The credit crunch has affected us all and the stresses and strains from the current economic situation and the resultant state of your purse strings are probably starting to take their toll. Eventually everyone needs to take some much needed time out. A well timed treat or a place where you can truly relax and get away from it all will keep you going, but ironically the occasions when we need to take care of ourselves the most are often the moments when we have the least time and energy to do so!

A hard day’s work combined with juggling family, friends and the housework is enough for anyone to deal with and it’s a wonder any of us ever have any spare time at all! A trip to a spa would be an amazing treat but in reality most of us barely can afford either the time or the cost to go on a proper spa break once a year, let alone once a month! It is far better for you to relax little and often, so why not convert your bathroom into your own at home spa. A pair of luxurious bath shower curtains, a few sumptuous bath towels, a vase of gorgeous flowers and some scented candles could transform your bathroom into the sanctuary that you need.

Treats and pampering needn’t cost the earth and just like you don’t need to fork out on a weekend away at a top health spa, you also don’t need to spend lots of money redesigning your bathroom into full scale luxury. We’ve all watched the home improvement programs and sometimes all it takes to transform your living space is a few well placed premium ornaments and accessories. Whether this is a gorgeous pair of new bathroom shower curtains or a big fluffy bath mat.

Once your new bath shower curtains and other accessories are in place all you need to do is turn on some soothing music, light a few scented candles and pour a few relaxing drops of a soothing aromatherapy oil like lavender or marjoram into your bath. Sink in, relax and you will be half way there already. For a truly luxurious experience see if you can ask a loved one to bring you in a glass of wine whilst you read your book in the bath

 

If you don’t like to luxuriate in a warm bath and become accustomed to take a refreshing shower in the morning and to take a relaxing shower before going to bed, then a shower cabin is an optimal solution for you. Being alternative to baths, shower cabins become more and more popular nowadays. There are several reasons for such popularity. Firstly, in comparison with bath, the shower saves water approximately fivefold. Secondly, shower takes much less time, than having a bath. Thirdly, a shower cabin saves space – i.e. the bath utilizes much less space than a bath. And, besides the shower cabin is considered more hygienic in operation as bath because dirt is washed off by flowing water. Thus, advantages of this equipment are quite obvious. It is time to go to shop and to buy a shower cabin.

Prior to purchase of the shower cabin, it is necessary to determine its design. There are open and closed shower cabins. Open shower cabins border the shower zone partially – there is a shower partition or a door between existing walls. Closed shower cabins are bordered completely along the perimeter of shower zone and have a roof which prevents steam outflow and hampers condensation. Certainly, the closed cabin is more comfortable, but it is much more expensive.

The doors of shower cabins are usually made of glass which may be transparent, matte or rough. Single or double swing doors usually require the greater area of bathroom. Sliding doors utilize much less space. The more leaves, the less space is inside of a cabin, but the frame, at the same time, becomes steadier.

When choosing the shower cabin it is necessary to consider that its size must not be less than 80 x 80 cm, otherwise you will be essentially limited in space.

Shower cabins pallets may be made of pig-iron, steel, ceramics, artificial marble (pallet is made of pressed marble chips and polymeric pitches), as well as of synthetic materials: acrylic and its more modern derivative – quaryl. All these materials have their own peculiarities of maintenance. For example, pig-iron enameled pallets are steady, but get warm too long, steel pallets rattle under a jet of water, and pallets made of ceramics (faience) may crack up. Marble pallets are quite expensive, but they worth it: durable, convenient and having perfect appearance. Each of such pallets is unique, as each piece of marble is unique on its color, shades and structure. Acrylic pallet is nice too but it’s not durable and needs a special frame, and its surface is not jam-proof. However, scratches on acrylic are easily removed and special skills for that purpose are not required. Quaryl is one of acrylic’s derivatives (for its manufacturing marble chips are used) and its surface is much more jam-proof.

In general, the following requirements are specified to pallets: durability, immunity of surface to mechanical damages (scratches, chipping), rapid warming up, external decorative effect and not least, the presence of fluting on a pallet’s surface which hampers sliding.

Functionality of shower cabins goes beyond the ability of shower. Modern shower cabin not just replaces a bath, but may combine functions of Turkish bath, massage and therapeutic salons.

For example, vertical massage is provided by jets of water supplied from injectors. Number of apertures in injectors may vary from 3 and more. Some shower cabins are equipped with feet massage function. The pressure necessary for normal functioning of vertical massage system is 3-5 atms. You’ll have to make a point of these peculiarities as in many houses not having the special equipment all these amenities will be unclaimed. The reason is common – absence of needed water pressure in water pipe. If the pressure is low you’ll have to choose only those shower cabins which work at water pressure of 1.5 atms.

The transition douche effect is achieved by alternate action of contrast temperatures water alternating within short time-periods. Cold water is supplied from water supply system and hot water temperature may be chosen by you. This function may be applied both when using a hand spray and with vertical massage system.

Hydro massage is the function of vertical massage system. It is represented by alternate bottom-up injection of horizontal groups of injectors.

Chromotherapy in shower cabin is represented by special source of illumination placed in cabin which periodically lights up with various colors.

Turkish bath function is generation of steam by steam generator. That steam goes to a cabin from a steam blower. The temperature of steam makes 45-60°C. Almost all shower cabins have function of steam aromatization with phytocosmetic substances.

Possible connection of radio and audio belongs to group of audio functions. As a rule, they are built in shower cabin. Cabins having such functions are equipped with switchboard which enables adjustment of functioning parameters; such cabins also have built in speaker system.

Combined multifunction shower cabins have all advantages of hydro massage baths and shower cabins. Their size is usually quite impressive, but, nevertheless, they save a lot of space.

Shower cabin installation does not require of any structural works such as tile and stone works or field painting. You’ll have to connect the shower cabin with water supply pipe and with discharge stack. These operations are to be performed by experts.

The prices on different shower cabins may vary, but generally the price determines both quality and volume of “services” “provided” by a cabin.

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Its doom and gloom in the UK today with the credit crunch reigning supreme. Belts have been severely tightened and for those wanting to revamp their home with a new bathroom it may not be the best time.

However there are solutions to the problem and many cheaper ways to create a new look without a trip to MFI.

Accessorizing is the key to an original style and you can easily create a whole new look without the lengths of new fixtures and fittings.

Here are some tips for creating a luxury bathroom on a budget:

• If your bathroom is painted bright colours then completely white wash the walls as this will create a clear fresh look and the perfect canvass to begin your work of art.

• A bath panel in a simple wood finish is a good investment to conceal an unsightly bath. If you are lucky enough to own a traditional  bath tub then it is worth renovating it as your bath can be a real centre piece.

• The addition of plants to your bathroom can give a real tranquil and fresh feel. I’m not talking a forest or cactus field but the odd trailing ivy can be really effective.

• A luxury shower curtain can give a real illusion of grandeur and shower liners mean that you can use some stunning material while still maintaining a clean look.

• Use woven baskets to tidy away all your bath treats and shampoos will make your bathroom look neater and tidier.

• Investing in some luxury towels makes any bath time experience go down well. Make sure you go for thick good quality luxury towels and choose a sophisticated colour palette.

If you fill your bathroom with elegant linens and accessories then you cannot fail to create a luxurious modern look. The bathroom is the place you begin and end your day and it is worth making this minimal investment to create a beautiful and pleasurable environment that will reflect the elegance of the rest of your home without having to go the full hog and buying a new suite.

Making sure the products you choose are of high quality and durable wear is really important. By buying quality products like bath shower curtains and luxury bath towels over time, they will last much longer and feel much more special.