Decorating a Half Bath
July 16, 2007
Q: What Should I Consider When Decorating My Half Bath?
You would freak out if you knew how many years the average person spends using the toilet. It's not a pretty fact, but it's a fact that your toilet can be in a very beautiful room (and that's what counts in the end)! Nicola Chernicoff and Irwin Weiner take you onsite to a powder room and in this episode they will cover the resale value of adding half baths to your floor plan, what elements make up a typical powder room as opposed to a bathroom, how to add whimsy and style to bathroom decor, the latest trends and appliances to make this room greener and higher functioning, the early days of bathrooms (and we're talking sitting on stone, people!), the glam days of powder rooms, Irwin's pet peeves about bathrooms (and other outrageous bathroom humor), and a special tip about quiet, energy-saving toilets.
Download Episode 16 (47MB MP4)
Design2Share
Tub Truths & the Inside Scoop on Whirlpools and Air Jets: It's fashionable for many homes to feature a soaking tub with some kind of mechanized whirlpool system for weary visitors in a guest bathroom or in the tried-and-true master bedroom ensuite bath. There are pros and cons to be aware of. Let's try to guide you through the weeds.
First, there are two main choices on the market for "swirling systems" for soaking tubs: whirlpool and air jet.
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In the whirlpool system, your tub's motor takes water in from the tub and sends out jets of water around the bather's body.
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In the air jet system, bubbles of air -- not water -- are pushed out by the tub's mechanied system. There is no recycling of water from the tub.
There are pros and cons to both systems. Here is the list of considerations for the whirlpools out there:
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Whirlpool systems shoot out powerful jets of water. The fresh jets are great for a stimulating, deep massage effect and can also be regulated for gentler effects.
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Whirlpool systems can be used with both cast iron and acrylic tubs. Both have their advantages and disadvantages -- cast iron tubs have a great, solid feel and are difficult to scratch or mar; acrylic tubs offer more body-contouring sculpture to their tub forms, but the acrylic can scratch.
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Some people dislike the fact that whirlpool-based tubs have the motor built directly underneath the tub. It can be noisy.
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Whirlpool critics believe that whirlpool tubs are difficult to clean. Dirty tub water is constantly recycled through the motor and mechanical system of the tub.
Kohler manufactures both whirlpool and air jet tub systems. Their round Riverbath Whirlpool tub is featured in the photo above.
How do air jet systems stack up? Here are the pros and cons:
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Air jet systems send out bubbles of air around the bather's body, and this can be extremely relaxing and gentle.
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The motor and pump system for air jet tubs can be placed remotely, so any motor noise can be contained and the bathing experience is less noisy.
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Air jet systems are cleaner than whirlpool, as air is blown from the pump into the tub without circulating dirty tub water.
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Air jet systems usually don't provide powerful massage-inducing results, the hallmark of whirlpools.
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Air jet systems are only available with acrylic tubs, which are easier to scratch (although quite appropriate for the body-contouring that works well with gentle, relaxing air bubbles).
BainUltra is a premiere air jet bath and home spa manufacturer (see one of their Elegancia models above). Its wide variety of options give you amazing choices for tub design and color, air jet controls and jet strength, spa extras that include color therapy and music while you soak, and -- our absolute favorite option -- a heated back, with temperature controls to give your back muscles the ultimate way to unkink from the busy workday.
Reader Comments (12)
Don't neglect your bathroom decoration or materials you use. Imagine arriving home tense, stressed,and totally exhausted. You fill your bath with warm, soothing water, add a splash of bubble bath and turn on the jets! Soon you’re surrounded by swirling currents of luxurious, calming frothy water.
I am speechles to see you Decorating a Half Bath.
I can say simply love it.
Now i am think about my bathroom for redesign.
Thanks
You fill your bath with warm, soothing water, add a splash of bubble bath and turn on the jets! Soon you’re surrounded by swirling currents of luxurious, calming frothy water.
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rose
Furniture Packages Turkey
That's a very nice video.
I love it.
I also love your features.
They were beautiful.
The problem with spa baths is they are nice when they work, but after time they break and become a nightmare to fix or replace.
Great article, I run a website that sells online lights and mirrors for bathrooms and feel it may be useful to some of you guys...
When the bath is decorated then we feel relax.
we have cool mind.
thanks
New product!!! keeps tub clean and adds a whole new look to your bathroom. Spa noVae also turns any tub into a spa by capturing steam under cover while your submerged under water and also maintains the hot water.
I become the big fan of your designing!
please post some other designs.
I want to make this type of bath. It's a wonderful bath tub and stylish. This bath has amazing features. This bath is a great work.
Hello,
your all bath designs are so nice and beautiful.....if i made my own house then i'll get idea of bath designs from you.....could you help me?
Its very stylish bath room. You have spend a lots of money in your bath. These tubs can increase beauty of bath. We are feeling rest when we are taking the bath.