Blogging Updates

Here’s a little update on some of things I have been doing.

Ask Ann: Read about Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report 2008-09. Despite the down market, maintenance-related projects and moderately priced upgrades are providing stable paybacks to homeowners.

KB+B Online: With so many materials and styles to choose from, selecting the best backsplash can be confusing. Read about the many material choices and their pros and cons.

Gold Notes: Read about new appliance trends for 2009.

Sneak Peak: I have a new page up that will give my online readers a sneak peak at my new kitchen and bath studio. It’s been a long time coming so I am very excited.

November 25, 2008

New 2009 Bisazza Mosaic Collection

Bisazza expands its Mosaic collection with some new decorative designs for 2009 introducing patterns and colors suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments.

The 2009 collection has ample choice of patterns and blends. The textile inspired murals are stunning.

The great variety of tones in the collection provide a myriad of ways to interpret the collection. The hard part may be finding a wall large enough.

Low-Relief CaesarStone

CaesarStone has developed a sandblasting method for applying detailed stenciling to its quartz-engineered stone. The technique creates an extremely low-relief, tactile motif, playing polished against matte surfaces.

The sandblasting technique, made possible by CaesarStone’s immense strength, uses specialised machinery where dry abrasive sand is blasted at the material at high pressure allowing it to etch the surface. Decorative patterns can be applied to an entire slab, as a boarder or feature panel. Highly effective, this stunning textured surface is ideal for vertical surfaces, feature walls, counters tops, furniture or partitions in both commercial and residential design.

The textured sandblasted surface does require a little more care when cleaning; however it retains CaesarStone’s scratch and water resistant qualities.

September 20, 2008

Ofuro Bathtubs

The ofuro (お風呂), is a traditional Japanese bath with deep sides that allows the bather to immerse themselves up to the chin.

The ofuro has been used by the Japanese for centuries to alleviate both physical and spiritual maladies. This ancient technique of soaking in hot water takes away tensions and stress, soothes muscular pains, and stimulates the blood’s circulation.

The original style of ofuro is very small, barely fitting one person, scrunched up. The water was heated by a wood stove and used by all members of the family and emptied in the evening. It is part of the ritual of bathing and not for washing. Members of the family are completely clean before immersing in the bath. Although no soaps are used in the ofuro, mineral salts can be added to enhance the relaxation.

The ofuro were traditionally wooden boxes with 25″ deep straight sides. If you were like me and assumed the small size was due to the small bathroom size and the difficulties of keeping the water hot, you’d be wrong. The size originated from the notion that human beings experienced the best possible conditions in gestation. The small size of the bath required the bather to sit in a fetal-like position.

Modern soaking tubs are larger and offer options like bubblers or jets. This tub from Sonoma Cast Stone is made from Nucrete and offers the option for a heating coil to be cast into the tub’s body.

Ofuro are best designed into wet rooms since most do not have overflow drains. Also, if you follow the bathing ritual, you would shower to clense your body, soak for a minimum of 15 minutes, get out and shower again, soak for an additional 15 minutes and finish with a cold shower. Combining the shower and soaking tub will keep the tracking of water contained.

If the extra height of the ofuro has you concerned about your safety entering and exiting the tub, many models can be sunken or partially sunken into a deck. This unique soaking tub from the Zuma Collection features an infinity edge. The tub is partially sunken so the deck is at a comfortable height. Another option is a walk-in style tub. You’ll need adequate floor clearance in front of it but it is a great option if you can’t change the floor. It is also a great option for people who want to stay in their home well into their senior years.

Many people prefer to spend their time for relaxation and contemplation surrounded by nature. Unfortunately, many traditional wooden ofuro are not suitable for outdoors. Concrete ofuro, like this one from Concreteworks, are a popular choice because they hold up well to the elements.