BEAUTIFUL BATHROOMS

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTDyzruRrJJNQgSE34UmajT1gqxq-IZw8ZYcX6UrqpUnxJzwP8Rnxjy77cecV9PIRqlYdP6QW_m3_nhwzx5NAmWksGtSkqxsilYaee_mGqDng4xPp9D1tmk8IpEOSlJLMxlKCKXAjEBI/s1600/marblebath.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTDyzruRrJJNQgSE34UmajT1gqxq-IZw8ZYcX6UrqpUnxJzwP8Rnxjy77cecV9PIRqlYdP6QW_m3_nhwzx5NAmWksGtSkqxsilYaee_mGqDng4xPp9D1tmk8IpEOSlJLMxlKCKXAjEBI/s640/marblebath.bmp" width="640"></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="text-align: center;"><br></span></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />The most costly room you will renovate in your home is your bathroom<br><br />Per square foot, it is the most expensive remodel<br><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2012/11/beautiful-bathrooms.html#more">Read more »</a>

BEAUTIFUL BATHROOMS

The most costly room you will renovate in your home is your bathroom Per square foot, it is the most expensive remodel Read more »

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HOME DECOR: UPDATING A MASTER BEDROOM SUITE

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />My bedroom needs a facelift</div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIuWK6-JIGaGMY1M4QzJAAFWIhq480LRNeUxYST14_Yx7t6pF9W1VMvIe6-maK0RUgCZFDe-_Jv6XktvtZBWPSeZ6Zva70raWuvJihKBGl2YiS3HiHYLR7yOjzeGQ4KyvkHhJya5PL2be/s1600/img6l1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIuWK6-JIGaGMY1M4QzJAAFWIhq480LRNeUxYST14_Yx7t6pF9W1VMvIe6-maK0RUgCZFDe-_Jv6XktvtZBWPSeZ6Zva70raWuvJihKBGl2YiS3HiHYLR7yOjzeGQ4KyvkHhJya5PL2be/s640/img6l1.jpg" width="534"></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homebunch.com/">via</a></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />It's funny how you can live in a room for years</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />and not really see it</div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />Suddenly, one day it hits you</div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />this room is really outdated</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Its definitely a room that should be appealing.</div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />it should be the first room in the house to be decorated</div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />but is often the last</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2010/10/mix-it-up-little.html#more">Read more »</a>

HOME DECOR: UPDATING A MASTER BEDROOM SUITE

My bedroom needs a facelift via It's funny how you can live in a room for years and not really see it Suddenly, one day it hits you this...

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HOME DECOR: A BATHROOM REMODEL

<div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><strong>As homeowners, it is important to make upgrades and improvements to our homes</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">this is especially true with bathrooms. </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dated plumbing, tilework and fixtures will hamper the sale of an otherwise lovely home and lead buyers to believe the proper maintenance may not have been performed over the years. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In this bathroom remodel, my client wanted a furniture look to the vanity. We found this semi-custom model with a travertine marble top, but you can also use an actual piece of furniture, (new or vintage) have holes for the sinks cut and a piece of granite or marble made for the top. </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1HMf3QusN7r5MRLMc_k8Rlh3N8L9zAb5lsCkUNQIDBCayrmr3PWWRvwGNmmcyfysCNkMBS2gxn6hIJqZ2TnU2KQ_wvN3j54gtsE5s8QBXILeHE2EI-hMZ8KmGqRayWwszZqL5mQT1Mk/s1600-h/upperbathvanity.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="463" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816817532954962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1HMf3QusN7r5MRLMc_k8Rlh3N8L9zAb5lsCkUNQIDBCayrmr3PWWRvwGNmmcyfysCNkMBS2gxn6hIJqZ2TnU2KQ_wvN3j54gtsE5s8QBXILeHE2EI-hMZ8KmGqRayWwszZqL5mQT1Mk/s640/upperbathvanity.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotSlL-3w-vRsXUS-7m68HDYw3jcbOht4uox0MOKYFB_gPDgPACCivKBiddD2zz2Eg9m1738Mafa4yrgoiluQaNSSVxkOQZG4OYyaQDAVF87zKAiJty9q1N8tXe7D6YqZ2Pm0KGk_L6S0/s1600-h/IMG_2381.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="512" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384413755736960210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotSlL-3w-vRsXUS-7m68HDYw3jcbOht4uox0MOKYFB_gPDgPACCivKBiddD2zz2Eg9m1738Mafa4yrgoiluQaNSSVxkOQZG4OYyaQDAVF87zKAiJty9q1N8tXe7D6YqZ2Pm0KGk_L6S0/s640/IMG_2381.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />My clieint fell in love with this beautiful handmade tile by Sonoma Tilemakers. The handmade nature of these tiles creates a depth and variation in the glaze as well as slight imperfections in the tiles (they are not completely square or perfectly straight) which gives a slightly rustic feel to the otherwise elegant patterns. I had so much fun putting the patterns together to create this shower wall. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5h3CH7cXip59FE9ODa3lu92tEWpg86F7QmrIrz0qgij8uzFy_7p2kL5luOodmUdgCp47l9fQ_sSrKAKe2jFKdDv_aaFupGpRpfCMApf3uUKmR3HspTREgEvzhVw1rIdxh2nE632CQqs/s1600-h/upperbathtilework.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816805828101250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5h3CH7cXip59FE9ODa3lu92tEWpg86F7QmrIrz0qgij8uzFy_7p2kL5luOodmUdgCp47l9fQ_sSrKAKe2jFKdDv_aaFupGpRpfCMApf3uUKmR3HspTREgEvzhVw1rIdxh2nE632CQqs/s640/upperbathtilework.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />We added a niche in the shower wall for easy access to shampoo or soap. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMKLDkzZ-6h03azj9J4VIR8J0pyw1JBD6IlKobASwURsfwh5gv-ByFk7kgpkiw2N0wxET2aS1HJMK80xuNWgvCoFMLlQxN7eLzDaTH5GnM1Ru93xR8EAg0Xc8s1xWgglPcf5ZjZx5SnU/s1600-h/upperbathtowelrack.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="321" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816799720403106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMKLDkzZ-6h03azj9J4VIR8J0pyw1JBD6IlKobASwURsfwh5gv-ByFk7kgpkiw2N0wxET2aS1HJMK80xuNWgvCoFMLlQxN7eLzDaTH5GnM1Ru93xR8EAg0Xc8s1xWgglPcf5ZjZx5SnU/s640/upperbathtowelrack.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Brushed nickel fixtures and towel bars were selected </div><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLmkfe6a8awFOzvP90F70lpnmJQrppa6uc6shWjX8L5RdCafFBR60T2gzV9b9CI2Mxfo7-lzlW-S5L3OIfwrH-PTKw88su_YI5xZeIdShHoRlFo9f0ysWqY5eTEcukSTUc0LQT-BoAeQ/s1600-h/upperbathsink.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816428621842178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLmkfe6a8awFOzvP90F70lpnmJQrppa6uc6shWjX8L5RdCafFBR60T2gzV9b9CI2Mxfo7-lzlW-S5L3OIfwrH-PTKw88su_YI5xZeIdShHoRlFo9f0ysWqY5eTEcukSTUc0LQT-BoAeQ/s640/upperbathsink.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is a close up of the sink with the backsplash detail behind. <br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tDh4GEtjjmKeA7XkF250-7eJ0o0v8iJLm62_mKsWIWSEIs_K04SXNmrKjSMiadteS4uhjCICyL4WcyIOsuE6Iuk0i71Herwvpk0C_8JWC3mwK1Apr1q9f7SAIv3Ai0vRSfPCtpjS8-8/s1600-h/upperbathshower2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816416734129890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tDh4GEtjjmKeA7XkF250-7eJ0o0v8iJLm62_mKsWIWSEIs_K04SXNmrKjSMiadteS4uhjCICyL4WcyIOsuE6Iuk0i71Herwvpk0C_8JWC3mwK1Apr1q9f7SAIv3Ai0vRSfPCtpjS8-8/s640/upperbathshower2.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><br />When you are doing a bathroom remodel on plumbing that is over a few years old (in this case over 20), always open the wall and check the plumbing out. A preventative check now will save tearing out new tilework later. <br /><br /><br /><br />New shower fixtures usually require the installation of a new thermostat or valve, so you will already have access inside the wall. In this case, we also raised the height of the shower head to accomodate the 6'2" husband. <br /><br /></div><div>A beautiful new frameless glass shower enclosure keeps the water in without obscuring the beautiful tile work.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHPLWIF5j_j2MP1t7dWIbB973E9e6Vdsm3mou62aVvw9xRPyO6mjuIPsDtnAuyqMRozZEN151D1Lmwxrd7ClIX8S6Ww9-0l1gdyet5p6yIfDEA28ALf9SI_lAolUmfVFgfc1frdSzI4c/s1600-h/upperbathshower.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816119209367650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHPLWIF5j_j2MP1t7dWIbB973E9e6Vdsm3mou62aVvw9xRPyO6mjuIPsDtnAuyqMRozZEN151D1Lmwxrd7ClIX8S6Ww9-0l1gdyet5p6yIfDEA28ALf9SI_lAolUmfVFgfc1frdSzI4c/s640/upperbathshower.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>  <br /><br />We also took the tilework all the way to the ceiling. </div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfype55ik1BshnDZH0TTxwce76JRWm4ssr_vkqrEHwtqY7rKe0Cwc_alKuQQI0eTjzo_EeYbDDHl14sxuSNZsAjylEN9gqN7NKYM0L_hqfnzvmrPBYte_4ZN6Z-_rl7rjjXWX9M3Cg7II/s1600-h/upperbathglass.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816112603616386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfype55ik1BshnDZH0TTxwce76JRWm4ssr_vkqrEHwtqY7rKe0Cwc_alKuQQI0eTjzo_EeYbDDHl14sxuSNZsAjylEN9gqN7NKYM0L_hqfnzvmrPBYte_4ZN6Z-_rl7rjjXWX9M3Cg7II/s640/upperbathglass.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br /><br />And wrapped the window with tile as well. The frameless glass shower door opens in or out for easy access. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEF6WHS_cKdCOdqBKofGnxmg3pNqYfnzkHIR_U2x0QFxZvIyKN-U-WCL7FkYSr6nNstdh00CIFd_a3FUAvv3ZOHKXrIPCGUc_DyClqDKq9DqIHIjRKB_8etkW0m-jCv6M3DHUD0oWzI0Y/s1600-h/IMG_2380.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="554" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384413745984637282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEF6WHS_cKdCOdqBKofGnxmg3pNqYfnzkHIR_U2x0QFxZvIyKN-U-WCL7FkYSr6nNstdh00CIFd_a3FUAvv3ZOHKXrIPCGUc_DyClqDKq9DqIHIjRKB_8etkW0m-jCv6M3DHUD0oWzI0Y/s640/IMG_2380.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The floor was covered in a sturdy porcelain tile resembling travertine. We layed it very tightly together, with minimal grout lines like stone. The insets are actual etched travertine. The result is a wonderful old world look, exactly what the client wanted! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHQ7ZTDw-cnC0XPajhMeNkG2xtA4uV1A0e7P0vOs7YOnzu4GTMuhVZU2yUWmZtFXd50MG1AU9rH4fmVFc7B16yQmU0kybwNpFz-1hZ4KFYF1YYRj9-xrPlJY7VXWCIaULtUA5C_RjCmU/s1600-h/upperbathart2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816102498349650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHQ7ZTDw-cnC0XPajhMeNkG2xtA4uV1A0e7P0vOs7YOnzu4GTMuhVZU2yUWmZtFXd50MG1AU9rH4fmVFc7B16yQmU0kybwNpFz-1hZ4KFYF1YYRj9-xrPlJY7VXWCIaULtUA5C_RjCmU/s640/upperbathart2.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My client fell in love with this image by Montserrat Masdeu of a Tuscany or Provence building and garden. Because we were placing it in a potentially damp area (this one over the toilet, next to the shower)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I had it mounted on a foamcore board and I gel coated it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This process not only protects the print, but when done correctly with brush strokes that mimic the painting, it actually looks like an oil painting. No glass is necessary. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQcCr9isD_A5jDjngTS6O-MJnxaBx5ui5k7Pqup7n9E5bE138xLuFJiPg23xxi1AGEUxCitgsPsR9DFzeb4XkVrdGflKnoRtiu64RXwI4fbjYz1AZBXhqNfMMEpYXVlWbq7hQUSU768c/s1600-h/IMG_2384.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="500" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384413767251796114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQcCr9isD_A5jDjngTS6O-MJnxaBx5ui5k7Pqup7n9E5bE138xLuFJiPg23xxi1AGEUxCitgsPsR9DFzeb4XkVrdGflKnoRtiu64RXwI4fbjYz1AZBXhqNfMMEpYXVlWbq7hQUSU768c/s640/IMG_2384.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my favorite images, this is the companion piece to go in the sink/dressing area. You can see some of the brush strokes on the left side if you look carefully. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfscALZx3AhkfFqw7VSVDBa48IkGQ1cVbhqkVBYySfGoJYcbCDZzijA8DPBskXE110H7GfYawXAIdhcOQG45qWexrwWJqOvFlgpqIUswFPOyGNRmdMXTJTsUF-u3LkZwKLdKa3CZ2aRk/s1600-h/upperbath.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816089015191954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfscALZx3AhkfFqw7VSVDBa48IkGQ1cVbhqkVBYySfGoJYcbCDZzijA8DPBskXE110H7GfYawXAIdhcOQG45qWexrwWJqOvFlgpqIUswFPOyGNRmdMXTJTsUF-u3LkZwKLdKa3CZ2aRk/s640/upperbath.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div>We painted the rooms a soft gold which contrasts beautifully with the dark wood and blends with the tilework. We added crown molding, a new baseboard and a wider door molding for architectural detail. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvcJx_GXeHEkbhqLE6xrS7k60wFnJi4Wtps7CiwFjtD6l037NInUWzFOajpU67sTqQELhYFZUExE23ac2dLTjBJwCG8A2IHEhx4cit_lXiXz62j04UddesSjLzgCbD2ZgiUdYygn8haY/s1600-h/IMG_2383.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="367" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384413758837059682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvcJx_GXeHEkbhqLE6xrS7k60wFnJi4Wtps7CiwFjtD6l037NInUWzFOajpU67sTqQELhYFZUExE23ac2dLTjBJwCG8A2IHEhx4cit_lXiXz62j04UddesSjLzgCbD2ZgiUdYygn8haY/s400/IMG_2383.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YBk1G4Pe4V7VLai03jTnJOmgXHC-ZdL75eudwdCHV6DHr9sFeQKyPr8q8KmeKwXPsqgWyykJz6h5f6ltLrNjPMtwWnBuUOrpQW3n8jn7rrj6sKS5IheEgPg_IAwbs17VcR1NB26ZxAk/s1600-h/upperbathart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="616" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816082157299826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YBk1G4Pe4V7VLai03jTnJOmgXHC-ZdL75eudwdCHV6DHr9sFeQKyPr8q8KmeKwXPsqgWyykJz6h5f6ltLrNjPMtwWnBuUOrpQW3n8jn7rrj6sKS5IheEgPg_IAwbs17VcR1NB26ZxAk/s640/upperbathart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We removed the construction grade mirror and added a wider and larger mirror - taking it to the ceiling and expanding its width to both walls. On installation of the mirror, we had a hole cut and installed the vanity light directly over the glass. This not only looks great, but reflects more light into the room. <br /><br />Last of all we added the artwork (by the same artist) <br /><br /><br /><br />The color has been off a little in this post.  There are not actually any pink doors in this room - and the walls are not lemon yellow - but hopefully you get the idea and feel correct!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>

HOME DECOR: A BATHROOM REMODEL

As homeowners, it is important to make upgrades and improvements to our homes this is especially true with bathrooms. Dated plumbing, tilewo...

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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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