Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2025-10-30T07:01:04

(BPT) – For years, bathroom design was defined by straight lines, sharp corners and a sense of heavy minimalism. The 2010s were all about clean chrome fixtures, glossy tiles and match-everything finishes. But like all trends, the pendulum is swinging back. Today, we’re seeing softer curves inspired by mid-century design, tactile textures that add depth to flat surfaces and finishes that don’t need to match perfectly to feel cohesive. The bathroom space itself is also shifting from utilitarian to something reminiscent of a personal retreat. With so much changing, the big question becomes: How do you bring these contemporary touches into a remodel in a way that feels fresh, functional and most importantly, within budget?

Shape: The rise of curves

Today, straight, rigid lines are giving way to softer, more organic shapes. Arched mirrors, rounded shower openings and curved vanities are showing up everywhere, immediately making any bath space feel more inviting and full of character. With curved designs becoming a go-to choice, faucet fixtures are one of the easiest ways to experiment and introduce this trend. The new Ezra™ Curve Spout Expansion from Peerless^® Faucet, for example, includes a curved, arched spout and clean handle design that strikes the perfect balance between modern edge and approachability. All at a price point that makes an elevated, contemporary bathroom refresh achievable.

Surface: Texture and tactility

Flat, high-gloss surfaces are losing ground to materials with dimension. Fluted wooden cabinetry, ribbed tile and natural stone with dramatic veining are all on the rise. Introducing these textures in your next bathroom remodel can add visual depth and craftsmanship that plain finishes can’t deliver. Pairing them with softer silhouettes can also help keep the space from feeling too heavy-handed, creating a layered look that feels thoughtful rather than busy. If premium materials stretch your budget, mix in textured laminates, patterned tile or stone-look alternatives, as these affordable options still bring warmth, movement and modern sophistication to the space.

Finish: Mixing metals with intention

The “everything must match” rule is officially out. Today, mixing metals is not only acceptable, but recommended. If you’re renovating a bath space with limited resources or maybe can’t decide between metal finished accents, this design trend is for you. Matte black faucets can ground a space — making all the difference when paired with a brushed nickel or charming bronze finished mirror, for example. The trick is choosing one finish as your anchor and layering the others as accents to give you a collected and curated feel.

Function: Wellness and performance

For any bathroom remodel, it’s important to keep in mind that design conversations aren’t just about looks anymore; performance and responsibility are now part of the package. Wet rooms and spa-style showers are redefining what a bathroom can be, and they don’t have to cost a fortune. Using simple upgrades like a rainfall showerhead, frameless glass panels or budget-friendly waterproof wall panels can create that spa-like feel without a full gut renovation. Accessibility is also increasingly important, especially as about 75% of adults over 50 want to stay in their current homes or communities as long as possible. Features like ADA-friendly handles ensure the bathroom works for everyone, both now and in the future. For this, the latest Peerless^® Precept^® Bathroom + ADA expansion fits perfectly. It offers functionally designed options that combine style, ease of use and efficient performance.

A contemporary blueprint

Bathrooms today are about balance: Curved lines soften bold textures, mixed finishes create layers of personality and efficient fixtures deliver performance and functionality without compromising style. Taking inspiration from current bathroom remodel trends makes it easier than ever to recreate a space that feels contemporary and thoughtfully designed without requiring a large investment. By embracing these trends and crowdsourcing the right fixtures and/or products, bathroom remodels can achieve the ideal combination of contemporary appeal, lasting value and affordability.

2025-10-30T00:01:00

(BPT) – Couples everywhere strive to maintain household harmony despite their differences in habits, financial attitudes and approaches to life’s ups and downs. But for many, there comes a breaking point: the bathroom.

This is what’s driving many couples to seek a “bathroom divorce,” a growing trend when a couple realizes their relationship may benefit from creating two separate bathrooms, rather than unhappily sharing the same one.

A problem in search of a solution

Whether you hold widely different standards of cleanliness, battle daily over the countertop and storage space for personal products, have competing schedules each morning or simply want an oasis to call your own, you’re clearly not alone. Prioritizing personal space by wishing for two separate bathrooms is becoming increasingly popular and for good reason.

Although creating an additional bathroom may seem like the perfect solution, for many households, adding a second bath can seem impossible due to layout or plumbing constraints — not to mention financial considerations and the hassles that can come with a full bathroom renovation.

How to become happily ‘bathroom divorced’

The good news: It is possible to create an additional bathroom even in situations where space is limited, or where you would traditionally need to break through the floor or dig into concrete — like creating a new bathroom in a basement or former garage. The key is not needing to have the standard, below-floor plumbing you might expect for a bathroom addition.

How is this accomplished? With a macerator pump system, you can transform underutilized or unexpected spaces into full, functional bathrooms.

For example, manufacturer SFA Saniflo offers multiple smart, above-floor plumbing solutions like their Saniaccess 3, which is ideal for adding a full bathroom in a light-traffic area. The Saniaccess 3 is a half-horsepower macerator pump system for installing a complete bathroom up to 15 feet below a sewer line or up to 150 feet away from a soil stack.

Including a two-piece toilet that flushes through a horizontal, rear-discharge spigot, this above-floor system goes beyond merely macerating toilet waste (black water). It can also efficiently handle gray water drainage from two other fixtures, such as a nearby sink, tub or shower. The above-floor plumbing is ideal for repurposing small, awkward or out-of-the-way spaces.

Saniflo products eliminate the need for costly, disruptive construction, making it possible to add bathrooms almost anywhere. The company also offers options that are flexible enough for full bathrooms (toilet, sink, shower) or half-baths, depending on space and needs for any given project.

Best yet, these products require shorter installation time and lower costs compared to conventional plumbing solutions.

Real-life solutions

The Mignon family in Long Island, New York, had only one full bath and a half bath in their home, and desperately wanted another full bathroom to accommodate the needs of their family of four. But the only option was to transform a downstairs mudroom into a full bathroom.

The Mignons didn’t want to subject their family to the disruptive renovation of a traditional plumbing installation that would mean digging trenches through their garage floor for proper drainage — a process that could cost thousands of dollars.

To avoid a costly renovation and major construction hassles required by conventional below-floor plumbing drainage, the Mignons instead chose Saniflo’s Saniaccess 3 macerating pump system to convert their unused mudroom into their dream en-suite with a full shower, toilet and spacious vanity.

This flexibility also makes it possible to undergo a bathroom makeover in situations such as a condominium or townhouse that might have stringent limitations on renovation. For example, the Hightower couple in Atlanta, Georgia, wanted to renovate their master bathroom, but soon found that the rules of their condo’s building association wouldn’t allow renovations that would go through each floor’s foot-thick concrete floor.

Instead, the Hightowers were able to make the change they wanted through installation of the one-piece, dual-flush Sanicompact Comfort macerating toilet, saving the cost, hassle and inconvenience of lifting the floor 8-10 inches to accommodate below-floor drainage.

Could a bathroom divorce be the secret to domestic bliss?

These practical solutions mean not only making optimal use of space to provide a much-needed additional bathroom, but they come without the household upheaval and budget constraints many bathroom renovations entail.

If the idea of separate bathrooms appeals to you and your partner, explore the possibilities available for your home with macerating pump systems from SFA Saniflo. For more information, visit SFASaniflo.com.

2025-10-29T15:31:00

(BPT) – Today’s homeowners are increasingly focused on creating spaces that endure the elements while leaving a lighter environmental footprint. This growing focus on resilience and sustainability is driving demand for home features that can withstand extreme weather and changing climates. In fact, Zillow reports that 86% of recent buyers say it’s very important for a home to include at least one climate-resilient component.

When it comes to outdoor spaces, composite decking delivers on all fronts, offering five key benefits that make it a smart, stylish and sustainable upgrade.

1. Weatherability

Traditional wood decks can warp, splinter, crack or fade under extreme conditions. Composite decking, by contrast, is engineered to resist fading, scratches and stains while withstanding rain, sun, wind and snow without losing structural integrity. Performance-engineered products, like those from Trex^®, are built to perform beautifully for decades and backed by warranties of up to 50 years.

2. Heat mitigation

No matter the decking material, a deck surface can become uncomfortably hot under direct sun. Heat-mitigating composite decking reflects solar energy, reduces surface temperatures, and keeps decks cooler, providing comfort even during the hottest days.

3. Fire resistance

In regions across the country prone to wildfires or brush fires, fire-resistant materials are increasingly important. Composite decking that meets Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) standards provides peace of mind without compromising on style or durability.

4. Marine-grade durability

Whether near a lake, river, or coastline, moisture and salt exposure can quickly degrade wood decks. High-performance composite decking is not only 100% submersible but also saltwater-safe and built to withstand harsh wet conditions, making it a smart choice nationwide for homes in high-humidity or waterfront areas.

5. Sustainability

Durability goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility. Made from up to 95% recycled and reclaimed materials and manufactured in the U.S., Trex composite decking offers a sustainable choice that also stands up to decades of wear.

Expert tip for extra longevity

For lasting performance and added protection, apply waterproof flashing tape (e.g., Trex^® Protect™) to the wooden joists and beams of the substructure. This simple, cost-effective step safeguards the foundation from moisture damage, helping it to last as long as the decking itself.

To learn more about the benefits of composite decking, visit Trex.com.

2025-10-22T05:01:00

(BPT) – The desire to bring the outdoors in continues to inspire homeowners and designers alike. Natural, earthy neutrals and a variety of green shades are key to this trend as it encompasses more areas of the home. In fact, according to independent research among homeowners, the vast majority of consumers (88%) are interested in color palettes other than white and chrome for their next kitchen or bath remodel, with a preference toward neutrals and earth tones like greens.

So if stark white kitchens and baths are no longer trending, how can you celebrate natural neutrals and greens in these spaces? To help you get started, Kohler now offers a variety of bath and kitchen essentials in these colors, merging modern and vintage aesthetics to bring a sense of tranquility and timeless style into the busiest rooms of your home.

“The healing power of nature helps explain why we’re drawn to these colors,” said Alex Yacavone, Senior Manager at Kohler, Industrial Design Studio. “Greens and earthy neutrals effectively create a serene, soothing environment to elevate any room.”

Neutral elements for a timeless, nature-inspired style

When you look at what creates timeless interior design, it’s clear that it’s rooted in thoughtful materials, classic silhouettes and livable color. Elements of nature, paired with classic design details, ensure these spaces remain relevant and comforting over time.

Born out of an appreciation for craftsmanship from previous centuries, bath and kitchen options from Kohler embrace the quiet beauty of neutrals that can make an elevated statement in their own right.

Looking for a stylish bathroom addition? The Artifacts Cast Iron Free Standing Bath in Dune is inspired by the charm of turn-of-the-century homes, like a vintage treasure rediscovered but enhanced by the comforts of modern design — such as a gently curved rim for added neck support. You can also customize your Artifacts bath with a set of ornate ball-and-claw feet.

Creating a stunning focal point inspired by studio pottery, the Derring Oval Sink in Bourbon Rutile celebrates the beauty and authenticity of handcrafted ceramics. Each sink is finished with unique artisanal glazes that produce fascinating surface effects, with a hand-carved texture that accentuates the glaze’s subtle tonal variations.

If you’ve always wanted a sink that embraces farmhouse style, the streamlined apron-front Whitehaven Cast Iron in Truffle is perfect for remodeling projects. The Self-Trimming design requires only a rough cut to new or existing 30-inch standard cabinetry for simple installation and beautiful results. Crafted from enameled cast iron, the sink resists chipping, cracking or burning for years of beauty and reliable performance.

In exploring nature, people are drawn not only to the earthy neutrals that bring calm and familiarity to interiors, but also to the pops of green that breathe life into a space without overwhelming it.

Lasting shades of green

With the Kohler Heritage Greens collection, you can transform your kitchen and bath using bold, nature-inspired hues. This collection is inspired by carefully curated iconic greens from the Kohler archives, brought back to life in current kitchen and bath products. Inspired by the beauty of the outdoors, these shades are perfectly suited for classic or contemporary designs, and will blend effortlessly with your existing decor:

• Fresh Green (1971) is a lively shade reminiscent of a spring garden, ideal for adding bright energy to kitchens and bathrooms.
• Aspen Green (1978) captures serene tones of mountain pines for a calming color that works as a neutral or makes a statement in any space.
• Teal (1987) is a deep, dramatic green/blue blend that infuses striking, nature-inspired character into your design vision.

Bringing greens into the kitchen or bathroom allows you to experiment with nature’s neutral hues that pair with a wide range of design aesthetics. Kohler’s Heritage colors showcase the versatility of green by offering a serene, calming atmosphere with Aspen Green and a deeper, moodier tone with Teal. The differences in hue demonstrate how green carries a lasting appeal, showcasing how green can sit in modern and classic spaces alike.

Searching for a piece that draws inspiration from traditional furniture and architectural elements? The Memoirs Stately Pedestal Sink in Teal offers crisp, clean lines evoking the splendor of fine antiques.

Similarly, the Memoirs Stately Toilet in Aspen Green features the elegant architectural look of the Memoirs collection along with vintage-inspired Stately design, combining performance with traditional style.

Neutral, nature-inspired colors and finishes can lead to grounded spaces that feel connected to the natural world, evoking a fresh, timeless appeal that’s versatile and welcoming. Come home to the colors of nature at Kohler.com.

2025-10-02T14:01:00

(BPT) – In the U.S. today, low-income families face a shortage of over 7 million affordable homes. This housing shortage, coupled with the scarcity of low-income rental opportunities, is leading to a crisis that has caused homelessness to increase nationwide.

The crucial need for families to find safe, affordable homes spurs the urgent efforts of a number of non-profit organizations around the country, such as the well-known Habitat for Humanity. The organization is driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live. Habitat homeowners are also empowered by helping to build their own homes alongside volunteers, and they pay an affordable mortgage.

Habitat for Humanity benefits from sponsorship by companies that can provide sustainable, resilient and climate-resistant building materials. For example, James Hardie Building Projects, a North American leader in fiber cement exterior design solutions, shows its ongoing support through sponsorship of the Habitat for Humanity 2025 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project and their Habitat Strong efforts.

Impacts of climate on the housing market

From causing homes to be more vulnerable to damage to dramatically increasing insurance costs, extreme weather events are exacerbating the housing crisis in many areas of the country. This makes it even more important for the Habitat Strong initiative to concentrate its efforts on climate-resilient housing.

To help support this aim, James Hardie is focusing on constructing homes that can withstand extreme weather events while maintaining their affordability and energy efficiency. James Hardie’s durable siding products play a critical role as they are noncombustible* and provide unparalleled protection against moisture, pests and severe weather. Together with Habitat, the company is helping families thrive in their homes while also preparing for the increasing impacts of climate change.

Meeting local affordable housing needs, one project at a time

With continuing focus on sustainable, resilient and affordable housing, the Habitat Strong efforts aim to empower families and communities in the U.S. and internationally, while also advancing solutions to the world’s most pressing housing challenges, project by project.

For example, in Austin, Texas, the flagship event for the Habitat for Humanity 2025 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project represents the organization’s legacy of bringing people together to build homes and communities by focusing on the urgent need for affordable, sustainable housing.

As a Dream Builder sponsor, James Hardie will support construction of safe, affordable homes in Austin, and contribute to the project’s larger goal of uplifting the lives of homeowners who face housing insecurity.

Giving back through focused fundraising

To continue making a difference toward easing the housing crisis, the 2025 inaugural James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational event raised significant funds to support the work of Habitat for Humanity, with donations contributing directly to the construction of new homes.

The fundraising efforts of the Invitational have made lasting impacts, including construction of a home built in collaboration with the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in 2024. This positive momentum continues as James Hardie looks forward to the 2026 Invitational and anticipated contributions to affordable housing initiatives.

World Habitat Day and beyond

James Hardie celebrates World Habitat Day on October 6 with renewed support for Habitat for Humanity at a time when finding affordable housing is becoming increasingly challenging for many families. Through financial donations, volunteering or building awareness, Habitat and its corporate sponsors work to help families achieve greater stability and self-reliance through affordable, safe, climate-resilient housing.

The commitment from James Hardie helps Habitat for Humanity continue their life-changing work in communities around the country, through projects and initiatives that meet the needs of the moment — from their focus on affordable housing to using more energy-efficient and climate-ready modern materials like Hardie^® products.

Learn more about James Hardie’s ongoing support for Habitat for Humanity and their Habitat Strong program, as well as the company’s products, by visiting JamesHardie.com.

*Hardie^® fiber cement products are noncombustible and/or have a Class A fire rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E84. Fiber cement fire resistance does not extend to applied paints or coatings, which may be damaged or char when exposed to flames. The use of noncombustible siding, combined with other fire mitigation measures, may help harden a home against external fire.

2025-10-01T11:01:00

(BPT) – Have you considered installing a solar generator? Whether you want to be prepared for power outages and other emergencies, live off-grid or want to reduce your monthly energy bill, a solar home generator can get the job done.

However, if you’ve been sitting on the decision for a while, you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of savings. Read on to find out why now is the perfect time to purchase a solar generator and claim the Residential Clean Energy Credit.

What is the Residential Clean Energy Credit?

Solar home generators can be expensive, making them cost-prohibitive for many homeowners. Thanks to the Residential Clean Energy Credit, investing in this reliable, sustainable energy source for home use has become more affordable. The tax credit allows homeowners who purchase and install a qualifying solar generator to write off 30% of the purchase and installation costs.

However, homeowners will not be able to claim the tax credit after this year. Due to recent legislation, homeowners who want to save money on purchasing a solar generator need to act fast and purchase and install their generators before Dec. 31, 2025.

Am I eligible?

If you have purchased a new solar generator, you may be eligible to claim the tax credit. Not all products qualify, so it’s important to find models that meet the criteria.

Jackery — global leader of innovative solar generators and green off-grid energy solutions — offers many solar generators that qualify for the Residential Clean Energy Credit. When you purchase a qualifying Jackery product of over 3kWh capacity and have it professionally installed via a manual transfer switch, automatic transfer switch, or smart transfer switch, you can claim a 30% tax credit, reducing your overall cost. Depending on the price of the model, you may be able to claim the tax credit to cover the installation fee for the generator setup.

For example, the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is one of the most trusted solar generators for homes. It can power almost all household appliances. It has 12 output ports to power multiple appliances, such as fridges, computers, home servers, routers and more, and can be connected to a home’s crucial circuits through Jackery’s Smart Transfer Switch. According to Jackery, the standard price of this particular solar generator bundled with the Smart Transfer Switch is currently $2,799. If you are eligible to claim the tax credit, you could save as much as $839, reducing the net cost to $1,959.30 before installation.

The brand new Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus connected to a home through a manual transfer switch is eligible for the credit at even lower costs up-front, along with many other bundle options from Jackery.

Don’t wait until the end of the year

With the end of 2025 in sight, it’s time to start the process of purchasing and installing your essential home backup solar generator. It’s a practical and reliable way to ensure you always have power when you need it most.

Not sure how to get started? Jackery offers a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the tax credit. To learn more about eligible Jackery products, the Residential Clean Energy Credit and solar power, visit Jackery.com.

2025-10-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – October is Kitchen & Bath Month — time to give the two hardest-working spaces in your home a fresh look. From morning chaos to evening wind-downs, kitchens and baths set the tone for daily life. This year’s top surface trends — Restorative Retreats, Coastal Luxe, Moody Mid-Century and Hidden Gems — blend style, performance and practicality. Think spa-worthy bathrooms, bright and airy kitchens, bold retro vibes and clever small-space statements. Here are four ways to make everyday living feel extraordinary.

1. Restorative Retreats

Turn your bathroom into a serene sanctuary with Japanese-inspired design. Clean lines, soft neutrals and warm wood tones create balance and calm. Wetwall™ Waterproof Wall Panels bring spa-worthy veining and textures to showers, bath surrounds or accent walls — no demolition required. Style meets function in every corner.

2. Coastal Luxe

Light, airy and effortlessly chic. Scandinavian simplicity meets coastal vibes in bright kitchens with multifunctional islands, fluted details and soft curves. Wilsonart^® Quartz designs like Glencoe, Marathi Marble and Bregava offer a stunning alternative to Taj Mahal quartzite, providing the elegance of natural stone with nonporous, low-maintenance durability. Everyday luxury has never been easier.

3. Moody Mid-Century

Deep tones, bold shapes and layered textures bring retro sophistication to modern life. LUJO^® TFL from Wilsonart adds wood-inspired finishes and luxury matte textures to cabinetry and wall panels — melding mid-century style with contemporary durability. Entertain, relax, repeat.

4. Hidden Gems

Small spaces, big impact. Jewel-toned pantries, tucked-away bars and clever storage nooks shine with Traceless™ by Wilsonart. Its ultra-matte, fingerprint-resistant finish and velvet-touch feel bring bold style and effortless performance to compact spaces, turning them into stylish, functional showpieces.

This Kitchen & Bath Month, these four trends show that kitchens and baths can be more than just workhorses, they can be statement spaces. With surfaces that balance performance and beauty, they invite fresh ideas for creating rooms that truly shine.

2025-09-30T05:27:00

(BPT) – Designing or renovating your bathroom is the perfect opportunity to incorporate sustainable features. By carefully choosing materials and products that focus on reducing waste, you can do your part to conserve natural resources and design a bathroom that meets your needs and aesthetics.

Check out these three expert tips that can help you design your bathroom with sustainability and beauty in mind.

1. Design with recycled materials

The best way to start your sustainable bathroom journey is by carefully choosing recycled materials that transform waste into something beautiful and meaningful. For example, Kohler WasteLAB takes landfill-bound waste materials left over from the manufacturing process and converts them into functional and stylish tiles.

The brand’s Landshapes, Transcendence, Abstra and Crackle tile collections are made using recovered dry pottery cull, cast iron slag, waste glaze and filter cake, which are then meticulously handcrafted in small batches by artisans. The result? Stunning tiles that speak to sustainable luxury and suit many bathroom design styles.

The Kohler WasteLAB also handcrafts a Vox bathroom sink. Available in Ashen and Eggshell, the WasteLAB Vox is a testament to Kohler’s commitment to craftsmanship and circular design.

2. Replace your old toilet with a water-saving model

When you think about your water use, do you think about your toilet? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), toilets account for nearly 30% of an average home’s indoor water consumption.

A simple and smart way to save water is by installing an EPA WaterSense-certified toilet. The agency claims that by replacing an old, inefficient toilet with a WaterSense-labeled model, the average family can reduce water used for toilets by 20%-60%.

Choose a WaterSense-certified smart toilet like Kohler’s Veil smart toilet. The toilet’s bold minimalist design and water-saving technology effortlessly marry comfort and water conservation.

In addition to a full suite of convenient and comfort-focused features — including a heated seat, nightlight, hands-free opening/closing and automatic flush, plus a touch-screen remote — the smart toilet offers a pump-assisted dual flush that delivers peak flush performance every time.

3. Stay aware and adjust your habits

Installing water-saving products in your home is just the first step of a more comprehensive approach to bathroom sustainability. When designing an eco-conscious bathroom, you need to shift your mindset, which requires water use awareness.

Installing a smart showering system like Kohler’s Anthem+ is a great example of how Kohler designers have paired mindful water usage with an unparalleled showering experience. A sleek, minimalist display lets you configure and control temperature and flow, steam, light and sounds, creating a personalized shower experience every time.

The built-in eco mode automatically displays water usage after every shower, promoting a more mindful use of this precious resource. Paired with the Kohler Konnect app, you can monitor your water use over time so you can live more sustainably without compromising comfort.

Are you ready to elevate your bathroom with the environment in mind?

Elegance and sustainability can go hand in hand. Using these three tips, you’ll be well on your way to designing or renovating your bathroom. To find more bathroom design inspirations with eco features, visit Kohler.com.

2025-09-24T11:01:00

(BPT) – When designing or renovating a bathroom, attention often centers on the elements we see every day: striking tile, bold fixtures and dramatic lighting. These features certainly contribute to a room’s style, but seasoned designers know true luxury often comes from quieter choices — the ones that aren’t immediately visible yet completely transform how a space looks, feels and functions.

One of the most powerful of these design choices is the decision to build elements into the wall. Geberit’s Sigma and Omega in-wall systems conceal the tank and hardware, creating a streamlined, open aesthetic that adds calm and clarity to a space. This subtle decision is increasingly embraced in high-end homes, condominiums and luxury hotels, including the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria in New York, where timeless elegance depends on thoughtful design choices.

Why Quiet Choices Matter

Bathrooms are deeply personal spaces, where design meets daily ritual. Unlike a living room or kitchen, these spaces must balance style and utility in equal measure. By prioritizing what sits behind the wall, homeowners and designers gain the freedom to create cleaner lines, maximize floor space and reduce clutter. The result is a bathroom that feels lighter, simpler and more elegant — one that reflects the principles of quiet luxury, where intentional choices enhance the experience without demanding attention.

These understated decisions often have the most lasting impact. They don’t overwhelm the eye, yet they fundamentally reshape how a room is lived in. It’s a shift from asking, “What can I add to make this space more impressive?” to, “What can I remove to make this space more livable?”

Maximizing Space, Expanding Possibilities

Bathrooms are often the most space-conscious rooms in a home or hotel room, where every inch matters. Concealed in-wall systems immediately free up square footage, making layouts more flexible and movement more comfortable. That additional space creates opportunities designers wouldn’t otherwise have — floating vanities, wall-hung toilets and the freedom to position fixtures in ways that open up new design possibilities.

In compact urban condos, this can mean the difference between a cramped bathroom and one that feels expansive. In large luxury estates, it allows for statement finishes and architectural details to shine without visual clutter. Even in boutique hotels or high-traffic commercial environments, this simple decision creates rooms that feel tailored, intentional and elevated.

Small Details, Lasting Impact

Of course, even the most refined in-wall system still has the toilet bowl and the flush actuator plate. While it may seem like a minor detail, the flush actuator plate is one of the most frequently touched points in a bathroom, blending intuitive functionality with an opportunity for subtle design expression.

Geberit offers the widest range of actuator plates to suit different styles, from modern and minimal to warm and classic. The Sigma40, for example, recently earned the 2025 iF Design Award, demonstrating how even the smallest detail can be recognized on a global stage. Available in finishes and materials that complement any vision, actuator plates prove that the most modest features often carry the most influence.

Redefining Bathroom Luxury

Quiet luxury isn’t about minimalism for its own sake. It’s about design decisions that enhance daily living without overpowering it. Geberit’s Sigma and Omega in-wall systems, paired with actuator plates like the 2025 iF Design award-winning Sigma40, show how what happens behind the wall can have the biggest impact.

From private homes to world-famous hotels, these quiet design choices are reshaping modern bathrooms. They provide more space, more freedom and more refinement — all while working quietly in the background. In the end, the true mark of luxury isn’t always the statement you make. Sometimes, it’s the choice you don’t see.

2025-09-23T15:09:00

(BPT) – With the colder months approaching and more time spent indoors, now is the perfect opportunity to refresh and refine your living spaces.

From painting cabinets to window frames, simple updates can create a warmer, more inviting atmosphere for the season and help protect and preserve the beauty of your home’s interior for years to come. If you’re considering selling your home, refreshing your living areas is also a great way to boost its value before putting the house on the market next spring.

Five Star Painting knows the power of an interior refresh. Consider its top eight interior enhancement projects, which can elevate your space and extend your home’s longevity while adding value this winter season.

Cabinet refacing: A smarter makeover

Ever looked around your kitchen and thought, “I wish it felt brand new, but I don’t want the hassle or expense of a full remodel”? That’s where cabinet refacing comes in.

Through its partnership with nuDoors, Five Star Painting offers homeowners a modern, efficient solution. Instead of tearing everything out, they replace just the visible parts — your cabinet doors, drawer fronts and any exposed side panels — with fresh, custom-made styles and finishes.

The existing cabinet boxes remain in place and are refinished to match, so everything blends seamlessly. The end result? A kitchen that looks brand new — without the mess, cost or downtime of a traditional remodel.

Cabinet painting and refinishing

Painting or refinishing your cabinets breathes new life into your kitchen. Cabinets take up the most kitchen space, so choosing a paint or stain color that works best for your space is critical. For example, if you have a small kitchen, avoid cool whites, which can make a small space look dingy, and opt for a warm white or ivory instead.

After the paint has dried, it’s essential to keep your cabinets clean. Avoid harsh chemicals. More often than not, your cabinets will need a gentle wipe-down with a damp microfiber cloth to remove light splatters and dust. For grease and grime, dish soap and warm water can keep your cabinets clean and the kitchen cozy.

Crown molding and trim painting

Add character and define your space by giving crown molding and trim a fresh coat of paint. This is a significant upgrade for winter because even a slight touch-up on your trim sharpens the look and helps seal edges against winter drafts. Plus, this simple painting project holds up beautifully during the chilly months.

Before painting, remember to prepare the surface by scraping or peeling paint with a putty knife, removing hardened caulk, filling in holes or gaps and sanding the surface smooth. Taking the time to do it right can help you avoid having to repaint to cover up mistakes.

Room painting

Painting one or multiple rooms can completely transform a space, whether repainting the same color or changing the shade entirely.

Focusing on one room — or even just one wall — can make the space more inviting and keep daily wear at bay longer. If you’re considering painting multiple rooms, it’s better to do so in one go so your home has a consistent glow. This can also be done as winter approaches.

Window painting

A crisp new coat around your window frames the view and helps block the chill when the temperature drops. When painting a window sash that opens and closes vertically, keep the window open until the paint is fully dry. For painting narrow pieces of trim that run perpendicular to the glass, use a 1-inch trim for a neat job.

Professional painting services

You can do any of the projects on your own, but a professional interior painting service is the easiest way to enliven your home’s mood. By hiring painting professionals like those at Five Star Painting, you can rest easy knowing that they use only high-quality paints from top-rated brands to guarantee a stunning finish that stands the test of time. Plus, the company’s two-year warranty ensures that the job isn’t done until it’s done right.

Weather this winter with confidence

Whether you’re staying for years to come or selling soon, these eight interior refresh projects can easily upgrade your home’s aesthetic, promote longevity and increase its value. To learn more, visit FiveStarPainting.com/interior-enhancements.