SPECIAL SECTION : Spring Home Renovation Guide
Photo courtesy of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet .
The toilet tank and bowl feature EverClean , a permanent finish that inhibits the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria , mold , and mildew on the surface to help the toilet stay cleaner longer . The system , which operates on four AA alkaline batteries , runs independently from the normal toilet-flushing operation , meaning the toilet will always flush , even if the cleaning cartridge or batteries have run out . Additional features include a slow-close lid and anti-slip bumpers that lock the seat in place .
Tub : Few people will argue that nothing beats a long soak in a warm tub . Now , the bathtub ’ s appearance and special features can be specially tailored to satisfy your personal preferences . Extra-deep , extra-wide , with and without jets , freestanding or integrated into the architecture — the possibilities are nearly endless . Keep access in mind when you choose your style ; don ’ t select a tub so deep it ’ s difficult to climb in and out , and remember practical considerations like bathing children .
Floor : Because it offers broad aesthetic appeal and it ’ s relatively easy to keep clean , tile flooring is a top choice for bathrooms . Not only can you add style with the color and texture of the tile , you can take your flooring to even greater levels with special patterns and designs .
Another flooring enhancement — heated coils that run below the surface to keep cool tile warm and cozy when it ’ s cold outside .
Storage : While aesthetic appeal is important , a bathroom without sufficient storage space is truly lacking in function . Be sure your design includes a place to keep essentials like towels and personal grooming items . Whether your storage space blends in or stands out is entirely up to you ; some vanities actually look more like stylish furniture , and open shelving is a popular choice for a modern space .
With the wide range of options available , it ’ s easy to create a bathroom that delivers the perfect combination of style and function .
Smart , Stylish Designs for Outdoor Kitchens
Kitchens are moving outside and are expected to be a top design trend in 2017 .
An outdoor kitchen can greatly improve the value of a home , and it brings family and friends together . Whether it ’ s having your neighbors for a weekend barbecue or a big family gathering , everyone loves being outside .
Big or small , the basic principles of outdoor kitchen design remain the same . Get started by understanding these basics :
Get the right heat — It all starts with the grill , which is the centerpiece of the outdoor kitchen . Russ Faulk , chief designer and head of product for Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet , suggests basing your selection on the cook you aspire to be , not the kind you are now . Remember that there are no uniform depths , heights or widths when it comes to grills , so future upgrades can be a challenge .
More homeowners are also expanding their cooking capabilities with specialized products offering different types of heat . Smokers , pizza ovens and charcoal or wood-fired grills are options to keep in mind as they can enhance the outdoor cooking experience .
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