Category: Blog

When you think of your bathroom renovation, the unassuming toilet is not the first thing to come to mind, but it’s just as important as any other element in your project.  Toilets vary just as any other fixture and choosing the perfect one for your project will require resisting the temptation to cut corners, so that you avoid regrets and more expenses down the road. 
We put together a list of key features for you to consider before settling on the right one for you. 

5 Features to Consider When Choosing the Right Toilet 

Feature #1: Two Pieces vs. One Piece 
The most common option is a two piece toilet with a separate tank and seat.  The tank and seat are made to fit together, but will have a seam of some sort.  This seam can become a difficult spot for cleaning down the road. However, two piece toilets have some advantages such as being easier to transport and install.
On the other hand, one piece toilets have a tendency to be more high-end and expensive.  Just like the two piece toilet prices, styles and quality vary. This type is seamless and provides a modern, more sophisticated look with one less place for germs to secrete. If this choice fits your budget, a one piece toilet is generally the more recommended option regardless of your bathrooms décor.
Both styles have disadvantages and advantages, so it comes down to personal preference.

Feature #2: High Tank Toilets
Higher tank toilets give your bathroom a certain charm taking the two piece toilet look to the extreme. A high tank toilet functions just as well as the standard option, so the choice comes down to aesthetics more than mechanics in most designs.  Please note that this style can be a little more expensive that the other options. However, this is an excellent choice if you want your toilet to be more noticeable rather than hidden away.

Feature #3: Wall Toilets
This option of toilet is installed inside of the wall hiding the tank,so that it is not visible. Wall toilets are more lavish and require more of an investment that the other options.  This option is more for a bathroom renovation, rather than a remodel because it requires more construction and a more detailed design.  But if you do choose this option, it will give you a very posh aesthetic.
If you are really interested in this option, please note that there is no way to tell if this option is viable until the wall has been opened and the plumbing is revealed.  Please keep this in mind when you design your bathroom.

Feature #4: Placement
If you are remodelling your bathroom, most likely all your plumbing fixtures will stay in the same exact locations.  Rarely is it practical to move a toilet if you aren’t going to renovate your bathroom.  If you can relocate your plumbing fixtures, keep in mind that a minimum of 15 – 18 inches has to be kept from the shower, walls or vanity. 

Feature #5: Lever vs. Push Button
Besides having a few options for what tank you prefer, you can also choose if you prefer a lever or a push button flush.  The most popular option is a lever flush as this option is the least expensive of both choices and has a classic look. However, a push button flush give off a modern feel and can be more expensive. 
It is also important to note that toilets with a dual flush button can reduce the amount of water used.  This over time can save you money on your water bill, therefore making up for the more expensive cost.

Consider these features when choosing the perfect toilet for your bathroom to compliment your vision both aesthetically and functionally.
. . .
We hope you found this bit of information helpful, inspiring, and motivating toward making plans to renovate your  bathroom.

As the colder weather approaches, we will start pulling out our bulky coats, jackets, hats, scarves, gloves, etc. from their often-times deep deep storage spots that aren’t always so easily accessed.

Here are a few easy small apartment storage ideas that will help you reorganize your space to better accommodate these bulky items and add space – plus a bit of design flare – to your Maryland home sweet home in the colder months.
1.  Entryway Storage & Coat Hangers

If your apartment lacks a designated entry, create your own with a bookcase.

Remove the top shelves and install hooks on the back wall of the bookcase for hanging coats. Add more hooks to the sides of the books case for hanging leashes or umbrellas.

Outfit the bottom shelves with baskets and small drawers for storing mittens, sunglasses, and other out-the-door essentials. Add a memo bar from an office supply store to the top of the bookcase as a place to organize reminders.
2.  Table & Sink Skirts

Need to hide things away? Adding some colorful fabric to a bathroom sink or living room end table that accentuates your existing decor is a great small apartment storage idea that can provide hidden space for large boots or shoes, or small baskets for hats and gloves.

 
3.  Multi-Purpose Hamper

A nifty little clothes hamper, well-placed near your entry door can provide a tidy solution to lots of hats, gloves, scarves, umbrellas, etc.

But remember, you’ve got to add a little flare to this solution so that your decor is untainted.

There are lots of low-cost options available, especially here in the DMV. Your local low-cost home furnishing stores usually can provide the best options.

4.  Corner Baskets
Every apartment has corners, and it’s about time to put those corners to good use.  An inexpensive small apartment storage solution is to add small baskets to these corners, tucked behind that chair or end table.

These baskets can be used to store your summer flip flops and sandals, so that you can put your galoshes and boots in a more accessible place, where the flip flops and sandals used to be!

5.  Mirrors!  (Faux-Space Maker)

Although most of us have a pretty good idea on where to hang a mirror in our home, they’re often times far more versatile than we initially think.

Well-placed mirrors can be one the best tools in the small space owner’s back pocket to create the illusion of more space. In our personal opinion you can never have too many.

While larger mirrors can be quite pricey, many of us don’t have the budget for such things. Look for smaller decorative mirrors at discount or thrift stores to get big impact on a small budget.

As we head into a long stretch of February Winter, I would like to add a little bit of crazy fun to your web browsing.  Here are a few over-the-top bathroom ideas that show lots of character, whimsy, and a whole lot of fantasy.  We hope you enjoy taking a look as much as we had finding them!

Fireplace bath, always a cozy room for relaxing

Circular bath, another cozy way to hideaway after a stressful day

Underwater grotto bath, all the crazy colors from beneath the surface of the sea

Mineshaft bath, keeping you occupied while “occupied”

Copper tubing bathroom, who doesn’t love crazy shiny stuff?

Moroccan bath, another place to while away the day in a far away fantasy land

Ski bath, for the crazy adventurous type always on the go!

Hollywood bathroom, lavish, art deco, bygone era

That’s it for this week’s showcase.  Some crazy bathroom ideas that could belong to any of us with the right attitude and motivation.

Whether you’re a shameless lover of bright, bold colors or you’re color shy, your bathroom is a great place to stock up on your favorite color.   The bathroom is a small enough space that bright, bold, or in season colors can be used without feeling overwhelming or like you are over committing.  And even if you don’t love it, you can easily change it up again. 

Six Colorful and Bold Styles To Inspire Your Bathroom 

Style #1: Black & White

When planning your black and white bathroom, you can choose to go matte or gloss.  These clients chose a glossy finish, which gives a very glitzy effect that’s not subtle.  The chic lighting on top of the medicine cabinet adds to the soft charm of this glossy design.  The shine from the tiles reflects off the wall which helps make to brighten your bathroom by bouncing light around the space. Black gives any bathroom a bit of edge, but not too much edge that it’s not good for family life. 

Style #2: Natural Hues
If you’re looking for an alternative to the norm for your bathroom and want to make a statement, consider dark walls, tiles, vanities or a combo of all. A popular new trend for 2017 is dark hues for your home because of their bold statement effect.
The dark matte design in this bathroom features large wall tiles, shower enclosure, statement vanity and a little bit of sparkle.  The sparkle all around the accent mirror in the wall stands out together with the matte wall tiles and the dark grey works as a dazzling backdrop for this stunning bathroom.  Also, the vanity and shower give this design a peaceful spa feels. 

Style #3: Metallic
If dark is not something that you’re attracted to but you still want color, then you can always tone it down with a little bit of grey.  This spectacular bathroom design gives you just enough; it’s not overly bold, but also has enough color that it gives your bathroom character and charm.  The incredible metallic backsplash in herringbone tile design by the mirrors, an attention-grabbing mirror can really change your whole bathroom.

Style #4: Royal Blue
This bright royal blue bathroom offers a nice contrast to its white fixtures.  These ocean inspired colors are linked with feelings of calmness and tranquility.  It features:

Victorian Medium Pedestal Sink in White
Metalika Silver Anodized Medicine Cabinet
Eco 3 Jet Showerhead
Floor Tile is an Octagon with Dot in white and black gloss
Wall tile is Rittenhouse in White 3×6 

Style #5: Glass Mosaic
Blue engages our mind with thoughts of tranquility and peace. It also conveys calmness that we feel from the water and sky and those parts of nature. This project features:

Accent Wall with Rainbow Crystal Mixed 1”x1” Mosaic tile
Kohler White Cast Iron Tub
Red Oak Lada Vanity
Door Saddle and Shower Shelf are both Caesarstone in Raven Polished.

Style #6: Subway Tiles
By tradition, subway tiles are a white or a version of white, but if you desire something different and with a more dramatic effect, you can use an array of color for your tiles.  There is a huge variety of hues to choose from from gray to cobalt blue and even red.  Therefore, you can choose to go bold with any color that suits your design.  As you see in this design, the designer paired the gorgeous Venus Wood Vanity in cinnamon finish with this Cobalt Blue subway tile design.

. . .
We hope you found this bit of information helpful, inspiring, and motivating toward making plans to renovate your  bathroom.

If one or more of the descriptions below describe the shower, tub or bathroom in your home, consider requesting a bathroom renovation.
There’s no better time to enjoy your home than the present, so watch out for these bathroom scenarios:

1) Old Home Drafts: Having trouble keeping the heat inside thanks to old windows and poorly insulated walls in the bathroom? Renovate your home and feel the difference. Installing new windows with tight seals can keep the cold at bay during chilly Maryland winters. Pair your windows and walls with decorative trims for a personalized finish.

2) Not Enough Space: Running out of room? Adding a vanity or flowing concept can provide the counterspace and legroom you need.

3) Outdated Design: There’s retro and then there’s outdated. If you have a bathroom from the 70s or shower tub with ugly colors broadcast against the wall , it’s time for a change. This isn’t your grandparents’ home. Live with the design theory and comfortable accommodations of today.

4) Falling Apart: If you move your floor mats and see a noticeable difference in the floor tile color, or you discover tears in your bathroom wallpaper, it might be time for a room renovation.

5) Hate the Space: Find yourself reluctant to host friends and family, or sick of a how a room looks? That’s you signal it’s time for change. A renovated bathroom, attic bedroom, or home theater basement can make you fall in love with your home again.

6) Outdated Everything: Have a bathroom without an outlet? Outdated bathrooms are one sign it’s time to upgrade your home for the 21st century.

7) New Needs: Whether you have a new addition to the family or you’re tired of going downstairs to shower and bath, your home should change to accommodate your life. Maybe you need a new bathroom for a child or a more convenient way to wash your hands and bathe your kids. It’s time for a bathroom renovation.

Have you read our Frequently Asked Questions section?