Bathroom Lighting Style For Comfort and Usability
Apr 26th
If you are doing a complete bathroom remodel, or even if you just want to liven up your bathroom, lighting should be one of your biggest concerns. The right lighting in any room can really make the style stand out, while bad lighting can make a room dreary and unusable. Keep usability and looks in mind when you are choosing the right bathroom lighting. The bathroom is one of those areas where you should be generous in the amount of light allowed in. Multiple sources of lighting are perhaps one of the best approaches to lighting up your bathroom. You should move beyond the use of one little ceiling light and investigate what other options are available.
Think About Different Fixtures
You’ll want your bathroom to be bright and easy to use, so you will need to consider a variety of fixtures. There are a number of standard ceiling fixtures to start with as your main source of light. Stay plain and uniform with this light and build a variety of fixtures around the room, each with a particular use and keeping in mind the overall atmosphere of the room. There are many types of fixtures to choose from. A good approach is to start with three and add more as you see fit. Think of your main light source, mirror lighting, and accented lighting.
Mirror & Vanity Lighting
This is where you’ll want a strong, alternative lighting source. If possible keep mirror lights on their own switch, so they can be turned on or off when need be. There is no sense having the vanity lights using up energy when no one is using the mirror. Choose a style that brings out the beauty of your vanity, as well as a bright white lighting for maximum efficiency and reflect-ability.
Shower & Tub Lighting
A nice recessed light over the shower is a great idea. This type of lighting is easy to install and safe for bathroom use. Again, remember that you want a good, bright source of lighting over the shower to prevent any accidents.
Stylish Accented Lighting
Pendant lighting is a great way to bring some personality into your bathroom lighting. Many people confuse pendant lighting with chandelier lights. Pendants, however, are smaller and cast an ambient light. Strategically pick a corner or two to place the pendant lighting. It is best to keep these lights away from areas where a lot of water splashing may occur. Opposite sinks and showers are great spots for pendant lights to give the bathroom lighting a little character.
Don’t skimp on bathroom lighting. Find the best deals you can, but be sure to offer plenty of lighting in this all important room.
New Bathroom Lighting Makes A World Of Difference
Apr 23rd
For better or worse, we spend a lot of time in our bathrooms. One of the most overlooked rooms in the house, when it comes to decorating and style, is the bathroom. This is unfortunate because a few simple things can make all the difference. Using the right lighting can be a major step in the right direction to turn your bathroom into a more comfortable and attractive room.
Natural Light Considerations
Many bathrooms suffer from inadequate natural lighting. When it comes to bringing out the beauty of a room’s design, few things work like old-fashioned sunlight. Many bathrooms have small windows that prevent natural light from flowing in. To add some style, if you have the extra cash, hire a home repair company to install a larger, more attractive window. The sunlight will really bring out the design elements of the room.
Fixtures for the rest of us
Of course most of us don’t have a lot of cash sitting around for renovation projects the size of new window installations. So, to get some better lighting in our bathrooms without spending a fortune, light fixtures are going to have to do the job.
Recessed ceiling lights can be a wonderful way to add some much needed light into the entire room. Be sure to position any lighting in the room so that water from the shower will not splash into it. The last thing you want in the quest for a brighter bathroom is an electrical disaster.
New vanity lights can be a welcome addition if you have trouble seeing details when shaving or when applying make up. You want your bathroom to be a place where you can concentrate on your appearance in private. The addition of some nice track lighting over the vanity can provide all of the functional lighting you’ll need to make a big impact on the light levels in your bathroom.
Bring Things to Light
The addition of some elegant lighting can help the finer points of your bathroom appear sharper and crisper. Of course new lighting should be the first step. Once you see the room in a better light, it will probably show you some areas that need some work done. Use the addition of new bathroom lighting to begin your total bathroom makeover.
Bathroom Renovation: Claw Foot Tub
Apr 14th
The bathroom can be one of the most challenging and rewarding rooms of the house to redesign. If you are re-modeling your bathroom in the near future, there are quite a few areas to consider. Not only do you want your bathroom to look good, you also want it to function smoothly. There are plumbing concerns in addition to all the standard aspects, like walls and flooring. The bathroom is one area of your house where you need to have a solid plan in place before you begin. If you get too gung-ho in your approach, you can destroy some of your plumbing. Take your time and plan thoroughly and you will have a bathroom that you absolutely love. One of the key concerns with bathroom design is the shower.
Your Shower is the Centerpiece of Your Bathroom
The bathtub and shower are key concerns when it comes time for a bathroom renovation. If you are committed to the idea of completely re-designing your bathroom, you should probably start with the tub and shower area. This is probably the area of your bathroom that takes up the most square footage. You will also likely spend more time in your tub than in any other area of the bathroom, so take the time to plan out and execute a successful bathroom design, starting with your shower.
Go Retro With A Claw-Foot Tub
The old style bathroom, complete with a four foot claw tub is a great stylistic presentation. These kinds of tubs can be especially striking when placed in a bathroom that is contemporary in every other aspect. These tubs are perfect for long soaking sessions at the end of the day. They also add a classic look to any bathroom that is hard to duplicate.
Replacing your tub is not a job that just anyone should undertake. Since there are so many plumbing considerations with putting in a new tub, it is recommended that you get a professional. You can take your chances if you feel confident, but bringing in a pro plumber will guarantee good results and is worth the money spent.
If you are considering a bathroom renovation, a claw foot tub adds the perfect sense of old-school charm to any and every style.
Bathroom Sinks: Buying Tips, Ideas & MORE!
Feb 24th
Does your bathroom need a new look? One of the easiest ways to give it a facelift is to get a new bathroom sink. These days, there are a variety of sinks being offered, from the traditional white porcelain bowl, to the free-standing sink. Most importantly you can easily find something to fit your budget.
There are five basic types of sinks on the market today, and each one should be chosen considering your needs, who uses it the most, the size and style of your washroom, and your decorating style. If you are unfamiliar with the types, each category has been listed with a brief description.
Vanity Sinks
Vanity sinks are sinks that are installed into cabinetry. They are functional because they provide ample storage space and keep all your toiletries neatly out of sight. However, since they can take up a lot of room, they are most suitable for large bathrooms as opposed to a tiny powder room.
Pedestal Sinks
Pedestal sinks usually come in one piece as the sink sits on top of a pedestal and are usually made of porcelain or marble. This adds to their sophistication and quality. They take up very little room, so are an excellent choice for a small bathroom.
Vessel Sinks
Vessel sinks sit on top of a counter and often looks almost like a bowl or some other vessel. They are very decorative and have a contemporary look and feel. This type of sink can vary in size and can come in a variety of different materials, with the most common being glass, stone and metal. If you are going for a more modern look than vessel sinks are your best bet.
Console sinks
Console sinks are sinks that are mounted on a countertop, connected to a wall and supported by two legs at the back. This is a great style for smaller bathrooms as it can make the room appear larger than it is. There is no cabinet, but placing a basket under it is a good way to create some storage space.
Wall-mounted Sinks
Wall-mounted sinks are the type of sinks most often seen in public restrooms. They are functional and take up little room, thus making them perfect for even the smallest bathroom. Since this type of sink can be pulled away from the wall, they are best suited for households without small children or anyone who needs to use a sink to support their body weight.
Careful consideration should be taken when selecting the perfect bathroom sink to ensure it best suits your lifestyle and design. Shop around to find the best one for you.
Freshen up your Bathroom Accessories
Feb 24th
If you find yourself having to hurdle over lumps of dirty towels or have even experienced stepping onto some foreign grime you can’t even recognize as you enter your bathroom, the area may be lacking some very important, functional accessories. To help put some things into perspective, assess the current situation of dysfunction before applying the necessary accessories. You can also make a stylish and salubrious impression by furnishing your bathroom with unique and helpful items.
Freshening Accessories
No one likes to enter a bathroom filled with lingering and unpleasant mysterious odours, so be sure to have plenty of air freshening supplies on hand. Choices can be based on packaging style to suit decor, product convenience and effectiveness, or simply for liking the fragrance it delivers.
So what will it be? An anti-bacterial ocean breeze scented spray that allows you to combat odours and germs, or the dual functioning benefits of a fragrant toilet paper holder that releases a pleasant scent with every spin?
Ozone friendly aerosols and ornaments filled with scented potpourri or droplets of your favourite essential oils make wonderful environmentally safe fresheners. Or for a more lasting effect opt for an automatic wall-mounted freshener with timing features capable of delivering bouquets of pleasant aromas every hour. Whatever the choice in freshening devices, a bathroom’s first impression is greatly measured by its welcoming odour.
If caught in a situation of unexpected company arriving and your air freshening resources have suddenly depleted, simply place as a small cupful of scented fabric softener in an inconspicuous area to quickly freshen up the room.
Clean and Tidy
Place necessary accessories such as waste baskets and towel racks in plain view. This will help to avoid and divert potential sloppiness from happening in the first place. In the event that plain view tactics do not improve a messy situation, stop mess culprits in their tracks by using a visual aid, such as placing a large sign on the door that says; “Slob Prevention Training Program in Effect Until Further Notice”, and then removing the sign once the situation has improved.
Wall mounted soap dispensers keep your favourite cleansers and soaps neatly organized and hygienic and keep counter tops free from product clutter. For easy clean-ups of toilets, sinks, door-handles or any other bacteria breeding crevasses, furnish the bathroom with a stylish dispenser containing some handy disinfecting wipes.
Adding functional and stylish accessories will keep bathrooms looking clean and smelling fresh, which will benefit everyone.
Barbara Sonja Biller
Bathroom Design: Candle Light & Soaking Tubs
Feb 24th
As a woman, the bathroom is one of my favourite rooms in the house. It is a sanctuary where I get ready for the day to come and unwind after a long day of work.
I prefer to take a bath rather than a shower, and try to do so everyday. So when I designed my house, I took a long time deciding what kind of a tub I wanted. This is important because there are an astounding amount of options out there.
My first decision was whether I wanted a whirlpool bath or not. Obviously, the big advantage is the massage you receive when you turn on the jets. However, you can’t use any oils, bubble baths or salts if you don’t want to make a huge mess. The noise of the motor is also an issue, as well as the space you need to house it.
I have always been a big fan of the old fashion tub as well. However, if you like to have a platform around your bath to keep shampoos, bath oils, candles and towels, than this won’t work well for you. With a freestanding old fashion tub, you are limited to a soup holder that crosses the tub. I find it gets in the way.
A freestanding tub also requires exposed fixtures which are very expensive. So, I decided to take and old fashion tub and drop it into a platform that I covered with marble tiles. I saved money on the facets because they were mounted from the platform instead of leading from the bathroom floor.
These tubs also come in different sizes. You can have a 5 or 6 foot long tub. Since I am only 5′5”, I decided for the 5 footer. Also, you use less water to fill it which saves money in the long run.
Now, I can come home, light a few candles and relax in my luxurious tub. Sheer heaven.
O. Alexandra Viteznikova
Bathroom Light Fixture Tips
Dec 25th
The most important thing when it comes to bathroom lighting is that it provides the light you need without being too harsh. Below are some ideas for bathroom lighting and tips on installing them.
Installing Bathroom Lights
Bathroom lights can come in a variety of types and can be installed in different areas of your bathroom. It is important to place them where you will get the best possible lighting, especially when it comes to looking in the mirror. Installing your bathroom lighting fixtures to face a person directly and not at the mirror will solve this matter. When you install your lights make sure that they are in a place that is not likely to get moist. Another place where you might need some light is inside your cabinets and even on the sides of your mirror.
Installing Two Types Of Bulbs
In order to have a variety in your lighting fixtures, you can is install two types of bulbs inside your bathroom. One type will give off a much brighter light and the other a dimmer one. This is beneficial because the brighter bulbs are useful when you are getting dressed or putting on makeup for instance. The dimmer lights can be used if you want a more relaxing atmosphere if you are taking a bath perhaps.
The perfect bathroom light fixture, whether it is bright lights or dim lights, is one that gives you the best possible sense of comfort.
Top Bathroom Vanity Ideas
Dec 25th
When designing or renovating your bathroom it is important to consider bathroom vanities. There are a variety of ideas that you can pursue, but first it is essential that you carefully plan out what you want in your bathroom. Make sure the things you choose suit your personal needs but also provide you with the basic functions needed from your bathroom.
Contemporary Bathroom Vanity
Since we are living in a more modern era, a contemporary bathroom vanity has become more popular in recent years among homeowners. It is essential to make sure that the style you choose is reasonably priced and can stay durable for many years.
Furniture Vanities
Different bathroom furniture vanities can enhance the look of your bathroom. Adding cabinets to hold your bathroom accessories like shampoos, soaps, conditioners and bathroom gels, can look great and save you space. On the other hand, having a larger bathroom works to your advantage because it provides you with the freedom to put things wherever you judge them suitable. Also, think about adding a small magazine rack where you can put magazines and reading materials.
Your bathroom vanity is important in providing a functional and elegant space. By adding the right type of accessories you can transform your bathroom from a standard room into a more sophisticated and unique space.
Bathroom Tile Ideas
Dec 23rd
One way which you can improve the design of your bathroom is by installing new bathroom floor tiles. Bathroom tiles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, patterns and designs and at times can be the main feature of your bathroom’s overall décor. It is important that as you renovate your bathroom you take note on what type of tiles you need in order to achieve the look you want.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic is one of the many different types of tiles that you can install. This type of tile is popular because it is durable and will rarely need repairing. Not only is it resilient, but also it is resistant to dampness, so, it is safe to walk on them even if your bathroom is moist. In addition, such a feature also enables you to clean them more easily.
Adding Wall Tiles
Aside from installing floor tiles, you can even add wall tiles that will suit the overall design of your bathroom. These wall tiles are great in preventing stains on your walls and can compliment your ceramic floor tiles. You may choose a bathroom wall tile that has the same design as your floor tiles or you can add to the style by picking other patterns that will compliment the style of your bathroom.
Bathroom tiles are certainly an important part of your bathroom. Make sure that you have chosen the right type of tiles and also the best combination to achieve the greatest overall look.
