When is it time for a new bathtub?

Posted on December 27, 2016 by - Renovation Projects

Heres how to identify if its time for you to select a new tub 16001529 40039224 0 14122270 500

It can be hard to know when you're due for a bathroom remodeling, but waiting too long can be a real issue. At the same time, a new bathroom can be perfect for adding a bit of luxury and modernity in your home. 

Your tub is one of the most important parts of your bathroom's character and usefulness. By looking for these signs, you can know when it's time for an upgrade:

There are leaks
One of the most obvious – and potentially serious – reasons it may be time for a new bathtub is that you're experiencing leaks. At best, this can just lead to water on the bathroom floor. If you have a serious issue, however, you could be at risk for expensive repairs. Fill the tub and plug the drain. If the water level drops, you could have a leaky bathtub.

Home Advisor stated that especially bad leaks can cause damage to the ceiling below. You could also damage drywall and other parts of your home, leading to very costly and difficult mitigation. For that reason, you should address any possible leaks immediately.

Water damage is an unsightly and expensive problem.Water damage is an unsightly and expensive problem.

It's dirty
There are multiple reasons why a dirty bathtub likely needs to be replaced. Stains are quite unappealing and, aside from discouraging your family from taking a relaxing bath, can be an eye-sore for your entire bathroom. Regular upkeep can minimize the possibility of unsightly marks, but if they sit for too long, they can become irreversible.

Your dirty tub could also be harbouring mold, mildew and bacteria. This isn't just disgusting, but also unsafe. Kudzu reported that illness, allergic reaction or skin problems can come about due to an unsanitary tub. Once again, this is reason for prioritising cleaning on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, if you are inconsistent about this task, mold or mildew can take over your tub and be very tricky to get rid of.

You're ready for an indulgence
Beyond a dirty or aging tub, there's plenty of reasons for you to consider making an upgrade. Your tub is the focal point of your bathroom and does a lot to carry a sense of style and elegance. Visitors will gush at a luxurious new installation and will just as quickly notice a tub full of soap scum and stains. By installing one of the newest, most modern models available, you can give your entire bathroom an appreciated new character. 

Your tub is also one of the best places to unwind, but odds are you're unluckily to feel this way if it is full of stains or creates problematic leaks. At the same time, new tubs have an assortment of relaxing features that melt away stress and give you a much needed moment of Zen. A splash of bath salts and just the right temperature can give you a luxurious escape just down the hall.

Head to a Wolseley Kitchen and Bath showroom to look for the newest bathtubs available. This is an excellent way to make your bathroom more modern.

Let there be light: Simple tips for making your kitchen more inviting

Posted on December 23, 2016 by - Product Innovations, Renovation Projects

Use these tips to change the lighting in your kitchen area 16001529 40039198 0 14090019 500

Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and as such, you want it to be inviting and cozy. And the right lighting scheme can make this space more vibrant for when you're preparing a snack, on the phone with a loved one or finishing up some chores.

To maximize your efforts, however, you need to be conscientious about what lighting option you choose. Each kitchen is different, and as such requires a specific solution. Here are a few common ideas to consider:

Shine bright with an overhead fixture
This is a great option for lighting up your kitchen because it also is an opportunity to instill a sense of class or personality. Static, flat lights do nothing more than illuminate a room, and a hanging fixture or other more dynamic setup is much more arresting.

Do some research about available options, and choose a chandelier or other light that conveys the right sense of character. A dimmer switch is another excellent way to give yourself more options for your kitchen. This way you can be a little more specific when setting the mood.

Leverage accent lighting
The DIY Network found that accent lighting is a clever way to illuminate your kitchen and also add a little style. You can use a few well-placed lights to really give the space a sense of depth and poise.

Consider an overhead light that runs beneath your cupboards and lights up the counter beneath. You may also use accent lighting in a display case to highlight fine china or favourite photos. Like a dimmer switch, this can also help establish mood in the kitchen because it offers options beyond simply turning the lights on or off.

Well-placed accent lights convey a sense of mood.Well-placed accent lights convey a sense of mood.

Consider a new paint job
Beyond physical light fixtures, there are two primary ways to make your kitchen a brighter place. The first is to try and use natural light either by opening or changing curtains, or even installing a new window or skylight.

A paint job is the second way to light up a room. The right hue defines the space, and while darker colours can be rich and beautiful, lighter shades and the use of white space could give your kitchen a more inviting and scintillating appeal.

Use decorative lighting
With the use of candles or lamps, you can further give your kitchen a sense of personality and also improve lighting overall. HGTV found that this can be a more expensive pursuit if you aren't careful about your choices. Your best bet is to consider decorative lighting last. Once a new fixture or paint job is finalized, then you can get a better sense of what your kitchen would benefit from most and where the best place for a sleek lamp would be.

To see more options, head to a Wolseley Kitchen showroom, where our experts can assist you on your journey to kitchen perfection. For more information check out one of our showrooms today!

7 ideas that will modernize your bathroom

Posted on December 16, 2016 by - Renovation Projects

Try out these tips for making your bathroom a little more modern 16001529 40039036 0 14118344 500

Your bathroom is a private but important part of your home. And although it can be easy to overlook, a boring or old-fashioned setup can be uninspiring. By making your bathroom a bit more modern, however, you can give your home a subtle but powerful facelift. 

Small renovation projects can go a long way toward giving your bathroom a new identity. Here are some of the easiest projects to consider:

1. Replace your old wallpaper
One of the first things you should consider when revamping a bathroom is the wallpaper. Tacky, older patterns and designs date the room and will likely show wear-and-tear in the forms of stains and tears. Even an outdated paint job can serve to make your bathroom feel more tired.

Look for colours that are simple but bold. A single splash of red or white can give your bathroom more light, but you might also decide to try a new pattern or style. One suggestion is to use different shades of the same colour to create a more subtle but equally interesting vibe.

The right colours can make your bathroom feel very modern.The right colours can make your bathroom feel very modern.

2. Paint the inside of cabinets
Beyond the walls, a hint of the chromatic can help make your bathroom not only feel more modern but also more personal. HGTV found that the inside of the drawers on your sink or vanity cabinet is an excellent place for some colour. Opt for bold choices like pink or yellow, and consider getting matching towels to give the room even more charm.

3. Consider a new shower head
Another part of your bathroom that can age rather quickly is your shower head. An old design isn't just unpleasing to the eye, but may also not offer much in the way of water pressure. The most contemporary fixtures are sophisticated and will improve the quality of your morning shower.

Likewise, many of the newest models are also more efficient than their older counterparts. This can lower the total bathroom renovation cost because you end up saving money on your monthly water bill.

4. Opt for a sleeker mirror
Thick medicine cabinets that jut out from the wall aren't particularly attractive, and the right mirror can really elevate your bathroom. Chose a more simple and elegant version. When paired with the right lighting, this turns an old upstairs bathroom into one of the most modern places in the house. it will make getting ready for work or preparing for bed just a little more glamorous.

You use your bathroom mirror nearly every day.You use your bathroom mirror nearly every day.

5. Install a high efficiency toilet
According to the organization Conserve H20, some older toilets use over 12,000 gallons of water every year. Not only is this detrimental to the environment, but it is also bad for your wallet. A high-efficiency toilet uses 20 percent less water than an equivalent standard model. Over the course of its life, this type of toilet can provide a major benefit to your home and Mother Nature.

Importantly, these toilets also look stylish and are another great way to give your bathroom a more stylish appeal. Older versions aren't just bland, but are also more prone to issues related to plumbing and other maintenance.

6. Bring in some life
A few well-placed plants give your bathroom a little bit more sensibility and pizzazz. They can also help aerate a room and deal with stagnant conditions. Use a windowsill or shelf to place a few succulents or other low-maintenance species. For larger bathrooms, a fish tank is a fun way to really uplift the room.

7. Get smart
A new paint job or potted plant is a simple way to make your bathroom feel more modern. To really bring the space into the 21st century, however, you may want to opt for some technology. Smart mirrors can display the time, weather and dozens of other helpful reminders. Smart speakers, meanwhile, can be summoned with a simple voice command to help you get ready for your day. 

The addition of smart technology is a useful and fun way to make your bathroom sleeker and more contemporary. Other steps, like installing a new toilet, sink or shower head, are more timeless but equally powerful ideas.

Head to a Wolseley Kitchen and Bath showroom to look for ways to make your bathroom more modern.

5 ideas for going green around the house

Posted on December 14, 2016 by - Eco-Friendly Design Tips

Heres how homeowners can make small changes to go green 16001529 40038968 0 14041731 500

There a number of ways you and your family can improve your environmental impact. Small changes made around the house don't just benefit Mother Nature but can also end up saving you a little bit of money on your monthly utility bills.

Use these tips to get the ball rolling and go green around the house:

1. Let there be light
As subtle as it may seem, switching over to energy-efficient light bulbs can have an impressive environmental impact. According to Small Footprint Family, over the course of a few years, replacing standard incandescent bulbs with florescent or LED ones is beneficial for the earth and also your wallet.

"Energy-efficient light bulbs can have an impressive environmental impact."

Not only are environmentally friendly models between 25 percent to 80 percent more efficient, but they also last significantly longer. This little step can reduce your monthly electricity bill and also reduce the number of light bulbs that end up in the trash.

Another way to be more environmentally friendly is to find ways to use natural light. This could mean replacing windows and doors or even a small remodeling project, or it could be as simple as opting for new curtains. Either way, letting in sunlight during the day reduces the amount of electricity you use. Even in the cold of winter, direct sunlight can warm your home and allow you to turn the thermostat down a degree or two.

2. Consider upgrading an appliance
Efficiency is the name of the game when it comes to reducing your environmental impact, and replacing an older appliance with a newer model can make a big difference. The most modern appliances are more resourceful and powerful than older versions. For example, Tree Hugger reported that an incandescent electric stove is much more efficient than a traditional one that uses coils or a true flame. This not only makes it possible to get a return on investment while helping the environment but you and your family also benefit from a new decorative addition to the home.

3. Shop locally
Sometimes it can be hard to imagine the externalities associated with our food and other goods, but because these come from all around the world, odds are there is a sizeable carbon footprint and other environmental impact. Local items are preferable because they haven't been shipped thousands of miles. Likewise, this has a positive impact on your local community. It can be difficult or impossible to shop locally for larger products, but when it comes to produce or other more simple items, this can be an easy way to make a difference.

4. Plant a few trees
Literally going green has a benefit for you, your home and the earth. A free well-placed trees serve a number of purposes. First, they shade your home in the summer and reduce the frequency with which you run your air conditioner. Second, they drink up rainwater and minimize flooding. Third, they boost the curb appeal of your home and can possible increase property value. Select a few favourite native species, as these can also benefit birds and other critters that may call your yard home.

Elsewhere, you can use rain gardens and compost piles to do some good for the earth. These small projects can be completed in a weekend and help you and your family work to reduce your environmental impact.

Planting a few small trees makes your property more beautiful and environmentally friendly.Planting a few small trees makes your property more beautiful and environmentally friendly.

5. Replace an old toilet
Back indoors, there are still plenty of positive changes to make. And importantly, these need not be complicated to be effective. A low-flow toilet, for example, is a simple way to reduce your monthly water bill. When combined with a new shower head that also uses less water, you can quickly make a sizeable difference.

The way your family uses water and other resources adds up over the course of a month or year. Low-flow toilets and energy-efficient appliances are a good place to start, but be sure to talk about other ways to make a positive impact. Turn off the lights when you leave the room, take shorter showers with the temperature turned a little lower and be mindful of how you use certain items. For example, always run the dishwasher when it's at its fullest and consider air-drying towels, blankets or jackets.

Head to a Wolseley Kitchen and Bath showroom to find ways to make a positive impact at your house.

Bathroom design trends to look for in 2017 [Video Blog Script]

Posted on November 23, 2016 by - Video

Bathroom design trend for 2017

 

If you’re looking to renovate your bathroom in 2017 but are lacking in inspiration, look no further. We have the lowdown on some exciting bathroom design trends that will be all the rage come the new year:

{marker} Using green in the form of live plants is an upcoming trend that can add a natural feel to any bathroom space. Plants that don’t need a whole lot of sunlight, such as parlor palms and peacock plants, are ideal.

{marker} Bathrooms painted with clean colors – colors with no grey or black – will be on trend in the new year. Clean colors enhance a bathroom space by making it feel bright and inviting.

{marker} Sleek, contemporary and minimalist bathroom designs will continue in popularity in 2017. To achieve this look, consider designs that incorporate strong lines, minimal decoration and materials such as stone or wood. Stone bowl sinks, for example, will be especially popular, as will designs that include ceramic walls in simple muted colors.

Thanks for watching! And happy remodeling!

Preparing for your kitchen renovation: 10 useful tips

Posted on November 17, 2016 by - Renovation Projects

There are a number of things that need to be done in preparation for your kitchens fabulous makeover 16001529 40038375 0 14131513 500

You've looked around your kitchen and decided that it's time to remodel. Maybe you have your heart set on a new room that exudes rustic charm or a design that screams contemporary elegance. In any case, beginning a renovation project isn't as simple as choosing your new kitchen and having the construction men get to work – there are a number of things that need to be done in preparation for your kitchen's fabulous makeover. 

Keen to prepare for your kitchen renovation but unsure how to start? Check out our list of tips below:

1. Examine the layout
An important first step is to look at the layout of your current kitchen an assess whether it is the most economical use of space and whether it suits your needs best. For example, do you really like that island with bar stools in the center? And are you happy with where your faucet is situated? Do you like the window placement? If the answer is "yes" to such questions, then the remodel will be a simple, but if the answer is "no" the renovation will likely be more comprehensive. But that doesn't have to be a negative thing. As HGTV pointed out, the layout of your kitchen can be modified or altered entirely, contingent on your design and vision. In some cases there will be limitations in terms of space and other considerations, but the message is the same – don't assume that your kitchen needs to maintain the same blueprint as before.

2. Apply for permits
There is a chance that you may need a permit for your kitchen remodel, particularly if you are looking to extend your property in any way, noted the San Francisco Chronicle, so be sure to conduct research concerning the permits that you will need and file the paperwork with your local authorities within plenty of time. After all, nothing will be more frustrating than a delayed start to your renovation due to missing paperwork.

3. Notify the neighbors
In the same way that it's necessary to notify the government, it's also crucial to inform your neighbors of your remodeling plan before work begins, the San Francisco Chronicle argued. It is the courteous thing to do, particularly if you anticipate that the remodel will create a lot of noise, which could irritate and upset those living around you. To avoid excessive disruption for others, have your contractors begin work at a reasonable hour in the morning and finish up before the evening hours set in – 8 or 9? a.m. is a good starting point, with a 5 p.m. finish time. 

"Inform your neighbors of your remodeling plan before work begins."

4. Plan your budget
Another crucial step is to ensure that you have your budget planned before you even call the contractor. Work out how much you can afford and be sure to keep as close to that figure as possible. Without a planned budget it can be easy to overspend by a significant amount. For a rough idea of where your funds should be allocated, Christopher Peacock, quoted in House Beautiful, suggested that the majority of your budget – around 60 percent – should be spent on cabinetry, with the remaining balance going toward the countertops and any new appliances you may wish to purchase. 

5. Keep appliances in mind
If you would like new appliances, such as a stove or fridge, you will need to ensure that your kitchen has the adequate space to accommodate them, Parade of Homes explained. That's why it's important to take measurements of your entire kitchen space prior to you make any purchasing decisions. Keep the measurements stored on your phone or laptop for easy access. The size of your new appliances may inform whether or not opt to expand the size of the kitchen or keep the current layout.

6. Consider your lifestyle
Before you settle on a design and style for your new kitchen lifestyle, HGTV advised that it's important to take your lifestyle into consideration, as it bears a notable impact on the kind of kitchen space that will suit you best. Consider things such as the following: Do you have a large family? Do people congregate in your kitchen? Do you hold regular parties? Do you cook every night or do you prefer to eat out? Once you have a clearer understanding of what you will need from your kitchen, it will be easier to strategize in terms of layout, design and appliances. 

7. Ensure your design is efficient
While you may have your dream aesthetic in mind, it's wise to consider whether your ideal design is actually functional and uses space as efficiently as possible. If the answer is no, it may be time to take a different approach to your design. After all, while kitchens should indeed look captivating, sacrificing efficiency for design is never a good idea.

8. Consider enlisting a designer
If you're struggling to envision your perfect kitchen, a surefire solution is to enlist the services of a trusted designer. This strategy can be costly, but it'll be more than worth it if your dream kitchen remodel comes to fruition. HGTV also explained that designers are particularly useful when it comes to lighting design.

Head to a Wolseley Kitchen and Bath showroom, where our experts can assist you on your journey to kitchen perfection. For more information head to a showroom today!

Making the most of a small kitchen: 7 stellar strategies

Posted on November 16, 2016 by - Uncategorised

Just because your cooking area is on the cozy side doesnt mean you have to sacrifice style and practicality 16001529 40038349 0 14108988 500

From millennials opting to live in cramped apartments in big cities or retirees making the decision to downsize the family home to the overall trend in the marketplace toward more modest abodes, a greater number of us are now living in smaller spaces. And a snug house generally means less kitchen space. However, just because your cooking area is on the cozy side doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style and practicality. There are a number of surefire strategies that you can implement to ensure that you get the very most out of your kitchen. Check out our handy guide below:

1. Make use of a small island
While islands tend to be associated with larger and more extravagant spaces, it's still possible to incorporate a smaller, workstation-only island into your kitchen area. As Good Housekeeping advised, smaller islands with shelves and drawers can be used not only to prepare food, but also store a range of items, such as utensils, pots and pans, appliances, cookery books and so on, freeing up space on your countertops and allowing for a more polished and put-together vibe.

2. Use hooks
One great way to save on space is to hang items on hooks, Kitchn suggested. Consider hanging some hooks above your stove and letting your frying pans and pots hang down above the area. Not only does this make great use of empty space but it also serves an aesthetic function by helping to create a more rustic look. And whether it's the side of your cabinets or the sides of your kitchen islands, be sure to hang hooks and make the most of empty space, while also keeping in mind that balance is key – if you hang up too many items your kitchen will begin to feel cluttered and suffocating. 

"One great way to save on space is to hang items on hooks."

3. Don't be afraid to use shelves
Install as many shelves as you possibly can, in keeping with the overall design of your kitchen space. Shelves are easily installed and come in a wide array of shapes, sizes and designs. They are arguably the most effective way to store items in a small space in as tidy a way as possible. 

4. Remove unnecessary items
Much like other rooms in the house, many of us will have items in our kitchens that we rarely if ever use – like that panini maker you received last Christmas or those cans of soup that are gathering dust in the back of your cupboards. One surefire way to free up space is to spend an afternoon organizing your kitchen and removing items you no longer need. Throw out food that has exceeded its sell-by date and donate cans of food to your local homeless shelter or food? bank. When it comes to pots, pans and other items that you no longer use but may need someday, Bright Side noted that stylish baskets or well-designed boxes can be used for storage while also complimenting the overall design of your kitchen. The boxes can be stored out of the way in the space above your cupboards.

5. Incorporate tissue boxes
One way to save room and be environmentally friendly is to reuse old tissue boxes. How you ask? Well, according to Good Housekeeping, tissue boxes can be used to store plastic bags that may otherwise take up precious room in your cupboards. Tissue boxes can also hold an array of other small items that may get in the way – such as sticky notes for your shopping list, pens, birthday candles, a lighter and so on. 

6. Decide on an appropriate color scheme
Certain colors can actually make rooms feel larger and more spacious. According to HGTV, bright and bold tones can best create the illusion of more space as opposed to colors that are less striking and muted. So think plenty of orange, or a bold green or a dazzling light blue.

7. Consider striking wall art
If you have room on your walls that hasn't been taken over by shelf or hook space, make use of the area by hanging a large painting, print or a series of stylish family photos. This is a great move because, as Elle Decor noted, larger pictures can actually make rooms feel more sizeable. 

5 captivating kitchen island design ideas

Posted on November 16, 2016 by - Uncategorised

Given the importance of the island to the kitchens functionality and feel its a good idea to pay close attention to the design details of the area 16001529 40038333 0 14093617 500

No remarkable kitchen is complete without an eye-catching island. Centered in the middle of the kitchen, islands are not only aesthetically pleasing – they also foster a sense of togetherness, as families and friends are able to gather around and socialize while one or more people prepare a meal. They're also handy storage spaces for utensils, dry food items, cook books and so on, ensuring that your kitchen maintains a polished and uncluttered look.

Given the importance of the island to the kitchen's functionality and feel, it's a good idea to pay close attention to the design details of the area. If you're searching for some inspiration for your new island, look no further. Check out the list of 5 captivating kitchen island design ideas below:

1. Go antique chic
If you're considering a kitchen remodel with an old-fashioned rustic feel, entertain a more simple approach to your island by repurposing an old table, desk or bureau. Head to antique stores or thrift stores in your area and select a piece that complements your vision for the room: A dark oak dining room table with fold-down sides could serve as an ideal sitting area and work station, as can a larger desk or coffee table. It's even possible to add to the piece yourself to make it more accommodating. For example, according to a recommendation by Country Living, you could create extra shelves for a repurposed table by using planks of wood, or you could even add a quartz countertop to an old table for a striking old-meets-new aesthetic. 

"Add a quartz countertop to an old table for an old meets new aesthetic."

2. Hide your appliances
Do you find that appliances such as your microwave and toaster take away from the 'less is more' feel of your kitchen design? If that's so, consider this fantastic kitchen island tip from This Old House. Have your island built to hold appliances either on the sides of the structure or on shelves in the bottom. For example, you could have your microwave placed into one end of the island, drawers in the center to hold utensils and appliances such as your toaster and coffee grinder, and then for a dazzling finish, a built-in wine rack on the other end.

3. Mix your materials
As pointed out by Elle Decor, a major trend in kitchen design this year has been the move toward rooms that incorporate varying styles for a more bohemian and relaxed look. If you are aiming for an eclectic feel to your kitchen space, start with the island. Houzz reported on an island design that blends materials in the form of a wood countertop and stainless steel drawers – a strong contrast that commands attention and complements a controlled chaos vibe. The same approach can also be applied to the seating that surrounds the island – select a mix of bar stools of varying design and color, or for an even bolder look choose an assortment of different chairs.

4. Consider something classic
To create a more classic and uniform kitchen island, have your stools lined up on one side, keeping the other side free of furniture so you can move around, access drawers and cupboards and prepare food. You could even opt to install a sink to make the area even more functional. For the countertop, Country Living suggested using a gray material, such as quartz or granite, and then opting for a muted yet stylish color for the bottom drawers and cabinets – think a shade of cream or a light sky blue.

5. An open space
It is rare to find a kitchen island with a open space underneath, as most islands are designed with utensil and appliance storage in mind. However, as This Old House noted, open space under a kitchen island can be a perfect place to keep your bar stools in the event of a party or large gathering. If room permits, you could even design your island to incorporate drawers and cabinets on one end, keeping an empty space on the other for the seats to be placed. 

For help and guidance with your new kitchen design or remodel head to a Wolseley Kitchen and Bath showroom near you and chat to our experts!

Hot New High-Tech Kitchen Appliances

Posted on October 18, 2016 by - Eco-Friendly Design Tips, Product Innovations

Your smart appliances are all part of the Internet of Things 16001529 40037559 0 14126837 500

Innovation waits for no one! Just as you'd upgrade your phone or computer to the latest and greatest version every few years, so too does it make sense to take advantage of all the high-tech upgrades that are now available for your kitchen appliances. Here are some of the coolest tech-influenced appliances you can now find:

Refrigerators with Built-in LCD Tablets
Want to make a digital grocery list and then email it directly to yourself? Looking to text your spouse that you're running late and they should put your dinner in the fridge for later? How about changing your dinner party music when you head to the fridge to grab another bottle of wine? More and more refrigerators are being sold with built in LCD tablets with WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities, basically bringing smart phone functionality to your icebox. Raise and lower the temperature remotely with your phone. Some new refrigerators even have cameras aimed at the inside of the bridge which can be activated remotely, allowing you to peek into your fridge while you're out shopping to see what you need. 

"Innovation waits for no one!"

Programmable Coffee Makers
Love to wake up to the smell of fresh coffee brewing? A programmable coffee maker may be just the ticket! These smart appliances can be pre-loaded with water and grounds and a timer set to start brewing so that, by the time you're up and about, you've got a fresh pot of coffee waiting for you. Some even have WiFi capabilities, allowing you to adjust how strong you want your coffee – perfect for those mornings after a restless night!

Flex-Duo and Intelligent Ovens
Need to cook two different dishes, but don't want to stagger preparation? A flex-duo oven allows you to cook two distinct dishes at different temperatures simultaneously! Prepare dinner and desert at the same time. Alternatively, intelligent ovens automatically calculate how long and how hot to cook food, simply by processing what you've put in the oven and your preferred level of of doneness.

Smart Dishwashers
Innovations in dishwasher technology have been focused largely on maximizing energy efficiency and reducing water usage. 

Remote Kitchen Thermometers
If you're cooking a full turkey or roast, getting the level of doneness you're looking for takes time and patience. Rather than being stuck in the kitchen for several hours, smart meat thermometers can be placed in whatever you are roasting, allowing you to check doneness remotely via an app on your phone.

Touchless Trash Cans
When you're cooking, the last thing you want to do is to wash your hands after throwing something away. Some trash-can makers have gone one better than the traditional food activated trash cans and created smart bins that open and close automatically when you wave your hand over them. 

Smart Slow Cookers
With winter on its way, the virtue of a slow cooker is that you can simply add ingredients to the pot in the morn and have a delicious, hearty meal waiting for you when you get home. Smart slow cookers do this even more effectively, allowing you to remotely turn on and off the cooker as well as raise and lower the temperature as needed.

3D Food Printers
The future has arrived! Like something out of Star Trek, 3D printing technology can be used to create simple, cookable foods out of component parts on demand. The technology is still limited and has yet to reach market saturation, but keep an eye out for these high-tech food creators hitting stores soon!

Of course, new technology could inspire you to get a new look for your kitchen. Stop by a Wolseley Kitchen and Bath showroom to get a few ideas! 

Unique and Inspired Bathroom Mirror Ideas

Posted on October 17, 2016 by - Uncategorised

Dont let your bathroom mirrors be boring 16001529 40037530 0 14090530 500

The mirror is a focal point of your bathroom. Whether it's to help putting on makeup, brushing your teeth, putting in your contacts or styling your hair, a good mirror is a bathroom essential. With that in mind, here are a few inspired ways you can make your mirrors a unique and attractive feature of your bathroom:

Choose an Unconventional Shape
Mirrors don't have to just be round or square – they can be whatever shape fits your personality! Everything from a heart-shaped mirror in a honeymoon suite or an ornately decorated oval in a guest bath, your mirror can act as a statement about your taste rather than simply what is trendy or popular.

Double It Up
Even if you only have a single sink, pairing two mirrors can be a great way to reduce congestion in a bathroom you share with your spouse. 

Don't Stop at the Sink
Who says that you can only have a mirror over your sink? Consider framing your sink with multiple mirrors, which is all the better for capturing alternative angles and making putting yourself and your look together even easier. These can even make your bathroom appear more spacious through an optical illusion. Just make sure to avoid angles that capture less visually attractive aspects of the bathroom, like the toilet.

The humble bathroom mirror is an important element of your overall design.The humble bathroom mirror is an important element of your overall design.

Go Vintage or Vintage-Inspired
Mirrors that evoke the decor of a bygone era can be a stylish addition to your bathroom. Vintage or vintage-inspired pieces can form the foundation of a retro bathroom design. Even the spider-webbing rust and discoloration that often happens with older mirrors can be turned into a feature.

Mix and Match Sizes
Having one large central mirror over your sink is always a good design engineering move, but adding different sizes and shapes with smaller mirrors can prove both stylish and functional. Try keeping all your mirrors on one wall to limit the "funhouse" effect.

Mirrors Over the Window
It might sound crazy, but a narrow, long mirror mounted over a bathroom window – allowing light to pass through on the top and on bottom – is a funky way to take advantage of natural light. 

Consider Alternative Mounting Options
Rather than the traditional mounting, why not try something funky and off-beat? Suspending a mirror with visible rope or wire can add a rustic touch. Or, for an informal look, try just having a mirror resting on a narrow shelf.

"The mirror is a focal point of your bathroom."

Backlight Mirrors
Sometimes having an overhead or bulb light can be a bit too harsh. Why not try backlighting your mirrors using strips of LED? These lights come in a variety of different tones and colors. Backlighting is perfect for applying makeup and seeing small facial details. 

Gilded Mirrors
A gold trim can add a touch of brightness, shimmer and elegance to a mirror. 

Mount Artwork That Plays with Reflections
Feeling playful? Try putting up paintings or artwork that feature backwards text or only half of a figure. When mounted next to a mirror, the reflection can become part of the art! 

Go Simple with Rock and Exposed Brick 
If your bathroom wall uses rough hewn rock or exposed brick, keeping your mirrors simple and frameless is ideal to compliment the natural look.

Need some help choosing a mirror to match your decor? The experts at Wolseley Kitchen and Bath showrooms are here to lend a hand. Stop by today to learn more.