Three Benefits of Installing a Steam Shower

You may be interested in using eco-friendly plumbing solutions just for their benefits to the environment. However, it’s nice to know that there are many ways that they can be beneficial to you and your family as well.

Reduce Water Usage
Low-flow toilets, water-efficient taps and showers, and less wasteful outdoor irrigation systems can all help conserve water without loss in functionality. Reducing water usage isn’t just good for the environment, it helps save you money on your water bill as well.

Reduce Energy Usage
There are plumbing solutions that can help reduce the amount of energy you use as well. Using more efficient water heaters, tankless water heaters and insulating pipes are all ways of doing this. The resulting savings in energy usage will benefit the environment and your wallet.

Eliminate Toxins in Your Water
This final benefit is as important for your family’s health as it is for that of the environment. By filtering the water coming into your home, you get healthier drinking water, eliminate the toxins in the water you bathe in, extend the life of the clothes you wash and protect the environment by reducing the toxicity of the waste water that leaves your home through your drains.
As more eco-friendly plumbing solutions are developed, homeowners can reap the benefits that protecting the environment offers for their bank account and the heath of their families. For more information, call Bella Hardware & Bath at 828-505-79505.

When you have a large master bathroom, it may seem like the sky is the limit for remodeling. You have space for everything you can dream of. Well, if you're living in a home with a small master bathroom, you can still create beauty and enhance function with a remodel. Below are five fresh ideas for remodeling your petite master bathroom.

Walk-In Shower

If you don't soak in the bath very often, consider replacing a shower and tub combination with a walk-in shower. Such a shower can fit into any space, including awkward ones. Contractors can use a prefabricated base for the shower, or they can custom-create the base out of tile, depending on your needs.

Glass is the ideal material for enclosing a walk-in shower because its transparency allows the eye to move around the space, which makes your bathroom feel bigger. What's more, glass reflects light, which creates a bright feel in your space. Consider upgrading to HD glass. HD glass doesn't feature any green undertones common in standard bathroom glass because it contains low-iron silica.

Customized Storage

Perhaps the most significant issue with small bathrooms is finding enough storage space. The answer is to plan for storage that you customize to your bathroom's layout. For example, Home and Garden TV  describe a bathroom with narrow shelving that reaches all the way to the ceiling of a tall bathroom.

You don't want to impede the sightline with a lot of cabinetry, though. Instead, consider having open shelves installed. You can top them with containers for small items and leave areas open to emphasize the space. Likewise, have any existing cabinetry outfitted with custom inserts so you can maximize every square inch of storage space.  

Floating Vanity

A traditional vanity with cabinets takes up a lot of visual space. However, the cabinets are necessary for their storage capacity. A solution for this situation is to have a floating vanity installed. This style of vanity attaches directly to the wall with space left underneath. Because of that gap, the space around the floating vanity feels larger.

You do lose some storage space with a floating vanity since the cabinets aren't as big. You could place containers under the vanity for stashing bathroom items. To keep the space feeling airy, choose light-colored or clear containers. Reflective materials would work, too. As with the shelving, make sure you leave space between the containers.

Themed Remodel

Rather than just stick with your bathroom's current style, you could devise a theme, such as coastal, Asian-inspired, or shabby chic. Your theme will include a color scheme, materials palette, and design elements of that style.

For example, for a coastal bathroom, your color scheme will probably be based on shades of blue and green with sandy beige as the neutral. You'll include a lot of colored glass and maybe textured finishes, such as pebbled tiles. For décor, you can use coastal scenes and beach items, such as driftwood, sea shells, and hurricane lanterns.

Oversized Mirror

Normally, you want to keep everything in your remodel job to scale so that the installations don't overpower the space. However, a single large piece can serve as a focal point. In this case, consider hanging an oversized mirror to reflect light and create the illusion of space.

For the location, above the vanity makes the most sense. However, you want to pay attention to what the large mirror is reflecting. Try to have the mirror reflect a window or art hanging on a wall. Locating a big mirror to reflect the toilet or shower is less than ideal.

Make your small master bathroom live large with a stylish remodel job. Visit the showroom at Bella Hardware & Bath  for more inspiration for your bathroom remodel.

If you are going to spend the money to renovate your master bathroom, you should create a space that will look just as good in a few weeks as it will a couple of years from now.
Fortunately, by keeping a finger on the pulse of the interior design industry, you can create a classic, functional space that will dazzle your inner interior designer. Here are four bathroom design trends you should consider incorporating into your renovation.

1. Smarter Floor Plans

These days, buyers simply won't tolerate cramped, uncomfortable spaces. That's why you should think about the floor plan before you look at paint swatches and flooring samples. Think about things like floor space, sink availability, shower size and counter area before you talk with contractors about your project.
If your space is small, consider replacing bulky vanities with pedestal sinks and large bathtubs with sleek, glass-enclosed showers. Don't forget to factor in the location of doors and windows, which can swing inwards and impact the usability of your space.
To stay on the safe side, talk with a design team that specializes in bathrooms. Invite them into your home and ask what design plan they would suggest for the size of your bathroom. In addition to offering great suggestions, designers are familiar with new fixtures and layout ideas that could solve your space dilemma.

2. Luxury Fixtures

Forget about those bland stock fixtures that came with your place. Trends for 2017 and 2018 are all about adding a little luxury to your bathroom space, which is why luxury shower and sink fixtures are flying off the shelves.
In the shower and bath area, consider adding a raindrop shower head or steam controls to give the space an edge. Newer in-shower sound systems are controlled via Bluetooth, which gives users the opportunity to listen to their favorite music or podcasts on waterproof smartphones or watches.
Additionally, think about adding a smart faucet to your sink. In addition to making it easier for children to wash their hands without making a mess, hands-free units can help you to save water and cut down on your monthly utility bill.

3. Framed Mirrors

Made popular by an adhesive manufacturer in the early 1930s , mirror mastic has been used for years to secure large pieces of glass to bathroom walls. Unfortunately, these large sheets of mirror can instantly date your bathroom and make future renovations incredibly difficult. Fortunately, modern society has the answer to this age-old problem: framed mirrors.
Instead of gluing a mirror to the wall, shop for a large framed mirror to mount above your sink area. When contractors mount the mirror, ask them to secure it on wall studs and align the center of the mirror with your sightline.
In addition to adding a fun decorative element to your bathroom, framed mirrors are easy to switch out if you want to change your bathroom décor. Framed mirrors are also easy to remove altogether if you want to take it with you when you move.  

4. Gold Hardware

If you visited the hardware aisle of the home improvement store a few years ago, you would have likely seen bin after bin of brushed silver and chrome hardware. However, these days, gold and brass hardware are back in style, lending a little old-world charm to your bathroom renovation.
Before you select gold hardware for your bathroom, keep in mind that gold and brass are available in a wide variety of shades. Try to match the shades with other gold or brass elements of the room so the hardware doesn't look out of place.
When you are ready to break ground on your bathroom remodeling project, contact Bella Hardware & Bath. As an experienced hardware and plumbing fixture company, we understand what it takes to make your next project perfect.

Making the choice to remodel your bathroom can be a simple and effective way to improve both your home's aesthetic beauty and its financial value.

When remodeling a home bathroom, many homeowners make the decision to install new plumbing fixtures within the remodeled space. While beauty and function should certainly play a primary role in determining which plumbing fixtures you select, you should also make an effort to install fixtures that will make your bathroom more energy efficient over time.
Bathrooms can significantly contribute to your home's water and energy bills, but having the right fixtures in place will help you save money and conserve water in the future. Here are three eco-friendly plumbing fixtures that you should consider adding to your bathroom remodel in the future.

1. Water-Saving Showerhead
Having the ability to utilize a shower for daily bathing is important to most homeowners. Unfortunately, showering can waste a lot of water.
If you have a showerhead that continues to run while you are lathering your body with soap or working shampoo and conditioner through your hair, you can easily make your home more eco-friendly by installing a water-saving showerhead during your bathroom remodel.
Water-saving showerheads feature adjustable spray nozzles that give you full control over the water pressure coming from the fixture. They also feature a shut-off valve that allows you to eliminate water flow while performing routine in-shower tasks that don't require the use of water. 

2. High-Efficiency Faucet
Your bathroom faucet is another fixture that can contribute to water waste in the home. Faucets are often left running while lathering the hands with soap or brushing one's teeth, resulting in a significant amount of wasted water.
While it might be challenging to change your family's faucet-use habits, you can reduce the amount of water being produced by your faucet by opting to install a high-efficiency faucet with your remodeled bathroom sink.
These types of high-efficiency faucets feature an aerator that mixes air in with the water being delivered through the faucet. Water flow is reduced, but the water pressure remains constant. This means that you likely won't notice a difference in the amount of water being produced by your new high-efficiency faucet, but the faucet could save a significant amount of water from being wasted each day.

3. Low-Flow Toilet
The toilet is one of the most important fixtures in any bathroom. In addition to having the ability to serve as a decorative focal point within your remodeled space, you want to ensure the new toilet you install will help you reduce your home's water usage each day.
Low-flow toilets not only rely on less water per flush than conventional fixtures, some of these ecofriendly plumbing fixtures can give you the ability to customize each flush. Dual-button toilets allow you to select an extremely low-flow flushing option for removing liquid waste and a second flushing option that utilizes a bit more water for removing solid waste. Customizing each flush will allow you to significantly reduce the water usage in your remodeled bathroom over time.
Making the choice to remodel your home's bathroom can be an exciting prospect. It's important that you think about not only the design aesthetic of the new room but how the remodeled bathroom will function over time as well. Opting to add eco-friendly plumbing fixtures to your new bathroom will help you conserve water resources and reduce your monthly water bill.
Visit  the professionals at Bella Hardware & Bath to discuss how you can incorporate energy-efficient plumbing fixtures into your next bathroom remodel project without compromising style or blowing your renovation budget.

Upgrading the bathrooms in your home can significantly impact the overall value of your property. Outdated bathrooms just aren't equipped to meet the needs of modern homeowners, so remodeling an old bathroom can make your home more functional as well.

Selecting new fixtures for your bathroom is an essential part of the design and remodeling process. The fixtures you install will have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic and comfort of your new living space.
If you are trying to create a spa-like feel in your new bathroom, then having the right bathtub can really tie the space together. Here are three modern bathtub features to consider as you shop for a new tub to incorporate into your spa bathroom.

1. Oversize Design
If you are planning to increase the amount of square footage available in your bathroom during an upcoming remodel, utilizing this additional space to house an oversize bathtub can be beneficial in helping you achieve your desired spa-like aesthetic.
Spa environments are designed to help people feel relaxed and at ease. It's hard to fully relax and unwind when you are cramped in a tiny bathtub. An oversize tub will give you the ability to soak your worries away in comfort.
Oversize tubs come in many different shapes, ensuring that you will be able to find the bathtub that fits seamlessly into you new spa-inspired bathroom.

2. Modern Materials
Thanks to advancements in manufacturing technology, bathtubs can be created using a variety of different materials. These material options allow you to completely customize the look of your new spa-like living space.
If you are trying to make a small bathroom feel larger and more luxurious, then you can opt to invest in a glass bathtub because its transparency will not disrupt the eye. This creates the illusion of additional space, and the glass embodies the clean lines and surfaces that characterize a spa setting.
If your new bathroom will be on the larger side, then you might want a bathtub made from stone instead. Stone is a natural material that can lend elegance and sophistication to a bathroom spa, but the material is heavy and will need to be balanced out with a spacious room.

3. Advanced Options
Creating a customized spa bathroom is simple when you look for a bathtub that offers the advanced options you need to maximize relaxation. Modern bathrooms come equipped with a variety of add-on features that you can use to enhance the function of your remodeled room.
If you enjoy listening to music as you unwind, then a bathtub with a built-in stereo system can really optimize your bathroom experience. The sound of running water has therapeutic benefits, and you can easily incorporate running water into your bathroom's design by investing in a bathtub that features an overflow tray.
If you want to have complete control over the lighting in your bathroom, a tub that features color-changing LED lights will allow you to customize the ambiance in your spa-inspired room. Investing in a bathtub with advanced options ensures that your bathroom fixtures meet your unique needs over time.
A bathroom remodeling project is a significant undertaking. Make sure that you are able to create the spa bathroom of your dreams by looking for a tub that has the size, aesthetic and functionality you need to fully relax while spending time in your bathroom.
Be sure to consult  with the professionals at Bella Hardware & Bath to gain valuable insight into the modern bathtubs available on the market. With a little help, you can achieve the spa-inspired bathroom you’ve always wanted.

If your home is your castle, the master suite should be your throne. It is the space that should serve as a haven—a relaxing getaway from the outside world, work, and even the kids.

If your master suite is less than luxurious, there's a great place to start: the bathroom. While most homeowners see the bathroom as simply a room of function, you can create a space you'll love to come home to.
Here are five ways to make your relaxing day spa right in your house.

Lighten Up
A light, neutral color palette not only makes the bathroom feel larger, but it also makes it feel cleaner and more calming. Lightening up and simplifying your decor calms the senses. Look for a relaxing combination of earth tones--such as grays, light browns, or soft greens--to make you feel like you're part of nature.
Add plenty of natural lighting, too. Skylights and windows let the rejuvenating sunlight in and complement those nature-based colors.

Adjust Lighting
The ability to adjust the room's lighting allows you to indulge any mood. Look for different types of lighting fixtures that can be personalized for different needs. The more you can change the room's lighting, the easier it will be to create the exact mood you want.
You'll likely want bright vanity lighting and overhead lights for basic function, but feel free to add table lamps, sconces, or candles for a more romantic touch. You can even turn a boring room into a showpiece with a single, eclectic pendant lamp that reflects your personality.

Add Luxury Accents
No matter what your budget is, adding accessories that feel luxurious will make the whole room seem more decadent. Look for high-quality bath oils, soft, fluffy towels, and a rug (or two) that feels like a cushion under your feet. Custom hardware  and some beautiful art hung on the walls will also go a long way to making the room feel fancier than it is.

Many people find nature to be inspiring, which is why many spas decorate with it in mind. You can, too, by using things like moss-covered pebble bath mats or faux wood flooring. Have a first-floor bathroom? You can create the ultimate natural mood by actually adding an outdoor shower that's connected to the bathroom.

Invest in a Shower and Tub
Modern shower systems feel like they came straight from a trendy spa. Try a rain shower head that mimics the natural fall of water or a multi-head spray system that drenches you from all angles with massaging action. Enlarge a shower to double its size and add fun features like a seat or bamboo flooring.
Are you a fan of long soaks in the tub? Indulge yourself with an oversize garden tub or even an extra-deep Japanese soaking tub. Turn the bathtub into an oasis with candle shelves, natural plants, or colored lighting. Add small tub accents like a wooden bathtub tray to hold that perfect glass of wine or your favorite book.

Don't Forget Your Senses
For true relaxation, make sure you cater to all your senses. Lighting and a relaxing color palette is good for the eyes, but candles or incense is good for the nose. Add a soft, bubbling fountain for calming background noise or a built-in stereo system to stream music that makes you happy. And heated floor tiles will feel extra good on cold feet first thing in the morning.
Whether you have a big budget or a small one, a lot of space to work with or just a little, you can create a master suite fit for a king or queen.

Whirlpool baths , also known as hot tubs are more than just bathtubs. While many think of them as just romantic setting with ambience, they actually provide therapeutic relief. An investment into a Whirlpool is an investment in total body health.

Space

Those who don’t like to soak in a tub have invariably been cramped into those smaller ones that leave very little room for true relaxation. Whirlpools are built to allow people to stretch out comfortably and even have seats and steps so that people don’t have to struggle in and out of them.

Muscle Relief

Sore stiff muscles are a result of overworking them. Soaking in warm water can relieve the tension from these sore muscles.

Stress Relief

Tension in the body causes stress. Stress often stiffens the body, creating pain such as cramps and tightness in the tendons. Whirlpool baths provide warm water, comforting jets and massaging bubbles.

Circulation Improvement

Beyond muscle and tension relief, the pulsating jets of a Whirlpool increase the blood flow to the body, thereby increasing circulation. Increased circulation is key in staving off diseases such as diabetes and kidney failure.

Privacy

A Whirlpool bath means that only a limited number of bodies are privy to it. Not only is there no worry about being conscious of bodies, but there is also no worry of strange germs.
Enjoy the endless sensations of a Whirlpool. Call Bella Hardware & Bath at 828-505-79505 we have a variety available to choose from.

Having a bathroom remodel done can be a big investment. That’s why it is essential to do a little preparation work before you get going with the project. One important preparation task to do is to come up with a list of things you want in your new bathroom. By doing this, you will have a clear idea of how you want your bathroom to look and feel when discussing it with a professional. If you need some ideas, here are some 2016 remodeling trends to check out.

Wood

Wood is a design element that is currently popular for bathrooms. The natural warmth it provides can really add some character to your bathroom if it previously felt dull and cold.
 
Patterns

Another popular trend for 2016 bathrooms is basic tiles laid in creative and unusual patterns. There are various options to choose from when it comes to tile patterns. If you are unsure of what you like, a professional can show you some options.
Functionality

If you are a fan of functionality over form, this is the trend for you. This design aspect ensures your space will be functional and practical.
Cool Colors

Cool tones are another popular design trend for 2016. These types of colors create an ambiance that is relaxing and calm. When combined with crisp white accents and hints of wood, cool colors can create an uplifting and refreshing feel. If you would like to learn more about bathroom remodeling  trends, call Bella Hardware & Bath at 828-505-79505.