When it comes to quality plumbing fixtures, there’s no secret that many times they’re exactly what we don’t have in our homes (but should).  Here’s what I mean.

Most of us that live in new homes are still using the contractor grade fixtures that were installed when the home was built.  And those of us that are living in or restoring an older home probably have a mash-up of fixtures, with no two pieces alike or matching anywhere.  I can say only that because it exactly describes my experience in rehabbing and renovating a series of classic homes.

So maybe it’s time for something more interesting, in the bathroom or lavatory especially.  No problem - here’s the ultimate lav-style faucet that’s just perfect in my eyes.

It’s the Jado Classic Single Hole Lavatory Faucet.

Here’s why it’s worthy of being this week’s Find of the Week:

1.    It’s stunningly and stylishly simple in design and function.
2.    The faucet would look great in just about any application imaginable.
3.    Classic styling mingles with modern styling - perfect in historic or brand new homes alike.
4.    I love the old school style four-pronged knobs.
5.    The Jado finish quality is superb - this faucet will last a lifetime or longer.
6.    One hole mounting makes for ease of installation and opens up a variety of options.
7.    These “cross style” plumbing fixtures seem to be all the rage right now.
8.    Mono-hole style also permits easy cleaning of the countertop around the faucet.

What’s more, this Jado Single Hole Faucet comes in a variety of finishes, one as strikingly beautiful as the next.  Personally, I’m a big fan of the timeless (some might even say retro) polished chrome finish.  If that doesn’t suit your fancy, don’t worry - the Jado offers a really durable PVD finish along with bronze, brass, and nickel finishes too.  All of them are really great looking and remarkably durable, but I just prefer the time tested look of chrome these days.

Great faucet.  Great quality.  Great find!

Are you sick and tired of your old plain-looking bathroom and feel like doing a radical change, but the budget is running a little tight?

If you just found yourself shouting a definitive “YES!” to that question, then the answer is simple - It’s time for a little color therapy.  Colors have proved to be more important to the eye than form itself!

You can even use colors as part of an overall scheme to make your bathroom feel bigger.

It is well known that the most calming colors are the cool ones - blues, greens, and violets.  Is it relaxation what you are looking for?  If so, then choose the more gentle side of the spectrum for your bathroom!

One thing to remember, though: Too much of a single color can in fact have a negative effect.  For example, too much of deep blue can slow you down and get you into a state of melancholy.  You don’t want that, do you?

Or here’s a tip - Try balancing a color using another different, but complementary one.  This means you might just need a splash of yellow in a violet interior or a bit of orange to sweeten the effects of blue.

Even bold colors, like red and magenta, can be kept under control with a classic white, the color of simplicity.  White gives other colors room to breathe and stop competing so much with each other.

Just think which color would make you feel better in your bathroom.  It may be the one that you like wearing most or one that you have never considered wearing simply because it does not suit your complexion.  There is a wide range of color combinations that you might never have even thought of.

For easy inspiration, visit your paint store and pick up a bunch of color swatches along with several brochures containing matched and ready to go color schemes.  Or for even more inspiration and advice, check out some of the great color resources on the web.

Here’s a great place to start choosing bathroom paint colors.

Then, just let your imagination do its part of the work and you’ll be amazed at what it will come up with.

A simple color swap for your bathroom might be just the update you need!  The best part is that it’s super budget friendly - you can complete the project by yourself easily in just a weekend and with only about $50 worth of materials.

Okay, you’ve just seen the picture.  Is this picture not worth 1,000 words?  Who wouldn’t want this beautiful Mr. Steam Allegro Sauna to finish off their very own luxury spa at home?  Enough said…

Alright, I’ll elaborate a little bit more.  Let me share a list of reasons why my home should have this sauna right away (and thanks in advance for letting me practice on you all before I present the list to my wife):

– Umm… It’s very visually eye appealing with beautifully finished wood and glass work that just draws you in.  This would look fantastic in the master bathroom, wouldn’t it?
– Imagine how warm and toasty this will be.  I say that because I’m practically shivering right now looking out the window at a bunch of snow and ice.  This sauna will make winter noticeably shorter.
– There’s not many better ways to cure those aches and pains and sooth sore muscles than with the steam from your very own personal home sauna spa.
– It’s an investment that will add value to the house!

And the list goes on and on.  It’s a find of the week indeed.

The bottom line is simple - although it’s a luxury more than a necessity, this spa will add plenty of enjoyment and relaxation to any home!

Lighting fixtures all too often tend to take on a barely noticed mystique in our homes.  Now, that’s not necessarily a good thing, but why does it happen?

It’s simple, really.  Many times we pay no little attention to the lighting fixtures we install in our homes.  When building new or remodeling, it’s really easy to just go with the most basic and neutral fixture that’s readily available.  After all, it will just sort of blend in and match while creating little additional stress when we’re already under enough of it during a large project.

Of course, the intentions of upgrading later on once the entire project is complete are always in mind.  But it is human nature to procrastinate and let’s face it… it just doesn’t happen most of the time.

I think the best way to confront this problem is to recognize it in the first place.  Lighting is one of the most important aspects of home décor.  After all, is probably the biggest creators of mood or “feel” in the house (and outside of the house too).

So take a few minutes and do a walk around of your house…

-    Is your lighting up to par?

-    Do you have the right illumination in the right place?

-    Are the light fixtures noticeable or do they blend in?

-    Is there a rhyme or reason to the current selection of lighting?

-    Have a dark corner just begging to be set aglow?

-    Ask yourself these questions as you take inventory, they’ll help.

Now, I’m not really saying that every home needs all of the current lighting upgraded or replaced, but a few fixtures might just be plain ugly or dated and others might be lacking altogether.  It’s time to pay attention to the all to forgotten and give lighting the credit it deserves.

Stay tuned for some great lighting ideas and tips to come soon!