by Oasis Bath.

Oasis Industries, Inc.
1600 Mountain St. - Aurora, IL - 60505
Phone: (630) 898-3500 - (800) 323-2748

R. Hendrick & Sons Bathtub Repair

2006-08-17T13:34:00.000-07:00

"Bathtub refinishing or reglazing a worn-out bathtub is a site intensive process. The first step is a proper cleaning. Bathtub refinishing involves masking the surfaces around the tub to protect from overspray and properly venting the bathroom to extract any odors. Our refinishers will use scent masking agents such as cherry, lilac, cinnamon etc. After we remove the caulk, our refinishers clean the bathtub with a delaminating solution that not only dissolves what's left of the porcelain glaze but also opens the surface pours to promote mechanical adhesion. Next, the refinisher washes away the delaminating solution and prepares the area and surface for spraying, He then sprays on 2 to 3 coats of a fast-drying epoxy or polyurethane primer along mixed with a bonding agent to promote adhesion. Our bonding agent adds 500 percent adhesion the the surface. To finish, we give the bathtub a cleaning with a tack cloth to remove any dust particles or insects, and then spray four applications of a finish coat."

Contact them at:
3252 Florida Blvd.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: 561-254-9388

Nifty Showers

2006-08-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

Magnificent indoor pool

2006-08-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

A staggering pool by Portrait Pools (portraitpools.com).

Murals by Jetti Arts

2006-08-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

Currently working in the Southern Maryland D.C Metro area. Please contact her for a free color and design consultation. Tracy Bensing, Artist

(410) 474-4545, jettiarts@chesapeake.net

Safety Bath

2006-08-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

A walk-in bathtub by safety bath. Great for the handicapped and eldery.

Artwork by Dottie Katz

2006-08-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

Mural by Chris Cordero Design

2006-08-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

"Cordero Design offers a range of services for your interior project
in the San Francisco/Bay Area. I bring a professional eye to your
project with reasonable rates and creative solutions." Contact Chris at 415-272-7454 for Bay Area art projects.

Custom murals

2006-08-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

One of many beautiful murals by Tia Smith.

"Welcome! My name is Tia Smith you may know me as Dozie. I am the owner of The Decorative Artist.com, a business which provides unique decorative artwork and design consultations. Although I usually perform all of the artwork myself, I occasionally have other artists help me on large or timely projects.

I have been a decorative artist for more than 10 years. I owned Art in Design Studio, located in Orrville, Ohio, for 5 years and a second business, a retail shop, called Scotland Yard, for two years, located next to my studio. Now that my husband's job has relocated our family, I have chosen to continue my business through a new and easy to remember name...

Whirlpool conversions

2006-08-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting concept:

"Now your can have the pleasure of a four to eight jet whirlpool in the privacy your home without the mess, inconvenience, and expenses of replacing your bathtub. In just one day we can convert your present bathtub into a whirlpool, just as featured in many luxury hotels. Our whirlpool conversions include a 3/4 or 1 horsepower motor, safe air operated on/off switch, and adjustable jets. To match your decor our whirlpool jets and return covers are available in chrome, brass, bone and white. No need to worry if you bathtub has seen better days, and the finish is worn or dull, or just not a contemporary color. We can combine your whirlpool conversion with the installation of an Luxury acrylic liner. Not only do our liners make the worst bathtub look brand new, but because their are made of 1/4" ABS acrylic your whirlpool will stay hot three times longer."

Contact Master Bathtub Repair at 1-800-A-NEW-TUB.
Master Bathtub Repair, Inc.,
1567 Fairmount Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08361

Tubcut

2006-08-09T17:08:00.000-07:00

The TUBCUT™ is an adaptive tub conversion that is available nationally through Independent Dealers. In about half a day it creates easier, step-thru access in the front of any existing fiberglass, steel or cast iron bathtub.

This in-home accessibility modification can be sized to your specifications, and gives bathtubs a seamless, "factory" look

Contact Virginia Bird at (434) 295-0654.

Toth Brothers

2006-08-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

The Toth Brothers make all sorts of wood products using recycled barn wood!

"Our 30 years of experience has placed us as the leaders of old growth wood restoration techniques. We use the latest technologies and epoxies for bonding, filling and surfacing. The final result is a product that is world class in beauty and durability. To be more specific, our unique techniques make our surfaces last years longer than the other leading wood surfaces, with a nearly perfect mirror finish now possible."

"Our goal is to provide options for high quality wood products without destroying any new timbers. All of our products are constructed with the highest quality old-growth timbers, carefully salvaged from some of the oldest barns in the Michigan area. This wood has so much history; you can still see the original hand-hewn marks."

You can reach them at 810 231 9017

Ubuildit

2006-07-27T15:05:00.000-07:00

Are you thinking about building a custom home or remodeling your existing home? Check out this concept in owner-builder custom home building

Wasauna opens retail store/showroom in Scottsdale, AZ

2006-07-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

Wasauna, a manufacturer of steam showers, glass bathroom showers, toilets, infrared saunas, and walk-in bathtubs, has opened a showroom in downtown Scottsdale, Arizona. Wasauna bathroom products and especially their steam showers are respected in the bathroom industry for their quality, durability, and cosmetic appeal. We recommend anyone who is in the area and looking for steam showers or bathroom ideas to visit. The Wasauna showroom is located at 4419 N. Scottsdale Road.

Custom Glasswork by Laura Donefer

2006-07-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

Laura has some great artwork and says she is "driven by inner forces which are unrelated to concious thought." I thought that was interesting. Check out her work at lauradonefer.com.

Casa Blu

2006-07-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

casablubyronbay.com - worth taking a lot at, because this house is for sale and it's awe inspiring.

Glass art

2006-07-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

"The diversity in my work expresses my need to explore and experience life. And yet, a common thread runs through it all. The duality and contradictions of life are expressed in the glass material that I work with. Hot and cold, fragile and strong, order and chaos, surface and interior; themes that are a part of my artwork."

View Alex Anagnostou's art at alexanagnostou.com.

Glass pots and scultures

2006-07-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

All sorts of glass artwork by the obviously talented Marta Raczkowska is viewable at makememeltglass.com.

Glass sculptures at 2300 degrees

2006-07-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

"My glass art involves solid glass sculpture. I often employs a technique known as 'sand-casting.' Very hot molten glass at 2300° F is gathered from the furnace with a cast iron ladle and poured into a mold of moist sand and clay. This produces an object with a rough, almost primitive texture. I find unlimited possibilities in objects that have served their useful lives and have been discarded. To embellish these with sand-casted glass forms causes them to take on new meaning entirely."

Check out Len Vincenti's work at leonardoglass.com

Glass birds

2006-07-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

Piet Quekel designs sculptures combining stained glass, copper wire and rocks. You can visit his site at www.quekel.nl

Glass design by Linda Fraser

2006-07-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

More glass pieces available at lindafraser.com

Custom glass glass

2006-07-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

All sorts of glasswork by Scott Hegan is viewable on heganglassworks.com.

Glass.com kitchen and bathroom designs

2006-07-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

Outstanding glass bathroom design and glass kitchen design by David Ruth of glass.com. You can reach him at 540-720-5584.

Home plans

2006-07-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of the many home plans available from nationalhomeplans.com, designed by architect Charles Koty. You can call him at (516) 876-9740.

Spiral staircase designs

2006-07-11T15:19:00.000-07:00

The only site on the Internet dedicated to spiral staircase design!

Home rendering

2006-07-11T15:11:00.000-07:00

All of these home renderings are really cool. Hard to believe this one is only 3000 sq feet. This home was done by wlmartinhomes.com, another site with tons of excellent plans.

All natural home designs

2006-07-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

All natural homes: Sustainable design, passive solar, high thermal mass (HTM™), do-it-yourself solar house plans are featured along with septic system parts and consultation; Infiltrator chamber leach fields; ("graywater") greywater recycling systems; ("waterless") composting toilets; non-electric appliances; LP gas refrigerators; flood alarms drywells for storm water drainage and sediment control; Kobe stainless steel hoods; and energy saving products like shade cloth and heat storage tubes

Iron Artistica Scroll Standing Toilet Tissue Holder

2006-07-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

"This climbing vine standing toilet tissue holder has a stunning naturalistic design." Very cool! Available from carolinarustica.com, an NC based company. YOu can reach them at (800) 205-7819.

Brocato Glass custom designs

2006-07-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

BrocatoGlass.com features custom plate glass designs with cool emerald colors. These are some of their candle holders. You can reach Steven Brocato at (408) 264-2853.

Glendoria Interiors

2006-07-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

Glendoria Interiors.com is a fantastic upscale interior design company based in Glendora, CA. You can reach them at (626) 335-7229

Harvest Moon Kitchen Set

2006-07-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

Pine wood and stone. Gotta love old fashioned home designs. Harvestmoon.co.uk - call them at +44 1704 548176 for all sorts of unique furniture.

Dax Stores Fountain

2006-07-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

Here is what the site's author told me about their products:

"Our store has an ecological theme, and the goal is to sell products that are natural, organic, recycled, or educational. This covers a large variety of goods, including furniture. When I created the store I wanted to offer stylish products that people would buy even if they didn't realize our products were good for the earth and good for their health. I didn't want to create a store that was an in-your-face eco-store. I wanted to created something more like Whole Foods grocery, which is a nice place to shop as well as being ecologically focused. The idea was to tap into people's normal quest for a product, like a patio set, bedroom set, or a mattress, and have them buy one that was good for the earth and good for their health. This vision has become a reality and our store has done very well."

Kitchen Artworks

2006-07-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

Peggy Deras of Kitchen Artworks (650) 871-6006 has sent us two bathroom concepts:

First, a shower screen:

and second, a bathroom with a hanging toilet

Modern spas

2006-06-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

Here is one of many luxury spas from capital-spas.co.uk.

Functional modern kitchen

2006-06-29T23:15:00.000-07:00

This kitchen was designed by kitchenguild.com, a Washington DC based kitchen and bath design firm. There are a lot of cool projects with before and after pictures featured on their site (202) 362-7111

Modern kitchen design

2006-06-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

This is one of about 50 really well done modern kitchens by bluebellkitchens.com. You can contact Peter Cardamone of Bluebell Kitchens at 215-646-5442

Custom bathroom vanity

2006-06-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

Check out this custom vanity by Carolina Cabinetry (407-249-2877)

Blown glass sinks by whiteelks

2006-06-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

A glass sink (top) and glass bowl (bottom) by White Elk's Visions in Glass (whiteelks.com)

Studio Phone: 970-577-1546

Their glass sinks are available in four styles, "Contemporary", "Classical", "Oval" and "Flared Edge" and can be made in a huge variety of colors.

Navy granite in-ground bathtub by Syn Mar

2006-06-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

Syn-Mar (syn-marproducts.com) offers the perfect surface solution for today's master bathroom "spa retreats" with custom crafted, protective enclosures designed to beautifully compliment your fixtures and decor. You can reach them at 866-399-0909.

Modern sink

2006-06-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems that this is the new look du-jour for modern guest and half bathrooms. Instead of having a full bathroom vanity, people are going with a small wash basin. The look is clean and also easy to take care of.

Here is a sample from www.h2o-online.co.uk:

Heart shower curtains

2006-06-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

These and many other shower curtains are available at showercurtainworld.com

Copper sinks and showers

2006-06-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

Copper sinks

Copper shower

This is a master bathroom by luxuryhomeproducts.com featuring a copper shower and a vanity with two copper sinks. You can reach the designer at 888-880-9469. I have read quite a bit of good things about copper lately. Copper is a naturally hygienic metal that slows down the growth of germs such as E-coli (the “burger bug”), MRSA (the hospital “superbug”) and legionella.

Mirror ideas

2006-06-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

mirredge.com has a cool technology that lets you refresh and beautify your existing bathroom mirror. You can see an example of two of their before/after pictures here. You can reach them at 800-757-2990.

Wet Bathroom

2006-06-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

I found this whirlpool and custom bathroom at HeritageBathrooms.com, a Bristol, UK based company. There are a ton of great bathroom designs on their site. You can reach them at +44 (0)117 963 3333 or contact Natalie York at nyork@heritagebathrooms.com.

Mark Ditzler Sinks

2006-06-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

Mark Ditzler is a Seattle, WA based artist specializing in glass sinks. His site is markditzler.com, and there are tons of custom sinks on the site. I had to include a few images from his site because so much of his work is mind blowing. Contact mark at 206.725.1903 or mark@markditzler.com!

Hot tub with tons of jets

2006-06-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

Check out this hot tub with 66 jets and about 40 other features from Hot Tubs 4 U.

Another sunken tub

2006-06-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

This is a sunken tub available on hms-ltd.com. They specialize in designing custom bathrooms.

Walk-in Shower Room

2006-06-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

This is interesting, and the first I have seen of this type of product. If you look closely, you can see that this is a complete shower kit that does not have a door so you can easily walk in and out of it. Quite nice! I found this at Wilson Dobson Bathroom Interiors (wdbathrooms.co.uk)

Yellow Clawfoot style tub

2006-06-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

A classic look for your bathroom. If you don't like the hard edged feel of today's modern bathrooms, a bathtub like this can make things feel more like the old days. This one is available at classicalbaths.co.uk

Opalia Inset Bath by Jacuzzi

2006-06-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

This inset bathtub (available at sheths.co.uk) is an interesting insight into how important the environment around a standard tub can be. As you can see, this tub itself, although nice, does not provide nearly the same dramatic effect by itself compared to when it is set into a nice hardwood floor and lit properly.

Luyisi Shower Enclosure

2006-06-05T21:44:00.000-07:00

Check out this ultra modern shower I found at www.luyisi.co.uk.

Glass Reinforced Plastic Bathtub

2006-06-04T16:47:00.000-07:00

This is one of many unusual bath tubs on oldcolours.co.uk. They offer tubs in different shapes and sizes in any gloss colour, some of which are strong enough to be hit with a hammer without breaking.

Ceiling rain shower

2006-06-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

Indigo Showers offers this outstanding ceiling rain shower panel. You can see all of their bathroom fixtures at indigoshowers.co.uk. When they saw our post, they told me to mention that if you mention this weblog they will give you a 10% discount on all orders!

Interesting glass sink

2006-06-03T19:08:00.001-07:00

The way the water flows over the glass creates an interesting/sureal effect. I found them available online at soga.co.uk, a British bathroom supplier.

Pooh towel

2006-06-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

I must be the queen of bathroom hobbyists, because I just found a Pooh towel available at towelsandbedding.co.uk

Black Stainless Steel Shower Panel

2006-06-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

Check out this easy way to spruce up your bathroom shower. You can add a shower panel to an existing bathroom shower without spending any money on contractors or plumbers. I spent several hours today looking through various shower panel manufacturers websites, and this black stainless steel panel by SMR Bathrooms (smrbathrooms.co.uk) was my favorite.

Wood Bathtub

2006-06-01T04:36:00.000-07:00

I found this marvelous wooden wash basin today when I was browsing a website called aquabrand.com. Their site also has other wood bathroom fixtures that match.
They also sell a wide variety of Hansgrohe shower and bathroom equipment

Bathroom with a view

2006-05-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

Custom cabinets

2006-05-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

Check out these great custom cabinets but custom-cabinets.org. They make bathroom cabinets, too.

Energy efficient homes by Concepts in Designs

2006-05-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

Not only is this a great looking custom home, it was specifically designed to be energy efficient. Concepts in Designs, LLC (Plymouth, MI) specializes in homes that conserve energy. When building a new home, it's good idea to make sure your designer builds an EPA 5 Star Energy Rated home. Over time, you will save a fortune on utility bills and feel good that your lifestyle is taking a reduced toll on our natural resources. Other advantages of an energy efficient home include warm walls and floors, warmer basements, no drafts around windows and doors, balanced room temperatures without cold spots, less noise from the outside, and cleaner inside air.

Mountain Sun Architecture

2006-05-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

These are pictures of some custom home renderings done by David Clarke of Mountain Sun Architecture (Ruidoso, NM). David can be found at mtnsun.com. According to Mr. Clark "This is a 6000 s.f. home in Carlsbad, NM with four bedrooms, 5 ½ bathrooms, roof terraces, fitness room, hobby room/library, elevator (was added during construction), in a Spanish Colonial style. Each bathroom will have a steam shower and 6’ whirlpool tub."

Negative edge bathtub

2006-04-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Custom log cabin

2006-04-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been featuring more custom homes on the blog, and I have received numerous emails from designers and architects on the subject. Custom homes appear to be surprisingly affordable. Here is a house and a story from Carol Meyer, of Archway Press.

Whether you’re looking for a starter home, a vacation property or downsizing, you may want to consider purchasing a pre-designed home building plan and then finding a contractor to do the work or even doing the work yourself. Look for a house design and plan that is designed by professional architect. Depending on the project you can save thousands of dollars in architect fees and do your own contracting to save even more money. And the pre-designed plans are tried and true. They have been professionally designed and built many times over. It’s like having a guarantee that there are no kinks in the plans and your project will turn out like it’s supposed to.

Besides saving you money, there is an abundant choice of designs, styles, and sizes available. Do you love Victorian or period style homes? English cottages or French provincial? A cozy mountain cabin for 2 or a spacious modern home for your growing family? Regardless of the size, you can find many unique design features that are usually found in more costly residential floor plans. This charming cabin shown here is an excellent example of quality planning and attention to detail in spite of the small size.

With just 484 sq. feet, this small cabin has all the amenities for 2 people to live comfortable. It is only 24 ft. in length and 22 ft. wide and has some of the great features of a home twice its size. Tall vaulted ceilings in the living room with floor to ceiling windows for a sunny, airy feel, a corner fireplace and a formal dining room. A well planned kitchen with generous cabinet space and a snack bar contribute to the efficient use of space. An economical plumbing station that includes water heater and a stacked washer/dryer are shared by the back to back kitchen and bathroom floor plans. Behind the living room a brightly lit bedroom holds a wall of closets. Stone exterior trim gives the cabin a cozy rustic feel. And, there is even a porch!
The old saying, “big things come in small packages” is really true.