Category: Bathroom

  • Guide to choosing Luxurious Vanities for your Bathroom

    A vanity is the centre of attraction in a bathroom. It is a wonderful combination of storage space and bathroom basin or sink that serves your purpose of keeping your bathroom space neat and clean. The idea is to tactfully conceal the plumbing connections and unsightly bottles and containers, detergent packets, etc. Today, the market has a spectrum of bathroom vanities that are offered in varied shapes, designs and sizes.

    A luxurious bathroom vanity can range in a hundred options, spanning across the total length of bathroom wall or just wide or narrow vanity to support the sink. You can choose any style, whether circular or rectangular or square in size with gentle or sharp curves. If you are ready to loosen your purse strings, then you are ready to get lavishly-styled bathroom vanities with the great look and appeal. Here is a guide to picking deluxe vanities for your bathroom.

    Tips for Choosing Vanity Styles

    • Vanities help to define the functional status of a bathroom. Choosing the correct vanity depends upon the size and shape of your toilet. Check out the double vanities available in the market and it is apt for large-sized spaces. It consists of two sinks that are intricately set into one vanity allowing two people to use the bathroom, one at a time. If you have a big family, then having two sinks will help to add a big difference, as more than one person can get ready faster during those busy hours.
    • Shop for the latest vanity styles. The market has two types to offer, built-in and freestanding. The built-ins are apt for large spaces, since they are great for offering more storage space and wide counter-tops. Whereas, choose freestanding vanities if your bathroom is small in size. Besides, when choosing the countertops, there are many stylish options available that offer glass or natural stone, cultured stone or solid surface. The use of stones, marbles, granites infuse maximum charm to the space.
    • Unless you explore your options you will not know the styles available in the market. Contemporary shades and finishes complete the look a luxuriously styled bathroom. The ultimate style statement is defined by color, tone, hint, architectural elements added to the vanity. Vanities range from paints to taints, veneers, laminates and wood; whatever you want to choose. Wood is the primary choice for people who prefer traditional style, punctuated with modern looks. The types can vary from engineered wood, pine and birch and other expensive materials like maple, oak, Asian hardwood, etc.
    • Consider choosing luxurious looking faucets for the vanity in your bathroom. Look out for a stunning combination of modernized elements and nostalgic styles. With the idea to revamp timeless fashion, contemporary fashion trends and Victorian styled designs are quite in trend. Italian styles are very much in demand these days. There are two types of faucets, widespread faucets and centre set faucets. The widespread faucets have a spout comprising of cold and hot water handles. On the other hand, centre set faucets combine valves and a spout on one unit base.
    • Look out for bathroom vanity set in absolute white. The color white looks sleek, sophisticated and purely stylish. Solid oak wood covered with white finish renders the ultimate visual delight that you will love. Luxurious vanity designs are defined by their soft closing drawers and doors. That enhances the reliability and safety of the vanities.

    Follow the tips below to learn about the current trends so that you can make the appropriate choices for luxurious vanities. Search on the internet and you will learn about what is best. Read through the feedback to make the right decision.

  • Free Standing Bath Tubs – For a Relaxed and Rejuvenating Shower and Bubble Bath

    Have you ever experienced bliss when taking bath? Wanting to go to spa every day? Soak your tired body in a bathtub and get out as a new you. Forget spa when you have a freestanding bathtub at your home, to have a spa effect. Bathtubs are always rejuvenating after a hard day’s work. They are a secluded and special place where everyone can get their own time to read a magazine or have a peaceful drink. Apart from giving comfort, bathtubs add to the style of the bathroom.

    Bathtubs have a special position in making your life beautiful:

    Just having a shower corner is insufficient; having a place for bathtub gives a special touch to the bathroom. Free standing bathtubs are a type of bathtubs that gives a contemporary look to your bathroom. It gives a classy and stylish look and can cause envy. Few advantages of these bathtubs over conventional bathtubs are listed below:

    • Design draws attention
    • Easy to clean
    • Easy to install
    • Gives a contemporary look to the bathroom
    • Gives a spacious look
    • Comfortable to use

    They have several features which you must consider before you install one in your bathroom:

    These bathtubs are the center of attraction in any bathroom and are a classy add-on to your home. With a sleek design these bathtubs do not take up much space in a bathroom. Made of different types of materials, these bathtubs are durable and long-lasting. Some of the features of free standing bathtubs are given below:

    • Easy to get in and get out
    • Centre drain included
    • Stable due to its freestanding design
    • Anti-slip and hence safe

    With availability in various colors like white, almond, dune and sandbar, these bathtubs can be chosen based on the interiors of your existing bathrooms. Many bathtubs are designed based on antique and Victorian models. These give a traditional yet modern look. These bathtubs can be chosen based on their shapes like oval, rectangle or square. These bathtubs are available in acrylic, cast iron, bronze and stainless steel and on can choose based on other bathroom accessories or interiors.

    Why choose free standing bathtubs?

    Today’s world is fast yet close to traditions. Right from building houses to decorating it, everyone is trying to follow old traditions. Why a bathroom should stand behind? Choosing a bathtub, which is free standing, can give a royal touch to a bathroom. It is an ancient design that helps in bringing out the beauty of a bathroom. For any Victorian style bathrooms, such bathtubs add a glam quotient. One can always feel like a king or queen while having a bubble bath.

    How to choose the right bathtub?

    All bathtubs are designed for convenience of the user. Choosing a bathtub would be a big task. But after choosing one it’s always relaxation time in the tub. A right bathtub can be chosen based on many criteria and a few of them are listed below:

    • Size of the tub
    • Material of the tub
    • Value for money
    • Quality of the tub
    • Availability of additional features like massaging units

    Tips on maintaining a bathtub

    Often buying a bathtub is easier than maintaining it. To always have a stain-free bathtub; regular cleaning is required after each and every usage. Proper installation of the bathtub will never lead to cracks in them. Mild and non-reactive cleaning products should be used for an everlasting and shiny look.

    Some of the advanced features of such bathtubs have radio, underwater lighting and a choice of colors for a relaxing bathing experience. With scented candles, rose petals, dim light and mild music, free standing bathtubs gives a feel of a spa and provides a rejuvenating experience that your tired muscles longed for.

  • How to Instill Life into Your Boring Bathroom

    When we are decorating our home it can be easy to overlook the bathroom. We look at that room mostly as a functional space. Although the bathroom is often overlooked when it comes to decorating, giving it a new look can be easy, fun and relatively inexpensive. Often there is no need to undergo complete renovation because simple changes can make the space look charming.

    The most important thing for a bathroom is to be clean and tidy. But you can make your bathroom be so much more than that. Give your space for personal hygiene a sense of homeyness that reflects your personal style. There are a lot of ways to achieve uniqueness in your bathroom, whether it’s adding a pop of color or bold accessorizes.

    Art Gallery on Your Walls

    Gallery wall will give your bathroom the style touch you’ve always wanted. It will also add an eclectic edge to an otherwise traditional bath. Bathroom walls are the perfect spot to showcase your collection of paintings or even photographs. You can also display family photos on your walls in different edgy frames. If you have kids, you can show of with their works of art framed in colorful frames. Make sure to keep the pictures away from splashing water.

    Add a Pop of Color

    You can make boring walls in your bath look bold, extravagant and eye-catching. Nothing changes the look of a room like a fresh coat of paint. Experiment with decorative paint techniques like stripes or an all-over stencil. Dare to use contrasting colors on the door and ceiling. One more idea is that you can give your bathroom an unexpected punch of color or graphic wallpaper. And if you really one to ‘go crazy’ with decorating, paint the radiator a wacky color. You can also add a pop of color with colorful shower curtain.

    Brighten Things up

    One of the most important things in the bathroom is a proper lightning. A good lighting plan is a series of layers — placing ample light where it is needed for showers, shaving, or putting on makeup, for instance, while other light sources enhance the overall mood of the room. In a chat with the people behind Sydney-based firm Oxford Bathrooms, I learned that large mirrors, both at the vanity and over the tub, effectively reflect all of these layered light sources for the best effect. Candles also offer wonderful sparkle and set a distinctly relaxing, romantic tone, as long as you make sure to keep them away from any flammable objects.

    Make a Statement

    Put a real chalkboard in your bathroom where you and your family can write inspirational quotes or draw funny pictures. The great thing about this is that you can change it all the time, maybe organize some family arrangement, where every member should right a positive thought per week. Chalkboard walls function as changeable wallpaper with different designs.

    Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize

    Few easy ways to change the look of your bathroom is to switch the mirror, the towel rack and vanity space. Make all of this bathroom furniture interesting and edgy, you can repaint them, or consider buying some unique styled pieces, or perhaps refresh them yourself. As for mirror, the rule is: the bigger, the better. While accessorizing, don’t forget the small touches like scented candles, potpourri, fresh flowers from your own garden, sachet packets for drawers, and a display of pretty bottles.

    As you can see, this room just because shouldn’t be regard as merely functional, but also beautiful and appealing. Make it your own, with big accessorizes and small details, and expect that ‘wow’ effect, when your guests enter the space. Look at your masterpiece and admire it, you deserve it.

  • Best 3 Ways to Upgrade Bathroom Yourself

    When you want to make an improvement to your home, there is no better place to start than the bathroom. After all, there isn’t a day that goes by when you won’t enter your bathroom. When you take the time to improve your bathroom, it really helps to improve your overall quality of life as well as the value of your home. However, not every bathroom remodeling project is one that you can tackle by yourself. You have to be smart and take on bathroom remodeling projects that you can handle. Here is a look at three bathroom upgrades that you can do yourself.

    1. Improve the Bathroom Lighting

    One thing that scares some people about bathroom remodeling is the thought of being forced to tackle plumbing projects. However, there are several DIY bathroom remodeling projects you can do without coming near the plumbing. One of the best non-plumbing bathroom remodeling choices is to improve the lighting.

    There are so many great ways that you can change up the lighting in your bathroom. You can add some LED lighting strips around your mirror. You can add pendant lights in front of the mirror, which will reflect light off the mirror and really brighten the room. If you want to go all-out, think about adding a chandelier to your bathroom for a touch of elegance.

    2. Add a Pedestal Sink

    If you are not afraid to do a little plumbing work, then one of the best DIY projects in the bathroom is to add a pedestal sink. A pedestal sink is not very hard to install, and it really adds a nice look to the bathroom. As well as the attractive look that pedestal sinks have, they are very practical as well. Pedestal sinks have a much smaller footprint than traditional sinks, which really opens up the floor space inside the bathroom when you install them.

    3. Upgrade Your Shower or Tub

    If you are very handy and good with plumbing, then you may want to tackle installing a brand-new tub or shower. If you go this route, think about installing a steam shower, soaking tub or whirlpool bath to add luxury to the bathroom.

    However, many folks are not comfortable tackling a DIY project so complex. Luckily, you can upgrade your bathtub or shower without putting in a new one. If you want to instantly breathe new life into an old tub or shower, then you can simply reglaze it. Reglazing is a chemical process in which a glaze binds with the existing surface to create a new protective surface that will look brand-new and be highly durable.

    These three projects are all great ways that you can add new life to your bathroom. The key to upgrading your bathroom is to pick a project that you can afford and tackle by yourself. When you take the time and effort to undertake a DIY bathroom remodeling job, it will provide you with a lot of happiness. Not only will it make your bathroom look great, but you will also enjoy the satisfaction of completing a project with your own two hands.

    John Wildes is the owner of Rub a Dub Tub Reglazing and has a passion for home improvement, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

  • Need Decoration Inspiration? 5 Great Bathroom Theme Ideas

    Moderate to Luxurious

    Nothing captures the warmth and comfort of a home quite like a touch of decor in the bathroom. Your bathroom is the one room that most family, friends and guests will use to freshen up, so it’s important to make it an inviting place for them and for yourself as well.

    Here are 5 theme and upgrade ideas to help you start decorating your bathrooms:

    1. Incorporate Light

    New lighting will really bring your bathroom to life, especially if your space is on the smaller side. It’s easiest if you start by picking a light fixture first. For less than $100, changing out the lighting fixture makes a huge impact on the room. Then, you can add in new matching faucets, frame the bathroom mirror, throw in some light colored items such as a white shower curtain and matching plush towels and rugs – and voila, a light, airy retreat!

    2. Tropical Paradise

    Want to make your bathroom feel like an exotic giveaway? We suggest switching up the scent – add in a hint of citrus for a fresh clean scent or lavender also works really well. Then, use warm tones in the décor. Sand is a popular color of rugs and towels, and it pairs well with oil-rubbed bronze fixtures. A plant on a shelf or on the bathroom counter helps finish off this exotic retreat!

    3. Romance in the Air

    If you’re more into the warm look, go for rounded mirrors and a pedestal sink, with colored candles (stick with a muted color for a more romantic vibe, any sort of pastel would work). Pay special attention to your shower curtain, a simple French script or damask can pattern would be a great fit for this theme. Artwork on the walls would definitely be a nice finishing touch.

    4. Dark and Exclusive

    A lot of people are afraid of dark paint, especially in a small windowless bathroom. However, studies have shown that with the proper lighting, dark paint can actually enhance a room and make it appear bigger. Try it – paint your ceiling a darker color than the walls, and bring the paint line down a foot from the actual edge. This creates an optical illusion. Most people’s eyes won’t immediately find the corners of the room, making the ceiling look higher! Add in grey walls and silver décor and hardware for a pop of contrast, and don’t forget the lighting – you don’t want it to feel like a cave.

    5. Clean and Organized

    Want to make your bathroom look like it came straight out of a magazine? Buy a few apothecary jars for your bathroom counter, and stock them with your everyday items such as cotton balls and Q-Tips. Instead of the plastic bottle it came in, put your mouthwash in a fancy glass jar with a stopper. For other items that aren’t as visually appealing, buy bins that you can label and store hidden away in bathroom cabinets.

    John Wildes is the owner of rubadubtubreglazing.com and has a passion for home improvement, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

  • Want A Great Looking Bathroom? Think Stainless Steel Fittings!

    Stainless steel is used extensively throughout the world in every household be it for home decorations, kitchen appliances, utensils, or wall cabinets and is it also used in bathrooms. The appeal of the metal lies mainly in its sturdiness and endurance. Its non-corrosive nature ensures its longevity. The fittings made from this material have all the above-mentioned features and give relief from regular wear and tear.

    Steel Fittings for Fashionable Bathrooms

    Taps, shower heads, traps, drains, wastes, toilet roll holders and towel rails are all different types of stainless steel fittings found in a bathroom. Coordinated in patterns, they make it look very stylish and soothing to the eye. But choosing the perfect ones can be confusing because it has to look good and perform the function that it is being bought for effectively. Some things to be kept in mind while buying them:
     
    • Brand: Stainless steel is long lasting but if a branded product is bought it maintains a certain standard of quality. The designs are also better which is an added advantage. Any brand would give its best to maintain the goodwill.
    • Utility: The metal is very hard and cannot be easily damaged. Its corrosion resistance feature makes it the ideal thing to build taps, drains and other bathroom items that are constantly in touch with water. It is rust proof, so it can work well in areas of hard water.
    • Design: It is very important for the thing to be user-friendly. Taps, for instance, come in many styles like crosshead or lever taps which are the most common. But the one placed in a kitchen cannot be anything elaborate because some space is required so that the spout does not get in the way. Likewise, in smaller bathrooms, slim double lever taps would be ideal.
    • Reducing Plumbing Costs: Washer-less taps reduce the cost of plumbing. They are available in three types namely-ball, cartridge and ceramic disc taps that use a stainless steel ball, a plastic or brass cartridge and ceramic plates respectively to regulate temperature and flow of water.
    • Expense: Like all stainless steel fittings it can also come in cheaper varieties that may be enticing considering the price but would not be a good deal. Afford the best quality you can because the mechanisms of the cheaper ones may not work properly for long.
    • Temperature Resistance: Mixer taps work best with this metal because waters of different temperatures are mixed here. Since stainless steel is resistant to both high and low temperatures, it does not affect the product through long period of usage.
    • Mix and Match: Drains and wastes made of the same material can be matched with the other fittings, making the bathroom look great.
    • Everlasting Appeal: The metal and its appeal can survive renovations. The shine stands out against any background, and even when you renovate the rest of the bathroom, these fittings can be left out. Don’t forget to cover them, or else scratches are inevitable.
    Though stainless steel fittings can be bought from any hardware store, they are readily available online. Browsing through the catalogues of different online stores, they can be purchased from the comfort of your home. The information available will help you buy the best items for your bathroom. They are often available on discounts during stock clearance. You can check the store and product review before purchasing it. Payment options are easy and the delivery is prompt.
     
    These fittings are incredibly durable and can last for ages, therefore these fittings are most popular for the every house owner. Then, for what you are waiting, just grab stainless steel fittings from the hardware store and use it to give extra ordinary look to your bathroom.
  • How to Bring Your Bathroom in Order

    Since the bathroom is most often used by many people, especially in families, it can get easily slip into a real mess. Families in which the mother is the only female member are extremely prone to becoming messy. The reason for that is quite simple – guys ignore the problem and mothers cannot manage to clean everything. Luckily, today many families try to reach an agreement when it comes to cleaning and they all know what their duty is. If your family is not among them, here are a couple of suggestions that might help you make your bathroom a place with dignity.

    Out with Wet Towels

    Depending on the climate you live in, it can be very tricky to dry your towels after having a shower. In the moderate climate, months like March and October are usually neither cold nor warm and most of people do not turn on the heating. However, if the climate itself is also a bit damp, you should never leave your towels hanging on the bathroom door or over a bathroom cabinet. Wet towels are a fruitful base for the development of bacteria and mold. That is why you should always take your towel out to the balcony and leave it there to dry. In case you do not have a balcony, you can get a smaller clothes drying rack that will not take too much space and leave your towels there to dry.

    Replace the Old Mat and Use Slippers

    The bathroom floor is one of the most infectious areas in a home. Even if you are among those families that manage to organize bathroom maintenance in a successful way, the floor is always tricky. That is why you should change the bathroom mat at least once every two months. Also, there should be an agreement that everybody ware house slippers in the bathroom, but only the slippers meant to be worn in the bathroom. Since it is hard to believe that there will be more than one person in the bathroom at a time, one pair will do. That way you protect your feet from microorganisms inhabiting the bathroom floor and you do not spread them all over the house.

    In with More Cabinets

    I have lived in different apartments and one thing is for sure – a bathroom must have a cabinet or even a couple of them. Bathrooms that have only shelves always look messy. These cabinets should be well-organized. You could even divide the cabinets to the parents’ and the children’s cabinet. As children grow up, their needs are becoming bigger and bigger, especially if they are not of the same sex. That will probably mean even more cabinets and then you bathroom will look like a kitchen.

    Make a Clear Schedule

    While it is really hard to make men clean the bathroom, in families like the ones from the beginning of this text, it must be done, because when a family consists of a wife, a husband and two sons, chaos is more than certain. Unless this mother teaches her sons (and their father even much earlier) how to contribute to the cleanness of their home, it will always be messy. Making a schedule with their listed duties on particular days might help keep not only the bathroom but the whole home in order.

    Redesign the Space

    If you are really fed up with your bathroom and everything about it, you should redesign it. People who have a talent for visual arts or are handy at making items out of wood can make a great story all by themselves. Other will have to ask for professional assistance. It is a good idea to change the redecorate the bathroom from time to time. Sometimes it includes only polishing and repainting some older parts, but sometimes it is inevitable to bite a larger chunk to make your bathroom hygienically clean and esthetically attractive, we learn from reputed Sydney-based bathroom renovation professionals.
    Home repairs are a constant in life. Whenever your budget allows you, something should be changed. The same goes for the bathroom. Introducing novelties into the bathroom will make it more functional and you will enjoy spending time in it when it is renewed and kept in order.