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Bathroom Design

Why Are Medicine Cabinets in the Bathroom?

by Columbus Bath Design |September 1, 2021 |0 Comments | Bathroom Accessories, Bathroom Design |

Medicine cabinets might sound boring and old-fashioned, but they are actually a decorative way to increase the storage space in your bathroom. Medicine cabinets are making a comeback in interior design and are storing away things that are not even medication-related. Check out some creative ways that today’s medicine cabinets can transform your bathroom into an organized and stylish space.

Above The Toilet 

The unused space above the toilet is the perfect spot for a medicine cabinet. Select one that compliments the entire bathroom. This includes the style…modern, country, traditional, etc. Whether you decide to make it a focal point or blend into the wall, is up to you. This is an ideal spot for storing additional toilet paper, room fragrance, tissues, and cleaning supplies.

Sleek Corner Medicine Cabinet 

A corner in the bathroom is an ideal spot for a fashionable yet functional medicine cabinet. This works extremely well in a small bathroom where space is limited. It allows you to get extra storage space without the cabinet looking out of place. Corner medicine cabinets can conveniently hide away toiletries, towels, and other items that clutter the counter.

Double Duty Mirrors 

If your bathroom has two side-by-side sinks, the space above can serve double duty. It’s a mirror! It’s a medicine cabinet! It’s a double duty, mirror and medicine cabinet duo. At first sight, these clever, clandestine medicine cabinets look just like mirrors, but when they open up, they become an organizational dream. Store toiletries, combs, brushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, and any go-to items you use on a daily basis. Note: You don’t have to have double sinks in your bathroom to enjoy a double-duty mirror medicine cabinet. It is just as handy with one.

By The Shower 

If there is a substantial wall by the shower, hang a longer medicine cabinet nearby to house bath towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash etc. The design can vary based on your taste. It can resemble a closet door, mimic the shower door or look like a basic mirror. Hang towel racks on the wall next to the medicine cabinet to complete the shower theme.

Traditional Medicine Cabinet 

If you are a tried and true traditionalist and love the look of everything old is new again, there are medicine cabinets on the market that look like they did many years ago. They might look old, but they are designed to help you keep organized and clutter-free including built-in shelves, cubbies, and individual spaces for different sized items. Hang them on any wall in the bathroom. For example, above the sink, behind the door, near the shower or combine as a wall grouping with light scones.

Built Into the Wall Medicine Cabinet

For those looking for a sleek, streamlined bathroom style, consider a recessed medicine cabinet. Part of the cabinet is built or recessed into the inside of the wall. This option provides extra storage, deeper shelves, and a whole lot of space to organize multiple items. This idea might take some remodeling, but in the long run, the time and investment will provide additional storage in a small to mid-sized bathroom.

Picture This Cabinet Idea 

If you must add storage to your bathroom but don’t like the idea of a medicine cabinet that looks like a medicine cabinet, then hide a cabinet behind a framed picture. Simply open the framed picture like a door and voila! Shelves for towels, toiletries, and other items you want to keep organized and concealed away from view. This idea is lovely above a bathtub, toilet, or larger wall in your bathroom.

Open For View Shelving 

Some homeowners prefer to have everything in view, so a medicine cabinet with clear glass or no glass at all is an option. This idea is like a shadow box and can help organize bathroom necessities or showcase favorites like perfume collections, jewelry, and hair accessories. Consider a small shadowbox-looking cabinet or go for one that fills up space from the ceiling to the floor to create a bookcase vibe.

The Slide Out Medicine Cabinet 

Medicine cabinet designs are getting more and more creative and clever, some even artistic. There are cabinets that look like regular mirrors, but each side features slide-out shelving. This is ideal for smaller, lightweight toiletries, washcloths, soap, and medication.

Medicine Cabinets are an on-trend organizational tool for bathrooms of all sizes. Medicine cabinets offer built-in functionality and a stylish element to a bathroom. Whether you prefer it tucked away from view so only you know where it is or open for viewing shelving for everyone to see, medicine cabinets make a bathroom convenient and organized. Today’s medicine cabinet trends make it easy and affordable for you to update and refresh your bathroom.

Contact Us Today

The design experts at Columbus Bath Design are up to date on all the latest bathroom trends and can help you design the best medicine cabinet for your home. Contact us today and let’s get started.

What’s Your Favorite Bathroom Tile Design?

by Columbus Bath Design |August 1, 2021 |0 Comments | Bathroom Design, Bathroom Remodeling Materials | ,

Today’s bathrooms are luxurious spaces where the home owner’s personality is showcased. Yes, there are traditional tiles that are and will always be in style, but now more than ever, interior designers are celebrating big, bold, and colorful tiles. The more colorful and creative, the better. Here are some of our favorite tile designs to refresh a bathroom.

Matte Tiles Are Having A Moment

We’ll start with an all-time favorite with an updated twist…matte tiles. Matte tiles that are free from gloss and polish offer a subtle yet fashion statement that will complement any sized bath. They also provide a natural element with dimension. Matte tiles are perfect for flooring because they are easy to clean, maintain and look absolutely amazing with other elements in the room. Go for one color like gray or brown or mix different shades together for a more modern look.

Patterns, Patterns, Patterns

Big, bold, colorful patterns are the go-to tiles if you like to step up your bathroom design. Think throwback top to bottom geometric patterns that go from the floor right into the shower stall. Or if you prefer, use the geometric tiles to simply and beautifully add accents to your bathroom. For example, only cover one wall with tiles or a special spot like a backsplash behind the sink. Then, tone the pattern down with neutral tiles that help the eye enjoy the view. Team your perfect patterns with a floating sink, open-air tub to complete the luxurious design.

Retro Subway Tile

Subway tile or metro tiles as savvy designers call them provides an industrial edge like no other. Subway tiles are classic, timeless and with the right grout can enhance a bathroom’s overall aura. Most common in neutral white or beige, metro tiles are a safe, yet stylish selection for a modern decor enthusiast. Plus if you want this look in your home but are hoping for a different color, larger-sized tiles and more colors will be more common on the market moving forward. The great thing about subway tile is that you can easily incorporate other tile styles and sizes into your design for a one-of-a-kind look.

Wooden Tile Would Be Nice

The natural wood look is having a major return to interior design and that includes tiles for the bathroom. Wood walls and wood floors together provide an almost sauna style and spa inspiration. Any wood goes too, including cherry, maple, or oak, or a combination of multiple kinds of wood will add texture and dimension. Today’s wood tiles are easy to care for, clean, and maintain making them extra popular. Some might question, “Is this actually the bathroom,” when they enter the room, but after the second take, they will instantly fall in love with this fashion-forward appeal.

Marble Adds Unique Beauty

When you think of marble you think, high quality, super stunning, and almost artistic. Each marble tile features a unique design that comes together like an artist’s canvas on the floor, in the shower, on the basin, or any other spot in the bathroom. In the past marble was reserved for expensive homes and mansions that were upscale with large master bathrooms. Now the smallest bathroom can look amazing when styled with this natural stone’s unique beauty.

We Love Metal Tiles

Metal tiles in the bathroom! Yes and yes! Metal tiles are popping up everywhere and making bathrooms look modern and classic at the same time. Metal tiles reflect the light providing a shiny and unexpected design for the bathroom. They are available in a variety of shapes and designs providing a “sky’s the limit” style appeal. They are versatile and add depth to a room that is powerful and pretty at the same time. Metal tiles can be used as a ceiling, cover a single wall, adorn the wall behind the toilet and tub. The sky’s the limit in the bathroom with metal tiles.

Sensational Speckled Terrazzo

Textured tiles are all the rage, but it is terrazzo or speckled tiles created from fragments of many tiles types, that are the hot tiles for updated bathrooms. Each tile can include a combination of glass, marble, quartz, and even metal. They are understated, have style for days, and look amazing in any sized bathroom space. Terrazzo tiles are an alternative to more expensive marble and granite, and they look just as rich and modern. The options are as endless as your imagination and tastes.

The Greener, the Better

Relaxing and spending more time at home is growing in popularity. We are enjoying our homes more than ever and want to relax while there, especially in the bathroom. The color green and shades of this color that are found in nature are finding their way into our hearts and our bathroom’s interiors. It is a calming color and complements any colors that it is combined with. Cover the floor with monochromatic green tiles, or mix different shades of green to add texture and dimension. Then add nature-inspired accents like bamboo and rattan.

The Dark Side

Today, dark drama is working it in the bathroom arena. Very dark is very dramatic and uber chic. Think big, black or dark gray tiles that cover the floor. Then, even bigger, darker-toned tiles work their way up the wall. It sounds like designers are going over to the dark side, but this edgy look works tremendously well. This look will work best with larger-sized rooms with natural lighting and higher ceilings but isn’t out of the question for smaller spaces.

Columbus Bath Design can help you decide what bathroom tiles will work with your personality, budget, and tastes. Contact us today and let’s get started.

How to Save Money While Remodeling Your Bathroom

by Columbus Bath Design |June 15, 2021 |0 Comments | Bathroom Design, Bathroom Remodeling Cost | ,

The average cost to remodel a bathroom is over $16,000. If you have a dated bathroom and money is tight, you may be looking for ways to reduce those expenses while still freshening up your space. Learning how to save money while remodeling a bathroom can help you to reduce the costs while still getting a bathroom that is stylish and modern. Here are some of the best tips for saving money on a bathroom renovation project.

Complete Demolition On Your Own

One of the ways that you can save money while remodeling a bathroom is to complete demolition on your own. This includes removing any flooring, fixtures, and walls in the space yourself, rather than paying a contractor to complete the work. However, if you are demolishing on your own, you need to know what you are doing. It is important that you do not remove any load-bearing walls or damage the plumbing while removing fixtures or flooring. Both of these mistakes can be costly to repair and can negate any savings associated with demolishing a bathroom space on your own.

Reuse Any Fixtures You Can

Many people do not realize that fixtures can be repainted or powder coated to give them a new appearance. For example, you can sand down a wooden vanity and then either restain or repaint the vanity to give it a new and fresh look. A bathtub that is stained can be powder coated to help it look as good as new. Reusing old fixtures is generally cheaper than buying new fixtures, so if your fixtures still have life in them, consider going this route.

Retain the Same Bathroom Layout

As you look to remodel or renovate a bathroom, one of the decisions you have to make is about the layout of the bathroom. If you are on a budget, retaining the existing layout in the bathroom can help you to save money. This means that your sink, toilet, and shower will all be in the same position they currently are. When you switch up a bathroom layout and start to move fixtures, you need to alter the plumbing in your bathroom. Having to call in a plumber to re-plumb or repipe your bathroom can be costly and can drastically increase the cost of a bathroom renovation project.

Shop Around For the Best Prices

One of the common mistakes homeowners make when undergoing a bathroom renovation is not shopping around for the best prices for the materials needed for the renovation. Tile, stone, and fixture prices can vary from one vendor to the next. There are many places you can go to look for materials for your bathroom, including online retailers. Many retailers also have materials that may be close-out pricing. Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare prices, or ask if a vendor has any discounted materials for sale.

Don’t Go Overboard on High-End Materials

Some materials may look beautiful, but you can quickly exceed the budget or sink more into a bathroom remodel if you go overboard on high-end materials. And unfortunately, it can be hard to get a good return on investment with too many high-end materials. Instead, select one or two high-end items that are must-haves in your bathroom, and then try to counter those items with more affordable materials. Let your high-end items make a statement and be the star of the bathroom, instead of having them compete with other high-end finishes.

Carefully Review Contractor’s Quotes

The final tip to help you save money while you are remodeling your bathroom is to carefully review quotes from contractors. The cheapest quote is not always the best, nor does it always wind up being the cheapest. Always find out what exactly is included in your contract. Are your materials included in the quote, or do you have to buy those separately? Are dumpster rental or disposal fees included or do you have to arrange to have the trash discarded? Is the contractor obtaining and paying for building permits or are you? Always take the time to carefully review a contractor’s quote and work to see what is included in the quote and what may wind up costing you more down the road.

A bathroom may be the smallest room in your home, but it can be costly to renovate and can negatively affect the value and feel of your home if it is dated. Fortunately, there are many ways to update or remodel the look and feel of your bathroom, even for those on a budget. Here at Columbus Bath Design, we can work with any budget to help to maximize the money you have and change the look of your bathroom. Reach out to us today to learn more about us or to get started on a bathroom remodeling project.

What Is the Most Expensive Part of a Bathroom Remodel?

by Columbus Bath Design |April 30, 2021 |0 Comments | Bathroom Design, Bathroom Remodeling |

Homeowners can be somewhat torn on how important a bathroom remodel is to the market value of a property. Everybody will tell you that a kitchen is the most critical source for return on investment for your remodeling budget – which is true – but are many areas used more frequently than the bathroom?

What makes a bathroom remodel so valuable is that it pays back in a multitude of ways. There’s the obvious market value increase of a memorable commode, not to mention the increased quality of living that an open, relaxing space has to offer. Bathroom renovations will also help increase energy efficiency with the installation of low flow water fixtures and non invasive lighting.

Like any home improvement project, budget is always something to take into consideration. Homeowners need to weigh pros and cons of what are important features to include, and where to focus their finances. In order to do that, it’s important to understand where the biggest costs are going to be in a bathroom remodel:

Labor

It’s no surprise that 30 – 50% or more of your bathroom remodel budget will be spent on labor. The more rigorous the project, the higher that labor cost is going to be unfortunately.

Consider if you want to change the layout of the bathroom. That involves paying a plumber to move water lines, an electrician to run new wiring, a construction contractor for demo and the rebuild, as well as a tile specialist for new flooring / shower / backsplash. That doesn’t include a painter and/or a finish carpenter.

Some of that labor cost can be recouped with DIY work, most frequently the demo part of the project. Plumbing and electrical needs to be performed by a professional however.

Tile

Since bathrooms are generally smaller than other areas of the house, the good news is that labor costs for plumbers, electricians, etc. are generally lower because the job is done faster. It’s nothing for these trades to be done with their work in a single day or even an afternoon.

That’s not the case with tile installers though, whether it’s the floor, a shower, backsplash, etc. Tile installation is a very time consuming process – but in a way you want it to be so that the job looks nice.

Tile can only be laid in sections, and the mastic must be allowed to dry before the finishing grout can be applied. Before that the area needs to be measured and spaced out for aesthetics which is why many times a tile job can take 2-3 days or more.

It should also be noted that different tile materials will affect the budget. Natural stone tiles can cost 10X as much as basic ceramic products.

Fixtures

Low end bathtubs are going to start off with a price tag of around $400 even on sale at big box stores. High end, freestanding soaking bathtubs can be priced at $2,000 to $3,000 or more. All of these fixtures have great ROI when it comes time to sell the house (as well as an increased quality of living), but will put a significant dent in the budget at the time of remodel.

Low flow toilets don’t cost a considerable amount more than standard models, and they’re reported to save upwards of $150 per year in water bills. That may not seem like much, but compounded over 10 years it definitely adds up. Plus, sometimes there are tax incentives or rebates for having water saving fixtures installed.

Vanity

When you really think about it, there aren’t that many places to spend money in your bathroom. Lighting, painting, trim, and other miscellaneous items are going to pale in comparison to the big three of tiling, fixtures, and finally the vanity.

A vanity has become an increasingly important aspect of the bathroom for convenience as well as market value. His and her vanities are now the norm that buyers are looking for, but pedestal/wall mounted features also offer more room and make the bathroom look bigger. Vessel vanities provide a unique, modern look as well.

There are simply tons of options available in vanity choices, each with varying costs. Countertop material choices are included in that pricing as well, with marble/granite being more high end and laminate a more cost-efficient choice.

Bathroom Remodel Cost Summary

The ultimate thing to remember is that no matter how you want to lay out a bathroom or what features you want to include – it will all cost to have the work and installation done. Any time plumbing is added to the normal construction work, the labor prices will increase.

That doesn’t mean it’s not worth it though. There have been “Million Dollar Listing” type shows where a sale is lost simply because the master bathroom doesn’t have a tub to soak in. You’re in the bathroom multiple times a day for a number of different functions, you might as well enjoy the stay.

How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take?

by Columbus Bath Design |April 19, 2021 |0 Comments | Bathroom Design, Bathroom Remodeling |

Giving construction estimates on a whim is a tough job. A contractor may run into a potential client on the street and they ask a very broad, “how much to to put up a garage” question even though there are dozens of variables that would affect that answer.

Bathroom contracting specialists deal with the same thing, specifically in questions about the timeline of a renovation. Homeowners have every right to know these details (along with cost, starting date, scope of work, etc.) but there are also a number of factors that go into this answer. Here are the steps of a bathroom renovation and how long you can expect each to take:

Permit Acquisition

Home renovations that require structural, electrical, or plumbing alterations will more often than not require a permit depending on your jurisdiction. If you just plan on changing the visual appearance of the bathroom (paint, new lighting or trim) then work can commence immediately. Also the good news about a bathroom renovation is that it is interior which means a permit can usually be granted within a week. Exterior remodeling in historical districts requires a board meeting and can take up to 6 weeks.

Demo

Once the scope of work is approved by the proper authorities, it’s time to start the ‘out with the old in with the new’ process. Many homeowners consider the demolition process a very doable DIY project, but just know that do-it-yourself jobs almost always stretch out the timeline.

Instead of a multi-person crew working 8 hour days, you’re likely having untrained friends and family volunteering their time on nights and weekends. Professional contractors can usually have bathroom demo done in a day, but DIY depends on how aggressive a person is with their time.

Framing and Rebuilding

You’re not dealing with the biggest square footage even in spacious, luxury, master bathrooms so the work involved with re-framing the room isn’t that time consuming. Replacing rotted subflooring is a one-day project, as is framing new walls for layout changes.

With interior work, the good news is that contractors can stick to deadlines regardless of weather. The only thing that would push the re-framing aspect into a second week would be a material shortage. It’s incredibly important that all of this work is done on time because services trades cannot start their work until the ‘bare bones’ are back in place.

Plumbing and Electrical

What many homeowners find is that the plumbing and electrical required for a bathroom renovation usually isn’t all that time consuming – but getting the tradespeople on site is. Construction contractors often get blamed for project delays when the truth is they are playing the waiting game on the often swamped service techs.

Don’t be surprised if your bathroom sits torn apart and idle for a week or two while waiting for a plumber and/or electrician to get to the job site. That’s why it’s important to have prompt demo done, and also have a general contractor with specific timelines and who stays on top of the service trades promises.

Tile Installation

Whether it’s flooring or a shower wall, it’s not a stretch to assume that tile installation will be the most time consuming aspect of your bathroom renovation. This is definitely a job that you don’t want rushed though, so give the installer plenty of time before scheduling the next service.

There’s just a lot that goes into the tile application process. For one, an installer can only work in sections since the adhesive mastic will dry up if they get too far ahead of themselves. Each individual tile needs to be placed meticulously so that it is straight and spaced out properly. Then, once the mastic and tiles are down, at least 24 hours should pass before applying grout.

The good news is that other types of flooring besides tile can be applied in a much quicker manner. Laying a laminate floor for example is usually a one-day job, but at the same time it doesn’t provide the same durability (or often the same aesthetics) as tile.

Fixtures, Paint, Trim

Installing new fixtures as well as painting and applying base, window, and door trim aren’t especially time consuming either. The thing is, you want to dedicate a day (two on the safe side) to each. Painters can do their job a lot faster before the vanity and trim is installed. The vanity should be installed before the base trim so it can be flush against the wall as well.

It’s not fair to ask multiple contractors to try and work at the same time in a space as small as a bathroom. Not to mention, each of them waiting to get in and out of a room is going to drive labor costs through the roof.

How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take Summary

There are little nuances during each step of a bathroom renovation that could really stretch out this project. You’ve got the design and permit phase before any work can even be done, then the demo, then giving plumbers and electricians enough time to install the ‘guts’ before the actual rebuild can begin.

Tile mastic and grout needs time to dry, as does paint. Fixtures, vanity, and trim all needs to be applied in a certain order as well. If you’ve got a contractor that is well-versed in all of these services, that’s going to significantly cut down on your timeline, but this is still a 2-week job at minimum.

How to Choose the Best Bathroom Showroom

by Columbus Bath Design |March 24, 2021 |0 Comments | Bathroom Design, Bathroom Remodeling |

One of the biggest aspects of home renovation is the ‘samples.’ This is most commonly used when painting rooms in your house as you take home the swatch to see how the colors will match your current décor.

“Samples” are also prevalent in bathroom renovations via the showroom. The showroom is the base example of what your current, perhaps bland, bathroom has the potential to be. That’s one of the reasons you want the showroom to be luxurious as well – to show you options. An underwhelming showroom is a telltale sign of how the contractor’s work will be. Here’s what you should look for in choosing the best bathroom showroom:

Bathroom Vanity

The feature may seem somewhat inconsequential, but the vanity is really what holds the bathroom together. You should be able to see all your vanity options available when you visit a showroom.

For starters, do you want one sink or two? Do you want the sink to be embedded in the countertop or the modern bowl types that have gained popularity lately? These bowls can be rustic, clear, or even different shapes like rectangles.

A great showroom will also give you an example of the types of materials that are available for your vanity. Marble seems like the go-to, but in some homes is almost too fancy. Granite is durable and peaceful.

Vanities don’t always have to be the traditional “drawers underneath” style either. No doubt this style offers great storage, but open bottom vanities are gaining in popularity because they make a small bathroom look more open. That’s what a great showroom will do – show you your options.

Functionality of Your Bathroom

Don’t always expect a bathroom showroom to have working plumbing, but top-notch bathroom showrooms will have some functionality though. How does this showerhead detach from its holster? What do these kinds of lights look like turned on? Even something as simple as opening and closing drawers lets you visualize them being installed in your home.

Customizable Options for Your Bathroom

One thing to remember is that the showroom is just an example of the features that are available. It can be renovated “as-is” or you can mix and match the different products and styles that fit your tastes.

Home renovations always come with options. It’s a good rule of thumb that to remodel to your tastes while also considering future buyer’s preferences – but that’s not a law. Free-standing bathtubs may look too modern for some buyers. Others will say “we’ll never use that bathroom fireplace or that heated towel rack.” You can’t please everyone, so you might as well please yourself.

Bathroom Renovation Pricing

Budget is always a concern when discussing home renovations. A showroom can ‘show’ you all the potential that your bathroom could see and note many of the luxury items available, but they should also be upfront about what those features would potentially cost.

The decision to invest in your bathroom is a wise one, and you’ll likely recoup your finances in market value at some point if you hold on to the home. The bathroom also has to be part of the whole house scheme though too. You want to ultimately create a space that home buyers remember, but not at the cost of other areas of your home.

What you’re ultimately looking for in a showroom is value. Don’t spend your entire budget on the shower, only to be left with a low-end vanity and flooring.

Integrate Your Bathroom With the Rest of Your Home

Showrooms give you an idea of options available when remodeling a bathroom, but you’ve also got to consider how these features and layout will integrate with your current square footage.

Will you need to do more extensive renovations to install the features you’ve found attractive in a showroom? We would all love a spa in the corner of our bathroom, but not if it means having to knock down walls in the master bedroom and downsizing from a king bed to a twin.

The bathroom only has value if the whole house has value. Showrooms give you an idea of the potential that can easily be reached. The ultimate bathroom comes from one part showroom, and one part creativity of the homeowner. A perfect recipe.

Best Bathroom Showroom Overview

Bathroom showroom browsing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You’re not locked into any of the products on display, and these are just options available for remodeling.

You should make a list of your bathroom renovation priorities. Looks are huge, functionality is important, and energy efficiency should always be considered. Something else to note is that you shouldn’t have any regrets. If you’ve always wanted a walk-in shower, go for it. You can always make one feature your focal point, and design around that.

What Are the Benefits of Renovating My Bathroom?

by Columbus Bath Design |March 17, 2021 |0 Comments | Bathroom Design, Bathroom Maintenance |

Ask any real estate agent or financial adviser and they’ll say the best investment out there is putting money back into your home. It’s your biggest purchase (this side of a Lamborghini) and thus eventually your biggest sale.

So where do I spend on home improvement? Eight out of ten contractors will say in the kitchen because it is the focal point of a property. Master bedroom renovations are profitable too, but what is a room in your home that each resident and nearly every guest uses? The bathroom.

Bathroom renovations might not sound like a worthwhile area to invest in. That budget could be better off used in creating a man cave or turning that spare bedroom into a craft room, right? Sure, but here are also some reasons why renovating your bathroom is more rewarding than you think.

Creating a Sanctuary

Bathrooms are functional for sure, but they don’t have to be “get in and get out.” There’s nothing wrong with enjoying what can be a very peaceful time in the bathroom.

Instead of cold, plain, bland tile, imagine your bathroom smelling like lavender, having soft accent lighting, and with neutral décor that is relaxing and inviting.

We think of finished basements or upstairs media rooms as the spots that really offer the improved quality of living in a home. But how often do you use those areas? Weekends? Random Tuesday nights? You use the bathroom many times a day.

So Many Options

Bathroom renovations don’t sound all that appealing, but that’s because most homeowners think of it as putting in a new toilet and vanity and being done with the process. There are so many options out there to customize a bathroom though, including:

  • Bath Tub – Watch any home improvement or house-flipping show – tubs matter. You’re going to spend some money on your bathroom renovation, but one way to feel better about that is with a nice relaxing soak. According to those shows, bathtubs are a selling point that greatly improves your market value.
  • Dual Sinks – We’ve seen his or her towels, but now two sinks are almost minimum in a bathroom renovation. The convenience of dual sinks is something many homeowners are accustomed to.
  • More Space – You don’t have to just renovate the existing bathroom, you can create a whole new layout. Knocking down some walls to create more space or just moving pipes to make a more convenient traffic path or privacy porthole are all part of the process.
  • Technology Integrated – Never miss a moment of the game or the final minutes of a singing competition vote with a mirror TV. How about LED lights in your walk-in shower? A warming drawer for a toasty towel after your soak? We can do that. Setting shower temps from your phone before you enter? Yes. Heated floors? Certainly. Wine chiller under the vanity? Doable as well.

More Accessible

In commercial construction, amenities have to be considered for individuals of all different capabilities and accessibility levels. Light switches need to be at a certain height, there needs to be enough space to turn a wheelchair or walker around, there should be a lot of bracing, etc.

There’s no reason not to incorporate that into a residential bathroom remodel, even if you don’t need it now. If you’re getting the room down to the bare bones anyways, there’s no sense in not making it accessible in case of future health woes, if an older relative visits or moves in, or for potential buyers that may have a family member with a disability.

Energy Efficiency

A lot of home renovation projects pay you back in the long term by increasing your home’s market value. But with how much water and energy your bathroom uses you can start recouping payback in the first month.

Let’s look at the very simplest bathroom renovation, you don’t have to run an exhaust fan and you’ll prevent mold growth just by having a window installed if there’s not already one there. Privacy glass can be used to maintain that sense of calm.

Bathroom renovations work great for reducing water consumption as well. Low flow faucets and toilets pay themselves off, and even something as simple as a shower timer can really start reducing your carbon footprint. Many homeowners make money off their bathroom renovations eventually.

Making the Space Memorable to Buyers

Every floor plan has an open concept and a breakfast bar now. So much so that these are indistinguishable aspects to home buyers. With an exquisite bathroom renovation, you create a selling point that future buyers cannot forget.

A bathtub, heated floors, creative lighting, and some technological upgrades are things that a future buyer will remember.

You can enjoy your renovation now, but also get paid for the project when the time comes to sell your home and you subsequently need to remodel your new property.

Yes, a kitchen is very important, so is a master bedroom, but they won’t get nearly the usage (or the compliments) as a bathroom renovation.

How Do We Complete Bathroom Remodels in One Day?

by Columbus Bath Design |February 26, 2021 |0 Comments | Bathroom Design, One Day Bathroom Remodel |

Remodeling comes with some perks, most notably a new bathroom in the end. However, the process often involves a ton of dust, time, and debris. The disorganization and disarray are some reasons you may be putting off that update that would make your home more perfect.

We have great news – with our 1-day remodeling process, you can get up and leave for work in the morning and return to a brand new, fully renovated bathroom when you get home. Imagine avoiding all the muss, fuss, and construction mess!

You may ask how such a transformation is even possible, but we promise there are no magic tricks involved. We come out to your home and leave you with a completely transformed bathroom in a single day. The testimonials of our happy former clients are proof that our process is highly effective.

Customer-Centric Process

Our secret is that we have no secret! We use a highly customer-centric process that guides you through the whole project from start to finish. You’ll work with a design team to create the perfect bathroom, understanding all the while what the costs will be and how different choices can be made to suit your budget.

Then, a highly trained team of professionals will expertly tackle even the trickiest of bathroom remodel jobs. Their experience means that they’ve seen it all. At the end of the day, as you admire your new bathroom, you’ll wonder why you didn’t give us a call sooner!

What are the benefits of going with a 1-day bathroom remodeling?

The primary benefit of choosing Columbus Bath Design for your 1-day bathroom remodel job is that our system works. It’s that simple. We have worked hard to learn about different remodeling processes and have a thorough understanding the bathroom remodeling business.

We’ve listened closely to our customers to get the best idea possible of how the remodeling process works from their perspective. This insight is incredibly important in understanding where our customers are coming from.

By combining all that we know about the goals, desires, and frustrations of our customers and our extensive knowledge of the bathroom remodeling business, we developed the perfect way to help you create the perfect bathroom oasis.

We refined our process over the years and now we are the experts when it comes to bathroom remodeling. We eliminate the hassle and guesswork out of the process. We guarantee that there will be no surprises at any time during the renovation.

What makes your process different from a regular bathroom remodeling project?

We heard our customers loud and clear that their main concerns when it comes to bathroom remodeling are that it is messy, expensive, time-consuming, and overwhelming. We specifically designed our 1-day remodeling process to address these major headaches and concerns.

We know that the surprises that come up in the middle of the project only add to the frustration, and we have taken steps to address these concerns. With our free estimates, you’ll know exactly what the project will cost from the very beginning.

With the help of our design experts, you’ll create the perfect plan for your bathroom. We’ll help you choose just the right fixtures and create a complete design document. With all the choices made and the plan in place, you’ll know exactly what the bathroom renovation project will cost.

Once the design is completed, the project is taken over by our professional installation team. You’ll get a call to schedule remodeling day and they’ll get everything together ahead of time, putting all the pieces in place for your scheduled project day.

We fully understand that you need to have your bathroom operational, so we take great care to keep it out of commission as little as possible. It’s the degree and scope of our advanced planning that makes it realistic to complete the remodel in just one day.

One advantage we also offer through our process is that our expert team knows exactly what to do and what the project requires, reducing the need for multiple contractors in your home.

What steps are involved in the 1-day remodeling process?

The most critical step is for you to pick up the phone and give us a call or come down to our showroom for a free consultation! Our design experts are ready to guide you through the process and help you create the perfect bathroom design.

We’ll walk you through all of the necessary choices, honing in on the look, feel, and function that you are looking for. We’ll help you choose the perfect accessories, tub, tile, and fixtures that fit your style and desired functionality.

Our one-day remodeling process is designed to give you the best possible new bathroom without the hassle that is usually involved in the remodeling process.

Then we’ll give you a free estimate, get your remodeling day scheduled, and you are on your way to a great new bathroom!

How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger

by Columbus Bath Design |January 29, 2021 |0 Comments | Bathroom Design, Bathroom Remodeling |

Let’s face it, not everyone has the luxury of having a massive, spa-like bathroom in their home. While it may seem like a big challenge to create a bathroom design if you only have a small space, using the right design-savvy goes a long way in not only making your small space stylish and practical but even making it appear bigger than it is.

Small bathroom with sleek designThere are several things you can do to take your small bathroom space and make it look and feel more spacious. The design experts at Columbus Bath Design can guide you through the options available, from storage and décor to design choices that don’t break the bank but make a huge difference.

What are some design projects that can help make my small space look bigger?

The first thing to do to make your bathroom look bigger is to take a step back and see if some easy projects could make a big difference. For instance, if each wall of your bathroom has a patterned wallpaper or paint job, it likely has the effect of making the space seem crowded and cluttered.

Painting

Consider ditching these wall coverings in favor of a simple, clean paint job. You’ll be surprised how that can instantly make your bathroom appear bigger. When making color choices for a new paint job, consider choosing something light, like a sky blue or a pastel yellow. Neutral shades like off-white and beige are also good choices.

A fresh paint job also gives you a blank canvas when you start considering the fixtures and accessories that will give you not only storage but pops of color and style.

Floor Tiling

You can look down to the floor to immediately make a small space look bigger. By installing the right floor tiling in the right way, you can create the illusion of larger floor space. While it’s commonly thought that small tiles installed in a small bathroom are the best way to make space seem larger, the truth is that the numerous grout lines have the opposite effect.

Busy, patterned tiles are likewise a poor choice for small spaces. Stay away from these, and instead use large, plain tiles with few grout lines. Like paint color, plain-colored tiles are more effective than patterned tiles, since check marks and other geometric designs lead to the impression of an even smaller space.

Mirrors

As with any room, lots of mirrors creates the effect of a bigger area, plus in a bathroom, they are useful and needed tools. When installed appropriately in conjunction with plain tiles, the effect can be multiplied, tricking the eye into a perception of even bigger space.

What about fixtures and showers?

While tiling, paint, and mirrors are the low hanging fruit when it comes to making your bathroom look bigger, more extensive projects include choosing the right fixtures and making sure shower and tub enclosures are properly designed to increase space.

Choose the Right Fixtures

For instance, if you use the right toilets and sinks, you can immediately realize space gains. There are tons of new models out there that attach directly to the walls, reducing clutter and increasing floor space. Also, wall-hung units are specifically designed to be as compact as possible.

By taking them off the floor, they don’t “stick out” as much. Anything with a long profile not only encroaches on valuable floor space but also draws the eye, making the room appear cramped and small. By taking up a smaller space than regular features, wall-mounted fixtures are an excellent way to make your small bathroom look bigger.

Pick the Right Shower

Likewise, making good design choices when it comes to shower enclosures is critical. Consider quadrant shower enclosures, which are enclosures with doors that fold in or slide. These are the perfect choice to maximize space in a small bathroom.

In-folding doors fold neatly in on themselves instead of opening into the room, and streamlined sliding doors use rails in the enclosure to slide without encroaching on your valuable space.

How about storage and shelving? Are there tricks to using them effectively?

Without question! Rails and hooks are a great way to free up space in a small bathroom and can be used for bath towels and clothing. Hooks only use a few inches on a wall or door without affecting the design flow of your bathroom.

Hanging storage in your shower is a fantastic way to save space. Using wire baskets for your shampoo, soap, and sponges gets them off the shelves or floor and creates an attractive look.

For shelving, consider open shelves as a smart way to visually open up space while at the same time providing a ton of storage. Plus that gives you the freedom to be creative with your towels and other beauty projects!

What should I do to get started making my small bathroom look bigger?

Another easy one – give us a call! The design experts at Columbus Bath Design know exactly how to make a small bathroom look bigger using the tricks described here, plus they are well-versed in all of the newest products and trends.

We look forward to helping you create the perfect bathroom oasis out of your small space!

Update Your Bathroom With A New Sink Or Vanity

by Columbus Bath Design |December 14, 2020 |0 Comments | Bathroom Design, Bathroom Remodeling Materials

While the dream of many a homeowner is to gut their bathrooms and remodel them in a new and more updated style, the fact is that many people simply don’t have the budget for a complete overhaul.

The good news is that there are some very cost-effective things you can do to update both functionality and style without breaking the bank. At the top of this list is updating your bathroom with a new sink/vanity.

While you can certainly install a state of the art toilet or ultra-cool waterfall shower, the best thing you can do to freshen up your bathroom’s look is to install a new vanity. Not only are they easy to install, but they are also the focal point of the room and can quickly and easily give it a new look.

There are a few things to consider when looking for your new vanity. For instance, not everyone has the luxury of an oversized bathroom, so finding a vanity that fits your space and budget is key.

We’re here to help! The designers at Columbus Bath Design have helped homeowners like you not only update their bathroom but to do so on a budget and with style. Give us a call and we’ll help you get started on your project today.

Why is updating your vanity an easy way to freshen up the bathroom’s look?

While updating or installing a new toilet or shower usually requires advanced plumbing skills that add cost to the budget, bathroom vanities can be updated with relative ease. Chances are good that if you are comfortable using basic tools already in your home, you would feel comfortable replacing your vanity by yourself, without the need for expensive plumbers or contractors.

Not only that, with the wide variety of shapes and styles out there, you can quickly change the overall look of your bathroom just by changing out your sink and vanity. Since most tubs and toilets tend to be white, adding color and style to your room is best achieved with a new vanity.

And as mentioned above, updating your vanity is one of the most cost-effective and budget-friendly options for giving your bathroom a fresh, clean, and new look.

What kinds of design factors do I need to consider when updating my sink/vanity?

There are a few basic design elements that will drive your choice of the new vanity. First is size, then theme, and then finally countertops. Once you’ve made these choices, all you need to do is get your new vanity in place to have a fresh look!

Vanity Size

When it comes to size, the overriding question is how much space you have for your vanity. If you have a large or oversized bathroom, you don’t need to worry about space requirements. You could easily add an extra-wide vanity with oversized mirrors.

Most of us, however, don’t have that luxury. Small spaces do not mean that there are no good options, though. For instance, if you have a small space and like a more traditional style, a pedestal sink with a simple hanging mirror is not only a good style choice, it can also help to make your bathroom look larger. Consulting with a design expert will help you discover the full range of options available to fit your size requirements.

Choose Your Theme

The theme is the next big choice to make after you’ve settled on size. Since one of the main reasons to update your vanity is to give your bathroom a new look, deciding on the theme is critical. You’ll want to explore all of the design options available before making your final selection.

Some people prefer art deco or black, some a more modern flair. Rustic, country bathrooms are gaining in popularity. More traditional vanities are now available in all sizes and shapes, with styles anywhere from shabby chic to farmhouse. Deciding on what style you want is one of the most fun parts of the project – you’ll get to preview all that is available and refine the look to fit your taste.

Consider Countertop Options

Finally, make sure you pay attention to the countertops. Choosing the right surface is important since it not only completes the look but needs to be right for the job. Non-porous countertops are the best choice since continued exposure to moisture can shorten the lifespan of countertops made from laminate, natural wood, and other materials.

What should I do if I want to update my sink/vanity?

When you approach a project like updating your sink/vanity we know the choices can be overwhelming! We’re here to help. Our design experts know exactly how to walk you through the process, taking the guesswork out of where to start and making it a fun experience. We can’t wait to help you start the updating process!