Archive for category Bathroom Design Articles

Planning To Make Your Bathroom a More Private Spa Oasis

spashowerBeing Able to Create a More Contemporary Bathroom Design

Bathrooms used to be primarily a functional space, with very little thought to their appearance or style. But today, the bathroom is considered an important part of the home – a place to relax and also an asset in the sale of a home. If you hope to make your bathroom a relaxing “spa-like” room, you need to focus on contemporary bathroom design.

There are a lot of features to incorporate into contemporary bathroom design. If you are interested in creating a high-end bathroom, you may want to consider features such as:

  • walk-in showers with multi showerheads;
  • radiant heating for tile floors;
  • whirlpool spa bathtubs;
  • glass shower doors;
  • luxurious custom cabinetry; and
  • elegant tile.

The first step in planning a contemporary bathroom design is to evaluate the structure of your home. Some of these elements are very heavy, especially if you plan to use granite or marble tiles. You need to know whether your floor can handle the weight of a spa-tub (when full) or a multi-head walk in shower with a lot of tile.

What if Space is Limited?

Another factor to consider is space. How big is the bathroom? Smaller bathrooms require scaled down fixtures. For instance, contemporary bathroom design might incorporate an above counter basin. This option for a basin is great for smaller bathrooms because the basin is the focal point – you can use a smaller cabinet as the base.

Do you have a small bathroom with a bath/shower combination? One option to consider is replacing the bathtub with a large shower pan. Your former bathtub becomes a walk-in shower. Add some beautiful tile with bathroom accessories such a tiled soap tray, or heated towel racks. You may have what’s technically considered a “smaller” bathroom, but it’s far more luxurious, functional and inviting.

Details Add Elegance

Think about your image of a spa. What comes to your mind? Do you think of sleek, simple spaces with natural elements like tile or bamboo? Incorporate those ideas into your contemporary bathroom design. Don’t forget to add bathroom accessories to enhance the image. For instance, luxurious stacks of fluffy towels, hand-crafted soaps, baskets filled with magazines, a glass bottle with scented oil and bamboo sticks to dissipate the scent, and baskets to hide spare rolls of toilet paper.

Contemporary bathroom design incorporates luxury, functionality and an eye for details with well-chosen bathroom accessories. With a little planning and design, you can create a beautiful bathroom that will feel like your own private spa.

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Some Unique Bathroom Flooring Ideas

When considering what to do with your bathroom design remodeling project you just might want to start with first, in fact the flooring could just be one of the most important selections you could make regarding a bathroom makeover.

Flooring in any room makes a great impact when it comes to enhancing the appearance of your bathroom due to the amount of space it takes up, and since average bathrooms tend to be smaller the impact of a new floor can provide a greater impact. It is important to consider just what type of bathroom flooring to use in your bathroom for two reasons.

If your bathroom is rather small, choosing lighter colors and designs along with having larger elements will help to make the room seem to expand. Another reason is that a bathroom receives a lot of moisture both in the form of water on the floor, and the steam you would get with showers or running water.

A remodeled bathroom is usually considered a good project on a list of renovations because having a newer looking bathroom with all of the latest features can add to the value of your home.

There are many bathroom-flooring choices available for bathrooms that come in a variety of different styles and materials. First there are the natural stone materials such as granite or marble that can provide your bathroom with richness and texture. One big disadvantage to this type of material is that it considered to be at the high end of the price scale, and would probably look better in a larger bathroom.

Ceramic tile is always a beautiful choice for bathroom flooring. Ceramic tiles are available in many sizes, shapes, colors and patterns. As with natural stone materials, the tiles provide a rich, textured, solid feeling. There are ceramic tiles available that look like stone. The mosaic ceramic tiles are usually available in pre-mounted plastic mesh sheets, which can save you the trouble of individually setting each tile. Although ceramic tile bathroom floors can be slippery, you can now buy non-slip versions containing silicon carbide and ones with ribbed, ridged or studded textures. that provide a solution to that problem. The smaller ceramic tiles tend to be less slippery, since more grout is used with these tiles and the grout will act as a non-skid surface.

An interesting choice for bathroom flooring material is bamboo. Bamboo is an environmentally friendly choice. It is also a cheap and durable alternative to using a laminate with a wood finish. With the manufacturing process available today, bamboo can even be made strong enough to stand up to water and steam in the bathroom, since it is resistant to mold, mildew, and moisture.

Vinyl is considered to be one of the most popular mainstream flooring designs for bathrooms for many reasons. It easy to maintain and is long-lasting. Vinyl tiles are good choice for the do-it-yourselfer, and they are available in countless style options. However vinyl tiles tend to come up over. Using sheet vinyl can solve that problem, but the sheet vinyl is more difficult for the average do-it-yourselfer to install.

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Bathroom Mirrors as Practical Necessity of Bathroom Decor

bathroomfeatures1Any bathroom must have a mirror to convince you that the person you look at after the scrubbing and brushing is all set for the slog and toil again. From using the dental floss and brushing the teeth to scrubbing, shaving and eyebrow pricking bathroom mirrors are a must have. Ranging from simple shower glass mirror to the clear fogless mirrors they are used for both vanity and decorative purpose in the private and emotional space such as bathroom. With variety of shapes, size, designs and frames they are a basic utility element of custom bathroom accessories for both residential and commercial use.

The bathroom mirrors represents one of the most practical necessities of home decorating. A mirror has the potential to shine and add a new dimension to just about any space and add a natural sparkle to your bathroom decor. For more stylish powder rooms, there are framing motifs that will blend with a range of colors and patterns. Simpler frames are also available for more contemporary spaces

Are you planning to create an elegant bathroom, with a more custom feel? You can spend a lot of money on expensive tiles and fixtures, and you can certainly add granite or marble, or you can choose to incorporate that custom feel with the right bathroom wall mirrors.

Wall mirrors are can be versatile when used and mounted for practical viewing or purely decorative impact. They can add depth to any room especially the bathroom.

You need to give some thought to select the size, shape and finish of your mirror to find what will suit your bathroom decor the best.

The mirrors come with special attachments for holding mugs, brushes soap-case etc. framed or unframed to suit your needs. The place where best of ideas take hold and the mime artist in you takes over the utilitarian space as the stage needs to be embellished with a mirror. The mirror certainly has given bathrooms a new visual status.

We go into the bathroom for specific reasons, usually to leave something behind. But we often leave with something unexpected. Bathroom mirror is an extra ordinary reflector for even a forgotten underdog who can treat himself like a king as there is nobody’s except him to judge and critically analyze. An antique mirror, iron framed, standalone or hung on a wall, bathroom mirrors have come a long distance from the Greeks and Romans who used a disk of metal with a highly polished face to admire themselves. Aluminum being resistant to oxidation and offering easy maintenance has become the only name in the industry. Checking your physical appearance and the dark circles to the blemishes and lines on the face, bathroom mirrors are indisputably the best to bring you face to face with yourself.

Add a fresh look to your bath today with a new bathroom mirror.

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Are You Trying To Create A Luxury Bathroom Design?

Consider Adding These Features To Your Bathroom Design Plans…

Have you long dreamed of having a luxurious bathroom that would be the envy of all who saw it? If so, there are a few key features you might want to consider adding to your bathroom design plans in order to create the sumptuous bathroom of your dreams!

When creating a luxury bathroom design, there are several things you should keep in mind. First, you want to be certain to use high-end materials and features. By doing so, you can be certain they will be both durable and attractive. The reality is that, when it comes to bathroom fixtures, you really do get what you pay for. Therefore, you should be prepared to pay a little more in order to get the ideal fixtures for your bathroom design plans.

Creating a luxury bathroom design also involves utilizing your space to its maximum potential. In order to accomplish this, you will need to open up the space as much as possible. For example, if the bathroom is connected to your bedroom, you may want to consider removing the walls that separate the two rooms in order to create a master suite.

Once you have created the proper space for your bathroom, some fixtures you might want to consider adding to your luxury bathroom design include…

 Large windows and skylights
 Automatic shades on the windows that allow you to see clearly outside, while blocking the view from the outside in
 A raised bathtub with a whirlpool feature
 A separate, glass-enclosed shower with a rain head and body spray
 High-end cabinetry, such as cherry cabinets with glass fronts on the doors
 Large, walk-in closets with compartmented spaces
 Towel warmers
 Overhead lighting accents
 Heated flooring
 Marble or other natural stone fixtures

Depending upon the amount of space you have available, you might also want to include a fireplace or foyer in your luxury bathroom design. French doors that lead to a balcony or a deck are also fine additions to a luxury bathroom design.

Of course, the most luxurious bathroom design plans are those that allow you to feel comfortable and pampered. Be certain to include your personal tastes and desires when selecting the fixtures to include in your design plans. Also, be sure to shop around and explore your options thoroughly before settling on the fixtures you will include in your ultimate bathroom. After all, you want to be certain the final results are everything you had hoped they would be!

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Selecting Countertops for Your Bathroom

bathroomcountertopsCountertop materials and colors really set the tone for your overall bathroom design. Many colors, styles, pattern and materials are available to choose from — each with its own special qualities.
In addition to making a statement bathroom countertops can still be practical, providing additional workspace. Choosing a particular material can set the tone of the room

By customizing your bathroom countertop, you will be able to address all of your bathroom needs and add your own personal sense of style. You will need to choose for your bathroom design project a countertop that can accent your major fixtures like your shower, toilet, vanity, etc.

Bathroom countertops are made from materials that are durable and, and are also quite easy to maintain. Most countertops are constructed by combining a base of plywood or particleboard that then spans across the top of a cabinet and the finish surface material. Materials used in bathroom countertops also include any mastic, glue, mortar or grout needed to adhere the surface to the base and keep it impervious to water and stains.

While functionality is important in the kitchen since the kitchen countertops take more of a beating that bathroom countertops do, when it comes to bathroom countertops you are more able to consider appearance above all else. Since bathroom countertops are generally custom-made, you will find that the style and design options are wide open.

Bathroom countertops come in many types of surfaces and materials. These include: laminate,
solid surface, ceramic tile, marble, and granite.

Laminate

Laminate represents the lowest installed cost and a wide choice of colors, patterns and textures.
While laminate is stain and scuff resistant is can still be susceptible to burns and nicks.

Solid Surface

Solid surface bathroom countertops provide more design flexibility along with easy maintenance. These surfaces are easy to clean and sanitize. Scratches and most types of stains can be buffed out. Solid surface countertops imitate the look of natural stone such as marble, granite or slate. This type of material can be machined with standard woodworking tools, although you may find that you need a professional installer.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile has long been a top choice for bathroom countertops. It is known for its variety of styles, colors, patterns and materials. Prices range widely, depending on quality, and you may find that not all tiles are suitable for bathroom countertops. Tile is made of clay, shale, and porcelain. There are different types of tiles including glazed and ceramic.

Marble

Marble is know for its beauty, but because it is soft and porous and can stain easily. Nevertheless marble still remains a top choice for bathroom countertops, walls and floors. Marble is available in slab or tile forms and in a variety of thicknesses.

Granite

Due to its beauty and durability granite is a more high-end choice for countertops. It is less susceptible to scratching and absorption than marble. Granite bathroom countertops withstand heat and the high usage that a bathroom counter would be exposed to. There are a wide variety of colors available, as well as finishes, including high polish, matte and rough-textured.

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A Look at Bathroom Lighting Ideas

bathroomlightingBathroom lighting is an great way to give your bathroom a whole new look and feel.

Proper lighting is important in a bathroom since this room serves as a retreat and a place to relax and unwind. A bathroom must have a complete and layered lighting scheme in order to create the desired effect.

Since most bathrooms are small enough that only a single fixture may be required to supply an ample amount of light. A ceiling-mounted fixture can be quite useful. There are many beautiful flush and semi-flush mounts that are available on the market that could be used to create the right lighting design in any bathroom. Today’s ceiling lighting can be quite attractive, especially if you look beyond the bathroom for ideas. There are many lighting fixtures that weren’t necessarily made for the bathroom that could be seen as possibilities for your bathroom remodel.

For the best lighting effect, you should apply your lighting in various layers.
These layers of lighting include ambient, task, and accent lighting.

Task lighting is the lighting necessary to carry out specific activities in the home. Generally, task lighting is higher in intensity than other types of lighting

Ambient lighting is a term used to describe the total amount of light that is present in a space. We can say that a room has high or low levels of ambient lighting. Placing surface mounted fixtures at the ceiling can create ambient lighting. Accent lighting is any type of lighting that brings attention to itself or to an object.

You can certainly feel free to have more than one type of lighting fixture for your bathroom, particularly if you have a larger bathroom, you can mix a few wall sconces with a ceiling fixture or group of pendant lights, if you have a high enough ceiling. Depending on your bathroom space you can become creative with your bathroom lighting design. If a bathroom vanity works well in your bathroom, don’t be afraid to embellish it by adding a sconce on either side. A small ceiling fixture, combined with your vanity or bar can create a more contemporary feel to your bathroom. You can customize your bathroom lighting to create your own unique lighting design.

The type of lighting fixture you select for your bathroom is critical to your bathroom design. You should consider ceiling, vanity and recessed, accent (lighting from below counters, inside showers, etc.) and decorative as in sconces. If you are planning on vanity lighting the lighting should be provided on both sides of the vanity mirror.

Do you want to create a brighter bathroom? Do you plan to have built in any features that would need to be accented? Whether you are creating a new bathroom or remodeling your existing one, you will find that lighting design is an important consideration in bathroom design.

When it comes to brightening up a drab existing bathroom you will find that there are lots of things you can do with the existing wiring. Give careful consideration to planning out the lighting if you’re fitting a brand-new bathroom. If the new tiles have been installed over the wiring, for example, it will be very hard to change

The decision on selecting bathroom fixtures for your bathroom lighting will be influenced by the size and zones in your bathroom. A bathroom lighting fixture can be for ambient or general lighting, task lighting for specific purposes or subdued lighting for relaxation.

With the just the right amount of planning and selection of the proper bathroom lighting you can transform your ordinary bathroom into something really stunning.

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Small Bathroom Design Ideas

Like most homeowners you probably wish you had a larger more luxurious bathroom in your home. If adding any more square footage is out of the question there are some bathroom remodeling design ideas that can make your small bathroom at least look and feel bigger and seem less cramped.

Bathroom remodeling ideas need not be limited to big, luxurious bathrooms that have more generous space and therefore are more able to move around their bathroom fixtures and remodeling plumbing and electrical outlets.

Most homes will have small bathrooms and a small bathroom design can provide a cozy and intimate feel. However too often bathrooms are not looked at as a space where one can spend quality time. As a result many bathrooms are usually just designed to be comfortable and efficient enough.

Regardless of the style you choose to decorate your small bath, it nevertheless will remain a small bath. You can by using by using the right colors and lighting design, create a posh and cozy bathroom retreat.

Theories concerning space enlargement will apply to a small bathroom design as well as to any other room in your home. For example you might want to consider replacing a large vanity with a more stylish p pedestal sink.

You should cut back on anything that sticks out too much in the bathroom. See if you have any wall shelves, hanging racks, or decorative accessories on the walls that make your bathroom look smaller. Doing this should help make the bathroom feel larger.

You can create the illusion of height in your bathroom through the use of more vertical lines. For instance having bathroom tiles that go all the way to the ceiling or vertical stripes in a wallpaper pattern can also help make a small bathroom seem larger. Lining the edge of your ceiling with a border or a cornice, or even a painted tile around the top of the walls can help to create more visual depth. You can also find that by installing polished tiles and putting up mirrors can result in the area reflecting itself and helping to create the feel of additional square footage for your bathroom.

Letting your walls stay neutral (white or beige) generates an impression of more space. Plus, if you draw the eye upwards, the room will look taller; so add a border around the ceiling to create more vertical depth. Also, installing polished tiles and hanging mirrors lets the area reflect itself, thereby creating the feel of additional square footage.

Lightning is a necessary component in creating an illusion of more space. One way to do this is to combine the mirrors with the lighting fixtures and the color. It is important to make sure that the lighting is spaced out correctly. You should have a strip of light bulbs installed above your main mirror.

Yet another good idea for those with small bathrooms is to replace the bathtub with an upscale shower design. This could be a glass cubicle with mirrors inside or an angled shower enclosure, what is usually called a quadrant corner shower unit.

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