From the category archives:
Makeovers
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Bath vanities are an important part of any bathroom design and come in many different styles. The decorating trends for bathrooms are endless, and the options for choosing a bathroom vanity are varied. Add to it that all of us tend to get caught in a decorating rut and these facts can make the decision difficult. So when deciding on a vanity, don’t be afraid to consider something new and daring within your favorite design style.
Traditional
Just because the style is categorized as traditional doesn’t mean it can’t be fresh. Whether it’s painted wood with a laminate top, or stained wood with granite, colors make a statement. Keep the traditional style, but go out on a limb with color.
Contemporary
This style is defined by clean lines and minimal accessories. But clean doesn’t have to mean dull. Translate boring into bang with unusual accessories. Look for items that tell personal stories or a single statement piece that pops with style.
Eclectic
It’s easy to go overboard when mixing styles and materials and that’s what this kind of design is all about. To cut out unnecessary clutter, keep in mind a theme, whether it’s color or something else, and this style can move from busy to intriguing.
Of course these aren’t the only design styles, but they are the basics. It’s easy to translate these three to all the other styles.
It’s also important to keep materials in mind when making your choice. Obviously a vanity with a laminate countertop will be less expensive than marble, but price points will vary even within a specific category. The key to finding the best option at the best price is research. Start the search on the Internet, but don’t skip talking to the experts. They have valuable insights on installation and durability.
Finally, when it comes to choosing bathroom vanities keep longevity in mind. Picking something that resonates with your lifestyle and using the accessories to freshen it up from year to year is always good advice, but particularly so in this economy.
Even if you’re working within a tight budget, price doesn’t have to be the dictator when it comes to eye catching style. Don’t be afraid of an investment piece for your vanity, it may make good sense when you consider the length of time you’ll be enjoying it. Remember, budget constraints don’t have to limit your vanity options to dull and boring. It may be necessary to work a little harder when the price points are lower, but the hunt is worth it.
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Bathroom light can vary depending upon the layout, shape, color choices, and design of your bathroom, so be prudent in your decision of the types of light that are available as it can make or break the room and what you’re trying to accomplish.
There is nothing drearier than starting the day in a dark, cramped room. It can sometimes seem that your elbows bump the walls as you try to get ready for the day. While it isn’t possible to add physical space to a small bathroom, the proper use of light can bring life back to it.
The quality of bathroom light can also make a difference in the way you view yourself. Describing the properties of light is difficult and confusing if you aren’t familiar with the terms and what they mean. Below is a basic list that should help bring clarity to confusion.
Lumens – This is the light output. The higher number of lumens the brighter the bathroom light.
Watts – This is mistakenly known as how bright a light is, but it is actually the energy usage of a light. The more watts listed, the more energy the light requires.
Average Life – This number is expressed as a length of time and correlates to how long the bulb should last.
CRI- Color Rendering Index is measured on a scale of 0-100. The higher this number the more accurate the colors will appear. This can be important if you’re trying to apply make-up or decide if that tie really goes with that shirt.
Warm, Cool and Neutral – Light is referred to in terms of warm, cool and neutral. The scale for this index runs from 5,000 down to 2,000. The lower the number, the warmer the light. Warm bathroom light is generally best for general lighting, while cool is the best choice for task lighting.
When it comes to household usage, there are really only two types of bulbs.
Incandescent light – These bulbs are inexpensive to buy at the outset, but they usually don’t last more than a year at the most and are not energy efficient.
Compact florescent light – These bulbs are usually more expensive at the point of purchase, but are much more energy efficient and can last up to ten years.
The last set of terms necessary to know is the types of light.
General – This is just what the name implies, lighting for general use. A neutral light is best here, with plenty of lumens.
Task light– This type of light is usually smaller and more focused. Because of that, it’s possible to use a lower wattage bulb.
Accent or Mood – This bathroom light is more decorative than useful and it should accomplish what the name implies. It should set the mood of the room.
This information about the different types of bathroom light will make choosing the proper light for any new bathroom design easy.
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Bathroom medicine cabinets, just saying the words can conjure up pictures of childhood, taking us back to the home where we grew up. What bathroom didn’t come equipped with the bulky, wall mounted variety? With its obligatory surface mirror it couldn’t have been more boring. Almost everything in the bathroom design was boring and dull.
If you’re one of many who find impossible to envision anything else above the bathroom sink, have we got news for you. Today’s bathroom medicine cabinets are almost too chic to house medicine. They range from tradition rectangles with side lighting to oval mirrors that mount flush on the wall and defy recognition. The styles below will familiarize you with some of the options and guarantee an up to date look in your bathroom.
Traditional Wall Mounted Medicine Cabinets
These are the closest to the one’s you remember from your childhood because they are mounted on the wall (as opposed to mounted flush). But the similarities stop there. There’s nothing boring about these bathroom cabinets. They can come in a variety of shapes and sizes – rectangular, square, circular, and an amazing number of variations. Almost all still incorporate a mirrored front. But many add extras, like lighting. The lights might be mounted flush with the mirror to facilitate bathroom tasks, or between the surface and the wall, highlighting the shape and design of the cabinet.
Traditional Flush Mounted Medicine Cabinets
This type of medicine cabinet has also been seen in years past, but once again, modern design has turned the traditional upside down. Mounted between the studs and set into the wall, the only limit is the width between the studs.
Today these bathroom cabinets are almost impossible to detect. They utilize picture frame molding no different from what we find anywhere else in the home. It’s common to see models with ornate gold frames or sleek, black metal contemporary ones. And once again, the shapes are endless, limited only by the design style you choose.
You can also find flush mounted models with only a thin mirror on the surface of the wall, no frame or molding of any kind giving away it’s hidden depths.
Corner Mounted Medicine Cabinets
These cabinets utilize limited space in an innovative way. They are generally more sleek and contemporary in design, with both front and side mirrored. But some traditional models are available. Space within this type of cabinet is more limited, but since it’s space that would be wasted anyway it is often a good trade off.
No matter your design style or storage requirement there’s at least one, of the many types of bathroom medicine cabinets available, to meet your needs. Also, before making any final decisions with it, be sure to compare with the main bathroom vanity cabinets you have chosen to ensure everything matches.
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Bathroom linen cabinets can be both beautiful and functional. Are your countertops, cabinets and floors crowded with toiletries? Then it is definitely time to invest in a storage unit for them.
It may be that your cabinet is old and dingy. Or that it never fit the space or your design style. It’s possible to create a stylish and convenient spot for towels and bath accessories. There are many options, from corner cabinets to those that are set into the wall. Whatever your bathroom décor, there are many bathroom linen cabinets available for you.
A new linen cabinet can upgrade your bathroom at a fraction of the cost of remodeling. It will give you a space to organize what was clutter and provide you with a restful bath experience.
- Corner Units – These are generally free standing cabinets that, as the name implies, fit in the corner. A lot of bathrooms have one or more corners that are empty, wasting valuable space. If that’s the situation in your bath, a corner cabinet could be the perfect solution.
- Freestanding Wall Unit – These cabinets can be found in a variety of styles and sizes, as well as material. While these don’t require construction skills, if the cabinet you choose is taller than three feet, it’s always a good idea to secure it to the wall to prevent it from toppling over.
- Mounted Wall Unit – This type of cabinet is good if floor space is at a premium. It can be hung in a space unsuitable for anything else.
- Set-in Wall Unit – This cabinet is a good fit for a small bathroom. A hole can be cut in the wall, between the studs, and the cabinet mounted flush. This keeps the cabinet from infringing on space within the bathroom.
A good linen cabinet will always provide these three things.
- Storage – It will help de-clutter a space as well as keep bathroom necessities close at hand.
- Accessibility – When choosing a linen cabinet keep accessibility in mind. We’ve all seen spaces where a cabinet can’t be utilized with the door open and or closed.
- Style – With all the options available today, there is no excuse for an unseemly linen cabinet. Beautiful bathroom cabinets are available at all price points, from discount to custom.
Bottom Line – There are bathroom linen cabinets to fit your budget, style and storage needs.
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Replacing bathroom lighting fixtures is a simple project that can dramatically increase the functionality of your bathroom. It can be an uncomplicated feat, if you consider that different lighting sources are needed for specific chores. For instance, ‘task lighting’ is directed to illuminate the head and face areas for grooming purposes, rather than installing recessed lighting directly over the sink and mirror (which would cast uncomplimentary shadows about the features).
Bathroom lighting fixtures each containing a 60 to 75 watt bulb mounted on both sides of the mirror, would produce a more even glow in that area. They should be mounted 36 to 40 inches apart on each side of the mirror, at eye level.
Larger mirrors pose an exception. In which case, bathroom lighting fixtures installed directly on the mirror (costing a bit more) will produce the desired effects for hair combing and shaving, etc.. Or a rectangular light fixture of no less than 24 inches installed over the mirror and holding bulbs of 100 to 120 watts, will produce similar lighting effects. Remember that florescent output calls for one half to one third of the wattage of incandescent bulbs. In smaller bathrooms, ceiling recessed lights can provide adequate lighting in designated areas of the tub or toilet. While a shower with clear glass sides might not even require dedicated lighting.
To install your new bathroom lighting fixtures on the wall, you will need a circuit tester. And if there is no existing light fixture in that area, you may also need to call an electrician. Otherwise, a screwdriver, wire nuts, and the corresponding parts that came packaged with your new lighting fixture, is about all you will need. But first!
“It is vital- to turn off the electrical supply before attempting to work on any electrical component!”
Do this, by turning-off the main circuit breaker for the whole house. Or by turning-off the electricity to that particular service line, before using a circuit tester to verify that there is no active current. Do all of this before you even ‘begin’ handling the wires!
The installation begins after you remove the old bathroom lighting fixtures:
#1. Remove the bulb, and the center screw securing the old plate to the mounting bracket.
#2. Pry the plate off the wall.
#3. Pull out and disconnect existing wires, examining whether they are color coded.
If your old house does not contain color coded wires, or if the existing wires or their insulation is cracked and brittle, you will need to contact an electrician. Otherwise from this point on, you can confidently follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Manufacturers design specific mounting arrangements for different models of bathroom lighting fixtures. It is in their best interests to provide complete installation instructions with their products.
Upgrading or replacing your bathroom lighting fixtures doesn’t have to be complicated. Just make sure you follow simple instructions.
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Bathroom designs ideas ideas are usually flowing from a homeowner like water from a faucet, and for those that do not have many or want more they can easily be found with a quick search on the Internet or at your local home center. If you are going to do the work on your bathroom remodeling project yourself, be warned that it can be a nightmare if the right precautions aren’t taken.
Your bathroom designs ideas need to become reality. Why? Because they are YOUR ideas.
Bathroom remodeling can be an experience that you may never forget but the end result is always worth the wait. It doesn’t matter if you are replacing a bathroom vanity, installing a new faucets or installing a new toilet, having the right tools for the job makes your bathroom remodeling go a lot smoother. There is nothing worse than being in the middle of a remodeling project and discovering that you are short a tool needed to do the install of hardware, wiring or plumbing work.
As you begin work on implementing your bathroom designs ideas, you’ll find that a tool belt pouch is fine, but if you don’t like the bulk and extra weight around your waist then buying a good quality tool box is essential. Stocking your toolbox with the basics first is a step in the right direction. A straight and Phillip’s screwdriver, a pry bar, a level, plumbing tape, electrical tape, hammer, pipe wrench, vise grips and clamps are perfect starter tools. When considering screwdrivers, a magnetic screwdriver set can save you time from chasing after run away screws. Are you now seeing how important the right tools can be to making your bathroom designs ideas a reality?
Installing a toilet is a simple part of many bathroom designs ideas and may sound like a simple enough job but it can turn into a nightmare if you are not prepared for the installation. For example, if you plan to replace an old toilet with a newer or different model, be sure to take the proper measurements to be certain the new one you get will actually work in your bathroom. For example, measure the distance from the tank to the wall on the old toilet, then do the same on the new one. Also, you need to know where your water lines come in. If you try to force square peg into a round hole, or in this case a new toilet where it just won’t fit, then you’re setting yourself for leaks and constant problems.
The one tool that is essential is a small hack saw because if you ever run into a rusty bolt that just wont come off you can at least cut it off. If you are comfortable with air tools they can save you time when finishing up projects like laying down a new sub floor in your bathroom design project. Why torture your knees if a finishing brad nailer can help you lay that new bathroom floor instead of using a manual hammer? In bathroom remodeling projects we all have our favorite tools and it is up to you if they are hand tools, air tools or a combination of the two.
Do your research, study as many different websites, books, and home centers that you can in order to find the right bathroom designs ideas that match what you are envisioning, then make certain you have all the right tools to do the job efficiently and well or it could turn into a real nightmare.
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With bathroom designs there are many different concepts to consider. The basic concepts in most bathroom design plans and ideas are, offshoot spin offs, architectural concept, individuality and originality among several neutral projects in which a designer may be basing his or her ideas on a functional plan from blueprints.
In this case we look towards your own individual style or ideas to be put in place when putting into practice a design concept in the bathroom.
How many ideas are going through your mind?
Of course you will have a multitude of ideas for bathroom designs, but where do you get started?
You could start by drawing up a rough plan of your bathroom either on your computer or in a sketch book then start adding your design ideas, colors and additions such as ornamental items and other accessories.
Some people might go through the services of a professional designer by handing over a few basic ideas then leaving the designer to come up with the designs.
What do I do when I have got my ideas together?
First off you will want to choose your favorite, of the many bathroom designs available, if you have drawn up a few sketches. A good way of doing this would be to view your designs with other family members or friends, but above all you will need to select a project that you can afford.
Your budget will have a big part to play in your future plans, so making sure that you have researched prices of individual items and materials is especially something that you will want to do. Things like paint, tiles, supplies, decor, accessories, new cabinets, vanities, lighting, and anything else you may be wanting to upgrade and replace.
Researching your ideas
One thing you do not want is any surprises half way through putting your best bathroom designs into action. Researching your options, materials and accessories will help you get the desired results in your bathroom design.
Some methods to research your bathroom designs and ideas might be as follows:
• Search online for items and materials that you might be using. You can find some good deals on the internet, but remember cheap does not always mean value for money.
• Try to stay with recognized brands where you can, simply because in most cases the quality of well known companies is much higher than some imported cheap products.
• Sticking to a theme is easy; you can find products along certain themes in one range from a particular brand or company.
• Make sure if you are using paints, bathroom tiles or any other products that will be being used as your base that you get slightly extra – you never know when an accident might happen it is always better to carry extra than to do a complete overhaul because you simply cannot buy the same paint or tiles. So plan to budget for just that little extra just in case!
• You can still get a good result from a limited budget; try places like Craigslist, eBay, Thrift Outlets and other second hand stores for bargains. There are some good items to be snapped up out there well worth purchasing at a fraction of the price of new.
It is not difficult to get those desired results in your bathroom makeover, once you have a set plan. All the best designers research their ideas thoroughly, just take your time and try to be confident that you can pull off a design coup that will be admired by your family and friends.
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If modern bathroom designs are swirling around in your head, then it’s time to make those thoughts a reality. When organizing your thoughts for a new, more current look it can be a bit overwhelming, but also easily accomplished by sorting through all the various ideas you have, what’s important to you, and determining what you can afford and what you can’t right now.
Many things are usually needed for new, modern bathroom designs, depending on the level of remodel you are looking to accomplish. Needs such as new vanity cabinets, a vanity, paint, tile, and possibly even updating the sink or installing equipment designed to save water.
There are questions you should ask yourself before beginning a bathroom remodel, starting with a list of what you think needs changed. How “crowded” is your bathroom? How can you create more space if your answer was yes to the previous question? Could your lighting be improved? Is there a fan? If not, what kind would you like to have? Do you have laminate flooring or tile? Would it be worth it to upgrade if you don’t have tile?
Many modern bathroom designs can include a skylight that brings more natural light into the area and can be a big money saver with reduced energy bills. These are usually as simple as installing a small tube through the roof that allows natural sunlight to be reflected into the interior of your bathroom for a softer more natural appearance. These skylights even come in kits, so they can also be used for installing in dark closets to save on electricity while allowing you to use natural lighting. Any small or large home center will carry these small skylight kits that are relatively simple to install, closet or anywhere you want or need more natural lighting.
Vanities are another important aspect of modern bathroom designs and an area that consumes a good portion of the room and, thus, can really be a focal point. You have many choices here: finished, unfinished, drawers, doors, height and even painted vanities. The base of the vanity is just the first step. When installing any vanity the counter top should compliment the look of the vanity and create a flowing, comfortable feeling, and selecting the right faucet accessory is the finishing touch. If space allows, you may also want to consider installing a dual vanity sink. The bathroom in most master bedrooms offers a his and her sink with a large lighted mirror, a separate shower and a garden tub.
With bathroom flooring it is now more common for tiles or laminate to be used instead of carpet because of cleaning and replacement costs, and the frequency needed for both. As a space saver, corner showers can be installed instead of a tub or traditional shower. The tub and shower are often found in separate areas of the bathroom in regards to the master bedroom but still function together in a second bathroom. Exhaust fans can help control odors and humidity, so be sure to include them in your plans.
Using the “make a list” approach to modern bathroom designs is a quick way to save a lot of time with the process of remodeling your bathroom. Check out magazines and displays at different home centers and even online, while making a list of what items you would like to have remodeled. Take measurements to make sure that the changes you want to make will fit in your bathroom before purchasing.
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Bathroom renovations can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life or it could be one of the worst. One of our readers recently submitted this nightmare story that I thought may help you out:
“Bathroom renovations can be a nightmare if you go into the project unprepared for what you may run into. One project in particular ran over us so fast that we just stood there a moment in shock and thought, ‘Okay, now what?’ We had taken on a project for an elderly woman who wanted her small bathroom renovated. It looked like a simple job of just updating her floor, vanity and tub surround. We were wrong!
The ceiling was a suspended tiled mess and the tiles showed water damage. The elderly woman assured us that the leaky roof had been fixed and the tiles were just stained from the earlier damage. She had extra tiles and just wanted the stained tiles replaced instead of a new ceiling. We started on tearing up the old vinyl flooring only to discover that the floor underneath was rotted through in places and so a new sub-floor had to be installed. That weekend it rained and we got a call that the bathroom was flooded.
Well, it was flooded all right but not from a busted pipe but a poorly patched roofing job that another contractor had done leaving the valley of the roof pouring a stream of rain water right into the ladies bathroom like a storm drain. So our simple bathroom renovations turned into a roofing job. We ended up repairing the roof, replacing the suspended ceiling and installing a new sub-floor before we could even get into the original project of replacing the vinyl floor, installing a new vanity and replacing the tub and shower surround.
Crawling around on the floor and removing that old flooring was not pleasant. After cracking my knuckles more than once I finally wised up and got a pry bar out to help and the project went much faster and I got to keep the skin on my knuckles that I had left. Now here I was again crawling around on the floor and beating in nails and wood screws with a hammer when it dawned on me, Why wasn’t I using my air finishing nailer for some of this work? ‘Huh, I could have had a V8!’, it was one of those moments. Bathroom renovations are NOT supposed to be this challenging!
When my wife was in college one of her professors used to say, ‘Work smarter, not harder.’ That statement has always stuck with me and while I was climbing around on the floor it pole axed me unexpectedly. Being prepared for anything when going into a small bathroom renovation is having the right tools, the right attitude and always looking out for the unexpected in life to jump out and bite you when you least expect it.”
Take this story as a lesson learned. When you’re working on bathroom renovations be sure you go into the project fully prepared. Do your due diligence to make sure you’ve got the right supplies and tools if you’re going to do the project yourself.
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