For seniors, the bathroom can be a potentially hazardous place in the home. In recognition of National Bath Safety Month, we’re sharing the information that you need to know about bath safety for seniors. Just a few easy modifications can transform the bathroom into a safer space for the elderly.
The National Council on Aging reports that 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 and over fall each year. These accidents can result in a variety of injuries, some of which can be fatal. Slip and fall accidents frequently occur in the bathroom, where the conditions can be slippery. The risks for seniors are real, but luckily there are effective ways to reduce them. By making some changes to create a more functional space for those with mobility and stability issues, seniors can avoid slip and fall incidents in their bathrooms.
A walk-in tub makes bathing a much simpler and safer experience. Having one professionally installed can be one of the keys to helping a senior stay in the comfort of their own home longer. Walk-in tubs are both stylish and functional. Seniors and their loved ones can have greater peace of mind after installing this type of tub.
Standing in the shower can be difficult, if not impossible for some seniors. A comfortable, durable shower seat is an ideal fix. Shower seats can be installed in an existing tub or stall, and there are also movable options, too.
Grab bars make it much easier to sit comfortably on the toilet and to enter and exit the tub and shower. They’re simple to install and provide essential support for individuals with mobility problems. Many grab bars are movable and can be easily and conveniently transferred to other areas of the room and other bathrooms. Others are mounted securely to the wall, making showering safer.
The pathway to the bathroom and the floor of the room should be kept clean and free of clutter. Consider removing small rugs and bath mats that can be trip hazards. Be sure that any rugs that are used have a secure rubber grip on the bottom to keep them in place. This prevents the rug from shifting around on tile and laminate floors.
Entering a dark bathroom is dangerous for seniors. A basic night light is ideal to keep the room illuminated in the evenings for safety. Consider using an LED light with a sensor that will automatically turn on after dusk.
A safer bathroom is easy to achieve with just a few simple modifications. For seniors planning to stay in the comfort of their own homes for years to come, installing a walk-in tub with a seat is an excellent option. Removing clutter, adding grab bars, and keeping the room well lit are all necessary and helpful. Take the steps to transform the bath into a safe room that can remain functional and provide the comfort that individuals with mobility issues need.
Contact us to start planning your safe bathroom remodel today!
Thousands of people are injured in bathroom accidents each year. Fortunately, many of these incidents are preventable if homeowners follow a few simple safety tips. January is National Bath Safety Month, and a good time for homeowners to look for tips on how to design a safe bathroom. Below are some helpful suggestions on how to prevent bathtub injuries and avoid slipping while taking a bath or shower.
Installing specific accessories can make your bathroom significantly safer than it is currently. For example, grab bars are an excellent addition to any bathroom. Many falls occur simply because there is no practical area to grab onto if you lose your balance or trip. Grab bars can be installed on the sides of the shower, at its entrance, or in both areas, depending on the design of your bathroom. Such bars also make it easier to navigate the shower overall, as they provide a place to grip when stepping in and out of the bath.
Many people have quickly entered a shower or bathtub assuming that the water is at the appropriate temperature, only to discover it is much hotter than desired. This sudden exposure to hot water may cause you to become injured by a burn or by falling if you attempt to hastily exit the shower. Therefore, make sure you have a way to control water temperature or check to make it is a desirable temperature before entering. There are devices available that monitor and control the temperature of the water and prevents it from exceeding a certain degree, so this may be an option for you if you frequently have water temperature concerns.
If your shower has doors, glass fixtures, or similar components, you should make an effort to cover sharp edges in order to avoid cuts, scrapes, and other injuries. This is an important aspect of bath safety, as clothing is not present to provide extra protection when bathing or showering. In addition to covering sharp edges in showers and baths, be sure to cover them on counters as well.
If you or other residents of your home are elderly, you should consider the addition of accessories such as a shower seat and a hand-held shower head. Such devices make it easier and safer for seniors to bathe or shower, particularly those who have balance issues or take medications that may cause dizziness or an unsteady gait.
In certain cases, it may be necessary to plan a remodeling project in order to design a safe bath for you and your loved ones. When remodeling, your contractor can create a floor plan with safety in mind. This way, you can avoid slipping, control water temperature, cover sharp edges, and have the contractor install accessories such as grab bars and seats during the bathroom remodeling process.
Although it is not always possible to completely prevent every minor accident, designing a safe bathroom is a great place to begin. Contact Columbus Bath Design to receive a free estimate and talk to a professional about making your bathroom a safer place.
Almost everyone dreams of living in luxury and bathrooms dreams are no different. What was once a purely functional room, bathrooms have now become an oasis in which to escape the stress of everyday life and enjoy hot baths, beauty treatments, and solitude in a restful environment. Below are some tips on how you can build your dream bathroom in 2018.
A bathroom is one of a home’s most-used rooms. Bathrooms take a lot of abuse because they are highly-functional spaces that must be used on a daily basis. For this reason, when creating your dream bathroom, make sure you choose the shower, tub, sink, and toilet with function in mind, and then move on to your decorative ideas.
Before you begin your bathroom remodel project, keep plumbing considerations in mind, as they will greatly impact where you place your bathtub, toilet, and shower. Walking the space with your professional contractor when making the floor plan is wise. This will ensure a successful outcome, and keep the construction time to a minimum.
Consider whether you want your dream bathroom to be casual or formal and whether you prefer neutral colors or bold patterns and prints. A black and white theme works well for formal bathrooms, while pastels and neutrals are perfect for casual interiors.
Sandy beach colors and blues are often used to create a water theme. Other popular motifs in this category include lighthouses, fish, and seashells. This theme can add an extra level of relaxation to the room.
You can also choose a motif that relates to the area where you live, or a particular architectural style. For example, if you find New England cottage or Victorian themes appealing, show your contractor pictures of the style and ask for a recommendation concerning cabinets, vanities, and sinks.
Asian or Bohemian styles may appeal to you as well. Such themes have increased in popularity over the past several years due to the fun and interesting touch they add to a bathroom.
Even small details concerning your intended decor are important to discuss with your contractor. This will help ensure the basic framework of the new bathroom lends itself well to your preferred style.
When completing one day remodels, remember to discuss and decide on fixtures. Although they are sometimes overlooked and seen as insignificant, fixtures go a long way toward enhancing the style of your new bathroom.
Metal fixtures are quite popular, with gold being the newest trend for faucets, handles, and trim.
Don’t forget to add a botanical touch when completing your bathroom remodel. Most greenery is asymmetrical, so when placed in a bathroom, they can help offset the room’s straight lines and right angles. This ultimately adds a beautiful, soft touch.
Consider other luxurious touches you can add to the bathroom, such as built-in linen storage, a steam room, or a seat in the shower. The possibilities are endless!
Regardless of the style or theme you choose when completing your bathroom remodel, it’s guaranteed that updating this much-used space will add beauty and value to your home. Contact us to start planning your dream bathroom.
No remodeling project is without its hiccups. From minor mistakes to major issues, a bathroom renovation can come with some unexpected problems. However, many mistakes are easily avoidable. Before you start your 2018 renovation project, keep these bathroom remodeling mistakes in mind so that you can avoid them. 
1. Gutting the Bathroom Without a Solid Plan
Once you decide you’re going to take on a bathroom remodeling project, you’ll likely be eager to get started. However, hold off on hammering away at the tile and dismantling the sink before you have a plan. Gutting your bathroom without having a solid plan is one of the biggest mistakes that you can make.
The renovation could take twice as long if you start ripping out fixtures and making a mess without knowing how or when you’ll repair and replace things. Sit down and create a realistic plan for the bathroom. Think about the best time to undertake the project, and check your family’s schedule. The more prep and planning that you do, the smoother the remodeling project will go.
2. Not Having a Budget
You should never start any remodeling project without having at least a basic budget in mind. A budget will help to give you a clear idea of how much you’ll need to spend to achieve the look you want. Costs can quickly spiral out of control if you don’t sit down and go over the numbers before you begin. Take the time to do some research on the cost of the materials and labor to get the bathroom renovated just the way you want it.
3. Leaving Out a Feature You Really Want
Once your bathroom remodel is completed, you don’t want to have any regrets. If there’s a feature you have your heart set on, be sure to include it in the project. Consider that you likely won’t be doing a remodel again for at least a few years, so it’s important to get it right this time.
If cost is an issue, make a budget and set a plan for saving so that you can include the elements you truly want and need. You want a completed bathroom that you’ll love, not a disappointment, so don’t forgo a feature you would really like to have.
4. Not Working With a Professional
There are some things that no homeowner should try to do on their own. These include plumbing and electrical work. Unless you’re a plumber or an electrician, it’s a mistake to try to tackle these tough tasks on your own. Hire a professional to handle the work so that it’s done safely and correctly. You could make a costly mistake at best, and be risking your safety at worst. Spend the money to hire a pro before moving plumbing or rewiring the electrical in the bathroom.
A bathroom remodeling project is an exciting way to update an important space in your home. Avoid these mistakes to ensure that the final result is one that you’ll love for years to come. Contact us today if you have any questions or would like to start planning your dream bathroom.
Many homes have guest bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms. However, because this room is not continuously used, it can quickly become dull and outdated. Fortunately, it is not as difficult as it may seem to transform a lackluster guest bathroom into a luxurious, welcoming space for house guests. The suggestions offered below will make this project a bit less daunting:
To create a modern, luxurious guest bath, consider the addition of a vessel sink or vanity, and a spa shower. Vanities made from bamboo or natural wood are currently popular among many homeowners. A spa shower featuring a rainforest shower head is particularly luxurious and will impress any guest. The spa shower and vessel sink will add comfort and style, and the combination will create an overall welcoming presence in the room.
Natural light is lacking in a lot of bathrooms, as windows in a bathroom create privacy concerns. However, if the guest bathroom is located on the home’s second floor, a skylight can easily solve this problem, as well as add a luxurious touch to the room. Skylights also instantly modernize a room’s appearance, while providing extra light as an additional benefit.
Suspended fixtures are accessories that can update the look of any room, particularly a bathroom. For instance, if your goal is a luxurious and unique guest bath, a toilet and sink can be affixed to the wall in such a way that they appear suspended in midair. Suspended shelves and frameless glass shower doors could also give the room a contemporary look.
Mirrors have become bathroom essentials. They are both decorative and practical. Framed mirrors are a great option when creating a luxurious bathroom, and the styles and designs available are limitless.
Brightening the room with a fresh coat of paint, such as today’s popular pastel shades, instantly breathes new life into the room. This is a simple way to change the feel of the room and set the stage for new décor.
Accessories are also important to update. Replacing old, dull fixtures with new, modern ones is a great place to start. If you are not sure where to start, items with gold finishes are currently popular, as are fixtures with colored enamel coatings. Natural wood and live edge accents are also popular.
Hotel-style towel racks are also making a splash this season. Because these towel racks are stackable and hold multiple towels, they also save space, which makes them a good choice for small guest bathrooms.
Due to their infrequent use, guest bedrooms and bathrooms are frequently overlooked. However, when the time comes to update your home’s guest bathroom, the tips mentioned above will ensure luxurious results that will provide welcoming comfort to every guest. If we’ve inspired you, contact us today to start designing your remodel!
The start of a new year is the perfect time to plan for updates and remodeling projects around your home. Your budget may be holding you back, but with proper planning, you can save what you need to give your bathroom a fresh look. Here are some tips for saving money so you can afford a beautiful new bathroom in 2018:
One of the first things you need to do is look at the areas where you can cut back and spend less. Take an honest look at your weekly and monthly expenses, and see where you can make cuts. By reducing your expenses, you will have more leftover to put into your savings.
In order to ensure your savings won’t be spent on other things, you should create a dedicated savings fund. You may want to open a new account with your bank that is connected to your checking account. This will allow you to easily transfer money to save for the project. You’ll be able to watch the savings build up over time, and keep better track of your progress.
If a home renovation project is a priority for you, then you will need to reduce your spending on other things. Make a list of your top priorities and allocate money toward them. A bathroom remodel is an excellent priority because it will add value to your home and give you an updated space to use and enjoy every day.
If you don’t already have a budget, now would be a great time to make one. A budget allows you to see your monthly expenses and to track where your money is being spent. You can also determine how much money you would like to spend on a new bathroom, and inhibits you to save more since you can easily identify the categories where costs can be reduced.
Proper planning is one of the keys to keeping the costs of a remodel in check. As you start saving for a new bathroom, you can begin to plan it out. Think about what you would like to have in the space and what elements may need to be replaced. We offer free in-home estimates, so one of our bathroom remodeling experts will be able to tell you exactly how much you need to save. By planning ahead, you can have realistic expectations about the total cost and the completion of the remodel.
Contact us to start planning and saving for a beautiful new bathroom. The new year brings the opportunity to make improvements in both your home and your budget.
When doing your holiday decorating at home, don’t forget about the bathroom decor. There are many fun, festive, and easy ways to dress up this space for the holiday season. A few simple touches can transform it into a cheerful spot. Here are some ideas for decorating your bathroom for the holidays:
A very easy way to bring the spirit of the season to the bathroom is by changing out the linens, rug, and shower curtain. Choose holiday prints and patterns for hand towels and bath towels. There are many design options to select from for shower curtains, as well. You could also keep it simple by choosing a color scheme like red and green or red and white.
Select decorations to place on top of the toilet and the counters that are easy to clean. For busy bathrooms that get a lot of use, it’s important to be able to keep them clean, especially if you’re hosting guests. Use that as a guide to choosing decor items. Decorations with smooth ceramic surfaces can be wiped down and dusted quickly, which is a must in a bathroom. Avoid items with a lot of glitter, or items made out of fabric. Don’t clutter the counters with items, but do add some charm to a few select holiday pieces.
Add a candle or an air freshener with a sweet holiday scent such as a spruce tree or warm vanilla sugar. It will bring that extra touch to the bathroom, where an air freshener is always needed. A lit candle on your countertop can be the perfect accent in this space when hosting family and friends for holiday gatherings.
When dressing up your home for the holidays, take the time to select decor for the bathroom. It’s a small space, but can easily add to the holiday charm.
If you aren’t carrying your design sense and decorating skills into the bathroom, you’re missing an opportunity to showcase your style. It’s a small space that can make a statement, enhancing the overall look of the rest of the interior. When doing a remodeling project in the bathroom, keep these tips in mind on how to make space compliment your home decor:
You don’t have to match each room in order to get a great look, but the colors that you choose for the walls should flow together. Select a color scheme for the bathroom that doesn’t clash with the surrounding rooms, but complements them. You can add more specific details with other colors, such as with the shower curtain and the linens. Keep the wall colors similar in tone to the rooms closest to the bathroom.
Don’t be afraid to use decor items in your bathroom. You aren’t limited to functional items and wall art when it comes to decorating. If you have to shelve, add a few little touches to them that are purely decorative. When space is limited, you may have to limit the amount of decor you can use. Add your chosen decorations to the vanity, window sill, and other surfaces. You could also include fresh flowers and greenery, as well. This will give the room a natural, airy appeal. Simple, stylish pieces that are similar to what you’re displaying in other rooms are ideal.
When the rest of your home is beautifully decorated, don’t leave the bathroom out. Give it personality with carefully chosen details, colors, and textures. The bathroom, whether it’s a master bath or a powder room, is a blank canvas that you can dress up in your personal style to compliment and accent the interior design of your whole home.
Although there are numerous home improvement projects you may be considering for your dwelling, a bathroom remodel is one of the best choices if your goal is to increase your home’s value. Bathrooms are essential areas of any dwelling but are sometimes overlooked by property owners when the time comes to remodel. Therefore, even though the temptation may be to focus on bedrooms or living areas, updating or adding a bathroom is one of the best ways to upgrade your home and boost its resale value.
Bringing value to your home is easy when you renovate your current bathrooms or add a new full or half bath to your dwelling. This is because experts state that the return on investment–ROI–of such projects is quite high.
The proper balance between usability and luxury is essential when remodeling a bathroom. Therefore, adding more natural light, updating cabinet fixtures and installing new tile are great projects that offer an excellent return on your home improvement dollars. This is because such changes are not only practical, they also add an aesthetically pleasing touch to the room. Other additions that offer a good return on your investment include the following:
• Adding a double sink
• Installing heated floors
• Installing a shower sink
• Adding storage space
• Installing a steam shower or Jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom
Increasing the bathroom’s size or creating the illusion of more space are wise projects as well. Replacing an old, outdated bathtub with a glass shower offers a feeling of more space. In addition, installing wall sconces or adding bright lights around a mirror can also make the room seem larger.
Increasing value is important to virtually all homeowners, and updating your current bathroom or adding an extra room of this kind are ideal ways to ensure that you achieve this goal. Contact a qualified and experienced bathroom remodeling company for additional information or to obtain an estimate.
When doing a remodeling project, you simply can’t overlook the importance of bathroom lighting. It’s a space that you spend a lot of time in, and it needs to be comfortable and well lit. Here’s what you need to know about how to light your bathroom:
Brighten It Up
You want your bathroom to be a functional space, so it has to be bright. That’s why it’s necessary to use both task and ambient lighting. Task lighting should be added around or above the vanity and mirror. This makes it easier to do everyday things like apply makeup and shave. The room has to be brightly lit for these types of tasks.
If space allows, you will also want to have a light mounted above the tub or shower stall. Ideally, there should be a light placed at both ends of the tub to create an even cast of light.
Consider LED Lighting
LED lighting is a great energy saving option. One of the reasons many people have avoided them in the bathroom for years is because they don’t provide the warmest light. However, they’ve been significantly improved over the years. LED lights best used in combination with incandescent bulbs to create the right warmth and coloring in the space.
Avoid These Lighting Mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes that you can make when installing lighting during a remodel is not adding enough of it. Having more lighting is better than having less. Use dimmers to make one lighting fixture multi-functional. This is especially helpful if you’re working with a smaller room or on a tight budget.
Placement of the lights is also important. If you place a fixture directly overhead of where you’ll be standing at the sink and vanity, it can create a harsh, unflattering look. Determine the most practical spots to install lights that also offer the most flattering illumination.
Contact Columbus Bath Design today to start designing your dream bathroom. We look forward to exceeding your expectations.
