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6 Ways to Redecorate Your Bathroom on a Budget

on March 28, 2012

Few people have the cash for a full bathroom remodel, which can reduce your bank balance by up to $10,000. Instead of living off Ramen noodles for years, use these quick fixes for fabulous updates under $500.

 

1. Add Some Color

 

The easiest way to add glamour to your bathroom is to introduce some color. Paint, wallpaper, and accessories are inexpensive options for adding visual pop. Try some of these color combinations:

  • For a serene bathroom, choose sage green or light blue with accents of lavender.
  • For an earthy feel, stick with rich shades of brown, green, or blue.
  • For a morning wake-up call, select sunshine yellow accented with white.
  • To look beautiful every day, highlight the bathroom with peach tones, which complement skin tones.
  • To make a guest bathroom stand out, try dark colors, metallic paints, or bold patterns.

Even the tiniest change, such as installing a new shower curtain or adding cloth storage bins, can make a big difference.

2. Replace Your Hardware


 Changing out cabinet hardware is a common trick for kitchen remodels, but this simple action brings benefits to the bathroom as well. Switch out your dated drawer pulls, cabinet knobs, towel racks, and toilet paper holders for their modern equivalents. Shop at clearance events, second-hand shops, and charity warehouse stores to keep your costs down.

If your budget can handle it, also invest in a new faucet and different shower fixtures. Home improvement stores and online retailers offer several matching options that are perfect for showers, soaking tubs, and walk-in bathtubs. Be sure to coordinate metal colors, such as brushed nickel, stainless steel, chrome, or brass.

3. Upgrade Your Lighting

The right bathroom lights can mean the difference between enjoying your morning routine and dreading even a quick look in the mirror. Every master bath or guest bath in most modern house plans should have a combination of natural or ambient lighting, task lighting, and possibly accent lighting. Sconces to the right and left of the mirror cast the most flattering glow, but overhead mirror lights are the second best option. Avoid having a single overhead fixture, which typically casts hideous shadows.

4. Add Textures

A fabulous bathroom engages a person’s sense of touch as well as sight. Try adding some plush towels, rattan baskets, beadboard, or a woven bath rug. Combine glass, stone, metal, wood, and cloth to match your unique tastes. Keep in mind that outdoor fabrics provide a unique look without the worry of mold and mildew. For an extra splash, use a resurfacing kit to add the look of granite to your single or double bathroom vanities.

5. Change the Mirror


 Over time bathroom mirrors become damaged, scratched, or just ugly. Replace the traditional mirror with a modern framed version or a vintage find from a thrift shop. If removal is not an option, buy a mirror framing kit online.


 6. Personalize Your Space

The least expensive way to update a bathroom is to use items that you already own. Arrange vacation photos or children’s drawings for the look for custom wall art. Hang a favorite houseplant from a ceiling hook or add scented candles to utility shelves. Personalizing a space always makes it feel more homey and comfortable.

By combining these tips, you can make any bathroom look great. Impress your guests, accommodate your kids, or rejuvenate your morning routine with creative remodeling on a budget.

Abby Evans is an avid blogger and recent proud homeowner. She loves studying architecture, home design and decor and plans to one day buy a custom house plan to build her dream home. 

 

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5 Beautiful Bathroom Countertops Every Homeowner Should Know

on February 3, 2012

Double Bathroom Vanity

Photo: Jennifer Worts

The ideal bathroom countertop is affordable, functional and durable. But it should also be beautiful, adding aesthetic appeal to the bathroom for years to come. Fortunately, that last criteria is the easiest to fulfill. In fact, no matter your price point, you can find countertops that will add beauty to this hard-working room.

To help you out, I’ve gathered my top five picks for countertops that, with the right care, will still look amazing down the road. While countertop prices generally range from $10 to $100+ per square foot, installed, they can vary from state to state and from installation to installation. You’ll want to be sure to get detailed cost information from your bathroom contractor.

Here are five countertop materials to get you started.

1. Laminate

The most affordable option for countertops, laminate is formed by bonding paper and melamine resin. At prices starting at $8 per square foot, post-formed laminate is the least expensive. These ready-made counters, however, offer few custom options. High-pressure laminate is available starting at $10 per square foot, and comes in a broad array of colors and styles. If done well, some offer the look of natural stone. While laminate is extremely durable, it is costly to repair.

2. Ceramic Tile

With prices starting at under $25 per square foot, ceramic tiles offer waterproof bathroom countertops at an affordable price. Glazed tiles are non-porous and durable, and are available in a wide range of colors, patterns and textures. A major drawback are the grout lines that divide them. Grout needs frequent attention to keep it looking fresh. Gray grout, however, is growing in popularity. Gray grout not only needs less maintenance, but adds a subtle, decorative touch to tile countertops.

3. Fiber Cement

For both the look and the feel of stone at a reasonable price, fiber cement countertops are a good option. Prices start at $30 per square foot. The material resembles slate, but is far more versatile, as it can be ordered and cut into just about any shape imaginable. Colors are limited, however. Fiber cement usually comes in red, green, light gray and dark gray. Fiber cement’s main drawback for bathroom countertops is that it is porous and must be resealed every few months.

4. Solid Surfacing

Made from polyester or cast-acrylic, solid surfacing prices start at $45 per square foot. These hardened plastics are extremely durable and entirely non-porous. The easy-care material can be cut to any specification. Manufacturers continually release new patterns and colors, including several new ones that resemble quartz, mica or glass.

5. Stone

Stone is considered the most luxurious material for countertops, both for its elegant look and for its price. The most durable stones are often the most expensive. For sheer beauty, it’s hard to match the look of marble. A fine Italian marble starts at about $100 per square foot. Many stones, but not all, can be polished or honed. Most stone materials require periodic sealing.

What type of countertop and vanity are you looking for? Let us know in the comments and we’ll set you up with some feedback.

Brittany Mauriss is editor for CalFinder.com, an awesome free service that connects you with bathroom remodeling contractors for any phase of your project. We’re also good for inspiration, pictures, bathroom remodeling ideas, and one-on-one homeowner talk.

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The Man Bath versus The Woman Bath

on July 12, 2011

It is a historic and monumental debate, I mean argument, between couples. The bathroom that is. What belongs in it, what goes where, and when. If you share a single sink bath vanity with your spouse then I’m sure you can understand the “issues” that arise with that dynamic. We created this infographic to help explain the differences in bathroom etiquette between the sexes.

[CLICK IMAGE FOR FULL SIZE]

Bathroom Vanities - Man vs Woman
[Embed this infographic on your site by copying the code below]

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Three Practical Reasons to Have a Bathroom Vanity

on June 21, 2011

When it comes to redecorating a home, often the bathroom is neglected in the process. Still, shouldn’t it be every bit as inviting as the rest of the home?

Nothing can turn around the look of an outdated, tired bathroom than a bath vanity. It is the latest trend in bathroom remodeling and a wonderful addition to the home.

Three Practical Reasons to Have a Bathroom Vanity

• Space-Saver: Easier to organize and store linens, sheets, towels and other necessities.

• Lighting: Bathroom lighting above a well-placed vanity provides a better view when applying makeup or shaving in front of the mirror, not to mention the extra countertop space you can use to organize your personal hygiene products while you’re getting ready.

• New Design: Attractive way to modernize the bathroom and give it a new look.

Bath vanities come in many beautiful styles, colors and designs. Marble and granite countertops are the most popular as they are both stylish and durable. When choosing the cabinetry, wood products are very popular. Quality dark cherry, teak or mahogany woods are kiln-dried for stability and durability, and then they are sealed to prevent staining and watermarks. Choosing a cream or light colored countertop to contrast the dark wood, adds an old-world charm to this bath vanity.

If you’re looking for a more contemporary look, you can choose a bath vanity with chrome accents and frosted glass cabinet doors. Topped with your choice of black, sesame gray, pearl blue or tropical brown granite countertops, this style gives a clean, modern look to your bathroom. You can add towels, soap holders and other accessories to finish off the room with your own personal touch.

There are so many bath vanities to choose from, it’s easy to find one to reflect your personal decorating style without spending a fortune. A bath vanity will turn your bathroom into the room you can be proud to display.

 

 

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Practical Reasons to Have a Bath Vanity

on April 25, 2011

Contemporary Square Sink Bathroom VanityWhen it comes to redecorating a home, often the bathroom is neglected in the process. Still, shouldn’t it be every bit as inviting as the rest of the home?

Nothing can turn around the look of an outdated, tired bathroom than a bath vanity. It is the latest trend in bathroom remodeling and a wonderful addition to the home.

Three Practical Reasons to Have a Bathroom Vanity

  • Space-Saver: Easier to organize and store linens, sheets, towels and other necessities.
  • Lighting: Bathroom lighting above a well-placed vanity provides a better view when applying makeup or shaving in front of the mirror, not to mention the extra countertop space you can use to organize your personal hygiene products while you’re getting ready.
  • New Design: Attractive way to modernize the bathroom and give it a new look.

Bath vanities come in many beautiful styles, colors and designs. Marble and granite countertops are the most popular as they are both stylish and durable. When choosing the cabinetry, wood products are very popular. Quality dark cherry, teak or mahogany woods are kiln-dried for stability and durability, and then they are sealed to prevent staining and watermarks. Choosing a cream or light colored countertop to contrast the dark wood, adds an old-world charm to this bath vanity.

If you’re looking for a more contemporary look, you can choose a bath vanity with chrome accents and frosted glass cabinet doors. Topped with your choice of black, sesame gray, pearl blue or tropical brown granite countertops, this style gives a clean, modern look to your bathroom. You can add towels, soap holders and other accessories to finish off the room with your own personal touch.

There are so many bath vanities to choose from, it’s easy to find one to reflect your personal decorating style without spending a fortune. A bath vanity will turn your bathroom into the room you can be proud to display.

Comments { 0 }