Bathroom Remodeling Information and Ideas

When homeowners decide to do home improvement, they think the bathroom. This is the place where one can get away from all the stresses in life. By redesigning your bathroom cabinets, sinks, bath tubs or even the floor, you can turn your bathroom into a newly designed retreat where relaxation and unwinding is the ultimate experience.

8 - Should your bathroom have a linen closet with a door, try replacing that door with a framed trellis.

Some professionals consider small projects consisting of replacing the tub with a new tub or a shower unit. If this is what you are considering for your bathroom, you will need to include the flooring in your plans. Most new tubs or shower units will not cover where the old flooring conformed to the old tub. This work will involve removing fixtures (toilet, etc.) which will cause labor costs to rise. A project like this is okay but most homeowners usually consider a medium to large remodeling project for the bathroom. For these projects you want to plan very carefully so you will be happy with what you end up with after the project is completed. You will want to make sure that you have extra facilities to use while the remodeling is in progress. Your plans should include the fixture placement, i.e. do you keep the old layout or create a new one? What type of lighting do you want? Do you want task lighting at every functional area or general lighting throughout the bathroom? Do you want a bathroom heating system to keep you warm when you get out of the shower (i.e. floor warming system)? Do you want greenery or how about a HiFi television for your bathroom? Fog free mirrors? No more waiting for steam to clear before you can see yourself! Plan carefully and within your budget! When the project is completed, enjoy the new room you designed for you and your family!

Author: Keith Hoyng

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas | The Finishing Touches

So you have finally finished that bathroom remodeling project by installing the last tile square, and applied that final coat of paint. The plumbing has been buttoned up and everything looks to be just how you pictured it in your head before you started. So where do you go from here? Do you have any other ideas that didn't quite make it in? One thing you can consider doing is to add some small finishing touches to the room that will enhance all the hard work you just did, and bring the atmosphere to a whole new level.

6 - Try applying a colored stain to revive those old wood cabinets. Use a light-colored stain for the background and then apply a brighter color to some of the drawers to create a contrast.These are just a few things we thought of. Most important thing is to be creative and experiment until you are happy. Your bathroom will be frequented by many visitors, and can become a statement of your unique personality or style. Don't let any self doubt deter you from having the bathroom of your dreams. And even though the bulk of the work is done, any new bathroom remodeling ideas can be implemented at a later date. Consider your home a work in progress and have fun doing it.2 - Fill antique bowls or shaving mugs with toiletries, such as soaps or bath salts.7 - Always have fresh flowers or flowering plants on hand for fragrance and appearance. Put them in an old watering can or vase.1 - Hang a shelf on a wall, and use it to display your collectibles or other decor.3 - If you have a larger room, try adding a wicker chair or similar piece of outdoor furniture.9 - Frame in your mirror over the sink with tiles, perhaps alternating colors or styles in them.We decided to put together a small list of bathroom remodeling ideas to really give the room a personal touch, and finish the room completely:Some professionals consider small projects consisting of replacing the tub with a new tub or a shower unit. If this is what you are considering for your bathroom, you will need to include the flooring in your plans. Most new tubs or shower units will not cover where the old flooring conformed to the old tub. This work will involve removing fixtures (toilet, etc.) which will cause labor costs to rise. A project like this is okay but most homeowners usually consider a medium to large remodeling project for the bathroom. For these projects you want to plan very carefully so you will be happy with what you end up with after the project is completed. You will want to make sure that you have extra facilities to use while the remodeling is in progress. Your plans should include the fixture placement, i.e. do you keep the old layout or create a new one? What type of lighting do you want? Do you want task lighting at every functional area or general lighting throughout the bathroom? Do you want a bathroom heating system to keep you warm when you get out of the shower (i.e. floor warming system)? Do you want greenery or how about a HiFi television for your bathroom? Fog free mirrors? No more waiting for steam to clear before you can see yourself! Plan carefully and within your budget! When the project is completed, enjoy the new room you designed for you and your family!11 - With a multi-colored curtain, choose new linens in colors that reflect those of the curtain. For a striped shower curtain, get some solid towels in coordinating colors. Try not to match the pattern exactly because it will take away from the rest of the room.4 - Be generous in your use of mirrors on the walls. They will make the room appear larger and more open.10 - Install a brand new shower curtain. A cloth curtain will be more expensive, but it will also look nicer. You can also try a nylon or cotton curtain as long as you find one in a suitable color. Try to avoid anything plastic as it will look cheap and probably won't last as long. Plus any stains will be magnified on it.

These are just a few things we thought of. Most important thing is to be creative and experiment until you are happy. Your bathroom will be frequented by many visitors, and can become a statement of your unique personality or style. Don't let any self doubt deter you from having the bathroom of your dreams. And even though the bulk of the work is done, any new bathroom remodeling ideas can be implemented at a later date. Consider your home a work in progress and have fun doing it.

Author: James McDonald

Vessel Sink Vanity Ideas

Vessel sinke are a fantastic way to dress up any bathroom design. They are available in many styles and finishes, making them a virsitile option for any color scheme or style. Vessel sinks do require special faucet and drain hardware; and that can often be found just about anywhere vessel sinks are sold.

� Do you need lots of cabinets or just open shelves for storage space?In recent months, a number of kitchen and bath designers have reported a dramatic increase in bathroom projects, while kitchen projects are fewer and further between.Bathrooms need to be just as functional, good looking and comfortable as the other rooms of your home.When added up, the construction, material and mechanical costs for a typical installation may be even more than the exotic glass panels used in this space.* Curbless showers with a trough drain make a difference. New trough drain systems make curbless showers much more functional. A recent product I found is a low-profile linear drain (www. quickdrainusa.com). These types of drains allow you to slope the floor in one direction only; they can be installed along one edge of the shower, rather than centered. This is an excellent drain to use if you are planning an overhead shower system. Overhead shower systems that incorporate chromatherapy lighting or simple white light can add great drama to these special showers. Designers sometimes mistakenly center a showerhead, and then center the drain as well. The user then stands on the drain and impedes water flow out of the shower. This won't work in a curbless shower - the drain water will run out of the shower.

Copyright (c) 2009 Julia Ritzenthaler

Author: Julia Ritzenthaler

Major Bathroom Remodeling Guidelines

Although the bathroom, compared to all the other rooms in the home has the smallest area, a �major bathroom remodeling� can be costly; in fact can be compared to renovating a small house.

There are several design innovations I have discovered from our colleagues designing hotel bathrooms.The bathtub can be cozy and enclosed or part of the bedroom space. The overhead LED chroma therapy light strips can be reserved just for the bather or can add drama to the entire sleeping area.Copyright (c) 2009 Julia RitzenthalerTUBS AND SHOWERSAs with any type of remodel or redecorating project, be sure to consider the design aesthetic you want to achieve. Once you have an idea, choose the design of your vessel sink vanity and then move on to mirrors, lighting, and other accessories. You want to coordinate all aspects of the design, that doesn't necessarily mean match, just coordinate. Consider the space too, size dimensions, etc... A helpful tip is to have all of your dimensions and a color palette at your side while shopping.We can better allocate bathroom floor space if we rethink compartmentalizing the toilet. Because hotels normally do not have the luxury of devoting a minimum 36"�60" (and that's the minimum rectangle) of interior floor space to a walledoff compartment, they create interesting ways to shield the toilet from view rather than providing complete privacy.WET/DRY AREASConsidering that you can spend hours in your bathroom, taking care of your many hygiene and grooming needs, it is very important that you give thorough consideration on how you want to use your bathroom room.When contemplating major remodeling on your bathroom, the most essential thing to keep in mind is to consider and look into your �bathroom remodeling� project estimate or figures as well as what you imagine is the most attractive bathroom design for you.* Keep the space safe. Please, do not overlook the need for a foot rest or bench in the shower. This is something that is all too often overlooked in hotel bathrooms. A freestanding teak bench, a floating stone ledge or a triangle raised corner niche for a foot is important. It is also a good idea to install a solid backer system in the shower, allowing flexible placement of grab bars at the time of installation, or at a later date in the family's life.I consider the toilet, bidet, urinal and shower as primary elements in the functional part of the bathroom. A bathing pool, and the vanity counter/make-up area are far less susceptible to water damage, mildew development or the other problems associated with the fixtures in a "one-space" bathroom.� Do you need one more shower compartment?Based on your client's preferences for the bathing experience (solitary escapism, social gathering place for adults, etc.), you might consider opening up the bathroom area to the bedroom in a residential project. Once again, this approach works very well if the shower and toilet are separated. In one example (see photo on Page 50), you see the bathtub in a traditional marble platform and a vanity sharing a corridor shape. The bathtub area becomes part of the bedroom sleeping zone when two sets of three Shoji screentype doors are stacked against two end walls. The track for the doors is hidden behind a wood valance encompassing the dropped bathroom ceiling. A grooved Corian plate at the floor line provides a rail system for the lower door track to slide along. The bathtub sits in a pedestal platform that is surrounded by a stripe of pebble stone tile. This same pebble stone tile is used as a comfortable - and safe - non-skid shower base in the adjacent compartment.Design and planningBATH INNOVATIONSThe most interesting bathrooms will be in unique, "edgy" small hotels.Today's bathroom is no longer just a place for taking a bath, brushing your teeth, etc. It now can a place where you can relax in the tub, light a candle and read a book and just take pleasure in its calming ambience.Consult a designer for bathroom design suggestions and ideas, let them know of your design preference so they can give you a sketch or you can examine magazines and cut out designs, ideas and photos that correspond or match with what design you have in mind.Thinking of these two different categories of space frees your creativity when placing fixtures or selecting materials. It might give you a new outlook on walls, as well.The vessel sink—as the name implies—is a vessel into which a faucet dispenses water. Vessel become a work of art in the space; vessel sinks come in a variety of materials including porcelain, natural stones, cast copper and other metals, glass, and more. The design choices are numerous and the great thing is that you're able to find something unique that appears custom-made at an affordable price. Plumbing waste and supply lines are hidden in the vanity base or even exposed in a way that they still appear aesthetically pleasing and interesting.Upgrading your bathroom appliances as well as knocking down walls are generally the scope of �bathroom remodeling� jobs. You will need important help that will include a designer or architect, an electrician, plumber, carpenter, professional tiler and possibly also a �general contractor� to organize jobs and bring everybody together.Here are basic questions that you should ask yourself to help you design your bathroom:Your newly designed bathroom and vessel sink vanity will be the talk of all of your guests and will look beautiful for years to come.Bathroom specialists can gain inspiration by studying baths created by hospitality specialists for boutique hotels. If you're not traveling much this year, check out boutique hotels in your local community or a short commute away. Just call the hotel and ask to see a sleeping room.In addition to the frosted glass being very dramatic, consider how space -saving this approach is. If the design called for two typical framed wall systems, more than 12" of floor space would be required for the shower and toilet wall. Individual light fixtures would be required, as well as a swinging glass shower door and either a pocket or wood door in the toilet compartment.

Enjoy the excitement and fun of your bathroom remodeling project and take pleasure in the many years of contentment and gratification offered by your finished bathroom project.

Author: Sarah Miller

Bath Inspirations

As the bath becomes the newest design focus for many consumers designers con win business by mastering the details - from wall surfaces to innovative hardware and material options.

While you may avoid crazy designs generally in other rooms of your house, your bathroom can deal with vibrant patterns and colors and whimsical themes. Furthermore, it can be a meticulous depiction of your homes ambience.� Would you like to put in a whirlpool or spa setting?Throughout the your bathroom remodeling course, remember to think and look of the remodeling project from all angles such as functionality, overall design, aesthetic appeal, comfort, materials and colors.Your contractor coordinates with the plumber, electrician and any other workers needed in your bathroom remodeling project, obtains all essential permits demanded by your city and organizes work schedules in order that no time is wasted.This bathroom solution uses frosted green glass to add great drama to a small area. Note the intriguing use of the angled "ladder" to house towels. A striking design detail in this small space was a panel of soft sea foam green painted on one wall in the water closet area. I love the idea of just painting the center 80% of a wall space - rather than always corner to corner.In kitchen planning, we organize and connect long runs of similar materials: Wall surfacing takes a back seat to equipment and cabinetry specifications. In bathroom design, unconnected individual elements are installed along wall surfaces. The bath walls (or lack of walls) are a major design element for any bathroom plan.For the superlative bathroom remodeling results, you need to contact a contractor because this won't be a simple do-it-yourself remodeling project.Furthermore, the cost of your bathroom remodeling project will greatly depend on your choice of fixtures and quality of bathroom appliances you would like to have. Some bathtubs, fixtures and even tiles could be expensive because of their brand names.At the Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach, great use of a flexible wall system dramatically enhances the design of the entire suite.A collection of architectural and design plans will help not only you but your bathroom remodeling professionals as well visualize the completed project, although any design ideas and preparations may be helpful.A reliable contractor carries with him the knowledge and skills to supervise and manage everything in the bathroom remodeling process starting from the tearing-out phase up to the installation of the last plumbing piece.The most notable benefit of obtaining the help of a contractor in your major bathroom remodeling project is acquiring �peace of mind� and having to deal with just one person to impart your ideas to or to blame in case something goes wrong.To win the client over, I recommend you spend more time on the details of your bathroom plan. Decorative and functional surfaces play a much bigger role in the bathroom than in the cooking space.1. Join fixtures. Combinin the stall shower and the toilet in a separate compartment can make better use of floor space. Enlarging the compartment to accommodate a 36"-deep � 48"-wide shower with the toilet opposite it and separated from the balance of the bathroom by a sliding pocket door is an attractive solution in the bathrooms found in the Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach, CA.For kitchen designers who offer a "design-build" service to their client - meaning they supply/ install and profit from not only cabinetry but fixtures and fittings, as well as all surfacing materials designing bathrooms can be a good business focus during the current economy.Benefits of hiring a contractorWith vessel sinks, you also have the option of utilizing existing cabinetry; be aware that some remodeling will be necessary if you choose this route. Proper installation is paramount. If you decide to DIY your new vessel sink, check out the multitude of informative websites that are focused on providing tips that pertain to bathroom remodeling, read the instructions, and ask questions—many online retailers welcome questions.Establishing a realistic budget for your major bathroom remodeling2. Shield rather than separate. After completely understanding your client's requirements vs. dream list regarding toilet positioning, consider using glass panels and/ or glass sliding doors to shield the toilet from view. At the Graves 601 Hotel in Minneapolis, MN a very small bathroom is dramatically enhanced by the use of glass panels. A 3/4" glass partition on one side conceals the toilet. On the opposite side, a similar 3/4" panel encloses the deep shower.You have several choices when it comes to vessel sink vanities. There is a wide range of designs, colors, and materials that are sure to suit any personal style. Vessel sinks are available in two major styles, and these are vessel sink vanities and bathroom vessel sinks. To get started with your remodeling or construction plans, review remodeling tips and start browsing online. Vessel sinks come in so many shapes, sizes, and styles: contemporary, antique, traditional, rustic, and more. Just remember that the vanity is the focal point of any bathroom design, so choose carefully and select your vanity first.* Select the floor carefully. When considering a curbless shower, carefully think through the flooring selected for the dry area of the bathroom and the wet area encompassing the shower. Avoid any smooth, shiny and therefore slippery materials. Avoid large, over-scaled tiles which may not be suitable for the slanted floor profile needed to insure proper water drainage.Enjoy the excitement and fun of your bathroom remodeling project and take pleasure in the many years of contentment and gratification offered by your finished bathroom project.It seems that many clients are delaying their kitchen undertaking and turning their attention to a bathroom instead with the idea that baths are generally less expensive to remodel than kitchens.Details are also critical when designing the bathtub and shower spaces. Following are some suggestions for maximizing both functional and aesthetic appeal.When determining your bathroom remodeling budget, bear in mind the bathroom design inspiration and ideas you like as well as if they are expensive.* Keep the air dry and fresh. Recognize the importance of good ventilation in any shower area. Broan-NuTone has a great light/fan combination fixture that looks like a simple recessed light. This is an excellent low-profile fixture for a Zen-like shower.It's important to realize there are two distinctly different areas in any bathroom: the wet area and the dry area. These two segments of the space could also be identified as the functional part of the bathroom and the spa part of the bathroom.� Which do you prefer more, sink or counter space?

* Keep the space safe. Please, do not overlook the need for a foot rest or bench in the shower. This is something that is all too often overlooked in hotel bathrooms. A freestanding teak bench, a floating stone ledge or a triangle raised corner niche for a foot is important. It is also a good idea to install a solid backer system in the shower, allowing flexible placement of grab bars at the time of installation, or at a later date in the family's life.

Author: Cheever, Ellen

Simple, Low Cost, Weekend Bathroom Renovation Tips From Waterpik

(Family Features) Not everyone has the time or money to undergo a complete bathroom renovation, but there are some simple and cost effective ways to make your bathroom as good as new in a short amount of time, and at a fraction of the cost. Waterpik® and Kelly Edwards, designer from HGTV's "Design on a Dime," have some ideas and tips that can be used to update any bathroom in less than two days, and for $200 or less.

Don�t be put off by the big jobs - stripping down the entire bathroom may look like a complicated job but, in all reality, it is quite simple and requires little more than some hard labor by you (and maybe a friend or two). If you are ever going to introduce some good bathroom renovation ideas then you have to get out of your comfort zone and learn some of the skills needed to undertake the work.Before you start the bathroom home improvement ensure that you put together a realistic costing for your bathroom renovation. Check some of the online specialty bathroom websites and put together a pricing list for the fixtures such as vanity, light and toilet fittings. We all dream about having gold taps and features in our bathrooms, however, the reality check is that the cost for most people would be prohibitive and well beyond their budget.How many times have we heard the jokes about the ambitious do-it-yourself homeowner who starts project after project, only to stop in the middle and not finish any one of them? Usually the weekend warrior runs out of time, or perhaps money, or maybe he or she realizes that much more has been bitten off than can possibly be chewed. The results are evident � half-finished paintjobs that leave some walls in one color while others sport another; flooring has been exposed but never finished; kitchen cabinets are leaning against the wall yet will not be anchored in for weeks or perhaps months. Sadly, many a homeowner neglected to receive some sound remodeling tips prior to embarking on their tasks. To this end, here are some tips and tricks that will you to get off to a good start, before you actually pick up your checkbook or your tools!Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1609644Hardware. Because most bathrooms won't have a lot of knobs or pulls to replace, you can afford to splurge a little bit on something special.Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to NewsvineTry to adopt a patient approach and don�t be put off if you initially make a few small mistakes. Even the experts make mistakes at times and even the best bathroom renovation ideas have some inherent problems that will need some corrective action at a later date. Be patient and most importantly, be happy with the thought you�re your workable bathroom renovation ideas are not so difficult after all. With a little forward planning and creativity your new look private oasis can transform before your eyes.Summon Up The Courage And Implement Your Bathroom Renovation Ideas!"Even the smallest changes can make a big difference," said Edwards. "Pick one or all of the tips below to quickly update and remodel your bathroom without breaking the bank; sometimes it's the simplest changes that can really give your room a completely revamped look and feel."Paint. A fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to make a big splash in any bathroom.A fresh set of fluffy new towels brings instant color. An updated shower curtain can add an air of drama, whimsy, romance or relaxation, depending on the style you choose. Don't forget a new set of rugs to warm up bare, wet feet, and window curtains, too.Experts have a tool box full of different small bathroom remodeling ideas, but most can be grouped into two categories: creating light and creating visual space. The illusions of space and light complement each other and expand a small space. Anyone who has tried to apply makeup in a small dark room knows how important light is, and it�s created in a variety of ways, both natural and artificial. Natural light comes from windows, skylights, and any other opening that allows sun into the space. Whenever possible, windows should be left uncovered or only lightly covered by a filmy white or light-colored window covering. Paint colors from the cool end of the color spectrum reflect and enhance natural light, as do mirrors and light-colored flooring. Even a light-colored, inexpensive rug used to cover a dark floor can brighten up a space. Artificial light, originating from ceiling lights, wall sconces or lamps, can also brighten a space when employed artfully. Recessed lighting, which creates the illusion of space as well as light, could also be a viable option for you. Just be sure to use artificial light that is bright without being oppressive. Look in your home and garden store for special bulbs that can be used to effectively diffuse the light.Switch out traditional bathroom cabinet knobs for ones that say something about you. You can find knobs in just about any shape -- from cowboy boots or kittens, to sea shells and flowers. Try a different knob material. Ceramic, wood, stone, brushed nickel and polished bronze all make stylish additions.In reality the bathroom home improvement is easily the best place to start you renovation work as you can accomplish quite a transformation with a little imagination, a splash of flair and, of course, a few basic building skills. If you are interested in upgrading your bathroom, but really don�t know where to start, do some research so you can consider the options that are open to you.The ease of undertaking a bathroom renovation is due to the fact that the average bathroom is quite small in size and therefore a fairly modest remodeling program will have some marked results. Most bathroom renovation ideas are often centered on a replacement of wall and floor tiles as well as the inclusion of new fixtures and fittings. Don�t be put off attempting the project if one of your bathroom renovation ideas includes enlarging the space. The chances are that extending the area of you bathroom will not be too difficult as it could be as simple as removing an adjacent closet or a dividing wall. You will be amazed at how even a relatively small increase of the bathroom area can have a remarkable effect on the look and feel of the room.

Wendy MacDonald wmacdonald@familyfeatures.com 1-888-824-3337 ext. 235 http://editors.familyfeatures.com

Useful Remodeling Ideas � BEFORE You Get Started!

Home remodeling can be done for function or just because the house needs a new look, or a combination of the two. The focus of home remodeling for most homeowners is usually the kitchen or the bathrooms because those are the rooms that add the most value to a home and can become outdated more quickly. Just as in fashion, home d�cor goes through fads, and typically if bathrooms and kitchens have not been remodeled for ten years or more, it�s obvious!

Simply changing your showerhead can turn a regular shower into a true sensual, spa-like experience. The EasySelect showerhead from Waterpik, for example, has a spray selector located right on the handle, so you can change the spray settings from circular massage to full body coverage without having to reach through the water stream. Find out more at www.waterpik.com . Get attractive organizers for all your shower accessories. You can find options to fit just about any need and style. Replace the typical shower curtain rod with a curved rod. The curve not only gives you more room to shower, but adds a little bit of visual oomph to the room.Shower and Tub. Turn these functional elements into spa-like amenities for your bathroom.Hopefully these remodeling tips have added a little bit of common sense to the mix of weekend projects and large undertakings, and the next time you contemplate a project, please be sure to think it through from beginning to end before your jump into the car to head to the local big box store for supplies!Suggestions for simple bathroom changes that offer big results include the following anyone-can-do projects:

Hopefully these remodeling tips have added a little bit of common sense to the mix of weekend projects and large undertakings, and the next time you contemplate a project, please be sure to think it through from beginning to end before your jump into the car to head to the local big box store for supplies!

Author: Michael Johnson