Polished chrome is classic, low maintenance and less expensive than nickel. If fingerprints, watermarks or bath products such as toothpaste get on chrome, they are easily removable with soap and water without leaving stains. On the other hand, nickel requires more rigorous upkeep. For example, here are the Care & Maintenance instructions from Newport Brass (they make Restoration Hardware fixtures) "General instructions for cleaning and caring for your faucets and bathroom fittings. Our faucets and bath fittings are made of solid brass and are of the finest quality. To maintain the finish on these items, please do not use any abrasive cleaners, rubbing alcohol, ammonia, detergents, brass or silver polish which will scratch the surface. Clean with a soft damp cloth. Applying a coating of a non-abrasive liquid wax to the clean surface of the product will protect the finish. Brass ProTech, product of Brasstech, Inc., can be used on all types of decorative painted and plated finishes. Simply apply Brass ProTech with a soft cloth and let it dry. Remove by rubbing gently with a soft dry cloth. Brass ProTech does not contain harsh abrasives. We highly recommend using Brass ProTech regularly on items finished in Polished Nickel (15), Satin Nickel (15S), Polished Silver (25) and Satin Silver (25S). Do not allow soap scum or minerals in water to build up on the surface finish of your faucets or bath fittings (including toothpaste). These will gradually wear away the protective coating or finish and diminish the beauty of your products. Living Finishes and Uncoated Finishes 03W, 08W, 25 and 25S are living finishes. 03N is an uncoated finish. Depending on maintenance and use, these finishes will naturally weather and change color. Our warranty does not cover living or uncoated finishes. Finish colors can vary and change in color is unpredictable." I recommend chrome in one of the many classic styles available to complement your carrara bathroom.

Hello Marcelle, I am an interior designer . I can tell you a simple inexpensive way to change the look of your kitchen. Looking at the photo you sent the different cabinet heights , and all the objects on the stove wall are very busy . Your modern house is wanting a cleaner , simple look. I would lower the small cabinets so that the top is at the same height as the others in the room. And put doors on , that will hide the clutter. Next I would do a tile backsplash above the stove , up to the same height. The whole kitchen will be pulled together by the continuous top line. There is a small light wood cabinet with baskets in the foreground . I would paint it white , or the same dark accent color of the cabinets you have. I don't think you would need to change the beams then , they would add interest and drama once everything else was subdued. Lisa

An all weather outdoor shower is easily done by locating the mixing valve inside the house and use a coupling shaft to locate the handle on the outside. You must use a standard tub type lower faucet (with the pull up to activate the shower) to allow the system to drain out when the shower is done. You also have to make sure everything slopes in direction of the water flow. We live in Bancroft Ontario so winters are well below freezing and we have been showering outside for 3 winters. Only issue we have is the shower head will freeze so we typically remove it after a shower or shower without it on when really cold. The system has worked well and it helps that nothing special needs to be done by anyone. no inside valves to close etc. Just turn off tap and everything drains.

Well you posted this several months ago, but I thought I would make suggestions anyway. Hope you don't mind. In order to stay with or keep in mind the style of the shelves I would first change out the towel rack and TP holder to a chrome, or brushed nickel finish. Or get something that goes with the water faucet on the sink. If you are going to paint the wood around the shower base, paint the window trim and pieces of baseboard that are wood as well. I agree with using a gray color that adalisa, above mentioned. Maybe paint your vanity a darker gray, or even a shade of black, like your shelves to tie it in. That's it for me.