Bathroom Design Archives

Bathroom Flooring Choices for Your Bathroom Renovation

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010 at 9:35 am  
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If you are about to embark on a bathroom flooring project, it is important to avoid being tempted into a decision based on the look of it rather than choosing the flooring that can stand up to the demands made of it.  The right flooring will look great, be durable and feel fabulous underfoot.   I think the bathroom is the easiest place to decide on flooring and it will usually be the least expensive flooring project in the house because it is often one of the smallest rooms in the house.  Here’s a summary of the different kinds of material used for bathroom flooring featured on the HGTV website.

TILE

Ceramic is used most in bathrooms and the reason why is because it is the most water resistant of the flooring materials.  It’s usually the least expensive too.  There are some complaints about it, such as ‘slippery when wet’ or ‘cold to the bare feet’ or even ‘difficult to maintain.’  These objections are easily overcome with solutions like radiant heat, and textured tile to take away the slippery effect, also grout can be sealed for easy cleaning.  Other tiles like travertine, porcelain, glass and granite are more expensive than ceramic, but can make the bathroom more dynamic looking.

WOOD

Hardwood flooring can be a wonderful option, providing visual warmth and a comfortable feeling underfoot.  It must be cared for properly, and with a water-based poly finish, the occasional splash or drip will do no harm.  However, water must not sit on the floor for any length of time, or serious damage will be caused.  Pick up those wet towels.

GREEN

Bamboo and cork flooring are “green” alternatives to a wood floor.  Like wood, they must be cared for and they will endure. If you select bamboo for its eco-friendly qualities, be sure the factory finish is formaldehyde free.  Cork provides wonderful sound control; something to consider if the goal is to create a quiet retreat.

LAMINATE

Laminate treated with water repellent is a great way to create the look of a wood floor, and maintain the floor over the years at the same time.  Laminate can look amazingly like real wood, but it will not be as soft and the sound will be louder as a result.

VINYL

For a low-budget bathroom flooring project, vinyl is a safe bet.  Just be aware that vinyl can curl at the edges over time.  Also, the peel-and-stick vinyl tiles are not recommended for baths because water can seep between the tiles and damage the sub floor.

Shower Seats make Showering Easy

Friday, June 11th, 2010 at 8:31 am  
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Whether you’re a senior, a person with a disability, or simply someone who wants an easier shower experience, chances are you can benefit from buying a shower seat.  Having shower accessories like these is recommended by most doctors, if you have special needs or impaired mobility.

Before you buy, you will need to examine your options.  There are many shower seats on the market, so it is important to find one that is right for you.  Some can be mounted to the shower wall, while others are freestanding with legs.  For the most part, they are equipped with suction cups at the bottom of each chair leg.  Many seats are padded for comfort, while others are made of wood and fold up against the shower wall.  This gives you more room and makes it easier for those with mobility problems to maneuver.

You can also have shower seats built into the tile of a shower stall.  This makes it easy to work with the chair.  It’s already built into the shower itself.  According to experts, shower chairs are much safer for the disabled and for the elderly.  You can buy them for small spaces or larger ones for bigger shower stalls.  Of course, it may also help to install guard rails that allow for easy transfer.  Many chairs designed for the shower are foldable and can be moved easily in and out of the shower.

Of course, wood and rubber padding are not the only materials used for the design of shower chairs.  You can also buy ceramic seats.  However, this involves removing and replacing tile, so you will need a professional to install it for you.

According to recent studies, many accidents take place in the bathroom.  This is why shower benches are so critical to shower safety for the elderly and disabled.  Many free standing shower seats have padding on the back of the chair, to provide extra comfort.

Décor and design also play a role in deciding which shower bench is right for you.  If you have a lot of wooden bathroom furniture, you may want to consider a chair made of imitation wood.  If you are going strictly for utility, a traditional gray metal chair may be right for you.

The prices of shower benches are usually pretty low.  Traditional padded seats can cost $35.00 on sale, but the median price is usually around $50.00.  Prices go up, if you are having a ceramic seat built into the wall.

Whatever your situation, having a shower bench can benefit you greatly.  They are also great for pregnant women and for those struggling with arthritis.

Bathroom Showers – When It’s Time for a Bathroom Re-Design

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 at 8:25 am  
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Bathroom showers are something we use every day but seem to neglect at the same time.  Many of us assume that replacing showers is too expensive and not worth the investment.  Consumers who have updated their bathroom showers almost universally wonder why they had waited so long.

How many times do we look around our shower and wish it was bigger, or newer, or had a different or better shower heads?  We think about it for those few minutes we are in the shower and then forget about it when we dry off.  It is time to give it some more thought.

When it’s Time to Update Your Bathroom Shower

Bathroom design trends change just as they do for kitchens.  A bathroom look can become outdated making your home look dated.  It is generally a good idea to update your bathroom at least every 6 to 10 years.  If you are considering putting your home on the market you should definitely consider an update to your bathroom.

Generally speaking, look at the current status of your shower or showers and see what your first impression is.  Do the tiles look faded?  Are the tiles cracked?  Is the stall or tub in good condition?  Are the shower doors dingy?  Do they work properly?  Are there any leaks?  Is the shower curtain rod updated?

Ask yourselves these questions and ask other family and friends the same question.  A quick review of your bathroom showers may have you realizing that it is time for an update.

Bathroom Showers -Time to Wash Away the Myths

New bathroom showers can be quite affordable.  There are many options now for new showers that include module showers and receptors.  These options are affordable, modern and functional.

Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes.  Ask any real estate agent and they will tell you that.  Updating bathrooms and kitchens are always a good idea with a high return on investment.

When entering a bathroom, our eyes naturally look to the shower first.  After the shower we notice the sink, commode, walls and floors.  If you are going to update your bathroom in stages, the above order is likely your best bet.  You can also find some great deals to update your entire bathroom at the same time.

You update your wardrobe.  You update your car.  You update your furniture, paint colors and floors.  It is now time to update your bathroom shower and perhaps your entire bathroom.  You deserve it and so does your home.

Bathroom Remodeling Pictures for Inspiration on Bathroom Design

Monday, June 7th, 2010 at 8:13 am  
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Bathroom Remodeling Pictures – Draw Your Inspiration

Looking at bathroom remodeling pictures is a great way to get inspired to create special new looks for your bathroom or bathrooms.  When you are looking at the pictures make sure you do not get fooled by the difference in size between the bathroom being photographed and your bathroom.

Often, bathroom remodeling pictures are taken in a studio in a “bathroom” much larger than the average bathroom.  This is done purposely but not maliciously.  The general goal of these photos is to help give you inspiration of what can be done, not necessarily so you can do a carbon copy of what you are seeing.

There are bathroom remodeling pictures that are much more to scale.  These make it much easier for you to determine what can and cannot be done in your bathroom.  Some will even provide you with the dimensions of the bathroom in the photos.

How to Choose the Right Ones

Try to find pictures of bathrooms that have the same general pattern as your bathroom.  For example, consider where the door is, where the windows are (if any) and even where the plumbing is.

Some people are able to visualize things better than others.  The more closely the bathroom remodeling pictures are to the layout of your bathroom the easier it is to do that.

Additionally, make sure you do factor size and bathroom elements.  For example, if you are redesigning a bathroom that has a shower stall and no room for a tub, make sure you are looking at pictures of bathrooms that have a shower stall only.

Do Not Fall in Love

Try not to fall in love with the remodeling pictures, chances are duplicating them would be extremely expensive, if possible at all.  Again, the photos are taken for inspiration purposes not for duplication purposes.  There may be elements you simply cannot duplicate.

Typically there is little to no budget for bathroom remodeling photo shoots.  They are meant to highlight one or more of the bathroom elements and to make you fall in love with what you see.

Make sure you understand what you like specifically in the photos.  Is it a particular style fixture? Is it the décor? Is it the tile?  Determine which element or elements are really getting your attention so you can start to craft your design with the bathroom remodeling pictures as your inspiration.

Small Bathroom Designs – Five Rules to Consider

Saturday, June 5th, 2010 at 8:09 am  
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Small bathroom designs used to be somewhat difficult to find.  All the designs on the market seemed to be only for the larger bathrooms.  As the demand for designs for smaller bathrooms grew, so did the options.

There are many people who want to pack a lot of style into a small bathroom. The good news is that you can.  Be careful not to go overboard or your small bathroom will seem even smaller.

Rule #1 for Small Bathroom Designs

Light is important.  Light can make a room seem larger than it is.  Make sure your design incorporates as much natural light as possible.  In addition to natural light make sure you have sufficient lighting fixtures in the room.

Use mirrors and other surfaces to enhance the light in the room.  A dark, small bathroom will appear much smaller than it actually is.

Rule #2 for Small Bathroom Designs

Look for multi-function pieces.  There are a number of really nice cabinetry options that you can use with your sink to maximize the use of every inch of your smaller bathroom space.

Find pieces that have sufficient storage.  Typically lighter pieces that use more glass and reflective services will make a room feel larger and less confining.

Rule #3 for Small Bathroom Designs

Go vertical.  If you have a small bathroom you want to go vertical with your design.  Get taller pieces that use vertical space rather than horizontal space.  Tall cabinetry is a good way to pack a lot of storage space in a small area.

Consider having a shower stall rather than a tub.  Shower stalls take up less room vertically and the same amount of room horizontally.

Rule # 4 for Small Bathroom Designs

Create a focal point.  When you create a focal point for the eye, you will minimize the fact that it is a small space.  Consider a mirror or dramatic décor that will keep the eye focused on a particular part of the room.

Windows and mirrors are two of the most effective focal points for smaller bathrooms.

Rule #5 for Small Bathroom Designs

Think big!  If you are defeated before you begin your bathroom will reflect that.  There are some stunning small bathroom designs to choose from.  A little creativity and imagination can go a long way towards transforming a small bathroom into a stunning bathroom.

Look online and ask a professional bathroom design firm about options to transform your small bathroom with some great small bathroom designs.

Bathroom Wall Cabinets Provide Storage Space – Reduce Bathroom Clutter

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 at 3:24 am  
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Bathroom Wall Cabinets – Go Beyond the Basics

Bathroom wall cabinets are functional, in fact that is the main reason we add them to our bathrooms.  Though function is important, design is equally important.  You can really have some great cabinets that enhance your overall design.

Bathroom wall cabinets vary dramatically in size.  The size variances include the height, width and depth of the cabinets.  You should keep this in mind when designing your bathroom and selecting the wall cabinets.

Bathroom Wall Cabinets – Go Up to Conserve Space

The cabinets you choose must provide you with sufficient storage space.  If you have limited space to work with or you simply like an open looking bathroom, think height more than width.

If you go up rather than wide, you can obtain the storage space you need without overcrowding your bathroom.  Two tall, narrow cabinets can have as much, if not more, storage space as one wide cabinet.

Tall cabinets are also dramatic and can add great style to your bathroom.  Think beyond the basic vanity cabinet and go up.

Bathroom Wall Cabinets – Design Elements

When choosing bathroom wall cabinets you should have key design elements in mind.  For example, is the cabinet completely closed, meaning there are no open shelves or open spaces?  This can look great, but that does take away from giving your bathroom an open feel.

Some bathroom wall cabinets have open features including uncovered shelves, glass elements and mirror elements to help retain an open feel to the bathroom.

Other design considerations are the color of the cabinets.  The colors and tones of the materials used will have a dramatic impact on the overall look of your bathroom.  You want to make sure the color chosen matches the rest of the décor and does not clash with your walls, floor or fixtures.

Look at the hardware used on the cabinets and make sure they match the other hardware and metal in your bathroom.  Depending on how close they will be to other metal elements you may have to really take your time to get the right hardware.

Bathroom Wall Cabinets – The Budget

Every consumer has a general or specific budget in mind when they are doing any type of home improvement.  When you are putting together you budget for bathroom wall cabinets make sure you consider how they will add to the overall resale value of your home – remember, kitchens and bathrooms sell homes.

Try to find the best quality bathroom wall cabinets your budget will allow for.

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