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Bathrooms RENO ADDICT

Should you consider underfloor heating for your bathroom reno?

Brrrr there’s nothing like setting foot in the bathroom on a cold winter morning to remind you that the seasons have changed and that the temperature has dropped! Somehow, hopping onto cold tiles makes the whole prospect of an early morning shower, no matter how steaming hot, hugely unappealing. While heating options for ‘wet spaces’ have come a long way, there’s still very few ‘instant fixes’ for turning your bathroom from frosty to cosy quickly and easily.

Enter underfloor or under tile heating. It’s an option that used to be written off by home owners and renovators due to the high cost which cancelled out the range of benefits. Fortunately, for those of us who enjoy keeping our toes toasty, underfloor heating is now an affordable possibility.

Should you consider underfloor heating for your bathroom reno?Image source: Supplied by Home by Belle

Should you consider underfloor heating for your bathroom reno?

Sarah Comerford, Director at HOME by belle has witnessed the rise in popularity of underfloor heating with her clients, many of whom are women managing the bathroom reno process. Not just a solution for a warmer floor, the best kind of underfloor heating can actually be a very clever way to warm the entire bathroom. “One reason underfloor heating is becoming more popular is because it is a smart way to warm the bathroom,” says Sarah. “Unlike overhead heat and extraction lamps that provide a blast of heat from the ceiling, the underfloor heating is generated from the floor and as hot air rises, the warmth is distributed at a constant temperature more evenly and efficiently.” This means that the room warms up quickly and stays warm, without the need for an overhead heating light, wall mounted heater or heated towel rack.

Starting a bathroom reno is the ideal time to consider whether underfloor heating may work for your property. Sarah advises considering your heating options early in the planning phase. “If you’re about to undertake a bathroom renovation, don’t forget to think about heating solutions early on,” she says. “Not only will this allow more choices in the type of underfloor heating options, but electrical elements will require wiring during the build phase and certain types of switches will need to be selected early before the tiling starts.”

The elements for underfloor heating are usually installed underneath your chosen flooring, be it timber or tiles. There are two primary types of underfloor heating according to Sarah:

  • In-slab heating is where the wires are laid within the concrete slab itself and the flooring then laid over the top.The heat from the wires radiates through the concrete slab to the floor surface.
  • In-screed heating has a layer of sand or gravel laid over the concrete slab (a screed) and the heating wires placed within the screed with mesh and fixing clips.  The floor surface is then installed over the top.

What you choose comes down to the size of your property, your budget and the materials being used for the reno. In-Slab heating is the ideal low-cost solution to heating polished or coloured concrete floors in new homes and extensions and provides gentle background heat and warmth. In-Screed heating is suitable for almost any type of floor covering and can be used internally beneath thick stone floors or externally under pathways and provides constant heat where required.

If you’re considering underfloor heating, speak with your plumber as to whether it might work for your reno and what the approximate costs may be. Ins-screed heating kits start at around $375.00 for a 2.0m2 – 2.5m2, 40o watt kit plus installation costs. In-slab heating  costs around $60.00 per square metre based on a minimum area of 120sqm plus installation.

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RENO ADDICT Styling

5 ways to prepare your home for Autumn and Winter

We all know how important it is to prepare our homes for the summer months, especially if we live in areas prone to bush fire, but what about as the weather cools down? We might not think much about it but even in the temperate climate in most of Australia, there are still ways we should be preparing for the cooler months, especially if we want to minimise heating costs and stay cosy and warm all winter long.

prepare your home for Autumn and WinterImage source: Heatmaster

5 ways to prepare your home for Autumn and Winter

1. Assess your heating – There’s a good chance you haven’t used your heater, be it electric, gas, reverse cycle or wood fired since last winter meaning that it’s in need of a full inspection and possibly a service. Manufacturers typically recommend that gas appliances be serviced every one to two years with Elgas recommending that a ‘tune up’ just before heating season is ideal, while air conditioners should have their filters checked a couple of times a year, more if using very regularly. Wood burning fires should be checked each season and serviced every one to two years to ensure that parts remain intact and the flue stays clean and clear. Even your basic electric heater should be closely inspected to make sure that all parts and connections are clean and in working oder.

2. Consider your windows – Been meaning to install curtains or blinds in parts of the house? Now is the time to do it. Up to 40% of the heat generated by your chosen heating system will escape out of uncovered windows and doors meaning an increase in heating costs. Ensuring that your windows are covered by well fitted blinds or curtains helps keep the heat in meaning you’ll need to use your heater less.

3. Check your gutters – While it’s important to keep your gutters clear in summer, it’s just as crucial in winter, especially if you live in an area prone to heavy rain and flooding. Autumn usually brings plenty of leaf falls that can quickly clog up a gutter, leading to issue during a heavy downpour. While the weather is still good, give your gutters a good clean out or pay someone else to do it so you’re ready to roll during the wetter months.

4. Insulate now – Insulating your home can cut your heating costs by up to 30% making it a sound, long term investment. If your home isn’t already insulated, now is the time to start looking into it. Even if you currently have insulation in place, it’s a good idea to make sure it’s still in place, especially if you’ve experienced bad weather which can blow insulation batts around making them less effective.

5. Snuggle up – The cooler months are the perfect time to switch up your interiors and embrace all things plush and warm. Adding snuggly throws to your couch, softening up your colour scheme with more autumnal shades and sorting out your lighting to ensure a warm ambience are all quick and easy ways to help your home feel more warm and inviting as the temperature drops. You can check out 4 of our favourite easy ways to add warmth here.

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RENO ADDICT Shopping

Can tiled floors really work for Winter?

Can tiled floors really work for winter? Yes, if you know a few tricks of the trade! When you’re considering floor covering for our temperate Aussie climate, tiles are often on the table as a consideration. The cooler months however can pose a challenge for tiled floor enthusiasts, especially in the southern states. Cold Autumn and Winter temperatures however don’t have to be a problem with an under tile heating system.

Can tiled floors really work for Winter?

Image source: Snow Temp

Under-tile heating is the perfect winter warmer right throughout the house. It keeps a tiled room warmer for longer than other heating solutions, and while it used to be considered a luxury add on, it’s now a budget friendly option with running costs about a quarter of a heat lamp over a year.[i]

“Under-tile heating a large family room will have an upfront cost of about $1200 to $1600 – but the system will pay for itself in energy savings,” says Darcy Shaw, National Buyer, Bathroom ware from Beaumont Tiles. “Not only is it good for the hip pocket, but is a good option for reducing household energy consumption. “It also creates a drier environment by radiating heat to all solid objects and the air is warmed by convection. This means a room stays warm long after the system is turned it off unlike regular heaters where the heat dissipates quickly. “The system is child-safe with no exposed heaters so little fingers won’t get burnt, and for the many families who suffer allergies, under-tile heating is a saviour because it actually prevents mould from building up,” Mr Shaw said.

Concerned about the noise factor? Under-tile heating is silent and there’s no wall space or roof cavity required which means minimal impact on a room design.  A touch screen wall thermostat makes it simple to use and enables programming 24/7. Each installation is specifically configured  for a particular room so there’s no cold spots, and on average the running costs are as little as 2c an hour per square metre.[ii] A bathroom kit is around $499, and for a large family room it’s about $1200-$1600.

Beaumont sells the Hotwire system, a 3mm thick, spooled electric heating element installed directly under tiles, granite, marble or slate, not in the slab, and with no need to lay any extra expansion joints.“The system heats a room to a cozy 22 degrees and doesn’t need maintenance. In the unlikely event of a cable fault, the damage is easy to find and fixing it doesn’t require ripping up the floor,” Mr Shaw said.

If you’re considering taking the plunge with your reno, check out Beaumont Tiles at www.tile.com.au

[i] The comparisons are based on a 4 bulb Heat Lamp unit at 375 watts per bulb. Hotwire costs based on a 600 watt element heating at full capacity for I hour and then cycling at 50% capacity for the next 2 hours. Running costs are an estimate only and will vary due to site conditions.

[ii] Running costs will be effected by electricity tariffs.

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Bathrooms RENO ADDICT

Get toasty toes with under-tile heating

Looking at winter warming options for your home? Consider under-tile heating as an efficient and practical investment. No longer as pricey at is used to be, it keeps rooms warm longer than most other heating solutions.

Toasty toes with under-tile heating

There aren’t any annoying cold spots as it spreads under the entire floor space. The heat radiates into all solid objects touching the ground and then into the air through convection. This means the room stays warm for ages!

It also only minimally impacts home design, as there is no need for wall spaces or cavities to be given up for big heating units. No extra expansion links are needed either, as it can be installed straight under tiles or stone rather than in the slab itself.

Running it is straightforward – use the touchscreen wall thermostat to heat it up to a cosy 22 degrees.

Hotwire undertile heating Floor Cross Section

Beaumont Tiles communications and design specialist, Christie Wood, says one of its best features is how family friendly it is.

“The system is child-safe with no exposed heaters so little fingers won’t get burnt, and for the many families who suffer allergies, under-tile heating is a saviour because it actually prevents mould from building up.”

It’s also a great investment if you’re planning to retire in your current home – my grandmother swears by it to soothe her feet when she wakes up in winter. Nothing better than toasty toes on a cold morning!

Bathroom kits will set you back around $499 from Beaumont Tiles, while setting up a large family room costs $1200-1600. Once installed expenses are minimal though, with running costs per square metre averaging two cents an hour.

For more information, check out Beaumont Tiles’ site here

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RENO ADDICT Shopping

How to choose the right air conditioner for your home

With summer well and truly upon us, Australians are searching for the one… and by the one, of course we are referring to the perfect air conditioner!

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For those who are looking to guarantee this summer’s forecast as sunny with 100% chance of being cool, The Good Guys appliance experts have pulled together a fail-safe way to help you choose the right air conditioner for you…

Types of air-conditioning:

If you’re looking to keep all rooms of the house cool at once a split system is the way to go. These air conditioners are made up of two parts, with one part attached to the internal wall of your home and the other sitting on the outside to exhaust heat out. These usually cost less to install and provide flexibility as you can choose separate units for each room of the house

A reverse system refers to air conditioners that provide both cooling and heating functions, coming in very handy during the cold winter months

Air conditioners with inverters are your kind of cooling system if minimal noise is important to you – these are often the quietest. They can also vary the temperature of the air they produce, rather than stopping and starting, as well as being cheaper to run and helping you achieve your desired room temperature more quickly – although they can be slightly more expensive

Multi-split air conditioners connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor condenser, meaning there is usually less work involved in installing them, but a single control station operates the whole system, so individual room temperatures aren’t possible

How big should you go?

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When buying air conditioners, a big consideration is how powerful the device needs to be to adequately cool your home, keeping you comfortable throughout the warmest of summer nights. Air conditioner capacity is rated by British Thermal Unit (BTU) and power output in kilowatts. Buying the right size unit is very important as air conditioners that are too big will use more energy, while under-sized ones will not cool the room sufficiently – so think about the size of your room first.

For a living room measuring 30 square metres approximately 3.75kW will be needed and around 125 watts per square metre, allowing a constant level of comfort for you to entertain your friends

For a bedroom, as a rough guide, 80 watts of power per square metre should be enough to keep the room cool enough to allow you and your family to fall peacefully to sleep

Bells and whistles:

Now that you have made the decision to buy an air conditioner, you can’t go past a few extra bells and whistles that will shoot you to the top of the cool list this summer. Even though some features tend to be more expensive, here is a list of common extras that are worth taking a look at:

  • Remote control
  • Timer
  • Sleep timer
  • Dehumidifier
  • Reverse cycle for heating
  • Slide-out chassis for easier installation
  • Mosquito traps
  • Air filter to remove odours, smoke and germs

For more information.

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Appliances Expert Tips

How to keep your home warm this winter

By Marcus Lim

With the temperatures dropping and the chill settling in, it’s clear that winter is certainly upon us. If you feel like it’s torture to leave the warm sanctuary of your bed, it might be time to look at how you can make your home nice and toasty.

While many homeowners devote a large amount of energy and money into heating their dwelling during winter, it needn’t mean emptying your wallet for extra comfort. Making sure you have a draft-proof structure, smart furniture placement and good insulation will keep your home protected against the cold and save you money in the process. Try these simple home heating tips to escape the freeze this winter.

1. Safeguard your home

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Water-proofing is a simple and preemptive exercise that will allow you to guard your home against erratic weather whilst keeping the cold air out. Beforehand make sure you check all your doors and windows for any spots that may be leaking cold air. Then proceed to seal them.

There are a few different ways you can do this. Caulking works by closing the seams between pipes, wedging material between boards and creating a watertight seal. Weather stripping blocks cold air by filling in empty spaces with expanding foam or felt strips. Before applying any weather stripping, make sure you measure the size of your frame and add in some margin. This is in case of mistakes.

2. Add insulation material

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The prime time to insulate is when you’re building or renovating. That being said, if you’re just plain cold, it will drive up the temperature of your home in the winter months. Insulation works by reducing heat transfer and minimising the energy required to keep the temperature balanced in your home. Good insulation can cut your heating costs almost in half while cutting down CO2 emissions.

The best type of insulation for your house will depend on your home’s design, location and climate. When choosing insulation material, check it’s ‘R-value’ rating, which will be an accurate indication of how the material performs.

3. Make your interior heat friendly

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Furniture placement can play a huge role in the retention of heat. To increase the warmth in your space, rearrange your furniture to avoid and deflect any cold drafts. Make sure your furniture isn’t blocking warm air vents and similarly position heaters away from the main doorway, as it will fend off any drafts.

Consider adding thick curtains to your house, as they are an inexpensive and an energy-efficient way to prevent heat loss during the winter season. Keeping the curtains closed and the blinds lowered during the night will also help to prevent heat loss. Try adding some rugs to the rooms in your house as well, this will add an extra layer of insulation. To complement your home heating makeover, reverse the spin of your ceiling fan so it moves clockwise and pushes rising air back downwards.

4. Go outside

Winter shouldn’t deter you from enjoying your outdoor space, like your patio or backyard. Entertain your friends and keep them warm with the help of patio heaters or table top heaters. For extra luxury, think about investing in an outdoor fireplace to add warmth and decorative style to your outdoor space.

5. Consider size

If you still want to invest in heating, first think about the size of the room. Choosing the right sized heater for your space will save your home energy and money. For example in a small room, a convective heater will be most effective because it disperses warm air across the room with an internal fan. As a contrast, gas heaters would be better suited to large rooms because they increase the air temperature quickly.

— Marcus Lim is the co-founder of Oneflare.com.au, a local services marketplace that connects Australians with more than 60,000 businesses across the country.

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Appliances Competitions

Stay warm this winter by winning a DéLonghi heater

It’s that time of the year again, where the heaters are coming out of storage and your nights are spent huddling up against them! So make sure you stay warm this winter by investing in the right heater for your needs, room size and decor. Or alternatively, give this competition a crack and you may just score yourself a DéLonghi Slim Panel Heater, valued at $449!

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Taking up minimal space, the sleek wall mountable Slim Line Panel Heater blends effortlessly into any style and living environment, allowing you to make the best use of your floor area. Using Hi-Fi Technology, the heater has a double fan system which sees a more effective distribution of heat throughout the room. It also features three heat settings, a 24 hour timer and electronic thermostat, making it easy to heat and maintain the desired temperature.

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To ensure winter is comfortable without having to worry about increased power bills, the Slim Line Panel Heater uses Eco Plus technology. This technology optimises energy use and regulates power flow, ensuring lower consumption and in turn reduced power bills, whilst delivering the ideal level of comfort in your home.

Safety is also a major consideration, with the heater incorporating important safety features including a safety tilt switch that automatically turns off the heater when tipped, child proof surfaces to avoid burns and an overheating thermal cut-off, giving you extra peace of mind.

For more information.

WIN

One lucky reader will win a DéLonghi Slim Panel Heater, valued at $449. To be in the running, complete the form below by 5pm Sydney time on Friday 5 June 2015. Open to Australian residents only. Good luck!

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Design RENO ADDICT Shopping

Escea’s new retrofit gas fire: functional, tech-savvy and stylish

It’s days like these that I wish I had a fireplace to snuggle up next to! And the new AF700 gas fireplace by Escea would be at the top of my list.

AF700 05 hi res

A retrofittable gas fireplace with two times more visible flames than traditional products, the AF700’s most clever feature is that it can be controlled by a smartphone app. Enjoy the luxury of operating your fireplace from anywhere, anytime, by downloading the iOS or Android app. Turn on your fire, adjust your temperature settings and set the timer, all from your phone!

AF700 1 hi res

Escea’s AF700 gas fire is a high output fireplace offering 5.6 kW of heat and a 3.8 energy star rating — easily and efficiently heating a moderately sized space. And with carefully considered dimensions, the fireplace can easily fit into masonry or a brick chimney cavity.

AF700 3 hi res

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Appliances

Ceiling fans that are both functional and beautiful!

It’s safe to say you install a fan in your home for its functionality, not its beauty! Because more often than not fans are just plain old ugly! However, the new range of fans from Beacon Lighting are a whole lot prettier than we are used to.

interiors addict beacon lighting 2

With a variety of options available, there’s the swirl of cool white or timber evoking the feeling of a relaxed tropical paradise; the cutting edge aerodynamic design, which is bound to create a highpoint of conversation; and the discreet and innovative Fanaway retractable blade ceiling fan.

interiors addict beacon lighting 4

interiors addict beacon lighting 3

Functionality has not been forgotten either, with the fans helping to reduce energy costs in the warmer months and also throughout winter when switched to reverse mode. Selected new season fans such as the Airfusion range are particularly energy-efficient, costing less than 3c per hour to run, while fans with DC technology cost less than 1c!

interiors addict beacon lighting

Beacon Lighting’s latest range includes indoor fans, alfresco fans and coastal fans. Check them out online.

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Appliances Expert Tips

There’s no need to compromise on style to keep your home cool

As creatures of comfort, our demand for air conditioning has grown and is now valued as a necessary inclusion, rather than a luxury. This demand has driven design changes, so that it’s now possible to be completely comfortable indoors all year round – and in many cases not even notice the air grilles or a neat, compact unit mounted on the wall. Combined with advanced features and sleek, slimline designs, air conditioning has become more stylish and cost-effective to run than ever before!

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But with a variety of air conditioning systems on offer, on a hot day it can be all too tempting to rush out to the nearest shopping centre to buy any type! However, it is best to speak with a licenced air conditioning specialist first for their advice on what system will best suit the needs of your home.

In terms of air conditioning systems there is reverse cycle air conditioning, which provides relief from the heat during summer whilst keeping the home warm and cosy during the cooler months. There are also ducted air conditioning systems, which are an ideal whole-home solution for design-conscious homeowners, having ventilation grilles fixed inconspicuously within ceilings or floors. They also offer more comfort and flexibility, allowing users greater temperature control over different zones. Finally, for apartment dwellers, a wall mounted system is a viable solution. Fixed high on a wall, these are unobtrusive and great for smaller spaces, such as a bedroom or living room.

But if you’re still a little unsure on what system would best suit your home, Fujitsu General have developed a checklist to help homeowners determine the most suitable air conditioning system for their home, as well as general tips to maintain it.

Pre-purchase considerations

  • Only licenced contractors can install air conditioning. An experienced technician should be able to offer advice on which brands have a reliable track record, comprehensive warranties and strong customer support. This also adds peace of mind and flexibility when it comes to scheduling ongoing maintenance.
  • Know the space – a system that’s too big or too small will be costly and inefficient.
  • Online tools such as Fujitsu’s Economatch calculator can help homeowners easily find the right air conditioning system for their home. Simply enter basic details – such as room measurements, insulation and the direction windows face – to find the best match.
  • An air conditioning system can be a long-term solution, if adequately cared for. As such, it’s important not to rush into selecting an air conditioner on a whim. Do due diligence and make sure the solution chosen is right for the job.
  • It’s a huge advantage to select a system that operates with minimal noise, as this lessens the likelihood of upsetting neighbours with unwelcome disruptions. It’s a good idea to check with the local council to ensure the air conditioner complies with the council’s noise regulations.
  • Prevent cool air from escaping by installing or replacing insulation batts, as well as sealing draughts under doors with weather strips and filling in cracks along windows using sealants.

Smart tips for an efficient system

  • Use timers: program the system to turn on at a low-speed before waking and before returning home from work or school. This avoids operation at full power during peak times. Program the system to shut down just before leaving the house or going to sleep.
  • Manage temperature control: the ideal temperature range in summer is 21°C to 23°C. One degree of extra heat increases energy consumption by up to 10 per cent.
  • Only cool the rooms being used: keep doors and windows closed and for homes with ducted air conditioning, use zone control features to close vents.
  • Embrace sensor controls: this functionality can positively reduce energy consumption by switching to energy-saving mode when no activity is detected in the room.
  • Clean or change the air filter and grills: these cavities accumulate dust and debris throughout the year.
  • Like a car, air conditioning operates more efficiently when properly maintained. Book a check-up with a licensed technician every two years to ensure your air conditioner stays healthy over 10 to 15 years.

Fujitsu General is Australia’s leading supplier of air conditioning products, stocking a wide range of reverse cycle air conditioners to meet the specific needs of every Australian home.

Categories
Bathrooms Expert Tips

Five tips for winter-proofing your bathroom

By Belinda Geels

The bathroom can be quite the chilly place thanks to its hard surfaces like tiles, stone and ceramic. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Here are five tips on how to winter-proof your bathroom.

Underfloor heating

For a lasting warming solution, underfloor heating is not only a sound investment but is now considered an affordable luxury for new Australian homes. It is one of most efficient ways to heat your home and because it transfers more natural radiant heat, its also one of the cleanest.

For new builds, the Auspex Radiant system allows you to indulge in the luxury of underfloor heating at a fraction of the cost as this system uses energy efficient gas boilers and radiant heat transfer to achieve a comfortable natural heat. For an underfloor heating solution that can be installed during a renovation, Stiebel Eltron offers an electric above slab solution. Because it can be installed just underneath tiles, it’s ideal for renovations in smaller spaces like bathrooms.

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Hydrotherm Milan Mobile Heated Rail Black

Hot water units

Having a hot water unit that’s going to allow for long hot showers at the end of a dreary day is another essential for the cooler months. Whether you’re replacing an old unit or looking for a brand new system, our Hot Water Decisions Guide is a great online tool that will help you choose the unit that perfectly suits your home and your usage requirements. There are plenty of electric, gas, continuous flow and solar hot water systems available, with our Thermann range proving one of the most popular thanks to its innovative modular design, efficiency and reliability.

Overhead heat lamps

If underfloor heating isn’t an option or you want to add heat from above, overhead lamps are the perfect answer. The benefit of installing this type of heater over others is twofold: they heat the space quickly and efficiently, and their overhead position means they’re out of the way.

These heaters are usually found as part of an all-in-one unit that combines an exhaust fan, lights and heater, so if you’re tight on space or budget this is a perfect option for you.

Heated towel rails

Heated towel rails like those in the Milli Edge and Kado ranges not only add a touch of luxury, but will also dry your wet towels quickly and conveniently in those colder months. There are also moveable options like the Hydrotherm Milan Mobile available which can be stored away during the warmer months — great for rentals or when space is at a premium.

With a range of sizes and finishes to suit any bathroom design and budget, heated towel rails are an easy and affordable winter warmer accessory, and have become one of the must-have items in the Australian bathroom.

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Kado Quad Wall Mounted Heated Rails

Soft furnishings

While some options like new hot water units or underfloor heating require more forward planning, there are still many ways to add warmth to the bathroom without extensive renovations. Adding soft furnishings like natural-fibre rugs and bathmats will do wonders to soften hard surfaces and make your bathing experience a lot more cosy.

And, never underestimate the power of a fluffy bath robe and a cosy set of slippers. Having these on hand as you step out of the bath or shower is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to keep toasty in those
 winter months!

–Belinda Geels is marketing manager for Reece Bathrooms.

Categories
Appliances

Electric blankets are so last year: introducing heated throws and cushions!

When I was younger the hotel we frequented use to have an electric blanket. To me, having never used one before, it was ridiculous fun (I was a child don’t judge me)! To this day, I have a bit of a soft spot for them.

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So the latest offering from Sunbeam has taken my awe to a whole new level. Introducing the heated throws and cushion! While they may not be to everyone’s taste (having a hot cushion will take some getting use to and that faux fur look isn’t everyone’s idea of stylish) with winter well and truly on its way, I’m ready to embrace them!

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The heated throw (from $79.95) comes in both faux fur and plush fleece, with Sleep Perfect® technology seeing its temperature adjust accordingly to your body temperature. They also heat up in a quick 10 minutes, with six heat control options.

The cushion ($69.95) comes in faux fur and in contrast, has three heat settings, with 90 minute auto-off. Both the throws and cushion come with a three-year replacement guarantee.

For more information.