Archive for the ‘Bathrooms’ Category

May 29th

Bathroom Tile For Walls

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When considering bathroom tile, many people immediately think of flooring.  However, bathroom tile is often times used for walls as it is both waterproof and attractive.  In this case, tile is generally installed around showers, bathtubs, and sinks.  But, what is the right style of bathroom tile to use?  There are many options of bathroom tile for walls that include ceramic, vinyl, and stone.

The first consideration to make in bathroom tiles for the wall structure is how it will hold in areas where it is prone to get wet.  Ceramic tiles are an excellent choice as the material is very waterproof and provides great durability.  Similarly, stone tile provides excellent water resistance and longevity.   Vinyl tile is semi-water resistant, but is less durable due to being a softer material.

Secondly, the right bathroom tile must provide adequate sanitation.  In other words, it should be easy to clean.  Ceramic tile is a very smooth surface that is not porous.  This makes the material ideal for cleaning as most mildew and stains with little effort.  Stone has a very textured surface.  Although it can be cleaned, the process can be time consuming to attend to every groove.  Vinyl is rather stain resistant and can handle many different cleaning chemicals.  However, the soft material does attract mildew.  With both stone and ceramic tiles, grouting must be used to seal each tile into place.  The grouting substances that are generally used are porous and very prone to mildew.  In many cases, mildew must be removed from grout with strong cleaners and considerable work.

Lastly, budget must be considered.  By far, ceramic tile is most economical for persons on a budget.  Ceramic bathroom tile is easy to obtain in a variety of colors.  Because it can be mass produced, it is rather inexpensive to purchase and supplies that are needed to install it are reasonable in cost, as well.  Although vinyl tile is the least expensive bathroom tile to purchase, it is not as durable as ceramic and tends to need replacement after a few years.  Stone is undoubtedly the most expensive material to purchase.  It is beautiful and very durable, but the cost of stone can be an obstacle for many consumers.

When it comes to bathroom tile for walls it is important to consider three items.  The first is how resistant the material is to water damage.  The second item to consider is how convenient the product is to clean.  The third is affordability.

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May 26th

New Kitchen and Bathroom Wall Decorating Ideas

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If you are bored with the current walls in your house, there are quite a few DIY projects that can help you turn your walls into something creative and beautiful on a very low budget. Though you can easily find ideas for every room of the house, we will just look at the kitchen and bathroom right now.

One of the easiest and quickest things you can do in your kitchen that can alter the entire look is to replace your current backsplash. The Internet has thousands of kitchen backsplash ideas along with detailed instructions for free. Or, you could just use these as ideas to get your own creative juices flowing. You can use practically any material you want such as ceramic tile, glass tile, bricks, rocks, natural stone tile, copper, tin, stainless steel, bronze, crushed seashells, glass blocks and probably any other thing you have thought of using.

Why stop with a backsplash? There are many other ideas for the walls of your kitchen also. Try painting with a new color. Did you know that different colors have different psychological affects on the people that are in the room? Since a kitchen does not usually have large amounts of wall space, colors like red or yellow or orange can be appropriate. Red is a powerful color but it can invoke anger so you don’t want to use too much. Yellow is a cheerful color and can make you feel happy but only if you don’t over do it and orange is an energetic and inspiring color but once again, it is preferable to use in small doses. Green is a great color for any room because it is peaceful and calms people down. You could also consider some faux techniques with your painting and some creative wall hangings or art. Try some decorative hooks and hang your skillets and utensils or aprons and coffee mugs. Brightly colored plates on wire racks are a very nice affect in the kitchen as well.

If you are decorating a bathroom, you probably have a rather small space to work with. Once again, the colors used can have an affect on the people that are in the room so choose wisely. You can also find thousands of creative bathroom wall decorating ideas on the Internet. Though the bathroom is usually considered to be a mostly functional room, we should consider that if we spend a great deal of time each morning inside it getting ourselves ready to face the day, maybe we should decorate it in a way to help us to not only be ready physically, but mentally also. You could go with calming colors or perhaps inspiring, energetic colors. Colors that can make you angry might not be a good choice!

After you finish with your kitchen and bathroom you may be ready to move on to the living room and bedrooms! Whatever room you are tackling, be sure to use your own tastes and imagination to create a beautiful home that reflects your personality that will  be warm and welcoming to all who enter.

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May 18th

3 Types of Walk In Shower Designs to Choose from

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During the last 10 or 20 years the shower has went from being the place where you go just to get a quick wash to a place which has potential to be the most relaxing places in your home. If you don’t mind spending a little bit of money there are options available these days that give you a full spa, where you are able to sit, relax and in some cases even watch the game with taking your steam bath. There are hundreds of different walk in shower designs to choose from so you want have a problem finding one that you like. The largest things that separate all of the different showers are the materials that they are made from and features that they all have.

Basically we have got three different types of walk in shower designs. We have the door less walk in shower, the walk in shower with a step over ledge, the wet room and then these are all separated out by material and their features. The most common choice is the standard walk in shower which is available in a wide range of materials. This style of shower can range from tiny cubicles which are only three and a half feet across.

The very first walk in showers were made like this. After this there were larger tile showers, followed by glass block and marble showers and other exotic materials. In recent years there has been the addition for hand rails and seats for safety and also steam pumps, massaging shower heads, radios, TVs and even telephones in showers. The wet room is basically the full bathroom turned into a walk in shower. Recently the wet room has become popular with people who don’t have a lot of free space at home. It would be a wise move to hire in a professional to install the shower for you, don’t try it yourself because if you make a mistake when installing the shower it could prove to be very costly in future.

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August 8th

Small Bathroom Design Tips

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Redecorating the bathroom can be a challenge but it should also be lots of fun. You should enjoy putting your love and personality into any room of the home and with the bathroom, you can get really creative. There are a few important points to consider before getting started with any smallbathroom design remodeling job.

One of the most important tips for redecorating the bathroom is to choose durable flooring. Even if you are working with a tight budget, if there is only place you want to spend the most money for the room it is the floor. A lot goes on in the bathroom. You need a floor that is water resistant, can stand up to the wear and tear of traffic and which is going to be aesthetically appealing to boot.

There are plenty of options for bathroom flooring you can consider. Ceramic, marble and tile are your best options. Ceramic is the most durable and therefore the best investment but only if you have the money. Ceramic is the most expensive flooring of the three but if you can fit it into your budget, you should certainly do so.

The vanity and bathroom mirror are another integral part of any bathroom. If you redo the whole room, spend a great deal of your focus on this. The vanity and mirror should be properly sized to the room for one. Don’t crowd a smaller bathroom with a huge vanity because you are just taking up space. The mirror should hang neatly over the vanity, without a lot of excess around the sides. When it comes to small bathroom designs, you want to make the room look as large as possible.

If you want the mirror to be a focal piece of the room, choose one with a styling edging or frame on it. Mirrors can be a bit larger in size even in small rooms to maximize space. This is a trick of the eye; giving the illusion the room is much larger than it actually is.

These are just a few of the most important redecorating tips to remember when working on a bathroom design. Have fun and as long as you stick to your budget there should be no worrying or fretting.

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July 26th

DIY Shower Base Installation

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Building a custom shower base pan is a pretty simple process that most DIYers can pull off. If you follow the steps, you’ll get it right, but it’s not exactly the type of job you want to make a real mistake with.

1. Start With Framing: It probably seems pretty simple to frame a shower. And the truth is that it really can be. You want to make sure of one thing though. It’s much easier to get the tiles right when the walls and framing are square and plumb. This is why most tile setters would rather do the framing themselves than deal with a mess that someone else started.

2. Support Is Important: It’s vital that the floor support be solid. So you’ll need solid floor joists and a subfloor as well. One sheet of plywood can be insufficient for supporting shower bases, as it is likely to be too bouncy. This can easily result in a cracked tile or too. So you can’t skimp on a flimsy subfloor.

3. Solid Curbs: You’ll need to make sure to have a good shower curb. Box framing is insufficient. Don’t use open framing but go for stacked bricks or wood. This will give you a good, solid, long-lasting curb.

4. The Base Mortar Layer: You really need to have two mud layers when installing shower base pans. The first layer is sloped, and supports the shower liner membrane. The reason you need two layers is that the liner membrane needs to have a slope to it so that the water goes down the drain. Otherwise, you’ll just get a pool of water at the bottom of the shower. This will leave you with mildew, mold, and a mess that no one wants to have to clean up.

5. Lining: Some people who claim to know how to install a shower base aren’t aware the you need to have a waterproof layer. That’s because the floor of the shower itself isn’t waterproof. Many tiles and all grout allow the water to seep through. This is remedied by the built-in waterproof layer, which will catch the water and direct it to the drain.

6. Cover Walls Well: The waterproof liner needs to slope all the way up to the wall to function properly. But in addition, the wall covering also needs to be able to withstand water. For this reason, cement board is a popular choice. But this also needs to have a proper installation or it too will get moldy.

7. The Top Mortar Layer: Now comes the upper mortar layer which goes right over the waterproof liner. This layer should also be sloped and is practically identical to the bottom layer. You’ll use something called deck mud for this. It’s a pretty simply mix, but make sure not to use masonry mud, which contains lime.

These are the basics of Do-It-Yourself tile shower base installation. Now that you know what to do, you’re ready to get started!

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June 30th

The Flexibility of a Shower Hose

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Have you ever wanted the flexibility of a shower hose, or hand held shower?  Fixed shower heads mean you have to stand under the flow of water and let it hit you whichever way it may. And sometimes, the height of the shower head may not be quite right for your height.

The Benefits

A shower hose will give you a comfortable, satisfying shower every time because you can point the flow of water any way you want. Enjoy the added water pressure when you put the hose near your sore body part for a massaging effect. And you can quickly and easily rinse the off soap from your body and hair.

Besides comfortable showers, there are a few more advantages to shower hoses. Showering little kids suddenly becomes easier; grab the hose to rinse off those little body parts in a hurry. Hoses are also great for bathing pets, which can make this dreaded task much easier.

Installation

A hand held shower is installed in the place where the hose attaches and can be used like a tradition shower head. You can adjust the hose at the clip to change the height according to your needs.

The Best Materials

When you buy a shower hose, it is best to look for brass or stainless steel. Nylon hoses tend to be stiffer. You want to make sure your hose is twist-free and adequately-sized. A good size for most showers is 60 inches but a longer hose will be needed for a person who sits while bathing or frequently washes their pets indoors.

Bore Holes

Another consideration is the size of the holes that the water comes out of, or the bore holes. Large holes are better for a low-pressure system while normal or small holes are recommended for a high-pressure system.  For more information on choosing the right product for your bathroom, head over to Shower Hose Guide, because such a small thing and make a huge difference in your bathroom

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June 28th

How to Install White Tiles in Your Bathroom

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Making home repairs, if done correctly, can save anyone expenses of using contractors for a building project. When redesigning a bathroom, using white tiles can make any bathroom easy to clean and look a little brighter. However, there are a few simple steps to follow that will make this job go as fast as possible and get done correctly in a timely fashion.

The first thing to remember when doing any home repair is never rush a job. Follow each step correctly because redoing work will cost time and money in materials. When putting up new walls in a bathroom, first remove the old wall. After the old tile is removed, check for any mold or water damage to the drywall. If there is any damage to the drywall, it will also need replacing.

Of course while removing the wall, be sure to get rid of all old materials completely before moving on. Then measure the area to see how much white tile will be needed to complete the job. Once the wall is removed and dry wall is up, put a guiding strip of tile on the lowest level of the wall to help plan where tiles will be placed. Make sure that the entire area is dry or the adhesive will not stick to the wall.

After these steps are complete, cut out tiles that will become the edges to fit with the design perfectly. When putting up white marble tiles, the best tool to cut tiles without breaking them is a tile cutter. Make sure each row is securely fastened on the wall from side to side and from the bottom up. This will ensure that all tiles will fit together.

Once the tile is adhered to the walls, make sure to let the tile sit and dry in place for at least a day to prevent water damage to the drywall. It is also a good idea to caulk the edges of each tile to give them extra protection from water damage if possible. White tiles in a bathroom are easy to install if a person spends the proper amount of time on each of these steps.

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June 28th

What You Should Know About Corner Baths Showers

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If you have a modern bathroom that is seriously lacking in floor space, the corner shower tub could be just the solution you are looking for. This type of shower tucks neatly into the corner of any small area and frees up more floor space in the middle of the room. There are some corner baths that have storage room for bathroom supplies and are actually quite large. These will work better in a bathroom that has a little more space. There are other models that are larger than a standard bathtub but their design lets them utilize space more efficiently and you still end up worth more floor space.

The two kinds of designs that are available are the recessed shower and the freestanding shower. The freestanding version has a platform that sits on the floor surface. With this style you get an added flair to the area immediately surrounding it. A recessed tub requires you to cut a hole through the floor to rest the unit in. These models will give you additional floor space but installation can be expensive because the process is complicated.

Materials

You will find that corner tubs are manufactured in a number of different styles and materials. Acrylic is the material most often used for these units. These tubs are affordable and lightweight in addition to being made in a wide variety of colors. Since installation is so simple they can usually be found at any home supply store in your area. You will need some basic skills related to plastering and plumbing, so you may still need some professional help with the installation process. This material is very easy to maintain and is extremely durable. The color will not fade and the surface will not scratch.

Choosing a Suitable Corner Tub

When you are searching for a tub, you will most likely want a shower as well so make sure that the unit you choose has a matching shower kit. In some cases these units are sold as a single set but there are others where you can mix and match styles if you choose.

Before you choose a corner tub make sure you have carefully measured the space that you have to work with. Make sure that the unit you choose does not overpower the entire room. You want there to be some space on the floor left over. Look for a tub and shower unit combined in one package if your space is severely limited.

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June 18th

Shower Wet Rooms: Space Saving Bathroom Solutions

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When it comes to convenient bathrooms for small spaces, not to mention their sleek look, wet room bathrooms are becoming increasingly more popular everyday. They are easy to clean, contain only necessary functional items, are fully waterproof and take up less space than the traditional bathroom. They are also great for children and the handicapped, as well as the elderly.

Because the entire room is waterproof and the bathtubs and shower stalls are eliminated, the entire area becomes a shower. Along with the wall mounted sinks and toilets, this makes efficient use of an undersized bathroom by opening up the area allowing more space. Unlike the traditional bathroom, another great advantage is that they are very easy to clean and keep in shipshape order. Plus, with the entire family using this shower room, the main bathroom will continuously stay nicely kept for unexpected company.

This type of second bathroom is great for the whole family because it’s perfectly accessible for the elderly, children and people with limited mobility. One big advantage is that it requires no step-up to access the shower. With the use of shower chairs on wheels, handicapped people can be wheeled right into the wet room, which also makes it very beneficial for care givers. Furthermore, under-floor heating can be added to a wet room making shower time an even more comfortable experience for children, elderly and the handicapped.

All in all, with the convenience of walk in wet room showers, these bathrooms are becoming more and more popular every day. Without a doubt, in as much as they make maximum use of a small space, have a polished look, are easy to maintain and are fully functional for every member of the family, it is easy to see why people are choosing to add a wet room to their home.

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June 16th

Which Style Of Bathroom Vanities Are Right For You?

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The bathroom is undeniably a vital part of the house. To some, it is that portion of the house that deserves as much furnishings as the living room. With the right pieces and accessories, a bathroom may well-integrate with the over-all interior environment of a home.

That being said, many homemakers or even commercial space owners, see the need of making the bathroom not just a plain area for comfort. It is made to serve its space well by equipping it with the right furnishings from floor mat, toilet seat covers, and bathroom vanity unit.

A vanity unit has become an essential part of many bathrooms. It does not only give a de-cluttered look to a bathroom but may even define its overall appearance if picked properly.

If you have found this article, you are probably faced with the dilemma of what particular vanity unit you will buy. It is both easy and difficult, depending on how you will see it.

It is easier because there are tons of designs, sizes and makes that you can choose from. So you will have so many options available for you. It is in this perspective though where the difficulty may come in. But let’s tackle the most common ones. Because chances are, they can also come in cheaper prices because they get pretty competition in the market.

The cabinet-style is good for bathrooms that just need extra space. If it’s not too spacious, you can use the storage spaces for keeping bathroom essentials. This type is the most common as compared to others vanity unit styles. They are relatively cheaper too.

Vanity units which are furniture style are in keeping with modern age. But just the same, it does not eat up so much space as it is free-standing and can easily be installed. If you want this type and want it a little bigger, it is also available to suit your need.

A style that is very stylish is the vessel-type vanity. These units are also free-standing but they can take up a little more space than the other models because they come with a sink. The sink usually sits on top of a cabinet beneath it. They always look fabulous in larger bathrooms and may even work with smaller ones too.

There are types or styles aside from all these three. Nevertheless, as you choose, pick the one that perfectly suits your budget, space and design needs.

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June 15th

Planning a New Bathroom Remodeling Project

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Bathroom remodeling and renovation will not only enhance the enjoyment of your home, but will also enhance your home’s value when you plan to sell. Bathroom renovation is often considered the best way to get a good return on investment. Homeowners can take pleasure in their bathroom from the time they renovate until the time they choose to sell the house. The following outlines some useful steps in the process of renovating the bathroom

Measuring:

In preparing the design of the renovation project, be sure to make appropriate measurements and then form a map or plan with which to work with. Mark the position of any pipes and mark the position of fixtures and fittings. This will allow you to make accurate layout plans. The secret to a great bathroom design is good initial planning and this process will allow you to map out exactly where you want your fixtures and accessories to be.

Function followed by form:

It is essential when designing the bathroom to put function above form. It does not matter how beautiful your bathroom is, if you have abad design that makes your bathroom difficult or uncomfortable to use, you will not enjoy it. Most bathrooms are small, so if the function is not carefully considered it can sometimes make the room virtually unusable. In your  design process, you need to reflect on what functions you want the bathroom to meet and work towards this goal.

Plumbing fixtures:

Make sure you know exactly where to place the fixtures and fittings when you plan your bathroom remodel. Your toilet, sink and tub will normally remain in exactly the same position they are in now, unless you can move the plumbing. Moving the plumbing could add considerable expense to your project and will require you to employ the services of a professional. I would advise not to undertake any plumbing yourself unless you are very experienced. Water leaks can be very costly and damaging.

Consider your budget

The scale of the bathroom remodeling project will largely depend on the budget you have. If you find you have a lot of money to renovate your bathroom, you can design your bathroom from scratch. However, you can always renew your bathroom, even on a small budget by replacing some of the decorative features such as bathroom furniture, accessories and light fixtures.

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May 31st

How to Maintain Shower Curtains

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Something I often get asked is: ‘why do I need to maintain my shower curtains? Doesn’t the water from the shower wash them and keep them clean for me?’

While this might seem logical on paper, it is actually that water from the shower that can cause your shower curtains to grow mould and to become stale.

When I talk about ‘maintaining’ your shower curtain I’m really talking about cleaning it. It’s certainly not necessary to clean a shower curtain, if you want to keep the same one for a long period of time it is definitely recommended.

The first thing that you need to do is to take down the shower curtain by first removing it from the curtain rail. This is usually fairly easy to do, although you might need to stand on a step ladder to do it.

Once you’ve taken it down, find a large area where you can lay it out flat (outdoor on a patio is a good spot) that you don’t mind getting when (which is why I advise doing it outdoors). Depending on whether your shower curtain is plastic or made from fabric, the cleaning products that you need to use are slightly different, but the cleaning technique remains the same.

What you should do it is get a sponge, a bucket (filled with water mixed with the cleaning solution) and some rubber gloves on (to protect your skin). From here you want to rub out all the areas and parts of limescale from the shower curtain, paying special attention to the areas that are most in contact with water from the shower.

After you’ve cleaned both sides, hang the curtain up on your washing line and leave it for an hour. This will allow it to dry and it’ll also allow the smell of the solution to wear off (so it doesn’t stink out your bathroom).

Toulouse and the Bath Tap Game
Photo by daveknapik
The best place to buy curtain cleaning products is from large furniture stores (such as IKEA). While you can just use sugar soap (or other basic cleaning products), most furniture stores sell products that have been specially made for cleaning shower curtains.

They also sell other related products, such as shower curtain rails and hookless shower curtains (which are easier to take down and to clean).

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May 29th

What You Need to Know About Wet Rooms

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Wet rooms or walk in shower enclosures are built for 2 reasons. One, to provide space for bathing which is a basic human need, and two is to class up a space which is otherwise associated with less than desirable functions. If you are in the market for a new bath enclosure, there are factors that need to be considered such as the following:

Space

You cannot just have an enclosure installed and hope that the rest will take care of themselves. Before you can even think about what design you want, it is imperative to determine how much available space there is so that installation will be a breeze.
The point of having these fixtures installed is to create the illusion of a spacious bathroom. It is a known fact that most homes are designed in such a way that there is very little room for bathrooms and showers which means creating a spacious feel would be in order.

Cost

Glass showers vary in cost depending on the type of material to be used. Not all glasses have the same quality therefore it is up to you to figure out exactly what you want for your bathroom and how much money you can actually shell out.

In order to make informed decisions especially when it comes to the financial aspect of the endeavor, comparing prevailing prices should always be part of the process. You are not to purchase anything unless you have gathered sufficient information regarding the financial ramifications of the changes you are planning to do.

Checking Products Online

Shower floor detail...
Photo by HA! Designs – Artbyheather
If you do not have much time to devote to scouting product options, going online is the next best thing. You can look at what is out there without actually having to be at any actual store. Another upside to this option is that you can compare prices easily.

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May 24th

What is A Cultured Marble Shower Base?

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If you’ve been reading about the newest options in shower bases, you’ve probably found out that faux marble shower bases by companies like Swanstone have some really affordable designs. But if you don’t want to consider the faux designs or the acrylic shower bases in the newest AcryLUX materials and coatings, and want marble, yet find it too pricey, then I suggest the latest cultured marble shower base designs. Sure, but what is cultured marble? How easy is it to work? Will it look real?

Why Choose Cultured Over Real Marble

Cultured marble bases are incredibly versatile because they are made from marble dust and resin and therefore are easier to mold, cut and shape into custom sizes and designs. It’s a lot easier to work with and install the cultured shower stall bases than the real cut stone ones. They are also easier to keep clean and maintain. Perhaps the biggest advantage of choosing this product over others, is to have a really wide selection of colors, textures and natural-looking patterns to select from. Most of the cultured designs are very realistic, flawlessly imitating the best Italian marble that would normally be out of most people’s price range when building or renovating a bathroom shower.

Portofino Collections

Marble and cultured marble corner shower bases, neo-angle shapes and small cubical bases are possible for a very affordable price, however, the best use of marble is when constructing a wetroom flooring systems or a large walk in shower that may also require matching wall panels. If you need some inspiration and want to see some of the great product ranges available, just go to Verona Marble Company and have a look at their Portofino Collection. If you don’t see the sleek white or beige or naturally mottled color combination of stone you need, it’s possible to order your very own color combination.

www.aadesignbuild.com, A&A Design Build Remodeling, Master Bathroom, Washington DC, Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Pink, Lighting, Pink Marble, Steam Shower
Photo by A&A Design Build Remodeling, Inc.

The Cheap Alternatives

Most stone or marble floors and bathroom shower bases will be expensive if you have a large area to cover. If you need really quick solutions, try a tile shower base instead or buy a ready made modular acrylic or fiberglass receptor. The best are a mix of acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement. If white isn’t right, many companies are now offering pebbled textures and stone-like patterns.

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May 19th

The Space-Efficient and Attractive Wall Hung Bathroom Sinks

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All households require the use of bathroom sinks. Remember that your bathroom space will never be complete without them. Can you imagine a home without a sink? It is surely not a pretty sight. Since they have now become more of a necessity rather than just a mere bathroom fixture, sink manufacturers have already introduced them in myriads of styles, configuration, designs, sizes, forms, and finishes. And one of the most popular is the wall-mounted variety.

During the old times, sinks were previously made of wood materials. As time passed by, people were able to combine luxury and comfort in creating modern day sinks that are now widely sold today. Majority of the original sinks with attached plumbing were wall mounted. Old styles of wall hung bathroom sinks were typically made in standard sizes, and often lack cabinetry. However, since people have varying needs, they are now available in larger sizes. Some models even come complete with counter tops and cabinets, which are more suitable for bigger bathrooms.

Wall mount sinks are typically seen in public bathrooms, small bathrooms, or mobile homes. This kind of sink is especially useful for bathrooms with limited spaces. This is because they help make a small bathroom look more spacious. Nowadays, wall hung sinks are not only used to maximize small bathroom spaces but also to modernize the look of an outdated bathroom layout. Modern wall hung sinks feature clean lines while offering optimum convenience without having to compromise space.

They can be made from an array of materials, including painted porcelain, high-tempered glass, and traditional cast iron. All of the said materials are capable of blending well with any home décor. Meanwhile, majority of contemporary wall mounted sinks are large enough to be functional. Some are made with double sinks, while others are custom-built based on specifications.

bathroom -- great sink
Photo by ooh_food
Before, installing wall mount sinks in the bathroom mean exposing a maze of plumbing. Nowadays, sinks of this kind stay away from the use of unnecessary piping. Thus, allowing them to be installed with only a short drain, hidden beneath the sink’s apron. Another amazing feature of wall-mounted bathroom sinks is that no additional hardware is needed to install them. Most come with the necessary mounting accessories needed to ensure proper installation.

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May 11th

Tips for Stylish Stripe Bathroom Design

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A stripe bathroom is a very subtle theme. It can work for any gender, level of style or age group. This makes it perfect if your entire family has to share bathroom and you need a different decorating style that will work for everyone. Of course you don’t want to it have end up looking like a circus tent so follow a few of these tips to get a custom bath.

You can really have a lot of fun with mixing and matching patterns. Of course, you will want to use a little bit of restraint just so that things don’t look too wild in a small space. However in a country in French country design styles you will often see stripes next with solids and floral prints. This allows you to get a lot of different textures and colors into your space. This could be as simple as just mixing and matching different bathroom accessories for a one-of-a-kind set that will be different than what is already out there.

You might want to soften this look a little bit. This is important just because this can seem quite linear or harsh. You might want to bring in a few natural elements such as placing a vase of hydrangeas on your vanity. This will really bring more of an organic feeling into your space. You could also decorate with different grass wallpapers or mats for more of a Zen vibe. A stripe will really pop against a solid color, but at the same time it won’t really overtake your entire space.

Another thing that you want to consider is your color palette. You can always paint the pattern directly on the walls. You really have a lot of freedom. This allows you to totally make your own pattern and pair colors together that you wouldn’t normally find in most fabrics or wallpaper such as purple or green. Of course you’ll want to keep things a little bit subtle just so that your color palette looks designer instead of juvenile.

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April 23rd

Small Bathtubs for Small Spaces

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I remember my wife I and buying our first place when we were just starting out after college. At the time, we were happy to be able to afford anything, particularly in the pricey real estate community that we lived in. Our first place was a condominium, and to say that space was a limiting factor is a bit of an understatement. Our only bathroom had just a toilet and a small shower; the sink was outside of the bathroom, as there was simply no room to fit it otherwise. When we bought the place my wife lamented about the absence of a bathtub, though we thought there was nothing that could be done. As it turned out, however, we were very wrong.

After browsing the internet one evening I noticed that several of the major bathtub manufacturers actually offered a small bathtub option. Up until this point, I had always assumed that bathtubs were only offered in specific sizes; traditional sizes. Fortunately, it turned out that we could install a bathtub in our small bathtub, and we eventually did. In our research, we found that the best way to see what was out there was to check online using any of the major search engines. A simple searched revealed dozens of different options, each with their own style of décor. We opted for a model that matched the color of our bathroom.

If you’re currently living in a small space and are frustrated at the lack of options that exist when it comes to bathtubs, then it’s important to know that small bathtubs for small bathrooms do exist. These small tubs are great in terms of their space saving capabilities, and many of these tubs can be purchased for much less than a traditional tub. The bottom line is that you need to get out there and see what’s possible; otherwise, you risk a lifetime without the soothing comfort of a warm bath. For more information, please visit Bedroom Decor Tips.

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April 22nd

Why Spring Is Right For Installing A Bathroom Ceiling Heater

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If you think you’re probably going to get around to installing that ceiling heater in your bathroom this winter, maybe you should think again. Why wait until it begins to get cold to compete with everybody else when you’re trying to locate a contractor? Waiting will also have you watching the prices getting hiked up for heaters of all kinds down at your local hardware store or Home Depot when it starts to get cold in September and October.

Well as a homeowner, you can fight back! All retailers have to clear inventory periodically and out-of-season appliances are an ideal area for them to target. Ever try to buy an air conditioner in January? You’ll find the prices a lot lower than they were in June, and it’s not unheard of to get a further price reduction by speaking to a manager. He knows he’ll have next year’s inventory coming soon so you really do have a little bargaining power. For the same reason springtime is a perfect time to go shopping for that bathroom ceiling here that will keep you and your family more comfortable for several months a year, every year.

It also stands to reason that anyone whose business is installing heating units will be more willing to talk price in the spring, and they’re sure to have you slotted into their schedule more easily at that time as well. If you’re skeptical just call around a little bit and be prepared to bargain.

It could be the perfect place to direct some of that tax refund you’re hopefully getting, into an investment in your home that will incrementally increase its attractiveness to a buyer should you ever decide to sell. Naturally you will appreciate increased comfort in your bathroom without having to drag in unwieldy and dangerous portable space heaters. Don’t wait, the time to finally install bathroom ceiling heaters might just be now.

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April 20th

What Type of Bath Vanities Are Best?

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There are several types of bathroom vanities from which to choose.  If you are doing a completely new bathroom remodeling job, then you’ll have a lot more options.  This can be both a good thing and a bad thing.  If you are big on options and are open to any type of new arrangement, then having a blank slate from which to work is a good thing.  However, if you have a hard time choosing décor items and styles, then you are in for a head spinning process.

In some respects, the choice is easy.  Depending upon the size of your bathroom space, you will find that the bathroom vanity will be decided for you.  In other words, you couldn’t fit some large double vanity in a space that is made for a little guest bathroom.  In a situation like this, you might find that a corner vanity is best. These units are made to capitalize on smaller space requiring a smaller footprint.  There are other types of single vanities that could work equally well in this situation.

Given your budget and style concerns, bath vanities can be a great way to express your personal tastes in this private area.  While others will see it, the master bathroom is more of a private area for the homeowners.  In some cases, the vanity is set apart from the sink areas and is used primarily by the woman of the house.  Therefore, sometimes it is referred to as the makeup vanity for this very reason.

There are both modern versions of bath vanities and more antique styles of vanities that you can find in both antique furniture stores or various online auction sites.  The antique vanities are often made of a nice, rich looking carved wood.  They have a very handsome look to them, so even the guys can appreciate having them in their bedroom spaces.  Newer styles of vanity are often built into the bathroom space itself or just adjacent.

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January 22nd

Advantages of a Walk In Electric Shower

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You may well be asking yourself “what the heck is a walk in electric shower?” It is something that you don’t hear a lot about unless you are looking for shower specifically and then it is still a fairly new item. Basically what it is a shower head with its own heating element to heat the water right at the point of use. It is sort of like the old tank less water heaters but only for the shower itself. It doesn’t require a lot of room and can be installed in not much more room than just a shower head.

When you add up the cost of installing an electric shower including the cost of hiring a local plumber or electrician which ever you need or both, you will probably still save money by using an electric shower. If you are a do it your self’er with plumbing and electrical experience you could probably install it yourself. The plumbing side is fairly simple to install as you only have to connect one cold water supply line. When it comes to the electrical side of the installation it is going to be a little trickier and would probably be safer to leave it to an electrician with experience with wiring around a water source.

While you can take a hot shower now if someone else has taken one in the last little bit your water is not going to be quite as hot as their water was and as you continue to take your shower the water will continue to become colder because of the way that the water heater works,as the hot water leaves the tank it is replaced by cold water flooding in. if your water heater is older and less efficient or if it breaks down, then there will be no more hot water for the shower until it is fixed. How ever none of this matters, with an electric shower because you only need cold water plumbed to it for a nice hot shower.

A walk in electric shower while being very economical and energy efficient, would probably also be considered a luxury item in many places. Just ask you’re self how luxurious it would feel to have a nice hot shower any time and one that stays hot.

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January 2nd

Black Mold Inspection Ins and Outs

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A black mold inspection is extremely important if you suspect there is mold in your home.  Your home should always be inspected by a certified and licensed expert and you should never accept anything less.

It may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on the amount of mold growing in your home and the services that are used. Some services used may include inspecting for all types of mold including the toxic stuff, testing for all molds, testing for moisture problems, testing for allergy issues such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander and testing for the quality of air in your home.

However, in most cases the inspector will likely test for mold using a swab test that is then sent to a lab for analysis.

He or she may test for mold in crawl spaces, hidden areas, the attic, bathroom, basement and kitchen. He or she may inspect your home both visually and by physically taking samples. When a home is visually inspected the process generally includes detecting the types of mold that are visible in your home.

The mold inspector may also analyze the areas outside of your home that are showing signs of mold growth using moisture meter testing, thermal imaging, and humidity testing. This testing process is done to identify the nature of the fungus and to give insight on the steps necessary to remove the mold if they are toxic.

Even if the molds are not toxic, it’s still extremely critical to start the mold removal process since spores from the fungus can lead to serious health problems. Remember, toxic molds are not the only fungi that can cause allergies, sinus infections and so forth.

So as soon as you’ve completed a black mold inspection, you should immediately call a professional to remove the mold if there is a problem found.

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December 31st

Transform Your Bathroom With Walk In Showers

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Transforming your bathroom to an innovative one can a daunting task, especially if you look to your local bathroom store, there can literally be hundreds and thousands of choices. Worry no more since one of the best way to instantly add elegance and innovation to your bathroom is to install a walk-in steam shower to the very heart of your bathroom. Walk-in steam showers may be the best means for introducing chic to the bathroom and they besides offer you a entirely unique bathing adventure. Some recent models of steam shower systems accommodate exciting technology; showing the rewards of refreshing your body, skin and muscles after the stress of a testing day.

Any walk-in steam room could be designed with additional functions for example tv, mood light fittings plus the ability for you to plug in your personal compact disk player. In addition these walk in steam bathroom shower cubicles provide you with an additional range of elements to benefit your skin and blood circulation, eradicate all your aches and pains and promote relaxation. This action incorporated with all of the special massage features and color therapy lighting schemes will ensure that you will be enclosed in an ambiance of entire tranquility.

If you’ve continually wanted to fit a walk in wet room, however thought you just didn’t have the free space, you may have to think again. A modern array of innovative walk in shower cubicles amalgamate spacious showering and fantastic finishes and may with no trouble be transformed into extravagant wet rooms by using an easy kit. Also, the stylish glass panel modules provide complete flexibility of choice of walk-in shower or walk in wet room made to fit in any size and shape existing bathroom.

Whether you do install the walk-in shower or add more bathroom vanities, just keep in mind that the priority in a bathroom is still the privacy and usefulness of your bathroom so add the bathroom vanities later when you have a fully functional and safe bathroom.

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December 24th

Choosing A Smaller Bathroom Vanity Unit

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Bathroom vanities come in all shapes and sizes so you do not need to fret even if you have a small bathroom. The smaller vanity units are usually within the range of 12 to 30 inches wide and have sufficient space to have a sink on top. Depending on the size of the actual fixture, there may or may not be any counter space available. However, there will be a shelf or cupboard below the sink regardless of the size of the bathroom vanity units. In fact, the cupboard below could be used for storage purposes as well as concealing the ugly plumbing pipes.

Depending on the size of your family using the bathroom, the storage space might not be sufficient. In the case of a large family, you can consider getting the corner bathroom vanity unit to maximize the free space. On the other hand, for a smaller family, the vanity cabinets are huge enough to store your personal grooming items and toiletries.

If you think that the small bathroom vanities are only used in a small bathroom, then you are absolutely wrong. A smaller vanity unit that is placed in a large bathroom will give an impression that the room is extremely spacious. At the same time, it also portrays a neat and clutter free look. In fact, people nowadays prefer smaller items because of its design appeal as well. Anyway, at the end of the day, what matters is that the vanity unit could accommodate the storage space requirement in the family.

Next time when you are remodeling your bathroom, consider getting a smaller bathroom vanity for the sleek design if the additional storage space is not required. Let you bathroom look more spacious, neat yet portraying a unique and elegant appearance. Bear in mind that size is not everything because it still bores down to look and functionality.

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December 23rd

Bathroom Light Fixtures To Compliment Your Home

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How many times have you been in the bathroom in a house other than yours and it either felt like a forgotten artifact or a design project gone wrong? It happens all of the time, and it’s usually because people don’t think to design their bathroom to fit the feel of the rest of the home. It might seem like a simple design rule, but many people figure that since it’s a different room it should have a different design. This is certainly not the case!

There’s no reason that entering a bathroom should feel like you’re walking out of one house and into another. Your home is the sum of all of it’s parts, and when those parts are similar it all fits together better! There are some things that fit only in a bathroom, like fluffy rugs, but those should at least be a similar color tone as the adjacent rooms. You don’t want everything to match perfectly, but there shouldn’t be a stark difference from one room to the next.

If you have modern lamps and chandeliers in your house, you should have modern bathroom light fixtures. If your home has a country theme, add some wood or homey accessories to the bathroom. If your home is minimalist, don’t clutter your bathroom up with a bunch of crap on the walls.

The best place to get started is with the bathroom lighting. Improving your bathroom lights is easy and can have a very dramatic impact on the home. Like I said above, don’t buy light fixtures that mimic the ones in the rest of your house, but buy ones that compliment them and would look good in the next room over.

Designing your bathroom is fun and a fairly easy project. Just be sure that you’re doing it in a way that you can live with for years to come, so you don’t have to do it again once you realize that it stands out like your home’s sore thumb!

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December 20th

Choose Travertine Tile For Your Bathroom

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When you are in the design stages of redecorating your bathroom then you are going to find there are so many choices to be made that it can be hard to pick individual pieces that will come together to create a beautiful finished product. I find it helps to do each part of your shopping individually and build on what you have already chosen to hopefully find everything works well together. How many times have you visited someones home to find that every item looks are if it was picked with no thought to how well it would fit in? This is definitely someone you want to avoid if you want to get the best value with your efforts.

I always like to start with what I am going to put on the floor and the walls when I am redecorating as this is one of the places I spend the most money, and if you get this part right everything else is going to pick itself. For a bathroom this is going to mean getting tiles for both floor and walls so already your job is becoming a little easier.

I have a particular affinity with travertine tile which many people haven’t heard of but which add a real touch of class to your home at an affordable price. An when I say affordable I mean compared to buying something like marble instead, which may require you to re-mortgage your home. Travertine tiles will still take up a sizable portion of your budget but the ambiance it adds to the bathroom will mean it is worth every penny.

Travertine wall tiles have a beautiful pitted nature and, being 100% naturally formed, every piece if individual, allowing you to create a truly unique room. And with the idea of what floor and wall tiles you are using you will find it so much easier to go on to the other areas which need your attention such as the shower enclosure and the style of taps you need to get the look you want.

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