Keeping your bathroom clean with a consistent effort is the best way to keep your remodeled bathroom looking its best. It’s important to remember that safe use of cleaning products at home is something that you should always keep in mind. See our list of recommended cleaning products and instructions for your bathroom here.
In the spirit of National Poison Prevention Week March 15-21, remember to always follow these guidelines:
Natural Products Can Still Be Toxic. Natural cleaning products should be used with the same caution as commercial products. Always use gloves and be sure to keep your cleaning area ventilated. These precautions are important to take when using any cleaning substance.
Use Mild Products Whenever Possible. Most cleaning can be accomplished using mild products such as vinegar and baking soda. Only use ammonia and bleach when absolutely necessary.
Always Read The Label. This may sound like a no brainer, but, you should always read the product label and pay attention to words such as “caution,” or “dangerous.”
Some Mixtures Can Be Dangerous. You should NEVER mix ammonia and bleach together. This mixture produces toxic gasses.
Childproof Your Cleaning Products. Be sure to keep all of your cleaning products out of reach for both children and pets. Even something as simple as a full bucket of water left unattended can be a drowning danger.
Label Homemade Products. It is always best to keep cleaning products in their original containers. If you have mixed homemade products, be sure to label them accurately, and always used new, clean, containers for storing homemade products.
Wash Your Hands After Cleaning. Always be sure to wash your hands after handling and using any cleaning products.
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.
Cleaning the bathroom isn’t just about scrubbing surfaces. Take some time for spring organization to eliminate clutter and ensure that everything has a place to be safely and properly stored. Get your bathroom organized with these helpful tips:
Medicine Cabinet
The medicine cabinet is one of those spots that is often overlooked during cleaning. Go through and discard old or expired medications and other products. Wipe the shelves clean with a damp cloth. Restock items that are running low so that you’ll have them handy when needed, like a new tube of toothpaste and dental floss. Make a note of any basic medications that you want to replace.
Shower/Tub Storage
If you’re sick of shampoo bottles, soaps, and kid’s toys taking over the rim of the tub, it’s time to invest in an organizer. There are different styles and sizes to choose from, which will help free up space in the tub or shower and keep everything nice and neat.
Linen Closet
Tackle disorganized towels once and for all. Start by taking everything out of the linen closet and going through all of the items. Wipe down the shelves to remove dust. See what old towels and washcloths you can get rid of and replace, and then fold everything neatly and place them back on the shelves. Maximize the space in the closet by using plastic bins for bulkier items on the floor, and smaller plastic bins for loose items on upper shelves.
Countertops
Cluttered countertops can make the whole room look messy, and they make it more difficult to thoroughly clean the surface on a regular basis. Get rid of the clutter by organizing and storing items in the medicine cabinet or the vanity. Use a holder to corral toothbrushes, and get a refillable soap dispenser for hand soap.
Vanity Drawers and Cabinets
If you have a vanity with drawers, take some time to go through them and discard old, unused items. Purchase organizers to separate and store smaller items, such as hair accessories and cosmetics. Get rid of old bath products that are just collecting dust.
You may be surprised at how many unused and old items your bathroom is housing. Spring organization will give the room a fresh, clean feeling.
As you start planning your spring cleaning strategy around the home, be sure to take a little extra time in the bathroom. With so much moisture, this is one area that will truly benefit from a deep cleaning. Here are some helpful tips on how to get it done right:
Start with a Blank Slate
Begin by taking everything out of the bathroom that you can. This includes shampoo bottles, soaps, toothbrushes, rugs, bath mats, and anything that sits on the shelves and counter tops. Having a blank slate to work with will make it easier to spray down all of the surfaces so that you can give them a good scrub.
Dust and Spray
Take a duster or damp cloth and dust all of the surfaces that probably get overlooked during weekly cleanings, like windowsills, the top of the medicine cabinet, and shelves. Next, use a multi purpose surface cleaner and spray the counter. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth, and move on to the sink.
Spray down the bathtub and shower stall with a product that is designed to remove soap scum and mildew. You may need to do a little scrubbing at this point to get the tiles and tub looking sparkling clean. Don’t forget the faucets and the mirror, which can be wiped down with a basic glass cleaner.
Next, move on to the toilet. Use the toilet bowl scrubber to remove any stains inside of the bowl, and be sure to clean under the rim. Use a clean rag to wipe down the outside of the toilet, all the way behind it and down to the floor.
Finally, you will want to clean the floors. The bathroom typically has tile floors, making it easy to do a quick mop. Get in all of the corners and behind the toilet. Once the floors are dry, then you can replace the rugs with a clean set.
Take some time to clean off the small items before putting them back, such as the toothbrush holder and soap dispenser. Once everything is cleaned and organized, your bathroom should look and smell great.
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.
If you have been dreaming about doing a bathroom remodel for some time, but simply haven’t found the funds to do so, now is the perfect opportunity. Take your tax refund and put it towards this excellent home improvement project. Bathrooms are one of the most important spaces in the home, so it is well worth investing in a remodel to refresh the space. Whether you receive $1,000 or $10,000, there are plenty of ways to improve your bathroom.
A $1,000 Makeover
While it may not sound like much, you might be amazed at far your money can go when you focus on adding beautiful features to the space. Install a new light fixture, replace old tiles, hang a stylish mirror, and change out or refinish the vanity. A fresh coat of paint can finish off the look.
A $2,500 Makeover
For double the money, you can do a little more to change up the room. Swap out the flooring for something more elegant, replace an old or outdated sink, and change out all of the minor details, like towel racks and light fixtures.
A $5,000 Makeover
With a $5,000 budget, you can really change up the look and feel of your bathroom, making it more modern and elegant. You can splurge on features like a rainfall shower head, a new counter top for the vanity, and stunning light fixtures. A fresh paint color, new flooring, and new tiles can instantly enhance the room.
A $10,000 Remodel
For $10,000, you can completely remodel the bathroom into your ideal spa retreat. Consider replacing an old tub to create a tiled walk in shower with glass doors. Add double sinks with a fresh new vanity, complete with a marble or granite counter top. Change out the flooring, select beautiful tiles for a modern look, and replace all of the old fixtures with new.
Take your early tax refund and put it towards a home improvement project that will add real value to your property. By fixing up the bathroom, you’ll gain a space that you will love, and a space that potential future buyers will also appreciate. A bathroom remodel is an excellent investment. Contact Columbus Bath Design Systems of Ohio today to discuss the many options available to you.
Renovations of powder rooms and guest bathrooms have some of the same consideration as master bathrooms with regard to the quality of the products you include, yet usage is ultimately different, not to mention the fact that these spaces are often much smaller. As such, you will want to creatively use the space available for overall design as well as decorative purposes.
The typical powder room remodel rarely involves tearing out walls and repositioning of plumbing and electrical fixtures, so you can concentrate more readily on design elements. As powder rooms are small, rarely much larger than the size of a closet, use darker paint colors to make the area look bigger. Brightly colored wallpapers are also a consideration. Streamline wherever possible to maximize space. Swap out an outdated vanity for a pedestal sink and add an attractive wall cabinet or decorative shelving to hold towels, toilet paper, tissue and other essentials.
The powder room is one of the few areas in your home that guests almost always see, so it is an automatic extension of your style. Use one or two elements such as mirrors, unique lighting or ultra stylish plumbing fixtures to set the tone.
When remodeling the guest bath, balance elegance with comfort. The guest bath is another room that reflects your taste and style, so make sure you have interesting elements that include attractive tile patterns, modern task and ambient lighting and the latest plumbing fixtures. Include plenty of counter space on attractive high grade natural stone surfaces and sufficient, but not overly ample storage. Including an amenity such as a towel warmer is a nice touch, but you don’t have to provide the spa-like atmosphere of the master bathroom. Consider zero-threshold showers, grab bars and wider doorways to accommodate guests who may have disabilities or balance issues.