SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
Besides just being a place to “get ready” to meet the day, it’s
also a relaxing space to recharge your batteries after a long week
at work. Hydrotherapy is one of the best ways to relieve stress
and help tired, overworked muscles. With tons of specialized
showerheads, you can have everything from the sprinkle of a
gentle rain to an invigorating massage to bring your body back
to center. And a nice relaxing bath in a soaker tub can make the
world go away for a while.
Does all of this sound like a fantasy? Maybe not. According to
designer Mary Laipple, Director of the Kitchen and Bath Design
Studio at 84 Lumber, you may be able to make updates to your
bath for less than you might expect.
“If a homeowner is just updating and not moving plumbing,
heating ducts and electricity, the makeover can start at around
$10,000,” says Laipple. And the choices for today’s bath are
incredibly enticing. She notes that many homeowners are opting
for larger showers that will not only get you clean, but can also
bathe you in LED lighting that changes colors to suit your mood.
You can also enjoy your favorite music in the shower to either
calm you down after a stressful day, or pep you up for the daily
routine.
Vanities and bath cabinetry have also arrived in the 21st
century. Vanities are no longer empty-shell cabinets that open to
a cavernous interior with little customization. Current options for
drawers and cabinets include specialized areas for storing your
blow dryer neatly away and stackable storage options for makeup.
And while you’re standing in front of that vanity applying your
makeup, you can watch TV in the mirror! New technology allows
your favorite TV program to be projected onto the mirror, so
you can keep up with the latest baseball scores or check the
weather before going out.
Slate and marble tile are always elegant options for bathrooms,
but one of the latest trends in baths are porcelain tiles that mimic
wood. These tiles come in sizes up to 48” and can be laid to look
like natural woodgrain, without the worry of water damage.
Laipple says the woodgrain appearance really warms up the
bathroom.
And speaking of warm – your toilet can be warm too!
Homeowners can opt for a “throne” with a retractable base that
comes out and heats your feet as well as the seat of the toilet.
And new touchless flushing helps prevent the spread of germs
among your family, along with a bidet, which ensures a much
cleaner experience.
You spend so much time in your bathroom every day you owe
it to yourself to make it a more enjoyable place. And, according
to HGTV.com, bath remodels often offer a return on investment
of more than 100%!
KITCHEN MAKEOVER
Whether your cooking style is Chicken Cordon Bleu, or just
some great Pad Thai take-out from the corner restaurant, you
need a place to prepare your meals that’s fun, organized and feels
like home.
SEWICKLEY
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SPRING 2019
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