Archive for the 'Bathrooms' Category

Apr 14 2011

Give Your Bath a Fall Flair in the Course of a Weekend!

Published by under Bathrooms

Most people love the beauty and freshness of fall.  The air is crisp, the colors vibrant, and the atmosphere is filled with the promise of holidays to come.  Are you looking to give your bathroom a fall flavor?  In a single weekend, you can totally transform your bath from a traditional, simple look to one filled with warm, rich color.  Many people tend to overlook a bathroom, but this is a mistake since it is a room visited often by both family members and visitors!

Color the walls beautiful

Paint is one of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to transform the look of a room.  For the walls, think soft amber or pumpkin orange.  Paint baseboards and other trim a cream or white to really set the walls apart.

Pictures and prints should include elements of autumn; leaves, trees, a fall landscape of the mountain trails – anything consistent with fall and the changing colors.  You might also consider adding texture to the walls by sponging or stenciling leaves along the top border of the wall.

Hang a hand-crafted wreath on a large wall or even the back of the bathroom door for more color!  A simple grapevine wreath decorated with dried flowers, acorns, berries and pine cones offers a taste of fall atmosphere.

Add a few fall-themed accents

Decorate your vanity mirror by hanging a garland of fall leaves over the top; alternately, you may want to wind the garland through knick knacks on a wall shelf.  If you have the floor space, a wicker or bamboo basket filled with brilliantly colored artificial fall leaves adds a festive touch.  Lusciously scented candles can be placed on the vanity, on a wall shelf or even on the back of the toilet.

You may also want to consider artificial pumpkins and gourds as bathroom decor.  Just place a variety of sizes in a napkin lined basket and place it on a large vanity or where you have floor space.  A plaid napkin containing shades of amber, brown, orange and yellow makes the perfect backdrop!

Change up your towels

Towels are often used as decor in a bathroom; they may be folded along with washcloths and placed on a shelf, or hung from a “spare” towel rod just to add a splash of color to the room.  Think about buying a few large towels, hand towels and washcloths in autumn shades to add to the richness of the scene.

You can add texture to the floors with a boldly colored bath rug.  Consider a wood shade for the bathroom window, flanked by bath towels hung with wooden clothespins for a unique and attractive flair!  Find a new shower curtain that blends with the colors and theme of the room, and you’re all done.

Incorporate some of your own creative ideas, and you will have a bathroom bursting with the warm, inviting essence of fall.

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Apr 10 2011

Jazz Up Your Bathroom on a Shoestring Budget

Published by under Bathrooms

Remodeling a bathroom can cost a fortune, especially when you end up buying a whole new tub or shower and vanity.  You want your bathroom to be as attractive as possible for your family and guests, but you just don’t have a lot of money to spend.  This article offers tips and ideas that will help you create a beautiful bath without busting your budget.

Little changes make a huge difference in the appearance of your bathroom; even changing out the small accessories will make a dramatic impact!

Shop at the big box department stores for matching accessories

Explore some of the options at your local Wal-Mart or Target.  The co-ordinates they offer are usually affordable with any budget, and the accessories they offer widely vary.  Choose soap dishes, wall decor, trash cans and shower curtains that will coordinate perfectly with the patterns and colors you have in mind.

Towels are often much cheaper at the big box retailers as well, and can be used to decorate.  Add folded towels and washcloths to a wicker basket along with silk flower petals and a candle, and you have a beautiful arrangement for the vanity or a wall shelf.

Mirrors and lighting

You would be amazed at the difference simply changing out your vanity mirror makes.  For a small bathroom, adding a larger mirror found at a local hardware store can make a dramatic difference!  Consider shopping local flea markets or antique shops as well, as they often have unique items for a bargain.

Installing lights that have a dimmer option is a good choice, as you can create a relaxing atmosphere by lowering the lights while bathing. Consider adding a decorative wall sconce with a battery operated lamp for a romantic touch.

Pretty up sinks and tubs with new faucets

Installing a new tub or sink can drain your budget; why not install new faucets?  There are numerous styles available today, and you can completely change the theme of the room with this one simple task.  Whether you want brass for an old-fashioned look or chrome faucets with an edgy look for modern appeal, you will find this one trick makes a noticeable difference.

The biggest change is the most affordable

Since the shower curtain is so large, changing it out is the one thing you can do that will really liven up the room!  Whether you want a boldly colored abstract pattern or a shower curtain covered in flowers or a beach theme, there are hundreds of options available to you.  Throw in a coordinated bath rug, and your bathroom has a fresh new look.

Clear all of the clutter to give your bath an open, airy appearance and add fresh color to the walls with a coat of paint.  Hang your favorite prints and pictures, and you’re done!  Your bathroom will look as though it has been completely renovated, and you will save thousands of dollars in the process.  The bathroom is one room in the home that can be given an entirely new look on a shoestring budget.

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Feb 25 2011

Transform Your Bath Easily Without Breaking the Budget

Published by under Bathrooms

You want your bathroom to be attractive; after all, this is a room that visitors in your home often frequent, not to mention the members of your family.  This is also where you take a relaxing soak in the tub after a long hard day!  Making your bathroom relaxing and beautiful without spending more than your budget can spare is a challenge, but it can be accomplished.

Here are a few tips that will help you transform your bath for just a few hundred dollars.

Renew the walls

Are your bathroom walls a bland off-white or cream color?  Consider using bold, vibrant tones or softer pastels.  Peach, burnt orange and soft blue are great for the bath; butter yellow and sea foam green are other great colors that will give the room a fresh new appeal.

You can paint the walls of your bathroom for practically nothing – just the cost of a can of paint, a roller and a paint brush!  You may also want to consider some of the techniques that add rich texture to the walls such as sponging, feather dusting and rag-rolling.

Give your vanity a new look

If the front of your vanity is wood, consider giving it an entirely different look with – again – paint!  Sand off the finish if it is stained and sealed, and then apply paint in a cloud blue, cream or butter yellow shade.  You might also consider stenciling the cabinet doors with a complementary pattern in order to add a unique touch.

Have a somewhat boring mirror over your vanity?  Liven it up a bit by adding vanity lighting down both sides, or place a wallpaper border around the entire perimeter (you can also paint a border around the edges.)

Time for new accessories

You would be surprised at just how much of a difference changing out your accessories can make!  Consider a new shower curtain, bath rug and toilet lid.  Today, you can find toilet lids in a wide array of colors, and they are easy to change yourself.

A shower curtain patterned with birds, flowers or a seascape adds fresh color to the room.  Add bath and hand towels that complement or contrast with the colors in your decor; also consider displaying some of your nicest towels in a wicker basket.

Accents

Some bathrooms are simply too small for many accents, but you can decorate the walls with prints that blend with the rest of your decor.  If you do have some room to spare, consider placing a wrought iron or wicker plant stand in one corner filled with casually flowing greenery.  If space allows, include a relaxing candle in scents such as lavender or tranquility.

If you are willing to do it yourself, you can even re-floor your bathroom for very little money.  Today, you can find linoleum and tiles that are easy to install, and give your bathroom an entirely new look!

Put some of the tips above to use, and you will find that your bathroom takes on an entirely different personality without spending much at all.

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Feb 24 2011

Turquoise and Brown: Two Inspiring Colors that Will Transform Your Bath

You may not think of turquoise and brown as colors you would use to decorate the bathroom, but you’d be surprised at the great looks you can achieve!  While turquoise is often bold and bright, brown is a neutral color that balances and soothes.  From modern to jazzy or classic, you can create many looks using shades of these two contrasting colors.

By the way, we’re not talking boring brown here; shades of sand, peachy brown and chocolate work to make your bath its most beautiful ever!

Start with the floor

By starting with the floor, you can create the basis of your decorating.  Linoleum or ceramic tile can be found with an interesting mix of turquoise and brown shades from light to dark.  Once installed, you can build the room around the shades in the floor.  Even if your tile or linoleum is light, you can add deeper shades in the room for depth and contrast.

Have a large bath?  Start with chocolate brown

If you have a large bathroom, you can afford to use darker colors for the walls.  Consider a chocolate brown, which adds a rich, soothing atmosphere to the room.  Porcelain sinks and chrome fixtures along with bright turquoise accessories add punch and pizzazz.

A shower curtain with bright punches of turquoise in a modern design brightens up the room.  Add wall art and a free-standing cabinet painted in turquoise, and you have a room that is bold, modern and yet relaxing.

Think of the beach

When you go to the beach, think of how the colors play off of each other.  Turquoise water, sand, stones and other elements of nature play together to create surroundings that are soothing and spa-like.  Use the colors of the beach in your decor if you want a lighter, calmer look.  Shades of sand, peachy-brown and turquoise make for a room that brings the beach to mind.

Add accents of wicker, a glass vase filled with twigs, artwork depicting the beach for the walls, and plenty of plush towels in sand and turquoise patterns, and you have a refreshing retreat!

Want more drama?

If you want to liven things up a bit to make your bath sparkle with drama, consider bringing shades of coral or red to the mix.  While brown can be the dominating color for walls and floors, a mix of coral and turquoise really makes the room come to life.  Consider sparse splashes of red or coral in floral arrangements, candles and artwork, while keeping turquoise as the main color for bath rugs, towels and the shower curtain.  The addition of some red brings in warmth and spark and makes the room dazzle!

It may be hard for you to imagine how a bathroom would look using these colors, but it is absolutely beautiful – especially for those who enjoy a more modern, chic look.  Browse through magazines and search online for photos of bathrooms decorated using these colors, and you will see that the look is extremely vibrant and appealing.

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Nov 17 2010

Making Your Home Cozier with a Country Style Bathroom

Published by under Bathrooms

Are you thinking about decorating your new bathroom in a country style theme, but have no idea where to begin?  Maybe you are just tired of the way your bathroom looks now.  Either way, everyone just needs to change an area in their home sometimes, perhaps to make it feel cozier and more welcoming.  Converting your modern bathroom to country style may be just what the doctor ordered.  Remodeling can get expensive, but this style of decorating is easily accomplished using things you may already have and a little paint.

Cozy country colors

Brown is a color that many people associate with country decor, but it can be a bit dull if overdone.  Vibrant yellows, burnt orange and rusty reds bring a bath to life, while making it feel cozy.  If you would like to create a calming atmosphere, then choose cool colors such as pastel blues, greens, pinks and even purples.  Around the top of the walls, try putting up a floral wallpaper border; you might even consider an oak or pine chair rail around the room to add that country flair that only wood can offer.

Fixtures

When it comes to fixtures in a bathroom, most people don’t think about changing the faucets and bathtubs in their home.  A country themed bath with modern fixtures looks somehow incomplete; the two styles just don’t work well together.  A claw foot tub is a stunning and charming touch to a country bath, and a great place to unwind at the end of the day.

Brass faucets and wrought iron accents add further to the romantic, warm appeal.  A pull-chain toilet will bring back memories of years ago, when life was lived at a much more relaxed, carefree pace. Many people cannot afford all of these changes, but incorporating just one will transform the mood of the room.

Storage ideas

To pull together a country themed bath, clutter should be removed from vanity tops.  Hairbrushes, hair products, toothpaste, deodorant and other grooming items can be stored away in the cabinet under the sink, or you can convert an old table into a vanity that has an authentic antique appearance.  Wicker baskets add to the charm, and are great for storing towels, toilet paper, and magazines.  Set your wicker baskets on shelves or wherever you have floor space.

A lace shower curtain and braided rug made in warm colors add the finishing touches.  Add a few dried floral arrangements in a vase for the vanity or hang them from the walls for additional interest.  Lace and flowers soften the room, while wrought and cast iron provides the feeling of the old west; the combination of the two creates comfortable, cozy surroundings.

Whether your bathroom is old or new, modern or basic, make it a room that offers serenity and relaxation along with a soothing beauty that brings to mind days long gone by.  Country decor is perfect for the bath!

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Nov 05 2010

Transform a Large Bathroom in to a Relaxing Sanctuary

Published by under Bathrooms

You probably think of a bathroom as a room used for more utilitarian purposes, but think about it.  This is the one room where you can escape from the day – and the family!  When you go to bathe or shower, you have complete peace and quiet, if only for a few precious minutes.  If your bathroom is large, why not transform it in to a beautiful, relaxing sanctuary?  Once the project is complete, you will want to spend hours soaking in the tub, surrounded in a serene calmness and luxury that soothes your frazzled nerves.

Incorporate soothing colors in the décor

For the most relaxing atmosphere, use colors that are meant to calm and soothe such as pale blue, soft lavender, and shades of beige.  Consider painting the walls a soft lavender or blue trimmed out in white; you may even want to give your vanity a new look by painting it cream or off-white and lightly sanding the edges if it is made of wood.  If you have a pedestal sink, consider draping a soft fabric around the perimeter and let it fall gracefully to the floor, trimming it in satin or lace.

Greenery and candles set the mood

Nothing is more relaxing than a room filled with lush greenery and lavishly scented candles!  Place ivy, ferns and other greenery on brass plant stands in corners; set lavender scented candles anywhere and everywhere you can – on one corner of the tub, on the vanity, on a small table holding elegantly designed jars and in containers filled with your favorite lotions.

Candles add ambiance like nothing else can.  Imagine lying back in the tub, enjoying a glass of wine while the candlelight creates a dance of light on the walls.  Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?  Close your eyes, lean back, and enjoy the soothing scents that fill the room.

Add lush accessories

Surround the tub with a shower curtain made of satin and trimmed in lace and drape it softly at the sides; choose a soft pattern that is relaxing, not loud and distracting.  A plush, luxurious cream bath rug adds warmth.  Bath towels and wash cloths should be plush as well, some used strictly for decorating purposes.

For the walls, consider prints or paintings with serene landscapes or a peaceful still life.  A landscape depicting soft, rolling hills filled with wildflowers is relaxing, and takes your mind away from the stress of the day.  You may also want to place an over-sized mirror framed in brass or distressed wood on one wall; this looks especially beautiful when reflecting the candlelight.

Creating a luxurious bathroom isn’t difficult, and the transformation will astound you.  What was once a plain, simple room without much personality can be one that invites you to come and unwind after a long hard day at work.  Put your creative ideas into action and make your bathroom one that offers not only exquisite surroundings, but a relaxing solitude you will find nowhere else.  You deserve to get away from it all, and you can with a few simple changes.

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Oct 20 2010

Adding Interest and Appeal to Small Bathrooms

Published by under Bathrooms

Small bathrooms often present problems for home owners.  While you may think of this room as the least in importance when it comes to decorating, it is the one room in your home that your family, as well as guests, visits consistently.  Is there any way to transform those small, often odd-shaped spaces so that they look as beautiful as the rest of your home?  This article offers tips and ideas for making those tiny bathrooms look more spacious and appealing.

Keep things light

In a small home or apartment bathroom, you want to avoid dark colors and lots of clutter – this only makes the room appear tinier.  Opt for light colored walls, such as shades of pale peach, sky blue or cream.  You can paint the walls yourself at very little expense, and the difference is amazing.  Use techniques such as sponging or rag rolling for a texture that mimics that of wallpaper.

Keep floors light as well.  Large sized tiles or light colored linoleum helps in making the room look more open and airy.  To help make the bathroom look much more spacious, hang a large wall mirror, opposite a window if possible.  This reflects not only the window, but the sunlight as well which brightens the bathroom considerably.

Accessories

In a small bathroom, using the right accessories can make a dramatic difference.  Shower curtains, bath rugs and towels should be light colored.  Consider a beach or seascape theme made up of colors such as sand, ocean blue, peach and the palest green or aqua.  These colors not only lighten the mood of the bath, they are relaxing as well.

A single silk or live plant placed in a corner or other area that is out of the way adds a personal touch.

Clear the clutter

Is your vanity covered with personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrushes, lotions, etc?  Clutter makes any room look smaller – and messy.  You want the vanity to have a smooth, sleek appeal.  Place those items underneath the vanity in cabinets, or if you have a pedestal vanity enclose the bottom area with fabric that blends with the rest of your décor so that you can store these items out of sight.

Bright lighting also helps make a small bath appear larger.  Install additional lighting around the vanity mirror, or consider recessed lighting in the ceiling to light up the entire room.  Avoid plastic shelves that many people place over the toilet for storage, as this further diminishes the size of the room.  You might also consider keeping the laundry hamper in the washing  room or in a closet so that it doesn’t take up precious floor space.

Put these tips and ideas to work in your bathroom, and you will see that this much-used room can be both beautiful and functional!  One great thing about re-decorating a bath is that it can be accomplished without spending a great deal of money, which is important in times of a weak economy.

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Oct 06 2010

Bringing Your Bathroom into the Modern World

In years gone by, a bathroom was really just a practical room that was used for a specific reason.  Now, bathrooms are more of a retreat, a place where you can go to relax after a long day.  Today, bathrooms run the gamut from slick and chic to ultra modern or even romantic.  How can you update your bathroom so that it is a room your guests will find beautiful and appealing?  Plenty of tips and ideas are offered in this article.

Make a few decisions before you begin

Before you begin to make over your bath, decide what look you are striving for.  Do you want a relaxed atmosphere, or one that is bold and sophisticated?For a relaxing retreat, stick to soft neutral shades such as cream, tan, brown, white and even soft shades of blue or green.  If you love a bold or art deco look, go with bold, vibrant colors to add richness to the room.  Black, red and white are perfect colors for the art deco style of decorating.

Textures keep the theme flowing

If you are installing new flooring in your bath, make sure that you consider the vanity as well.  A stone floor or ceramic tiles often don’t coordinate well with a wood-topped vanity.  You want to keep materials and surfaces in harmony, so go with a vanity top that is made of stone, marble or tile for a completely modern look.

Many times, people forget all about the fixtures and other adornments when updating the bath.  These little things make a huge difference in the final outcome!  Faucets, drawer pulls, cabinet hardware, lighting fixtures and even the mirrors should be brought up-to-date and in line with the style you have chosen.

Add texture to walls

Paint is one of the most versatile tools available for freshening up a room or giving it an entirely new look.  In the bath, consider adding texture to the walls by using paint to sponge, rag roll or stencil the walls.  This will add incredible depth, which gives the room a rich look.  Paint baseboards and other trim a complementary or contrasting shade.

To make your bath appear larger and more spacious, consider hanging an additional mirror on one wall to reflect natural light.  You may want to choose a central theme for your bath, such as a beach or ocean atmosphere.

Once you have completed your floors, vanity, and walls, add further to the appeal with accessories.  Bath towels, window treatments, a bath rug and shower curtain will bring the room together for a complete look.  Depending on the style of decor you have chosen, add a few art pieces inspired by your choice.  If you want a relaxed and soothing atmosphere, accents in bamboo and wicker provide a comfortable touch.

Use your imagination, and don’t be afraid to do what you really like!  It’s your home, so go for any look that will bring you the most relaxation and pleasure at the end of a long, stressful day.  Your bathroom is your haven; make it your own.

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Sep 28 2010

Bathroom Decorating Ideas – Give Your Bath Some Pizzazz!

Published by under Bathrooms

Let’s face it – a bathroom is one of the hardest rooms in your home to decorate, and one of the most used by guests.  What can you do to liven up the room and give it some character?  There are plenty of things you can do, many of which you have probably never thought of.  This article offers tips and ideas for adding ambiance, interest and even a little romance to your bath.

Whether yours is large and spacious or very small, you can make it beautiful and appealing.

Liven up the walls

You may think that the only way to decorate walls is with white paint, especially if your bath is on the small size.  If you are using a solid color, you should keep it light.  However, if you decide to go for a pattern or design, you can use rich hues of amber, gold and burgundy, or any other colors that suit your decor.  In a small bathroom, vertical stripes make the room look visually taller.  You can do this with wallpaper that has a wide stripe, or paint them on yourself.

Another great idea for bathroom walls is to use rubber stamping techniques, which lets you place any design you like on the walls.  Faux finishes are highly popular today, and add an element of texture to the room.

Lighting sets the mood

In a bathroom, it’s often necessary to use two different kinds of lighting.  Most people want bright lights around the vanity mirror, so they can easily see to shave, apply make up, etc.  Other than task lighting, low wattage ceiling lights can add a romantic and ambient atmosphere to a large bathroom.

For a smaller bath, you can still get the effect by placing a sconce on one wall and using a 60 watt bulb.  This will provide a warm effect for those times when you simply want to relax in the tub after a stressful day.

Time for a few personal touches

Now that you have beautiful walls and the perfect lighting, it’s time to add a few accessories to make the room even more appealing.  Use objects and motifs that reflect your unique personality, such as a large boldly-colored vase filled with greenery or even an old trunk topped with some of your favorite accessories if you have the room.

Use your imagination!  A soap dish and a toothbrush holder don’t add much interest to the room.  Use the most luxurious towels you can afford for display, to add further splashes of color to the room.

If your bathroom isn’t too small, accenting the tub is an option that many don’t think about but can add a lot of character.  Hang sheer panels from the ceiling and drape them softly around the edge, pulling them back to the wall about 8 inches above the edge of the tub.  Add full size mirrors to two walls around the tub, and talk about romance!  Imagine a candle flickering and reflecting in the mirrors as you relax in a tub filled with rich, soothing oils.

With a little imagination, there is no end to the things you can do to make your bathroom exquisite – and your guests will be amazed at your decorating sense.

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Sep 21 2010

Give Your Bathroom a New Look Without Overspending

Published by under Bathrooms

Is your bathroom plain and boring?  Many people find that the most visited room in the house is the least attractive.  A complete makeover is beyond many people’s budget, but you want that room to look more appealing, especially to those who visit your home.  You don’t have to install a new tub along with fancy vanity and expensive mirrors to make your bath one of your favorite rooms!  This article offers information that will help you transform your bathroom into one you don’t recognize, all while spending a few hundred dollars or less, instead of thousands.

Before You Begin

Before you get started on your bathroom makeover, give your bathroom a thorough cleaning.  It always makes you feel better if you start with a good cleaning from top to bottom, and the results will be better when your project is completed.  If you do any painting, the results are much more professional looking when you start on a clean base.

Tub Need a Facelift?

If your tub looks like it has seen better days, do as much as you can to improve its appearance.  If you have tiles surrounding the tub, scrub them to remove any mold or mildew that may have accumulated.  Caulk around the fixtures, and around the edge of the tub if necessary.  Little things like this make a big difference in the appearance of your bathroom.

Add Color

Are your bathroom walls white?  Perhaps you have old wallpaper that gives the room a worn look.  If you do have wallpaper that is unattractive, strip it off and paint.  Be bold, and don’t be afraid to use soft shades of blue, peach, even lavender.  If your bath is small, steer clear of dark colors which will only make it look darker.  Also, remember to use paints that are made for use in areas where humidity or moisture accumulate so that your new look will last longer.

Towels are to be used for drying off after a bath or shower, but buy a few extras and add a splash of color!  Deep green towels look magnificent when hung against a pale peach wall.  Choose three colors to use throughout your bath, one being dominant while the others complement or contrast.

Accessories

A bathroom really isn’t the place to have numerous accessories and knick-knacks sitting around.  To give your bath a clean, vibrant look, invest a little money in a new shower curtain and bath mat that add further appeal to the room.  For the vanity, colored lotion bottles and pretty soaps are all you need.  You may want to add a large scented candle, not only for the beauty but for luscious scent as well.

You really don’t have to spend money that is not within your budget to make your bathroom look fresh and appealing!  All you need is a little paint, a couple of towels for décor, and perhaps a new shower curtain along with a bath mat.  Remove the clutter, keep the lines clean and enjoy your new bathroom – one that cost only a fraction of a complete remodel.  Not only will your guests be impressed, your entire family will love the new look of the room.

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