The standard shed takes a modern twist by creating a structure that adds square footage to a homeowner's property for a guest bedroom, artist studio, workout space, home office or man cave.

More than a simple storage unit for lawn and garden items, a thoroughly modern milled out-building is in for people who want to add livable square footage to their residential property, says Tim Vack, general manager of Modern-Shed Inc., based in Seattle since 2005.

"Our Modern-Shed isn't just a shed, it's a shell which can stylishly house additional living space," he says of the company with ten sales representatives across North America. "Based on mid-century architecture, the elegance of the Modern-Shed is the simplicity of a structure with a single-angled roof and windows near the top."

A Modern-Shed is used less as a gardening shed and more as part of a stylish backyard garden getaway, as the company claims to be the first to customize and produce mid-century style outbuildings that are International Building Code compliant. Capitalizing on this modern movement, even Tuff Shed, a company known for its barnlike and traditional-style sheds, offers a contemporary Premier Pro Studio shed, which can be purchased nationwide.

If a homeowner wants to shed the conventional for a contemporary outbuilding, there are many things to do before breaking ground. Vack says involving family members in the discussion of a Modern-Shed's usage helps to make it a little extension of the big house.

"Life is so stressful, and having a place to escape into the backyard is like having that tree house when we were kids," he says. "But if the site isn't prepared properly, a Modern-Shed can be anything but fun and games."

The location for a studio-style shed should be a relatively dry spot, on slightly elevated ground, where rainwater won't collect. Often, homeowners build their Modern-Shed over a solid or crushed rock surface, poured concrete pad or wooden decking, but the structure should be built at least 12 to 18 inches off the ground, according to Vack. "The site needs to be prepared and graded to handle the drainage after water flows off the roof," he says. "Also, site accommodations must be made if the Modern-Shed is going to have electricity and plumbing."

But before buying and breaking ground on the bitty building, Vack says homeowners need to do their homework and check with local accessory building codes within their municipality and/or homeowner's association. "Modern-Shed provides the ready-to-assemble customized and prefabricated building components, and after construction, the structure can weigh up to 5,000 pounds," Vack says. "But it's up to the homeowners to secure the permits and construction team to execute their dream for a Modern-Shed, or it can quickly become a nightmare."

Modern-Sheds come in a variety of sizes, but the most popular is a 10-by-12-foot structure, totaling 120 square feet. The Modern-Shed can be customized using a variety of materials and woods, with insulated walls that hold professionally manufactured windows and doors. Vack says the cost of a Modern-Shed can start out at $100 per square foot and top off around $250 per square foot. The average cost, however, is just over $150 per square foot, he says.

A Modern-Shed space can be used for both work and play:

-- A home office, the most popular usage, is a space that is both productive and professional, including easy commutes to and from the backyard.

-- An art studio for the artist-in-residence is a creative space flooded with natural light from windows near the roofline.

-- A home gym allows families to stay in and work out, then cool off outside.

-- A hobby or craft room puts an end to canvassing your home for art supplies while longing for a permanent place to sew, scrapbook or creatively sprawl out.

-- A man cave or game room allows families to bring their A-game home and socially engage by watching the big game on television in a penalty-free zone.

-- A teen hangout allows your home to be a drama-free scene by creating a special space for the young adults in your life.

-- A guest suite is sweet for visiting friends and family, with enough space and privacy to accommodate loved ones.

Building a backyard space sheds light on the charms of creating an additional private residential room without remodeling the existing home. "The concept of the Modern-Shed is growing, as the company is on track to fulfill 20 percent more orders this year than it did last year," Vack says. "Building a Modern-Shed isn't just about putting up a building, it's about a lifestyle, as homeowners also landscape around this new multipurpose room for a finishing and fragrant touch."

Shed Ready:

For more information, see Modern-Shed.com or call 800-261-7282.

(For editorial questions, please contact Clint Hooker at chooker@amuniversal.com.)

Utilizing natural light, while still maintaining privacy, need not be a design stumbling block in the home. Once relegated largely to commercial applications, the ease of installing clear block systems as residential windows and walls can be as smooth as glass, says Roger Murphy, president of Hy-Lite, a U.S. Block Windows Company in Pensacola, Florida, and a leading manufacturer of acrylic and glass-block systems since 1988.

"A modern design aesthetic in today's homes lends itself well to the use of acrylic and glass blocks," Murphy said. "Today, people are thinking outside the box, using these block systems in unconventional ways -- not just as windows."

Glass and acrylic blocks are prized for providing varying degrees of privacy and light transmission at the same time. In the past, the use of glass blocks in homes was largely limited to basement windows. Now, glass blocks and their acrylic counterparts are illuminating every room in the house.

Homeowners might become glassy-eyed when discussing design options, since glass and acrylic blocks come in a myriad of different colors, types and textures, but there are differences between the two products, Murphy says.

"There is much more design freedom when dealing with acrylic blocks, as opposed to glass ones," he said. "The most obvious difference is that glass-block design shapes are limited to right angles. Acrylic blocks have greater design flexibility because we can achieve architectural shapes such as arches, ovals, octagons and triangles in the factory."

Glass blocks can measure up to 4 inches thick or be twice as deep as a single-pane window. Traditionally, glass blocks were individually mortared together like bricks, resulting in a heavy, permanent and immovable fixture.

Today, preassembled glass-block windows are available in a wide variety of ready-to-install sizes. Hy-Lite manufactures pre-framed 2-inch-thick glass blocks that are incorporated into a substrate, which protects the blocks from cracking. Murphy says glass-block systems are also heavier than acrylic ones, so you will need to install them on a firm foundation to ensure your home can support the additional weight.

Conversely, acrylic-block windows can be used in both fixed and operable applications, as they are up to 70 percent lighter than traditional glass-block windows, Murphy says. Awning, casement and basement hopper-style windows are some of the most popular window styles that both open and close.

Because acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic made of synthetic resins, these blocks are easier to manipulate during the manufacturing process. In addition to different sizes and shapes, acrylic blocks can be easily colored or tinted to block the sun's rays. Extra insulating layers added during the manufacturing process can make acrylic blocks one-third more energy efficient than traditional glass-block windows, Murphy says.

"For our products, a block assembly of about a 47-inch square is just under $715 for glass block and just over $600 for acrylic," Murphy said. "Of course, you can find architectural salvage glass blocks, but you will need to factor in the time and labor of mortaring them into place."

Although glass and acrylic blocks are technically transparent, different surface patterns -- waved, ribbed, stippled, dimpled or gridded -- all distort views and refract light. Privacy patterns in the blocks eliminate the need for window treatments and are especially popular in bathrooms. They are ideal as not only exterior windows, but also as room dividers, kitchen backsplashes, shower enclosures and part of stairway railings.

-- In the entryway, sidelights made of glass or acrylic block make for a warm welcome, while not compromising the security of the space.

-- In an open floor plan, a glass- or acrylic-block wall or partition defines and separates spaces in a light and bright way.

-- In the kitchen, glass- or acrylic-block sections inserted between the countertop and the wall cabinets are a bright idea for a backsplash, while an island need not be unchartered territory when framed by blocks.

-- In the shower, glass or acrylic blocks are as durable and low-maintenance as ceramic tile, while providing varying degrees of privacy in which sunlight -- and water -- can stream.

-- On the stairway, glass or acrylic blocks can be a contemporary take on conventional spindles without compromising safety, while brightening up an otherwise shadowy stairwell.

Murphy says the use of glass or acrylic blocks in a home can flood the inside with outside light. "The use of glass or acrylic blocks allows homeowners to go more natural," he said. "Not only are they able to enjoy more natural light, they have the privacy to do so."

Let the Sun Shine In:

For more information, call 1-888-256-2599 or go to: www.hy-lite.com.

(For editorial questions, please contact Clint Hooker at chooker@amuniversal.com.)

Bathroom design need not be flushed when seeking the best plan for a powder room's privy. "People don't really think about the design of a toilet, until it comes time to replace the old one," says Chuck York, a vice president with Mansfield Plumbing Products in Perrysville, Ohio. Founded in 1929, Mansfield manufactures more than 1 million toilets a year, distributing them to 1,500 retail outlets in the United States and Canada.

The time to "talk toilets" is more relevant than ever, especially when it comes to the topic of water conservation in the home. "An old toilet will use up to 3.5 gallons per flush, compared to today's high-efficiency toilet, which uses 1.28 gallons per flush or less," York says. "Not only will a family save on water bills, having a high-efficiency toilet is a necessity, especially in places like California, which are experiencing a severe drought."

But using less water doesn't mean consumers need to poo-poo the loo's performance. Toilets earning a WaterSense label are certified to be at least 20 percent more efficient without sacrificing performance. WaterSense is a program that, in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, seeks to protect the water supply by offering its seal of approval on water-efficient products.

The design of a high-efficiency toilet uses less water by forcing it through the front of the bowl. Most toilets operate on a gravity-flush system, but a pressure-assist flush mechanism can be installed inside the tank to move more material with less water. Mansfield's QuantumOne line of pressure-assist, high-efficiency toilets have attained the industry's premium ratings by achieving high performance and efficiency standards, using only 1 gallon of water per flush.

Installing a high-efficiency toilet saves dollars and makes sense for conservation. Using a water conservation calculator, a family of five can potentially save more than 20,000 gallons of water a year using a high-efficiency 1.28 gallon-per-flush toilet, instead of an older water-laden lavatory. This also translates into savings on water bills. "When considering swapping out an older toilet for a high-efficiency one, make sure to check with your water municipality," York says. "Often, there are local rebate programs through water districts that reward homeowners for efforts in water conservation."

Keep it Clean

The design of a toilet features the tank -- where the water is stored -- and the bowl. According to York, toilets can range up to $500 and up, depending on style aesthetics.

Contemporary toilets appeal to modern-day design, and are available in one-piece or two-piece options, including tank and bowl, which come ready for assembly. Featuring clean lines, the outside of a toilet has become easier to clean with a concealed trapway at its base. "Some toilet designs have less nooks and crannies, which makes them easier to keep hygienic," York says. "Also, toilets with a rimless bowl design eliminate cleaning issues in those hard-to-reach areas in toilets with a traditional rim on the bowl."

Mansfield manufactures Cascade -- a high-efficiency, rimless toilet featuring a mechanical design that creates a strong swirling action, which clears the bowl. Today's toilets have different locations for the flushing handle -- or button -- which can be on the front, side or top of the tank, along with variations to the bowl, which can be round or elongated.

When it comes to color and construction, York says most want to keep their toilets bright white porcelain. "The days of the avocado green or harvest gold toilet are long gone," he says. "Customers aren't only discerning about the look of a toilet, they also want it to sit at the right height."

The standard toilet height is anywhere from 14 3/4 to 15 1/2 inches from floor to the top of the toilet seat. Taller toilets sit higher at 16 to 17 1/4 inches, which provides more comfortable access for users, according to York.

"Even though it's just a matter of 2 inches or so on the toilet height, it makes a world of difference," he says. "As people age, it's more difficult to get up and down from a standard toilet. Taller toilets are easier to use for many people, including those who are taller themselves or have physical challenges."

While popular in international markets, American bathrooms don't usually include bidets, says York. But no matter your "throne" selection, York advises hiring a professional plumber to install a new toilet.

"Before you buy a new toilet, make sure you know how far the drain in the floor is from the wall. Usually, it's 1-foot standard, but make sure a new toilet will fit the space," he says. "Whenever you deal with water, it's always good to hire a professional, because it can become a mess real quick, if you don't know what you're doing."

For those families that battle over the toilet seat being left up, York says many manufacturers make models that lower the toilet seat gently with a single touch.

"Mansfield Plumbing calls it 'Smart Close' technology," York says. "A new high-efficiency toilet with an easy-close seat can help create harmony in a family and bliss in the bathroom."

Water Closet Conservation

To see how much water (and money) you can potentially save with a high-efficiency toilet, access the Water Savings Calculator at MansfieldPlumbing.com under the Resources & Specifications tab.

(For editorial questions, please contact Clint Hooker at chooker@amuniversal.com.)