How to Prep Your Home for Winter Weather

Wintertime is one of the most magical times of the year. It’s also one of the most problematic.  

While a delightful snowfall is great for pictures, heavy snowstorms alongside sleet, ice, and wind chills are more frightening than festive. Frozen pipes, heating problems, and power outages are nightmares for homes.  

But there’s no need to be frozen in fear. There are several ways you can keep your home safe, warm, and winter-ready.

Invest in a Backup Generator 

Keeping a generator handy is a good idea no matter what season it is, but especially in the wintertime.  

In recent years, unseasonably cold temperatures combined with an influx of energy demand have led to strategic blackouts and all-out grid failures in the worst-case scenarios. Even in regions where cold temperatures are common, power lines are susceptible to ice and damage from wind and fallen trees leading to a loss of power. 

The Red Cross has a generator safety guide that goes more in-depth on which generator to choose, how to use it, and other safety tips. 

 

Check for Under-Door Drafts 

According to the Department of Energy, space heating alone accounts for 45% of the average American’s energy bill. But without the proper air sealing protections, your heat and hard-earned money are leaking out your door.  

Energy Star estimates that sealing and insulating your doors—and other vulnerable areas like windows—can save 15% on energy bills year-round. Typically, that means calling a qualified contractor, but you can DIY if you’d like. Another alternative is a door draft stopper, which you can purchase online or in-person at your nearest home improvement store. 

Protect Your Pipes 

Frozen pipes are a common wintertime problem. The most vulnerable pipes are those in unheated areas—like your basement or outside your home—but pipes that run in exterior walls and those without adequate insulation are also at risk. 

Thankfully, there are steps you can take before the temperature drops. According to the Red Cross, preventative measures include: 

• Adding insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces 
• Checking water supply lines in unheated areas 
• Relocating exposed pipes to insulated areas 
• Installing insulated products around the pipes themselves 

Other preventative tips include keeping the faucet at a trickle and opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing. The Red Cross’ full list of tips and tricks can be found here. 

Keep Your Gutters Clean 

Just like your pipes, gutters can easily freeze over in the winter. But unlike your pipes, gutters and the corresponding downspouts are confined to tight, highly secured spaces. Clogged gutters with an excess of ice will become overweight and can fall, leading to exterior damage. 

Before the winter season, clean out any leaves, sticks, and dirt so water can flow unabated. You should also be on the lookout for damage, like cracks and punctures, and replace any damaged components as necessary. 

Get Your Furnace and Chimney Inspected 

Ready to gather around your fireplace with friends and family? While a wood-burning fireplace is one of winter’s cozy delights, it’s also a lurking hazard. Unexpected fires, excess smoke, and carbon monoxide are ever-present risks, especially if you use your fireplace frequently. 

To mitigate the dangers of a fire, the Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends a chimney inspection once a year. The typical chimney inspection checks for: 

• Creosote buildup 
• Flue blockages 
• Leaks 
• Cracks 
• General damage 

Other factors like new appliances or fireplace fuel types, home inspections, and the aftermath of severe storms may prompt a chimney inspection.  

Do you use central heating? Furnaces are prone to the same risks if left unchecked. A professional HVAC inspection—including your furnace—is another annual staple that’ll keep your home safe during the winter. 

Change the Batteries in Your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors 

As we just discussed, your heating system of choice is prone to fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide leaks. Before it’s time to settle inside for the winter, go ahead and change the batteries in your smoke AND carbon monoxide detectors.  

While smoke and flames are easy to see and smell, carbon monoxide has been deemed “the silent killer” due to its odorless, colorless, and tasteless properties. With an uptick in heating system usage and appliances like ovens and stoves during the winter, early detection of carbon monoxide is essential for your safety and well-being. 

Safety and warmth are especially important during the winter season. Want even more tips on staying warm this winter? 

How to Keep Your Bathroom Warm without Running Up the Bill

Best Houseplants for the Bathroom & Their Benefits

When we think about the defining qualities of a spa-like oasis, one of the first things that comes to mind is undoubtedly plants. Incorporating houseplants into your bathroom is a surefire way to make it feel more relaxed, tranquil, and in touch with nature. 

But beyond the aesthetic appeal, there is actually a wide range of benefits – some that are even backed by science – to having plants in your bathroom. 

Here are just a few of those benefits according to Healthline.

Reduces stress levels

Thanks to their calming effect, houseplants were found to be a source of reduced stress levels in one recorded study. The study found that the act of repotting plants resulted in lower blood pressure and heart rate levels among the participants. Much like taking a back, tending to bathroom houseplants is a perfect low-stress activity after a long day.

Improves indoor air quality 

Since bathrooms are already one of the most humid rooms in the house, adding a few plants known to purify the air quality can be highly beneficial. Studies have shown that houseplants can help to reduce harmful gasses like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can even clean the air in closed or limited spaces.

Supports cognitive health and well-being

A study by Rutgers found that houseplants also reduced mental fatigue, with a group of dementia patients experiencing better short-term memory after spending time in a Japanese garden. In general, exposure to indoor houseplants often leads to improved feelings of well-being overall.

Beyond these benefits and many others, houseplants are – at their root – an excellent design choice for the bathroom, which is one of the spaces most commonly used for boosting our health and wellness.

So, which types of plants are best for the bathroom? Let’s explore some of the top houseplants that can thrive in humid environments and create a relaxing bathroom oasis!

1. Boston Fern

Boston Fern is not only one of the easiest fern variants to care for, but it is also adaptable to high humidity since its natural environment is a damp forest floor. Whether nestled on the side of your sink or displayed in a hanging pot, the Boston Fern’s lush fronds will transform any bathroom into a nature-inspired retreat. Just be sure to keep your Boston Fern out of direct sunlight and to water it once weekly. (Fun fact: this plant is also pet-friendly!)

2. Pothos

Also known as Devil’s Ivy, Pothos is an attractive, trailing plant that has heart-shaped leaves. This plant loves to hang and climb tall, making it a perfect addition to your shower curtain rod or as a framing device for a window. Pothos prefer moderate to indirect light and require minimal watering, meaning they are extremely low maintenance and will grow well in bathrooms of any size – so long as they have the room to stretch out their vines!

3. Air Plants 

Futuristic-looking Air Plants (or Tillandsia) are another excellent choice for the bathroom, as they can soak up the humidity from your bath or shower. This is because Air Plants don’t use roots to absorb nutrients or water; they simply grab both things right from the air. Without any need for a pot or planter, Air Plants give you more room for creativity in their display and can fit smaller spaces easily – like atop a toilet bowl or even within a built-in shower shelf. Keep in mind these plants prefer indirect sunlight and like to be soaked in room-temperature water for ten minutes every one to two weeks.

Want to learn more about how to make your bathroom feel like a serene, spa-like oasis? Check out our recent post about doing hydrotherapy at home.

Get More Spa at Home

Vanity & Faucet Pairings for 3 Classic Interior Styles

 

In today’s world, there are hundreds (if not thousands!) of combinations of vanities and faucets available, with vanity options alone ranging from floating to pedestal to double or single sink. So, how can you be confident in the best vanity and faucet pairing for your bathroom’s specific style?

When it comes to bathroom design, ensuring everything is cohesive and paired well together is the key to creating that coveted spa-like feel. From the decorative accessories you choose to the fixtures that make the space shine, spending a little extra time thinking about the way that the elements match (or at least complement one another) is essential.

In this brief guide, we reveal the perfect vanity and faucet pairings for 3 classic bathroom styles so you can rest assured that both elements will look great together.

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1. For traditional bathrooms

For traditional-style interiors, which often combine elegance and functionality, the best vanity and faucet pairing will speak to a timeless design that evokes symmetry and comfort. 

Since traditional design often incorporates a classic look with wood furnishings, a vanity with clean lines and a beautiful wood finish like this Antique Coffee Traditional Bathroom Vanity is a great option. Then, you can pair the vanity with a traditional faucet like the Fresca Fiora in Brushed Nickel which has a curved, yet clean-lined quality with classic single handle functionality and softened matte nickel finish. 

In combination, these two options will perfectly feed into a traditional bathroom, as they underscore the simplicity of this elegant style while harkening back to classic design principles. 

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2. For modern bathrooms

On the other end of the spectrum is the modern or contemporary style, which is defined by sleek minimalism, geometric shapes, and zero clutter. In this type of bathroom, it’s typical to find features that are architecturally unique and eye-catching, such as free-standing vanities that appear to be floating on the wall. 

For instance, a vanity like this Mezzo Teak Modern Bathroom Vanity is a stunning choice, as its one-of-a-kind style will appear more like a work of statuary art than a functioning amenity. 

This vanity would be perfectly complemented by a faucet like this Fresca Versa. When paired together, the two elements will evoke a contemporary, geometric feel, as both are square in shape and look luxuriously high end – exactly what you want for a modern space.

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3. For rustic bathrooms

For rustic interiors, it’s best to stick with elements that are natural, aged, organic, and maybe even a little distressed. No matter how close you live to the actual countryside, the key to rustic spaces is to combine indoor and outdoor staples so that they achieve a cozy, lived-in look. 

Starting with a vanity like Fairmont Designs Napa 30” vanity invites a comfortable yet distinguished look that will define your rustic design. 

Then, you can opt for a faucet like Graff’s Lauren double handle faucet. The curvaceous detailing and choice of finish from chrome to gold underscores that classic and elemental style. 

Now that you’ve got your vanity and faucet combination sorted, what about the bathroom toilet? Here are our top picks for the best toilets available in the industry.

Find the Perfect Toilet

Tips for a Handicap Accessible Bathroom

People with disabilities should be able to use every space in their house comfortably and freely without facing challenges. If a member of your household has special requirements related to mobility or uses a wheelchair, it’s key that you make adjustments to the rooms in your home to accommodate their access and ease of use.

Currently, the latest U.S. census data estimates that 10 percent of Americans have a physical disability or mobility impairment, with over 3 million people using wheelchairs full-time at home. For these individuals and for the elderly wanting to age in place, the bathroom can be one of the most dangerous rooms in the house, as it is the most common site of slips and falls. 

To ensure that your home bathroom embraces universal design – meaning it is accessible to people of all ages, sizes, and capabilities – there are a number of features you can integrate that will make the space functional and safe. 

Here we provide a guide to making your bathroom accessible, including tips for fixtures and accessories that will create a usable space for anyone with physical limitations.

Ideal bathroom dimensions 

First and foremost, the bathroom needs to be spacious enough for a person in a wheelchair to easily move around. The American Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends bathroom dimensions of at least 60-inches by 56-inches deep plus clearance space for bathroom fixtures. 

For wheelchairs to make a 180-degree turn within the space, a diameter of 60-inches is needed. The main doorway will also need to be at least 32-inches wide, and it is best if the door opens outwards into the adjacent room to create even more space within the bathroom.

Lighting for handicap accessibility

Good lighting in the bathroom is always important for safety, especially for those middle-of-the-night trips to the toilet. For those with limited mobility, all light switches need to be within reach and able to be turned on and off from wheelchair height. 

The ADA recommends a set of standards for hanging lights in the bathroom as well as the distance that fixtures or sconces should extend from the walls for optimal safety. Some of the best lighting options for people with disabilities include large rocker light switches or switches with motion sensors. There are also several smart lighting options available that can be controlled by voice or remote.

Accessible sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs

Of course, there’s no point in focusing on the layout of the bathroom without considering whether a wheelchair user can actually access the sink, toilet, shower, or tub. Here’s what you should focus on when it comes to each of these features: 

Sinks

The maximum sink height in a handicap-accessible bathroom is 34-inches high. It’s best to choose a wall-mounted sink or vanity model that can offer plenty of clearance for a wheelchair user’s knees and feet. Other considerations include touchless faucets and an extra sturdy vanity, which can be used for maneuvering and for steadying oneself.

Toilets

The ADA recommends toilets are between 17-19 inches high from the finished floor. Ideally, the toilet height will be level with the individual’s wheelchair height, so that they can easily transfer from one to the other. 

Wall-mounted toilets are probably best, as they can be positioned to a custom height and leave plenty of room for turning a wheelchair. It’s also key to ensure that accessories like the toilet paper holder, sanitary items, or other medical equipment are within reach.

Showers and bathtubs

When it comes to the shower or bathtub, the most important element is to create access without the user needing to step over any threshold. Curbless showers (or roll-in shower stalls) make entry super easy for people with wheelchairs. Many barrier-free shower kits fit into standard 60-inch bathtub openings for easy conversion and have built-in benches. 

Walk-in tubs are also ideal, many of which have a door that opens flush with the floor and ADA-compliant benches. Showers and tubs that are handicap accessible will also often include handheld shower heads, grab bars, and therapeutic water jets.

By incorporating these considerations into your home bathroom, you can make sure that the space is handicap accessible and comfortable for all. Learn more about inclusive and universal design in our recent blog.

Discover More Universal Design

 

5 Hacks for a Lack of Bathroom Counter Space

Your bathrooms is home to scores of products that can leave a disorganized and unsightly mess on the countertops. Oftentimes, bathroom counter space is precious and limited, meaning it can therefore become cluttered quite quickly. 

Here are 5 clever hacks that will get the stuff off your counter and give you more bathroom counter space.

1. Arrange toiletries on a pretty tray

The space between the two sinks of your double vanity is an overlooked space for bathroom storage. Use a nice looking tray to organize items like cotton swabs, hairbrushes, make-up, and other smaller items. A tray creates boundaries, so things that wouldn’t otherwise have a dedicated home can be contained.

Choose a tray that matches your fixtures and finishes. Finding one that’s easy to clean and moisture-proof is also a smart idea.

2. Install wall-mounted holders

To free up space around your sink, opt for toothbrush holders and soap dispensers that attach to the wall. This will instantly give you back free space on your vanity counters while looking chic and stylish. A simple canister to hold hair-styling tools can contain a variety of things easily.

A wall-mounted holder for your water glass ensures it's handy but not in the way.

3. Hang a medicine cabinet or wall shelf

Another way free up your counters is to hang a medicine cabinet or shelf.  Medicine cabinets can be particularly innovative, as some models come with dimmable LED lighting, handy electrical outlet hookups, and defogging technology. 

A medicine cabinet is great for storing items that don't fit in drawers. Bottles of moisturizer, spare rolls of toilet paper, and extra washcloths all fit nicely in medicine cabinets or a mounted shelf.

4. Add a vertical layer to your vanity

A creative solution for messy counters is to create an all-new layer for bahtroom storage. Just like over-the-toilet storage, a shelf over your vanity can add storage without cluttering up your countertop.

Adding a shelf above your vanity is something you can easily do yourself. Use salvaged wood or get a simple shelf from your home improvement store. 

5. Integrate a new linen tower 

Add a freestanding linen tower to help you better organize your bathroom counter space. Linen towers come in a variety of shapes, styles, and heights to fit in hard-to-place bathroom corners. They can add visual interest, as well as allow you to keep all your linens in one place. 

Ready to free up more counter space and declutter your bathroom vanity? Shop for other storage solutions to help make your bathroom more organized and tidy here.

Everything You Need to Know About Hydrotherapy at Home

Water is an essential part of our everyday life – not only for drinking and bathing, but also for its healing powers and ability to strengthen the body and mind. Dating back to the times of the ancient Greeks, water has also been used for hydrotherapy or “water cure.” A branch of alternative medicine, hydrotherapy involves the use of water for pain relief and treatment. There are numerous types of hydrotherapy treatments, which are often carried out in warm water pools and led by licensed physical therapists. Some of the most common types of hydrotherapy include:

Aquatic exercise

This involves water aerobics, lap swimming, and group exercise classes in large pools;

Aquatic physical therapy

This type of therapy is conducted by a licensed physical therapist and incorporates a specialized program for each individual;

Immersion therapy

This involves being immersed in baths of extreme temperatures, including contrast water therapy (a series of brief immersions in hot and cold temperatures) for optimal muscle relaxation;

However, in addition to these, there is also at-home hydrotherapy which can be done in the comfort of your very own bathroom – so long as you have the right bathtub! In this article, we’ll walk through the various benefits and types of home hydrotherapy that you can enjoy in one of Decor Planet’s high-end, therapeutic whirlpool tubs. But first, let’s learn which conditions can benefit the most from hydrotherapy treatments.

What conditions can hydrotherapy treat?

It goes without saying that we can all benefit from a little extra rest and relaxation in water. But there are also specific symptoms and conditions that can be helped by hydrotherapy, including the following:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Fibromyalgia
• Cancer pain
• Hemorrhoids
• Parkinson’s disease
• Neuropathy
• Cerebral palsy
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Beyond these medical conditions, individuals that are experiencing other symptoms such as lower back pain, menstrual cramps, depression and anxiety, swelling, headaches, and joint or muscle discomfort can also benefit from at-home aquatic therapy.

What are the main advantages of hydrotherapy?

Even if you don’t suffer from any of the symptoms or conditions mentioned above, engaging in hydrotherapy at home can have amazing benefits for people of all ages. Some of these undeniable advantages include: Reduces tension - If you’re feeling stressed or stiff, soothing your aching muscles with hot water can increase blood flow to strained areas of the body. Alternatively, cold water will slow down circulation, which can be beneficial for easing inflammation. Relieves anxiety and stress - Hydrotherapy has been shown to affect hormone levels, causing a release of endorphins and increased serotonin production. These hormones can help to reduce stress, as they are known to boost happiness and contentment. Helps to detoxify the body - Increasing your blood flow sparks the body’s white blood cells to collect and destroy unwelcome materials from the body more quickly. Hydrotherapy can thus help your body to flush unwanted toxins from muscle tissue.

Types of at-home hydrotherapy to try

If you’re intrigued by the thought of doing hydrotherapy from the comfort of your home, Decor Planet’s range of therapeutic whirlpool tubs can make it possible. From aromatherapy to water-based massages, many of our tubs include one-of-a-kind technological innovations that will allow you to engage in the following types of at-home aquatic therapy:

Aromatherapy

Some of our tubs feature a unique technology called Aromacloud, which is an essential oil diffuser integrated into the bath deck that can diffuse a delicate mist of water and essential oils. During aromatherapy, essential oils can enter the bather’s respiratory system and reach the circulatory and lymphatic systems, where they interact with cells to promote healing.

Chromatherapy

A scientifically-proven technique, chromatherapy is not merely a decorative element, but has a direct effect on one’s physical and psychological condition. As a powerful way to achieve balance and harmony, the color vibrations can calm, energize, or focus your thoughts. See chromatherapy tubs.

Tonic therapy

Decor Planet’s tonic massage tubs combine water and warm air to immerse you in comforting bubbles. Three pre-programmed cycles allow you to adjust the intensity of the bubbles, and each produces a sensation to relax your entire body. Ready to shop for the at-home hydrotherapy tub of your dreams? Check out Decor Planet’s full range of therapeutic bathtubs, which offer all of the aesthetic qualities and comforting features you desire.

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3 Common Plumbing Problems & How to Fix Plumbing Problems

Plumbing problems are never fun. You don’t realize just how much you rely on functioning plumbing for day-to-day living.

Fortunately, some common plumbing problems can be fixed on your own. For bigger problems, you should seek out advice from a plumber. He or she will make sure the issue is corrected properly and not just MacGyvered with whatever spare parts or putty you can find.

From bathtub leaks to dripping pipes beneath the sink, it can be difficult to diagnose plumbing problems or even to articulate what’s going wrong. Thus, being aware of the most common plumbing problems and solutions will help you know when to tackle the issue yourself and when to call the plumber!

1. Leaky faucets and pipes

Leaky faucets and pipes are easy to spot since water will be physically dripping from them, even when they are turned off. While dripping faucets are more of a nuisance than an emergency, leaking pipes can cause major damage to your bathroom if you don’t address the problem immediately.

What causes this problem? 

A dripping faucet usually occurs when the washer that forms the seal inside of the tap is damaged or worn down over time. When this erosion occurs, the washer will no longer seal the tap tightly enough, which causes dripping water to slip through. Usually occurring at the joint, a dripping pipe is also caused by damage – most likely from deterioration, shifting, or high water pressure. 

How to fix the issue

Replacing the faucet’s washer that’s responsible for the leak is an easy DIY project; just make sure you get the right replacement from your local hardware store. For leaky pipes, you may need to simply replace a U-joint with a new pipe, but if you’re not sure, this project is better left to the pros.

When to call a plumber

To avoid a big mess, calling a plumber in both scenarios is probably your best bet, particularly if you have no plumbing experience of your own. They will have specialty tools on hand to replace washers and pipe joints, and they’ll also (hopefully!) save you from dealing with any clean-up. 

2. Low water pressure

A typical problem in old homes, low water pressure can come on quickly or slowly worsen over time, depending on the underlying cause. Leaving this pesky issue alone won’t lead to any major damages, but it does make rinsing things and showering difficult and more time-consuming, so it’s definitely worth resolving.

What causes this problem?

One possible cause is buildup of sediment or minerals in your faucet aerators, showerhead, or pipes, which can restrict the water flow. If the whole home is experiencing low pressure, it could indicate a much bigger issue with the pressure-reducing valve, well pump, filtration system, or water service line.

How to fix the issue

If it’s only occurring in a single fixture, you can try clearing debris from the aerator, soaking the aerator in vinegar overnight to loosen up the buildup, or cleaning or replacing the cartridge. If your entire home has low water pressure, you’ll likely need to replace your pressure-reducing valve or fix a leak in your water service line, which calls for a professional.

When to call a plumber

You’ll want to call a plumber if you realize the issue isn’t just limited to one faucet or showerhead, as the problem will require a series of repairs to fully resolve.

3. Clogged drains and toilets

Last but not least, clogged drains and toilets are another extremely common plumbing problem that are impossible to ignore – as they usually result in overflowing water and a huge mess! 

What causes the problem?

This issue is most often caused by something blocking the drain either partially or completely. Instead of being able to flush your toilet normally or watch as water drains freely down your sink, the water will back up and overflow. In sinks and showers, hair is usually the culprit. In toilets, clogs are usually the result of something other than dissolvable waste being flushed, which causes blockage in the pipes. 

How to fix the issue

Thankfully, clogged drains and toilets are the easiest plumbing issue to solve on your own. With the help of a trusty plunger, move it up and down to create suction over the drain. If this doesn’t help, chemical drain cleaners or plumbing snakes can also help to dislodge blockages.  

When to call a plumber

If you run into repeated clogging in the same drain, the issue may be more complicated than a simple plunging job and require help from a plumber. A plumber may need to replace your pipes, which could be damaged for a variety of reasons and therefore more prone to clogging.

These are just a few of the most common plumbing problems that you’ll run into over time, but unfortunately there are many more – like leaky bathtubs! Here’s what to do if you notice staining or drippage around your tub.

Find Out Why Your Bathtub Is Leaking