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How to Design Small Baths So They Feel Roomier.

15.01.2016 usaexpo Bathroom

A homemaker has become very concerned and intelligent in terms of modernisation and peculiarity when it comes to remodelling her house and its varied parts. And when we talk about redecorating or remodelling of our house parts, then bathrooms are rapidly being remodelled to new styles, shapes, sizes and colours.

Bathroom remodelling ideas are just not limited to big or luxurious bathrooms that have generous and easy space. There are people who change the fittings and fixtures of their bathrooms to make them more spacious, but this idea has recently come to a halt. People are remodelling their bathroom designs to make them small so that they feel roomier, cozy and much more intimate.

Regardless of what style you choose to make a small bath for yourself, you need to cater to some of the essential points that are duly required by your bathroom interiors.

A small bathroom is one which contains all the needful and essential elements of your day to day life, so you should make sure that your small roomier bathroom should be well equipped.

Similar to large bathrooms, you can always create closets and racks to your small bathroom. You can indulge in keeping your close and intimate items such as lingerie, toiletry items in your bathroom. This will make your small bath feel much more filled and roomier. Designing wall embedded shelves and closets in your bathroom will not acquire much space and will serve your purpose too. These can be used to keep all your vanity, bins, clothes, cleaning supplies and much more.

When it comes to large bathrooms, people feel at ease with them because they can be designed along with a powder or make up room. But, you can taste this powder room flavour in your small bathroom too. Rather than investing your money and bath space for walk in showers and doors, you can create a powder room instead. This powder room need not be very huge to accompany an unnecessary number of people. Yet it can be made just for a person or two of about 15 square feet.

Another effort that can be induced to make your small bath feel roomier is to avoid not needed mirrors and doors. A light hinged door can be used that is made up of glass.  Moreover, a wall hanging toilet seat can be used in case of a vertical basic toilet seat. This seat not only provides your bathroom with a lavish look, but it also helps in making space.

To make your small bath feel roomier, you can avoid using much colours and curtains in it. Adopting the idea of thick curtains in your bath will occupy more volume and will eventually make it look very claustrophobic.

If at all you need a partition to separate your bathing area from the toilet area, a thin fabric like curtain can be used. Making this curtain transparent instead of coloured would be beneficial. Other than this, you should include light colours in your bathroom rather than bright wallpapers or patterned colours.

 

INSIDE TIPS FROM A DESIGNER WHO SPECIALIZES IN SMALL BATHS

15.01.2016 usaexpo Bathroom

Small bathrooms have become the need of the hour. Due to space constraints it has been mandated to construct the bathrooms which are small in size. We believe that necessities give birth to inventions. Therefore if the small bathrooms are the only choice then why not make it look spacious with some innovative techniques. Take sneak peeks into some of the methods that will make your bathroom look spacious as well as keep it hygienic.

  1. Single handed fixtures: Look for branded fixtures and faucets which can perform dual functions with a single handle. For instance instead of installing two taps for hot and cold water, choose the single faucet which serves the dual function. This will save you from drilling two separate holes for two different taps and thus cover less space on your wall.
  2. Say no to shower door: Shower door itself consumes a lot of space. Even if you choose a sliding door then also it occupies the space equivalent to the whole wall. Instead of door you can put on a beautiful curtain matching the interiors of your bathroom or can cover it partially with a glass covering. This way it will look spacious enough to have a comfortable bath.
  3. Install stretched Mirrors: Mirrors are equipped with reflection mechanism which gives a broad look to the space. It also makes it convenient for two persons to use it at one point of time. Thus expanding the mirror to the length of the wall can certainly help.
  4. Towel bars: Don’t install a towel bar at a separate space. Make them stand over the place where the floor space is already occupied. You can also install them on the partial outer glass coverings of your shower. It will be convenient as well as keep the towels handy.
  5. Avoid dark interiors: A bathroom should be designed and painted with light colors. This is because dark colors may give shelter to mildew and molds which are not so visible due to darker lightening. Also it will force you to install more lights into your bathroom which will give it a very tight and concise look.
  6. Mounted vanities: Vanities which are mounted a little above the floor can be used to keep some things beneath it. Even if it is left open that space should be cleaned regularly to avoid the dust to enter into your clean bathroom.
  7. Quickly drying mats: The foot mats outside your bathroom should be made up of a material which gets dry easily so that you can wash them whenever required. So next time you go to shop foot mats do check that the one you choose is washable.

So you can give a clean and spacious look to your baths. This shows that space should never be blamed for any flaw in the bathroom. With your research and ideas you can give a complete yet stylish look to even you small bathroom residing in your home.

 

 

 

5 AMAZING TIPS FOR MAKEOVER OF YOUR MASTER BATH

15.01.2016 usaexpo Bathroom

Bathroom often depicts the personal space of an individual summed up in the décor that calms him/her the most. People spend their most precious time in the bathroom, probably the only place where they are not disturbed by the hassles of life. The latest fad is to redesign these spaces to have a more intense calming effect on life of the occupants. Master bath is often considered as the window to the soul of the owner, it can be with an open feel or romantic and relaxing decor, as per the desires of the person.

Since it is of such importance in the house thus, designing it with perfection also becomes highly essential. Bathroom designers help solve some of the most basic dilemmas that need to be sorted before planning a perfect master bath. Some of the given pointers might help you decide what you might be actually looking for:

  • SPAS

Spas are the new form of indulgence that people get in to now-a-days to add glamour and comfort to their “me” time in the master bath. There is a wide range of spas available in the market to suit the pockets of all irrespective of the budget. One should choose the spa based on some basic points given below:

  • Style – a visit to a decorator’s office or showroom with some sample designs could help choose the look that suits you and you master bath the best.
  • Materials – the material should be chosen in order to suit ones pocket and not go overboard in simply picking style over everything else.
  • Layout – hire a designer to help you decide the most suitable place for your spa, with the corner that suits best and has maximum calming effect.
  • OPEN UP THE SPACE

Overly cluttered up bathroom spaces can be often suffocating. Thus, while remodeling, first cut out essential space for the master bath so as to have sufficient space to add a few things of personal desire in it without looking stuffy. One can add a few plants and pots to give the bathroom the desired touch of freshness along with elements of nature. They mostly prove to be very refreshing and rejuvenating.

  • SLIDING DOORS AND WINDOWS

Sliding doors and windows give an extra touch of modernity to the master bath along with saving a lot of space. They can be of wood or cut glass to give them the modern or antique look as per choice.

  • HIDE THAT PLUMBING WITH MODULAR COUNTERS

Visible plumbing looks bad!! Hide it with the help of modular counters for wash basin and small set of cupboards to keep the bath necessities within the bathroom, like extra towels or spare toiletries.

  • CALMING COLORS AND TILES

Always choose a color that enhances your personal space with a calming and relaxing effect. Choose the tiles to either match or contrast to the fittings in the bathroom, it will look awesome!

Six Design Ideas to Make the Most of Your Small Bathroom

15.01.2016 usaexpo Bathroom

You don’t have to give up on your dreams of rejuvenating yourself in a luxurious bathroom if yours is much smaller than the one in your dreams! With the price of real estate what it is, often the first room to have its corners cut is the bathroom. On the other hand, after a hard day at work, what could be more relaxing than a soak in a tub or a shower in a pleasant bathroom? So here are six design ideas to make the most of your small bathroom so that you come out smiling every time!

  1. Trim away the visual heaviness from the room:

Any room would look cramped and dingy if it is crammed with unnecessary elements. Conversely, remove some of these elements and you get the same room looking brighter and larger! Some of these visual elements could be the furniture to the color on the walls and cabinets. Going for lighter shades of paint on the walls as well as the color of the shelves and cabinets will make your bathroom instantly more appealing. Even the tiles in a lighter shade with maybe a contrasting tile in a darker shade will look great. A low-cost design idea like shower curtains and mats in lighter shades will also go a long way to brightening up your bathroom.

  1. Mirrors:

This is a very popular design idea to make any room appear instantly larger. Of course, a mirror is a given in a bathroom, so why not make yours larger? Adding a window directly opposite to a window in the bathroom will take this visual hallucination up a notch.

  1. Shelving:

Removing shelves or cabinets on the wall and having them below the sink can also make the room appear larger. If you have empty space under your sink, you can also buy baskets to get things better organized and save space too. If possible, have recessed shelves in the wall itself in order to store more of your stuff without having the shelves jut out of the wall itself. If you cannot remove the existing shelves or cabinets, try to combine open shelving with some closed doors, which will give an illusion of spaciousness.

  1. White, white, white:

White is always a color that opens up a space and instantly brings in a bright flush of life into it. White cabinets, white tiles, white countertops, white tiles, white shower curtains or a transparent shower glass door, will no doubt bring an illusion of expansiveness into the most cramped up bathroom. This also instantly amplifies any natural light that streams into the bathroom through any windows.

  1. Lighting:

A simple element like lighting can make a huge difference to the look and feel of your bathroom. Invest in light fixtures that are less heavy on the eye as well as brighter lighting. Wall sconces or recessed lighting with adjustable brightness can also be considered.

  1. Wall mounted sinks and faucets:

When every inch of space is a luxury, why buy sinks that take up all the space? Having a wall mounted sink could free up lots of space even underneath for your storage needs.

 

 

 

How to Save on Kitchen Remodeling

15.01.2016 usaexpo Kitchen

Your kitchen will reflect on your lifestyle at the end of the day. Since there are no hard and fast rules on where you must splurge and what you must save on, it will eventually depend on what is most important to you.

If you are an entertainer, then you might see a warming drawer and wine coolers as necessary. If you are a gourmet cook, then you might splurge on a new professional induction cooking range. If you are a busy family, then you might want many a cabinet for storing stuff in and kitchen countertops to place things on.

Are you planning a kitchen remodeling session with an interior designer to enable you to cook inside the home that you plan on living in forever? Then, how about you consider remodeling only your kitchen? Besides, the kitchen is the space for family get-togethers every night. Consider placeholders, if you cannot afford certain things, though you want to remodel your kitchen fully. So, for instance, instead of having a granite countertop, get a cheap alternative for the same. Here is some general advice on where to splurge and where to save.

Where to splurge and where to save

Appliances

Look for appliances that are energy-efficient and that come with warranties, since you would be using the appliances more than anything else in the kitchen. Make sure that you are maintaining a balance between what you are spending on cabinets and appliances. If you are considering spending more on appliances, then you will be left with little money to spend on kitchen countertops, cabinets, and the other items for your kitchen. However, be careful what appliances you spend money on. For instance, you may need to replace a refrigerator in 10 to 15 years’ time. However, a cooktop will last longer. Spend on that. If you have kids, who leave dirty dishes behind, then consider investing in a quality dishwasher.

Cabinetry

Some costs that drive up the costs of cabinetry include tax, delivery, and installation. Roll-out trays, drawers, and the like also add to the extra costs of the cabinetry. Also invest in a waste-recycling center for your kitchen. Make sure you select cabinets that have soft-close drawers, which will work out to be extremely convenient for you when you re-sell the house. Use a veneer cabinet instead of a hardwood cabinet, if you want to save on your kitchen remodeling project. Today, you can get finishes with the good looks, but without the hefty price tags. However, those cabinets that come for a hefty price can last you longer than those that do not cost much.

Hardware

Pulls, knobs, and handles can make the kitchen look fresh. You could select anything from simple hardware that does not cost you much to bespoke hardware that could come at a heavy price. If you want to save money, consider going for the same hardware brand that you have already gone for before. And do not worry if your faucet is of one metal and your drawer pulls are of another metal. What matters is that the kitchen will look better with some variety.

Three Kitchen Remodeling Trends That Will Make Your Home Fabulous

15.01.2016 usaexpo Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of every home. It is usually the place where everyone gathers to share their special moments of the day or cook up their favorite meal or special treat. These times are not just about food, but also the bonding that can occur over something that is so basic to our survival. If you want to give a fresh lease of life to your home, what better place to start than the kitchen? You don’t have to empty your bank account or tear down your kitchen in order to make it fresh and new! Here are three kitchen remodeling trends that will make your home fabulous!

  1. White is the new black!

Yes, having white as the predominant color palette for your kitchen is the latest trend that can be seen in all the decor magazines and websites across the world. Combine this with minimalistic and open kitchen cabinets and you will have a kitchen that is like a breath of fresh air into your home. Having open cabinets and white on the walls, cabinets and countertops opens up your kitchen space unlike any other color. It feels brighter and sunnier instantly. This does not mean it has to be pristine white. Shades of off white also offset the appliances and furniture in your kitchen very well. White floor-to-ceiling cabinetry in a white kitchen further opens up the space, reducing storage from other areas and giving more space to store the essentials.

  1. Warm metallic colors

Gone are the days when stainless steel ruled the kitchen! Now is the time of warm metallic shades for your hardware. Having these in individual colors or combining them is up to you. Brass, chrome, and copper as well as shades of graphite or iron impart a very beautiful tone to your kitchen. Bronze is also a trend that is picking up very fast, with the oil-rubbed tone being seen in the trendiest kitchens across the world. These could be for the faucets, the hoods, knobs, towel rings, handles, and even light fixtures. They highlight the whites of the cabinets or the marble countertops beautifully. They also give a warm burnished glow under any kind of lighting.

  1. Natural, raw materials

Wood, brick, concrete, exposed beans and wood planks-expect to see all these in kitchens this year. For renovations, there are stunning veneers that evoke the sense of the real deal. You can also recycle wood from other projects or buy reclaimed wood. Use it to make the open cabinets. Wood in different colors, stains, and grains give a warm and lived-in look to your kitchen. Mixing wood of different colors also gives a multidimensional appeal to your kitchen. These could be in shades of honey to darker tones. Maple and oak remain hot favorites. For a spectacular combination with the other hot trend of the season, warm metallic shades, cherry wood is the color to go for.

With these kitchen remodeling trends, you can also be sure of a timeless appeal that can withstand the onslaught of any new trends to come!

Choosing the Right Kitchen Countertops

15.01.2016 usaexpo Kitchen

If you want to have a great time working in the kitchen, then everything around must be just as you want –lots of light, air, working space and yes, a good countertop ! There are so many to choose from and with so many options one is left a little bewildered as to what the right one is. It will make it easier when you know what’s actually available.

There’s no doubt that stone in its most popular forms such as granite and marble are hot favorites. Not only are they durable and long lasting but they are classic materials that will always remain in vogue. They are a little expensive but well worth it. Granite, especially, comes in various shades and with a little bit of maintenance looks good as new every day. Its luster, sheen and elegance makes it incomparable.  If you can afford it, go in for granite.

Marble, limestone and soapstone can also be used and white marble looks really good. It will adorn any countertop but these three are a little softer than granite. While marble is beautiful to look at, waterproof and heatproof, it’s not immune to stains. It’s expensive and generally not used over the entire countertop. Soapstone is smooth, darkish gray in color but can crack over time.

If you’re looking for something that’s really affordable and easy to maintain, ceramic tiles is your best bet. It’s a great choice for those who like texture, color and design when they work. The only problem however is that they may chip or crack rather easily.

For those who like light countertops, wood is a good, warm choice and comes in a lot of finishes, but although it’s easy to clean and maintain, water can damage it and over time stains get accumulated. It also warps easily and is extremely susceptible to moisture, heat and other elements.

Laminate is affordable and is available in an array of designs and colors. Although it is very attractive to look at, it scratches easily and doesn’t tolerate heat. If you’re one of those that keep redecorating your kitchen often, laminates may be a welcome change as they can mimic stone, metal or even wood.

You want to add a modern touch? Go in for Stainless steel countertops as they can complement so many appliances and items found in the kitchen. It’s nice and shiny to look at, easy to clean but if it does get dented, then it’s hard to repair.

Eco-friendly? Choose a bamboo or a recycled glass countertop. While glass is durable and easy to clean, it can chip and break on impact. Bamboo is rather versatile and unique, offers good functionality, but remember it’s very much like wood and needs to be protected from water.

So what’s your choice? Hope this has made it a little easier for you. Get a great countertop and enjoy working in the kitchen.

 

10 Inside Tips from a Small Baths Designer

15.01.2016 usaexpo Bathroom

It may seem that having a small bathroom would limit the choices when it comes to remodeling. However, there is a great deal that can be done in bathroom renovation even if you have a limited amount of room. As the old saying goes, “It is what you have that really matters”, so what follows are 10 simple tips from a designer that specializes in making the most out of small bathroom remodeling.

Keep it Smooth: You’ll want to avoid having anything in the bathroom with texture, especially when it is heavily used. Texture in the tiles or wall offers a place for mildew and mold to take hold, so avoid using tile with indentations or carved vessel sinks that offer places for these elements to grow.

Single Handle Fixtures: In a modern bathroom renovation, single handle fixtures can save you space and money. This is because you only have to drill one hole for hot and cold water and not two which requires more effort and space.

Use Opaque Windows: Having a large, long opaque window means not having to use the light as often while still providing the proper amount of privacy. Be sure that any condensation has a place to drain away without creating any maintenance, mold or mildew issues.

Wall Mounted Faucets: Here, you can reduce the depth of your vanity by having a wall mounted faucet instead. While it may save only a few inches, that can make all the difference in a small bathroom.

Say No to a Pedestal Sink: A pedestal sink is a very popular type that looks great, but offers no room to set anything on or next to them. So, stick to a traditional bathroom sink instead.

Avoid Wall Mounted Vanities: While they appear to save space, all they really do is create unused space between the floor and the vanity. You are better off avoiding them and sticking to a standard vanity.

Avoid No-Enclosure Showers: While it may seem to add to the space inside the bathroom, they are difficult to properly waterproof and may cause more harm than good if not properly installed.

Space Saving Wall Mounted Bidets & Toilets: These are popular bathroom remodeling items because they can save a considerable amount of space. However, you will need the interior wall space in order for this to be accomplished. If you live in a condo for example, this type of bathroom renovation might not be possible.

Leave Space between the Faucet and Handles: You’ll need that space to clean that particular area. Remember, your bathroom faucets and fixtures must still function properly and be practical. This means that if you are using a vessel sink, be sure it is large enough for your needs, but not too high otherwise it might be too impractical.

Glass Walls: One of the most interesting bathroom remodeling ideas is to put glass walls between the bathroom and bedroom to create the illusion of more space. If that is a bit too uncomfortable, you can always try putting the bathroom fixture just inside the bedroom instead if you have more room.

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Five Common Bathroom Mistakes to Avoid

15.01.2016 usaexpo Bathroom

When it comes to your bathroom remodeling effort, it can be pretty easy to plan to the point where you may overlook the obvious. In fact, it has happened quite a few times that a bathroom renovation is completed when suddenly it is realized that a major mistake has been made in terms of what was included or more importantly what was left out.

When planning your renovation efforts for the bathroom, keep these five things in mind so that you do not wind up making a big mistake that will cost you more money to correct.

Bigger is Not Always Better: While you always want to maximize space in your bathroom that does not means you should always get the biggest thing that will fit inside. You will want to instead think about the overall design of your bathroom and how everything looks together will help you create a more pleasing overall appearance.

Tuck the Bathroom Away: A mistake that happens more often that it should is having the line of site from a very public room such as the dining or living room going straight into the bathroom. There is something rather off-putting about sitting down to dinner and having a clear view of the toilet in the bathroom with the door open. So, you will want to at least tuck the bathroom away where it is still convenient, but not out in the public view so that everyone can see it at the most inopportune time.

Hide the Toilet: As you tuck the bathroom out of sight, although it still should be close and accessible, the first thing you should not see when entering the bathroom is the toilet. Instead, try to put the shower and toilet together and out of view so that the sink and mirror is the first thing that catches your eye.

Lack of View: While privacy is always a concern, not having a view can create a really down and even depressing bathroom. Furthermore, you will want to have some sunshine coming in to liven up the bathroom and at the very least offer some good circulation of air on the warm, comfortable days. A window is a must, but if you cannot have one for whatever reason, try at least for a skylight to let in the sunshine and fresh are.

The Curbed Shower: Having a shower with no curbs will help make the bathroom feel bigger and even look cleaner as well. In addition, such a design works very well for those who have a little trouble walking or balancing. Plus, it is easy to accomplish in a proper bathroom renovation. So, when in doubt go with a non-curbed shower to add a little more space and feel to your bathroom design.

Overall, your bathroom renovation should try very hard to avoid the mistakes that are mentioned in this article. By focusing on creating the best design in a place that is not easily viewed from the living areas of the home, you will manage to avoid making some serious mistakes.

 

 

How to Design Small Baths to Feel Roomier

15.01.2016 usaexpo Bathroom

The only real difference between a small bathroom and a large one is the space. Yet the small bathroom must contain at least the basic elements that provide it with its function. When doing bathroom remodeling of such a small space, you will need to keep in mind the size, but also how you are going to fit what you need in that space.

However, there are some basics to keep in mind before you start your bathroom renovation beginning with the minimum requirements for the space.

  • Powder Room: 16 sq. ft. Minimum
  • Bathroom: 36 sq. ft. Minimum

Building codes for most cities require a minimum of 32” x 32” for a shower and the finished room must be at least 5’ wide, long or deep in at least one direction. Now that you know what you have to work with, the next step is how to make the most of the space that you have.

Make the Most of Your Space

There are a number of ways to make the space you have look bigger without having to spend a fortune on your bathroom renovation.

  • Pocket Doors
  • Large Mirror
  • Clear Glass Shower Doors
  • Light Colored Finish Materials

Above the vanity, be sure to install an 8” deep bath cabinet about 36” to 43” off the floor. Be sure to choose a vanity with plenty bins or drawers to keep your stuff. Do not use pedestal sinks as they will not allow for any storage.

Stick to a Budget

Your bathroom remodeling project can really get out of hand unless you set a tight budget first. That way, you will not get distracted by items that you do not need for your bathroom. For a typical bathroom renovation, the average cost is roughly $9,000. However, you can really cut that down if you do the work yourself and get the materials at your local home center.

Consider that while a deluxe whirlpool tub may cost around $5,000, a white cast-iron tub of roughly the same size will cost about $500 and will be much easier to install. If you stick to the basics, you can find a number of excellent items for your bathroom that are well priced and will keep more money in your pocket. If you go with a professional company, it is usually the labor costs that will get you even in a small remodeling effort.

Keep in mind however that you will need certain items, including the following;

  • Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters
  • Low-Flow Toilet
  • Good Ventilation
  • Proper Lighting
  • Grab Bar in the Shower

By keeping these items in mind, you can do the best bathroom renovation possible even if you have a small space. The old saying, “measure twice, cut once” applies here with your small bathroom It is important to do the research first and then get the best price. In order to save even more money, you’ll probably have to do the work yourself in order to improve your small bathroom.