Ways to Make Your Bathroom More Energy Efficient

There are a number of design features and fittings that can improve bathroom energy efficiency and reduce energy bills and greenhouse pollution. Remodelling your bathroom to make it more energy efficient will improve your home because doing it right will reap the benefits of health, safety, comfort and will save you money and energy.

1. Energy Efficient Hot Water System
Select an energy efficient hot water system and place it as close to the bathroom and laundry as possible to reduce pipe length and reduce heat loss.

2. Energy Efficient Labelled Ventilation Fans
Bathroom moisture is often controlled by the use of an exhaust fan. The fan sucks out the moisture-laden air, which is then replaced by drier outside air.

Install properly sized energy efficient labelled ventilation fans to control moisture in the air while you shower or bathe. By removing moist air and drying out your bathroom, a ventilation fan will help prevent mold and mildew. Fans help remove moisture, which can increase the level of humidity in your house. High humidity can damage building materials. Worse, high humidity can cause mold growth and mold may affect your family's health. Install self closing exhaust fans to avoid heat loss or gain when not in use

3. Energy Efficient Labelled Lighting
Another easy way to make your bathroom more energy efficient is to install energy efficient labelled lighting (e.g., Light Fixtures: suspended lights, ceiling-mounted lights, cabinet lights, recessed lights, or compact fluorescent bulbs). Attractive, energy-efficient lighting adds value to your home and reduces home energy bills.

4. Insulation - Insulate Walls and Ceilings
The walls behind tubs or showers are often poorly insulated and air-sealed. Opening these walls as part of the remodelling project provides an opportunity to ensure comfort by sealing air leaks with caulk or expanding foam and installing insulation. Also make sure to air seal around plumbing and electrical penetrations.

5. Energy Efficient Windows and Doors
If you are replacing windows, doors, and skylights, consider those with the energy efficient label. New technologies in the glass and frame systems help make your home more comfortable, and lower heating and cooling costs too.

6. Energy Efficient Showerheads
The shower is the largest user of household hot water. Install an AAA showerhead to reduce the amount of hot water consumed. AAA showerheads are available at many bathroom supply stores and hardware stores. A flow rate of approximately 7L per minute is considered as AAA for showerheads.

7. Water Pipes and Water Saving Devices
Insulate hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and save energy. Install water saving devices like water saving aerators and flow regulators in your taps. Select water saving taps that have a similar water saving rating.

An Introduction to Home Wall Murals

Wall murals are a creative way to decorate any room. Don’t be intimated. It is possible to paint a superb wall mural even if you feel like you are not an artist. Wall murals look great in children’s rooms, the kitchen, the bathroom, the family room, or just about anywhere you want to personalize a cold, plain wall. Plan carefully, have patience, and you are sure to be rewarded. You can even practice first on a wall not many people will see, like in the laundry room or the basement. You can decorate a wall while practicing and increasing your confidence.

Have fun picking your image pattern. You can either draw it yourself or pick a favorite picture from a children’s book, art book, or greeting card—anything really! If you want a more elaborate wall mural, you can pick images from different sources, like a border from a children’s book around a scene from a child’s birthday card.

Be creative with your design. Garden murals filled with flowers, ivy, baskets and butterflies are an easy way to brighten a kitchenette. Paint faux brick, tile, or marble to dress up an entryway. An ocean scene with fish, a beach, and palm trees can add whimsy to a bathroom. Paint a scene from a favorite children’s book to welcome a newborn. Or paint a baseball themed wall mural to make a home office seem more playful.

You can also use words in your mural. Wrap inspiring poetry around your dresser to help you start your day happily. Remind your children how much you love them with kind words by their bed, or even paint a playful reminder by their toy box to put their toys.

Remember, you are making the house yours. Take chances to find something you love. And if you get tired of it, you can always paint over it.

Simple Steps To Keeping Your Home Clean

The easiest way to keep your home clean and organized is to keep your home clean and organized on a daily basis. There are many small and seemingly insignificant steps you can take each day towards keeping your home guest ready.

In the living room pick up all the newspapers, catalogs and magazines that have collected. You can do this on a daily basis. Keep a bin for paper recycling. Put what you plan to read in a magazine rack next to your chair.

Before bedtime have the kids pick up any miscellaneous objects they might have left downstairs and have them put their toys back in the toy box.

Once a week you'll want to vacuum and dust the living room.

In the kitchen you'll want to make sure that you keep your sink free of dirty dishes on a daily basis. After each meal put the dirty dishes directly in the dishwasher and wash and dry any remaining pots and pans or dishes and put them away.

Wipe the countertops and table off after each meal. Disposable cleaning clothes come in handy for this. Don't let papers or the mail pile up in the kitchen on the counter. As soon as the mail comes in go through it and organize it.

Sweep and scrub your kitchen floor at least once a week.

In your bathroom you'll want to make sure that you rinse out of the sink, the faucet and rinse off the countertop when you're done. Keep Windex close by in case the mirror needs a quick cleaning.

When you're done in your shower make sure that you wipe the walls of the shower down with a cleaning cloth, like one pre treated with bleach. Leave a few inches open on each side of the shower curtain so that air can circulate through your shower and help dry it faster. Run your exhaust fan when you take your shower and then for a full twenty minutes afterwards.

The blue drop-ins for toilets really do a nice job of masking any dirt - but don't use it as an excuse to not clean. You toilet should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week. When you're done with the pre treated cloth in shower why not use it on the toilet too? A quick daily wipe can do wonders.

At least once a week you'll want to sweep and wash the bathroom floors. Your bath rug won't need to be washed once a week, but an easy way to freshen it is to put it in the dryer on low with a fabric softener cloth. This gets most of the hairs off of it and fluffs it up.

Seems simple enough!

Tasteful home decorating changes your house into a home!

There is this undocumented story about Andrew Carnegie who kept postponing the decision to redecorate his home just because black, his default color of choice, was simply not used in home decorating those days! Mercifully today, you could well translate your home decorating ideas into alluring reality. For home interior decorating no longer means just coloring your walls in pastel shades and showing off your antiques – it is about using all the home decorating tips that one can get to highlight the most of what one possesses. Unless of course you wish to shrug the opportunity and call in a professional designer. But even this experience could be fascinating – what with "walk-throughs" in your "virtually" designed home before even a single coat of paint is applied! Yes, with home decorating, either way you always come up trumps!

Use home decorating tips to your advantage!

Your dйcor should exude your persona. Want it to appear spacious? Eliminate shadows with diffused, ambient lighting. Avoid ceiling lights which make the ceiling appear low. Your ceiling should always wear the lightest color in the room. Then the pastel shades on your wall would help create that feeling of largeness. Limit the use of patterns to accent pieces – the discerning eye should not stop as it travels across the room. And if you want a cozy pad, do just the opposite – use strong colors and heavy, soft textures. Draw attention to that precious grandfather clock with carefully directed light. And if you must, make up your bathroom – in exquisite black – and eliminate that permanently booked suite at New York’s Windsor Hotel – а la Andrew Carnegie!

Home Improvements That Increase Your Home's Resell Price

One of the best things you can do as a homeowner is to use some of your home equity dollars to finance home improvements. Not only will the additions make your home more attractive and pleasant to live in, but certain projects will bring a significant return on investment when the time comes to sell your home. The following 5 projects have been proven to add extra dollars to the average home resell prices. The statistics are courtesy of “Remodeling Magazine.” ROI stands for “return on investment”

1. Minor Kitchen Remodeling: Average cost = $8,655. Average ROI = 88%.

A minor kitchen remodel usually includes replacing the cabinets and countertops with higher quality materials or increasing the total amount of cabinet storage and countertop surface area. It would also most likely include the addition or upgrade of appliances such as garbage disposals, built in microwaves, dishwashers, and higher quality refrigerators.

2. Bathroom Remodel: Average cost = $9,135. Average ROI = 81%

This project would include things such as installing attractive countertops such as stone, granite, or marble. The fixtures would need to be upgraded and the shower and bathtubs should be resurfaced. Also, any tiling would need to be grouted. Other things that could increase the value of a bathroom remodel would be adding an extra sink basin, converting a bathtub to a Jacuzzi, or installing additional showerheads.

3. Major Kitchen Remodel: Average cost = 31,090. Average ROI = 71%

The major kitchen remodel is very costly and will take much more work than the minor remodel. The major version will require all appliances to be replaced. Whenever possible, appliances should be made in stainless steel. The countertops should be made of stone or granite. The floors might be replaced with high quality laminate flooring. The addition of a kitchen island or a centrally located stove could work. For a major kitchen remodel, you should consult a contractor and possible an interior designer. This is definitely not a do it yourself project.

4. Outside Deck: Average cost = $8,022. Average ROI = 55%

The deck is self-explanatory. The larger the deck, the higher the return on investment will be. The deck should obviously be coated with a nice looking finish that matches the outside of your home, and needs to be treated with a high quality water seal.

5. Hardwood Flooring: Average cost = Varies. Average ROI = Varies

The cost and return on hardwood flooring varies greatly based upon the total amount of rooms and surface area is remodeled. Also, the choice in the variety of hardwood will impact the value. Certain woods like Oak and Cherry are more valuable than others. Also, it is very important to properly maintain your hardwood floors. Flooring that is scraped, scratched, dull, or water stained can actually decrease the value of your home. If you have active children, you might want to stick to carpeting.

Maintaining Your Sanity

Finally, the last stages of maintaining your organization… and you thought this section would never come!

Maintaining the Laundry

I recommend doing laundry daily, depending on the size of your family. If you have at least 3 kids, do some every day. For example: baby laundry is handled differently than adult laundry. You shouldn’t use fabric softener for baby laundry, but it’s fine to use with adults’ clothes. So choose a day to do only baby laundry. Choose a different day to do adult laundry. Do your oldest child’s laundry on a given day (maintain that day on a weekly basis), your next child’s laundry the following day, etc. If you keep up on it, it won’t become a Mt. Vesuvius and overwhelm your home again.

If you find laundry tedious, sort and pre-treat while you’re watching TV, for example. It takes moment to pluck a piece of clothing out and check it for stains, squirt it with pre-treater, and then put it in the dirty basket, ready for the wash. Folding can be done the same way. Once it’s folded, I recommend putting it on the recipient’s bed (not in the basket). This way, it must be put away before retiring for the night and you won’t live from a laundry basket full of clean clothes.

If you have things that need ironing, do it when the laundry is clean and hang it up. Be done with the task and make sure that clean, ready-to-wear shirts or blouses are smiling at you when you walk in the closet in the morning.

This is easier said than done, I understand. But what I’ve discovered is that if you put your home on a schedule, things won’t overwhelm you. You’ll know that vacuuming will be done on one day and that laundry will be done on another. You’ll not resent walking in to the bathroom, because it will make you smile to see a shiny sink when you turn on the light. And you’ll know that YOU are special enough to have a clean bathroom, not just the company that comes to visit.

You’ll have peace of mind knowing that if a package comes to your door, you won’t kill yourself getting to it and won’t be ashamed to throw the door open for the UPS guy or mail carrier.

Most of all, you’ll have the appreciation of your family, and you’ll know that you’re setting up good habits for your children to observe and repeat in their own homes. No matter what the Mastercard ads say, THAT is priceless.

Bathroom Interior Design

Any advice or guide on the interior design of a bathroom should be based around one
simple concept: keep it simple. Rooms inside of a home should have functional aspects,
and if one room is designed for very specific functions, it is the bathroom. There have
always been many jokes about the "throne" of a home, but the honest fact is that creating
a visibly appealing and comfortable bathroom will inspire positive feelings to its users.


Hardware choices should be the primary concern when designing a bathroom. Faucets
and spigots, as well as tubs and toilets, produced in a variety of shapes and materials can
centerpiece a design. Open showers are currently popular with the younger upwardly-
mobile crowd, and claw-foot bathtubs are almost always considered to be classic and
attractive. Evaluate privacy issues first; don't put the toilet and tub too close together.


Is it a possibility to center your bathroom around a favorite theme? The answer is most
certainly "yes." Keeping in mind that "less is more" while choosing a decoration pattern
that will coordinate with the rest of the home will open many design possibilities.
Finding a color or pattern inspiration from simple or small artwork may be the first step
toward creating a bathroom masterpiece.


When designing a bathroom's tiling, take the time to shop around through different
hardware, decoration and craft stores. The more expensive of the different types of tiles
should have durability, aesthetic value, and a non-porous surface. It should be easily
cleaned and sanitized, and it needs to install easily without any expensive or caustic glues
or cements. Get creative also; all tile in bathrooms need not be made of porcelain.


After the design and production of a space-conscious and attractive bathroom have been
completed, focus on decoration accessories to bring out personality and individualism.
The bathroom is the most sacred room of any interior, and placing prized possessions on
the walls or shelves is an interesting way to bless this special room. Use courageous
ideas and do not be afraid to take chances, but above all: keep it simple.

Installing A Steam Bath

Do you love steam baths? Feel that you can't survive without them? If you are one of those who live for steam, consider getting a steam bath installed in your home. Having your own is the ultimate for many steam bath lovers and getting one may be easier (and less expensive) than you think.

There are two basic choices when installing a steam bath in your home. You can convert your existing bathtub or shower or you can install a modular steam bath. There are several steam bath designs which are self-contained and simply need appropriate plumbing and electrical connections.

Converting an existing bathtub is also fairly easy. A steam proof door must be installed and a steam generator must be connected to the bathtub enclosure.

Preparation

Steam is a highly penetrating form of moisture, so any room that has a steam bath must be properly prepared to prevent moisture damage. If steam gets into the infrastructure of your house it can cause serious structural damage.

If you are in the process of constructing a new house, it is a simple matter to have the builders use the proper materials to steam proof your bathroom. If you are installing a steam bath in an existing house, you must verify that the bathroom can withstand steam.

The basic principals in safe steam bath installation are to 1) prevent the steam from escaping, 2) collect the condensed water without dripping on the bathers, and 3) allow the water to drain. To achieve these three goals, the steam room must be completely sealed and insulated, it must have a sloping ceiling, and it must have proper drains.

To prevent steam from escaping beyond the steam bath, the structural materials should be waterproof and have an underlying vapor barrier of thick plastic. Sheetrock or plaster must be designed to withstand moisture or covered with a waterproof finish.

The walls and ceilings of the steam room must be covered in a impervious material like ceramic tile or glass. All the joints and connections must be sealed with silicone to prevent any moisture from escaping.

Once the underlying structure has been prepared, the next thing to consider is the height of the ceilings. In order to maximize steam build-up and prevent cold spots, the ceiling should be lower than 8 feet high. It should also be slanted to allow condensation to slide down the ceiling rather than drip on the bathers. A slope of 2 inches per foot is appropriate for a steam bath.

If you are converting a bathtub into a steam bath, you need to enclose it with a suitable door. Small steam areas (the size of the bathtub) should have a narrow gap at the bottom of the door to allow for airflow. Larger steam rooms can be made airtight.

The bathroom should still be constructed to contain steam even if you are installing a modular steam shower. These units contain steam pretty well but still release moisture into the surrounding bathroom area. Modular steam showers have the advantage of having extra features such as multiple shower heads, built-in seating, lighting, and even CD players and telephones.

But no matter whether you are installing a modular steam shower or converting an existing bathtub into a steam shower, you still need to select and install a steam generator and all the connectors and make sure that everything is working correctly. That is the topic of our next article.

Choosing Bathroom Vanity Lights

The basic bathroom vanity includes a mirror or medicine cabinet above, a sink or basin and counter or ‘top’ below, and a cabinet beneath. In some cases the sink and top are one unit. To call the bathroom vanity an important fixture in the bathroom would be an understatement. Everyone stops at the vanity upon entering or leaving the bathroom, whether it is to wash hands, fix hair or find lotion. Homeowners today often use vanities to set the tone or motif in decorating a bathroom. Bathroom vanities are available in a variety of styles and sizes dependent upon taste, functionality and financial commitment.

Bathroom vanities can be made according to the priority of style and design, function and practicality, or cost. For example, a bathroom vanity focused on style might include leather wrapped wooden doors with leather loop pulls and a leather wrapped mirror, with a form-flowing vitreous china sink and top, or a hand-carved gilded Louis IV mirror above an Italian marble top and marble sink set in a cabinet with ornately carved doors, for a more antique look. If homeowners place function and practicality as the top priority, they might choose faucets set high in the wall for easy washing, a raised basin made from easy to clean materials and a scratchproof top with splashguard.

The discerning customer should be aware of the vanities’ height. Many people end up with vanities that are too short for many adults. Remember to measure your space before ordering or making your bathroom vanity.

If price is the deciding factor you may have to exchange marble, hardwood, enamel glaze for particleboard, foil, polypropylene, fiberboard, and acrylic paint, and a basic ceramic sink instead of a Tuscan marble basin. However, price doesn’t have to compromise style or aesthetic quality, as there are a myriad of excellent antique reproductions and contemporary vanities to choose from and if you are handy there is an array of home assembly kits available on the market. The variety of mirrors and vanity lights available will easily fit into any budget. The bathroom vanity can bring warmth interest and drama to any bathroom and should be carefully considered as part of any home decorating plan.

Bathroom Vanity Cabinets - Considerations Before Buying Bathroom Vanities Online

Bathroom vanity cabinets are an essential component of any bathroom and can add drama to your design and decor. Bathroom sink cabinets provide countertop space, a place for the sink and faucets and great storage below. It is amazing how often bathroom cabinets and storage are left out of the planning process. It is important to have a place for everything in your bathroom that is easily accessible to everyone. Bathroom vanity cabinets and storage provide home organization and reduce clutter. You never can have too much bathroom storage!

Here are some considerations before buying bathroom vanities online or in stores:

Bathroom vanity cabinets are available in widths of 18 inches up to 48 inches and in increments of 6 inches. When looking for bathroom vanities online or in stores, shop where you can find a wide variety of styles and sizes. From traditional to contemporary, you should be able to choose from vanity cabinets made of woods such as walnut, oak, maple, cherry and finished with high-gloss lacquer that showcases the natural wood finish.

Here are types of bathroom storage cabinets:

1. Cabinetry - bathroom vanity cabinets, wall cabinets, recessed cabinets and medicine cabinets.
2. Open shelving - recessed shelving, corner shelving and surface mounted shelves.
3. Over the toilet cabinets - cabinets that use the wall space over the toilet for storage cabinets.
4. Linen closets, towers with baskets, built-in closets and cabinets or freestanding bathroom sink cabinets that often extend from the floor to the ceiling and provide excellent bathroom storage for linens and other bathroom items.

You should be able to find bathroom vanity cabinets in these two styles:

1. Face-frame vanity cabinets. These bathroom cabinets will give your bathroom a more traditional and formal look. The frame and panel doors are designed to frame the cabinet box, and hinges can be either hidden from view or visible.

2. Frameless vanity cabinets or European style cabinets. These modern bathroom vanities will give your bathroom a more contemporary look. Frameless vanity cabinets will provide you with heavy-duty cabinet boxes and hinges that are hidden and easily adjustable.

When selecting bathroom sink cabinets and door hardware, make sure you match the period cabinets with period style knobs and pulls. You can sometimes find the antique type of knobs you may be looking for at flea markets. Knobs for your cabinets can be $3 to $5 each, and some can run $20 or more each, perhaps creating a problem for your budget.

For your bathroom vanity cabinets countertops, you have several options. You can choose from laminates, ceramic tile, wood, composite materials or solid surface materials such as stone, stainless steel or concrete. Laminates, composite materials, solid surface materials and stainless steel are more susceptible to scratches. However, composite or solid surface materials can be repaired and replaced very easily. Stone countertops are beautiful and durable, but they can stain easily and are expensive.

Ceramic tile is the most commonly used countertop surface. It is durable and you can select from a wide variety of sizes, colors and textures. However, the grout used between the tiles can stain and the tiles can have irregular surfaces. Wood surfaces are beautiful but can stain or mildew if not maintained well. Concrete is a durable and heat-resistant countertop surface, but it can discolor or crack.

Whether upgrading an existing bathroom or planning a new one, the bathroom is one of the best home improvement investments you can make. You, your family and guests will enjoy the bathrooms in your home every day. And should you ever sell your home, attractive and functional bathrooms add to the desirability and to the selling price of your home. Before you buy, read as much as you can on choosing the bathroom vanities online or in stores that will be the best for you and your bathroom. Learning as much as you can will be time well spent.

How to choose a gas water heater

Choosing a gas water heater is perhaps the wisest choice when installing or replacing a hot water heater in your home because they are much more economical than their electric counterparts. In fact, most gas water heaters operate on less than half of the cost associated with conventional electric water heaters. Considering that hot water heaters are the second largest user of energy in the home, finding a more economical solution is very wise indeed.

Natural gas hot water heaters are also very popular among homeowners because they reach their set temperature more than twice as fast as an electric water heater does.

That means that you could probably run the dishwasher after your morning shower and still have hot water, not lukewarm water. And are you always the one having to wait around for more hot water after a shower hog has carelessly used it all for himself? A gas water heater may not make him more considerate, but it would cut your wait time in half.

While gas water heaters heat water faster and cheaper than electric heaters, it is still very important to purchase the right size tank for your household needs. A gas water heater that is too small can still leave you showering in lukewarm water.
Most homes will require a 40 gallon gas hot water heater. This heater will take care of a moderate sized home with 3 to 4 occupants, two bathrooms, and a washing machine. Of course, if you live alone and only have one bathroom, you can get by with a smaller water heater. On the other hand, you may need a larger heater if there are more family members, especially teenagers, in the home and a dishwasher or whirlpool baths.

Even once you have figured out which gas water heater is the right size for your home, you may want to purchase a size larger for a few reasons. Most of these reasons will center on your family's lifestyle. For example: If you have a family member who is notorious for taking long, extremely hot showers, or if you have to run the dishwasher, washing machine and take a shower at the same time and in the few hours that you get to spend at home, you may want to purchase a larger gas water heater than is recommended for your family size.

No matter what size gas water heater you choose, you can rest assured that you are heating water for a fraction of the cost associated with electric heaters. Now that's smart.

Country Decorating Ideas - Create Warmth And Charm With Country Style Decorating Ideas

Country decorating ideas can help you create a home that is warm, inviting and the perfect home to live in. Country style decorating ideas can help you capture the spirit of country living during modern times. If you are restoring a country home, try to keep the original woodwork, windows, floors, fixtures and cabinetry unless they are beyond salvaging. For decorating a new or existing home, there are choices you can make that will provide you with the charm and comfort of life in the countryside.

Consider these country decorating ideas and country style decorating ideas:

1. Country Dining Rooms - use a large rectangular table made of pine, oak, walnut or mahogany with wooden chairs or old benches that are similar in style and material. A corner cupboard, plate racks, dresser or sideboard will provide perfect storage and serving area for the dining room as long as they match the style and the materials of the table and chairs.

2. Country Bathroom Decorating - country bathroom floors are made of wood, ceramic tile, linoleum, vinyl or natural cork. Carpeting used in the country bathroom is not appropriate. Wood and brass accessories are perfect materials to use in a country bathroom. Plain white towels instead of patterned or bright modern patterns are better. Wicker or wire baskets keep your sponges, loofas and shampoos handy near the tub or shower besides looking great.

3. Country Kitchen Decorating Ideas - use country decorating ideas in your kitchen. Give your kitchen a calm, elegant country atmosphere with soft colored walls, antique-looking lighting (chandeliers with wrought iron arms), wooden antiques or antique reproduction cabinets, plate racks and stone or wood fireplaces. Kitchen cabinets made of wood, aged surfaces, natural materials, rough finishes and round knobs provide a country style. Cabinets or kitchen furniture made of pine, even painted, can be beautiful key elements in the country kitchen. Country kitchen countertops use ceramic tiles or even hand painted tiles, slate or marble. If you want to use laminate materials, go for plain colors for coverings. Terracotta tiles, brick, stone and wood are very popular materials for country kitchen floors.

4. Kids Rooms - use wicker baskets, wooden chests and wooden bookshelves for storing books, toys and stuffed animals. When using tall bookshelves in your kids rooms, anchor them to the ceiling or walls so they cannot tip over. Bright colored plastic boxes are not good country style decorating ideas.

5. Furniture - furniture with simple lines, perhaps made of lacquered pine wood works great. Give furniture a rustic look by finishing it in a distressed, aged way. For example, brush on a coat of paint, then rub most of the paint off with a sponge or cloth. When dried, apply wood stain sealer unevenly. It will be perfect! Or use two paint colors and sandpaper to create a distressed look for unpainted or previously painted surfaces. Get free country decorating ideas by visiting your local home decorating or paint store for help with materials and techniques. Have fun looking for antiques, reproductions and handmade products when buying furniture for your country home.

6. Sofas or Love Seats - country decorating ideas can transform your love seat or sofa. Add a beautiful loose floral print slipcover for a romantic country look. Include padded stools and ottomen for comfort and as a place to set your drinks or newspaper. Add one or more rocking chairs. Traditional country chairs and sofas have high backs. And if the living room has a bay window, consider building a window seat with several cushions, a perfect place for reading and relaxing. High tripod side tables are appropriate next to the sofa or love seat for country home decor.

7. Antique Cupboards or White Cabinets - use a white cabinet or antique cupboard to show your ceramics, pottery, yellowware bowls, glass jars, or a collection of enamelware from 75 years ago to give your home a beautiful country style. Open shelving not only provides storage, it gives the room a country look, especially when earthware, stoneware and rustic items are displayed.

Country decorating ideas and country style decorating ideas remind us of the way life was lived many years ago. Everyday country life was often difficult, filled with physical demands and long hours. Even so, country life was simpler and closer to nature without the stress of modern city life.

Use country decorating ideas to help recreate the ambience, peacefulness and pleasures of this closeness to nature without having to endure the hardships. Read all you can find about country style decorating ideas. From using old furniture to the colors and fabrics you choose to how your things are arranged, create the country atmosphere in your home that celebrates the lifestyle that used to be.

Bathroom Organization

If you're lucky enough to have a "guest bathroom", one that isn't used by the family and one where you can always keep clean hand towels hanging for the guests, good for you. For most of us however, we have one or two bathrooms, and they both get a lot of use from the family members on a daily basis. Let's see how you can organize your bathroom so that it's guest ready too.

The one thing that most of us have too much of is lots of bottles of "stuff" sitting around the sink and countertop. Go through these and discard what you don't use on a daily basis, and what only has a drip left in it. Go buy two decorative baskets and have a "his" and "hers". One for his stuff, and one for her stuff. You could keep your toothpaste, hairspray, brush and comb, moisturizer, etc., in a basket that can be simply picked up and moved when guests come, and then put back when you're ready to use them again.

If you like to have magazines in the bathroom don't let them just pile up in a corner next to the toilet, get a nice magazine rack for them.

Next take a look at the inside of the shower. How moldy is that curtain? They cost around $4.00 - buy a new one. Look at the bottles in the shower, they tend to get left in the shower even when they're almost empty. Throw them out and try to streamline the number of bottles in the shower. If you don't have built in shelves around your shower get an organizer that hangs over your showerhead, or one on an extension pole you can put in the corner of the shower.

A cheap way to make your bathroom like new is with accessories. Buy a nice shower curtain with a matching rug. You can also get matching towels. If you have limited towel space you can buy a towel rack that hangs on the wall, they come in many different designs. With a nice wall towel rack you can make a display of beautifully colored towels - that you can also use too! Purchase a set of matching bathroom accessories, soap dish, toothbrush holder, cup, liquid soap dispenser.

I think you're going to love your bathroom

Towel Radiators: Add a Luxurious touch to Your Bathroom

The thought of stepping from the shower or bathtub into a warm, fluffy towel speaks of the kind of luxury you expect to find in hotels and homes across Europe. But wouldn’t it be great to have that kind of luxury in your own home?

Resembling ultra modern, extended towel bars in a multitude of colors and designs, the Zehnder towel radiators serve two purposes: providing an even, radiant heat source for a room and warming and drying the towels.

“They are a practical solution to heating bathrooms, mud rooms and spas because towel radiators are more than just towel warmers,” says Kate Bosley of Zehnder. “The heat output effectively heats these spaces whether as a sole source or in combination with radiant floor heating or other conventional methods. And electric towel radiators allow you to heat the bathroom year round without turning on the central heating system.”

“Now even a cool morning in June can be welcomed with a warm bathroom and a fluffy, warm towel. And they’re even used in southern climates for drying out the bath and preventing sour, mildewy smells,” adds Bosley.

Zehnder, which has been making radiators in Europe since 1930, provides an infrared programmable controller that allows for seven-day programming. The controller allows you the convenience and efficiency of programming the radiator to warm the bathroom and the towels before you wake up in the morning, and then again in the evening or whenever it is needed. It then shuts itself off to avoid wasting energy. This makes the product extremely energy efficient as well.

“You don’t have to remember to turn it on at the last minute before a bath or shower or after you wake in the morning, or worse, leave it on in order to have a warm bath and towel when you want them,” Bosley added.

All three models come in a range of sizes and colors. There are many standard colors and over 100 fashion colors to choose from. Also, the wireless programmable controller comes standard with every unit and gives you eight heat settings so you can use your radiator all year round.

1-2-3-4 Never Scrub the Bathroom Anymore

One of everyone's least favorite chores is cleaning the bath-
room. You put it off ... and put it off... until it takes
nothing short of an atomic bomb to get it clean. It doesn't
have to be that way.

4 steps, about 2-3 minutes a day- and you will never have to
deal with soap scum build up or scrubbing the bathroom ever
again.

The tools you will need-

* a shower squeegee
* paper towels
* glass cleaner
* Scrub Free

These should be kept in the bathroom. Splurge on the extra
bottle of glass cleaner and an extra roll of paper towels to
keep in the bathroom.

Here are the 4 steps-

1. When you get out of the shower, after you have dried off
and put on your lotion and such... do a once over on the
shower walls with the squeegee.

2. Take 2 pieces of paper towel and clean in this order-
mirror, counters, quick wipe over towel bars, chrome in
shower, and toilet lip. Throw paper towel away.

3. Do one of these chores each day or two-

*Spray tub with scrub free and do a quick wipe down with
wet rag or sponge, or
*Clean the toilet, or
*Do a quick wipe up of the floor, or
*Do a quick cleaning on your shower doors, if you have
them, or if you have shower curtains- spray any spots
with Clorox Cleanup.

Each of these only take seconds if you don't let it get
bad in the first place.

4. Watch for any mold, or discoloring of the grout.
Spray with Clorox Cleanup and just let it work.

That's it. Your bathroom will always look terrific, and
it'll be a lot healthier too.

Don't let build up happen in the first place. Keeping it
clean in the first place is so much easier than trying to
clean it later.

Where to Find Unique Shower Curtains

Once upon a time, shower curtains were functional… and they were boring. Not today. Shower curtains are now decorative as well as useful. They can be bold and vibrant or simple and understated. A little looking can turn up some truly unique designs.

There are many options for those looking for something beyond the simple floral prints, stripes, polka dots, and solids. Bed Bath & Beyond, for example, offers a Life Magazine shower curtain. This unique design features reproductions of classic Life magazine photographs, and costs approximately $30.

Gallery Street offers truly unique shower curtains. For $135, the company will reproduce any photograph onto a fabric shower curtain. You can use photos of your family, vacation, pets, or anything else you desire -- talk about a one-of-a-kind shower curtain. You can also place favorite sayings, children’s artwork, or personal drawings on the curtain. If you prefer, the company also offers a selection of professional artwork that can be reproduced on shower curtains.

The Bathroom Marquee offers a new idea in shower curtains. Their Out-a-Sight shower curtain folds neatly into a box when it is not being used.

Shower curtains are available in a number of styles to suit various professions and hobbies. For example, Bungalow Beach offers a curtain that is sure to appeal to surfers. The Longboards Shower Curtain costs $65 and features palm trees and surfboards. If you are looking for a unique gift for a hunter or fisherman, consider the unique shower curtains from Fish and Gifts. Fish and Gifts offers a shower curtain that features antique fishing lures. Using the art of Jon Q. Wright, this curtain is made in bold colors.

To add a touch of style or pizzazz to an otherwise merely functional room, consider a unique shower curtain. This will liven up your space and make it much more personal.

Contemporary Bathroom Vanities

Minimal, linear, often metallic and futuristic, contemporary bathroom vanities come in modern finishes such as brushed nickel and chrome, and are usually free of extraneous ornament and decoration. The result can be a synergistic blend of strength and beauty. A contemporary aesthetic does not exclude natural stone or natural woods. Natural materials will provide lasting endurance and timeless style, and because they are tough enough to withstand everyday wear, they will remain beautiful for years to come.

Coordinating fixtures according to a contemporary look is not a difficult task if you keep to these few basic concepts. Each piece of your bathroom vanity must be considered carefully. The mirror is often frameless in a contemporary setting, and an unusual sink design might centralize the aesthetic, complementing a clean-lined cabinet. In modern designs, sinks often look like bowls sitting on a tabletop, a design called the vessel sink. Sometimes faucets extend straight out from the wall. Cabinets fashioned of stainless steel, brushed chrome, transparent acrylic, unadorned unstained wood and glass are just a few of the many options the home designer has at his or her disposal when shopping for a contemporary bathroom vanity

Technology is partner to innovations in aesthetics, and so creative choices abound, especially in the field of contemporary design. Modern bathroom vanities are a great place to begin as they focus the design into four basic components of the vanity: the mirror, the sink, the top and the cabinet.

The contemporary one-piece bathroom vanity is one very popular option for homeowners. This releases the customer of having to match fixtures with sinks to cabinets. Other attendant items in the contemporary vanity are: stainless steel towel rail, and/or a uniquely designed trap. The trap though a small detail could be considered an object of beauty itself depending on its character.

Another quintessentially modern addition might be a pair elegant cylindrical glass diffuser lights with clean, perpendicular lines and a sophisticated brushed stainless finish with frosted white glass. It is important to add a soft light to the contemporary bathroom, with its potentially cool details. The lighting in the contemporary bathroom vanity can be relatively inexpensive, as there is a good deal of stylish modern lighting available. The modern bathroom vanity, with its brushed metal finishes and cool clean tones, will assist any homeowner on their quest to create a unique environment of modern fusion and timeless beauty.

The Benefits of Hookless Shower Curtains

Anyone who has ever hung traditional shower curtains will agree on one thing: hooks are a pain to use. You get one side hung and the other side comes unhooked. While you’re reattaching that side, three hooks fall off. You fumble, you drop things. Before you get the whole thing hung, you are quite tempted to throw the curtain -- and the hooks -- out of the nearest window. There is an easier way.

Several different varieties of hookless shower curtains are now available. Though they all attach by different methods, each works with your existing standard shower curtain rods… and they all eliminate the hooks.

One such hookless shower curtain is available for $19.99 from AmeriMark. Equipped with a built-in flexible split-ring system, it simply fits over your curtain rod.

Another type of hookless shower curtain is one that utilizes ties. While each tie does have to be individually tied, you do not have to fumble with hard-to-use rings. One example is the Watershed Shower Curtain from Plow & Hearth. In addition to being hookless, this shower curtain also repels water, eliminating the threat of mold and mildew.

Some other hookless shower curtains use buttons, snaps, or Velcro to attach to the rod. While all of these methods have their own drawbacks, they do away with a lot of the hassle of dealing with hooks.

Hookless shower curtains are available at a variety of outlets. Try your local department stores, such as Target and WalMart. Many home improvement stores, like Lowe’s and Home Depot, also sell shower curtains. In addition, they are available at bedding and home dйcor stores like Linens N Things and Bed Bath & Beyond. You can also find hookless shower curtains at many online stores.

The Growing Market for Scales

Although many people prefer not to step on them, there is still a large market out there for scales to monitor weight. From the medical scales at the doctor's office, to the digital scale in your bathroom, there are a wide variety of weight scales available.

Many people prefer to monitor their weight on weight scales at home. The modern scale comes in a variety of styles, sizes and prices. Many brands are good looking, sleek and stylish enough to be matched with the interior styling of your bathroom.

Digital scales have become much more affordable since they first debuted about a decade ago. They now come with additional features. The digital body fat scale by Taylor Precision Products, for example, allows four different users to input height age and gender. The scale then lets off a low-voltage current that calculates that person's body fat percentage as well.

Bathroom scales give people the freedom and comfort of monitoring their weight without self-consciousness. Another reason why many people choose bathroom weight scales is because the best way to weigh yourself is with minimal or no clothing; and the bathroom provides a private place to do so. Bathroom scales are an ideal way to monitor and manage one’s weight.

Scales are also used outside of the home, however. A wide array of industrial scales can be used to measure manufacturing weights, food weights, and the weight of postal parcels. In addition, a separate line of scales made specifically for babies to weigh not only their bodies, but the amount of food they consume. Then there are pet-specific scales, which are ideal for measuring fidgety animals in the vet’s office. With all the scales in the world, it’s easy to get confused about the various types.

Bathroom cabinets

So, you have decided to remodel your bathroom and you have also decided to replace those old, worn out cabinets which have seen better days. Bathroom cabinets play a major role in maintaining an organized bathroom. Besides being of maximum utility, they are one of the most eye catching fixtures of the bathroom. They also consume most amount of the bathroom remodeling budget.

Since cabinets take a huge chunk from your budget, decide how much you want to spend on cabinets, in advance. You can do this by first deciding where you want your cabinets. Then take measurements of the area. Decide whether you want stock cabinets, semi-custom or custom cabinets. Stock cabinets are the most inexpensive ones followed by semi-custom and then custom cabinets. When you meet the expert with these rough ideas and figures in mind, he can give you a more accurate picture.

As mentioned earlier, there are three types of cabinets available in the market. You have to choose from them according to your budget and your specific requirements. They are Stock, Semi-custom and Custom cabinets.

Stock cabinets are inexpensive and most popular. They are mass produced and built in standard sizes and shapes. The choice of color, design and style is limited.

Semi-custom cabinets are basically stock cabinets which can be changed in some ways to meet individual requirements. They offer more choice of color, finish, design and size. They are more expensive than stock cabinets.

Custom cabinets are the most expensive cabinets. They are made to order cabinets. They are made to suit your specific, individual requirements. They offer the widest range of color, design, style and size.

According to the method of assembling, there are Framed and Frameless cabinets. Framed cabinets are American cabinets and frameless cabinets are European style.

In framed cabinet, a frame is placed around the front of the cabinet opening. It is also called face frame. It is used to secure the door to the cabinet. Framed cabinets are more expensive than frameless cabinets because they use more material.

In frameless cabinets, there is no face frame and door is hung directly on the cabinet box. Frameless cabinets occupy lesser space than framed ones.

While selecting cabinets for your bathroom, keep in mind that your cabinets should match the rest of your bathroom.
Doors and drawers of the cabinets should operate smoothly.
Don't just go by the looks of the doors of the cabinets because it's the quality and construction of the whole boxes that counts.

A Look at Rustic Home Furnishings

The word ‘rustic’ triggers an image of a rugged, bold, hearty personality. This applies to home furnishing and furniture as well. One can find rustic furnishings in a country house, a hunting lodge or a cabin in the woods.

These are mostly handcrafted out of authentic materials like wood, cane, or wrought iron. Rustic furniture is heavy, rugged and solid. Genuine rustic furniture is expensive because of the high price of such materials as hard wood, plush cushioning and wrought iron.

Though rustic furnishings are commonly found in country homes or in the woods, some people consider them fashionable even for their city dwellings, as they lend a country ambience, providing much-needed relief from the hustle and bustle urban life.

But it is difficult to find rustic furniture in large cities where many companies have started manufacturing furniture that resembles genuine rustic furniture. The pseudo-rustic furniture is often made of pressed wood and hard plastic.

Because of the high prices, many people prefer such furniture that is rustic looking, though it is not as sturdy as the genuine rustic furniture made of solid wood and iron.

Because of their rugged, handcrafted style, rustic furniture gives a warm and comfortable feeling, even in an urban dwelling. One can make a bedroom set attractive by having a solid pine bed frame and matching dresser installed in it.

Similarly, a heavy wooden rocker with a country style-cushion can pep up any room. Even the bathroom can be embellished with a wrought iron mirror frame, oak vanity set and a shower curtain with rustic themes.

There is a misconception that rustic furniture belongs outdoors. That may have been true 100 years ago, but it rustic pieces have moved from the backyard to the parlour and even to the bedroom. Besides bringing people back to nature, it's completely functional.

Making space at home

Clear out excess furniture and accessories from the interior of your home as much as possible. If a piece of furniture is too big for the room, or is crowding the room, put it in storage, have a garage sale, or give it to a deserving charity.

This also goes for decorations, oversized stuffed animals, and other items that you may have collected over the years. Anything that takes up space should be considered, and if it’s not necessary, you’ll want to clear it out.

Nothing is more effective at opening up a house than getting rid of clutter. It will look immeasurably more spacious without all of your extra things in the way.

Go through your house and clear off all of the horizontal surfaces, kitchen counters, and bathroom countertops.

This means that you won’t be leaving any magazines, knick-knacks, or other various items to add to a cluttered appearance in your home. Either pack them or get rid of them in some other way.

Pay special attention to keeping hallways and doorways clear. Not only will this make people feel that you have a spacious home, if you're considering selling, they can easier imagine their own things inside of it.

Bathroom Designs Idea - Can I Design My Own Bathroom?

A bathroom designs idea - can I really design my own bathroom? Why not! Today, the bathroom is much more than just a room for grooming and a place to read. Bathrooms can be a good place for home exercise equipment and a good music system or TV, for example. What better way to unwind from the day than a soothing shower or warm soak in the tub with candles and relaxing music. So start a notebook. When you get a bathroom designs idea, write it down. Soon you will have defined the bathroom that is just right for you.

Design my own bathroom? You bet you can! When designing your own bathroom, some of the questions you should ask (and answer) include:

1. How big will the bathroom be? Bathroom sizes include:

• Master bathroom or luxury bathroom - includes toilet, bidet, two sinks, separate tub and shower, whirpool or spa and perhaps more, depending on your budget. Some master bathrooms are large enough to have exercise equipment, and they are subdivided into smaller compartments for privacy depending on what is needed.

• Full bathroom - includes toilet, sink, and combination tub/shower plumbed along one wall. Typical dimensions are 5x7 or 5x8 feet.

• Half bathroom - includes sink and toilet only. It can be placed on the main floor of your home to reduce the morning rush, and the family doesn't have to go upstairs to use the toilet. Common dimensions are between 3x6 and 4x5 feet, about the size of a smaller closet.

• Small bathroom - includes corner shower stall, toilet and sink and typical dimensions are 6x6 feet.

• Childrens bathroom - can be a three-quarter bathroom or full bathroom depending on the size of your home and how many children you have. Children's bathrooms should have plenty of storage and cubbies that are safe and colorful. If several kids will use the same bathroom, a wall or half wall between the toilet and the rest of the bathroom may be a good idea.

• Guest bathroom - can be a three-quarter bathroom or a full bathroom.

2. Are you planning to have convenient storage in the bathroom? A design my own bathroom person will always include bathroom storage. You can find a combination sink/vanity for extra storage. A great bathroom designs idea is you can never have too much bathroom storage!

Use the wall space wisely with shelves or cabinets over the commode or almost anywhere in the bathroom. Consider using corner shelves, and hang towel bars above one another. Add a medicine cabinet with mirror to your bathroom to store grooming supplies, medicine or toiletries. Traditionally, the medicine cabinet was always located above the vanity or sink, but nowadays you can place it elsewhere in the bathroom. Add a shower caddy to your corner shower for extra storage.

3. Do you have enough lighting planned for your bathroom? Natural light is an important element in bathrooms. A window, a wall or roof skylight will bring in natural light, a view or a dramatic skyscape. Having a skylight that opens is great because moisture build-up is reduced.

Artificial lighting is also vital and often overlooked in a bathroom. Without good lighting, the decor and the personality of your bathroom can not be developed properly. Lighting for your bathroom can be natural and manufactured. Lighting should be used to brighten and define the space since both can affect your mood and how you feel inside your home.

4. Another bathroom designs idea - what about ventilation? If you live in climates prone to mold and mildew, you should install an exhaust fan in your bathroom. Ventilating fans are sized by the number of cubic feet of air they move each minute (cfm). A design my own bathroom person will have a good ventilation system that can move the air from the bathroom to the outdoors about eight times per hour or once every 7 or 8 minutes. Bathrooms generate humidity and moisture that can penetrate ceilings, floors and countertops. Remove odors and humidity from a bathroom by installing a power ventilator large enough to do the job. You do not want your walls to break into a sweat every time someone showers.

Design my own bathroom? Go for it! A design my own bathroom person will read as much as possible, thinking through what is wanted and needed in this important room. A bathroom designs idea will range from materials used to the bathroom layout to the finished colors. Having a successful bathroom project is about making informed decisions while planning and while building. Continue the process of learning as much as you can before building begins. How much can you spend, what style will the bathroom be, what size ventilation should you have and so on. Your answer to each bathroom designs idea question is what will guide you so you'll have the best bathroom ever.

Bathroom Floor Plan Remodel - Help Is At Hand

A bathroom floor Plan remodel project can be a daunting task --not generally a task for the do-it-yourselfer. There are some amenities that you see in the bathrooms for multi-million dollar homes that can be incorporated into your master bath for between $400 and $8,000. One of the easiest jobs to tackle is the lighting. The recessed bathroom lighting is so popular with contractors will cause shadows over your bathroom vanity unless you have some additional light source.

Remodel a bathroom floor plan by having a floor heating system installed under your bathroom floor. Imagine stepping out of the shower onto a warm custom heated floor. The floor heating will help to warm up the bath with floor to ceiling warmth. Another inexpensive element that can be included when you remodel your bathroom is an chromo-therapy system. Streams of color can be shown through either standing or running water. This helps to relax you. You can buy bath, shower, and sink systems with chromo-therapy options. Multiple shower heads with differing sprays and jets to massage and relax you can bre installed in your bathroom. The cost of this shower systems can run between $3,200 and $5,500 depending on the kinds and number of heads you choose.

Another interesting bathroom option when you are remodeling your master bath is a stream shower. This system provides a mist of steam that makes your skin feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Most of these projects require someone very knowledgeable in plumbing and laying of pipe. Before you remodel your bathroom, check to see if your local building codes allow you to make these changes.

Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Any remodeling idea for a small kitchen must address the following issues: counter space, storage, built-ins, and pantry.

In order to make better use of your kitchen floor space, you need to put up the maximum amount of counters. Plan your design with deeper counters to cover as much of the area not occupied with appliances with counter space if the difference in floor space is a matter of a few square feet.

Squeeze as many cabinets into your design as possible. Deep cabinets that can hold plates should be located near the dishwasher, and large cabinets with slide-out drawers should be placed near the oven.

Another space-saving device is to include built-in facilities. You can have built-in ovens, microwaves and storage for small appliances. This will make your kitchen appear less cluttered. Built-in storage for foods like potatoes and onions and bread storage cabinets will also give the kitchen a cleaner look. You can also opt for waist-high, sliding shelves that hold mixers and toasters. Your small appliances can remain hidden in these shelves and still be easily accessible.

If there is no room for a pantry in your kitchen, consider converting a closet outside the kitchen area to store your cutlery, pots and infrequently used items. You can also include rollout pantries that can be pulled out to view the items you have, but rolled back into a space.

Choose a large sink. It will be easier for you to clean bigger pots and pans. Moreover, a large sink is a great place to stash your dirty pots. A large sink can also serve as a utility sink, too.

You can increase the efficiency of your small kitchen by putting a wire basket on the inside the cabinet or under the sink to hold trash bags and other frequently used items. You can mount an instant hot water heater on the sink to replace the sprayer or soap.

A tile back splash on all the walls above the counters, stove and sink make the kitchen easier to clean.

Faux Wood Mini Blinds

Though wood blinds and shutters are the most popular window coverings sold in America, these two products are among the most expensive. Faux wood Blinds offer nature's rich, subtle colors and unique textures at a fraction of the cost of real wood shutters. Moreover, wood does not last long in high moisture areas. Manufacturers have introduced quality alternatives to wood blinds in the form of faux wood blinds.

Faux wood blinds are made of vinyl, vinyl compounds, and a combination of wood and vinyl. The wood look-alikes are either a wood-polymer mix or 100-percent polymer. Since these use vinyl for at least a portion of their slats they have two inherent advantages to wood blinds: they cost less, and they resist moisture.

All of the faux wood blinds require more ladders than wood blinds. The sturdier the blind, the farther apart the ladders can be placed and therefore will require fewer ladders.

Many interior designers favor faux wood blinds because they are easy to clean, an advantage in a kitchen, and they don’t warp, fade or crack, a great advantage in a room with high humidity such as a bathroom.

Faux wood blinds control light and privacy as effectively as wood blinds, yet they're made of polymer which makes them sturdy, resistant to moisture, easy to clean and impervious to warping, cracking or peeling. They're also energy efficient, to keep your home warmer in winter, cooler in summer.

A well chosen Bathroom Vanity will make your bathroom look great!

A bathroom vanity is the centerpiece of your bathroom. Regardless of how well the rest of the bathroom is decorated, it just won’t look right without the right bathroom vanity cabinet. Fortunately, there are many options for someone who wants a new bathroom vanity. For example, some bathtub supplies are very popular and durable such as bathroom vanity cabinets made almost entirely out of frosted glass. Or, if you prefer more traditional bathroom vanity cabinets, exquisite bathroom vanity cabinets made almost entirely of wood are also available.

Now matter what type of bathroom vanity cabinet you choose be sure to choose one that compliments the rest of your bathroom. Considering that your bathroom vanity is the first thing noticed in your bathroom be sure to keep it clean and clutter-free. It should be cleaned regularly, and try to keep most of your bathroom accessories and bathtub supplies off it.

Tips on finding a cheap bathroom vanity.

If you decide that your current bathroom vanity is not what you are looking for, consider installing a new one. However, many bathroom vanity cabinets are very expensive. Fortunately, you will be able to find many bathroom vanity cabinets that are not only inexpensive, but also compliment the look of your showers, tile, and bathroom in general. Nowadays there are a wide variety of bathtub supplies that are able to compliment any bathroom accessories. While the top-notch bathroom cabinet medicine vanity may be out of your price range, you will also find that there are many bathroom vanity cabinets of similar design and workmanship, but at much lower cost.

Some things to consider in the area of bathroom vanity include: bathroom vanity cabinet, bathroom cabinet medicine vanity, bathroom, bathroom supplies, showers and tile. If you choose the bathroom vanity that is the right fit for your bathroom, your bathroom will have just the perfect touch you have been looking for.

How to Remodel A Small Bathroom

Not all bathrooms can be lavish spaces with whirlpool tubs and two separate vanities. For some bathrooms, space is at a premium and knocking out walls is not an option, but remodeling must be done. Small bathroom remodeling presents its own complications, but with the right information, a small bathroom-remodeling project can shine.

Before beginning your small bathroom remodeling, design a floor plan that maximizes the room's useable space. Don't be afraid to design up by incorporating free-floating cabinets. Use mirrors to stretch a small bathroom's space, and keep the color scheme simple. Keep a small bathroom bright, fresh, and inviting with coordinated colors and accessories.

Pare down the scale in your bathroom. Big items take up more space in the bathroom and look bulky. Corner sinks are simple and small. These sinks free up visual space below, but don't provide the counter space and cabinet space that a traditional sink provides. Another option is a pedestal sink. These sinks have a more classic design and are free standing. Wall-mounted sinks save space but do not have counter space. Both types of sinks do not provide storage space underneath. Most home-improvement stores stock smaller sinks, or you can custom order one from a cabinet shop for a price.

A simple way to conserve space is to do away with a tub and just use a shower. Smaller tubs, however, are available, although most cannot handle whirlpool faucets. Any tub less than five feet long will probably spill the water sprayed by the whirlpool faucets.

Pick a toilet that can sit close to the wall to conserve space, and the size of the seat and tank design determine just how much space the toilet will use. Also pay attention to the size of the home's original toilet. Older homes have toilets with 10 to 14 inches between the wall and the toilet drain, but newer homes typically have 12 inches. The wrong toilet won't fit. Buying a toilet with a low tank takes up less visual space and compact toilets leave more room, but as with any small bathroom remodeling project, use these suggestions to find a toilet that is both stylish and fits in the room.

Finally, limit what you bring into the bathroom. To save space in a cramped bathroom, for example, it may be best to have a dressing area in a bedroom. Limit the number of accessories -- clutter can easily make a small bathroom look smaller.

Planning a small remodeling may take extra planning, but the resulting clean, beautiful, an uncluttered bathroom will be an inviting space.

How To Choose Great Bathroom Light Fixtures

Everyone has different tastes; that’s why there are so many different types of bathroom dйcor. But one thing is constant despite your dйcor: the need for clear, sharp light. For bathroom lighting, fixtures can make all the difference in the world.

When choosing your bathroom light fixtures styles, keep in mind that your real goal is to make yourself look great, not to make your bathroom look great. You have a practical job to do – grooming and looking your best – and this is what your bathroom light fixtures are to help accomplish.

1) Realize That Vanity Counts

Vanity lighting or mirror lighting in the bathroom is crucial; everyone’s walked into the bathroom where the lighting makes anyone look greenish or pale.

Without good un-shadowed light in a bathroom, it’s impossible to look your best outside the bathroom also, because you can’t see yourself properly when you’re putting on make up. This need for clear, un-shadowed lighting is what makes bathroom light fixtures so important. When choosing fixtures, bear in mind that the clearer your lens or shade is, the more light it will release into the bathroom.

2) Place Fixtures To “Support” Your Face

Placement is a second, important consideration for your bathroom light fixtures. Ideally, you should surround your face with the best light possible, minimizing shadows under the chin and eyes, and illuminating your cheeks and forehead properly.

You don’t have to use Hollywood strips with a half-dozen lights down each side of your mirror, but you should definitely use more than one bathroom light fixture. Ideally, you should have at least one on either side of the mirror.

Don’t place them above your head; instead, take into consideration the relative heights of your family, and try to place your bathroom light fixtures at about average forehead height. This will minimize shadows on all sides of the face.

Keep bathroom light fixtures at least two and a half feet apart; this shouldn’t be a problem, since the average bathroom mirror is at least this width.

If you want to mount your bathroom light fixtures directly on your mirror, that’s fine too; but look at them against a mirror before choosing to do this, as some fixtures just don’t look good in this setting. You may want an additional bathroom light fixture on the ceiling if you have a large or a dark bathroom.

3) Choose Good Lighting - Match Your Fixtures To The Lighting

When choosing your bathroom light fixtures, you should always consider what kind of lights you plan to use. In general, fluorescent is not a great choice; it tends to make people greenish or washed out. Instead, go for incandescent bulbs, or bulbs that advertise their similarity to daylight. Remember that the wrong bulb can make anyone look terrible. If you know of a place with bathroom lights that make you look terrific, see if you can find out what kind of lights they use, and go for these.

Bathroom light fixtures should not change the color of the light inside them; instead, they should release the light clearly and brightly.

Fixtures should be easy enough to maintain and should be guaranteed. Before installing them permanently, hold them up to daylight and be certain you like what you see.

Attention Homeowners: Replacing Your Faucets Will Make a World of Difference

A lot of people would love to have a new kitchen or bathroom, but once they learn about the costs involved, they may get discouraged.

Cabinets alone can run you in excess of $10,000, and that’s not including the cost of installation. Add in fixtures, appliances, electrical work, and the like, and before you know it, you’ve almost spent enough money to buy a new condo. According to Remodeling Magazine, the average cost of a major kitchen remodeling job is now $40,000.

The average cost of turning a worn-out bathroom into a new space is about $10,000. That figure includes the cost of replacing the bathtub, toilet, vanity, sink, medicine cabinet, ceramic tile floor and vinyl wallpaper.

“Most people don’t have thousands of dollars lying around to spend on remodeling projects, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make some simple changes that will have a big impact,” says Keith Kometer, Faucet Marketing Manager at Kohler Co., a global leader of products for the kitchen and bath.

Instead of replacing toilets and showers, these days, a lot of people are painting their kitchens and bathrooms or putting up wallpaper, and accessorizing to get a new look. But those are only a few of the simple changes homeowners can make on a tight budget.

“Changing out the faucet can also make a big visual impact,” says Kometer. Kohler has just rolled out two new faucet lines that can be installed in minutes by do-it-yourselfers and won't break the bank in terms of cost.

The Fortй faucet, for both the bath and kitchen, features a high arch spout that allows for a completely customizable look with traditional handles or sleek, sculpted handles. Its top-mount installation system, preassembled valves and handles allow for easy installation with minimal tools, saving time, effort and money. The only tools required to secure it firmly in place are a screwdriver and wrench.

The more traditional Devonshire design also features pre-assembled flexible supply lines, valves and handles. Flexible lines, available on the Forte faucets as well, are a lot easier to work with when installing the faucet than the standard bulky, rigid copper tubing. The Devonshire faucet also requires just two tools to install.

“These faucets are for homeowners who don’t want to spend top dollar on a remodeling project, but still want to create a look that’s dramatic and stylish,” says Kometer. ”You don’t have to repaint; simply replacing the faucet is all it takes.”

To add a little more fashion to the bathroom as a finishing touch, accompanying decorative accessories are available -- including towel racks, glass shelves, soap dishes and toilet tissue holders. They come in several finishes that exceed industry durability standards, and boast distinctive color and texture selections, including polished chrome, brushed chrome, brushed nickel and French gold.

For more information about Kohler products, log onto www.kohler.com or call toll-free (800) 4-KOHLER.

Courtesy of ARA Content

What to Look for in Bathroom Vanity Tops

Bathroom vanity tops offer many options to the discerning customer. Ideally, they should all have a strong, smooth surface that defies stains and spills, mild heat and impact. Some materials on the market are heat and burn proof. Product durability and appearance are important since the bathroom vanity top will be used often. Beyond these considerations there are the matters of style, design and function. Bathroom vanity tops come either standard or custom to suit your bathroom.

One-piece constructions come with the coved backsplash and the bowl formed into the top by the manufacturer, creating a smooth continuous surface, and eliminating dirt-catching hard to clean seams. If you choose a vessel sink, the splashguard would be inconsequential.

The choices of bathroom vanity tops can be overwhelming. Some basic types of materials are available to the homeowner, which help to narrow the choice based on what material is most appropriate for your bathroom furniture. Some of the most popular choices of vanity tops include: marble, stone, prefabricated and synthetic materials, slate and tiles. If you purchase your vanity top separately from your bathroom vanity cabinet and sink, you always have the option to install it yourself, and many of the prefabricated models come with standard faucet holes pre-drilled.

Design and style are guiding principles when refining your choice of bathroom vanity tops. From the simple, clean designs of contemporary rectangular and oval shapes, to more richly fluted scallop designs, you can begin to create a bathroom that carries your personal signature. Many bathroom vanity tops can be made to order allowing the more creative homeowners to express and define their personal vision. The top is one of the contributing factors to beautify your bathroom environment and should be carefully considered as an integral part of any bathroom vanity.

A Checklist for Bathroom Remodeling Plans

Careful planning is the key to a successful bathroom-remodeling project. Before you begin any work in the bathroom, create a budget, a floor plan, a list of supplies, a timetable, and important legal considerations. Let's break it down by subject.

First, create a budget. Determine how much money you can comfortably spend, and save about 20 percent for emergencies. Get estimates for the work that needs professionals, and always include electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, and drywall installation costs in your budget.

Second, design a floor plan. Ask yourself, will you be working with the existing space or will you be adding on or knocking down walls? Check to make sure you will not disturb the electrical wiring, plumbing, or zoning regulations. Next, measure the amount of space you have and draw a floor plan. In drawing the plan, first put in all the items that are fixed. For example, if the toilet must be in one place because of plumbing, it is a fixed item. Experiment with how you like your floor plan, using different arrangements, with different types of cabinetry, shelves, or even walls. You might try pocket doors to save space, and corner sinks, floating sinks, or pedestal sinks to save even more space. L-shaped vanities and alcoves also save space. In addition, corner showers conserve space, and clear glass in showers creates the illusion of even more space. You may want to add windows or mirrors to let in light.

Third, make a list of the supplies you'll need and make sure they are available when you need them. Some typical supplies include sinks, flooring, wall tile, countertops, lighting, medicine cabinets, showers, bath tubs, cabinets and cabinet handles, toilets, extra storage, faucets, toilet paper holders, paint or wallpaper, chairs, accessories (like storage containers and/or artwork), as well as tools you have or can buy.

Fourth, create a timetable. Talk to experts or people at home improvement stores to plan how much time you'll need. If you're hiring contractors, work with them to design a timetable you all can follow.

Plan projects according to the time you have available. Put in a new toilet and sink one weekend, for example, and paint another. You don't have to do it all at once, so plan sensibly. Don't paint the walls or install woodwork until the hardware is taken care of -- you don't want to damage work you've already done. Above all, be flexible and allow time for the unexpected or even emergencies to happen.

Fifth, keep in mind legal considerations. Get and post a building permit, pay any necessary fees, make sure you, your contractor, and any workers have insurance coverage, and keep children and animals away from the construction area.

By following these checklists, your bathroom remodeling plans will be a snap.

Have you been looking for the latest opinion regarding bathroom shower.

When you're seeking better information about bathroom shower, you'll find it's complex separating quality information from foolish bathroom shower proposals and help so it is wise to know how to judge the advice that is offered.

Now we'd like to give you some advice that we believe you should consider using when you are trying to find information about bathroom shower. Understand that the guidance we put forward is only appropriate to internet info about bathroom shower. We can't give you any assistance or guidance for conducting research offline.

A great tip to follow when offered information and advice about a bathroom shower webpage is to research who is behind the website. Doing this could reveal the owners bathroom shower credibility The quickest way to work out who owns the bathroom shower web site is to find the sites 'about' page.

Any worthwhile website providing information on bathroom shower, will always have contact information which will list the owner's details. The particulars should reveal a number of indications about the website owner's expertise. This means you can conduct an appraisal about the webmaster's training and understanding, to advise you on the topic of bathroom shower.

The right Shower Curtain will make your bathroom look great!

A shower curtain can add the perfect touch to any bathroom. Whether you like simple pastel colors or more elegant designs, be sure to choose the shower curtain that compliments the look of the rest of the bathroom. Fortunately, there are many shower curtain designs to choose from. Patterns of almost all kinds and a full spectrum of colors are available, so be sure to hunt around till you find the shower curtain that is just right for your bathroom. While bathroom supplies and bathroom accessories are also very important to the way a bathroom looks, a shower curtain will more often than not be the focal point in any bathroom. Fortunately, most shower curtains are very inexpensive, though some of the higher quality models do tend to cost a little more.

The right shower curtain for your bathroom.

Knowing that there are so many different types of shower curtains, it may seem difficult to choose the right shower curtain. Also, some people know exactly what type of shower curtain they want but don’t know where to find it. After all, finding bathroom supplies and bathroom accessories can be difficult. However, be sure to keep on looking till you find the shower curtain that is precisely right for your bathroom. Also be aware that are some not so traditional shower curtains available, such as a hook-less shower curtain, shower curtain frog, fabric shower curtain, and many other unusual types of shower curtains available. When you find the right shower curtain for your shower, it will make your bathroom look so much better you will hardly be able to recognize it.

A Look at Shower Curtain Rods

Shower curtain rods give you a unique opportunity to showcase your sense of style. There are many different styles of shower curtain rods available.

The most traditional version are straight shower rods, which are available in a variety of materials, including brass, stainless steel, plastic, chrome, brushed nickel, and bronze. Curved shower curtain rods curve in toward the wall in a half circle, and extend out at their midpoint. This gives users an additional 8” of shower space. Traditional rods are too short for corner tubs, but L-shaped shower rods fit wonderfully. They are available in many materials, including brass, chrome, and brushed nickel.

Oval shower rods were originally designed for use with a clawfoot tub, but they can also be used with freestanding tubs, built-in tubs, and whirlpools. They are indeed oval-shaped, and are suspended from the ceiling with supports. The same basic concept is also used with circular shower rods (shaped like a circle rather than an oval) and rectangular shower rods (shaped like a rectangle rather than an oval.) Other styles available include Trak, D-style, Neo Angle, and U-shaped.

In addition to the different shapes, the various materials also give you decorating control. If you are using brass faucets and hardware, for example, a brass shower curtain rod completes the look nicely.

A company called Clawfoot Supply offers a complete line of unique and stylish rods. Though some are designed for clawfoot tubs, many will fit any type of bathtub or shower.

With the creative use of decorative shower curtain rods, you can give your bathroom a makeover… without spending a fortune.

Designer Shower Curtains

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to make over your bathroom, consider buying a new shower curtain. Shower curtains are available in a variety of styles, materials, and prices. Shower curtains can be whimsical, floral, traditional, or a host of other styles. And, of course, they can be designer.

Many of the big-name designers have taken part in shower curtain designs. Liz Claiborne, for example, offers a Cable Knit shower curtain in Ivory or Aloe. If you decide to have a Liz Claiborne master suite or guest room, matching accessories include duvet covers, towels, shams, wastebasket, lotion pump, and more.

Nautica offers a sophisticated shower curtain in classic colors. It is offered with matching sheets, duvet, and bed skirts.

Regent also offers shower curtains. Their embroidered shower curtain is multi-colored and offers many matching accessories, including wastebasket, lotion pump, tissue box, towels, toothbrush holder, soap dish, and tumbler.

Eddie Bauer offers a nice selection of shower curtains, including a denim curtain. They also offer towels and robes in coordinating colors.

Tommy Hilfiger has also entered the home dйcor arena. Their shower curtains have a retail price of $90. Hilfiger also offers many color-coordinated accessories like towels, lotion pump, wastebasket, soap dish, and tumbler.

Ralph Lauren, DKNY, and Hotel are a few other well-known designers now offering bathroom dйcor.

Many fine department stores such as Macy’s, JC Penney, and Foley’s, sell designer shower curtains. Specialty home stores, such as Linens N Things and Bed Bath and Beyond also carry a selection of shower curtains by well-known designers. While designer shower curtains can be more expensive than their non-name brand counterparts, you can sometimes find them at a discount. Overstock offers many products at deep discounts over retail. While their inventory changes regularly, it is worthwhile to visit their site and do a search.

Whether you pay full price or get them at a discount, the look of your finished bathroom is sure to be priceless.

The Bathroom:the forgotten area of your home?

The bathroom in your home is the one room that has undergone a complete transformation in the past several years. A transformation that is as far as how it is defined. Kitchens are to cook and eat in, living rooms are still for living and entertaining in and the garage still holds vehicles and junk (not to mention lot’s of tools). But the bathroom has evolved so far beyond its traditional functions that to truly reflect its current status in many homes, "spa room" or the "retreat" might be more appropriate names for it.

Too often, the bathroom comes in second to the kitchen when it comes to deciding on which home remodeling project should be done first. The kitchen has retained and even built upon its position as the focal point of the home and a center of both socialization and function. But the master bathroom is still stuck in its hygienic role and remains a private area that doesn't get as many opportunities to impress visiting guests. Couple that with the fact that a bathroom renovation can be nearly as involved and expensive as a kitchen makeover and you have the makings for procrastination.

Today's bathrooms, particularly those incorporated into master suites, are being designed and built to be a source of luxury and relaxation. After all, for many parents the master suite's bath may be the only room in the home where they can truly enjoy some private time for relaxation away from the kids.

The world can be a very stressful place and having a nice, relaxing bathroom where you can de-stress can be very important.

A Guide to Shower Curtains

Bathrooms do not always offer many opportunities to make style statements. Sure, you can paint the walls or change the flooring. You can buy a new rug or wastebasket; you can even buy matching towels and washcloths. The truth is, though, that decorating possibilities simply do not abound in the average bathroom. There is one area, however, that allows for many personal style choices: shower curtains.

The shower curtain takes up a significant amount of space in a bathroom -- shouldn’t it say something about your personal style? Today, shower curtains are available in a dazzling array of styles, colors, and materials. Shower curtains can be whimsical, elegant, simple, bold, floral, masculine, and most any other style you desire.

You can buy traditional rod-style shower curtains, or for added pizzazz, you can buy decorative curtain hooks. These are available in glass, plastic, brass, silver, and copper. You’re virtually guaranteed to find one you like, from simple white rings to colorful butterfly-shaped shower curtain hooks.

Shower curtains are available in many different materials, including vinyl, fabric, terry cloth, and plastic. Most shower curtains will require a liner. This liner hangs from the rod and goes inside the bathtub or shower. This helps to keep water inside the tub. It also offers a degree of protection to the shower curtain, as it helps to keep it a little drier and extend its life.

Since shower curtains are often wet, precautions have to be taken to prevent the growth of mildew, bacteria, fungus, and other harmful germs. They need to be cleaned and dried periodically. They should also be sprayed with a disinfectant. It is also helpful to wipe the shower curtain dry after each use. In addition, some antibacterial shower curtains are available. A company called InPro Clickeze offers the Super Bio Stat, a shower curtain that is mildew resistant, antibacterial, and anti-microbial.

If you are looking for a quick change at a low cost, consider buying a new shower curtain. There are so many choices available that you are sure to find one that’s right for you.

Christmas Decorating: Create A Lifelike Santa In Your Bathroom

If you love to go all out with your Christmas decorating, here is a whimsical, original idea for your bathroom:

Materials needed:

White shower curtain, canvas, or fabric (a new canvas drop cloth works great)
Shower curtain liner (to protect curtain from moisture)
Projector*
Permanent black marker, preferably a thick one
Paint pens
Paint
Fiberfill or cotton balls
Santa hat
Black felt (about one yard)
2 red hand towels or red fabric

*If you can draw, you may not need the projector. If you are not artistically inclined, and do not already own a projector, see if you can borrow one.

Let's get started!

If you're using fabric instead of a shower curtain, you'll need to make it standard shower curtain size, which is about 72" x 72". Cut the fabric 73" x 73", fold each side over one half inch, press into place, and hem each side to make smooth edges. Purchase plastic rings (usually found near the curtain rods) and sew them to the top for shower curtain rings. If you don't already have a second rod, pick up a tension rod. They are inexpensive and simple to install.

The next step is finding a great picture of Santa Clause. Look in coloring books, storybooks, or online. Once you find a picture you like, blow it up on the projector until Santa looks life-sized. Hang the fabric or shower curtain on the wall or a door with thumbtacks or straight pins, and project the image onto it. Santa's knees should be about 6" from the bottom of the shower curtain. Stop at the knees and do not draw the rest of the legs (you will see why later).

Next, trace the image with a permanent black marker (put paper behind the curtain to keep marker from seeping through). Fill in the details for Santa's face as well as other intricate areas with the paint pens. Fill in his suit with paint. Nearly any kind of paint will do, but craft paint is the least expensive.

In order to create a three dimensional effect, use fiberfill or stretched out cotton balls for Santa's hair and beard. Apply with regular school glue or use fabric glue. Use a real Santa hat instead of painting one. These can be found at dollar stores and discount stores for very little money. Simply stitch the hat onto the curtain from the backside, or attach it with fabric glue.

Add a piece of black felt for Santa's belt. A real buckle makes a nice touch. You can remove a buckle from an old belt that you no longer wear and thread the felt through it, or you can purchase a used belt at a thrift store and simply remove the buckle to use it for this project. Stitch the felt into place or apply with fabric glue.

Hang the curtain and tuck the bottom edge inside the tub. Santa's knees should line up closely with the edge of the tub.

Here's the really fun part: Fold the red towels in half lengthwise and stitch or glue the sides together. If using fabric, cut to the size of regular hand towels (not fingertip towels) and proceed as directed above. Next, arrange the towels so that the attached edges are in the middle instead of along the side then press into place with a warm iron. This seam should face the shower curtain so it won't show. Stitch or glue the towels to Santa's knees. Santa now has three-dimensional legs that swing when the curtain moves!

Make mittens and boots from the leftover black felt. Attach the mittens to the curtain and the boots to the towels. Another neat idea is to set a pair of boots outside the tub and tuck the "legs" into the boots. This looks terrific and makes the effect even more dimensional. This idea is best used in the guest bathroom or on the day company is coming, after everyone has showered, if used in the main bathroom (otherwise, you'll have to keep moving the boots each time the tub is needed).

To make your shower curtain even more festive, wrap small empty boxes to look like gifts and attach them to the curtain, or sew on tiny plastic ornaments or candy canes. Just use your imagination.

This is a fun, yet fairly simple project to complete, and you will get lots of compliments on this unique, whimsical decorating idea.

Quick And Easy Bathroom Decor Changes

Are you tired of the way your bathroom looks? Don't feel bad, a lot of folks are in the same boat. The bathroom is one room in the home that can look drab and run down very easily. And what if you don't have an unlimited budget to make changes in the fixtures and plumbing? Well take heart, there is lots that you can do for very little money that will totally and radically improve the decor of your bathroom.

One of the biggest problems with bathrooms is their tendency to get cluttered. You know, towels hanging all over the place, bath products on top of the vanity and on the shower floor, and things like that. So if you really want to make a 100% improvement in your bathroom clean up the clutter.

Fortunately, that is very easy to do and inexpensive. If you go to any WalMart or Target store, you will find plenty of organizer products for use in the bathroom. They are also very cheap. So get some of them and start to install them so that the most used products and items are within easy reach of wherever they would be used in the bathroom. If you make the storage spot convenient most people will continue to put it back in it's place after they use it. If you make the storage spot even a little difficult to access, you will see those items left all around wherever someone finds a spot for it.

Next, get some extra towel racks and install them so that there is a towel holder within easy reach of almost anywhere in the bathroom. Extra towel holders mean that even used towels can have a spot to be hung up instead of just left lying over the tub or shower stall door. Another advantage decor-wise of having extra towel bars is that you can use some of them to put up fancy towels for show that will really pick up the appearance of the room and highlight the colors that you used in your bathroom design.

Another simple and easy change to the appearance of any bathroom is the flooring. If you don't like what you see, change it. Fortunately, most bathroom floor spaces are fairly small and so not much material is needed. There are several options that you can choose from including vinyl sheets, ceramic tile, or vinyl tile squares. If you want simple and easy, stick-on vinyl tiles are probably the way to go. You can get them at a local Home Improvement store and they are usually very inexpensive too, and you can get some great looking designs that look very close to actual ceramic tile at a casual glance. Armed with a small cutter to trim the tiles when needed or shape them around an object on the bathroom floor, you are ready to go. If you make a mistake, peel up that tile, throw it away and use another one. Simple and easy!

Finally, buy some new towels for the bathroom. Get some great new colors and designs that are eye-cathcing and pleasing. Again, not much money invested for lots of return in visual appeal.

Change out the door knobs on your vanity and closet, and change the shower curtain and rings if you have one.

Just a few of these inexpensive changes in a bathroom can go a long way to changing that tired, old, cluttered, bathroom into one that makes you proud to show it off, and a pleasure to use.