If you have ever been envious of the high-end bathrooms that are portrayed in your favorite home improvement magazines, you’re probably not alone. If the size of your bathroom leaves something to be desired, then you can feel at a loss as to what to do. The following design ideas seem big by nature, but the can turn your little bathroom into a luxurious room.
Older homes tend to suffer from smaller bathrooms that measure about 5 feet by 8 feet. In order to combat the impending fear of claustrophobia, scale down some of the items in your bathroom. Start by choosing a pedestal sink instead of one that comes with long counter space and cabinets that can limit you. Choose light colored tiles and paint to create a feeling of space as darker colors can make your bathroom feel even more cramped.
Use an Asian inspired design in your bathroom to enable the play of light and dark colors. A powder room vanity with a Japanese feel to it can enable you to mix modern elements with old world designs. Meanwhile, an all brown layout can make your bath feel extra cramped, rotate the chocolate and deep brown colors with white and beige.
Take advantage of all the space in your bath, but don’t make it feel too cramped. Incorporate vanity lighting and light wall colors to create a feeling of more space. When necessary, use light oak finish furniture to expand your bath and use storage wisely.
If you prefer a more modern appeal to your bath, use horizontal tiled lines to create an illusion of more space and pair it with a frameless mirror. Use ceiling and wall vanity lighting to complement your space and lead the eye seamlessly around the bathroom. Last but not least, incorporate a curbless shower and pair it with a small toilet to create a larger appeal and a luxurious feel.
Take advantage of the shape of your bathroom by choosing a small yet effective vanity. Use a dark colored vanity for light walls and a light vanity for dark walls. Maximize the storage space by purchasing a vanity that has drawers under the sink to hide your accessories.
If you have too much wall space, but nothing to cover it with choose a Zen way of decorating by using a long horizontal mirror. It can help you stretch the wall space and create the illusion of a much larger bath. In this case, choose a dark framed mirror with thick framing.
Paint is not always the best way to make a cramped space feel bigger. Choose white marble tiles and frameless mirrors to work together in order to create a feeling of space. Instead of installing a tub, install a glass door shower and pair it with a floor-to-ceiling cabinet system.
There is no reason why a small bath can’t be stylish or luxurious. Most people feel the need to expand their bathrooms for extra added cost, but it really isn’t necessary. Use your bathroom space the right way and incorporate light and dark colors to trick the eye.
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Choosing The Right Contractor For Your Home Improvement Project
Whether you are simply getting new windows or planning an addition for your expanding family, finding a reliable competent contractor is always the first step to a satisfying and successful home improvement project. Your home is one of your most valuable assets and you want to be cautious when you are choosing someone to be working on it.
You will find many contractors that advertise on the radio, in newspapers, and on TV. However, do not just go by an add to represent the quality of the contractors work. It is always better to first try to get references from neighbors, friends, or co-workers who have had improvement projects done in their home.
Be sure to get written estimates from everyone that you are considering, and ask them for an explanation of any price variations. Do not always go with the lowest bidder.
Depending on the complexity and size of your project, you may choose to have a few different contractors for the job. A general contractor would help to manage all aspects of your project including the hiring of subcontractors and supervising them, scheduling inspections, and getting all the building permits that are required. The general contractor also works with designers and architects.
Specialty contractors will install very specific products such as bathroom fixtures and cabinets. Architects on the other hand are used for major renovations such as designing homes and additions. If your project is going to require structural changes you may also want to hire an architect that specializes in doing home remodeling.
If you are working in a specific area such as a kitchen or bath you want a designer that has expertise with that area. If you hire a build/design contractor, they provide a one-stop service. These contractors will see your project through from beginning to end. Some firms even have architects on the staff while others use specific certified designers.
You need to be careful not to be tricked into hiring a less than reputable contractor. Unfortunately not all contractors are on the up and up. Some signs to watch out for would be a contractor that is soliciting door-to-door, the contractor only accepts cash payments, they say that they have leftover materials from their previous job, and they try to pressure you into an immediate decision.
Also be wary if the contractor does not have a business number listed in the local directory, if they ask you to pay for your entire job up front, they offer you discounts for finding them other customers, and they offer unusually long guarantees.
Be sure that you interview each contractor that you are considering. Know how long they have been in business, make sure that they are registered and licensed with the state, ask them for all their references, and find out the types of insurance that they carry. Also ask if they will be using subcontractors as well.
Choosing the proper contractor to handle your home improvement project will help to save you a lot of headaches in the long run.