Barry Rattray, Contributor

Swimming pool with a beach done by Advanced Construction Corporation.

I attended the 'Fort Lauderdale Home design and remodelling show' held at the Broward County Convention Centre, which ran from November 9-12, 2007. The show was among the largest of its kind in America, with over 750 display booths of home decorating, remodelling and improvement showcased.

There were so many things to see and appreciate, and this is what stood out for me.

Bathrooms

Fountain made of stone by Stoneview Products Inc.

Can you imagine a 'walk-in' bathtub with its own entry door; allowing for easy access and exiting when taking a bath! A free-standing unit with hydrotherapy jets for soothing relief. Ready to connect because its pre-plumbed.

Bathroom vanity basins, richly sculptured - taking elegant traditional furniture from the living, dining room straight into the bathroom.

European bathroom fixtures. Ultra-modern with dramatic clean lines. You may well wonder how to use the sink!

Massage shower unit, creating your own personal spa. Installed on your bathroom wall, with several water jets massaging your troubles away. Available in acrylic and aluminium, in various sizes. No need for re-plumbing.

Remodelling your bathroom was never so easy or more affordable. Now, in one day you can convert it with a custom bathtub and shower wall liner, manufactured from high gloss acrylic that won't crack, peel, chip, rust or even mildew. Is that possible? Yes, it is. Made to seemlessly fit right over your old tub and walls, making them new again. Available in a variety of styles and colours. No need to disturb existing floor or plumbing. Lifetime warranty.

Basin faucets are now nearly unrecognisable. The designs are now so unusual. How do you turn them on?

Doors

Your front door can add prestige to your house more than you would ever believe. Make a bold statement with these beautifully designed and finished ones. Steel-wood armoured; stainless steel; solid wood, etc.

Open your automated garage doors with nothing more than your fingers! Fingertip, keyless entry, sensor technology, recognises the homeowners fingerprints, guaranteeing secure access.

Got your attention? Check us out next week for more.

Roofs

How about a unique and exciting ceramic roof tile. Superior to clay and concrete roof tiles in every aspect. High heat reflection. Resists mould, mildew and fungus. Thirty-two colours and finishes. Did you know that ceramic tile is used by NASA to reflect heat from the space shuttle on re-entry, and will perform a similar function on a roof? Resists winds over 150 miles per hour and comes with lifetime guarantee.

Windows

Window treatments have come a long way. Drapes now give way to shades of exquisite woven wood, as well as soft fabrics. In many colours, patterns, styles and textures to choose from - all motorised, using keypads or hand-held remote.

Outdoors

The new wave in swimming pools is the 'beach' - an arena graduating from the shallow end to the deep end. This 'beach' area is wide enough to put lounge chairs, affording you relaxation right in the shallow water.

To see it is to fall in love with it. Stone for your home. Fountains, display cabinetry, walls, columns ... all out of stone. Amazing.

Did we grab your attention? Check us out next week for more.

Barry Rattray is an architectural designer/builder