Sick of cleaning and organizing but want to do something productive? Here are some things you can try to help keep you entertained all in the comfort of your own home with supplies you might already have.
1) Re-arrange your furniture (if you haven’t yet)
And not just the big stuff. Move your art around to different rooms to give each room a new feel. Switch the lamps around in your home. Try a whole new closet layout. Go crazy. Worst-case scenario, you hate how it looks and if that happens you can always put things back.
2) Update planters/small furniture/old décor
Have some old paint kicking around? Paint a planter or a decoration you don’t use anymore to give it new life. If you don’t have house paint but have an abundance of nail polish, try that for smaller items. The best part is, whatever old paint you have laying around will already be in colours you like.
3) Propagate your plants
a. Are you a plant-parent? Try your hand at creating more plants without going to the store. Check out this great tutorial here or google how to’s for the exact plant you have.
4) Start planning your next reno
a. Admit it, you are stuck in your house and have a mental list of everything you want to change… well, write it down and make a plan. Check out our advice on how to start your next reno here: 10 Tips For Your Next Home Reno
5) Start the craft project you’ve been putting off
a. Admit it, you have everything you need to start this project just sitting in your closet collecting dust… roll up your sleeves and dive in! You’ll feel better after you start.
6) Finish that project that you started last year
If you are like me, you have a project that’s been sitting half complete in your house for at least a year… why not finish it. Once you finish a task, you’ll feel so much better and you’ll have time to do a little photo shoot to share with your friends. You never know, you might inspire them to finish their projects too.
7) Hang your art
a. That’s right, those pictures you have sitting next to empty frames…. Hang ‘em up! Give yourself some new scenery to look at. No art to hang? Make your own!
8) Do some yard work
Depending on the weather where you are and the type of building you live in, get outside and get your hands dirty.
9) Try your old hobbies again
a. You know that old instrument you have, pull it out and see if you still know how to play it. Diving back into your old hobbies can be a great way to reminisce about your past and get your mind off the world’s current situation for a bit.
10) Call your friends/neighbours/co-workers/family
a. Seriously, if you are alone or stuck with the same few people for a while, getting some socializing in can do wonders for your mental health. If you don’t like just having conversations, there are tonnes of great online games for all ages that you can play together. Here is a short list to give you some ideas.
Bonus) Relax
a. It is ok to just sit down and relax. You don’t have to be productive every minute of the day, in fact, you shouldn’t try to be! Watch Netflix, read a book, stare out the window, have a nap, do something just because you WANT to do it, not because you should.
What Do You Do?
What do you do to entertain yourself while we are staying home to save lives? If you have great ideas, leave a comment or send us a message so we can share it with everyone!
Stay Home. Stay Safe. Wash Your Hands.
It seems that we could all be stuck inside for a while, so why not start planning that home renovation project you’ve been thinking about. To help you get started, we have polled a few people we know who have been through renovations and professionals in the industry to get their best advice. Below are our top 10 tips to help you get through your renovation!
1) Budget, budget & budget!
It will cost more than you think. Unexpected problems will come up that cannot be avoided, so when you make your budget, keep some aside for the unexpected. Also, be prepared to re-assign your budget partway through the project.
If there is something you are dying to have such as a towel warmer, you might be surprised at the reasonably priced options. For example, our Kontour range is quite affordable and luxurious!
2) Make a clean plan but be flexible
Plan your project ahead of time. This should go hand in hand with your budget. Keep in mind the scope of the project and try not to let that creep too big as the project moves along. You don’t want to budget for new floors, then end up paying for a whole new kitchen.
Also keep in mind that plans will change. You might learn that you cannot move that sink where you want or that there is no good place for a wall-mounted toilet paper holder. When that happens, you might have to go back a few steps and re-plan your layout and re-work your budget. In those cases, picking a new sink or grabbing a free-standing toilet paper holder are easy fixes that won’t break the bank. These kinds of issues are more common than people would like, so when it does happen, approach the problem with a rational mind and you’ll come up with the perfect solution.
3) Decide if you can DIY or if you are better off hiring a professional
This one is tricky, it depends on your skill level, the job at hand, your budget and more. Trades have safety codes in place for a reason, so depending on the project bring someone in to do it, or at least to check on your completed work. It doesn’t matter how good the final project looks if it falls apart in 2 years.
Some jobs, however, can be simple to do on your own, if you have the skill, tools, and patience to do it correctly. For example, a handy homeowner can easily install their own bathroom accessory pieces if they feel confident, but if you are more like myself, you would go straight to a professional.
Whatever you decide, be smart and be safe.
4) Protect all surfaces you want to keep… countertops, glass, flooring, etc
Things fall, paint spills, accidents happen so make sure to protect the things you would rather not replace during this renovation.
5) There will be a mess
is going to be intense – be prepared
Everyone knows that renovations are messy, but everyone is surprised at just how messy they can get. Do your best to be prepared. Have a shop vac, garbage bags, dusting supplies, rags and other cleaning supplies ready at hand so you can continuously manage the mess so it doesn’t become unbearable. Cleaning as you go can make the process smoother and easier.
6) Cheap is expensive
That’s right. Hiring the cheapest contractor or getting the cheapest product can lead to costly fixes down the road. Do your research, check reviews and do it right the first time to save money. If you’re not sure and want advice, reach out to your local showroom, they are professionals and work with budgets big and small.
7) Be patient
Everything and I mean everything will take longer than you would like. Delays happen. Even a thing as simple as the wrong product being sent out can put you back weeks. If that does happen, stay calm, yelling at your contractor or the delivery guy will not help your renovation wrap up any sooner. Work together for the best solution. You might end up taking a second look at your local bathroom showroom and finding a better vessel sink than you originally picked!
8) Problems will come up
For real, when you take a wall down, you won’t know what’s behind it until it’s too late and it could be bad. Try not to panic because when you made your budget you planned extra for this exact situation. Whatever the issue, there will be a solution, you just need to think rationally until you find the solution that works for you and your home.
9) Word of mouth isn’t always great
Not every trade person your friends recommend are guaranteed to be good. Especially trades like tilers where so many are self-taught. Make sure to do your own research. You want to hire the best people for you and your needs.
10) If you are a DIY master, measure twice, cut once!
That’s a simple one. Once a countertop is cut, it’s cut for good.
Bonus
We had a lot of people to straight-up say don’t renovate, or if you do, have wine, beer and a divorce lawyer on speed dial!
Of course, this one is a joke, however, renovations are a very stressful time so do your best to keep your cool and have fun with it when you can!
icobath lifestyle bathroom – Kontour
The Calma Collection
Sophisticated, Whimsical, Elegant, Classic, Dramatic… The Calma family of sinks evokes all these responses – and more.
Modern cast-marble technology allows us to create opulent shapes, structures and surfaces that until now were impossible. Consisting of approximately 75% crushed dolomite, this natural, environmentally friendly mineral rock is infused with bonding resin content, creating a strong and smooth material.
Exquisite
Breathtaking styles to impress at first glance, with craftsmanship that extends to even the smallest details: every form, edge and radius is crafted with absolute precision and accuracy.
Smooth
The natural rock retains its sleekness while accumulating heat, offering a luxuriously warm feeling on contact. The smoothness and noise-absorbing properties of each basin replicate the gentle, soothing sound of falling water.
Durable
Capable of withstanding years of regular use without losing its magnificence.
Environmentally Friendly
The processing of dolomite rock, the key ingredient of cast marble, does not require large amounts of energy, thus lessening environmental impact.
UV Resistant
A superior UV resistant Gelcoat containing molecules that capture solar energy will defy signs of wear and aging by preventing the breakdown of pigment over time.
Hygienic
A wise choice for the family, the non-porous, non-irritant, material resists dirt and soap on the surface, preventing the growth of bacteria.
Effortless
The perpetually smooth, dirt-resistant surface needs less frequent cleaning. Surfaces may be cleaned with standard non-abrasive cleaning agents.
Find the vessel sink that matches your style in our ever-growing Calma Collection today.
Inspired by the Earth’s power and raw beauty, our Volkano Collection of bathroom accessories will transform your bathroom landscape. Combining modern European design with a strong aesthetic, this collection makes a memorable impression with no apologies.
Erupt
The Erupt series brings clean sharp lines that are harmonious and fluid yet still able to hold the promise of untapped power. This strong accessory line brings a feeling of power to your bathroom.
Magma
The strong, classic designs of the Magma series bring a warm, bold presence into your bathroom. This hefty design is the finishing touch that your traditional styled bathroom needs.
Cinder
The low-profile Cinder series brings feelings of energy with its square corners and chiseled aesthetic. This series blends seamlessly into your bathroom landscape.
Flow
The Flow series adds a touch of softness to your bathroom décor. The smooth, round edges send rich, harmonious energy to every corner of your bathroom design.
Fire
As the name suggests the Fire series is sure to stand out. Its sharp, heavy lines bring warmth and a luxurious feeling into your room. The clean and uncomplicated look is sure to stoke admiration from all who see it.
Ash
The Ash series brings an edge to Volkano with its unique lines and thin profiles that portrays the feeling of simplicity and comfort in this complex, busy world. This versatile series can create a cohesive look in any bathroom.
Crater
The solid square shape from the Crater series of bathroom accessories is sure to create a strong confident feeling in any bathroom landscape. This line of accessories will inspire confidence in those who see it.
Summit
The Summit series of bathroom accessories embodies a concise and lively modern look by combining minimalistic style with traditional inspired lines. Summit seamlessly blends into your bathroom, no matter your style.
Spark
As the name suggests, the Spark series from Volkano is lively and unique, and seamlessly blends into a modern or traditional bathroom. The Spark lines and shapes inspire a feeling of happiness and pride, making your bathroom landscape as beautiful as ever.
Cone
The Cone series is a unique accessory range with a catchy design that is reflected in its name – Cone. This stand-out line is the perfect accessory to add personality to your bathroom landscape. The smooth edges create a lively vibe to help brighten every morning.
The full Volkano range of bathroom accessories is manufactured from brass to ensure your design stands up to the test of time. Each product comes with a 2-year warranty with replacement parts available directly from us.
Volkano – Exhilarating by Design
Comfort, luxury and sophistication have combined to make Tuzio the most inspiring range of towel warmers in North America. Tuzio towel warmers offer superb quality and exceptional value, setting a new benchmark in performance and excellence – rivaled by none.
Installation Options
When you choose a Tuzio towel warmer for your bathroom, you can choose from hydronic, electric plug-in or electric hardwire! This gives you complete freedom to pick the option that matches the design needs of your home.
Styles and Sizes
Tuzio’s designer towel warmers come in many styles and sizes so you are sure to find the perfect fit for your unique style. From the ultra-modern to ultra-traditional and everything in-between, our Tuzio collection has a towel warmer that will suit your style.
Radiant Heat
Tuzio towel warmers use a fluid-filled heating system technology throughout the towel warmer range. This results in warmer towels and superior heating output over and above that of other heating methods. These towel warmers are capable of not only heating your towel but can become a secondary source of heat in your bathroom.
Adjustable Brackets
ICO towel warmers are not only luxurious, but we pride ourselves in making them as practical and functional as we can. One of these features is the Tuzio’s adjustable brackets. Consider the following scenarios:
- Is the best spot (visually and functionally) for your soon-to-be new towel warmer over a transition between tile and drywall? Often, when this is the case, towel warmers end up slanted… but not our Tuzio line. You can easily adjust the bracket length to accommodate for the transition.
- A big fan of the super fluffy and thick towels, instead of the regular-sized bath towel? Tuzio’s adjustable brackets also allow you to extend your towel warmer out from the wall to allow more space for that larger bath towel. What this means is that you can make sure your towel gets full contact on both sides of the towel warmer – more warmth, more comfort, more satisfaction.
Everyday Luxury
With so many great features, including adjustable brackets, the Tuzio line is worth looking into. All Tuzio heated towel warmers come with a limited lifetime warranty, plus the comfort of knowing your bathroom will be extra cozy for years to come. Discover the unmistakable luxury only heated towel warmers can bring.
It’s time, you have made the decision to install a hydronic towel warmer in your home! Now it’s time to place an order… but there are so many options and you don’t know where to start. Don’t worry, just keep on reading and we’ll get through this together.
- You need a boiler system in your home to install a hydronic towel warmer.
- It is important that the towel warmer can also be installed on a closed loop with an anti-rust inhibitor in it to avoid rusting.
- Are your feed pipes coming from the floor or wall?
- Floor: You will need to get a straight valve
- Wall: You will need to get an angle valve
- BUT, there are 3 options of valves, what’s the difference?!
- Regular: This is a regular valve that you can tighten and loosen to increase and decrease the heat output of the towel warmer.
- Thermostatic: This acts just like a regular valve, but has visual heat settings of 0-6. This option is our favourite, but we know everyone has unique tastes.
- Traditional Gate Valve: These are only for our traditional styled towel warmers. If you are purchasing a traditional towel warmer, we recommend these valves.
- What else do I need?
- Every towel warmer will need a hydronic installation pack. The 8” installation pack is great for piping coming from the wall and the 24” installation pack is perfect for piping coming from the floor. It is likely that in either case these pipes will need to be cut down to fit the space. These installation packs replace the standard copper pipe with a pipe that matches the colour of your new towel warmer and a shroud to neaten things up.
To put this in a real life situation: If you have a modern style bathroom with piping coming from a wall and you don’t care about seeing the level of heat and just want a basic valve, you would order the regular angle valve with the 8” hydronic installation pack in whichever finish you need to match your towel warmer.
We hope this helps to clear up any confusion with ordering a hydronic towel warmer, but if not, don’t worry – give us a call and we can help you out.
Try a Kontour towel warmer and you may never go back to living without one. With its inspiring range of modern and classic towel warmers, Kontour sets a new benchmark in performance and convenience. Our Kontour line of towel warmers are manufactured with a dry wire heating element and are meticulously crafted to a high level of quality. Each unit undergoes extensive quality control checks prior to being sent to your home.
With many styles of Kontour towel warmers to choose from, you are sure to find an option to suit your unique style preference. Options include round and square bars, free-standing, wall-mounted or shelves with many sizes of each. All Kontour towel warmers come in a sleek and durable mirror-polished stainless-steel finish that won’t chip or peel, with brushed nickel or matte-black options available.
Some may think that a towel warmer is a luxury item that is out of reach for many household budgets, but the Kontour line changes that. With a Kontour towel warmer in your home, you can have the luxury you deserve at the price you can afford.
Kontour… Charged with Euphoria.