Category Archives: Bath Trends & Tips

Nip That Drip!

Drip. Drip. Drip. Did you know the average American household wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water each year from water leaks? Gee whiz! That’s enough water to wash nearly ten months of laundry according to the super smart folks at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Fix a Leak Week

Clean water is our most important resource. Without it, we would all bite the dust! To promote water awareness, the EPA has designated March 18-24, 2013 as Fix a Leak Week. It’s time to replace those drippy faucets and runny toilets with EPA WaterSense labeled products. Good for the environment and your bank account.

WaterSense logoHere are some mind blowin’ facts from the EPA:

· 70% of the earth’s surface is water; less than 1% is suitable for human use
·  Each American uses an average of 100 gallons of water a day
· Toilets account for 30% of indoor residential water use
· Over your lifetime, you’ll likely flush the toilet nearly 140,000 times
· A leaky toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water a day
· You can use up to 8 gallons of water while brushing your teeth
· Approximately 5-10% of American homes have leaks that drip away 90 gallons a day or more
· WaterSense products use 20-30% percent less water

 WaterSense ShowerheadsEven though WaterSense products— toilets, faucets and showerheads—use less water, you don’t sacrifice quality or water pressure. Manufacturers like Delta and American Standard have gone all techie and created products that use less water more efficiently. You won’t have to flush several times or be left with soapy hair!

Nip that drip ‘cause every drop counts! Come on in to one of Modern Supply’s seven locations and see WaterSense fixtures that can save you money and water!

 Modern's Millie Signature color

Spring Cleaning Tips

Cleaning greenerIt’s that time of year when I’m soooo over winter and thinkin’ spring!! Can’t wait to open my windows and feel a warm breeze comin’ through those grimy windows. ☺ This year, I’m goin’ greener with cleaning products and using fewer nasty chemicals.

Magical household cleaning products include vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide & Dawn dish washing liquid—the blue kind. Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide kills tons of bacteria, molds and viruses. Peroxide works much like bleach without harmful effects.

Do not mix vinegar and peroxide in the same bottle! It creates a chemical that is NOT GOOD. However, for super-duper cleaning you can mist one and then the other. Just don’t mix ‘em! Beware, vinegar can damage marble or other polished stone; use peroxide.

Natural cleaning products

Go green with natural cleaning products!

Baking soda is scrubbing power! Sprinkle on nasty tub grunge, mist with vinegar and watch it bubble away soap scum!

Use these two cleaning concoctions as guides and adjust to your level of yuck!

• Pour equal parts of Dawn and vinegar into a spray bottle and gently shake. Heat the vinegar in the microwave for extra POW!

• One part Dawn & two parts peroxide— remember peroxide has a whitening effect so careful with color!

dawn and peroxide

More miracles!

• Water Rings disappear by rubbing a bit of non-gel toothpaste on it and buffing with a cloth.
• Kill germs on doorknobs with full-strength vinegar OR peroxide and wipe dry.
• Brighten a load of white laundry by adding a cup of peroxide.
• Disinfect kids’ toys by spraying with peroxide.
• Zap pesky fruit flies by setting out a dish of undiluted vinegar.
• Keep the kitty off of a surface by misting with vinegar. They hate the smell.
• Kill grass between patio bricks by spreading salt between them; then sprinkle with water.
• Cut a lemon in half, dip in salt and rub on copper or brass to remove stains (not brass plated).
• Use Vinegar & water for window cleaner and wipe with coffee filters. They’re lint free!

Get your sparkle on! Save money & the environment. Shoot me an email if you have a terrific tip to share! millie@modernsupplyco.com

Modern's Millie Signature color

Power to the Baby Boomers!

Baby boomers are the folks born from 1946 to 1964 and are 81+ million strong in the U.S. They account for 28 percent of the U.S population but more than half of the nation’s purchasing power according to a recent study by the Research Institute for Cooking & Kitchen Intelligence (RICKI).

Many boomers are choosing to remain in their current homes as they age. Aging in Place means the ability to live in your own home comfortably and safely for as long as possible. As people remodel their homes, they’re including Universal Design products—a design concept that meets the needs of people with varied abilities. It considers people with age-related problems, people who are tall or short, as well as those with various physical or mental impairments. It also acknowledges that abilities change over time.

American Standard safety shower

A low threshold shower with bench from American Standard.

What Aging in Place DOES NOT mean is that your home renovations have to look institutional!  Kitchen and bathrooms typically require the most alternations. Here are some practical, but stylish suggestions to keep that cozy feel.

Bathroom manufacturers are offering comfortable walk-in tubs, roomy seated showers, stylish easy-to-use faucets and higher toilets to create a beautiful, safer and more comfortable bathroom.

American Standard walk-in tub

American Standard walk-in tub.

• Walk-in tubs come as soaking units with built-in chair height benches and grab bars. Options include hydrotherapy features such as air and whirlpool or pumps for faster draining.

• Walk-in showers are available in several sizes with low to zero thresholds for easy access. There are choices of benches, seats, shelves and grab bars. Most install easily for retro-fit remodels.

Aquatic Accessible shower

Aquatic’s accessible shower with hand-held shower head with slider bar.

• Plumbing fixtures such touch-free faucets and adjustable hand-held shower heads are both available with temperature controls to prevent scalding.

• Toilets heights at 16-17” are taller and safer. Adding a raised toilet seat will add more height.

Delta Bath Touch faucet

Delta’s Touch technology turns on/off easily.

Delta kitchen touch faucet

Delta’s Touch technology saves water, too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Universal Design options are plentiful for creating a user-friendly kitchen. Evaluate how your kitchen flows. Eliminate tight spaces and obstructions that may, at some time, become a safety issue.

GE oven pull-out shelf

A pull-out shelf is convenient under a GE built-in oven.

Cabinets have a lot of flexibility. For easier access, wall cabinets may be installed lower and base cabinets higher. Include pull-out, roll-out or lift shelving for less bending. Soft close door hinges and drawer glides simplify opening and closing. Deep toe kicks on cabinets will accommodate wheel chairs.

GE raised dishwasher

This raised GE dishwasher eliminates extra bending.

Appliances can be installed based on height requirements. Raise a dishwasher or lower microwaves, cooktops and built-in ovens to accommodate your need. Again, cabinets can be adjusted.

Don’t forget lighting! Our eyes change as we age; less light reaches the retina and the sensitivity to glare increases. Uniform ambient (primary source) lighting and good task lighting is essential. Install dimmer switches for easy adjustments.

StarMark Kitchen Storage

Easy to access kitchen storage from StarMark Cabinetry.

Baby Boomers Flower PowerBaby boomers are the flower children of yesterday who transformed into movers and shakers of change. They continue to influence change and companies are listening to their needs.

Come by Modern Supply’s kitchen, bath & lighting showroom and incorporate Universal Design products in your home. Design your home for today with the future in mind. 865-966-4567

Power to the Baby Boomers!

 

Hot Kitchen & Bath Trends

The wish-list for kitchen and bath products continues to evolve driven by homeowner wants and, of course, that darn economy. The latest survey says…function & comfort are top-O-list for kitchen & bath remodels. The guru’s at the Research Institute for Cooking & Kitchen Intelligence (RICKI) conducted the survey. Jeepers…sounds like a new branch of the CIA!!!

The fav style choice remains casual or transitional followed by contemporary. Mixing kitchen counter-top materials like granite and stainless or a reclaimed surface is trending. FYI…some of the new recycled materials are marvelous!

Armstrong Cabinets Sage and Vanilla Cream

Armstrong Cabinets finished in Sage & Vanilla Cream

Starmark recycling cabinet

Recycling center from StarMark Cabinetry

Consumers’ kitchen wish-list:

• Islands
• Roll-outs, pull-outs & pull-downs
• Drawers instead of base cabinets
• Energy –efficient appliances
• Mixing materials, surfaces & finishes
• LED lighting
• Recycling areas
• Computer charging station
• Multiple ovens & dishwashers

kitchen islands for every style

Kitchen islands in every shape, style & finish!

The ultimate shower with the Brizo RSVP shower collection

The ultimate shower with the Brizo RSVP shower collection.

Consumers’ Bath wish-list:

• Furniture style vanities
• His & her vanities
• Super showers
• Customized storage
• Heated floors
• Private toilet areas
• Water-saving fixtures
• Soaking or jetted tubs

Bathroom furniture vanity from StarMark

Furniture style bathroom vanities are hot! This is from StarMark Cabinetry.

Furniture vanity with double sinks

This Star Cabinetry furniture vanity features clean lines and double sinks.

Betcha’ your must-have list includes a couple of these! Stop by a Modern Supply kitchen, bath & lighting showroom and bring your wish-list. We’ll put our creative thinkin’ caps on and design a kitchen or bath that will make you happy, happy, happy! Don’t forget…

Tell ‘em Millie sent you!

Modern's Millie Signature color

Go Tankless!

Water Heating so Advanced…it’s Simple

Murphy’s law will prevail and your water heater will die at the most inconvenient time. Like when the weather’s frigid and you’re in the shower! Water heating is the second largest energy user in the home after heating and cooling. Perhaps it’s time to explore energy-efficient tankless technology.

Navien installation

The Navien tankless can be installed in much smaller spaces. Photo and installation by Brogdon Plumbing, Knoxville, TN

Tankless water heaters provide an endless source of hot water and can cut energy costs up to 30 percent per year if usage remains consistent. Traditional tanks can develop rust and scale build-ups. A tankless unit does not store water so you’ll have fresher, cleaner water. They’re wall mounted and require less space too.

Here are a couple of key factors to ensure your tankless water heater happiness!

• Choose a plumber that can size the tankless water heater to fit your water usage. Things to consider include the output (gallons per minute) of shower heads and appliances that may be running simultaneously. Correct sizing is key!

• A tankless unit provides endless hot water while reducing energy costs. However, families often extend their shower time which defeats the energy-saving goal. Word of warning for families with teenage daughters!

Navien installation 2

Another installation by Brogdon Plumbing.

The plumbing pros at Modern Supply are frequently asked about tankless water heaters and recommend the Navien line for natural or LP gas use. Navien’s new NPE Premium Condensing units are more efficient than non-condensing brands. Installation has been simplified by Navien’s ability to use one-half inch existing gas lines. This makes it an ideal choice for tank replacement.

Without getting too techy, here’s how the Naviens work. Condensation is created inside of the condensing heat exchanger from incoming cold water cooling the hot gases inside the unit. The stainless steel condensing heat exchanger then traps the condensation and uses the heat that would be lost in a non-condensing unit. This results in a 98 percent heating efficiency. Two stainless steel heat exchangers provide longer life expectancy and are highly resistant to corrosion compared to copper heat exchangers. The heat exchangers carry a 15 year warranty.

Navien’s ComfortFlow technology eliminates “cold-water sandwiches” and issues of minimum flow rate. An insulated buffer tank and recirculation pump accelerates hot water delivery.

Compare Navien tankless water heaters

Mike Brogdon, owner of Brogdon Plumbing comments, “We’ve been installing Navien tankless water heaters since Modern Supply started carrying them. They are easy to install, service and are extremely efficient. We have many satisfied Navien customers.”

For more information about Navien tankless water heaters, stop by one of Modern Supply’s seven East Tennessee locations. Talk with our pros and visit http://www.navienamerica.com/. You’ll thank yourself when you step into the shower!

Tips on Buying Plumbing Fixtures

Brizo Vuelo collection

The unique look of Brizo’s Vuelo collection

Have you decided it’s time to ditch the leaky, drippy faucets and jump into a kitchen or bath remodel? Kitchen and bathrooms are an investment that will increase your home’s value and provide enjoyment for years to come. Here’s a couple of plumbing fixture tips that will help you be a savvier consumer. Not all fixtures are created equal!

Folks often ask why buy from Modern Supply versus a big box retailer. It’s our awesome staff, their years of experience and professional grade products! Brands such as Brizo, Porcher and others are only available from showroom retailers. Professional grade faucets are made with higher quality of materials—brass instead of plastic—to meet the requirements of plumbing professionals. You turn a faucet on-and-off a zillion times a week…don’t scrimp on quality! Replacing is ZERO fun.

Brizo RSVP shower collection

Brizo RSVP shower collection

Homeowners are installing awesome showers with lots of fab body sprays, rain shower heads and hand-held sprays. Simply delightful if the proper rough-in valves have been installed! The rough-in valve allows adjustments to the volume of water and temperatures. Gotta’ size it right to have enough water for all the jets!

Holy smokes! What if something is defective? We’ve got your back with replacement parts and even factory reps to help on big stuff if needed. Your satisfaction is super important to us!

Porcher-Nouveau tub

Porcher’s Epoque Notveau tub and Sonnet Large Console Lavatory

Choices can seem overwhelming during a remodel or new construction project. Bring your wish list of ideas and sit down with folks that know all these little mind-boggling details. Oodles of training keep us sharp on new products, trends and technology.

Porcher stainless farm sink

Farm sinks from Porcher in Stainless and Fire Clay

Come on by, have a cup of coffee and talk with one of my design peeps. Leave the details to us and…tell ‘em Millie sent ya!

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Cabinet Colors go Beyond Brown!

StarMark door colors

Cabinets in every color!

Cabinetry colors and finishes go waaay beyond brown or white. If you want purple cabinets to match your fav dress, it can happen! Just like dyed wedding shoes, the options are endless! Here are some finish tips.

When choosing cabinetry, remember every wood species has its own characteristics which affect the stain or color hue. Maple and oak look totally different in the same finish.

StarMark vanity in Peppercorn Gray

Gray is the new neutral! StarMark’s Peppercorn Gray

All cabinet manufacturers offer similar stain colors—natural, dark brown, reddish brown, vanilla—each with their own catchy names. Jazz up these colors by applying a glaze for oodles of dimension in the nooks, corners and edges. A vanilla cream cabinet with chocolate glaze sounds yummy!

Goin’ for shabby chic, cottage or cabin feel? Adding a distressed finish with worn edges, wormy holes, and light chain distressing can make something new feel old and cozy. Yikes, we’ve just sanded the surface!

StarMark-Aegean-Mist

StarMark’s Aegean Mist is a nice contrast to the wood tone.

DSOBT (don’t stress out big time)! Come on down to Modern Supply and bring your cabinet wish-list. Browse our displays and talk with my design peeps to bring your ideas to life.

Modern's Millie Signature color

Hydrotherapy…the Ultimate Bathing Experience

After a long hectic day, nothing soothes my soul like a long, luxurious bath. Ahh…soak away the tension. There’s some super-smart science behind hydrotherapy so here’s some info to help you decide what’s right for you.

Millie tub

Ahhh…Relax in a soaker, whirlpool or air tub

Hydrotherapy benefits the four important nerve receptors in our bods—contact, temperature, light-touch and pressure. Each sends messages to your brain that stimulate physical reactions. If you’re dreamin’ of a spa tub, you have hydrotherapy options!

Aquatic's Serenity 23 soaker or air

Aquatic’s Serenity 23 red glamour soaker or air tub

Soaking hydrotherapy invigorates your skin promoting relaxation, stress relief, natural cardiovascular exercise and increased circulation

Heat hydrotherapy opens pores, improves circulation and soothes tired muscles and joints. Oh yeah!

Air Bath hydrotherapy stimulates with a fingertip-like massage from head to toe.

Whirlpool hydrotherapy is more vigorous and relieves tight and stressed muscles while promoting tissue rejuvenation and joint flexibility.

Jason Designer Collection

From Jason International’s Designer Collection available with MicroSilk.

MicroSilk hydrotherapy rejuvenates, moisturizes and plumps the skin, leaving it silky and younger looking with fewer lines and creases. Billions of oxygen filled micro-bubbles energize cells, kill bacteria and promote feelings of well-being. The ultimate opulence!

You can have it all! It’s a woman’s prerogative to change our minds. A combo tub with multiple hydrotherapy features is perfect. It helps adjust my attitude. 🙂

Oh, and accessories! Gotta’ have those. Color impacts your mood so add LED chromatherapy. Turn on the green light and create peace & harmony. There are also units with sound and aromatheraphy. I’m more tranquil just talkin’ about it!

chromatherapy

Chromatherapy: soothing colors for added relaxation

Square, corner, oval, rectangular, free-standing or built-in, Modern Supply has a spa tub to suit everyone. Stop by—we’d be tickled to help you find the perfect fit! Oh yeah….tell ‘em Millie sent you!

Follow me on Facebook & Twitter for cool ideas!  Modern's Millie Signature color

Fountain of Youth Discovered in Tennessee

Most everyone longs for a fountain of youth to ease the signs of aging. No one has found such a miraculous fountain but there are ways to rejuvenate the skin and help decrease lines, creases and stimulate the immune system.

MicroSilk is like a facial for your body

MicroSilk is like a facial for your body

So, what is this wonderful discovery? It’s all about the bubbles. Oxygen-rich microbubbles to be precise. Jason International has redefined hydrotherapy with their MicroSilk® technology. This patented process creates billions of these little wonders and is like giving your entire body a facial, making your skin feel luxuriously silky.

Jason Hydrotherapy Forma Collection

Jason Hydrotherapy Forma Collection

The microbubbles form a cloud of oxygen in your bath and provide an effervescent sensation while gently penetrating into your pores for a deeper cleansing. At the same time, moisturizing and plumping your skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. When the microbubbles collapse in the water, they release their heat energy, which helps maintain a consistently warm bathing experience without the need to add more hot water.

Jason Hydrotherapy Artic Blue Designer collection

Jason Hydrotherapy Artic Blue Designer collection

MicroSilk’s oxygen-rich microbubbles surround your body, energizing skin cells, stimulating the immune system, killing bacteria and promoting healing. Microbubbles reach where soap and water alone can’t, entering your pores, bonding to impurities and gently lifting them away, leaving your skin soft and clean.

Jason Hydrotherapy Designer Collection

Jason Hydrotherapy Designer Collection

MicroSilk also creates therapeutic levels of anions, which are known to improve serotonin levels, helping to relax the mind and body, promoting deep sleep, and enhancing recovery from physical exhaustion.

 

Benefits of a MicroSilk bath:
• Increased skin metabolism
• Enhanced skin cell growth
• Deeper cleansing of the pores to remove impurities
• Reduced fine lines & wrinkles
• Natural reduction of anaerobic pathogens & bacteria on contact
• Increased hydration
• Relief from the symptoms of eczema & psoriasis

Jason Hydrotherapy Forma Collection Pedestal

Jason Hydrotherapy Forma Collection Pedestal

Jason International was founded by the Remo Jacuzzi family which has been leaders in luxury-class bathing systems for 30 years. Their years of consultations with physical therapists and research have enabled their engineers to understand the benefits of hydrotherapy resulting in the MicroSilk technology.

Test the water…

Soak your arm for 20 minutes in Modern Supply’s MicroSilk demonstration tub to see & feel the difference. Let us know you’re coming we’ll have it bubbling! Modern Supply, 525 Lovell Road, Knoxville, TN 37932 • 865.966.4567

Bathroom Furniture Trends

KraftMaid Bath

Design for your space with semi-custom cabinetry from KraftMaid.

The custom cabinetry folks provide the widest choices in size, wood, finishes and cool storage features. Pull-outs designed specifically for hair dryers, curling irons and make-up is a diva dream!  Snazzy touches like crown molding, glass doors, decorative cabinetry legs and specialty towel cubes add a timeless touch. The sky’s the limit on customizing!

Starmark Makeup drawer

Hide bathroom clutter with storage options from Starmark Cabinetry.

Vanities and matching bath furnishings are hot, hot, hot! Available in pre-determined sizes, these spa-like pieces create an uncluttered, streamlined look. They’re ideal for a powder room! There’s flexibility in sink choices too—a one piece countertop with an integrated sink or a jazzy vessel sink can complete the look. Towel towers, wall cabinets and mirrors add extra storage and are super cute.

My stars! Did you ever think medicine cabinets would make a come-back? They’re not just an old, squeaky metal cabinet anymore. Stunning wooden medicine and overjohn cabinets complement vanities and provide extra storage. A fab piece for a small area!

AMSt tropic vanity & mirrors

Wall hung vanities & matching mirrors from American Standard’s Tropic collection.

Take your bathroom from drab to glam! Drop by Modern Supply and let our top-notch designers show you what dream baths are made of.

Modern's Millie Signature color

Ronbow Vanity

Stunning double vanity & matching mirror from Ronbow.

Vessel Sink Vanity

American Standard’s Cambridge vessel sink vanity.

Yosemite Blue Vanity

Add a splash of color with this Yosemite vanity.

Ronbow Bordeaux Vintage

Traditional style vanity & matching cabinet from Ronbow