The fall of the Roman Empire also ended the era of bathing as a regular and even recreational activity for people. For hundreds of years after, bathing was regarded as unnecessary or even as a hazardous activity that should not be done unless absolutely necessary.

Starting in the middle of the 1800’s, bathing in the United States began to make a modest return. Bathing occasionally took place in a tin or small copper tub next to a kitchen fire or pot-bellied stove. Soon, cast-iron vats converted from animal troughs were replacing the primitive tubs.

Photo provided by ClassicClawfootTubs.com.

These new tubs had an enamel coating for an attractive surface and easy cleaning, and were larger which made them more comfortable for soaking. The tubs had an addition of four legs, attached to the bottom to stand on resembling animal feet, typically with claws. These “claw foot tubs” caught on quickly with people and bathing came into vogue once more by the late 1800’s. They were viewed as luxurious and refined.

Well, the online world anyway.

So many people write to us and tell us how great they think our site is. I can’t help thinking that they must not see many good sites then, because there are SO MANY MORE great home remodeling and design websites out there, it’s amazing to think that we even rank among them.

10 Best Home Design Blogs

For the past while Home Rejuvenation has been asking people to vote on what they feel are the best design blogs out there, and the results came in today. Here’s what their email this morning said:

“Based on 4931 votes polled over the last month, the 10 most influential design bloggers are revealed! “

Read their post on the “10 MOST INFLUENTIAL DESIGN BLOGGERS“.

Our congratulations to all the winners!

Who I Nominated

Well, I just happened to stumble upon this site (then I Stumbled it!).

Hansgrohe.com is a manufacturer of the coolest showerheads in the world. These are not only stylish, but hi-tech. The have some newfangled device built in that mixes a bunch of air with the water to create what they call ‘RAIN AIR‘.

From the Hansgrohe site:

Right from the experts - those brave souls who are remodeling their own spaces and just so happen to be contestants in the Remodel, Blog & Win online contest!

1. Do The Work Yourself - Sam from Off Like a Herd of Turtles has done some calculating and figures he and his wife, Kim have saved themselves a minimum of $150/square foot because he’s done the work himself. He’s also going above and beyond minimum code requirements.
→ continue reading "7 Ways To Save BIG MONEY on Your Remodeling Project"

That’s right! We’re giving you access to post on our blog!

We’re opening up the ideaBlog to the most creative, inspiring, idea generating remodeling gurus out there… YOU! We want The ideaBlog to be a place where you can share your tips, tricks, ideas, know-how and inspiration for remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, garden, garage, or anything around the house. All you have to do is register for free, and start posting your pictures and ideas!

Hello world!

Welcome to our online home where we have opened our doors to provide a place to share our remodeling ideas with you, as well as a place to let you share your remodeling ideas with others.

You’ll also find idea inspiring posts from contestants in our “$5000 Remodel, Blog & WIN” contest, where these amazingly devoted individuals share their remodeling secrets, techniques, ideas and pitfalls. They will show you that people just like you can make your remodeling dreams come true!

Have you been inspired by something you’ve seen on our site? Do you have some great remodeling ideas that you’d like to share with the world? Register for our site, and start sharing your ideas with the world! We have a photo sharing gallery coming soon, too!