Archive for December, 2009

Increase Your Home’s Resale Value With A Bathroom Remodel

December 29th, 2009

Have you taken a good long look at your bathroom lately? What condition is it in? If you were to try to sell your home today, what would prospective buyers think about it? The condition of your bathroom can seriously affect the resale value of your home. It’s true the bathroom is not the focal point of the home, but the condition it is in and how “dated” it appears will affect the home’s overall appeal. And in some cases, it could even be the deciding factor on whether or not to make an offer on the home. So if you want to keep your home at peak resale value, you need to keep your bathroom modern and make the necessary renovations.
But Why the Bathroom?
Many people don’t see the value of remodeling the bathroom when other, more visual parts of the home could be renovated first. This is a valid point; however, the bathroom is normally the most outdated part of the home because of that exact reason – it’s not a highly-visible part of the home. You’re not forced to look at it every minute of the day like the living room or kitchen, so it’s easy to disregard the bathroom when it comes time to remodel (especially when you’re on a tight remodeling budget). As a result, the bathroom endures years of neglect and before you know it, every time you step into the bathroom, it’s like stepping through a time warp. This may become a novelty for you and your family, but when it comes time to sell your home, your once “quaint” avocado green bathroom with the outdated wallpaper and linoleum can quickly become an albatross around your home’s neck.
That’s why the bathroom needs to be updated and remodeled in accordance with the overall style of your home. Even if you haven’t renovated your home in many years, remodeling your bathroom can give your home the edge it needs to be the hot property on the block.
What to Consider When Remodeling the Bathroom
The reason a newly remodeled bathroom can positively affect the resale value of the home is because of the luxuries a bathroom can contain. Every master bathroom has a bath tub/shower, toilet, and sink. But not all bathrooms have a whirlpool tub, elegant bathroom mirrors, and an under-lit vessel sink resting gracefully on the latest designed vanity. A stylish, well-designed bathroom can make a huge impression on prospective home buyers and even be the deciding factor when choosing between two homes. Who knows, after remodeling your bathroom and installing that whirlpool tub, recessed lighting, under-lit vessel sink, and sleek bathroom vanity, you might not want to sell your home after all.
If you’re thinking about renovating or updating your bathroom and want the latest bathroom designs and styles available, check out Modern Bathroom’s wide selection of bathroom vanities, sinks, faucets, mirrors, and more.
For more information, visit http://www. modernbathroom. com

Secrets To Great Bathroom Design And Decorating

December 29th, 2009

Bathroom remodeling ranks number one among America’s most commonly performed home improvements. This is because today, many individuals consider their bathroom to be some kind of personal retreat, a separated space from the noise outside, where they could relax with complete privacy.
The bathroom is no longer just a space for one’s personal hygiene. Today’s design possibilities for bathrooms are limitless.
The standard rules do not apply anymore. Function, openness, performance as well as easy to clean and maintain materials usually top bathroom requirements. When designing your bathroom, take into consideration layout of bath pieces, cabinet placement and your choice of finishes.
Bathroom remodeling cost depends on how much or how little you opt to put in it. A simple improvement that includes a new bath vanity top, accessories and light fixture will cost under 1000 dollars, while a major bath remodeling, taking everything out then begin from scratch can cost 10,000 dollars or more.
With all available new materials, innovative products and design styles of today, your dream bathroom can actually turn into much more than a toilet, shower and sink combo.
Bathroom design Ideas
1. Set a realistic remodeling or makeover budget. When establishing a budget, take into account your bathroom design ideas that you want and if you can afford them.
Also, take note that it is less expensive when you do not anymore relocate the plumbing fixtures like the sinks or toilets; if you have a small budget, consider incorporating the present layout of your bathroom into your new design.
2. Think of function first. Always take into account functionally in mind as your bathroom is your workstation for getting ready for your day ahead as well as your place for recovering and resting after a hectic day. So keep these in mind when selecting your shower, tub, toilet, sink and other bath pieces.
Furthermore, think about what other needs you have that you can include into your bath, with some clever and careful planning; maybe you want to put a seat into your shower or a linen storage space or a “steam room”. Think what you really want, but give prime importance to your needs first, then second, your wants.
3. Collect bathroom models and design ideas. These will be a big help on your project as you can visualize your finished project as well as your remodeling professionals can have an idea on what your requirements are.
Here are some ideas:
– If your bathroom is large enough, you can either a wicker chair or display case.
– Mix and match colors for your bathroom. This is fun alternative to a white or gray bathroom. Have fun cool and relaxing colors such as you can turn your bathroom into a beach-like retreat investing in cool shades of blue towels, rugged or distressed antique shelf, a series of colorful picture frames, etc.
– Introduce fresh flowers, potted plants or cut tree branches and arrange them in vase. These can liven up your bathroom.
– Bring the outside into your bathroom. Put some sea shells, candles, instead of tiles, you can choose to have lime stones in one wall as your focal point with an iron vanity, large plants and wind metal chimes.
– Get inspiration from your friend’s house, from an expensive restaurant, a spa or a hotel room.
4. Look into popular design trends in bathrooms.
– Second sinks now are getting to be very popular and trendy in bathroom remodeling because they permit two individuals to use their bathroom together.
– Separating your toilet from all other bathroom needs is another trend nowadays.
– If you include a shower only in your bathroom, think of replacing it with a “bathtub” that can serve as both a shower also. Whirlpool tubs are becoming popular in bathroom designs today.
– A spa-like bathroom is the most popular trend today. So aside from whirlpool baths, natural stone walls and wood flooring, try to open up your bathroom with large windows so you can see nature’s beauty outside as you relax.
Designing your bathroom space must not be just another remodeling project. The focus today has to do with your overall pampering needs and self rejuvenation in your bathroom.

Choosing Your Bathroom Vanity

December 29th, 2009

Installing a new bathroom vanity is an excellent way as well as an effective means to provide your bath a whole new look.
As bathroom vanities often can serve as your bathroom’s centerpiece, it is therefore significant to devote your interest to them when doing your bathroom remodeling.
Today, many individuals want stylish and elegant looking vanities. Vanities are come in a range of materials. There are antique-inspired vanities, modern sleek vanities, distressed ones and even vanities that can be custom-built in order to meet any specific bathroom vanity requirements, to brighten up any tired restroom.
Choosing your bathroom vanity
Whatever type you choose, make certain that your bathroom vanity must compliment your bathroom style. Take note that a bathroom vanity is often the first item noticed so make certain that it stays clutter-free and clean at all times, keeping most of your things tucked in the drawers or cabinets.
Before you select your bathroom vanity, evaluate your home’s personal style. Is your home filled with antique furnishings? Or is personal style leaning a more modern look?
Incorporate your home’s general design into your bathroom then create a relaxing space.
Find it in the internet
A huge variety of “bathroom vanities” are showcased at internet stores and this makes it easier to look at different collections and styles to fit any bathroom theme right from your home.
Bathroom vanity ideas and styles
1. European vanity
This type of bathroom vanity is sleek that emits an “old world” feel. Consider using vanity sinks that are hand painted to give more drama unto your bathroom.
2. Vanity sink
If you space in your bathroom is limited and storage space is not a problem, then instead of using the traditional cabinet vanity, you may want to select a bathroom vanity sink instead.
This is ideal small bathrooms. There are freestanding pedestal sinks of wide varieties, such as a corner “glass sink” which is hung from the bathroom wall.
Then you can just keep your bath necessities in a slim standing iron shelving and keep towels in a basket.
3. Double sink vanity cabinets
If your bathroom can accommodate it, consider placing in double sink vanity cabinets. Whether your bath remodeling is for your master bathroom or two kids are sharing, a double sink vanity is really a must.
Double sink vanity cabinets provide enough space for 2 individuals simultaneous using the bathroom as well as it is available in many styles and sizes to choose from.
4 Give them a twist
Instead of using the traditional vanity cabinet for your bathroom, consider mixing items together. Build some twist on your usual vanity and try using any table furniture piece to make a one of a kind but attractive bathroom vanity.
You can choose to put together an iron table with glass top with matching iron-framed mirror on one wall or bring in a sleek steel table with granite or marble top or use your elegant mission oak piece. All you need is a little bit of creativity and just let your imagination soar.
5. Having style even on a tight budget
When budget becomes an issue while redecorating your bathroom, most homeowners search for quality furniture on sale or reduced prices.
The internet offers literally a of treasure attractive bathroom vanities in all styles, shapes and sizes, from chic to country.
Look for unique means to incorporate pieces found in your home, such as those accessories and furniture tucked away in your attic or in your bedroom such as that neglected table taking up great space, but can be a beauty when restored and placed in your bathroom.
Likewise, you can try checking out “wholesale home improvement” establishments to discover great deals at affordable discounted prices.
One more budget saving alternative is to purchase vanity sets rather than buying every piece separately. Vanity sets already include vanities, vanity stools and vanity mirrors giving you an entire set and complete look.
Just keep in mind, when selecting your new bathroom vanity, you should take your time on browsing through different online home improvement stores so to view all the common deals and choose which one best suits your budget and your taste.