Don't Be A Square

Be a chevron, perhaps?

A square grid is not your only option when it comes to your tile layout.

There are a number of interesting shapes and patterns that can be created with your tiles, and even unique locations they can be placed, such as between stairs on your staircase.

Use the images below as inspiration for new and exciting ways to style your tiles!

Unfinished Edge with an assortment of colours.

In a randomized pattern.

As a backdrop or feature wall.

As a work of art, and as a shelf.

To separate your shower.

On your staircase.

In a heart shape as wall decor.

As colourful flowers.

On your cabinet to match your wall.

More chevrons with varying patterns and solids.

Bathroom Therapy

Transform your bathroom into an oasis of healing and relaxation through heat, light, sound, smell and massage

Thermotherapy

Tubs with heat zones, such as those that include Bain Ultra’s WarmTouchShell technology transmit and circulate heat to specific areas of the body to promote healing and total relaxation. 

Once you emerge from the tub, continue your thermotherapy by stepping onto a floor heated with underfloor heating to remove the chill of tiles, and wrap yourself in a towel heated with a towel warmer.

It can’t get much cozier.

Aromatherapy

Placing candles and essential oil diffusers throughout the bathroom can affect our psychological well-being in a number of positive ways, including reducing stress and anxiety. 

This can also be achieved with an integrated solution, such as BainUltra’s AromaCloud. It disperses a mist of water and essential oils and affixes directly to the tub deck.

The inclusion of plants and flowers in the bathroom can also contribute to scent, air quality and aesthetics.

Chromatherapy

The colour and brightness of lights in the bathroom, or even  in the tub or shower itself can energize or calm your senses, or even regulate the production of serotonin and melatonin.

BainUltra’s Vedana is essentially a lightbox that can be installed anywhere in your bathroom, even directly in the shower, to alter mood and regulate circadian rhythm. 

Bathtubs, such as Kohler’s Underscore tub or BainUltra’s Illuzio tub include integrated LED lights for mood altering colour.

A similar chromatherapy effect can also be achieved with Smart LED colour-changing bulbs that can be controlled through your phone or Google Home. You can even created a number of different palettes by setting each bulb to a particular colour that when grouped together create a specific aesthetic or mood.

Even simple light switch dimmers can contribute to the ambience of the room.

Hydrotherapy

There are a number of different jet tubs available with various massage techniques for muscle relaxation, and stress-release.

Kohler’s Bubble Massage tubs include zones of control to target specific areas of the body. 

Neptune’s Mass-Air system creates the experience of floating on a gentle could of bubbles, while their Activ-Air system has a more intense full-body effect.

BainUltra’s Geysair tubs emulate the Earths’ natural geysers for a stimulating massage effect.

Hydrotherapy can also be found in the shower with the inclusion of various body sprays, and rain heads for an all-encompassing shower experience. 

Even waterfall faucets and tub fillers can illicit a calming feeling.

Sound therapy

Certain sound vibrations and frequencies can energize or calm your body and mind. 

Include a comfortable pair of wireless headphones or bluetooth speakers to help your mind focus and drown out distractions. Music can alter your emotions and states of mind. Waterproof speakers can allow you to place them directly in your shower or tub for total emersion.

The VibrAcoustic tub from Kohler is another great option for sound inclusion. Listen to a number of built-in compositions through the hidden speakers, or use their Bluetooth technology to sync your phone or other device for a personalized sound experience. 

The bathroom is not solely a place for hygiene, but a spa for mental and physical well-being. 

Tiles That Look Like Hardwood?

Wood - look tiles can be porcelain or ceramic and are designed to mimic the appearance of hardwood, including wood grain, finish and plank size. 

The use of tiles over hardwood is beneficial in a number of ways, and it is now possible to attain these benefits while keeping the style, warmth and elegance of a hardwood floor. 

Tough

Tiles are much more durable. They are less prone to the scratches, scrapes and gouges, especially in a home with children, pets and high-heeled shoes. 

Water - Resistant

Tiles are the best option for damp areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, mud rooms, basements and entryways. They do not warp and expand with moisture as hardwood does, but with wood-like tiles you can maintain the cozy look of hardwood. 

Easy To Clean

Messes and spills can be washed or wiped with soap and water, no special hardwood cleaners are required. They are also less likely to stain. 

Grout

Create a unique look with the variety of grout colours available, or use minimum grout joint sizes to maintain a more authentic wood look an reduce overall maintenance.

Endurance

Tiles last longer than hardwood and can increase your home’s resale value.

Budget

With the numerous tile options available, there is something for every budget. Less maintenance and damage and increased endurance means less cost in the long run. 

Warmth

With the availability of underfloor heating systems, the issue of cold tiles is not longer relevant 

Wood-look tiles are a durable, stylish option that expand the possibilities of your home’s look, feel and functionality. 

Tech Stuff for your Bathroom and Kitchen

Have you ever wanted to listen to the news while on the toilet?

Check out some of this Tech Stuff to make your life easier, and turn your day-to-day into an experience

Touchless Faucet

A faucet such as the Kohler Sensate kitchen faucet allows you to turn the faucet on and a wave with a wave of your hand - or pot or spatula. When your hands are full, or covered in something messy, you have quick and easy access to your faucet. Not having to put that thing your holding down, just to turn on the water, streamlines your cooking and baking experience. It also keeps your kitchen and faucet cleaner and contributes to a more hygienic environment.

The motion sensor is precise in noticing your movement, but also in recognizing when you are simply working in the faucet area and not intending to turn on the faucet, preventing false activations. The faucet’s temperature memory maintains the temperature set during prior usage, whenever the faucet is turned off and on. Keep your hands free and your actions seamless with a touches faucet.

Toilet Seat Air Freshener

Replace aerosols, toilet sprays and other odor masking solutions with a deodorizing toilet seat. A selection of scent cartridges are available, which fill your bathroom with a fresh, clean scent whenever the toilet is in use.

Digital Shower

Kohler’s DTV+ is a complete shower system controlled by a touchscreen, eliminating manual levers and knobs. This multi-sensory shower experience, includes light, sound and steam. It includes pre-programmed spa experiences based on hydrotherapies which target different body parts and involve different sequences and temperatures, controlling every shower component. Start your day with an energizing experience and end with a relaxing one. Your shower is more than just a place for cleanliness, it is an experience for your body and mind.

Tech-Intelligent Toilet

The Numi tech-intelligent toilet has a number of spa-like features and personal settings for a comfortable and tailored bathroom experience. It includes integrated Bluetooth speakers to keep up-to-date on news, enjoy a podcast, or relax with your favourite music playlist; all controlled with a convenient remote. The heated seat and foot warmer remove any chill, while a selection of eight ambient lights set the mood. The motion-activated seat cover keeps your hands clean and germ-free, while the self-cleaning wands keeps the toilet’s interior clean. The Numi provides a luxurious bathroom experience.

Shower Head Speaker

The Moxie shower head with wireless speaker pairs with any enabled Bluetooth device for you to sing your heart out in the shower. The speaker pops out for recharging, and you can take it with you into any room to continue your morning karaoke.

Touchless Toilet & Kit

Not only are touchless toilets available for your home, but touchless toilet kits can enable you to transform your existing toilet into a touchless one. This is a cost-effective way to minimize the spread of germs without replacing your toilet.

Renovation Realities - Golly!

How to be fully prepared for your home transformation

Decibal

It will be loud. There will be hammers and voices, furniture moving, people walking, and just when you think there’s silence…there won’t be. Relaxing will be tough, but its nothing a solid pair of wireless headphones can’t solve. Use them to drown out the noise while watching tv, listening to music or catching up on your favourite podcast.

Day-to-Day

Your daily routine will be pushed around by contractors in your kitchen when you go for your morning brew, to tradesmen in your bathroom when you’re about to take a shower. Communicate with your project manager about which rooms they will be occupying and what their daily start and end times will be.

Delays

Despite the project schedule you have been given, people are not robots, and even robots break down, so prepare to expect a few delays. Inclement weather, a broken down truck, a sick worker, are just a handful of unforseen dilemmas handed down by the fates. Be patient and expect a timeline longer than anticipated so you won’t be disappointed.

Drafts

Keep your coziest attire on hand. With contractors coming in and out, walls disrupted and windows changed, there will constantly be a draft from somewhere or something. After a few days that hideous snuggy will be looking extra good.

Dust

All the tarps and drop clothes in the world will not prevent all the mess. Expect dust and dirt, even where you don’t expect it. Try to store your clothes in bags or bins and prepare to wipe down even the most unusual surfaces once the reno is complete.

Dogs

Your daily life has been disrupted and so has that of your dog - or cat or bird or fish or tarantula. This can be distressing for them, so be sure to monitor their appetite and provide them with plenty of water to combat the dust. With people going in and out be sure they don’t escape. You may want to contain them in a single room or leave them with a friend.

Done!

On the final day of your reno, after enduring all the inevitable side effects, you will appreciate it’s completion that much more. you will appreciate a working faucet, a clean house, a washing machine, more than you ever have. You’ll take in the magnificence of your new home and it will all be worth it!

Is there life beyond Homesense?

As maximalism and eclecticism explode, it’s the perfect time for artisans to shine.

Rather than picking up that Ikea dresser that everyone owns or turning to Wayfair to find your next lamp, look to unique and custom designed textiles and home decor pieces.

Heres why:

1. With countless patterns and and colours available, and the possibility to customize, you are guaranteed to achieve precisely THE LOOK YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.

Bettencourt Manor

2. ONLY YOU (and maybe a just a few others that are just as design-savvy as you) will have this amazing wallpaper or table which will make your space feel personal and unique.

Lulu and Georgia

3. SUPORT LOCAL ARTISANS by allowing them to do what they love and contributing to your local economy.

Rifle Paper Co

4. Every handmade, specially designed and vintage item is not just aesthetically pleasing but is IMBUED WITH A STORY of how it was made or came to be. This adds life and personality to your room.

Made by Madrigal

5. A more INTERESTING, VISUALLY STIMULATING space will emerge!