These Germ Eliminating Fixtures and Hacks are about to change your entire bathroom experience.
This blog was written in partnership with American Standard. All opinions are my own.
There is nothing quite like the feeling of a clean and tidy house! When my home is put together and sparkling from corner to corner, I feel relaxed and ready to tackle whatever comes my way (except spilled milk!). I love getting Lennon involved in chores whenever I can because it’s a great way to teach responsibility and make her feel like she’s an important contributor in caring for our home. It’s me + you kid!
That’s one of the reasons why I love my American Standard sink and accessories. The company produces high-performing fixtures, stylish faucets and sinks, and other wellness products for the bath and kitchen. And, since I’ve been on a cleaning kick lately, their touchless product offerings and clean technology make my life a whole lot easier and my home a whole lot more sanitary! Check out these tried and true cleaning hacks that will save you time, simplify your life, and instantly boost your mood.
• Hack #1•
Clean In Every Corner
If you struggle with cleaning the nooks and crannies around your bathroom and kitchen, you’re not alone. These hard-to-reach crevices can be incredibly frustrating, especially for die-hard cleaning aficionados like us. I’ve come up with an easy hack that will make those tricky areas sparkle faster than you can say “clean as a whistle!”. Wrap a soft cloth around the end of a butter knife to clean the gunk around faucets, vents and other small fixtures. The knife is small enough to get into those tiny corners, and the cloth prevents scratches. They’re the perfect deep cleaning duo in my humble opinion. American Standard sink and accessories
Studio Carre Undercounter Sink
• Hack #2 •
Pearly White Surfaces
The power of a soft-bristled toothbrush goes beyond healthy gums and teeth. Wet the bristles with a mixture of baking soda and water and gently brush over the shower and wall grout. Leave it on for 10 minutes, rinse and voila! Gleaming tiles every time!
• Hack #3 •
When Life Gives You Lemons….
If you hate water spots on your chrome faucets as much as I do, I’ve got you! Cut a lemon in half, rub it all over your faucet, rinse and buff with a soft cloth. Easy, peasy and done in a flash.
Beale Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet
• Hack #4 •
Let The Fixtures Clean For You
If there’s one job I hate, it’s scrubbing toilets and I know I’m not alone on this one! The American Standard Everclean surface makes cleaning toilets a cinch!The double-coated surface inhibits the growth of stain and odour-causing bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface, and that means less backbreaking work for this mama! It's like a self-cleaning oven for your bathroom!
Studio Touchless Toilet
• Hack #5 •
Keep Your Hands Out Of It!
My American Standard Studio Carré Undercounter Sink was made for me– someone who loves clean, contemporary lines, but not the maintenance as the EverClean Surface and Technology makes it super easy to keep clean! American Standard understands that dirt and build-up happen, which is why they’ve created the double-coated surface to inhibit the growth of stain and odour-causing bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface. The smooth, mirror-like surface stays cleaner longer, even after years of use, making my life a whole lot easier. I use some vinegar, warm water and buff it with a soft cloth to make it sparkle and that’s as much work that’s required from me. Heaven.
Beale Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet
I’ve also become obsessed with American Standard’s Beale Pull-Down Touchless Kitchen Faucet, which features a Selectronic hands-free technology sensor so you can stop and start the water with a simple wave of the hand. The pull-down faucet spray head will also help you reach all regions of your sink with ease, while the sleek and contemporary design is sure to complement any home design perfectly.
• Hack #6 •
Even Your Mirrors Love a Clean Shave
If you have a can of shaving cream lying around, you can kiss foggy, dirty mirrors goodbye- for a couple of weeks anyway! Simply pump some foamy shaving cream onto a soft cloth or paper towel to stop your mirrors from fogging up when you’re in the shower. Who doesn't love a clean reflection?
Designer Rebekah Higgs loves to repurpose and redesign.
If someone told me 2 decades ago that the kitchen would be my favorite room in the house, I would have said, “As if!”, (while watching my favorite movie, Clueless). Back then, hanging out in my bedroom with my girlfriends in tow, talking about our boy troubles while listening to sad tunes, or rummaging through my closet for try-on sessions was how I spent the majority of my time.
Fast forward to being a single mom with a busy 7-year-old daughter, the producer of a TV show featuring our latest renovation and a never-ending list of DIY projects and I can sincerely declare that the kitchen has my heart. Where else can I simultaneously make a grilled cheese sandwich, help Lennon with her homework, and jot down notes on my latest design plan? Did I mention the kitchen/dining room in our new home has the most expansive and breathtaking view of the Bedford Basin? When I say I love my kitchen, I mean….I LOVE my kitchen.
My vision from the very beginning was to design an inviting space that was both functional and stylish. This is the center of our home and that means it needs to work for every member, including @ziggymygirl who has created her very own special nook near the back door. While it’s hard to narrow down my favorite features, there are some that have stood out as fan faves from the very beginning. Interested to know what they are? Keep reading!
A resilient kitchen counter topped the list of absolute must-haves. The Et Statuario Silestone countertop from Cosentino Canada was such a great selection for our family. The anti-scratch and stain surface means I can cook, plan and work without worry, and the velvety touch of the suede finish elevates the entire look. We used the same material for our backsplash to carry the sophisticated aesthetic seamlessly throughout the space and I’m thrilled with how it all came together.
When I saw the 12” round Prospect pendants by Eurofase – blown glass spheres suspended from looped gold metal framework, I knew they were meant for me. This trio sits above my kitchen island and not only provides the perfect ambiance – think lulled, muted light versus bright and blinding, they also add that extra level of urban refinement that takes this entire space up a notch.
My Trinsic Single-Handle Pull-Down Sprayer Kitchen Faucet in Champagne Bronze featuring MagnaTite Docking has been a beautiful addition to this space. The dock keeps the kitchen pull-down spray wand firmly in place with a powerful integrated magnet, so it stays docked when not in use and I love that I can easily remove mineral build-up with the touch of a finger using touch-clean spray holes. It’s worth mentioning, the price point on this little beauty is incredible and the sleek, minimalistic design blends in perfectly with my vibe.
My new Blanco Precis U super sink has come in handy more times than I can count, especially during lockdown when there always seemed to be an influx of dirty dishes to wash. Trust me when I say that the extra large bowl and floating grid will be a kitchen dream come true for that reason alone. It’s easy to clean, non-porous, and heat and scratch-resistant so you never have to think twice about taking extra special care.
A contemporary wall mount pot filler is one of those luxury features you don’t realize you need until…well…you really need it! The Delta pot filler faucet in champagne bronze is a showstopper for several reasons. It’s easy to fill large cooking vessels quickly and without the walk from sink to stove. That may not sound like a big deal, but large water-filled pots can be deceivingly heavy! The dual shut-off valves allow me to turn the water off at either the wall or the spout, which has proven to be incredibly convenient and the beautiful finish adds a touch of old-world charm that makes it irresistible!
I was initially drawn to the pale pink hue and minimalist design of my kitchen island stools, but when I realized how easy it was to wipe and go, I loved them even more. The form-fitting seat makes them ultra comfortable and the contemporary base gives them a sleek, contemporary feel. This design from Wayfair is no longer available, but I’ve linked a similar option here.
One of the biggest showstoppers in my kitchen has to be my Spicer and Co, vinyl floor cloth. In fact, I get asked about it a lot in the run of a day. A high traffic area like the kitchen needs something durable and stain resistant, but I also wanted something comfortable and curated– a nod to my love of vintage style and pink everything. Take it from this DIY mama, if you want something low maintenance without sacrificing beauty, this was made for you.
The coveted Café Appliances in matte white have been in high demand lately and for good reason! The polished finish makes them a designer’s dream, but it’s the added functionality that really sets them apart. My commercial-style range is inspired by professional kitchens and comes with a versatile cooktop that has it all– inspiral and multi-ring burners that evenly heat my cookware, and a caterer’s oven complete with precision cooking modes that make cooking dinners, small or large, a treat.
NDR Auto Solutions came to my rescue in a big way when I found out my refrigerator was on backorder and we were weeks away from filming season 4 of DIY mom. Let’s just say that we couldn’t halt production because of a delayed delivery. The NDR team swooped in with the most genius idea – taking a basic stainless steel refrigerator and wrapping it in white vinyl for a nearly identical finish to my Café Appliances. Confession time: I considered keeping this a secret because the dupe is THAT good, but the premise of my show is learning to find alternatives when things don’t go as planned, and guess what? That’s real life in a nutshell.
I wanted to repurpose the kitchen cabinets from the original house because they were in great shape and the quality was amazing, so I decided to put a modern spin on an old classic. I flipped and sanded the cabinets with my Ryobi tools and varnish from Home Depot, to give them a shaker style finish, then filled the holes, and moved the entire kitchen from the front of the house to the back for an open-concept design. For the island, I used the pre-assembled Hampton Bay Edison shaker style cabinets from Home Depot and had them color-matched to the kitchen cabinets for a streamlined look and feel. Then we added these pretty Contemporary Aluminium Edge pulls from Richelieu. The entire room received a chic and modern facelift– a brilliant way to create style on a budget.
I love looking back to see how my home has been transformed. What do you think of these before and afters?
My ensuite bathroom is my happy place. A little haven that allows me to unwind after a busy day with some basic self- care rituals that have proven to be essential for me. Sometimes, it’s a decadent face mask before bed, other times, a long, lingering, sudsy bath or a quick pep talk in front of my vanity before I start my hectic day and have a lot of fires to put out. Lennon and Ziggy love it too (the heated floors might have something to do with that). It’s a good thing I don’t mind sharing!
I get asked a lot about my favorite features in this space and while it’s hard to narrow them down, I’ve come up with a list of highlights. If you’re considering a bathroom renovation and don’t know where to start, you’ll want to keep reading!
My freestanding soaking tub is by far one of the most celebrated features of this room. It was easy to install, crafted from durable acrylic making it incredibly resilient, and comes in a modern, glossy white finish. The best part however has to be the 63 gallon capacity which makes it nice and spacious– perfect for a relaxing night in.
The mosaic Miki Flower tile in Snow White & Crystal White from Centura Tile was the perfect addition, and what was left over, I used in our pantry. We pieced these Artisan tiles from Centura together like an intricate puzzle for a dazzling backsplash that feels like marble.
It’s no secret that mid century modern is a vibe I gravitate to. That’s one of the reasons love my 72 inch solid teak Coventry Vanity from Home Depot. The minimalist console vibe feels like an extension of my personal style philosophy– sturdy, spacious, simple design with a classic undertone that makes it timeless.
For a streamlined look, I carried my Torly’s Engineered hardwood flooring in Dorset Oak into my ensuite. I love that the warm, matte wood matches the rest of the house and offers clean lines and wide planks for a modern feel.
My Trinsic wall-mounted tub filler in champagne bronze from Delta offers classic, old-world charm and is guaranteed not to corrode, tarnish or discolor. Long-lasting, durable, and chic– that’s my DIY love language! We chose the same finish for our Delta Zura showerhead and handheld pendant, and I love the warm undertones, the added touch of sophistication, and the reminder that every room in the house deserves special attention to detail.
It’s all in the details! Find this Delta faucet here.
Belisimo Home always has a great selection of high-quality wallpaper. I love that I can take stacks of books home with me, hold them up in various light and sit with them for a while so I can be certain I’ve made the right choice. For my ensuite, I chose a muted style from JF Fabrics’ Bungalow collection– a plain textured wallpaper in a beige hue with metallic gold speckles. I love that it adds warmth and helps create the perfect ambiance for this space.
My custom teak shelves from East Coast Specialty Hardwood provide extra space for storing little trinkets and keepsakes I’ve brought back from my travels. They’re trendy but classic at the same time and they compliment my floors and vanity perfectly.
Finding the perfect pair of mirrors for your ensuite vanity is no small feat. I searched high and low for modern, stylish accent pieces that complimented the space, but offered a custom look at the same time. My Renwil mirrors were the perfect choice! I love the brass finish, decorative hook, and the way they reflect my personal style– swanky and sophisticated with a touch of glam to spice things up.
Simplicity was top of mind when I chose my frameless fixed glass shower screen. The Vigo Zenith model from Home Depot resists dangerous breakage and shards, making it incredibly safe without compromising style. It comes with premium clear seal strips to prevent water from leaking into the bathroom. Genius!
There you have it! A round up of my favorite ensuite features – guaranteed to make your bathroom experience luxurious and relaxing from start to finish!
This blog was written in partnership with Herbal Essences. All opinions are my own.
I’m a busy DIY MOM
I run a production company, tv show, am renovating my home, taking time for some charitable projects AND am a single mom. So in order to make any time for myself, I need all the beauty hacks to save me a few extra minutes here and there. This also means my beauty products must work out of necessity, self care and affordability. The little free time I get to myself, I need to make sure the products I buy are necessary, affordable, and also WORK. Who else can relate to being on-the-go 24/7, with next to no time for getting ready?! Or, struggling to get the right products for you because they’re way out of your price range?
That’s why I’m excited to partner with Herbal Essences on my money saving, beauty & hair care hacks for busy women.
• Hack•
Here are some personal beauty hacks that save me time and money:
Find haircare products that bring out your best, natural hair
Find haircare products that bring out your best, natural hair.
As I said, I’m mostly always on the go. Which means I rarely have time for styling my hair. So, I rely on high-quality hair care products to help nourish my hair – leaving it smooth, silky and soft, without the styling! It’s even better when it’s a low cost option, that doesn’t compromise on quality ingredients and is cruelty free and dermatologist-tested! The Smooth Rose Hips Shampoo & Conditioner from Herbal Essences is a new spin on their classic line-up (and they’ve still kept that iconic scent we know and love!) It leaves my hair feeling restored, nourished and extremely smooth – plus the scent of roses is exquisite! It’s also colour-safe (perfect for my red locks!), mineral-oil free and pH balanced. You really don’t have to compromise on quality ingredients when this comes at such an affordable price. CLICK HERE for a link of where to buy!
Silk Scarves
I’ve recently discovered the magic of wearing a silk scarf in my hair at night. After I have gone through all the trouble of blow drying my hair and curling it, wearing a silk head wrap or scarf extends my blow out for up to 4 days - that adds up to being a huge timesaver as well as a hair strengthener by keeping the heat off my ends a little longer! A great tip to find a silk scarf that works within your budget is to head to your local second hand or consignment shop. Make sure you check the tag- because it’s easy to get fooled by polyester.
No-Beach, Beachy Waves
Since I’m on the go morning to night. I don’t have a lot of extra time for styling my hair. On a typical day I just wash and go- Here is a quick beauty hack you can easily make at home - If you’re feeling beachy, mix a bit of coarse salt with a drop of essential oil and water then spritz it in - towel dry your hair, brush it out and then put it back in a towel and let it set your beachy waves for the day.
Make BB your Bestie.
Did you know you can mix your foundation with moisturizer or sunscreen to create your own BB cream that will give you a glowy fresh no makeup look. It will also save you money by stretching out your foundation. Taking care of your skin is always a money saver so by wearing sunscreen every day and drinking lots of water you will have healthy looking skin for years to come.
Save on Clean up Time by Picking Products that Match your Décor
My final tip is a timesaver- and one that comes from the home décor enthusiast in me. To keep my bathroom looking sweet and ‘insta-ready’, I like to choose products that match my décor- and you all know I’m into those pink touches so Herbal Essences rosy pink bottles incorporate perfectly into my personal style. At an unbeatable price, you can leave the Smooth Rose Hips collection out for the whole family to use!
I’d love to hear your go-to time and money saving hacks – share yours with me by commenting below!
It’s all in the details and my celestial bathroom design has plenty of them, but can you spot them all before I point them out? Here are some tips and tricks you might want to consider if it’s time to revamp your bathroom space.
• Tackling the Issues •
Living in a bungalow means that some spaces may be located in your home’s interior with no windows. To keep my reno on budget, we left all the existing exterior walls and windows as they were, but drastically changed the layout internally. This left me with a bathroom with no natural light. So what do you do when nature isn’t in the space? You bring nature in!
Succulents and Faux Plants
Succulents love the steam of the shower and faux plants don’t need natural light to thrive. This is a great way to give your guests the feeling of freshness when they are in a closed space!
Piano Windows
No natural light? No problem. Installing piano windows into the interior walls of your home is a great way to harmoniously manipulate the light into those darker spaces. The face of my bungalow gets the most enviable light during the day, I figured it could spare a bit where needed! Flowing in from my mudroom and into my bathroom, even the smallest bit of natural light goes a long way.
Wallpaper
Maybe you haven’t thought about putting wallpaper in a bathroom since the 80s - but why not?This Cloud wallpaper from JF Fabrics is not only gorgeous but a truly special way to add a unique touch to any interior space. Why I chose this wallpaper? The quality is top-notch, so it will wipe-down easily and withstand the steam and sweat from the shower. And again because this bathroom is missing a window, this cloud wallpaper gives the illusion of airy lightness. The result is a room that feels light and crisp.
This Cloud wallpaper is the perfect match for my Riviera Melange tiles from Centura.
Painted Ceilings
Painting the ceiling to blend into the wallpaper not only carries the eye upwards, but is a playful way to make the peaked tile at the top of the shower pop. I selected Misty Morning by Dulux Paints as the perfect combo of blue and teal for this heavenly space.
Tile Selection
The entire bathroom inspiration started with the Centura Catalogue. I found this image and instantly knew that this is what I wanted to do with the soft and colourful La Riviera Melange Tile. The unfinished peaked top was a fun play on the mountains, but also gives an extra design moment in the space. Easy to tile and even easier on the eyes!
My Tile Inspiration came from the Centura Catalogue
Glass Option
In stead of shower rod and curtain, I opted for an arched glass shield from Vigo .
With no gold hardware options in stock, I grabbed the Rustoleum metal spray paint and gave it a shake. One tact coat, and two additional coats later, I have what I envisioned for this space. An architectural touch that lets the tile design shine through.
The initial layout for my bathroom had the toilet next to the tub. I saw an image of a sink next to the tub on instagram and thought… that is such a better looking photo, why didn’t I think of that? So I made a decision to swap the sink and toilet plumbing. When my original vanity selection arrived, I quickly realized the proportions were too large for the room. I needed a new vanity, and quick so I went to Home Depot in a panic on a Saturday night, hunting for the right vanity. Luckily This Glacier Bay vanity was available, the right size and super affordable at $249 right off the shelf.
The only issue with my off-the-rack vanity was that they hardware it came with was silver when all my accents in this bathroom are brass and gold. A simple search in the Home Depot hardware isle led me to a pleasant discovery. Cloud-shaped nobs!! They’re adorable for this kids’ bathroom and really tie the theme together! These gold Richelieu handles are available at Home Depot and fit the pre-drilled holes in the vanity perfectly, so swapping them was easy.
< The original hardware was silver. I was able to swap them out for a custom look without having to drill new holes.
Gold fixtures from Delta make this full bath feel luxurious.
Round Mirror and Pop Culture Round Bulbs
The Aspyn Bath & Vanity from Mitzi are an affordable option with a modern twist. I enjoy the way the round mirrors and the round lights with aged brass touches work together to reflect this cohesive design.
Use Bold Colors, but Not Too Many For a stylish and cheery bathroom, stick mainly to one or two bright shades. Pops of color in striped towels or flowers will keep the space energetic. Colored vanities could add some flair, too. Just don’t go overboard: Too many colors in a small space can make it feel messy or overwhelming, while an uber-minimal environment isn’t fun for kids.
