How to Create a Rejuvenating Environment in Your Bathroom

Bathrooms are no longer utilitarian in nature. They have deep purposes in our crazy world. You can create a better and healthful environment by incorporating some of these products into your bathroom:

Steam is not only an environment maker it has health benefits.   The company, Mr. Steam has some excellent steam shower units.  They help with sore achy muscles,  allergies, clearer skin and relaxation to name a few.   Another feature that has been introduced is an aromatherapy feature.   It is piped into the system and works on a timer or on demand.  I sat in on an a really amazing presentation on this product line with the Vice President of Marketing,  Martha Orellana . 

Martha, Martha, Martha, her enthusiasm and infectious smile and laugh have you believing that the good life is when you have a steam shower in your life. True to the company, she does indeed have a steam shower or two…pictured in the middle with her team!!!

Another good thing going about their units is that you can plan it online and it's no extra set up with the plumber, the generator unit depends on the size of the shower and it needs to be 60’ from the actual shower in a heated space with 12” around for venting.

Check out their video, it really makes you want to relax, doesn’t it?

Below you can see a before and after with the steam system.   The unit is streamlined and good looking. To enjoy the full experience, taking the enclosure to the ceiling is beneficial. You can include a vent, but it is not needed. They also recommend no more than a ceiling height of 8’.

Before on left…after on right. Not much of a difference, except the benefits of this steam shower set up will be phenomenal.

Now we are heating up!! Another thing to consider are your finishes in your bathroom. I hear so many good things about copper and this bathtub from Thompson Traders is no exception. Not only is very stylish and sleek, but it helps with your skin!! It helps produce collagen, it is also said to be anti inflammatory. Double Whammy!!! I fell in love with this product line and family behind their products.

Hello gorgeous!! Want to go for a soak? I feel the need to bathe in this midday with champagne and long gloves…are you feeling it?

All of their products are artisan made in Mexico Like this beautiful sink seen below.

Another good thing to incorporate into your space are live elements. Things that help purify the air like plants. They circulate oxygen, look pretty and reduce airborne dust levels. Each plant has different properties. The peace lily actually removes mold from the air. They have done so many studies on this subject. I encourage you to look at this article for some great information on this subject: Importance of Plants in your Home

Lighting and chromatherapy are very important in creating an environment as well. Chromatherapy is the use of colors to promote relaxation. It is a powerful way to achieve balance and harmony through it’s vibrations. It can calm or energize you. Lighting really helps create a mood or environment in general. Having your system on dimmers are a great way to relax and unwind. Mr. Steam also uses chromatherapy in some of their products.

Mr. Steam here again…chromatherapy is the real deal. Go in normal, come out a wizard!!! Huzzah.

Are you ready to create an environment? These simple suggestions will take your everyday bathroom and transform it. The senses are key here and when you realize the benefits you’ll want to treat yourself!!

Blessings,

Jennifer

5 Kitchen and Bath Trends, Straight From KBIS

I literally just recovered from jet lag after attending KBIS in Las Vegas. For those of you that aren’t familiar with it, It’s the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show that takes place annually. I was told 100,000 people attended and I believe it!! I was there on tour with a lovely group of Design influencers and bloggers as part of the Designhounds KBIS tour.

So many things that I noticed on tour about the status of trends in Kitchens and Baths, here’s my take on 5 trends:

1) COLORFUL appliances, sinks and faucets. If you’re afraid of color, don’t apply. I mean every turn I took there was a bevy of interesting hues. Mainly primary colors. How to apply….not liberally like sunscreen…I would say sprinkles here and there.

My husband would totally let me do a hot pink faucet….(insert scared emoji here)

Lemon with your lemon?

2) Smart home capabilities: Think George Jetson…the future is here baby! And on top of that, a couple of new introductions that had me giddy. One being a closet that you put your clothes, blankets, stuffed animals…dog…ok, maybe not your dog, in to refresh. You can put your dry cleaning in as well. Think of the possibilities!! Carry that over into the kitchen as well with apps and the capability to program anything, anytime….Big brother are you there?

Beep, boop, beep…the future is here!

Carnival stuffed animals delight!! NO excuse to throw those out MOM. Courtesy of LG

3) Creating Environments: Showers aren’t showers anymore, they are full scale environments, capable to give you a rainforest experience rich with chroma therapy as well as music and scents. Who needs vacation?…..ummmm..me..over here. More on this in a separate blog post about the health benefits of something like this with a very cool featured product.

I just really want to know what a ‘night’ routine is????

4) Invisible appliances: I think the weirdest, most exciting thing I spotted was an induction cooktop underneath the countertop!! Now that is magic and no matter what you say, I think it’s pretty genius! This is fairly new and found a couple vendors who were offering it….I think it needs to develop and I’m pretty sure there will be more intros next year.

5) Push release cabinetry: On everything including appliances and cabinetry. Hardware need not apply.

So there you have it, 5 trends from this year’s show. Come back around to see some in depth blog posts about products that I’m featuring, including appliances, cabinets, countertops and steam showers.

Go cook something good up today!,

Jennifer