HOME DECOR: Updating Bathrooms - The Most Expensive Room in the House

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxK8ZZE1G_TupiQUTFR75uc9aP6rrapzTffq0vedmPIyCl-wqbWjdGtNIdc-gba4oCg-YlzTXrwjdigHaEgrs1xBNjSLEn1nPD8bvrmWabwzYYsUFxdotpovd9s782ziFDesDUPmp3XTc/s1600-h/IMG_1231.JPG" onblur="function onblur()<br />{<br />try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}<br />}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239862629092684450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxK8ZZE1G_TupiQUTFR75uc9aP6rrapzTffq0vedmPIyCl-wqbWjdGtNIdc-gba4oCg-YlzTXrwjdigHaEgrs1xBNjSLEn1nPD8bvrmWabwzYYsUFxdotpovd9s782ziFDesDUPmp3XTc/s640/IMG_1231.JPG" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="408" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Per square foot, the bathroom is the most expensive room in your home to remodel. Even if you keep all the plumbing where it currently is, the cost of new fixtures, toilets, tub, shower enclosures, tile, cabinets and labor costs can be daunting. When it is necessary to move plumbing, it gets worse. The bathroom is, however, one of the most rewarding rooms to update. You will nearly always increase the value of your home over and above what you spend.</span> <span style="font-family: arial;">For such a small room, the variety of materials and design possibilities is surprisingly abundant. Flooring alone ranges from natural stone, woods (engineered plank flooring and laminate are resistive to moisture, but not impervious), mosaics, or durable porcelain tiles in a large variety of colors and styles. Some mimic natural stone so convincingly it is hard to tell them apart. Even more choices are available when it comes to materials for the shower, walls and counter tops. Ad</span><span style="font-family: arial;">d ceramic and glass tiles, patterned mosaics and metals to the floor options and you have a beginning. When it comes to the materials and the combinations in which they can be used, you are limited only by your imagination. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">When I have a client about to embark on a bathroom remodel, I take them to my favorite place, a showroom for the trade in Laguna Niguel, Surface Concepts, that </span><span style="font-family: arial;">specializes in all the materials needed to transform hard surfaces. I always feel like a kid in a candy store as I explore the huge variety of products there. T</span><span style="font-family: arial;">he possibilities are delicious. On my last trip I discovered an etched stone tile that looked as if it could have been pulled off of a decaying italian villa. There are irridescent glass tiles and handcrafted mosaics and frescos. Old world to contemporary the selection </span><span style="font-family: arial;">is enormous. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Taking a</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> client th</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ere is an e</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ducation in possibilities. Suddenly, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">the client has choices beyond the products they</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">discover at their local home improvement store.</span> <br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Here are some helpful tip</span><span style="font-family: arial;">s for m</span><span style="font-family: arial;">aking your bathroom remodel a success: </span><span style="font-family: arial;">1. Always hot-mop a shower pan. Water will find its way through grout, and stone is porous. I have spent a good amount of time trying to match 80's and 90's style tile after making repairs for leaks, necessitated because the shower floor was not waterproofed. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">2. Make sure there is an adequate moisture barrier under any flooring on a second floor bath. Backer board or cement board is a necessity. It reduces the flexing of a wooden sub-floor (murder on tile mud and grout) and creates a moisture barrier if water gets out where it shouldn't. Once again, repairs, repairs, repairs. Make sure your contractor knows what he is doing. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">3. Whenever you change out a plumbing fixture and open a wall, replace the stuff (technical term) inside the wall. It's pro</span><span style="font-family: arial;">bably old, and you don't want to be tearing out the beautiful new tile or stone you just paid to have installed when the old stuff springs a leak. There is an amazing variety of </span><span style="font-family: arial;">fixtures </span><span style="font-family: arial;">to choose from. Metal choices range from polished </span><span style="font-family: arial;">chrome to b</span><span style="font-family: arial;">rushed nickel and bronze and everything in between. Also amazing is the price range. Shop around for a good price. I have used the internet to some success and savings. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">www.Efaucet.com is a good source with a large variety of products. Pacific Sales has quality fixtures at a reduced price. Take your decorator with you for a further discounts on most products. Expo has a good variety of fixtures both in their off the floor sales and their special order section. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Purchase the best quality that you can afford. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Consider components such as shower heads (do you want it to rain softly or blast you with invigorating massage?) hand held wands, diverters, mixers, and multiple heads. Your budget will determine your selections, but do get the highest quality that you can afford. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">4</span><span style="font-family: arial;">. It's also a good time to make changes in windows if that is on your agenda, especially if you will be installing tile around one. The new windows are more energy efficient, as well as better looking and can be installed with a variety of opaque glass styles for privacy. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">5. Review the lighting in the room. You will need both overhead and vanity lighting. Overhead lights the room. Vanity illuminates your face. Remove any outdated fixtures and install can lights overhead and a vanity light that beautifies the room. If you have a double sink vanity, consider lighting over each sink. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">6</span><span style="font-family: arial;">. A new vanity can make a world of difference. You can purchase one that looks like a piece of furniture, or have the cabinetry cus</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnKyzDr4pt5RMsZumqTDCsXMGM0YBPx9E2fSDF2GzpD-Gqm6ahIlsRGdBirRt8jmgfwtDNzXkUwW-w2WtEcrHQRQ06HRSRBEqGkq0SwCRZTS67CnkAoR6oLsl4VOzNJ8mIY9_gY0_Bd4/s1600-h/IMG_1247.JPG" onblur="function onblur()<br />{<br />try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}<br />}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239860901665622370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnKyzDr4pt5RMsZumqTDCsXMGM0YBPx9E2fSDF2GzpD-Gqm6ahIlsRGdBirRt8jmgfwtDNzXkUwW-w2WtEcrHQRQ06HRSRBEqGkq0SwCRZTS67CnkAoR6oLsl4VOzNJ8mIY9_gY0_Bd4/s640/IMG_1247.JPG" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" width="480" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">tom made. Home improvement stores have semi-custom cabinets in a variety of finishes and configurations </span><span style="font-family: arial;">that have nice cabinetry details. An antique or used piece of furniture can be a great choice for a vanity. A carpenter should be able to make alterations and cut a hole to drop a sink into. I have used all of these choices and they have turned </span><span style="font-family: arial;">out beautifully. If a new vanity is not in the budget, consider painting the existing one </span><span style="font-family: arial;">and change the hardware for a fresh new look. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">7. Counter top options range from a solid stone, such as granite or marble, to any variety and combination of glass, stone and tile. Most bathroom vanities can accommodate a prefabricated granite counter top, which is helpful on the pocketbook. You will still need to have a fabricator cut the holes for the sink and faucets and install for you.</span> <br /><br /><br /><br />8<span style="font-family: arial;">. Use skilled craftsmen. Make sure you include the cost of demolition and dumpster rental in your calculations. If you are removing a cast iron tub, let you contractor know ahead of time. He will need to bring more </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYw7hAYZmh0WiAQmgrtQ7IJ37gVKTnPDel4CKIMJERxAKnHZVQpi0HJTYhoTFogrMoxr5e5MBZpKWXnUAt9It8Wd4Mv9GcngwdFFOJasR3POcBezFJeg7N9EM-4fdvU51ZxBimvvjoD0/s1600-h/IMG_1248.JPG" onblur="function onblur()<br />{<br />try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}<br />}"><img alt="" border="0" height="581" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240563543485276034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYw7hAYZmh0WiAQmgrtQ7IJ37gVKTnPDel4CKIMJERxAKnHZVQpi0HJTYhoTFogrMoxr5e5MBZpKWXnUAt9It8Wd4Mv9GcngwdFFOJasR3POcBezFJeg7N9EM-4fdvU51ZxBimvvjoD0/s640/IMG_1248.JPG" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">help to move the 400 lb. monstrosity out of the house and cart it away. Stone-layers should be able to install your stone with as little as 1/16 inch </span><span style="font-family: arial;">grout line. Ceramic tile requires a large grout line, but a good tiler can also lay porcelain tile almost as close for an authentic stone look. (No one likes to clean grout!) If you want a specific design discuss this with your craftsman before ordering your tile as some designs may require more tile. More elaborate designs may cost more to install because of the cuts</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> required. Make sure they seal the grout and stone with a proper penetrating</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> sealer. Remember, a tiler or a contractor is not a designer. Don't let them talk you into their design for your bathroom. (That's a pers</span><span style="font-family: arial;">onal pet peeve). If you need help</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> with the design and materials, hire a decorator.</span> <span style="font-family: arial;">Your decorator will talk to them about details like where seams should occur and how to center a design. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">9. Get rid of the old sliding shower doors on the metal tracks. I don't know anyone who enjoys cleaning those monsters. Invest in a frameless glass enclosure. It is well worth the extra cost. It looks elegant and will truly showcase the new tile or stone you have installed.</span> <span style="font-family: arial;">Depending on the size of your bathroom, you may be able to do without a shower door. Careful placement of the shower head and shower wall may allow you to have an open style shower. </span><br /><br /><br /><br />10<span style="font-family: arial;">. Mirrors are essential. Invest in a wall to wall and counter to ceiling one for a clean, modern look. If you are able to keep the one currently glued to your wall, frame it in molding for a custom framed look. You can also purchase beautifully framed mirrors to hang over each sink.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">11. Paint is a way to add color and warmth. Fresh fluffy towels add color and texture. Baskets, accessories, soap dispensers, florals, window coverings and artwork can give your space great personality. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">12. Find a way to bring some fabric into the room. With all of those hard surfaces, towels provide some softening and color, but more can be added with valances, shower or door curtains and rugs. Don't limit your towels to those hung over the racks. Rolled up in a basket or folded and stacked on a bench, they can add a luxurious spa appeal. Is it worth it? Yes. By updating your home you increase its value and your enjoyment of your property. It will pay dividends when it comes time to sell, but the best dividends are those you enjoy daily as you live in a beautiful space.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">i would love to hear about your bathroom project - leave me a comment! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Until next time, happy decorating! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Claudine </span>

HOME DECOR: Updating Bathrooms - The Most Expensive Room in the House

{ try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {} }"> Per square foot, the bathroom is the most expensive room in your ho...

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Built in Beds

<div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SSALA8ncHdI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/4o4DPV4i0b4/s1600-h/Marie+Clire+maison+built+in+beds.BMP"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269223674922933714" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SSALA8ncHdI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/4o4DPV4i0b4/s400/Marie+Clire+maison+built+in+beds.BMP" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Marie Claire Maison</span><br />When I was eleven years old I slept over a friend's house. Her parents were interior designers and her house was beautifully decorated. The guest room had a whimsical, built in bed. It was painted in bright colors and had pretty floral curtains that you could pull closed. It had a hidden light to read in the dark of night and lots of pillow and quilts for curling up. I will always remember the night I stayed in that bed. I believed it was a secret and magical place. Over the years I have collected many, many images of built in beds. Someday I hope to build my own bed for my children or grandchildren to curl up in and dream childhood dreams.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SRq-6d2YoCI/AAAAAAAAA20/QAwsiwvoyVI/s1600-h/Builtin+beds+Greene+and+Greene+Archetedt.jpg"></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269224680891104930" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SSAL7gI8PqI/AAAAAAAAA7w/eAgGqP1L-oQ/s400/Builtin+beds+Greene+and+Greene+Archetedt.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Greene and Greene Architects</span><br />These special beds, flanked by built in cabinets, were built into a wide hallway What a fabulous use of space. This is a great idea in vacation home where you always need to have some extra beds.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269224687675617282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SSAL75afsAI/AAAAAAAAA74/uVaBK-0KV8c/s400/Bunk+room+locati+architects.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Locati Architects</span><br />I love the rustic feel of this room. The beams and barn wood really give this room character. I especially love having the sink right in the room. A great spot for kids to brush their teeth. Notice the three tiny step stools in red, blue and yellow - adorable.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269224704626093266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SSAL84jzbNI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/bzeHDc7akpE/s400/Bunkroom+SOuthern+Accents.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Southern Accents</span> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269224706300261314" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SSAL8-y9M8I/AAAAAAAAA8I/hDI2a8jHM-E/s400/builtin+bed+Traditonal+home.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 317px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SRq-6SscvuI/AAAAAAAAA2s/31XACwQBMIU/s1600-h/builtin+bed+Traditonal+home.jpg"></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Traditional Home</span><br />Need extra beds for six guests? These two photos have a more nautical theme - perhaps these beds were found in beach houses in Cape Cod or the Hampton's. I especially love the beds with the striped curtains.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269226004392748274" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SSANIikUpPI/AAAAAAAAA8g/F8c0Pw___BI/s400/built+in+bed+rob+whitten+architects.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 295px; CURSOR: hand" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Rob Whitten, Architect </span><br />Here is a great use of an attic space. Simple architectural detail is achieved with MDF or plywood. Beds are boxed and set low to the floor. Walls, floors, and ceilings all painted the same color to give the illusion of a height. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269226009535564034" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SSANI1udyQI/AAAAAAAAA8w/XdpGkSc_Q5k/s400/bunkroom+King+of+the+Road+Preserve.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" /><span style="font-size:78%;">King of the Road Preserve </span><br />Here is a wonderful room designed for teens! Each built in was designed around a dormer and has a window seat and lamp. Also the room has a sitting area. We can not see what the leather club chairs are opposite, but something tells me it's WII or PS2 system. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269224691268464818" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SSAL8GzGMLI/AAAAAAAAA8A/4Cntyr7DKKQ/s400/built+in+bed.BMPCatalano+Archetects.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SRq-mhJPahI/AAAAAAAAA2U/cFfSVO7LoZM/s1600-h/built+in+bed.BMPCatalano+Archetects.jpg"></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Catalano Architects </span><br />This built in is so charming. I love the beadboard and moulding details, as well as the quilts and star carpeting. The individual reading lights and built in bookshelf make you want to curl right up with a paperback.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269228119212492018" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SSAPDo4pBPI/AAAAAAAAA9A/IM2V6mMGGAg/s400/Built+in+Bed+Catalano+Architects.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Catalano Architects</span><br />I can't seem to determine what this area might have been or if it was designed originally this way. I really like how the bed, window and surround mouldings are painted green. I also like how the step up sets off the space. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269226008973163906" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SSANIzoYPYI/AAAAAAAAA8o/7nILK9pI4gA/s400/Buitl+in+bed+hutker+archetect.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Hutker Architects </span><br />Hutker Architects always hits a home run - another beautiful space. What a view - who couldn't relax curled up in this bed?<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SRq-QgzhZCI/AAAAAAAAA1c/jICLiO3Ne_o/s1600-h/built+in+bed3.BMP"></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269226006592277666" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SSANIqwuzKI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/8uFMq0pm3aY/s400/built+in+bed3.BMP" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 318px; CURSOR: hand" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Lyman Perry Architects</span><br />This bed is built into the eaves of and attic. It has a nautical feeling. The single bed and built in drawers are a very smart uses of the space. For more pictures of this space see my past post "Attic Transformation"</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SRq-QRSyeNI/AAAAAAAAA1M/sK9ASoizV_E/s1600-h/built+in+bed.BMP"></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269223687854846658" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SSALBsypcsI/AAAAAAAAA7o/0MU_Tu4sBv8/s400/built+in+bed.BMP" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 350px; CURSOR: hand" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Unknown<br /></span></p><div align="center">The final bed has a Maine Cottage feeling to it. I love the bright blue paint, beadboard and private reading lamps. Makes me want curl up and pretend to be eleven years old again!<br />Which one is your favorite?</div>

Built in Beds

Marie Claire Maison When I was eleven years old I slept over a friend's house. Her parents were interior designers and her house was be...

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