Once you begin a bathroom remodel project it is very important to take bathroom photos at the beginning of the project, throughout, and at the end of the project.  These will serve as your proud before and after shots to share with guests and you never know, just might be featured on a popular website or TV show someday.  Below is the BEFORE photo of our shower remodel, but unfortunately, the AFTER photo is not ready yet…maybe in another month or so….my husband says these things take time!

As you can imagine, keeping these photos will increase our sense of pride, well mostly my husband’s sense of pride when we get to see the finished project every day.  Our memories of how bad it once was may fade, but this photo will always remind us of how far we came.  Again, don’t forget to take bathroom photos during the entire process of your remodel, but especially at the very beginning because you can’t go back in time after you have completed any part of the project.

Here we are a week later and, as you can see, not done yet.  Ah well, patience is a virtue they say.  I would post more photos, but I really would not want to bore you with yet more “during” shots rather than the “after” shots.  I would much rather wait until the end of the project and show you the After shots and share with you all the funny stories of how we were able to finally take a shower in a bathroom long forgotten as our Master Bathroom.  There must be a reason why they call it a Master Bathroom, maybe because you are supposed to use it more than once a year!

There is no point in ranting; my husband will surely get the shower fixed in time for us to sell the house.  I am saying that facetiously since we have no short-term plans to sell our house.  In fact, we intend to rent it out if we ever have to move away for some reason.  Could you imagine trying to sell or rent a house with a bathroom shower renovation that looks like this?!!?  What kind of rent would you have the gall to ask for, maybe $200 a month seeing as how the tenant can only use one of the two bathrooms that are in the house.

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.

Buying a glass shower door is a big investment—one that you are sure to either appreciate or regret for many years to come.  The key to finding the right one lies in knowing what to look for and in having an idea of what is on the market.  If you’re like most people, you’re probably looking for shower doors that match your style, whether it’s traditional or contemporary.

Most bathroom supply manufacturers offer glass shower doors in a variety of styles.  Some are made to fit into wall alcoves, and in some cases, very small spaces.  Some shower doors made of glass are different than your traditional door.  Some glass doors have two sides with latches that open outward as two distinct doors.  If you want to buy a glass shower door, bear in mind that many slide open as opposed to opening outward.

According to experts a glass shower door is the best choice, as far as shower doors go.  They look much richer and for the most part don’t take up as much space as your typical shower door.  Shower doors that are made of glass generally fit better into small spaces, because you don’t need bulky door frames or other accessories that hog space.

Another benefit, experts say, is that shower doors made of glass are easier to clean and make bathrooms appear bigger, because you can see through them.  Another benefit to having a glass shower door is that you don’t have to deal with shower curtains that get wet or fall down.

You can also purchase a glass shower door that is wheelchair accessible.  These usually do not have a lip at the base and are wider than your typical door.

There are a number of styles available.  Some showers are trimmed with a silver-toned metal, while others have gold hinges that sit at the top of the door.  Gold touches give your bathroom a contemporary feel, meanwhile adding a decorative flair to your bathroom.

You can purchase shower doors that are custom cut to fit a specified space.  Most showers have only one door, but you can add multiple doors to a glass shower.  Many shower doors made of glass feature long bars you can use to open and close the door.  This is especially helpful for those who have trouble gripping small handles.  Shower doors made of glass vary greatly in price, depending on how many extras you want.  They can cost as little as $85.00 to as much as $350.00.

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.

If you’d like a new look for your bathroom, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.  If you’ve just bought a new home and the bathroom is a disaster, don’t despair.  It’s possible to buy an inexpensive bathroom suite and have it installed in place of the old one.  Bathroom renovations become pricey when you decide to change the whole layout of the room, which means moving the plumbing around and then installing new flooring and tiles to accommodate the new plumbing.

Let’s look at some quick, easy and inexpensive ways to give your bathroom a brand new look.

1.  Decide what look you are going for.

If you’re going to change your bathroom, give it all some serious thought before you start.  Look at some pictures in home magazines or online and see what appeals to you.  Do you like the minimalist style of chrome, glass and black?  Is a country bathroom the place where you would like to relax?  They are very different and at each step of your renovation process, you need to have your theme in mind.

2.  Change the walls.

Don’t panic – we don’t mean a weekend of dry walling.  Paint is the least expensive and easiest way to change the way your bathroom looks and feels.  Also check how they fit with your theme.  Do you want paint with a sheen to look modern or a chalky, distemper look for a country or vintage bathroom?  Just imagine your bathroom in the following colors and how they would make you feel.

• Blue – fresh, clean and summery

• Yellow – bright, cheerful

• Green – calming, nurturing

• Pink – feminine and pretty

• Coffee shades – cool and sophisticated

• Red – hot and daring

Before you paint, check the wall for any imperfections and fill and then sand them.  Check thoroughly for any signs of mold and if you find them, look for the source.  It’s common to find mold spots on a ceiling above a shower due to the frequent damp but anywhere else may need tracking to its’ source and dealing with.

Wash the mold off with a proprietary mold killer and when it’s dry, prime the area with a ‘stain stopping’ spray or paint.  If you don’t do this, any remaining stain from the now deceased mold will ‘bleed through’ your nice new paint job.

When you’re choosing your paint, look for one that is specifically for bathrooms.  These paints are designed to deal with higher than average humidity and won’t flake or peel as quickly as regular paint.

Don’t forget the general rule that dark colors make a room smaller and lighter colors have the reverse effect.  If you’re painting your bathroom ready to sell your home, be conservative and stick with neutral colors.  You may love scarlet red but 99% of your viewers may not! And a bathroom that appears as large as possible is a bonus to potential buyers.

Now, paint and then enjoy!

3.  To paper or not?

If you prefer wallpaper, consider your budget.  You also need to be aware that paper may lift away from the wall in areas of high humidity.  Don’t forget that large patterns are overwhelming in  a small space.  If you have fallen in love with some wallpaper that is out of your budget, just paper one wall and then paint the remaining walls in a shade mixed to match one color in the paper.  Be sure to use wallpaper paste that contains an anti-fungal agent to deter mold growth.

4.  Color Accents

If you’ve used a neutral color, you can go for bold colors with your bathroom accessories.  It’s possible to pick up reasonably priced bathroom ‘bales’ of bath sheets, hand towels and face cloths in matching shades.  If you’re using a bath mat, get a matching one too.

5.  Flooring

If your floor has seen better days, it is possible to renew it without spending a lot.  Cork tiles are inexpensive and easy to lay.  Make sure that you seal them with a proprietary sealer or several coats of heavy duty clear varnish.

Laminate floor has become a lot less expensive.  Look for it in sales or discount stores.

With both of these, or any other type of flooring that you consider, remember the color rule.  Dark makes the room smaller and light makes it bigger.

6.  Replacing your suite.

Again, shop around for the best deal.  It’s a good idea to go for a white suite as any other décor will go with it.  This is especially important if you are improving your bathroom to sell your property.

Don’t forget theme here.  There are many styles of suite and whichever one you choose will dictate how the rest of your bathroom should look.  If you get a ‘Victoriana’ suite you need to decorate the rest of your bathroom in the same style for the best results.

Make sure that you consider size.  If your old suite is housed in a vanity unit that is passed its’ best, you could replace it with a pedestal sink with a slim base.  This will reclaim valuable space and make your bathroom feel much bigger.  If you need the storage, make sure any new vanity unit matches your chosen theme.

7.  Lighting

Good lighting is necessary in a bathroom.  You need to be able to see and it also makes the bathroom look brighter, cleaner and larger.

Stick to your theme here too.  If you’re going for modern, look for chrome and sleek.  A country style might look good with carriage lights or a fisherman’s light.

8.  Mirror, mirror on the wall…

Mirrors are essential bathroom items but they are also useful for making a space look larger and for reflecting light, so consider your placement carefully.  You will probably need a mirror over your sink but don’t forget that you can put another one anywhere you like.

Make sure the style of mirror that you choose enhances the look that you wish to achieve.  Mirrors don’t have to cost a fortune.  Look at Yard Sales and think how you could use paint to change a frame or stick things onto it with a hot glue gun.  Be creative and save yourself money!

9. Do you need to de-clutter?

You will have emptied out your bathroom to decorate it so when it comes to putting it back – stop!  Do you really need all of that stuff?  And if you do, is there a way that you can store it out of sight in an attractive unit?  Or could you store it elsewhere in your home?  Theme matters here too.  A modern, chic bathroom will have no clutter – where a country style will thrive on it. But regardless of how you decide to declutter, just do it, you will feel so much better for it.

10.  Additional items

This is where you can have fun finishing off the look of your new bathroom.  Think about your theme when you’re choosing shelves, laundry hampers, towel rails, toothbrush holders, soap dishes, tissue holders and even a vase for flowers or grasses for the window sill.  Would you like to add a picture to the wall?  Or some vintage tin signs?  Or a corner shelf for a trailing ivy?  How about candles?  These finishing touches will really make your bathroom look special so enjoy hunting down the perfect pieces, and there are so many practical and beautiful bathroom accessories available.

Now that all the hard work is done, you can relax in your tub and really love your bathroom!

If you are on the lookout for items that help to minimize the amount of clutter in your bathroom then this Bathroom Space Saver Cabinet may just be the thing you are looking for.

It fits neatly over the toilet fixture and it has a  clean, fresh looking white finish.

There is 1 storage shelf and 2 closed storage areas in which to tuck items you don’t want on display.

The unit comes all ready to assemble.

The Bathroom Space Saver Cabinet measures  25″ in width x 7  7/8″ in depth x 67  5/8″ in height.