PEDESTAL Sinks
by Brad Zuber
When updating your bathroom, the sink is a focal point that helps set the tone for the whole room. In smaller bathrooms, pedestal sinks are often seen as a space-saving option. However, a little imagination shows that the benefits of a pedestal sink go beyond its small size.
Brad Zuber is franchise owner of ReBath and 5-Day Kitchens Atlanta. (770) 870-1855, brad@rebathatlanta.com, www.rebathatlanta.com
Pedestal Features While a bathroom vanity typically includes a wood cabinet with a sink mounted to the top, a pedestal sink is a more straightforward design. Pedestal sinks may be formed in one piece or made from a basin attached to a pedestal base. Their basic shape somewhat resembles a classic birdbath; however, the size and proportions of the basin can vary greatly. Some styles add plenty of space for toiletries alongside the sink, and pedestal sinks are often available in a range of heights.
Compact Designs Pedestal sinks are usually a first choice for small bathrooms. Their narrow footprint opens up the floor space and makes the entire room feel more spacious. Yet, there are pedestal sink designs that could be used in a bathroom of nearly any size. If you are considering a pedestal sink in a larger bathroom, look for a model that has a more substantial base or a wider top to keep it from feeling out of place, especially if you have an elongated toilet or a large bathtub. Diverse Styles With a wide range of styles, from classic elegance to modern minimalism, pedestal sinks can make a strong design statement. Designs come in many shapes, colors and sizes. Be careful when choosing a model to look for one that matches with the rest of your bathroom décor. Sculpted basins with ornate pedestals dress up a lavish bathroom, while sleek lines are more suited to a modern design. Your choice of faucets and fixtures will further personalize your look. Versatile Uses Because pedestal sinks generally have compact designs, they can be used in many different ways. They do not have the storage you would find in a vanity, but there are ways to incorporate storage options into a pedestal sink. If your continued on page 68 North Fulton — Alpharetta | july 2013 30 My
Kid Control
by Michael Buckner
Being that I am submerged in the world of home automation, I would like to tell you about all the cool home tech stuff out there that can assist you in being a parent. From monitoring children’s departures and arrivals to limiting their usage of games and TV watching, you can customize your home automation to your individual needs.
Michael Buckner is the owner of Audio Intersection, located at 631 E. Main Street, Canton. For more information on any of his monthly columns, for questions or to set up an appointment, call (770) 479-1000.
Most automation systems today have notification options. For example, many systems are compatible with new deadbolt locks that include a number pad. This allows you to give each of your children his/her own code to the front door. When they get home from school and open the door, you will get an email or text message alerting you. Also, you can use this for your teenagers for monitoring when they get home at night to make sure they come home before curfew. Nearly every parent I talk to complains that his or her children watch too much TV or play too many video games. This is one of the easiest things to fix. With a little bit of simple programming, you can set the TV or game system to shut down after, say, an hour of use and not come back on for another two hours. Something a little more fun is a high-tech dinner bell for those parents who get tired of walking up and down the stairs or screaming at the top of their lungs to tell the family that it’s dinnertime. Instead, you can set your lights to signal when it’s dinnertime. One of my clients uses a button on her iPhone that makes the lights in her boys’ bedroom flash that it’s time for dinner or they’re needed in the kitchen. If they ignore the signal because they are playing a video game, she can shut off the game system from her iPhone as well. A side benefit for your children is that speakers can also be added to the bedroom so that they can play their favorite songs with just a flip of the light switch! Ever follow your kids through the house, turning off light switches behind them? We hear this a lot, too. This area of technology has exploded recently, and there are thousands of ways to address this. For example, you could tie the alarm continued on page 68 www.mycommunitymonthly.com