Consumer Corner
Creating a Bathroom Oasis: 5 upgrades that evoke the joy of water
Water is essential in beauty routines, transforming bathrooms into serene retreats. Key features include versatile showerheads, elegant faucets, soothing bathtubs, and calming scents that enhance relaxation and rejuvenation.
(Family Features) As an essential element that nourishes and revitalizes, water plays a fundamental role in every beauty routine. From the droplets dancing on your scalp as they chase away lingering hints of slumber to creating the lather that cleans and rejuvenates your body, water is at the center of your daily life. Especially where you start your day: in the bathroom.
Your Bathroom Oasis
If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, create a refreshing oasis by celebrating the joy of water and the soothing function it brings. Transform your simple bathroom into a sanctuary filled with features that make it easy to enjoy the many ways water soothes your senses.
In the Shower
The shower is an obvious source of plenty of water-fueled relaxation. Shower heads with a selection of spray options let you adjust the pressure to fit your needs so you can opt for a quick cleanse or a more therapeutic experience with a calming rain effect. Other enhancements include a water-resistant bench and spacious shower shelves to hold a variety of products. Add in a touch of luxurious comfort by installing a heated towel rack to cap off the ideal shower experience.
At the Bathroom Vanity
When designing a practical space like the bathroom, it’s easy to overlook everyday features and focus instead on the bigger elements like the flooring or countertops. It’s these details that can make all the difference, however, and upgrading your bathroom sink faucet can take the retreat to a new level of beauty and functionality.
A subtly elegant selection such as the Lineare Collection from GROHE makes a sophisticated statement that instantly elevates the look and feel of a premium bathroom space. The sleek design is defined by slender cylindrical shapes complemented by slim profiles on the lever handles and spouts. Other appealing features include an increased spout height for enhanced comfort and a 90-degree swivel angle for better accessibility and easier cleaning.
“As an interior designer, I believe the way we experience water has the power to elevate everyday routines into something truly special,” said César Giraldo, founder and principal designer of César Giraldo Design. “GROHE’s elegant fittings and fixtures not only enhance the aesthetic of any space but also create a sanctuary where one can unwind and rejuvenate. Elevating your bathroom to a luxurious, spa-like retreat is about embracing the serene and revitalizing essence of water in its finest form.”
Mix in Nature
Borrowing inspiration from nature as you design your space allows you to introduce a variety of creative water features. You might select a soaking tub with a waterfall feature, a soothing standing fountain or a countertop fountain that provides tranquil water sounds and incorporates other natural elements like river rock. To further enhance your nature-inspired oasis, incorporate lush greenery and plenty of natural light.
In the Bathtub
There are few things quite like soaking your cares away in a deep tub, especially in the comfort of your own home. The wisdom of keeping an eye on the details extends to the tub, where you can make a leisurely soak even more enticing. Take the faucet you use to fill your tub as an example – modern and sleek yet warm and tactile, GROHE Essence faucets are versatile choices for creating harmonious bathrooms that feel luxurious and inviting. Freestanding styles make for a perfect complement to freestanding tubs while the collection’s deck-mounted styles include features like a hand shower for effortless rinsing.
Add Calming Scents
Remember, a true personal sanctuary should soothe all the senses, so while you focus on more tactile and visual features, don’t overlook the power of smell. Enhancing your oasis with calming scents can help keep you grounded and relieve stress, and many appealing fragrances reflect the allure of the aquatics, like those that mimic the ocean or rainfall.
Find more ways to transform your bathroom into an oasis retreat at grohe.us.
SOURCE:
GROHE
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HGTV Unveils the HGTV Dream Home 2026: A $2.4M+ Lake Wylie Retreat Near Charlotte
HGTV unveils the Dream Home 2026 on Lake Wylie near Charlotte, NC—a 3,000+ sq.-ft. waterfront retreat. Enter daily through Feb. 13, 2026.
HGTV just pulled back the curtain on its HGTV® Dream Home 2026—a newly built, fully furnished waterfront escape set on a secluded peninsula along Lake Wylie near Charlotte, North Carolina. And yes, the stakes are big: the sweepstakes winner takes home a grand prize package valued at more than $2.4 million, including the home plus $100,000 cash.
Designed to feel equal parts “weekend getaway” and “forever home,” the property leans hard into lake life—panoramic water views, warm natural finishes, and outdoor spaces built for slow mornings and long sunsets.
A lakeside home built for views (and actual living)
Spanning more than 3,000 square feet, HGTV Dream Home 2026 includes three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, with a layout intentionally oriented to capture Lake Wylie views from nearly every angle.
HGTV describes the home as a calm, curated retreat—where indoor comfort and outdoor beauty are basically in constant conversation. The design palette is rooted in the landscape: earth tones, organic materials, hand-laid stone, custom millwork, classic furnishings, and vintage collectibles that keep the vibe warm and timeless rather than overly trendy.
Some of the standout interior features include:
- A central great room anchored by a reclaimed-wood mantle
- A welcoming dining space with a café-style door
- A chef-style kitchen featuring an over-grouted stone backsplash
- A morning room for casual coffee-and-light moments
- A garage with pantry access plus a dedicated pet wash
- A main bedroom suite with sweeping lake views and a spa-like bath, plus a closet that includes an all-in-one washer/dryer
Outdoor living takes center stage—hello, two-story dock
If the inside is designed for comfort, the outside is designed for the lifestyle. HGTV’s Dream Home 2026 leans into relaxed waterfront living with natural landscaping, laid-back outdoor furnishings, and a pebbled pathway leading to what might be the showstopper: a spectacular two-story dock.
It’s the kind of feature HGTV fans will immediately picture in use—sunrise coffee, sunset watching, and full-on lake days without leaving your property line.
Why Lake Wylie? Location meets laid-back Southern charm
Lake Wylie sits across the North Carolina–South Carolina border and is known for calm waters and an outdoors-first pace. HGTV highlights the lake’s 300+ miles of shoreline and its reputation as a haven for water activities—boating, paddling, and everything in between.
The location also hits that sweet spot of “peaceful but not remote”: it’s about 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte, and within easy reach of nearby towns like Belmont and Fort Mill.
The team behind the build and design
The home was built by Knotts Builders, with interior design led by Brian Patrick Flynn, who said he aimed to reflect Lake Wylie’s natural beauty while keeping the home “warm, inviting, and effortlessly livable.”
HGTV’s Howard Lee, Chief Creative Officer & President, US Networks, added that the home showcases the lifestyle of the Lake Wylie destination—and invited viewers to explore and enter for a chance to make it their own.
Sponsors featured throughout the home
HGTV Dream Home projects are also a showcase for sponsor products integrated into the build and lifestyle experience. This year’s lineup includes:
- Spectrum (connectivity)
- HGTV Home® by Sherwin-Williams (paint palette)
- Husqvarna (lawn tools)
- SimpliSafe (home security)
- Snuggle (laundry products)
- Stanley Steemer (cleaning)
- Trex (decking/outdoor materials)
- VELUX (skylights and sun tunnels)
- Wayfair (furniture, décor, appliances)
How to enter the HGTV Dream Home 2026 giveaway
The official entry window runs from 9 a.m. ET Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 through 5 p.m. ET Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Eligible fans can enter daily at:
- HGTV.com
- FoodNetwork.com
HGTV notes that both sites will include full details, official rules, and additional home features.
When to watch the HGTV Dream Home 2026 special
Viewers can tune into the one-hour special HGTV Dream Home 2026 on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET on HGTV, with streaming availability on Max and discovery+ the same day.
For fans who want a closer look right now, HGTV also has a dedicated Dream Home hub and photo tours online.
Sources:
- https://www.multivu.com/warner_bros_discovery/9364151-en-hgtv-dream-home-2026-sweepstakes
- https://www.hgtv.com/sweepstakes/hgtv-dream-home
- https://www.hgtv.com/sweepstakes/hgtv-dream-home/2026/tour-hgtv-dream-home-2026-pictures
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home improvement
3 Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades for Winter
Energy-Efficient Home: Taking steps to make your home more energy-efficient this winter isnít just a smart way to lower utility bills, itís also good for the planet.
3 Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades for Winter
(Family Features) Taking steps to make your home more energy-efficient this winter isn’t just a smart way to lower utility bills, it’s also good for the planet. Whether you’re looking to stretch your budget further or shrink your energy footprint, small upgrades can transform your home into a more efficient, comfortable living space.
While steps like unplugging electronics when not in use and letting natural light in through windows and skylights throughout the day are small habits that can add up over time, these cost-effective ideas can have a more immediate, noticeable impact.
Seal in Comfort
Check for drafts around windows, doors and vents. Tiny leaks or openings can allow warm air to escape or cool outside air to enter. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps and maintain cozy indoor temperatures. Adding extra insulation in your attic or crawl spaces can also lead to a more efficient heating system.
Update Lighting
Switching to LED lightbulbs is a simple way to cut down on energy usage. LEDs not only consume a fraction of the electricity of traditional bulbs but also last longer. To save even more energy, consider pairing them with dimmers or motion sensors, which also add customizable comfort and style.
Replace Outdated Appliances
If your refrigerator, dishwasher or washer and dryer are 10 years old or older, consider investing in an energy-efficient replacement. Modern models are designed to use less water and electricity. Similarly, upgrading to a smart thermostat can make it easier to manage heating schedules automatically and adjust your home’s temperature while out and about.
For more ideas to make your home more efficient year-round, visit eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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2025 KIA TELLURIDE RANKS NUMBER ONE IN ITS SEGMENT IN J.D. POWER 2025 U.S. INITIAL QUALITY STUDY (IQS)
2025 Telluride
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@stmblog Excited to introduce the KiaEV9! This all-electric SUV combines style, space, and sustainability. Ready for your next adventure! ⚡🌍 #ElectricVehicle
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