Bathroom Technology Guest Post

I recently asked David VanWert, of VanWert Technology Design in Los Angeles, to share his insights on the latest tech advances for kitchens and baths. You can read his terrific kitchen technology guest post by clicking here. What follows are his thoughts on technology for your bathroom. Take it away, Dave...


In a day and age where multi-tasking is a necessity, and our ways of getting information is almost limitless, the bathroom is one place that is often overlooked for entertainment and information delivery. I've complied some of the best technologies currently available for bathrooms everywhere.


TV Mirrors

Whether it's watching the local news while getting ready for work in the morning, or not missing a single play of the big game, Seura TVs offer the most elegant solution for any bathroom. Many homeowners would love a TV in the bathroom, but don't want to give up precious wall or counter space.

Seura offers elegant television mirror solutions that allow you to view your favorite program, then virtually disappear into the mirror when not in use. For clients with high-end taste who always wants to keep up with the action, Seura is the obvious choice.





Bathroom Control Panels

When watching TV just isn't enough, simply add a control panel for your technology needs. At the touch of a button you can turn on your favorite radio station, iPod album, view the current weather outside, adjust the heating and air, view the security cameras, or a slew of other goodies.

By adding a control panel from companies such as Crestron, Savant, Control 4 or others, you can have all of your homes technologies available at your fingertips... Even in the bathroom!

Watch TV, surf the web, monitor your home security panel with a controller like Savant's

Flush-mount power outlets, lighting keypads and touchpanels

Although I did mention this concept in my previous guest post on kitchen technology, I felt it also deserved a spot in a bathroom post, as it fits seamlessly into almost any space, but especially those where rich materials deserve their best possible presentation.

A well designed bathroom will have wonderful fixtures and materials and there are few things that stick out worse than power outlets and light switches. Trufig offers flush mount solutions for stone, wood, and drywall applications to provide virtually invisible outlets, keypads, switches, and more for almost any application.

The outlets and switches are seamless in this Trufig installation

Details #5 - Finishing Touches

This is the final installment of a five-part, first week of the month series with The Decorating Diva. Each focuses on a single room detail that can make a huge difference in the success of that space's style.

Last month we looked at hardware. (See links for the full series at the end of this post.) This segment focuses on those last little details that sometimes go unfunded or get overlooked. Think about the last time you walked into a darling powder room, only to notice plastic clips on the mirror or an ugly white switch plate. Or try to imagine this bathroom with plastic towel holders? (As its designer, I try not to!)

Master bath by Jamie Goldberg Kitchen and Bath Design, LLC

Design is in the details. So this edition of Details focuses on finishing touches.


Mirrors

We look at them every morning when we comb our hair, but when was the last time you really looked at yours? Are the edges chipped or rusting? Does your mirror lack a frame? Mirrors glued to the wall are tricky and hazardous to remove, but can be framed for a richer look. Clip-on mirrors or builder grade medicine cabinet mirrors can be more easily replaced. For a couple of hundred dollars or less, you can give your bathroom a much, much better look!

For a great splurge, check out this beauty. (I want one in my next home!)

It's a mirror. It's a television. It's a stylistic and engineering marvel. It's a Seura!

I can see this Crate & Barrel Largo mirror really enhancing a bath with cinnamon cherry cabinets.

Pottery Barn's Kensington Mirror creates an instant bathroom upgrade

Installed Accessories

Chances are, your home has some permanently-installed accessories in one or more room that are taking away from their appeal. Examples include dime store kitchen paper towel holders, plastic flush levers on your toilets, plastic towel bars in your bathroom and builder basic switchplate covers. These are easy DIY upgrade opportunities on their own, or should be factored into any larger remodel plans you're making.

Flush out ugly tank levers with coordinating versions, like this Brantford model from Moen

Vent your home fashion frustrations with a stylish register cover, like this Scroll model from Restoration Hardware.

Switch to better-looking outlet covers, like these Porcelain beauties from Rejuvenation... Perfect for a retro bath!

Countertop Accessories

This is the easiest, most affordable, no tools or handyman required, update you can make to a kitchen or bath. If your canisters or drinking glasses are looking dated, visit your favorite home goods store or web site for an instant upgrade. They tend to be smaller, lower cost items, so changing out every few years isn't a budget buster. (Donate your old set to a charity, please!) They're also a great way to add color, texture and a new style component to your space.

Give your bath modern, international flair with Jonathan Adler's Berlin accessories

Add pared-down elegance to your bath with Pottery Barn's Quinn Beaded bath accessories.

Form meets function in these stainless steel canisters at The Container Store.

Countertop Appliances

What is your toaster or coffee maker saying about your kitchen? I'm tired... I'm old... I'm bargain basement? Countertop appliances are also easy upgrades, albeit a little more expensive. The first principle of countertop appliances, however, is store the ones you don't use daily. The only appliances that should sit out are part of your morning or dinner routine. If the food processor or stand mixer only gets used once a month or so, it doesn't need to take up room on your countertops. For those essentials you do use daily, consider models that add functionality and style to your kitchen.

Give your kitchen coffee bar style and flexibility with this Cuisinart Coffee on Demand machine at Williams-Sonoma.

Think of it as a toaster on steroids! This Breville Countertop Convection Oven, also at Williams-Sonoma, is so much more. I want one of these, too!

Breville also makes a top-rated, darned good looking juicer! Available through Amazon.com.

Enjoy the entire Details series!

Details #1 - The Lighting Edition
Details #2 - The Faucet Edition
Details #3 - Fabrics and Fibers
Details #4 - The Hardware Edition
Details #5 - Finishing Touches

Father's Day Gifts Dad Should Have Gotten!

So your dad got another tie this year. Whoopee. Here are some of the Father's Day gifts dads around the country might have enjoyed - might be enjoying as you read this, in fact - had their kids been as cool as my readers. You know what they like, right? However, if you were too preoccupied with other things and missed the mark this year, consider something from this list for 2010...


SUMMERTIME... AND THE GIVING IS EASY

My favorite local outdoor resource is Just Grillin' -- a Tampa firm that sells and installs all things wonderful for outdoor cooking and entertaining. Owner Heather Driscoll's 'guy gets' this season include:

Forno Bravo Pizza Ovens

TEC Infra-Red Grills

Just Grillin' also sells outdoor entertainment systems, and likes SunBrite All-Weather Outdoor LCD Televisions. Wouldn't your dad love a 46" big screen while he barbecues!

SunBrite 46" Outdoor Big Screen

Architect Dean Larkin, AIA, of Dean Larkin Design has a Southern California clientele that spends more time outdoors than in. Dean likes these:

Viking Outdoor Smoker

Perlick Outdoor Wine Reserve

The Patio-Daddy-o in our household loves to relax after a long workweek. His lounger of choice is a comfy hammock.

Pawleys Island Quilted Hammock

GARAGE GEAR

Some guys love their cars, their tool chests, their final frontier - the garage! Gladiator GarageWorks has a complete line of great gear for the car palace. Their newest components to a full line of storage goodies features a Golf Caddy and GearChest.

Galadiator Workbench Power Strip

I'm also awfully fond of the garage-rated fridge from the Gladiator series... After all, dads get thirsty working out there for hours.

Chillerator from Gladiator GarageWorks

If you want to spiff up your dad's garage, one of GarageFloor.com's spiffy floor solutions might be a welcome gift.

GarageFloor.com's Daytona Garage Floor Tile

CREATURE COMFORTS

Here's my husband's favorite reading chair. We've got his covered in super-comfy, easy-clean Everyday Suede.

Pottery Barn's Charleston Chair-and-a-Half plus Ottoman

Here's another great man chair your dad might enjoy.

Restoration Hardware's Buster Leather Recliner

While your dad's relaxing, he might also enjoy listening to his favorite music. Here's a sleek, stylish system to set near his favorite chair.

Bose SoundDock at the Apple Store

Another place your Dad enjoys being comfortable is in the bathroom. (Who doesn't, really?) One small luxury for cold climates is a towel warmer. Carisa offers a wide selection of stylish models that will look (and work) great in most baths.

Rion Towel Warmer

For yummy towels, I really like Macy's Hotel Collection. They're plush, soft and now available in organic cotton. Dads love over-sized bath sheets!

Macy's Hotel Collection Organic Towels

While your Dad is shaving, he might enjoy catching his favorite news, sports or financial coverage on a built-in TV. (I want one in my next house!)

Seura TV

REMEMBER THIS!

Dads love memorabilia of their favorite moments in sports, history or entertainment. Enhance his man cave with something personalized to his passions. Here are a few ideas.

Poster from his favorite film

La Dolce Vita at Posters.com

Collectible from his favorite historic event or era

Civil War Relics from the New York Times Store

Commemoration of his favorite sporting achievement
Miracle on Ice (1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team Win) at MillionaireMemorabilia.com

FINAL THOUGHTS

Whatever your Dad's hobbies or interests, show him how special he is next Father's Day with one of these great gifts! And, whatever you do, please bypass the tie section!


YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY THESE POSTS:

In Praise of Man Caves
Style List #3 - The $150 Max Home Office Edition

KBIS 2009 - Bathroom Spotlight

Every year, the National Kitchen & Bath Association hosts the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show. At this trade-only event, manufacturers show off their new wares to kitchen and bath designers, dealers, builders, architects, reporters and remodelers.

Here are my favorite KBIS products for the bath. Last week, I posted my kitchen favorites.


HONED WHITE HEAVEN

Kohler has introduced a new white to the market. Unlike the shiny brights we're used to, the brand's new Honed White whispers in quiet elegance. It's available in many of their contemporary bathroom sinks and toilets, and would make a perfect finish choice for a spa bath. Also notable is the brand's new Moderne Brushed Gold finish. Like honed white, the new gold finish is soft and rich, not at all like the brassy golds of past years.




WHO'S THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL...

A Best of KBIS product award winner, Seura’s mirrors lead a secret life. When they’re not reflecting your visage, they’re broadcasting your favorite channel. Yes, Seura makes those clever televisions-concealed-in-mirrors you may have encountered in a hotel room. Now you can have one in your home, too, with contemporary or traditional frames, or frameless, as shown.



MOTIVO MOTIVATED

Caesarstone is well known for high-style stone countertops. Last year, they introduced their exquisite jeweled Concetto series. This year, they’ve outdone themselves with Motivo, a delicately-embossed surface that tops cabinets or resurfaces walls and furniture. It still brings the durability and easy-maintenance of quartz, but now it looks like nothing you’ve seen before and can’t get enough of. Can’t wait to use this in a client’s home!



MASTER SWEET

Normal 0 Now your master bath sinks can offer you filtered water, without the ugly filter! Rohl has introduced a line of traditional lavatory faucets with integrated filters. I'm hoping the shower faucets they're working on aren't far behind! This collection offers great taste in every respect!


VERY UPLIFTING!

Here's another innovation we didn't know we needed -- and now wonder how we did without it for so long. Robern has invented the Uplift, a medicine cabinet whose door slides upward. There's room within for a small television and all your med cab goodies. But it also leaves room for pendant lighting in front, and offers incredible capacity along with sleek style.



SMOOTH SWOON!

If it's possible to have a crush on a sink, this new Waza Noir Rectangular Lavatory by Toto is mine! I love its sculptural lines and velvet-like texture. It is so rich and smoothly-finished, it should be illegal to touch!



HOW VERY ILLUMINATING

Toto also earned my respect with its new series of Luminist lavs. Made of a translucent resin, the Luminists work with lighting you select and install to create a color-rich environment. I can see these working in a powder room or master bath, and recommned eco-friendly LED lighting.



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You may also enjoy these postings:

KBIS 2009 - Kitchen Spotlight
Style List #1 - The $150 Max Bath Edition
Smart & Stylish Storage for the Bath