<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0cm 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Custom Showers: A Daily Dose of Luxury</font></h2><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">(ARA) -The shower was once the bathroom’s most unassuming area, solely offering functionality while the jetted tub had all the fun. Times have changed however, and this once modest necessity has emerged as one of today’s hottest bathroom luxuries with new options offering the same sense of relaxation and awe that was previously reserved for the bathtub.</span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">For frazzled homeowners seeking an escape from the stresses of the outside world, the master bath provides an ideal place to soothe away the day’s chaos. Unfortunately, time constraints can make self-pampering a rare indulgence. Given that, luxury showers have grown in popularity, offering homeowners a daily sense of relaxation that can be enjoyed in a time-efficient manner.</p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/3a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/3a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"The tranquil streams, invigorating pulses and calming massages offered by customized showering systems have transformed the once lackluster shower into a sensory journey," says Jeff Pratt, vice president of sales for Danze, a manufacturer of decorative plumbing products. As demand has increased, the technology has been upgraded, with the ability to customize any combination of showerheads, sprays and massage jets to create the same relaxing getaway once exclusive to tubs.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"While the bathtub will have a place in many homes, showers have emerged as a ‘must have’ in the bathroom," says Pratt. "Besides offering a convenient way to unwind, they’re also relatively easy to upgrade, either by replacing an old showerhead or by tapping into existing plumbing to add a second showerhead or body sprays."</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">In fact, according to Pratt, many homeowners are surprised to realize just how easy and cost-effective upgrading their shower can be. Here are a few tips on how to upgrade your existing shower:</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Add a high-performance showerhead. Many can be installed by most any Do-It-Yourselfer and can easily replace that old one. If you are unsatisfied with your showerhead’s position, offset shower arms, or shower arm extensions can be used to adjust it to your desired angle. </p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Select a showerhead that offers multiple functions to accommodate any mood.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* When selecting a shower system, find components that maximize your water pressure level such as the new 300 and 400 Series showerheads from Danze.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Find shower products that match the styling and finish of your bath faucets and accessories to complete the room’s look.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">If you’re a homeowner who’s considering an entire shower makeover or bathroom remodel, choosing an integrated shower system with multiple components may be the way to go. Combining multiple showerheads, handheld sprayers and body sprays into one customized unit can result in the ultimate shower get-away. Want that feeling, but don’t know where to start? Here are some ways to jumpstart and simplify the process:</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Determine the Project’s Scale – Do you want a simple update to your shower, or an entire bathroom makeover? Determining the scale of your project ahead of time will help guide your decisions on which customized showering options are right for you.<span>    </span></p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Know Your Options – With such a dramatic rise in popularity, showering options have expanded to include choices you may never have dreamt of. New technology incorporating lighting, steam, jets, even aromatherapy, has expanded the realm of possibility. Researching ahead of time helps to make an educated purchasing decision.</p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/3a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/3a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Don’t Sacrifice Style – If your preference is a traditional style, don’t settle for ultramodern shower accessories. Many manufacturers, such as Danze, offer shower components in a range of sizes, styles and finishes, allowing homeowners to get state-of-the-art function without compromising personal taste.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">For more information on customized shower systems, including the Danze 300 and 400 Series showerheads, visit www.danze.com.</p>  <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>