The bathroom is a challenging room when it comes to maintaining Feng Shui in your home. The ba gua, the optimal map for a home’s layout according to Feng Shui principles, doesn’t leave room for a bathroom—indeed, it was developed before indoor plumbing, when the bathroom area would not have been inside the home.
According to Feng Shui, the bathroom has a draining effect wherever it’s placed—so it will diminish the positive effects of optimal placement for the bedroom, living room, and other important areas of the house. The effect it has depends on where it’s placed in your home. However, there are a few things you can do to prevent chi drainage and ensure your home’s Feng Shui integrity.
If your bathroom is in an important area of the home, for example in the marriage, family or abundance area, it could have a draining or dampening effect on the benefits proper Feng Shui in those areas provides. To prevent this, place a full-length mirror on the outside of the bathroom door—or hang one above it. This will help prevent the chi in your home from flowing into the bathroom area. In addition, keep the toilet lid down and keep drains closed or covered when not in use—this will further prevent chi from being drained.
If your bathroom is near or on the second floor above your front door or kitchen, it could direct negative energy into these important areas. Located near the entryway, the bathroom can drain away chi before it has a chance to circulate around the house. Above the front door, it can deposit negative energy in this important area. Above the kitchen, the water energy prevalent in the bathroom can quench the kitchen’s hearth energy and flood the area with negative energy.
To prevent this, there are several steps you can take. One is to place a picture or statue of something uplifting and natural—a bird or a tree or flowers, for example—in the kitchen or area beneath the bathroom. In addition, hang a multifaceted crystal pendant from the bathroom ceiling, as close to center as possible. Hang a mirror above the toilet to prevent energy from draining down the plumbing. Place an object made from natural earth materials (for example a decorative stone statue, clay or terra cotta vase or crystal) in each corner of the bathroom. Materials made from earth will help balance the strong water alignment in the bathroom, which can cause positive chi to flow out of the home
If your bathroom is in the center of the house, this can also be a problem. Locating your bathroom in a central location is one of the worst choices you can make from a Feng Shui perspective, as it can destabilize all the energy in your home. To counteract this, you’ll need to take more drastic action. Paint your walls red; the bright, warm colour will help negate negative energy. Place a full-length mirror outside the door, and put an object made of natural earth materials such as stone or clay in each corner of the room.
No matter where your bathroom is located, there are a few things you should do in the interest of good Feng Shui. Always keep your toilet lid down when not in use; keep the door closed and keep drains closed or covered when you’re not using them. Incorporate growing bamboo plants in your bathroom, particularly in front of mirrors where their image will be reflected. Decorate with items made from earth materials such as clay, terra cotta or stone to balance the water energy that’s prevalent in bathrooms. Open your windows whenever possible, or hang a mirror above the toilet if there are no windows in your bathroom. Decorate with warm colours to counteract the dark yin energies that come with an overbalance of water influence.
Life is hectic—and most of us need all the help we can get to improve the serenity of our homes. Follow these tips, and keep your bathroom clean and well-organized, and your bathroom can be a wellspring of positive energy rather than a drain on the rest of your home. With these tips, you can counteract negative effects and balance the water energy of your bathroom to achieve a harmonious home.

Power of Showers

Showers will be more popular than baths with over 70% of people preferring showers over a long bathe. If there is enough space make sure at least one bath is still installed as people prefer to have the choice. Electric and Mixer showers are popular choices for a powerful showering experience.

Add a Bathroom

Adding an extra bathroom can be beneficial to a larger property. In a smaller house don’t just add extra bathrooms that may be a hindrance to the size of the bedrooms. Lofts are a great way to enhance your properties value by adding an extra bathroom it can increase your properties value by up to 9 per cent.

Accessorize

Replace tired and worn accessories, do not leave it for another year. Bathroom tap, showers and radiators are a great place to start. Tiny adjustments may make all the difference.

Less is more

Your bathroom décor is crucial, keep it clean cut and simple. White is the ideal choice keeping the space relaxed and fresh. Regrouting the tiles and sealing the bath again will add to the finishing touches that really count. When using paint select beiges and creams so that it doesn’t overpower the room and destroy the peace.

Bathrooms of 2009

Combining both natural and high-tech elements will be the main design feature of 2009. Waterproof televisions and whirlpool baths will be a great hit this year. Make sure you find the balance of both a minimalist yet simple bathroom design, remember not to overpower people with your personal designs. Bathrooms are a great investment for the future of your property.

In almost all traditional bathroom designs the bath is always the main feature, so keep this in mind. Towards the end of the 19th century many bathrooms became alot smaller so cast iron baths were changed for freestanding bath designs which were thought to be more hygienic. Effective Victorian styles are available from manufacturers such as Victoria and Albert with ball and claw feet similar to that period.

Pretty mirrors with decorative edges and pictures were common features seen in the bathroom. Black and white family portraits are a great way to imitate the united front families resembled in that period. Portraits should be placed in the main focus of the room for guests and family to view clearly.

Fixed shower heads with wide projections are a must have with traditional fixed arms it creates a classic replica. Manufactures such as Hudson Reed specialise in traditional showers to create the ultimate classic look. Clutter is not a disadvantage in a Victorian styled bathroom design as it creates a more lived in feel. Miniature trinkets and detailed objects will only add to the character and warmth. Modern blinds will be too 21st century so instead opt for sweeping curtains with tassled tie backs to create a lavish finish.

Vintage radiators and towel warmers will create a charming bathroom addition whilst being practical. High heat outputs will definitely keep you feeling warm in the winter months. Deep toned pinks and purples are the colours enhance the enduring bathroom ambience. A distinctive line of tiles on a blank canvas offer a unique focal point to distract the eye. Small square tiles in dark colours such as black or dark brown are the best option if a lighter tone such as pink is going to be used as a background color.

To add drama into the design a distinguished idea is to add a chandelier right in the centre of your bathroom to illuminate the whole room, remember the more dramatic the better!

Hard Water Stains on the Bathtub :  Use Vinegar and Baking Soda to get rid of all marks. Don’t use on fibreglass bath tubs, it works a treat on cast iron and porcelain bath tubs!

Cleaning Chrome in your bathroom:  Use that left over baby oil to wipe away that entire residue with a clean cloth it works wonders, nice and sparkly once more!

Shower Tray not draining correctly : Invest in a Vortex shower waste to reach the trap in next to no time removing any unwanted hair in seconds.

Shower Head Cleaning :  To cure this common problem then soak the head in hot vinegar, leaving it to soak for 12 – 14 hours. Afterwards rinse it under some hot water giving it a thorough clean.

Get rid of moisture :  A good way of ridding your bathroom of all moisture is too hide away charcoal ridding your home of nasty smells and odours.

Toilet Cleaning :  Pour white vinegar into the pan and leave for one hour, after give your toilet a good wipe and flushing away. Simple.

Shower Enclosure Water Marks :  A shower blade can be an eco – friendly way to rid of all streaks and marks. A quick wipe can be a great alternative to spending hours scrubbing away.

Avoid Bathroom Mat Mess :  After every bath time hang your mat in a dry and high place to keep it clean and ready for the next bath time.

Baking Soda :  is a great way to save those pennies on expensive cleaning products and can be used on all sorts of bathroom items.

Get Steamy in Your Bathroom
Steam cabins offer a healthy alternative to a shower, and give you a spa-like experience that is second to none. They are a truly indulgent addition to any bathroom, and will give you hours of relaxing pleasure.

A steam cabin can create all of these healing properties you would get from a commercial steam room, but from the comfort of your own home. They offer the conventional properties you would expect from a shower enclosure, and can be used without the steam effect. They are a pleasure to use, with hydrotherapy and massage from the multiple jets, allowing you to unwind from the stresses of everyday work and life. Some cabins also offer added features to make the experience even more enjoyable, such as LED lights, radio, USB connector for MP3 players, venting fans and a LCD touch screen control panel.

Steam has many detoxifying and relaxing properties; skin begins to sweat at 37°C, and as your temperature increases, the body counteracts this change by producing sweat, as a cooling mechanism. This perspiration also allows the removal of toxins, such as heavy metals, alcohol, nicotine and cholesterol, which improves the general condition of your skin. When the temperature exceeds 43°C fat also becomes water soluble, enabling it to be released through sweat, therefore aiding weight loss.

Steam also has links with improved circulation. In order for the body to create sweat, the heart must work faster to boost circulation. The heart is a muscle, and like any, with increased exercise it will strengthen, thus improving your cardiovascular system, without having a detrimental effect on blood pressure levels. The pressure is unaffected as the heat from the steam allows capillaries in the blood to open, increasing their surface area and therefore allowing increased blood flow through them.

Steam bathing is also effective as a means of aiding respiratory problems, such as colds, asthma, bronchitis and other allergies. Steam penetrates the respiratory membranes and moistens them, relieving irritation. The heat and moisture loosens secretions and stimulates the throat to discharge mucous, thus cleaning out the respiratory system. It is the combination of water and heat that are beneficial over, say a conventional sauna.

Steam also helps us to relax both physically and mentally, relieving symptoms of stress and muscle pain, by creating a calming environment and somewhere that you can really enjoy personal indulgence, so treat yourself today with a steam cabin. There are a wide variety of steam cabins available on the market, with one to suit any style or decor of bathroom, and their appearance is similar to that of a shower enclosure, ensuring they will complement the look of your bathroom. So treat yourself today and invest in a steam cabin and wind the hours away in pure relaxation.

A single bathroom just isn’t enough for many families in today’s households. Gone are the days of our grandparents using the outside loo and sharing their bath times. No longer do larger families have to put up with arguments over the one bathroom. Ensuites are great investments that don’t necessarily need an extension although it may encroach on valuable living space. Designing an ensuite to add into a bedroom may result in less room but the rewards are far greater.

Creating an ensuite doesn’t need to be a stressful project as long as the planning is correct right from the early stages. If adding an ensuite onto an existing bedroom make sure the two rooms are coherent to make it work successfully. An ensuite isn’t meant to be as large as the main bathroom so think of products that will fit nicely into a compact space. Many ensuites tend to be a square design as they are usually built into a corner of an existing room. If you want a bath as well in the ensuite consider the dimensions of the bath carefully as a standard 1700mm x 700mm may be too big. Smaller baths are available on the market so shop around, don’t just squeeze any bath in and spoil the design. Bathroom Manufacturers are now creating smaller sizes in every product in order to make them work in compact bathrooms. Water pressure may be another point to consider as your ensuite may be higher than the hot water tank in your home. If this is the case then it may mean moving the existing tank or installing a pump system. If you are not sure about the plumbing of your new ensuite consult a professional. As with any bathroom ventilation is important but more so when installing an ensuite. This is because the ensuites are usually built against internal walls rather than external, so a duct must be installed. Newly built houses commonly have an ensuite leading from the bedroom or alternative room. If you have an existing property and wish to add an ensuite, the possibilities are there if you have enough space and imagination. At the very early stages consult a professional who will be able to advice you of plumbing issues that may need to be considered. Start as you mean to go on so plan and consider every eventuality, this way it will be a smooth process for everyone.

Many bathroom suites offer matching toilets and basins so the design can tie in together. Sometimes people wish to replace the basin but not the whole suite, this is a simple task once you know what to look for. Measurements are important to double check before installation, even if you have an existing sink the same size, especially when ordering from a different manufacturer.

Counter sinks with vanity units are extremely popular giving you the advantage of valuable storage. Manufacturers such as Twyford bathrooms offer consumers the opportunity to purchase a combined unit from their exquisite bathroom suite ranges. Bold lines and square edges are popular choices with basins such as the Rak Ceramics Mistral Range creating a statement to an otherwise traditional bathroom setting. Manufactures of minimalist basin designs such as Aquaplus specialise in producing unique ceramic basins, which can be slightly more costly than a standard basin.

Semi-pedestals were introduced to the market in order to save space in en suite and smaller bathroom sizes. Full pedestals can look amazing so long as the bathroom is large enough, as bulky designs can sometimes appear a little intrusive. The trend in today’s modern bathroom is too have a mono basin tap rather than two traditional basin taps. The plumbing components will have to be purchased separately so take into the consideration both the basin and plumbing supplies you will need. The final step is too search online and select a basin right for your requirements and within your budget.