Koancorporation » Bath and Shower Tile Designs

Bath and Shower Tile Designs

admin — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 13:20:28 +0000

Ideas to help you create beautiful bath and shower tile designs.

One of the wonderful things about tile is the fact you have almost unlimited creativity. There are many types of tile and different ways to create your own unique bath and shower tile designs. From standard bulk tile to individually hand painted, no matter what your decorative style, you’ll still have many choices.

Before creating bath and shower tile designs, you must choose your pattern and tiles you want. When using tile to create designs there are three kinds of tiles you can use. There are field tiles, which are simple in shape. These come in many sizes and are great to use when covering a large area. The next tiles are the accent tiles. These tiles are designed with unusual shapes, sheens and textures. All it takes is a few of these to turn an ordinary tile pattern into something extraordinary. Last, the trim tiles are your border tiles. These are typically narrow and go around the edge to add to your design.

Tips for choosing bath and shower tile designs:

* Light airy tile choices make your room look larger. For a stronger effect use contrasting accent tile colors.
* Consider the entire color scheme of the room including counters, floors, and walls. Adjust your tile creation to create focal points or to compliment.
* Using two or three colors can create subtle, yet very effective results.
* Add color to your tile choice by using randomly spaced contrasting tiles.

Bath and Shower Tile Designs

Another important bath and shower tile design element is the grout color choice. The wide array of grout color will make your patterns come together with a matching or contrasting color. When you choose a high contrast color of grout to the tile it becomes more visible. Contrasting a white grout with black tile will contract for a checkered look giving you a little extra design. It is also important for grout to be cleaned with warm soapy water and re-sealed often in regularly used areas.

Don’t be afraid to be creative as you choose your bath and shower tile designs. The result will be a uniquely beautiful bathroom you’ll enjoy for years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hicks

Modern Shower Designs – 3 Considerations for Remodels

admin — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 02:26:47 +0000

Creating a modern shower design involves considering the material finish of the interior of your shower, choosing sleek fixtures and installing a new shower door. Remodeling your shower can completely change the look of your bathroom. Here are the basics of shower design:

Finish Materials
The most common interior finish material for showers is tile because it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Shower tiles are available in ceramic and natural stone, including granite and marble as well as slate, among other finishes. You may also cover the interior surfaces of your shower with stucco or durable shower inserts. If your budget allows, consider solid slabs made of marble or granite, which is an especially modern look.

Modern tile designs typically don’t feature excessive texture; solid shades such as black or gray tend to look the most sleek. Also consider installing an accent wall within your shower with a more lavish material, such as brightly colored mosaic tile.

Fixtures
Shower fixtures include diverters, dials, and shower heads. Brushed nickel and chrome look especially modern, while brass and copper tend to be found more commonly in traditional designs. Think of these fixtures like jewelry; they add a level of detail and can transform an otherwise basic shower into a sleek and modern space. Look for fixtures that feature clean and simple designs, but be sure to match all of your fixtures with the same metal finish; if they are mixed and matched, the effect won’t be very elegant.

Modern Doors
Although curtains are the most common way to divide your shower area from the rest of your bathroom and cheaply prevent water from splashing, consider installing a glass door. Typical glass door enclosures feature two sliding doors, or a single door that swings open and closed. For a particularly modern look, consider installing frameless shower doors. They almost disappear since there isn’t a visible metal frame at the edge. Frameless doors can even wrap corners with a clean, silicone joint. Make sure the contractor you select to install your doors is very precise. Sloppy work will prevent your shower design from looking elegant and finished.

Before embarking on a shower remodel, be sure to consider all aspects of your shower design. Even if you choose a beautiful finish material, the entire look can be compromised if the fixtures and the shower door don’t contribute to the overall effect.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D._E._Gray

101 Things Everyone Should Know Before Buying A Home Steam Sauna Cabin

admin — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 02:19:20 +0000

A steam shower is a cost effective way to install a complete all-in-one shower enclosure
2. You local gym has a steam room for its many health and weight loss benefits, a home steam sauna has exactly the same benefits.
3. Easy and inexpensive to install
4. Steam Showers come made to specification and are not all the same, I wouldn’t buy an unheard of TV from EBAY for £600 and likewise I wouldn’t buy a shower from an EBAY only seller either.
5. A steam shower is built away from its final position. Because a units fixings and connections are present around the back of the shower, the actual build space will have to allow a person access around the back for the unit to later be slid into its final position
6. Not all steam showers that look the same are the same. Some have many big differences, thermostatic value Vs a mixer valve or touch screen Vs push buttons. Make sure you take these differences into account
7. A Pressure Equalising Valve (PEV) must be fitted, as with all shower valves, to protect the thermostatic core within the shower, this also ensure proper functioning of the temperature control
8. With their increasing popularity, more and more plumbers have installed and are super competent with numerous units
9. Steam showers have sold in there hundreds of thousands across the UK and are a time tested, reliable and robust product. Which has come a long way since their introduction into the market
10. When installed correctly a steam cabin will become an essential addition in your home
11. There are many good retailers out there today, such as BATHTEK, DIVAPOR or STEAM SHOWER INSTALLATION selling great quality units
12. The old series of steam showers have ”push buttons” rather than the touch screen these units are years old and have since been refined and tweaked.
13. A thermostatic valve offers many advantages over a mixer valve, true temperature control and anti scolding to name the most important two
14. The electrics to the shower should ideally be on its own circuit
15. One of the main features of a steam shower is the ability to add aromatherapy oils to the steam, which has many benefits.
16. Always make sure the company your buying from can provide step by step comprehensive instructions
17. All units come with a flexible hose and wastes from the manufacturer. DONT pay extra!
18. A 30 min steam session in a unit costs about 17 pence at today’s rates. Compare that to a £40 a month gym membership and your more than quid’s in.
19. All steam shower have the ability to control the temperature of the cabin and have timer functions, Enabling you to have complete control over your sauna session
20. Many come in ”low level entry” which not only looks sleeker and more refined but adds easy of access
21. Most units can be fully fitted and working within a day.
22. The mirrored back glass is exactly what it says on the tin. It is a darken mirror but its still clear enough to shave.
23. Aromatherapy in the steam can reduce tension and anxiety, caused by stress, insomnia, and other similar issues.
24. The health benefits are endless. Doctors and professionals in the health and fitness world actually subscribe the use of saunas to help cure the body of particular illness and conditions.
25. Some steam units have a control panel safety ”LOCK” feature, so a child can be left safely without the danger of them turning the steam or any other unwanted function on.
26. Steam showers come with an O3 self cleaning feature, this adds an oxygen molecule to the atmosphere within the shower which breaks down any mould, much or mildew.
27. To ensure a proper installation the floor beneath the unit should be finished, ideally in tiles. Floor boards are good enough to allow the unit to slide back and forth as required if fully level.
28. The remote control does not set the water functions or turn them on. The remote is more for the steam functions, you can set the perfect temperature, get it up to heat and put on your favourite CD before you even set foot in the bathroom
29. Many units have whirlpool baths which enables hydrotherapy and hydro massage both of which are accepted and practiced forms of muscle pain and stress relief
30. Foot massagers are common place within steam showers, these have been specially designed to massage and relax the feet and improve circulation though reflexology techniques
31. Reports of leaky and poorly built steam showers are always down to poor installation or poor quality units, a steam shower is ordered from the manufacturer to specification and corners can be cut. Meaning if the shower you are buying is from a poor company or EBAY. You’ll probably get what you’d expect.
32. Make sure you buy from a good firm that can supply spares if needed and won’t have gone bust when you do.
33. Aromatherapy can reduce fatigue and helping alleviate sleeplessness
34. To make sure you have a proper installation and working fan and features, there should be an extra 15cm space above the units height
35. Price up a steam shower to even a ‘Value’ regular shower set-up and there won’t be a big difference
36. The skin ejects even more toxins than the kidney does in a day.
37. A typical sauna session will burn about 300 calories
38. Sweating is the main contributor in exercise that results in weight loss
39. Sweating in a sauna removes the accumulation of potentially carcinogenic heavy metals as well as alcohol, nicotine, sodium, cholesterol and anything the body natural want rid of.
40. A 30 minute steam sauna will produce the same amount of perspiration as a 10 kilometer run, or as many calories as you would during rowing for 30 minutes.
41. A steam shower will add desirability and value to your home
42. Sweating is the best method of detoxifying the body
43. A sauna raises the body’s temperature which in turn kick start the body’s immune system which makes it stronger
44. The natural benefit of heat is to soothe and relax tired muscles
45. Sweat rids the body of almost all the same elements as urine.
46. A steam sauna is actual a treatment for respiratory problems
47. Heavy sweating cleans you skin from the inside out and cleanses your skin more thoroughly than soap and water.
48. All electric inside a steam unit are out of the way of any water and are transformed to a safe 12 volts via a transformer
49. Fitting a unit is possible on all water types as long as a minimum 1 bar water pressure is present
50. Fatty tissue often has poor circulation. Because saunas help improve circulation, regular use assists with the breakdown of fat deposits.
51. The best showers will come with an overhead monsoon shower, which will drench and invigorate the body
52. Complete with radio and even a CD connection. Whether it be your favourite show or CD or even relaxing sounds, it all there for you.
53. A survey by Abbey revealed that hot tubs, saunas and gym where the most desired home improvement addition, adding desirability and saleability to a home
54. The body jets on the higher quality steam showers have been specially designed to massage and relax the muscles as well as improve circulation
55. A steam shower with dark mirrored back glass does not need to have a ”finished” wall behind it
56. A normal steam shower unit requires just one standard 13amp connection via a fused spur, a unit with whirlpool function will need two
57. Most units a considered to be stand alone appliances and as such can be easily dismantled and moved to other locations or homes
58. Whirlpool baths present in steam shower often come with a chromo therapy light fitted, this is proven to relax and calm the mind as well as having a beautiful colour changing effect on the baths water
59. Aromatherapy helps with concentration, memory recall and alertness
60. Blue luminous lighting or mood spotlights, pick the lighting that suits the feel of your bathroom
61. Aromatherapy in a steam shower helps enhance the experience of meditation and self-reflection, directly impacting emotional states through the olfactory system
62. In addition to the main monsoon shower the best unit will have a hand shower and riser, so you don’t have to get your hair wet every time you shower
63. Different aromatherapy oils fight against different illnesses like colds and coughs
64. Mainly available in 800, 900, 950, 1050, 1100, 1350,1500 and 1700mm in length to suit all bathrooms
65. Dermatologists confirm that steam is a better cleansing agent than soap because it opens skin pores.
66. A sauna naturally improves circulation, increases your metabolism and relieves internal congestion
67. The
68. There are many different types of aromatherapy oils from Lavender to Apple, to Eucalyptus and Rosemary. Each has its own benefits and treat different ailments
69. The main MUST in any installation which will make for an easy installation is to ensure the tub/tray is completely level before proceeding
70. Aromatherapy helps relax, calm, uplift or stress-relieve the body.
71. The extractor fan within the steam shower ensures proper circulation and renewal of steam
72. The heat produced in a sauna tricks the body into thinking it has a ‘phantom fever’ which forces the immune system to not only cure any illness quicker but to build itself against any real illness in the future
73. There are many articles out there on the benefits of steam showers…..read some
74. A Steam sauna has the long term effects to increase the ability of the skin to eliminate poisons
75. Remember, companies that sell steam showers DO NOT manufacture them. The biggest companies in the UK are DI VAPOR, BATHTEK, STEAM SHOWER INSTALLATION and STEAM SHOWER SUPPLY. Buy from a company that has spares and the backing behind them to help you and still be in business in the future
76. A steam sauna followed immediately by an invigorating shower with massage jets! What could be better? Then you knew that…..
77. A sauna opens your pours and helps rid the skin of bacteria that cause spots
78. Along with the aromatherapy and relaxing environment. Because your blood vessels and circulation are now more active the body feels in a more complete and relaxed state
79. The best operating temperature of a steam shower for the body is between 109 and 114 degrees
80. As well as the main light it may be possible to have any combination of the spotlight LED’s and main light on or off if present
81. All steam showers like anything manufactured originate from China, this is not a bad thing, it ensures the competitive prices which are then hopefully passed to you.
82. Great for the less able, as well as the muscular, circulation and other health benefits. Showers are available with low level entry tray complete with a solid shower seat, perfectly placed in front of the body jets.
83. The 12 months part warranty is very, very rarely need. This is a fact, unless it’s a really cheap, flimsy unit with weak plastic knows and handles then there should be a reason 99.9% of people should even keep their warranty paper
84. Available in a variety of colours and contemporary or classic designs to best suit your needs
85. Alone with a new kitchen, nothing, pound for pound adds more value to your home than a desirable bathroom
86. Easy to use and understand controls for the elderly or child alike.
87. Registered disabled qualify to get showers VAT free due to the showers high suitability and health benefits
88. If your steam unit comes with just a mixer valve, then weight up how this will affect you and whether you can live with it
89. 30% of waste is lost via sweating, more if exercising or in the sauna, less without.
90. There is no reason why you should have any more problems installing a steam shower to a standard shower, any reported problems out there are a reflection of the sheer numbers being sold and are probably explained by a cowboy fitting, which is easily solved. 99.999999% of steam showers last forever and never have a problem
91. Ask the company your buying from if they can recommend any fitters they have had experience of in the past
92. It’s natural to try to find an item at the cheapest possible price, but often the cost saving has to come from somewhere, if it’s not the initial cost of the product, then it will most likely be the quality of the product or the support! Always do your homework
93. The tub or tray on a steam shower is fully sported by a steel frame which will support very heavy weight, many models are designed for two people to stand on and there are no problems, the design does not change in the one person models. (Ask the retailer if your concerned)
94. The PEV valve you need for your unit is a standard type which can be bought from anywhere, don’t buy it from the steam shower supplier if you can find it cheaper elsewhere
95. Try to buy your unit from someone that only sells or specialises in steam saunas, this help you to speak to the right people and ensure you get the best after care or answer to any questions
96. Everyone that see’s a steam shower is take back by it and immediately wants one and rightly so, the more people hear about them the more people want them, and if you haven’t got one the only reason can be because you’ve haven’t seen one!
97. Protect yourself and your family. Always make sure that any electric alterations are made by a fully qualified electrician and fully water test the shower before use.
98. Most steam shower now come with an alarm button on the control panel in case of any problems of slips you may have whilst in the shower.
99. Usually there is a telephone connection behind the steam shower which fully enables you to make and receive calls. You dial via the control panel, speak into the microphone at the bottom of it and the receivers voice comes from the speaker in the roof
100. 101 is a big number ïŠ
101. A steam shower is a great addition in any bathroom and i could probably rattle on all day till 501 about the many great benefits they bring or certainly go on in greater detail. A steam shower from a good supplier will last you for years and never give you any problems just year and years of enjoyment and relaxation. That’s a promise

We here at Steam Shower Installation are proud of our reputation as UK’s best steam shower, steam cabin and whirlpool bath retailers and installers. We know we can never rest on this and sit back, we are determined to help bring honest help and advise to everyone customer or not, we will always look to help.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Ellis

Innovative Ideas For Your Bathroom Window Treatments

admin — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 14:05:36 +0000

Since the bathroom is one of the most used parts of the house, you always have to ensure that it is clean, well-ventilated, and bright. If your bathroom has no protection against cold or hot temperature, or does not filter light properly that you always have to turn on the light when in use, then it’s about time to reconsider your bathroom window treatments.

The first thing to do is to come up with a window treatment checklist. What type of window blinds should you use? For sure, use of wooden blinds is a big no-no since wood is prone to warping and swelling and the bathroom is a place where high levels of moisture can occur. Go for mini blinds made in vinyl or aluminum. These are materials that are resistant to humidity and cleaning them even with a damp cloth will not make them crack. If you want a touch of wood in your bathroom windows, go for the faux wood instead. You get them at a cheaper price than real wood minus the problems associated with true wood.

There are many colors and designs to choose from. In order to maximize the light filtering capabilities of your window blinds, choose shades in pastel colors like yellow, lime, sky blue, and beige. You might also want to paint your walls in lighter tints so that during daytime, when natural light enters through the blind slats, there is no need for you to turn on the light. You save immensely on electricity and purchasing your shades will definitely be an advantage.

To eliminate unwanted odors in your bathroom, you may opt to slightly open the blinds to let air properly circulate within the area. And to maintain privacy while inside the bathroom, just close the blinds and you are assured that your time alone in the bathroom is secure.

Optimize your bathroom experience with window blinds today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_M_Chan

Buy Unique Shower Curtains That Compliment Your Style

admin — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:58:51 +0000

When remodeling a bathroom, you want your style to represent who you are. Anyone can have a boring, drab looking bathroom, with a regular looking mirror, sink and shower curtain. But you, you’re different. You want to express yourself with your bathroom. You need something that will catch everyone’s eye upon entering. You need a unique shower curtain.

There is a way to buy shower curtains that are unique and that will display your creativity. If you want go with black to show off your darker side, a red one to show off your sensual side or even on that shows off your love of sports.

Here are three to get your creative ideas flowing…

Retro

Take it back to the ’80s. Retro is in style and you can certainly find some awesome looking retro curtains at the store or online. They usually have creative looking patterns that give the appearance of a modern look. Go retro with your bathroom!

Hand Painted

Show your artsy side. You can buy shower curtains that are hand painted, from a funny cartoon painting, to an abstract that will have your bathroom looking high class.

Sports

Support your team in your bathroom. Do you love football? College basketball? Major league baseball? Whatever your athletic passion, I’m sure your love for your team is even more passionate. Pay homage to them in your place of relief.

The shower curtain may just be the biggest design decision you make for your bathroom. You want it to be consistent with the rest of the room, but you don’t want that to limit your creative choice. Choose one that fits your style and make sure it adds a real stylish touch to your newly remodeled bathroom.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Flanigin

Bath and Shower Tile Designs

admin — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 12:45:54 +0000

Ideas to help you create beautiful bath and shower tile designs.

Tips for choosing bath and shower tile designs:

Bath and Shower Tile Designs

Don’t be afraid to be creative as you choose your bath and shower tile designs. The result will be a uniquely beautiful bathroom you’ll enjoy for years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hicks