Key Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

The bathtub January 22nd, 2007

One of the simplest ways to start planning your bathroom remodeling is to tour other bathrooms to get bathroom remodeling ideas. Pay attention to what you like and don’t like. Scoop out friends’ bathrooms when you visit, tour houses for sale, check out design magazines, and cruise the Internet for inspiration. Ask yourself questions to generate your own bathroom remodeling ideas.

Do you want a soothing bathroom for relaxation or a practical, functional bathroom for busy mornings? If relaxation is your goal, try separating the space into areas to pamper you. Have soft lighting near your tub, a cozy dressing area with plenty of space to try on outfits, and a bench in between two vanities so you can sit while getting ready. If you want a more utilitarian space, use different types of storage to keep everything in its place and at arm’s reach. Use simple, elegant containers to group your supplies. Keep hair care tools in one area, shower supplies in another. Pay attention to how you get ready in the morning and design your bathroom remodeling about how you operate. For a clean look, line the storage containers flush with the wall.

If you share the bathroom in the mornings, add special features to help control the space. If you put your makeup on over the bathroom sink, add a separate sink and mirror for you to put on your make-up while your partner brushes his or her teeth at the other sink with no bumping into each other.

Also avoid recessed lights. These lights may set the right mood, but they will put your mirror in shadows. You want clear, bright light for applying makeup or shaving.

Put the shower and toilet in a separate area so one person can groom while the other bathes. Alternatively, move the prep center into the bathroom. It will free bathroom space and cost a fraction of a bathroom remodel.

If space is at a premium, then storage is your answer. Build up with cabinets — even kitchen cabinets — or shelves. Put the things you use all the time at eyelevel, and the extra towels above. Put your things in their place with different, stylish storage containers either on shelves or on the ground. In a small room, make sure to keep only the things you actually need. Useless clutter will make the bathroom seem smaller.

Mount cabinets to the wall so that they open up floor space. Use a sliding pocket door to tuck your bathroom door away. Keeping your color scheme neutral will quiet the space. Use different shades of the same color all over the bathroom, and use brighter colors and accents. Also use different textures like wooden baskets, smooth tile, and soft towels to add interest, and mirrors to stretch the space.

If the bathroom is dark, don’t be afraid to add windows or skylights to brighten the space. But don’t block the windows with fancy curtains. Keep the windows simple to keep a small bathroom neat and bright.

Bathroom Cabinets

The bathtub January 21st, 2007

In the past, the terms “bathroom cabinet” and “medicine cabinet” often referred to the same bathroom storage device-the plain, white box that we often see mounted above the bathroom sink in bathrooms. Today, the term that was once used to refer to a very simple bathroom storage device is now used to refer to a variety of functional and stylish bathroom accessories.

Today, the term “bathroom cabinet” is used to describe any cabinet that is used or that can be used inside a bathroom. In most instances, the term is synonymous with bathroom vanities, which are stylish cabinets that usually measures 32 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 21 inches deep. Bathroom cabinets, however, are not limited to bathroom vanities. In fact, bathroom cabinets can be as large as a wall cabinet or a tall storage cabinet. In most luxury bathroom units, the bathroom cabinet can even be as extensive as a system made up of a bathroom vanity, a bathroom countertop, a medicine cabinet, and various other types of cabinets.

In terms of style, bathroom cabinets can be largely classified in two groups: traditional American-style bathroom cabinets and European-style bathroom cabinets. Traditional bathroom cabinets are also often called framed cabinets. These cabinets make use of “faceframes” to cover the raw front edges of the cabinet. European-style bathroom cabinets, on the other hand, are often called frameless cabinets. Unlike the American-style cabinets, the raw edges of European-style bathroom cabinets are concealed using simple trim strips.

Bathroom cabinets can also be classified as stock, custom, or semi-custom (or modular). Stock bathroom cabinets are mass-produced bathroom cabinets that are available in only a few standard sizes and styles. Because of these limitations, stock bathroom cabinets are often the least expensive type of bathroom cabinets.

Like stock cabinets, modular cabinets are also mass-produced. Modular bathroom cabinets, however, offer more flexibility in design, allowing you to modify their style and structure in many different ways. Custom cabinets greatly differ from the other two because they are not mass-produced. Instead, custom bathroom cabinets are usually built by cabinetmakers or by custom shops. Because these cabinets are built to fit perfectly in your bathroom, they are also the most expensive.

Bathroom Design Ideas To Help You Transform Your Bathroom

The bathtub January 21st, 2007

There are numerous bathroom design ideas out there. No matter whether you’ve got a luxurious family sized bathroom or a small but functional space, whether you have the money to completely redesign your bathroom or are aiming to rejuvenate your bathroom on a shoestring budget, there are lots of practical things you can do. When you think about it, we all spend a fair amount of time in our bathrooms everyday, so putting some thought into your bathroom’s design can help you create a welcoming yet practical space.

A good way to bring a touch of style to a tired looking bathroom is to add an attractive piece of furniture, such as sink vanity or a new wall cabinet. These things are relatively straightforward to fit or replace, and can help give your bathroom a fresh new image without the expense and hassle of replacing all your fixtures and fittings. Bathroom vanities and cabinets come in a range of beautiful designs, including antique effect, country style and contemporary, and can be used to great effect to influence the character of your bathroom.

If you want to give your bathroom a makeover without blowing your budget, there are a number of things you could consider. For example, you may be surprised at the difference new faucets on your sink and tub can make. Shiny new faucets in a stylish design can instantly improve a bathroom’s appearance, without the need to install a whole new bathroom suite. Another way to cut costs when remodeling, is to just replace your bathtub, leaving the sink and toilet in place. Bathtubs take up the most space in our bathrooms, and a well-chosen tub can become an attractive central feature of your bathroom’s design.

Bathroom Products for Remodeling Projects

The bathtub January 20th, 2007

Spacious or convenient? How would you furnish some 7 square feet of bathroom space with every bathroom essentials? Will it have a tub, or would it be sporting just a shower room? Will be the bathroom dual accommodating or will the bathroom accommodate only one patron at a time? Modern bathrooms have become more conservatively spacious than in the older models often having only a lavatory and a shower but even then for some, life�s pleasantries like a tub and a sauna shouldn�t be compromised.

That�s why bathroom products for remodeling have evolved to meet the criteria for space consciousness without sacrificing comfort. Now, the bulk of the old heavy tubs are peeled away and newer designs have several features incorporated, often tagged as a combo facility that has several components. Like for instance the Wasauna Steam Shower and Whirlpool Combo WAS-2245. It is essentially a shower room tub but enclosed to trapped steam and moisture in, turning the multipurpose shower tub into an efficient sauna. It incorporates several massage jets, including along the foot to accommodate a relaxing massage bath. Features can be controlled by a digital control panel outside for obviously safe purposes, but a hands-free telephone can be accessed from within.

Sinks have gone a long way too. Because sinks and vanities are notoriously hard to aesthetically fit to any areas, newer designs have attained the ease of fitting them to almost any wall with aesthetical results. These designs can be free standing, just like a fountain, installed into a counter (a common design), or integrated into a table surface. Like the Wasauna Bathroom Vanity Table WAS-0003. It is very much like a glass table; in fact the sink is made of tempered glass. A few other vanities spark elegance more than this Wasauna design. This vanity table includes a mirror and a mini shelf. Wasauna offers two designs of the vanity tale, dual and a single capacity.

Porcelain sinks are still a popular choice to those budget-conscious, or those restrooms that are intended for the public. At mostly white or beige (since these colors are considerably sanitary looking) porcelain sinks also have gone a long way from being casual looking. Take a peek at the designs seen at victoriaplumb.com: www.victoriaplumb.com/Contemporary_toilet_sinks.html

Are you considering a bathroom remodeling project soon? Check out those bathroom products for remodeling projects on these following links.

Wasauna Steam Shower and Whirlpool Combo WAS-2245:
http://www.wasauna.com/steam-shower.html

How to Choose the Perfect Bathroom Fixtures, Accessories and Mirrors

The bathtub January 20th, 2007

If you are thinking of remodeling your home, there is no better place to start than in the bathroom. You can choose from a decadent array of bathroom fixtures, lighting and accessories that will impress your friends and family, especially if you choose them yourself. Antique bathroom fixtures are making a huge comeback. You can find a fantastic selection of antique vanities, toilets, tubs and mirrors that can help create a room fit for a king or queen.

If you prefer a more contemporary look and feel, you won�t be disappointed with designs featuring clean lines, tempered glass, brushed finishes and a bit of metal. You can find vanities made from a variety of woods with brushed nickel hardware that have a more modern look to them but still add warmth to the room.

When shopping for your new shower stall, be sure to check out the frameless door models. These are really growing in popularity because of their great look. People no longer want to deal with showers that have frames when mold and mildew can build up. This is another reason to check out frameless shower door models.

When shopping for your bathroom fixtures, it is important that you buy the right sized fixtures for the space available. People often make the mistake of buying fixtures that are too large making the room feel closed in and crowded. If you aren�t sure what size fixtures to buy, spend a few hundred dollars and have a professional lay out your bathroom design. This may help save your thousands of dollars later.

An important part of any room is the lighting. Lighting can help create the perfect mood for any situation so choose your bathroom lighting carefully. The last thing you want is bright overhead lights glaring in your eyes while you try and have a relaxing bath. Putting a dimmer switch on your lighting is highly recommended. You can find some awesome light fixtures for a very reasonable price. Shop around before you buy to ensure you get the best deal.

Small Room…Big Style Transforming your Powder Room

The bathtub January 19th, 2007

What is the one room that outsiders and guests use most often? Of course it�s the powder room. Usually one of the smallest rooms in the home, the powder room is comprised of some very basic elements. Unlike other areas of the home where countless variables come into play it�s primarily the vanity, mirror and lighting that set the whole tone for the powder room.
Powder rooms should be the showplace of your home. Sooner or later all your guests will make their way to this under rated yet very essential area of your home.

When it comes to decorating the powder room, there is only one rule that needs to be followed: There are no rules! Powder rooms should be like original works of art in that no two are the same. This is the room where the home owner�s style should shine through. Whether traditional, contemporary or somewhere in between, keep these tips in mind when planning your �Masterpiece�.

-Know your personality and style- List 3 adjectives to describe your personality. Say, for example, you�re shy, quiet and patient then you may want your surroundings to be serene and soothing. On the other hand, if you like a lot of drama you may want your powder room to be dramatic as you.

-Work with your wall finishes and colors- A faux finish or wallpaper can have a large impact without redoing anything structurally. If you like rich, dark colors, don�t be concerned that it will make the space look smaller. This is the room to display your personality. Don�t forget to include the ceiling when addressing finishes.

-Flooring- To add color and warmth to any room, area rugs are the key. Avoid typical rugs designed for the bathroom and look for area rugs with style and pattern.

-Accessorize- Even a small non-descript bathroom can be given style through the careful selection and position of accessories-some functional, some not. The essentials are obvious: towel bars, soap dishes and waste baskets. Make your guests feel pampered by having hand soap and lotion with aromatherapy.

-Add Pizzazz to generic-looking vanities- If your budget doesn�t allow replacing builder-grade cabinets then think about faux finishing or painting to update a tired look. For an additional update, add or replace cabinet hardware.

Bathroom Vanities and Bedroom Vanity Sets - Elegant and Functional Furniture To Transform Your Home

The bathtub January 18th, 2007

Installing a new bathroom vanity cabinet, or adding a vanity table to your bedroom, is a great way to enhance the appearance and function of your home. Bedroom and bathroom vanities add elegance and charm, and provide a special place for pampering. Bathroom sink vanity units with built in cabinets or drawers are ideal for storing all kinds of toiletries and accessories, and are often very attractive pieces of furniture to look at. Whether you’re after an antique style vanity or one to suit a contemporary bathroom, there are a variety of styles and finishes available to match all sorts of d�cor.

Bathroom vanities are made from a choice of woods or veneers, which are specially selected for their durability. Vanity tops need to be water resistant and hardwearing, and are made from a range of attractive materials including marble and tempered glass. Sinks can be vessel style or under mounted, made from porcelain, stone, stainless steel or other stylish materials. The style and finish of the faucets and fixtures is important, as these details play a big part in the overall ambiance of a bathroom and help to define its character.

Bedroom vanities are designed with comfort and convenience in mind, as well as aesthetics. A bedroom vanity set, comprising of a dressing table, mirror and cushioned stool, makes a great gift idea for a loved one, and provides a brilliant place at which to sit to apply makeup and perform your daily beauty routine. Vanity furniture comes in a huge range of styles and finishes, from the rich tones of cherry or mahogany, to ornately crafted wrought iron. As well as adding a touch of luxury and class to your home, your vanity table is a useful place to store jewelry, watches and other trinkets.

Kitchen Counters That Leave Lasting Impressions

The bathtub January 17th, 2007

Concrete is a widely used material in modern construction as it can easily be made to resemble other materials in building, including roof shakes, natural stone and wood siding. In recent years, concrete has also been gaining notoriety in the interior design world as it is capable of creating a very distinct look in kitchen counter tops, cabinets and islands, in addition to other indoor uses especially when it comes to tables and bathroom vanities. After being properly colored and finished, a concrete counter top can look just like natural stone, or even a solid-surface material. You would not even know that the material your counter top is fashioned from also functions as sidewalk and garage floor material.

There may be much easier ways to create and install counter tops, but concrete materials are inexpensive, and when done right the pay off can be huge because concrete counter tops can last a lifetime. Additionally, you can expect for your new concrete counter top to become a conversation piece and something of great interest when guests are in the home. Concrete counter tops may be old news in other parts of the world, but in the United States, the idea is relatively unheard of.

The form for a concrete counter top can be created using melamine-coated particle board. The concrete will dry slower using this plastic facing, which will ensure the maximum strength of the concrete. Concrete counter tops can be formed with center voids in order to be compatible with under-mount sinks, which allows you to brush spills directly into the basin, rather than trying to sweep them over a rim. This is what sets concrete counter tops apart from counter top products like solid surface, and plastic laminate.

Bags of pre-mixed concrete can be used for colors that match ordinary concrete, or are darker. On the other hand, you will want to mix your own concrete for lighter colors, by mixing Portland cement (white), pea gravel and mason�s sand. Try to test various colors on square foot samples before deciding which effect to go with.

Once the counter top is built, you cannot drill or cut it. Because of this, you need to make sure that you have created voids for everything that must be added afterward. When creating block outs, use plywood because the edges of other wood, especially particle board, can swell when water is absorbed. You can use screws to secure the plywood block outs to the bottom of the concrete counter top form.

Of Bathrooms And Home Improvement

The bathtub January 17th, 2007

When people think of home improvement, most think of remodeling or drastic renovation that costs a lot. Contrary to these ideas, improving the quality of your home starts with a single concept according to most interior decorators: increasing space. As simple as those two words sound, they are probably the most difficult to accomplish in terms of house design and decorating. However, there are ways to make this home improvement goal possible with the least amount of cash and effort. Starting with the most visited room in your house sets the tone for your project.

The bathroom is the most overlooked place in the house in terms of design. The common excuse of homeowners is that visitors do not really see the inside of the bathroom unless they ask to use it. But design experts argue that this should not be the case. The use of the bathroom is gradually changing from being functional to aesthetic. It is not only for bathing and other bodily functions but also for relaxation and de-stressing. It is important to keep the dual nature of the bathroom’s function in mind as you go about your home improvement project.

Increasing bathroom space has a lot to do with ceiling and wall dimensions. However, you do not have to remove walls or reconstruct your ceiling as part of home improvement. Simply placing borders along the conjunction of your ceiling and walls is often enough to “increase” their dimensions. The color provided by the border tricks the eyes into perceiving more space. Using wallpapers or tiles with vertical stripes or dainty prints also makes the room appear taller. If you are not using tiles or wallpapers, painting the bathroom ceiling and walls with a neutral shade illuminates and broadens the space. Plain white looks boring, and designers advise the use of other shades like ecru, beige, and oyster to update your bathroom’s color.

As much as bathroom space relies on walls and ceilings, floor space is just as important. Uncluttered floor widens visual space so keep this in mind in furnishing your bathroom. Instead of standing cabinets which interrupt floor space, install floating cabinets and storage spaces. Mount vanities in walls and choose claw-footed tubs instead of flat-bottomed tubs. These maximizes visible floor space which is an essential in any home improvement project. Painting floors in neutral shades or getting them a woodwork finish is best to increase space. Using light-colored tiles need more cleaning but gives your bathroom the illusion of being wide and spacious.

Bathroom Remodel - The Plan

The bathtub January 16th, 2007

Planning a bathroom remodel? Each home project of this nature can be broken down into 5 distinct steps. Following through each step will help this often confusing process make more sense and produce a better outcome.

Bathroom Design

Ask yourself the question - “What will I have when I’m finished”. Similar to planning a road-trip, a successful build project begins with an effective vision of what you want. This step is vital even if you intend to hire a professional to complete the job.

Choosing hardware and materials

Every bathroom remodel varies in the level of work and expense involved. To save a bit of cash you may want to consider refinishing a tub instead of replacing it. Often times a refinishing a bathroom tub will cost less than half price of replacing it. Old bathroom vanities and sinks are often the spark that ignites the bathroom remodeling process to begin with. Spend time at the hardware store to get some quick ideas on vanities, tubs and showers.

When choosing a vanity, consider:

Storage area - is the vanity designed in such a way that you’ll be using all the space available

Drawer space vs. cabinet space - take a look at your current “inventory” of stuff - do you need more or less drawers for convenient storage

Integrated sink - a vanity with an integrated sink will make quick clean up a snap.

Project Budget

Regardless of whether you are financing your bathroom remodel or paying cash setting a firm and realistic budget will help you make other decisions. Using a professional will provide the best result for the money you spend. You may consider doing demolition and preparation work yourself to save a bit of money.

Divide and conquer - (Delegate the work)

Prior to starting your project make as complete a list as possible regarding the tasks involved. If you are using a contractor, you may want to discuss with them how you can effectively be involved to help reduce expenses without “getting in the way” of a good job.

Start!

Archive for January, 2007