Spruce Up Your Bathroom With These Three Latest Trends
When it comes to home renovation, communal spaces like the living room, dining area and kitchen often take center stage. Instead of fussing over multi-use kitchen islands and bespoke bar counters, why not put in a little more thought to the tranquil sanctuary that’s the bathroom? Once taken for granted as a strictly utilitarian space, the bathroom can transcend its basic purpose and be transformed into a serene haven for relaxation or a sleek space that doubles up as a storage area – with a touch of clever planning and creative styling. From lux designs to pared-down sophistication, here are three of the latest bathroom trends to inspire your next bathroom remodel : 1. Compact Chic Urban living doesn’t have to put a dampener on style. Often cited as a big constraint, even the smallest bathrooms can be optimised with thoughtful design and careful planning. Start by creating extra usable space with the clever use of slim silhouettes and discreet storage space. Designed to help urban dwellers effortlessly maximise the use of their limited apartment space, the American Standard City Collection is the definition of form meets functionality. Take, for example, the stylishly designed City Wall Hung Toilet with CrystaSleek. Ultra compact with a contemporary-looking glass panel, metal frame and logo tag, it boasts maximum flushing performance while minimising water usage. Paired with the beautifully designed vanity that features concealed multi-function compartments and built-in power points for hair dryers and shavers, the collection’s perfect for urbanites. Looking to amp up the style factor with a touch of elegance? Look no further than the Acacia SupaSleek Collection that’s inspired by form and simplicity. Marrying ultra-thin edges with super sleek lines, the collection’s products – such as the Acacia SupaSleek Vessel, Acacia Evolution Wall Mount Basin Mixer and Toilet with slim tank lid – won’t look out of place in any modern, compact home. 2. Luxury Spa Sanctuary Transform the bathroom into a lush spa sanctuary for some well-deserved relaxation at the end of the day. Besides injecting calming colours – think warm whites and light neutral tones – and relaxing scents, lavish fittings and luxurious finishings are a must. For a classic yet opulent finishing that will stand the test of time, go for elegant marble. If a contemporary style is preferred, sleek granite will do the job. No spa is complete without a soothing massage to calm the senses and wash away the tiredness. American Standard Signature Collection bath and shower mixer provides just the perfect pressure for a luxurious massage-like shower experience with its air-infused water. Coupled with its smooth curved joints and seamless chrome finishing, there’s no doubt that it’ll fit right into the luxury spa theme. 3. Modern Minimalist The KonMari mania may have waned but the minimalist aesthetic is here to stay. A timeless concept that shows no signs of abating, the understated look works well with a pristine white or neutral color palette. While this pared-down style is big on streamlined simplicity, it doesn’t have to be plain or boring. Lend a touch of personality to an otherwise neutral space with a bold pop of color. The EasyFLO Collection comes in a selection of carefully curated colours, which allows you to accentuate details while adding some oomph to a minimalist design. Not just a collection that wows with its sophisticated sleekness, the EasyFLO is also designed with functionality in mind. With the EasyFLO’s intuitive press button, making a mess while struggling to turn on the tap with soapy hands will be a thing of the past. So, which of these three trends are you leaning toward? Whether you are inspired to go with the minimalist movement, wish to pay tribute to your favourite spa or simply trying to make the best of the limited apartment space you have, you can be sure that American Standard has just the perfect fittings you need to remodel your bathroom.
4 Rules to Ace Timeless Home Decor
While urbanites are on the constant hunt for the latest status purse, or perennially upgrade their gadgets for the snazziest model, a beautifully designed home should always stand the test of time. After all, what most homeowners desire is fairly straightforward – an uncluttered house that spells modern elegance, but classic enough so it doesn’t quickly go out of style. In order to attain that timeless look, it’s important to look for elements – whether it comes to paint colors, decorative items, or even functional pieces of furniture – that combine contemporary elements with a refined sensibility. With that in mind, here are four aspects towards a timeless and modern home design that will be sure to last you through the years: 1. Simple Colors When it comes to picking a paint colors palette, simplicity can go a long way in ensuring that your home stays clean and modern looking. Try sticking with neutral shades such as beige, grays and off-whites, as these can really help to accentuate the space in your home. Light colors like a soft blue or green can also have a similar effect of creating the illusion of a larger space, while also providing the flexibility of incorporating statement decorative pieces. And while dark colors like emerald greens and ruby red tend to make a room look smaller, they can also be used as accents to compliment the neutral base shades, helping to add a pop of color to the design without complicating it too much. The Vanity collection from KASTELLO uses jewel tones to help compliment base shades and give your bathroom a touch of sophistication. Simple, clean and universally flattering for any bathroom, the Vanity collection is perfect to ace that timeless decor. 2. Tasteful Fixtures In every home, fixtures like lighting are necessities for daily living. But instead of selecting them as an afterthought, why not incorporate fixtures into your overall home design instead? Take the KASTELLO Collection by American Standard for example; its strong bespoke design language is timeless classic and modern, so it fits seamlessly into any home bathroom. After all, design comes first for this one-of-a-kind collection, featuring authentic materials, defined edges, signature flare-out shapes and a 90-degree spout. 3. Beautiful Functionality Design is no longer just about looking good, as functionality plays an increasingly important role when considering the mix of pieces and elements in a home. Furnishings with tangible functions will not only enrich your life and increase convenience in the immediate future but can also remain useful through any changes in lifestyle. That’s why the KASTELLO Collection boasts functionality on top of beautiful design, with features like Durashine – a shiny chrome finishing with a long-lasting brilliance, and ComfortMove – a smooth handle that provides optimal precision and comfort, helping with the ease of movement. With pieces like that in your house, there’ll no longer be a need to choose between elegance or functionality. 4. Sustainable Style Climate change may be the talk of the town now but taking care of our planet will actually have to involve a lifestyle change that has to continue for a long time. Therefore, having eco-friendly features around your house will not only help the environment, but also be in line with keeping your home design relevant and smart in the years to come. One of the biggest ways you can start is by saving energy and water in the one room in the house that is definitely used on a daily basis – the bathroom. Functions like Ecostart – a single-lever faucet that releases cold water first to prevent the boiler from heating up unnecessarily – can help save 30 per cent in energy consumption, while the SiphonMax technology improves water efficiency with 2 twin torrents of water creating a whirlpool around the bowl. Simultaneously, a jet of water is released from below creating a second push action and coupled with water being funneled away from the bottom of the bowl that generates a powerful pull action, SiphonMax effectively removed both heavy and light wastes. Both can be found in the KASTELLO collection, to help keep your home clean, green and timeless.
Spring into a New Season with a Bathroom Refresh
What comes to mind when you think of Spring? Fresh greenery, colorful flowers, nature and lots of warm sunshine? This sense of new energy and vibrancy is something you will appreciate daily, and thus an ideal inspiration for your home decor. One of the most often overlooked spaces in the home is also possibly one of the easiest and most affordable to decorate – yes you are right, it’s the bathroom. Refreshing your bathroom does not need to be a hassle. To inject your bathroom with the lightness and freshness of springtime, here are four simple things you can do. 1) Greenery If you are the kind of person with green fingers, decorating your shelves with plants could be a simple, and obvious way to add a little bit of springtime to your bathroom decor. All it takes is a quick trip to your nearby nursery to pick up a few plants and you will be sprucing up your bathroom in no time at all. On the other hand, if you are impeded by a lack of green fingers, don’t fret just yet. There are plants that are not as finicky, and we do not just mean cactuses. Consider tropical plants like pothos, air plants (no soil needed!), and ferns – they grow well in your bathroom even with the humidity and lack of sunlight. Plus, how adorable will these miniature trees look on your windowsill? 2) Textured Bathroom Furniture It is easy for the bathroom to be written off as a purely utilitarian part of the house, especially when decked out in cold metal towel racks and plastic bathroom stools. The trick is to add a little texture with simple things like a wooden toothbrush holder, or a wicker basket to hold your soap or plants, and you might find your bathroom softens into a much warmer and more inviting space. A rustic-looking ladder made of reclaimed wood will not only make a lovely addition to your bathroom, but you could give it a new lease of life as a towel or magazine rack. 3) Spring Scents When it comes to jazzing up a space, you may tend to forget that smells play a significant role in setting a particular ambience. For springtime freshness, go for candles with fragrances of freshly mowed lawns, citrus fruits, or flower gardens that will surely help cover any unpleasant bathroom odors. And if scented candles are too overwhelming for you, consider picking a subtle soap which will work wonders too. 4) Wall Colors It’s pretty common sense that colors can drastically alter the vibe of any room. A bright lime green color for instance will definitely hit you over the head with the vibrancy and energy of springtime, whereas a unique shade of blue like periwinkle gives a similar vibe of inspiring calmness and serenity. Whether you’re going as far as repainting a wall or doing something as simple as buying a few potted plants, there are many ways to inject the spirit of Spring into your bathroom. After all, these small changes could go a long way in lifting the spirits and adding an extra perk to your bathroom experience.
Take your bathroom into the future with these 4 smart features
These days, it’s no surprise how smart home technology has increasingly become the latest obsession of any modern homeowner, especially given the growing accessibility to things like smart lights, smart doorbells, smart video surveillance and the latest Google Home systems, which have all proven to instantly elevate our lifestyle. So it’s only natural that this desire extends to the bathroom as well – a place where we spend a huge chunk of our time, and want to be as comfortable and luxurious as possible. Jazzing up this space can actually have an obvious and positive impact on our lives. Plus, why not save water and energy in the process? With that in mind, here are 4 smart technologies for your bathroom today: 1) Voice-controlled bathroom lights Already thinking of fitting your house with smart lights and Amazon’s Alexa? Why stop at just the living room or bedroom? Control your bathroom lights with your voice as well, and say goodbye to stubbed toes or slipping on bathroom tiles. You won’t have to fumble for that light switch the next time nature calls in the middle of the night, and being able to turn off your lights via mobile phone app also means never leaving the lights on overnight – and wasting precious energy – ever again. 2) Smart toilets Whenever smart toilets are mentioned, chances are you’ll think of temperature-controlled bidets, remote controls, or even ambient music that will cover up any undesirable bathroom noise. In this day and age, technology plays an increasing role in living well and living responsibly. Smart toilets also tend to boast eco-friendly features so you can be kind to the environment while using the bathroom. The e.ssential shower toilet by American Standard is one example of such a smart toilet. It features all the essential personal cleansing and comfort features like dual nozzles cleansing with massaging sprays, adjustable seat, water and dryer temperatures. Furthermore under the power saving mode, water heating and seat heating functions will stop, while cleansing and flushing still operate. Original settings resume after eight hours, so just hit the button before leaving for work in the morning and rest assured you’ll be saving a whole day’s worth of energy consumption. 3) Smart mirrors Smart mirrors have been around for a while and can vary in function. Some of them can help adjust lighting or heating, display time, or even playing videos so you can stream the news while you go about your morning routine. Others give you control of your home system like viewing security footage, adjusting lights or even opening doors, all without having to leave the bathroom. Of course, one of the most helpful potential uses would undoubtedly be the streaming of make-up videos on YouTube while gussying up in front of the mirror. 4) Smart showers If you’re drawn to a luxurious shower experience, the American Standard SPECTRA eTouch shower head features industry-first technology allowing users to change spray functions with a touch of the fixture itself, or on the convenient remote. It’s a step-up for any user in the family, as the shower head setting can easily be adjusted for anything from a relaxing massage to a light rinse, using a waterproof remote control mounted on a wall within a 3-metre radius. This means no longer having to stand on tippy-toes and reach for the shower head every time you want to switch between the 4 different spray functions – Drench, Sensitive, Jet and Massage – making it safer for elderly or children as well. So if you have already incorporated smart home features into your own house, why not extend these features to your bathroom as well? Or if you’re the sort who’s still mulling over whether to invest in it, perhaps it might be worthwhile to consider starting with a few simple smart features within the bathroom. After all, the benefits of a smart bathroom don’t just stop at comfort and convenience, but also stretch to sustainability and safety. What more could we ask from our bathrooms?
5 Timeless and Trendy House Design Elements
No thanks to the busy lives we lead – as we hustle to get through our hectic schedules and barely set aside any “me time” – our homes naturally need to be a sanctuary of peace and quiet at the end of a manic work day. And nothing whispers “calm” and “comfort” better than a minimalist, timeless decor scheme. While a major overhaul of a living space may not be a realistic option for most, it might be worth incorporating soothing design elements that withstand the test of trends and lifestyle changes. With that in mind, here are some classic touches that will help keep your house’s design and functionality relevant through the years. Minimalism The concept of minimalism may not be new, as people have been decorating their homes in accordance to this theme for years. Think white accented colours, and simple, classic furnishings that are both modern and timeless. The key characteristics that define minimalism include monochromatic colours, clean, solid-tone furniture pieces and minimum countertop pieces. This style has been around for a long time for good reason too. Simple colours and clean designs keep a house looking modern and uncluttered, so the space is easy to maintain even after decades of being lived in. Minimalism also calls for a constant reviewing of the items in your home in order to keep it looking decluttered, indirectly helping you get rid of unnecessary possessions every once in a while. Symmetry Did you know, when it comes to timeless design, symmetry is at the forefront? Whether in the form of 19th Century Georgian architecture or in the modern day, symmetrical curves and angles have always been appealing to the eye. This mix of classic and modern styles is best-expressed in the symmetrical curves and angles found in the upcoming Kastello Collection by American Standard, which revolves around functionality and comfort to provide the best experience. The line boasts clean lines and unrivalled symmetrical design that is not only pleasing to the eye,but designed to universally fit the style of various types of houses and rooms. Plus, you can rest assured that the Kastello Collection provides not only the best design, but the most functional as well. Clean Lines Tying in with symmetry is the need for clean lines if you’re looking for a long-lasting, trendy house design. With every renowned brand comes its simple trademark design – one that everyone recognises it by – like Chanel’s boy bag and their perfume bottles. Complicated patterns are generally avoided when it comes to a timeless pieces and therefore, keeping your furnishings’ lines clean and its shapes simple with a touch of a signature flare will help ensure that your home deco lasts through the years. Clean lines does not necessarily mean subtlety however. Instead, lines can be bold and definitive to add character to an otherwise bland piece of furniture. The Kastello and Acacia Evolution collections by American Standard both feature sharp, clean-cut lines that do just that for your home design. They encapsulate the essence of how having clean lines can add a modern, timeless touch to your home design. Simple Colours and Patterns Selecting colours and patterns may sound like a ridiculously straightforward thing to do, but it is definitely key to making or breaking the design of a home. If you are looking for timeless, then instead of going for fanciful or complicated colours and designs, pick a simple base colour – blacks, greys, whites – that can be layered upon to create a simple but striking duo-tone. With a simple base colour as a foundation, you can layer more vibrant shades over the years, and also work more flexibly with various furniture pieces of different colours. Simple patterns also keep the design of the house balanced so it stays interesting but doesn’t overwhelm the senses. Contrast and Dynamism It may be tempting to deck your home with everything you see in a modern design magazine, but don’t forget that sometimes, a little vintage piece of furniture or wallpaper can add a whole lot of character. Old is definitely gold when used right, as they would have already withstood the test of time. The Quentin and Portsmouth collection from American Standard features some of the classic elements of the olden days. From copper tones to curved silverware and vintage-inspired shapes, these collections add a timeless touch to your home design by keeping the tradition of the mid-20th Century and interlacing that with a few modern touches. Even as you select which design element is best to incorporate in your home, just remember to keep in mind the purpose of your design. It’s up to each person’s personal preference, but what you can consider is whether your aim is for maximum comfort, or timelessness, or even a combination of both. These 5 key elements of a timeless design are simply guidelines to follow when designing your crib, but only you will know what design works best for you.
Transform Your Bathroom into a Romantic Sanctuary
Anyone would agree that most of us lead busy, stress-filled lives, and we could all use some relaxation and self-pampering. Unfortunately, the reality is that it’s not always possible to squeeze a getaway into our hectic schedules. So if you’ve decided against the expensive vacation, why not bring that signature resort feel to your own home instead? One of the most crucial accommodation factors that can set the mood is the room’s elegance, and especially how luxurious the bathroom is. In fact, the bathroom is easily taken for granted as a purely utilitarian place. But if done right, it can also be an oasis of relaxation and romance. Here are a few touches to add for your bathroom design to put you in the mood for romance. 1) Surround yourself with romantic tones To play ambient music in your bathroom to set the mood, you might think it’s unnecessary to spend a fortune on smart speakers and install them into ceilings to avoid water splash. But in actual fact, a high-definition waterproof Bluetooth speaker can easily be purchased without burning a hole in your pocket. 2) Must-have His-and-Hers vanity Did you love that stylish vanity area at the last holiday accommodation you have visited? Why not replicate it right at home, and avoid the squabble over who’s hogging the mirror, with a His-and-Hers vanity? Aside from not having to share a mirror, it’s also an investment in storage space, as you would usually accompany the addition of dual hand wash basins with two vanity cabinets for storing bathroom accessories and towels. Maximize comfort and create that perfect dream bathroom environment to indulge together with your loved one. 3) Invest in a rain shower for two Tired of the forceful stream of water from your regular shower head whenever you take a shower? The last thing you’d want after a long day at work is probably a struggle in the bathroom. So instead, perhaps try a calming rain shower, where water is evenly spread over a large area to create that luxurious rain-like experience. 4) Romance with scents Everyone knows aromatherapy can do wonders when it comes to stress relief and setting the stage for romance. Simply invest in a diffuser and some of your favourite essential oils to set the mood of choice, and help mask lingering bathroom odours in the process. Alternatively, go a little more old-school and burn a scented candle to create the idyllic atmosphere for an idyllic experience. Even if candles and diffusers aren’t quite your cup of tea, shampoo or body wash infused with aromatherapy scents can have the same effect of leaving your bathroom smelling like heaven after a shower. For a refreshing and clean aroma, try something with citrus – like lemon, orange, or even kumquat – or an ocean scent. If you prefer something soothing, lavender is always a safe choice. 5) Get a tub for lounging If your bathroom can afford the space, a standalone bathtub can provide a much-needed respite at the end of a long, busy day. Not only do you not have to stand while washing off the day’s dirt and grime, the occasional relaxing soak with your other half, coupled with nice smelling bath salts, can be great for soothing both the tired muscles and mind. Whether you are drawn to the beauty, form and function of a classic claw-foot tub, or the versatility that comes with a sleek, modern design, any free-standing tub could also easily double-up as the showpiece of the entire bathroom for both you and your partner to enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Transform your bathroom, and your home just might become end up becoming your daily favourite holiday getaway with your loved one.
Five tips for Keeping your Bathroom Bacteria-free this Holiday
With the festive season here, it is necessary to do a quick spring clean before guests arrive for your annual house gathering.But aside from fluffing up the throw pillows or trimming the tree, there’s one other important room that every guest would notice – the bathroom. The washroom might not rank high on a hostess’s list of areas to smarten,but it is that one space in your home that needs to be sparkling clean and bacteria-free for the comfort and safety of your guests. Here are five easy ways you can spruce up your bathroom and keep it bacteria-free to meet the standards of even the fussiest of visitors for the holidays, and every day of the year: 1. Wipe down mirrors. Start with high visibility areas – such as the bathroom mirror! Chances are, most guests will check themselves out in the mirror when using the loo, and would notice visible smudges and stains. If you dislike turning your hands black by using newspaper, try a piece of dry paper coffee filter instead. Just dip it into your cleaning solution – we suggest two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice with four cups of water – and wipe your mirrors clean. Use another fresh filter to make them dry and shiny! 2. Clean the faucet. Next, while germs might not be visible to the naked eye, one of the nastiest parts of the bathroom is the tap handle. After all, it is always touched by dirty hands especially after a round of feasting. After wiping the larger surface areas of the faucet, you can use an old toothbrush dipped in cleaning agent to get to the hard-to-reach corners. 3. Refresh hand towels and bathmats. As much you want to impress guests when hosting a party, the last place you would want to make a splash is in the bathroom. A toilet plume refers to the tiny particles released into the air whenever a toilet is flushed, or the contamination of nearby surfaces through droplets ejected from the toilet. This usually means your hand towels and bathmats are covered in germs that cannot be easily eliminated simply by tossing them into the washing machine. Instead, use hot water with bleach or laundry sanitizer for a more guaranteed effect. 4. Remove grime from exposed surfaces. That countertop where you display your toilet plant and toothbrush holder can get really slimy especially in the ever-moist bahroom environment. Don’t think you want guests to go anywhere near that! Make your own homemade cleaning solution by sprinkling the countertop or any other slimy bathroom surface with baking soda and spraying on an equal parts vinegar-and-water solution. Let the mixture bubble for several minutes, then scrub with a soft cloth or sponge until a paste forms. Let the paste sit for about 15 minutes, then wipe and rinse. 5. Clean and disinfect the toilet bowl. Ensure that your family and friends are safe and healthy during the holidays, and throughout the year. To spring clean the throne, start by turning off the valve on the toilet, then flush and plunge out the remaining water. Pour your bleach or cleaning agent and let it sit for about 30 minutes with the lid closed. Use a toilet brush to clean the bowl and under the rim. For stubborn stains, re-apply cleanser and repeat. Better yet, invest in a toilet with revolutionary anti-bacterial technology – ComfortClean technology by American Standard. Ths glaze contains zinc oxide fired inside the ceramic, so it effectively kills or inhibits the growth of E. coli bacteria in the toilet bowl. You will hardly even have to go through the tiresome process of cleaning it yourself! Remember, don’t forget to close the lid when you’re flushing! To find out more on ComfortClean technology and other technologies by American Standard, visit here.
How To Choose The Perfect Bathroom Towels
Towels are an absolute necessity for your bathroom routine, so we tend to just use any old towel without much thought! But, now is the time to put a little consideration into the towels you choose to ensure that it meets both your purpose and style needs! The right density Density means everything when it comes to towels, and the key is to look out for the GSM (grams per square metre) as this will determine the best type for your needs. Those with a low gsm are light, thin and easily portable perfect for the gym or travel purposes. A medium gsm are designed for everyday use as they are resistant and able to absorb substantially more moisture than a lower level. For pure luxury though, opt for towels of high gsm which have a warm and fluffy quality – perfect for cocooning yourself after jumping out of the shower! The quality factor The range of towels out there is enormous and can be extremely overwhelming when shopping for the perfect type. The key though is to look out for the quality – you want it to be tough enough to withstand everyday usage and continuous washing. Different fabric types can determine the quality element. Towels made of Egyptian cotton are considered to be one of the best as they are highly absorbent, lightweight and soft. If you’re looking for a lavish and fluffy finish, try towels made of Turkish cotton which also tick all the boxes of quality needed. For an ecologically-friendly and sensitive skin-friendly alternative that doesn’t lack in quality, Organic Cotton is the way to go! The best match While the density and quality are essential, the towels colour is also important as it can tie the whole look of your bathroom together. When trying to source the right towel, you’ll be confronted with a plethora of different colours and tones to suit your style and bathroom design. If you have a modern themed bathroom, think neutral tones to add a subtle pop of colour. For a vintage or classical bathroom, retro pastels will work a treat. Alternatively, to really brighten the room, try bold and creative patterned towels. Choosing the perfect towels for your bathroom is not just about the look, but a combination of the right colour, preferred density and quality standard to ensure they enhance the style of your bathroom and meet your everyday needs!
Our best tips to keep your towels fresher for longer!
Many of us just throw our dirty towels in the wash without much care, but this is not sustainable maintaining their original fluffiness and making them last years. However, with a careful washing routine, you can keep your bathroom towels in fresh, quality condition for longer – read our best tips on how to! 1. Wash regularly Now, this may seem like an obvious one, but a study found that 90% of bathroom towels were contaminated with coliform bacteria and 14% were infested with E. coli (TIME, 2017) – that’s pretty gross, right? This definitely highlights the importance of regular washing to keep your towels fresh and bacteria free. It is recommended that bath, hand and face towels be washed on high heat (about 60 degrees) every 3 to 4 days to keep germs at bay. 2. A touch of vinegar If your towels are vibrantly coloured or patterned and want them to stay that way, it’s important to take little extra care. Besides regular washing detergent, try adding half a cup of vinegar to the load once a month as this helps preserve the colour and removes excess detergent residue. 3. Minimise use of cleaning products While the use of cleaning agents are important for hygiene, an overuse will damage the quality of bathroom towels. Cleaners such as bleach and personal products like makeup and toothpaste which contains benzoyl peroxide can stain and discolor towels permanently. Fabric softeners should be kept to a minimum as they cause a waxy buildup which hinders the absorbency. It’s also important to stick to the recommended dosage of detergent as an overload can will make towels stiff scratchy. 4. Separate Cycle We sometimes just throw our dirty towels in the wash with other garments to save time, but towels should have their cycle to keep them fresh. Tough towel fibres can damage delicate clothing and cause colour damage to both, as well as being unsanitary. So, it is best to dedicate an individual cycle and separate by colour to ensure no damage. 5. Careful drying So that your towels are nice and fluffy once dry, please give them a good shake as soon as they come out of the washing machine. When drying, whether that be in a machine dryer or airing on the line, make sure they are 100% dry before folding to avoid mildew. Overdrying though will damage the fibres of the towel, so it’s important to follow the individual drying instructions on the label. Always store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated to keep them in tip top condition. With a little tender loving care, you can ensure that your bathroom towels maintain their comforting, fluffy quality for years to come!
The Best Christmas Gift Ideas For The Bathroom
With the festive season quickly approaching, it’s good to get the gift picking out of the way to avoid the last minute Christmas rush! Instead of the classic socks and jocks, why not consider gift ideas to spruce up the bathroom? From decor to pampering items, we have put together some creative bathroom gift ideas that your friends and family will love! Waterproof Speaker Gone are the days of having to jump out of the shower during your singalong to skip a tune on your playlist! Waterproof speakers have been around for awhile, but they really are the perfect gift idea for those who love to breakout in the shower. There are also many different styles and colours to suit varying bathroom looks, so this is definitely a stocking-worthy gift idea! Pamper Hamper Yule never go wrong with a little personalised care-package designed to be used in the bathroom! Fill this pamper with fizzy bath bombs, quality lotions and soaps and perhaps some gorgeous scented candles. To make it that little bit more special, include a luxurious bathrobe and pair of slippers to slip into right after pampering. This gift is sure to jingle the bells of your friends, family or your Secret Santa! Bathroom Necessities As mentioned many times in our blogs, bathrooms are incredibly underrated rooms in homes. So, bathroom accessories like toilet roll holders, a fancy toothbrush and nice, soft towels are gifts that will actually be used and appreciated. Nothing quite beats a mirror that shows as much detail as can be seen under a microscope. LED mirrors in particular are great at highlighting missed eyebrow hairs, making it the perfect gift for someone who takes extra care of their appearance! Novelty Christmas Accessories For a more humorous gift giving idea, unleash your inner Buddy the Elf and spread Christmas cheer with novelty Christmas presents. Christmas themed towels, bath mats and other decor will be jolly good on Christmas Day or as an early treat for the recipient to fully enjoy. From waterproof speakers to novelty Christmas accessories, these gift ideas are sure to have the recipient dashing through the snow in delight and marvelling at the wonderful sight of their newly equipped bathroom!
Decorative Ideas For Your Bathroom This Christmas
If you love to get into the Christmas spirit and eagerly decorate your home once the festive season rolls around, make sure you adorne your bathroom as well! Whether you’re hosting the Christmas party and want to ‘wow’ your guests, or simply looking for extra ways to get the kids excited for Santa’s arrival, decorating your bathroom is sure a fire way – we have put together some jolly good decorative ideas for you bathroom this Christmas! Christmas Wreath Nothing says Christmas more than a classic wreath and this can instantly transform your bathroom into a wonderland! There are many different sizes and forms, and they can be hung anywhere you want in the bathroom such as on the door or as a feature on the wall. A traditional wreath is perfect for the classically styled bathroom, while one with a silvery or minimalistic touch is perfect for the modern bathroom – no matter the style of your bathroom, there is a wreath to suit! Small Tree A Christmas tree – truly iconic! Most of us have a main Christmas tree in the living area, but there’s no reason why the bathroom can’t be decorated with one too! Christmas trees now come in many different colours and the decorative ornaments are endless, so it’s easy to create a theme that matches the style of your bathroom. While classic artificial trees are popular, real Christmas trees are a beautiful option to add a touch of authenticity and lush greenery to the space! Christmas trees come in all shapes and sizes, and can be placed in a pot of your choice – to source one, enquire at your local plant nursery! Festive Colour Palette Simply injecting a bit of red and green into your bathroom will instantly turn it into a jolly space fit for the silly season! You can do this by switching your classic white towels, shower curtain or bath mats for festive coloured options! There are many different shades of red and green to suit the bathroom such as maroon or mint green – the possibilities are endless to suit your style! To truly complement this festive look, adding touches of copper and gold will inject a little magic into the space! Try candles, vases or decorations with a metallic sheen and watch your bathroom transform into a sparkly Christmas wonderland! So there you have it, some easy and fun decorative ideas for your bathroom this Christmas! No matter the style, size or age of your bathroom, a little festivity will truly brighten the space, and you can go as lavish as you like or keep it modern and simple.
Is Your Bathroom Really As Clean As You Think?
Visiting the bathroom is an everyday matter and being careless about bathroom hygiene may be hazardous to health. From the bacteria lurking on door knobs, basins to the toilet interior and seat itself, a bathroom visit can be quite a hygienic challenge – and falling sick is never fun. Dangerous strains of bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), an intestine-affecting virus, can thrive in a bathroom environment where fecal matter is aerosolized with every toilet flush, causing any bathroom-user to fall sick. One of the symptoms include severe diarrhea – the second leading cause of death for children under 5 years old, cited by the World Health Organization. As such, going touch-free with automated cleansing feature, sensor faucet and jet air hand dryer are good moves to reduce hand contact and combat bacteria. Especially in this case, E. coli bacteria easily travels from person to person, largely when infected adults and children do not wash their hands properly. Now, how about the toilet surfaces you do not come into contact with? As the toilet can be a hotbed of diseases, what you know between safe and unsafe bathrooms can spell the difference between sickness and health. Spare yourself the headache of severe diarrhea, flu or other infections by arming the bathrooms in your home with HygieneClean System by American Standard – a bundle of revolutionary technologies and innovations that assure your bathrooms to be safe, clean and hygienic. Flushing Away The Threat For starters, waste can be efficiently removed by SiphonMax flushing technology – a dynamic vacuum mechanism, complete with side water jets that create a powerful swirl and a lower jet that completely eradicates waste so you never have to worry about opening the flood gates at the end of a long day. Compared to conventional dual flush toilets, the Double Vortex flushing technology – a dual opening system that creates a powerful vortex to provide maximum flushing performance with minimal water usage, saves 0.4 litres of water for half flush and 2 litres for full flush. In-built Defense And what if you’re a busy working adult who doesn’t have the time to scrub the toilet every single day? That’s where Aqua Ceramic anti-stain technology comes in. This award-winning super-hydrophilic technology prevents dirt and dark ring stains from sticking to ceramic surfaces. It allows water to penetrate between contaminants and the toilet surface, ensuring waste is lifted off with our every flush. It works hand-in-hand with ComfortClean antibacterial technology – a revolutionary ceramic glaze with zinc oxide that’s fired right inside the porcelain. Tests conducted by the Industrial Microbiological Services Limited (IMSL) have proven that this glaze effectively kills or inhibits the growth of E. coli bacteria in the long run. Plus, it also means your toilet will retain its smooth interior surface even after years of use. With these two technologies in your corner, you will still have to wash your toilet of course, but with less frequency and the assuredness that germs will have trouble lingering on its surfaces. Putting Hygiene And Cleanliness First Backed by more than 140 years of pioneering legacy, American Standard continues to raise the bar in delivering dependable bathroom solutions that combine thoughtful designs and innovative technologies that offer the ultimate combination of comfort and performance to our customers. Delivered by powerful flushing, anti-stain and antibacterial technologies, American Standard HygieneClean system is the new standard of safety in your bathroom. For the full list of toilet models featuring these technologies, visit our website.