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Later in the year fans needn''t stop spinning at the end of summer. Wintertime energy savings are possible by reversing the direction of the fan blades--from counterclockwise to clockwise, when seen from below--to force the air upward. Moving in this direction and set at low speed, a fan will gently push hot, trapped ceiling air to the walls and down toward the floor, a process called heat reclamation. Since the air isn''t blown forcefully downward, you won''t feel draftiness or chill. Manufacturers report savings of up to 10 percent on winter heating bills through heat reclamation. Size and speed Choosing a fan that suits the size of the room is important for energy savings and comfort. Fans are measured by blade span, with the 52-inch five-bladed fan being the most common: It is appropriate for rooms up to 400 square feet. The 44-inch fan will adequately serve rooms up to 225 square feet; the 42-inch works for rooms up to 144 square feet; the 36-inch fan is for rooms of 100 square feet or less. Fan motors can be set at low, medium, or high speed.

"The sink and vanity areas are becoming the artistic and aesthetic focus of today''s bathrooms, with hand-blown glass and vessel sinks gaining in popularity," says a certified bathroom designer. Hand-painted porcelain tile on countertops and walls around the vanities are also popular for their limitless color and pattern possibilities. Storage space is critical, with vanities on either side of pedestal sinks, low-hung cabinets and even dressers for undergarments incorporated into the overall design. Cabinets should be furniture-grade with accents that complement the bedroom furniture. Most are oak or maple in natural or light tints."Extra attention should be paid to such details such as outlets inside tower cabinets for hair dryers, electric shavers or other electrical appliances as well as ironing boards and hampers built inside closets,"

Toilet/bidet area should be sequestered in a separate room, or at least behind a half-wall. Wall-mounted fixtures make cleaning easier, keeping the room more sanitary and healthy. Build tubs with a platform area, not steps. Tub controls should be accessible from inside or outside the tub and offset toward the room. Handrails make sense not only for safety, but they also make bathing children easier. Roll-in and walkaround showers are very popular and should include a bench seat 17[inches]-19[inches] high and at least 15[inches] deep. Make sure tile slopes toward drain to keep outside floor dry. Windows and skylights should be equal to at least 10% of the total square footage of the bathroom. Install auxiliary heating sources, such as electric radiant heat panels or a heat lamp/exhaust fan near the open shower. His-and her sinks are becoming the norm, with each mounted at a different height and a dressing table and vanity chair separating them. Full mirrors can be used in smaller baths to give them a larger feel, but overdoing it can affect depth perception.

Click here for the best selection of bathroom accessories available anywhere. We sell the finest brand name bathroom accesories and our great prices and service make your purchase fast and easy.