Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Bathroom Design Ideas To Help You Transform Your Bathroom

By Caroline Smith

There are numerous bathroom design ideas out there. No matter whether you've got a luxurious family sized bathroom or a small but functional space, whether you have the money to completely redesign your bathroom or are aiming to rejuvenate your bathroom on a shoestring budget, there are lots of practical things you can do. When you think about it, we all spend a fair amount of time in our bathrooms everyday, so putting some thought into your bathroom's design can help you create a welcoming yet practical space.

A good way to bring a touch of style to a tired looking bathroom is to add an attractive piece of furniture, such as sink vanity or a new wall cabinet. These things are relatively straightforward to fit or replace, and can help give your bathroom a fresh new image without the expense and hassle of replacing all your fixtures and fittings. Bathroom vanities and cabinets come in a range of beautiful designs, including antique effect, country style and contemporary, and can be used to great effect to influence the character of your bathroom.

If you want to give your bathroom a makeover without blowing your budget, there are a number of things you could consider. For example, you may be surprised at the difference new faucets on your sink and tub can make. Shiny new faucets in a stylish design can instantly improve a bathroom's appearance, without the need to install a whole new bathroom suite. Another way to cut costs when remodeling, is to just replace your bathtub, leaving the sink and toilet in place. Bathtubs take up the most space in our bathrooms, and a well-chosen tub can become an attractive central feature of your bathroom's design.

If you like the luxury of a long soak in the tub but you have a very small bathroom you could make the most of limited space by installing a corner bath. You could further enhance this by adding an overbath shower. In larger bathrooms that are shared by a couple or a family, it can make practical sense to add a double sink, which can also look very grand and elegant. Other ways to make a bathroom more aesthetically pleasing include hanging a fresh new shower curtain, replacing outdated tiles with nice new ones, and making good use of mirrors and lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Caroline Smith is a regular contributor to BathroomsEmporium.com - an online resource full of bathroom design ideas as well as great offers on bathroom vanities, bathroom cabinets and more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_Smith

Friday, May 25, 2007

Bathroom Ideas Bathroom Remodeling Tip: Heat Your Bathroom Tile!

By Joe Regan

There are many ways you can enhance a bathroom but the following bathroom tip is by far my favorite bathroom remodeling tip. There is nothing like stepping out of the shower onto a soothing, pre-warmed bathroom tile or stone floor. This alone makes this bathroom remodeling tip my favorite of all. If you think warm floors would just feel great, you are right, but you will be also be pleased to know there are several other reasons why heating your bathroom floor is one of the best bathroom ideas that can be had.

Radiant Floor Heating is extremely efficient. In fact, it is so efficient it can in some cases be used throughout your house on all of your hard floors to lower your energy bill. This is because the heat is evenly distributed at the lowest point possible in an efficient way. So no more sitting by a vent to stay warm, or letting your hot air come out of the middle of a wall so that it can rise to the roof. Radiant heating heats much like the sun does with no hot blowing air involved, which in my opinion gives off much better warm feeling.

Aside from the fresh from the spa feeling, a heated bathroom floor can encourage you to turn your thermostat a little lower, especially if you know you have warm bathroom tile to greet your cold wet feet! Best of all, when properly installed, you can expect your warm flooring to heat for up to 25 or more years with no filters to clean, and no operating noise.

If you would like more information about Radiant Floor Heating, Bathroom Ideas, or Bathroom Remodeling, visit ideal-heating.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Regan

Monday, May 21, 2007

Enhance The Beauty Of Your Bathroom With Bathroom Vanity Mirrors

By Gregg Hall

External appearances are essential parts of making a person feel good. This is regardless of whether one chooses to accept or condone society's views on appearance. This rule also applies to the appearance of one's own bathroom. In this it is easy to see why bathroom vanity mirrors would be an important part in the appearance of a bathroom.

It is a little known fact that the bathroom is the best place for privacy and often people wish to explore the options that bathroom vanity mirrors provide. Regardless of what decor the person aims to have, it is important to note that options are always available to increase the "perfect" finish look of bathrooms by choosing attractive vanity mirrors. Variations such on glass medicine cabinets help you to showcase the bathroom vanity mirrors, thus enhancing their look.

Normally the key element when finding a bathroom mirror is function. In order for a satisfactory purchase to be made, you will need to ensure that you know what key elements you wish to explore in your bathroom. Remember that not all bathroom medicine cabinets are unsightly just because they have a function. Whatever your desired effect and needs, it all can be met with a little focus. Your bathroom vanity mirrors can enhance the look of your bathroom not only by their flawless look but also by the practical way that they illuminate the light thus making your bathroom feel more spacious and welcoming.

Class classification is no longer a valid reason for why mirrors of elegance and beauty should not be easily acquired by the hard working common man. Money is not a determining factor either. Bathroom vanity mirrors are now cost effective while still maintaining the high standards in terms of look and bathroom compatibility. With such factors playing in favor of bathroom vanity mirrors, it is clear why so many people are opting to take more steps into acquiring their dream bathroom so that they can showcase it with pride.

The main theme that is to be taken into consideration is that you need to stay focused on your main goal decor. Most people associate elegance with antique mirrors, which are also normally classified as traditional mirrors. If this is the look you wish to acquire then be willing to put in some effort towards finding that mirror that will make you feel proud of your bathroom. Antique mirrors normally give a softer feel to the bathroom while maintaining a certain aura of mystery. They also seem to have the power to capture the untimely sense of unobtainable beauty and social class ranking. Due to this it is clear to understand why so many bathrooms can easily be converted to a place of tranquil beauty.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as bathroom mirrors at http://www.nothingbutmirrors.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Small Bathroom Design With A Small Bathtub

By Steve Gee

What to do if a conventional bathtub won't fit into your small bathroom

If you are remodeling a very small bathroom that isn't big enough to fit a full sized bath or if you want to add a shower cubicle to your already cramped bathroom then there are a few options that you might want to consider.

Shower above the bathtub

If you have room for a full sized bathtub then the option that many people take is to put a shower over the bathtub. While this is an easy option I don't personally like it very much because it's difficult to make it look good and it always feels like a compromise that I didn't want to make.

Showers are for washing efficiently but bathtubs are for soaking and relaxing

After my small bathroom remodel I now have a shower cubicle as well as a bathtub, which I think is the ideal situation. Now that I have both I've been surprised to find that I use the shower far more often than I use the bathtub. Why is this? Well it's because a shower is far more efficient than bathing. I can shower in 5 minutes but when I take a bath I like to make it last for an hour or more. So for me the shower is for washing and the bathtub is for relaxing.

Trade the length of your bathtub for depth

Your bathtub is for soaking and relaxing in and for that you need to be immersed in water and you need to be comfortable. It's no good installing a short, shallow bathtub just to make it fit into your little bathroom because it won’t be any good for soaking in and it won't be comfortable either.

A better idea is to trade length of your tub for depth. This simple concept makes it possible to fit a bathtub that requires a modest floor area but still allows you to immerse yourself in water and relax.

Soaking bathtubs

The Japanese have a long tradition of using bathtubs for soaking and relaxation. They also often have to manage in very small accommodations so you can get a lot of ideas from looking at the way they live. The most interesting soaking tub that I've come across was nothing more than a wooden barrel with a stool fixed to the bottom. Yes it was crude but it worked. It fitted into a tiny little bathroom, it immersed you in water and it was very relaxing.

Walk in bathtubs

A sophisticated version of the wooden barrel bathtub is the modern walk-in bathtub. The principles are the same but they have built in seats and a door to allow easy access. A walk-in bathtub takes up much less space than a conventional bathtub but still allows you to take a very relaxing bath.

The walk-in bathtub door can be a two edged sword however. It allows easy access on the one hand, which is great if you have difficulty stepping up into the bath. The problem is that the door has a potential to leak at some point and require maintenance. Also you can't use the door unless the bathtub is empty of water, which means that you have to be inside when filling and emptying with water.

Short and deep bathtubs for very small bathrooms

So if you are remodeling a small bathroom remember that you can choose a shorter bathtub but make sure that it's deep enough to give you a long relaxing soak.

More bathroom remodeling ideas: Idea for remodeling a small bathroom at http://www.bathroomsremodeling.this-info.com Steve Gee

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Gee

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Bathroom Vanities - A Guide To Choosing The Centerpiece Of Your Bathroom Design

By Caroline Smith

A bathroom vanity can influence the character and appearance of the whole room and can be an attractive focal point of your bathroom décor. Bathroom vanities come in all sorts of styles and designs, so whether you've got a small but functional bathroom, or a grand and spacious family bathroom, there will be a bathroom vanity to meet your needs and budget.

A bathroom sink vanity is the most common type of vanity unit available, consisting of a vanity cabinet with a built in sink. Not only does this design save on space and provide practical storage, it can look stunning too. Double sink vanities are another popular choice for families and couples. They can look very elegant in larger bathrooms. Vanity tables with matching chairs or stools are another option to consider if you have adequate space and you use your bathroom as a dressing room or for applying makeup.

Bath vanities are made from either wood or veneers and come in a wide choice of colors and finishes. Because your vanity is likely to be splashed with water whilst you're washing, it's important it has a water-resistant countertop. Vanity tops can be made from a variety of materials, from inexpensive laminates or plastic, to beautiful marble, granite or glass.

Styles range from antique effect through to contemporary bathroom vanities. Think about the theme of your décor and select a style that fits in with and compliments your room's image. For instance, an ornately carved furniture style vanity cabinet can look amazing in period home. On the other hand a sleek, minimalist design can look smart in a modern bathroom. Whatever your personal tastes and price range, you're sure to find a bathroom vanity that will transform your bathroom and give it a stylish new look.

Caroline Smith has a keen interest in interior design and is a contributor to BathroomsEmporium.com - A site full of great offers on a range of contemporary bathroom vanities, discount bathroom cabinets and much more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_Smith

Friday, May 11, 2007

Tips On How Buy A Bathroom Faucet

By Rob Buenaventura

If you want to change the look of your bathroom but you don’t have a lot of money, you can do so relatively inexpensively by replacing your sink and faucet. You’ll have lots of choices on the market, many of which are “retro” and look like the faucets in your grandmother’s bathroom. You can also choose from modern-looking chrome faucets or fancy brass fixtures. You can also still buy the old-fashioned crystal-headed faucets with the snub nosed spout. If you’re so inclined, you can buy the old-fashioned key-shaped faucet handles and can choose from porcelain, brass or brushed chrome finish.

It might surprise and please you to know as well that many of today’s faucets are actually multifunctional units that can convert to showerheads or split into separate streams. You can choose from many functions and can even have multiple functions, if you so choose.

Like just about anything else, bathroom faucets run the gamut in terms of price. You can choose from simple and relatively inexpensive to fancy and quite a lot more expensive. Some things to consider before you buy a bathroom faucet include:

What type of handle do you want on your faucets? Single handled faucets rotate to handle all water temperatures from one spigot. You can also buy faucets and handles separately and make your own unique combination. However, if you do this, you have to make sure that the faucet and faucet handles will fit each other.

Next, what style of bathroom faucet will look best in your bathroom? There are hundreds of styles available, anything from antique to modern, and if you so choose, you can even buy 1970s-style faucets. Believe it or not, you can also buy stone faucets that “spit” water out of the wall or those that look like statues from Rome. However, remember that the more complicated your style is, the harder the bathroom faucet will be to install. It will also probably be a lot more expensive than a simpler one.

Next, do you want your bathtub and shower faucets to match those in your sink? Some people don’t consider this important, but it might make your bathroom appear to have a more uniform design if that’s what you’re going for.

Finally, what do you want the bathroom faucet to be made of? They are available in porcelain, chrome, brass, nickel, plastic or even stone. Some creative designers have even made bathroom faucet spouts out of seashells.

Whatever you decide, there are plenty of choices out there available for you to pick something that exactly fits your lifestyle, budget and needs.

Rob Buenaventura has worked in the home improvement industry for several years. Learn more about bathroom vanities, bathroom sinks and other home remodeling ideas at HomeImprovementTouch.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Buenaventura