Thursday, February 11, 2010

Create an Ambient Look and Feel with Bathroom Renovation






Whether you want to gut your entire bathroom and start from scratch or merely replace a few items, bathroom renovation can help create the look and feel you've always wanted. Bath decor should create a relaxing mood. You should be able to shower and groom in the mornings with a sense of peacefulness as you get ready for a busy work day ahead. Or for evenings, you should be able to settle in to a hot, soothing bath and let your cares and stress float away!

Bathroom Decor and Colors

The first step to remodeling your bathroom is to choose which colors will work for you. Colors for walls, floors and decor items should all blend to create the look and feel you want. Consider pastel paint, wallpaper or wall board with a darker colored floor. Colors such as light beige, light mauve, cinnamon, baby blue and lavender accented by soft lighting will add ambience to your bathroom. These colors are designed to soothe and relax. Keep in mind that most fixtures will go with any colors, so it's a good idea to focus on color first and then fixtures later.

Vanity Centerpiece

No matter which colors you choose, your vanity or sink will be the bathroom centerpiece. It's the central station for hair and make-up, shaving, brushing teeth, plucking eyebrows, washing hands, etc. The vanity is usually what your guests will see first, so choose it carefully. If you're remodeling a master bathroom or one that will be used for getting ready each morning, be sure to choose a vanity with shelves, drawers or cabinets if possible along with plenty of countertop space. If not, you'll need to add a shelf or cabinet nearby to store all your necessary items. You might consider a double sink vanity if two people will be using it each morning. Be sure to install adequate lighting near the mirror or just above the vanity so you'll have plenty of light while getting ready.

For simple bathroom designs that will only be used by guests, consider a pedestal sink, which is basically a single sink with a narrow stand for support. These come in many styles and are very decorative, but take up very little space for small guest bathrooms. You can still install a small cabinet if needed to store items.

Bathtub Options for Renovation

There are many choices to consider when shopping for a bathtub. Consider the amount of space you will have and the type of tub you'll need. Is there room for a large garden tub? If so, you might need to install a separate walk-in shower, which will take up even more space. Do you have room for a tub/shower combo? These are convenient in that they take up little space and are built as one unit so you won't have to worry about caulking between the tub edges and wall. Mildew build-up is almost zilch with these types of tub units!

For master baths, you might consider adding a whirlpool tub. These are usually large garden-style tubs with built-in jets so you can get a comforting water massage every time you take a bath! If you want something more antique style, consider buying a claw-foot, stand-alone bathtub. These look like tubs from yesteryear with all the modern conveniences of running water, of course. Other tubs to consider are soft tubs, copper tubs, and acrylic baths.




Toilets Galore

If you've been out of the market for bathroom renovation any length of time, you'll probably be amazed at the new, innovative, water-saving toilet options available today. Toilets have come a long way in the past few years, and are more durable and resourceful than ever. Some popular choices include gravity flush toilets, in which the water weight is used to generate pressure and save electricity, pressure-assisted, vacuum-assisted, dual flush toilets (two buttons for liquid or solid waste), wall-mounted toilets, and single unit toilets (tank/bowl as one unit). Toilet bowls may be round or elongated. Elongated toilets tend to be more comfortable, but you should consider how much space is available for the toilet area.

Each has its own advantages, but the main issue is whether the toilet will work for you and fit your budget. Consider the height and width of the toilet, and make sure it will be comfortable for every member of your household. If you or a family member is disabled, make sure the toilet is designed especially for this purpose. Handicap toilets are available though they tend to cost more than regular toilets.

Consider speaking with a renovation company that can handle your remodeling and plumbing needs. Otherwise, you might have to coordinate two different companies for the job. Once you find the right person to do your bath remodeling, plan the layout of your bathroom and ask for suggestions. Those who specialize in home renovations can often suggest ways to maximize the use of your space while still installing all the bathroom products you desire.

Bathroom renovation takes time and patience, but it's well worth the effort!

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