One, Two, Flush

Dual Flush Toilets

The problem with dual flush toilets is not their function ... it's their style. Everyone loves new gadgets for the home.  And I am all for eco friendly but, honey, I want it to look GOOD! And they are finally getting the message. Now that California's law requires 1.28 gallons or less per flush, we are forced to look at high efficiency options. The dual flush toilet still meets these requirements, but allows you a larger flush ... when necessary. (Do you have boys in the house??)

These toilets have two buttons on top, one for liquid waste, 0.8 gallons/flush and one for solid at 1.6 gallons/flush. This prevents the 'double flushing' that was happening with earlier models. (Which, of course, negated the whole water saving idea!)

The standard for so long has been the Toto Aquia.  Nice clean design, but really only one look.
 This is available at Fixtures and Faucets in San Mateo.

Enter the Caroma Colonial. What a charming old world look with new world technology!  Do NOT be afraid to sit on these. I know. It is as embarrassing as lying on beds in the mattress store, but you must try them. Being a bit short in stature, I actually found one the other day where my feet did not reach the floor. Uncomfortable! Available at Pacific Sales in Redwood City.

Kohler has a nice line of dual flush including the Saile, Persuade and Strela (shown) They can be seen at Plumbing and Things in Redwood City.
To finish off your research check out the Consumer Reports review of dual flush toilets. (Yes, you must join, and yes, it is worth it.)

The Freestanding Tub

It is raining .. again. And although I have done 'my time' on the East Coast, my California soul is craving some blue sky. Since escape to Palm Springs seems unlikely, I will choose the second idea I had today -- escape to the bath. And I mean escape. Let's lock the door, light the candles and pretend we can't hear the kids. And let's go old school, freestanding tubs only!

Here is country chic. A crystal chandelier, raw wood, natural light and even a fireplace mantel. If you can't pull the tub up to a fireplace, even the hint of fire will do.  Claw foot tubs can be found at your local salvage yard.  (Same for the fireplace mantle.) The outside can be painted as you would paint metal. The inside can be finished by a bathtub refinisher. Remember how well cast iron can hold the heat? Perfect.

Here is jaw dropping glamour from a Southern Accents showhouse. I could feel so pampered with all the shiny tile. The bateau style tub, finished in polished nickel, is available from Waterworks, Urban Archeology, and the Bathworks.

Very modern, spare, but not cold. The textured,  tile wall defines this space and keeps it from looking too sleek.

A Pedestal tub.  This has an old library feel to it. I would definitely settle in with an old 'volume' or two. Kohler is one source for this tub.

Look at this beautiful tub. Placed right in front of the double shower, it takes advantage of that marble wall as a backsplash. Rustic beams overhead? Bonus. Waterworks and The Bathworks.

 Which is floating you more? The floating tub or the shimmering wall of beads? Similar tub from Kohler.

Another bath and shower combo (look at the showerheads on the wall behind the tub.) Add some old world touches like a pendant light and a candelabra and clean, modern shapes come alive.

And let's circle back to where we started. Beautiful tub, fireplace mantel, chandelier. Enough to get you through the rainy weather. Stay warm, my friends!

LOCAL SOURCE:
Ohmega Salvage , Berkeley

Whole House Building Supply, East Palo Alto

The Bathworks available at Splashworks, San Jose

Waterworks at Waterworks, SF

Kohler at Fixtures and Faucets, San Mateo