A fact of which many property owners may be unaware is that the condition of a home’s bathroom can substantially affect its resale value. Although the bathroom is not a home’s focal point, its condition will influence potential buyers with regard to the dwelling’s overall appeal. Among the many tips offered by home improvement experts is to keep your bathroom looking modern and stylish if you want to maintain peak resale value for your home.
Outdated Bathrooms Leave a Negative Impression-
If you thought about it for a few moments, you would probably agree that your bathroom is one of the most outdated rooms in your dwelling. This is because you are not forced to look at your bathroom all the time, as you are with a living room or family room and therefore, it is easy to disregard this area when remodeling. Due to that very reason, bathrooms often endure years of neglect and eventually become considerably outdated, and thus a negative aspect according to experts who offer resale tips. This is why your bathroom should be remodeled and updated in accordance with your home’s overall style and décor.
Bathroom Remodel Tips–
When considering various bathroom tips, keep in mind that your goal is to ensure your new bathroom adds beauty and value to your home. For example, a newly remodeled bathroom not only looks more attractive, but typically contains luxuries that were not commonplace when the dwelling was built. Although virtually all master bathrooms have a sink, commode, and bathtub-shower combination, old outdated baths usually offer no luxuries. However, the latter are in high demand on today’s modern real estate market.
This is why many home improvement experts recommend the addition of elegant bathroom mirrors, whirlpool jets, modern vanities and interesting touches such as vessel sinks and recessed lighting. One or more of these additions, plus a new stylish look can potentially add substantial value to your property. Therefore, if you have plans to sell your home in the future, you should gather estimates and make plans to remodel this much used room and enjoy higher profits when your property is sold.
It’s easy to forget just how much great-looking tile can make a bathroom sparkle. One of the elements that can make a bathroom look old and tired is outdated tile. While companies that install one-piece bath and shower combinations say that their solution is the wave of the future, such cost-cutting efforts can be fraught with pitfalls.
One of the remedial tips to remember is that placing a one-piece over old tile can actually foster mold growth that may already be trapped between the wall and the old tile and can eventually compromise your wall structure. The best remodeling efforts for old, tired bathrooms involve tearing out the old tile and installing new material. Here are some bathroom tips for selecting the right tile to make your bathing oasis look fresh and inviting.
Good planning is at the base of all bathroom renovations, tile included. Make sure that you know where all elements will be located. Don’t assume that the tile is the size that it says it is. Many larger tiles are also manufactured for the European market and are measured in centimeters, making your measurements slightly off. Measure and then lay tile from the ceiling down to get the best effect from patterns.
Pay attention to the differences between wall and floor tile as the latter have a higher wear rating issued by the National Floorcovering Alliance. Most floor tiles have a rating of 3, 4 or 5, while tall tiles have a rating of 0, 1 or 2. Wall tiles are usually smoother and slicker than those for the floor, which will usually be thicker and often have a rougher surface for traction. Choose floor tiles that are glazed, or ones that can absorb glazes, to make them waterproof. Wall tiles usually have a semi-gloss or matte finish and maybe too porous. Porous wall tiles should not be used in a backsplash or bathtub/shower area.
Three different types of tile are well suited for bathroom renovations: travertine, porcelain and mosaic tiles. Travertine, cut from natural limestone, is elegant and is a good choice for floors and walls in upscale installations. Porcelain is manufactured by firing sand at high temperatures and pressure. It’s available in a wide range of sizes. Choose mosaic tiles, which usually come in smaller sizes, to create a statement and draw attention to an area. Since they easily contour around curves, they are a good choice for showers and drains. Use them sparingly as repeated patterns can be overwhelming.
Most individuals want their bathrooms to look modern and stylish. For this reason, when renovating or updating a bathroom, replacing the shower door is almost always at the top of the homeowner’s list. The benefits of a new shower door include an updated look for the bathroom, as well as a safer environment for the home’s residents. Below are some helpful tips for those planning to remodel a bathroom or replace a shower curtain with an attractive and practical door.
Advantages of Shower Doors. The advantages of shower doors over curtains are almost always mentioned by home improvement experts when asked to provide shower tips. Among the many benefits of shower doors is the fact that they offer a watertight area that eliminates the need to clean moisture from the bathroom floor after the shower is used. Obviously, this also reduces the chance of slip-and-fall accidents caused by wet floors.
In addition, the prevention of mold and mildew is made easier, as shower doors can be wiped with a basic, all-purpose cleaner. A shower door can also be scrubbed as hard as necessary unlike curtains, which can be difficult to clean without fraying or damaging the material from which they are made. Shower doors also create a streamlined, modern bathroom that is up to date with the rest of the house.
Types. Homeowners can choose from among several shower door models. For example, folding panel doors can be installed, which open by a hinge in the middle. They are pulled open into the bathroom with handles and typically latch with a small magnet when closed. Sliding doors are somewhat different, as they simply rest in a track that extends along the bottom and top of the shower’s frame. Certain models also have towel bars mounted on the outer panel, which many homeowners find convenient.
The material from which most shower doors are manufactured retains a timeless look that can be easily incorporated into virtually any bathroom. Shower doors have remained popular due to their durability, functionality and ease of cleaning. Therefore, anyone searching for remodel tips should consider adding a practical and decorative shower door to his or her bathroom.
Basement bathrooms don’t have to be dingy places. Despite having to work around piping, dim light and ceilings that are usually lower than above-ground rooms in your home, you can easily turn your basement bathroom into an additional oasis by applying good design principles. In other words, many of the other bathroom tips provided by Columbus Bath Design are applicable to the area on the lowest level of your home.
Designing a basement bathroom, however, does have some special considerations that you should take into account when making a general plan and selecting accessories.
Decide on a Purpose. What is the primary use for your basement? Is it a recreational and entertainment area or will you use it as a guest bedroom suite? If it’s the former, you only need a powder room with a pedestal sink or vanity and a toilet. Whatever you have, there’s no need to make it plain just because it’s in the basement. Dress it up as much as your budget allows. Splurge on high-quality fixtures, high-end tile and the like. Don’t forget storage such as built-in cabinets or open vanities so you or you guests don’t have to run upstairs for towels or other necessities.
Add Extra Light. Let’s face it, basement areas are below grade, meaning less natural light will make it into rooms. Many basement bathrooms don’t even have a window, so good lighting is a must. Make sure you have enough of it by placing extra fixtures such as wall sconces to eliminate shadows and dim areas. Use light colored tiles and walls to open up the space and provide mirrors and chrome accents that will further reflect light.
Provide Sufficient Ventilation. Because basements are below grade with exterior walls in contact with soil, this area is much more humid than the rest of the home. Make sure the bathroom is properly vented to the outside with an exhaust fan powerful enough to pullout excess moisture to avoid mold and mildew problems. Because of the possibility of excess moisture, make sure you choose water-resistant materials for the floor and walls. Tile and natural stone do well in such areas and also play into the elegant look that you want for your basement bathroom.
Think Outside The Box When Tackling Bathroom Design – A well-designed bathroom is one of life’s pleasures. It makes us more efficient in the morning when starting our day and is a place to retreat to relieve stress. Often when designing a bathroom remodel, we tend to fall into the same tired patterns that end up only minimally refreshing the space. The following tips will get you thinking out of the box when considering a bathroom renovation.
Ditch the Bathtub. Consider removing your tub and installing a walk-in shower in its place with a frameless glass enclosure. Walk-in showers are one of the most popular contemporary design trends, particularly for smaller bathrooms where the tub, toilet and vanity are located adjacent to one another on the wet wall. A frameless glass enclosure will open up with room and make it elegant at the same time. To open up even more space, one of the best design tips is to include niches for bath accessories to remove external clutter. Place the niches at a height that makes items easy to reach.
Rethink Vanities. Instead of the standard double sink vanity set-up with a large mirror running the length, try two smaller vanities with framed mirrors and lighting on either side of the mirror. This type of design creates interest and visual appeal that you won’t get with a double sink vanity. Place storage underneath each vanity. Open storage will provide additional visual appeal.
Modern Lighting. Wall sconces placed on either side of mirrors is one way to dress up and draw visual attention in your bathroom, but you should remember that lighting always has a functional application. Instead of standard three-light fixtures over vanities, install a medium-size chandelier in the center of the bathroom, or over a spa tub, if you have room for one. Pair this with several colored, glass-blown light fixtures on the accent wall. These types of light fixtures are typically used in kitchens or near a bar table. Not only will you have the light you need, you will also create an ambience of elegance and relaxation. Another option is concealed lighting, which works well if you have a decorative stepped ceiling.
Tile Appeal. One of the most important bathroom tips is to achieve visual appeal along with durability and ease of maintenance in your selection of tile. Go with classic colors and finishes for majority of walls and floors and only use popular trends as accents. Avoid going heavy on trendy finishes, as these will date the bathroom within a year or two.
Today one word stands out in the bathroom experience, luxury. An increasing number of homeowners are undertaking bathroom remodeling projects to create more than just a utilitarian space. Bathrooms today are made to be a place of luxury; your own private retreat to relax and unwind. There are many incredible new luxury features available to you such as heated towel racks and floors. Beyond simply upgrading your bathroom design for luxury, however, a renovated bathroom is always a good investment as it can increase your home’s resale value. Below are some of the current trends in bathroom design.
Roomy Showers
Showers are getting more luxurious and spacious. Even in small bathrooms, a number of homeowners are opting to tear out the bathtub to expand the shower. Stalls are getting larger and more airy and much more glass is being included in bathroom remodeling projects.
Letting the Light In
Lighting is a key component to any bathroom design. A lot of individuals want their bathrooms to be more sun-filled and brighter than before. This includes the addition of windows and skylights to the space. There are also beautiful lighting options that can accentuate and modernize your bathroom’s look.
Soaking Tubs
While some people are removing tubs, there is also a growing number of people that are going for the serene experience of soaking tubs. These tubs are typically deep, insulated and are noticeably missing the prominent decking that seemed synonymous with bathtubs in the 1980s and 1990s, providing a more streamlined look. If the bathroom is spacious enough, people often will upgrade both their shower and tub, creating the ultimate getaway.
It’s a great time to give your bathroom a cool, modern makeover. Beautiful baths will easily add value to your home, as well as give you a space that you will love. Here are some of the hottest trends in bathroom remodeling:
Separate Tubs and Showers
Designers and homeowners alike are favoring the separation of tubs and showers. Free standing bathtubs and walk-in shower stalls add a level of luxury that appeals to anyone desiring a custom look and feel. Glass shower enclosures are a popular choice because they create a more open and airy feel. If you have the space, consider creating a tiled walk in shower with separate soaking tub.
Removing the Tub
Another trend that’s being seen more and more is the removal of the bathtub altogether. Especially when it comes to master bathrooms, many homeowners are opting to focus on just the shower. Showers with rainfall shower heads, glass doors, and gorgeous tiles give a high end look that many really love.
Elegant Light Fixtures
Light fixtures are playing a more prominent role in bathroom design. From stunning chandeliers to modern pendant lighting, there is a real focus on making light fixtures play a functional and ornamental role in the space. The right fixture brings character and class into the room.
Going Gray
In terms of color, gray is gaining popularity in the bathroom. From gray toned tiles and flooring to gray vanities and cabinetry, it offers a fresh and modern twist. White has been a favorite in the bathroom because it is bright and crisp, but design trends are moving towards adding more gray to give a contemporary feel.
The bathroom remains one of the most important spaces in the home. With the right elements, it can become a relaxing retreat for homeowners. Designers are ensuring that beautiful baths include all of the amenities that homeowners desire.
Your bathroom is one place in the home where you spend a lot of time, so it should be an area that you love. Achieve the look of a bathroom remodel fast by changing up a few simple elements. Here are some easy ways to spruce up your bathroom quickly:
Lighting
Light fixtures are becoming a very important design element in bathrooms. Many designers are opting to install chandelier style lights, giving any bathroom a luxury look and feel. You don’t have to spend a lot to get a great light, though. You can up-cycle an old fixture with some spray paint and a few tweaks.
Hardware
Little details like drawer pulls on the vanity and door knobs can make a subtle, yet impactful statement in the room. Shop around for modern hardware that will suit the space and give it a contemporary feel. Replace an old, scuffed up door knob with a nice new one.
Faucets
Change out old faucets for new, stylish models. A modern faucet can really enhance the overall look of the room. There are many sleek and affordable styles to choose from, which you can easily replace on your own.
Paint
Painting the walls is a pretty simple way to change up the whole look of the bathroom. It should only take a few hours to paint the whole space, so this could be done in as little as a weekend. By changing up the color scheme, you can bring a new look to the room.
Linens
New colorful towels neatly displayed on the rack are not only functional, but they can also be used as simple design elements. New rugs or a plush bath mat will help the room look clean and fresh. Choose a beautiful new shower curtain with a pretty pattern or design to pull the whole look together.
You can refresh any room on a budget and in a hurry just by focusing on simple elements. Achieve the look of a bathroom remodel fast by making these easy changes. You can create a whole new look in this important area of the home in no time at all.
If you’re interested in giving your bathroom a face lift, but don’t have a lot of money to work with, that’s okay. There are plenty of inexpensive ways to take on a bathroom remodeling project. Baths on a budget are an excellent way to update the home and give it a high end look for less.
Color
One of the most affordable elements that can be changed in an instant is the paint color on the walls. By changing up the color, you can really create a whole new look and feel in the room. If you have a small bathroom, opt for a lighter color, like a bright white, that will create the illusion of a larger space. If you want to add a pop of color, choose one main wall to accent. Once you have selected a wall color, then you can base the rest of your design off of that.
Vanity
One easy way to refresh an existing vanity is by painting it. Depending on the material, it could be as simple as just sanding it down, priming, and putting on a few coats of paint. If you want to spend a little more, you could switch out an old laminate counter top with a more modern and elegant material, such as granite or marble.
Little Details
Although minor details are easy to overlook, they can actually have a big impact on the overall design of a room. Update elements like the towel rack, light fixtures, and even the handles and drawer pulls on the vanity. Add new artwork to bring interest to blank walls.
Add shelves that are both functional and provide space for a few decorative elements. Bring in new towels that match the color scheme, and lay down new rugs. Don’t forget the shower curtain, because this one seemingly small detail can really pull the whole look together.
A total bathroom overhaul can cost thousands of dollars. If you have a small amount of money, you can still make significant changes. It is possible to remodel baths on a budget and achieve a beautiful result. Contact us today to explore the many great options available to you!
Warm bathrooms in the winter are much more comfortable and pleasant to deal with than cold ones. Keeping this space toasty can seem like a challenge, but there are ways to warm it up.
Rugs
To combat cold feet on chilly floors, use cozy rugs in the bathroom. You don’t have to limit your options to just bathroom mats, either. Choose any rugs that will fit in the space. Simply secure the bottom by using a rug pad to prevent it from shifting and slipping.
Warm Tones and Natural Materials
You can create the visual feeling of warmth through your interior design choices. Opt for warm tones and natural materials, like dark, rich woods and stone.
Towel Warmer
A towel warmer will keep your linens toasty and will add warmth to the room. They are fairly inexpensive, and can fit in to any bathroom. Pamper yourself and create that spa like luxury with a warming towel rack.
Natural Light
If you have a window in your bathroom, make sure that you are allowing it to provide as much natural lighting as possible. Get rid of dark curtains and light blocking blinds, and instead frost the glass. Another option that requires a bit more money and effort is to install a skylight.
Install Heated Floors
Radiant heating is a popular option for warming up those chilly bathroom floor tiles. It will take some money and time to have them installed properly, but many people find it worth the expense. Heated floors give the bathroom an added level of luxury, making it desirable in master suites.
Get Steamy
Upgrade your shower by installing a steam option. This is a high end feature that is becoming more popular with homeowners. It’s perfect for when you want to unwind and simply soak up the steam without standing in the shower. Imagine having that spa experience right in the comfort of your own home.
Warm bathrooms are much more inviting and appealing in the winter. Make your bathroom a comfortable and cozy space by making a few simple changes. You will definitely find it worthwhile on those cold mornings.
Contact Columbus Bath Design today to start designing your dream bathroom. We look forward to exceeding your expectations.
