Consumer Corner
A Functional Facelift: Explore the benefits of a bathroom upgrade
Last Updated on August 2, 2025 by Rod Washington
(Family Features) A freshly remodeled bathroom is a welcome addition to any home, from aesthetics that reflect your personal style to the glossy, untouched surfaces and the refreshing scent of a newly finished space. Done right, even more rewards come from the practical touches that enhance your everyday use and how they make you feel.
Bathrooms are among the most common spaces for home renovations, whether you’re updating outdated fixtures and decor or reimaging features to better suit your lifestyle. In a world where every dollar matters, transforming your bathroom into a personal haven that blends your style with functional purpose makes it a smart investment you’ll appreciate long after the renovation is complete.
For a renovation that not only represents a worthwhile investment for today and tomorrow but also delivers emotional ROI, consider these ideas from the experts at Bath Fitter, a leader in stress-free custom bath and shower remodels.
Quality
Of all the rooms in the house, the bathroom may be where quality materials and workmanship matter most. Because it’s a confined space that sees a great deal of moisture and humidity, it’s essential that you use quality materials that stand up to the task and enlist professionals who know how to incorporate effective measures to prevent mold, mildew and other water-related damage.
Paying attention to quality throughout your renovation is also likely to bring you greater functional benefits, as well as increased home value and an overall more pleasing result.
Durability
Especially if you’re planning to be in your home well into the future, it’s a good idea to plan for durable features that can stand the test of time. Be sure to select premium materials and consider their durability and maintenance requirements. Some of the latest design options offered by Bath Fitter deliver the perfect blend of beauty and functionality, ensuring long-lasting durability. For example, the Lucca wall, a sophisticated textured and seamless Chevron tile pattern, offers the ideal combination of modern design and classic charm.
Another design-forward selection is the Sorrento wall, a large-scale 12-by-24 grout-free tile pattern featuring a textured design and a durable, easy-to-clean surface. Unlike tiles and grout, these walls combine on-trend beauty and innovative materials so homeowners can enjoy their bathrooms rather than stress about maintenance. Perfect for minimalist designs and traditional bathrooms alike, Ovation is a sleek and stylish skirted tub. The full line of brushed gold accessories, from trim kits and shower rods to doors and grab bars, can add a sense of warmth to your space.
Aging in Place
The wet and slippery surfaces in bathrooms can lead to injuries. While the risk can affect anyone at any age, bathroom safety is especially important for older adults with reduced mobility.
Planning ahead for your retirement years, or considering the needs of a future buyer, can help create a safe environment and reduce the risk of serious injuries. Some potential problems can be fixed with simple adjustments like rearranging the shelving, installing grab bars, adding seating or increasing lighting levels. In addition, a bathtub’s edge can be hard to navigate, but walk-in showers have a narrower edge, or can even be edge-less, making it easy for wheelchairs to roll in and out the shower.
Ease of Installation
Another important consideration is how the installation process will be carried out in your home. Installing a beautiful tub or shower doesn’t have to be complicated. A custom solution designed to fit your space and requirements may be more attainable than you expect. For example, with an option like Bath Fitter, you can have a premium-quality tub installed right over your existing one so there’s no demolition or mess involved in the remodel whatsoever. It’s the perfect blend of beauty and functionality without the stress and disruption of a traditional bath or shower remodel.
Because a local expert is with you every step of the way – from dreaming up the concept and selecting finishes to measuring, manufacturing and installation – there are no surprises. The result is a tub or shower with a seamless, grout-free watertight wall system that’s easy to keep looking great for years to come. All backed by a transferable lifetime warranty to provide peace of mind.
“As a renovator, I’ve seen firsthand how a bath or shower upgrade can completely transform not just a space but the way people feel about their homes,” said Scott McGillivray, HGTV star and home renovation expert. “That’s why Bath Fitter has been my go-to. Their installers provide high-quality workmanship while homeowners are left with the consistency, reliability and durability of beautiful products with lifetime warranties.”
Safety
A well-placed grab bar can mean the difference between a confident step and a dangerous slip in the bathroom for those aging in place, young children and everyone in between. Knowing where to place grab bars in the shower and around the tub creates a safer, more accessible space for everyone. Proper placement reduces the risk of falls and can bring added peace of mind and confidence to you and your family.
Professionals can guide you through selecting the best grab bars for your bathroom by considering the layout, your needs and design preferences, as well as ensuring your grab bars are installed at the correct height and securely anchored for maximum safety and convenience.
Discover more inspiration and design ideas to boost the long-term value and enjoyment of your bathroom renovation at bathfitter.com.
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Automotive
EV Interest Climbs as Gas Price Uncertainty Pushes Families Toward Electric SUVs
With ongoing uncertainty surrounding global oil prices, more U.S. consumers are buying and showing more interest in electric vehicles (EVs). The shift comes as car shoppers weigh fuel costs, improving affordability and a growing number of family-friendly electric SUVs.
EV Interest Climbs as Gas Price Uncertainty Pushes Families Toward Electric SUVs
(Feature Impact)With ongoing uncertainty surrounding global oil prices, more U.S. consumers are buying and showing more interest in electric vehicles (EVs). The shift comes as car shoppers weigh fuel costs, improving affordability and a growing number of family-friendly electric SUVs.
Watch this video to learn more
According to Spectrum News, EV sales increased in the first quarter of this year. In the same time frame, interest in new EVs increased 16% and interest in used EVs increased by 30%. As families look for opportunities to ditch the gas pump without sacrificing power or space, new all-electric options create a compelling argument for families to turn to EVs.
For those looking to offset their weekly fuel up, the 2026 Kia EV9 can save drivers around $1,800-3,400 per year compared to gas-powered SUVs. Cars.com named the 2026 Kia EV9 the Best Electric Vehicle of 2026 for the second consecutive year.
“The Kia EV9 stood out because it delivers everything we want from a modern electric SUV – strong real-world range, fast charging, excellent space and comfort, and smart flexibility across the lineup,” said Mike Hanley, Sr. Road Test Editor, Cars.com.
For those who aren’t ready to switch to a fully electric vehicle, Kia has expanded its hybrid options. The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid adds horsepower and updated design features, while the Kia Telluride model offers a hybrid version for the first time with a total driving range of up to 637 miles on the Ex FWD-trim.
To learn more about the Kia EV9 and Kia’s hybrid models, visit Kia at kia.com.
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Family
6 Hacks to Prep Your Mudroom for Back-to-School Season
When school is back in session, it means a lot of coming and going to and from your home – often in a rush. Start with these mudroom organization and habit hacks to make your family’s daily routines a little easier.
(Feature Impact) When school is back in session, it means a lot of coming and going to and from your home – often in a rush. Smooth out those morning scrambles and save yourself some afternoon cleanups by turning your mudroom into a space that feels more organized and less chaotic.
Start with these mudroom organization and habit hacks to make your family’s daily routines a little easier.
Do a Beginning-of-Year Declutter
If the coat hooks are still sporting rain jackets the kids outgrew several seasons ago, that’s your sign to plan a purge. Out with the old, in with the new: collect last year’s coats, too-small shoes, the backpack with the broken zipper, worn-out accessories and that pile of junk mail then figure out what to keep, toss and donate.
Create a “Get-Out-The-Door” Spot for Essentials
“Have you seen my…” is a sentence you can only stand to hear (and say) so many times in one morning. Set up shelves or baskets for important items like keys, permission slips, library books, water bottles, lunchboxes, sports gear and anything else that needs to leave the house with the family. Repetition will build the habit, and even if things still get lost from time to time, this system gives everyone a first place to look.
Choose a Shoe System
Whether you’re a shoe rack kind of family or you’ve got DIY dreams of building an aesthetic wooden bench with shoe storage underneath, lock it in. Shoes are easy for kids to kick off when they get home, and if they aren’t sure where to put them, they’ll remain wherever they land or pile up by the door. Also consider putting down washable mats so grime doesn’t accumulate on your rack or floor.
Give Each Child a Designated Drop Zone
It’s easier for kids to stay organized when they have their own dedicated spaces to hang up jackets, set down backpacks, put shoes and store everyday essentials. Provide each child with their own coat hooks, cubbies, bins or lockers. Build them at kid-friendly heights and make it fun by letting everyone decorate their own zone.
Have Options Ready for Bad Weather
With a little advanced planning, you can prevent your mudroom from living up to its name. Set up a rainy-day corner with an umbrella stand, boot tray, towel basket and hooks or racks to hang damp outerwear. Keep a laundry hamper in the mudroom, too, so wet clothes and dirty uniforms don’t migrate through the house.
Label Storage Areas Clearly
Nearly everyone’s been there: you start a new organization system feeling efficient and optimistic, then over time, memories lapse and it descends back into anarchy. Labels may not stop this from happening every time, but at least they might make kids stop and consider whether their books should go in the basket labeled “Books” or on top of the shoe rack. That’s one step closer to restoring order.
For more back-to-school tips and tricks, visit eLivingToday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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Consumer Corner
Ford Fathom vs. Slate Truck: The Battle for the Affordable Electric Pickup
Ford Fathom vs Slate Truck: Compare price, features, range and practicality as two affordable electric pickups prepare to battle for buyers.
For years, one of the biggest complaints about electric vehicles has been simple: they cost too much.
Electric pickup trucks have made that problem even more obvious, with many models carrying prices that can quickly climb well beyond what an average truck buyer might want to spend.
Then came Slate Auto, promising something radically different — a small, simple electric pickup with a starting price below $25,000 before destination charges.
Now Ford is entering the conversation.
Meet the Ford Fathom, an upcoming midsize electric pickup expected to start at just $28,350 before destination charges.
And suddenly, the affordable electric truck market is getting very interesting.
What Is the Ford Fathom?
The Fathom is more than another electric Ford.
It’s the first production vehicle based on Ford’s new Universal Electric Vehicle Platform, an architecture designed specifically to reduce the cost and complexity of building EVs.
Ford plans to build the Fathom at its extensively retooled Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, with production scheduled to begin in 2027.
The company says the standard-range Fathom will carry a starting MSRP of $28,350, before destination charges. Preorders are expected to begin in early 2027.
That puts Ford remarkably close to one of the most talked-about inexpensive EVs in America: the Slate Truck.
Remember the Slate Truck?
We previously covered the Slate Truck because its concept is refreshingly simple.
Instead of building an expensive truck loaded with equipment and then trying to make it cheaper, Slate essentially started with the minimum necessary to make a useful electric pickup.
The result is an intentionally basic two-seat truck.
Slate’s latest specifications list a 65-kWh LFP battery, rear-wheel drive, an estimated 205 miles of range, a 5-foot bed, 7-cubic-foot front trunk, maximum payload of 1,550 pounds and maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. Slate emphasizes that these remain manufacturer estimates because the truck is still in preproduction.
The Slate’s philosophy could almost be summarized this way:
Here’s the truck. Add what you want.
That’s part of its appeal.
But Ford has apparently decided there is another way to build an inexpensive electric pickup.
Ford’s Approach: Give Buyers More From the Beginning
This may be the most important difference between the two trucks.
The Slate is deliberately minimalist.
The Fathom is being designed to feel more like the modern vehicle consumers already expect.
Ford says the Fathom will seat five people and offer features including a large high-resolution touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, digital-key capability and bidirectional power.
Every Fathom will also be BlueCruise-capable, although use of Ford’s hands-free highway-driving technology may require activation or a subscription depending on how Ford ultimately packages the service.
That creates a fascinating comparison.
The Slate asks:
How much equipment can we remove to make an EV affordable?
Ford appears to be asking:
How can we manufacture an EV differently so we don’t have to remove as much?
Those are two very different solutions to the same problem.
Ford Is Reinventing the Assembly Line, Too
Perhaps the most interesting part of the Fathom isn’t the truck itself.
It’s how Ford intends to build it.
Ford is introducing what it calls an “assembly tree” at its Louisville factory.
Rather than moving an entire vehicle through a conventional linear assembly process, major portions of the Fathom can be constructed separately before being brought together.
Ford is also using large castings and other manufacturing changes intended to reduce complexity and production time.
The company says the approach could improve manufacturing efficiency by approximately 15 percent.
In other words, Ford isn’t simply trying to build a cheaper electric truck.
It’s trying to develop a cheaper way of building electric vehicles.
If it works, the implications could extend well beyond the Fathom.
Ford Fathom vs. Slate Truck
Here’s where the matchup currently stands:Feature Ford Fathom Slate Truck Vehicle Midsize EV pickup Compact EV pickup Starting MSRP $28,350 before destination Under $25,000 before destination Seating 5 2 in pickup configuration Drive Details pending Rear-wheel drive Battery Standard-range version confirmed; capacity TBD 65-kWh LFP Estimated range Not yet announced 205 miles* Bed Yes; dimensions TBD 60.5 inches Frunk Yes 7 cu. ft. Payload TBD Up to 1,550 lb. Towing TBD Up to 2,000 lb. Touchscreen Yes Minimalist device-based approach Power windows Expected as conventional equipment Manual in base configuration BlueCruise capability Yes No Bidirectional power Yes Not comparable at present Production 2027 Preproduction/launch phase
*Slate’s range figure is a manufacturer estimate approximating the EPA test cycle and is not yet an official EPA range rating.
Slate Still Has an Important Advantage
None of this necessarily makes the Slate irrelevant.
In fact, Slate’s simplicity could become its greatest selling point.
Some buyers don’t want increasingly complicated vehicles dominated by giant screens, software subscriptions and electronic features.
They want something closer to the small pickups Americans could buy decades ago:
simple, useful and relatively inexpensive.
Slate also places customization at the center of the ownership experience. Its pickup can effectively serve as a blank canvas for owners who want to configure the vehicle around their needs.
For a small business, delivery operation, hobbyist or someone who simply wants a basic runabout with a pickup bed, that could be extremely attractive.
Ford is selling an affordable modern EV.
Slate is selling an affordable platform you make your own.
But Ford Has One Enormous Advantage
Ford is Ford.
That matters.
Slate is attempting one of the hardest things imaginable in the automotive industry: launching a new automaker while simultaneously designing, manufacturing, selling and supporting an entirely new vehicle.
Ford already has factories, suppliers, dealerships, service departments, financing operations and parts-distribution networks throughout the country.
That doesn’t guarantee the Fathom will succeed.
But it eliminates many of the uncertainties consumers face when buying a vehicle from a startup.
And when the difference between two vehicles could amount to only a few thousand dollars, that established infrastructure becomes an important part of the purchasing decision.
The Biggest Question Is Still Range
There’s one specification we desperately need before declaring a winner:
How far will the Ford Fathom travel on a charge?
Slate currently estimates approximately 205 miles from its 65-kWh battery.
Ford has confirmed that the $28,350 Fathom will use a standard-range battery, with a longer-range version expected, but the company hasn’t yet revealed official range figures.
If Ford can deliver competitive range while keeping the Fathom around the promised $30,000 threshold, it could become one of the most consequential affordable EV introductions in years.
If the base truck’s range is significantly lower, however, Slate’s proposition starts looking considerably stronger.
The Affordable Truck May Be Making a Comeback
Perhaps the most encouraging part of the Fathom-versus-Slate story has nothing to do with which company wins.
It’s the fact that manufacturers are once again talking seriously about affordable trucks.
Pickup trucks have become larger, more luxurious and substantially more expensive over the past several decades.
Slate went in the opposite direction by asking how little truck someone actually needs.
Ford is now asking whether advanced manufacturing can deliver more vehicle without dramatically increasing the price.
Those philosophies are about to meet in the marketplace.
And consumers may ultimately be the winners.
For now, we’re calling this one:
Slate is the fascinating minimalist. Ford Fathom is the potentially formidable mainstream challenger.
But we’re reserving final judgment until Ford tells us the numbers that matter most — EPA range, battery capacity, payload, towing capacity and what buyers will actually pay when the truck reaches dealerships.
What do you think? Would you choose the ultra-simple Slate Truck, or spend a little more for the five-passenger Ford Fathom? Let us know in the comments.
Follow STM Daily News Consumer Corner Automotive for updates as Ford releases additional Fathom specifications and as the Slate Truck moves closer to customer deliveries.
Sources & Related Links
- Slate Auto — Official Website — Official information on the Slate Truck, customization options, pricing and projected range. Slate currently lists the Blank Slate at $24,950 with 205 miles of projected range.
- Slate Truck — Official Specifications — Detailed manufacturer specifications covering the 65-kWh LFP battery, dimensions, charging, 1,550-pound maximum payload, 2,000-pound towing capacity and projected 205-mile range.
- Slate Auto FAQ — Useful background on pricing, deliveries, charging and Slate’s unusual minimalist approach. Slate says first deliveries are planned for late 2026 and lists a $1,450 destination charge.
- Slate Press Kit — Particularly useful for STM Daily News because Slate provides official high-resolution photography, video and media materials here.
- Slate — Getting Your Truck — Explains Slate’s direct-to-consumer purchasing process, preorders and expected delivery process.
