Home Renovation: Trendy Home Features to Avoid

vessel sink

House Beautiful did an article listing the popular Home-feature trends that are in reality a pain-in-the-butt to maintain.

 So glad I didn't fall for most on the list, but I did succumb to a couple.


Here's one to which I can attest.  I'd still purchased it, though:

Clawfoot Tubs

Vintage tubs look fantastic, but they are often have a non-porous surface that requires careful cleaning. On top of that, the high sides can also be a hazard when stepping out of the bath. If you add on a shower, you'll need to buy multiple shower curtains to keep the water where it should be. -- House Beautiful

We bought a brand-new clawfoot tub that has not been too hard to keep clean.  But I agree with the tub's high side that must be carefully regarded and manoeuvred whether you're going in or getting out. The process can only become more difficult the older one gets. Thus far, the hand-rail and little step-stool have helped.

True, we've also had to purchase two shower curtains to cover both front and back sides of the free-standing tub if the shower head is turned on and used. The curtains are not needed for soaking in the tub. 

In addition: 

- There is additional effort needed to reach and clean underneath the tub. Dust bunnies are having a ball. The cat(s) find the area a great hiding place. Thus, Swiffer is now our bathroom BFF and must be used daily.

- More water is necessary to fill the tub. It's a soaking tub, after all. 

- wikipedia

Trendy But a Pain to Upkeep

History: Bath Tubs

Bathroom: 20 Easy Upgrades

These Colors Will Increase the Value of Your Home


***

Bathroom Renovation: Shower Rod & Color-Blocked Curtain for Free Standing Tub

Other than out-of-the-ordinary tiles, shower curtains draw the eye in an otherwise typical bathroom. I had loved simple, cotton curtains in white or beige for the past few years.  Time for a change!

Here are my 2 inspirations for our recent renovations:

pc: meadow view farm

pc: Domino Magazine

As much as I love my new pair of clear, color-blocked shower curtains, I plan to keep my beautiful cotton shower curtains from Anthro. They're not going to the donation bin just yet.

pc: Anthropologie, Tender Falls shower curtain

Georgina shower curtain via Anthropologie

Shower Curtain


Bed & Breakfast


Funny Hubby





*****

Bathroom Renovation: Our Clawfoot Tub Reveal

The day of delivery arrived

There's our tub in the corner--
sharing space with a strangely-wrapped item.
 (I am intrigued. Wonder what the item is ...)

Well-covered and protected.  Kudos to Baths of Distinction.

Just the right size for us ... AND the bathroom space available

Relaxing after a hard day

Only 57-inches of available space for our clawfoot tub

Trying it out in the bathroom.  

 bathroom taps

put in its place. more pics coming

Baths of Distinction

A Little Bathroom Gets an Update

***********

HOUZZ: The Two People Behind the Gorgeous Picture & Decor Ideas

HOUZZ was begun in 2009 by a real-life couple: Adi Tatarko and Alon Cohen.  They had found it difficult to do their home-remodelling project. Being no exception to the smart folk residing in Palo Alto, Cali, they thought:  Why not put everything on a website or do an App and let your fingers do the walking. Thus, the birth of Houzz.

 Basically, there's a picture available on Houzz that captures your remodelling or building vision. Save it; click on its tagged items for purchase or for more info. There are many millions of pictures to peruse. You drool your way thru hundreds or thousands. Eventually, you choose/purchase the stuff of your dreams. You are happy, the merchant is happy, and Houzz makes a commission.  Simple.  Why didn't I think of it, haha?!!

The following pictures are a few that have inspired me during our Bath remodel.  Not that I actually purchased everything I'd ever desired, but I have many "Ideabooks" and I can continue to make future plans. May the best ideas come to pass, Lord willing!

for chilly bath days: fireplace & heated floors,

Photo by Kalu Interiors 

I heart orange!

Photo by The Bath Kitchen Pros LLC -

patchwork tiles

Photo by Cassidy Hughes Interior Design & Styling -

give me a hand

Photo by LeVernois Design Studio -

hello darkness my old friend

Photo by Almega Creative Builders Inc. -

shower-door love!

Photo by CM Natural Designs -

beware -- fire hazard!

Photo by Classic Kitchens & Baths -

towel racks

Photo by Stedila Design -

cute, little tub in a tight spot

Photo by Aaron Gordon Construction, Inc. -

huge towel warmer

Photo by Nicola O’Mara Interior Design -

H O U Z Z

Tile Trends 2018

*****

Bathroom Renovation: Our Free-standing Soaking Tub

After much thought, we finally chose our bath tub.  I stumbled upon the company, Baths of Distinction while looking at one of their other tubs on HOUZZ.com.
 So very many beautiful soaking tubs out there:

Double Slipper Tub (romantic!)

via: Houzz

Cast iron,300 lbs, $1284

via Houzz

( "Gentry" Swedish Tub ) 

Japanese-style Soaking Tub

pc: Houzz

pc: Houzz

Artisan-carved Tub

via Houzz

Hammered-copper Soaking Tub

pc: Signature Hardware

$2149

Hollywood Glamour

pc: Houzz

We had to work within certain parameters: our bathroom size, & tub's weight and price.  Below is our soaking tub of choice (via Baths of Distinction).  Classic. Simple. Ball/claw-foot.  Brushed Nickel finish. Small, but it'll do.
 Hoping and praying it is sturdy and will hold-up well thru the years:

Baths of Distinction

******