Bathroom remodeling is becoming more and more prominent in today’s day and age, as homeowners look to turn this space into a luxurious getaway.  Bathroom design trends have changed immensely over the years.  Check out the original trends below.

Throughout the decades, the bathroom has evolved from just an ordinary shower and comfort room into an intimate and personal retreat where homeowners and the rest of the household can luxuriate any time of the day to get away from all the stress of their bustling lifestyles. Other than investing in enhanced everyday living, this project also affords your home a substantial boost in value, even letting you recoup more than what was invested.  This makes bathroom remodeling among the most popularly undertaken projects. But before taking on the project, it pays to know modern trends.

The universal trend that is evident in unusual constructions and which many older homes follow is a bathroom that is both bigger and better. Though plot is a luxury that some homeowners may not afford, the key to making a bathroom larger than it seems is by using creative effect elements and maximizing every square foot. When it comes to making things better the emphasis is on luxury and comfort. Technology and fresh designs are consistently keeping up with the times to offer homeowners an array of products to delight the senses.

Now, here are some of the most favorite recent trends that you might gather for your bathroom remodeling project:

Steam is In

With the array of home-sauna products that are coming out in the market, you do not have to be a member of an expensive fitness club for some relaxing steam rinses. The biggest thing to hit bathroom remodeling trends is steam. Whether your budget and floor understanding allows for a smaller or more lavish version, there are lots of options to concept into – from single steam showers to a steam-room system.

Heating Up

With unusual trends in bathroom remodeling, gone are the days when comfort ends inside the shower stall. With delicate electric heating, tiles or stone floors are chilly no more. Stepping out would never be a concept to cringe at. With towel warmers that may simply approach as a holder or built-in drawer, you’ll be reaching out to such warmth and fluffiness that drying up will be as exquisite as bathing.

Vent It All Out

With all the heat and steam, it would pay big-time to invest in efficient ventilation. With this, you won’t have to wipe the mirrors every time. This makes a fresh and better fan a practical addition to your bathroom remodeling. Reflect on buying a fan with humidity sensors that automatically turn on and shut off as needed.

Recent Trends in Tubs and Showers

As place permits, more and more homeowners are taking on bathroom remodeling to have a separate tub and shower. But if both do not fit into the layout, opting for either is largely dependent on personal needs and preferences. Spa-themed bathrooms are in with tubs and showers offering more luxury features that are adjustable to your preferred settings. For showers, stalls are getting airier. Whether deep-soaking or whirlpools are your thing, you are in for a bathing treat to ease the body and rejuvenate the senses.

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Wouldn’t the world would be a better place if everyone had a nice bathroom?

I love walking into a nice, clean, bright and shiny bathroom, as I’m sure anyone else does too. So why do people put up with their ugly bathrooms? Often, they think that it will just cost way too much to redo anything, so they just choose to live with the ugliness. But effective remodeling solutions do exist, and there is a way to banish the curse of the ugly bathroom. Here are some things you really shouldn’t put up with, and how to make it right.

A pink tub. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a retro vibe, and while you may be thinking that pink tub is a “throwback” and looks cool – well, simply put, it doesn’t. Trends come and go and the pink bathtub has gone (for good, I’m quite certain). It’s likely that if your home was built in the 1950s the bathroom may indeed have a pink tub (sometimes blue, or yellow). If that’s the case, a brand new acrylic tub liner in white right over the old tub is a great way to get an instant, modern upgrade for your bathroom.

Outdated tiles. The master bathroom of the house I grew up in still has its original 1970s bath area wall tiles. Every time I go over to visit my mom who still lives there, I wonder if this shouldn’t be a considered a crime. Said tiles are white with a lavender floral print on them (does that even exist anymore?). What makes them even worse is that the grout has, over the past 35 years, gone from white to, well, not white – and no amount of heavy duty cleaning is going to change that. Best, most cost-effective option? A durable acrylic wall system right over the existing wall! The ugly tile is gone and the bathroom is instantly upgraded. Acrylic is a quality material that resists mold and mildew. My mom’s bathroom could be quickly transformed from a 1970s disaster to a modern 2010 dream come true! This before and after picture is a perfect example.

Really old faucets. If they squeak, if they leak, or if there is any kind of grimy build up on them that doesn’t seem to ever clean off no matter what, then you know what you have to do. Updating the faucets in the tub/shower area and on the sink with something sleek and modern is a fairly simple process, and it can do wonders for your bathroom.

Cracked, chipped tub. Seriously, no, just no. This brings me back to an apartment I once rented. The building was originally built in the 1930s and I wasn’t too fond of the really outdated bathroom in my humble one-bedroom flat. Needless to say, the original tub had been repainted, I’m guessing, a number of times. Shortly after I moved in, the tub’s bottom began peeling, and peeling, and peeling some more. Taking a long, hot, relaxing bath (something I love to do) became a thing of the past. Even standing in the tub for a shower was challenging. I notified the landlord and next thing I knew an acrylic tub liner was installed. It looked great – the tub was so clean and new! I could take long baths again. It was pure bliss, and boy, was I happy!

Freshome has posted some great tips on how to create a rustic feel throughout the home. Their suggestions for bathroom renovation caught my eye so I’ll share them with you if you want to really create a fresh new atmosphere for your bathroom.

In the bathroom and the kitchen, rustic details can really come to life. Kitchen countertops made from marble, granite, wood butcher block or concrete are considered standard in luxury homes. In your home, use the same materials, or opt for more affordable choices that mimic the real thing. Consider using man made solid surfacing or lower grade natural materials. In the bathroom, shower and tub enclosures can be formed from the same natural rock as the fireplace. Sinks and faucets can add rustic appeal by using integral sink and countertops. Copper, Bronze, and Pewter fixtures come in rustic styles for shower, sink, and lighting to all match. Fixture manufacturer’s have rustic material options beyond your imagination.

Your home can have rustic styling that feels natural and comfortable, or daring and adventurous. Whichever is your style, rustic details can bring nature and luxury together, effortlessly in your home.

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We found this post on Freshome and couldn’t wait to share it here! We know how important a bathroom renovation can be in updating your house, but modernizing your home can extend beyond the washroom.  Check out these tips below for simple ways to bring  your home into the 21st century.  You’ll find these tips helpful, especially for your bathroom design!

Whether your home is 10 years old, or 110 years old, modernizing your home can be a challenging feat. Depending on your extent of renovating, modernizing can be a simple or intricate task.  Your home can be modernized for cosmetic or aesthetic touches.  These touches can be ones in which only what you see and feel will be considered in updating.  Some will choose to modernize down to the structure of the home, and this type of modernizing can turn into a full home renovation.  Here’s some simple ways to bring your home up to date, without breaking the bank!

CURRENT CONDITIONS: Analyze your home and observe what areas of your home need modernizing.  Often times the current condition of furniture and appliances makes us think that the home needs more work than really necessary.  Look at the conditions of the walls of your home. If made with gypsum board and studs – light patching of holes and updating paint color may do the trick. Concentrate on the house itself, not your belongings in the house.

MODERN DETAILS: Flip through your favorite home magazine, or visit home websites that give you inspiration to find modern home detailing.  Simple details like yellow light switch plates can date your home.  Changing them to white or a matching décor color will instantly bring your room into the modern day.

LIGHTING: Home light fixtures usually are made for the current times.  Updating ceiling, sconces, and bathroom fixtures will modernize your space and possibly bring better and more efficient light to the space.  Lighting fixtures may be able to be reduced or removed with the introduction of more natural light into a space.  Consider adding skylights, and solar tubes into areas that once were dark.

MATERIALS: Flooring, wall paper, kitchen/bath counters, and sinks/bathtubs are an instant attraction of age.  Since these items are usually chosen by the current colors and patterns of the times, your home could be looking much older than you desire. Replace carpet if it is worn, discolored, or is in an outdated color.  Remove dated wallpaper and replace with modern styled wallpaper or paint the walls instead.  Often times an old brick wall can become a new accent wall with cleaning and restoring its original beauty.  For kitchen and bathroom fixtures with outdated colors consider replacing with neutral colors that will not show time as quickly.  Consider refacing counters and cabinetry to save on the expense of a major overhaul of your kitchen or bath.

MODERNIZE FOR YOU AND THEM: If you are tired of looking at the same outdated home, then modernizing can be for you and your family to enjoy a familiar home and uplift in its character.  On the other hand, home sellers may be updating their home to be able to put their home on the market, and boost up their appeal.  Whichever your personal reason for modernizing, it’s a great idea to make your home safe, look better, and to bring the inhabitants of your home pleasure when enjoying your home.

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Eco-chic is not only a trend these days, but also a great way to get involved in making a positive impact on our environment.  These types of changes can occur at home – in your very own bathroom! Check out these tips below for going green in your bathroom space.

With so many products claiming to be green these days, it’s hard to know which ones are the real deal. A great indicator for certified sustainability in the bathroom is the WaterSense label, which is granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By learning how (and which) products meet the criteria, you can easily incorporate the best – and most eco-friendly – products into your bath.

“WaterSense-labeled products help you save water in your home and protect the environment,” says Stephanie Thornton, a representative of the WaterSense Program at the EPA. “Since it was first launched in 2006, the WaterSense program has helped consumers identify water-efficient products that not only meet specific water-savings criteria, but performance criteria as well. Meaning you’ll get the same great performance you’re used to, just using less water.”

WaterSense aims to decrease indoor and outdoor water use through water-efficient products and simple, water-saving practices. The program encourages customers to look for WaterSense-labeled products, which have been independently certified for efficiency and performance, and promotes water-saving techniques that reduce stress on water systems and the environment.

A number of product categories carry the WaterSense label, making it even easier to reduce the water usage in your home.

Toilets

According to the EPA, you will likely flush the toilet nearly 140,000 times over the course of your lifetime. Switching to a WaterSense-labeled model will help you save up to 4,000 gallons per year and an average of $90 on your water bill.

Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom, building a new home or simply replacing an old toilet that’s past its prime, a high-performance, water-efficient option bearing the WaterSense label is definitely worth considering. As the culprit of nearly 30 percent of your home’s indoor water consumption, older, inefficient toilets waste up to 11 gallons every day.

Bathroom faucets

Faucets account for approximately 15 percent of indoor household water use – more than 1 trillion gallons across the U.S. each year. You can save water – even when the faucet is running – by installing a model that’s certified to meet WaterSense criteria.

With countless options available in nearly every style and finish, it’s easy to reduce water usage and be stylish at the sink. Plumbing manufacturers continue to transition their products to meet WaterSense guidelines, and in 2009, Moen Incorporated received WaterSense certifications on all its lavatory faucets. Designed to help environmentally-conscious consumers optimize water flow without sacrificing performance, the faucets feature a 1.5 gallon per minute (gpm) flow rate versus the industry standard of 2.2 gpm, resulting in water conservation of up to 32 percent.

Showerheads

As the newest category to earn WaterSense labeling, traditional showerheads can use up to 30 gallons of water per household, per day. Installing a Watersense-labeled showerhead could make a big difference, saving more than 2,300 gallons per year.

Moen was one of the first manufacturers to receive this certification for showerheads, with 17 models currently certified to meet WaterSense criteria. The newly certified water-efficient showerheads represent every category in Moen’s showering portfolio – including wall-mount, rainshower and hand shower showerheads – and feature flow rates ranging from 1.75 gallons per minute (gpm) to 2.0 gpm, versus the industry standard of 2.5 gpm. The result is water conservation of up to 30 percent.

“Best of all, the showerheads still provide a great experience without sacrificing performance,” says Mike Reffner, group product manager, Moen. “Moen isn’t just using a restrictor to reduce flow – it has redesigned its showerheads to deliver the same level of showering consumers expect from Moen, but with less water.”

A product that meets WaterSense criteria features the WaterSense label on its packaging, making it easy to spot these sustainable products at your local retail and wholesale locations. By incorporating these products into your home, you can expect exceptional performance, a smaller water bill and the great feeling that comes with saving water for future generations. For more information about Moen products certified to meet WaterSense labeling criteria, call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636) or visit moen.com

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Many people are frustrated with the size of their bathroom, citing a tiny space as an excuse to forgo a bathroom renovation.  These small bathroom renovation tips below will help ease that frustration and get you excited about changing your tiny space.

Living with a small bathroom doesn’t have to be an inconvenience. If you’re planning a small bathroom renovation project, there are several things you can do to take advantage of the small space with little effort and, usually, minimal investment in labor and money.

Start by putting your plans down on paper. When working with a small bathroom design and remodeling project, you want to be sure you’re making efficient use of every square inch of space.

While shopping for cabinets or fixtures, including towel bars, avoid the very dark or heavy pieces and opt, instead, for white or light wood colored cabinets and the lighter weight towel bars and accessories. They are much less likely to make a small space look weighed down.

Use soft or neutral colors. Paints and wallpapers in lighter colors will open up the space and give a feeling of more room. Woodwork and moldings painted to match the walls will also provide the illusion of space.

Remember that with any small bathroom fitting project, mirrors can do wonders for creating a feeling of space. Two mirrors placed opposite each other will give the illusion of a very large open space. Place a large mirror on the longest wall of your bathroom, where it can best reflect the most light Continue The Illusion

If you’re fortunate enough to have a window in your small bathroom, take advantage of the light. Windows, with little or no trim, such as a lace curtain or a valance, will allow for the most light and make your bathroom look larger.

Another solution might be to use mini-blinds that can be opened to let in the maximum amount of light or closed for privacy. Consider frosting your window instead of installing an actual window treatment. You will gain privacy without any loss of light.

Use scaled down fixtures when remodeling a small bathroom. Large chunky fixtures look out of place in a small bathroom. A pedestal sink is a nice option for a small bathroom though you may have to come up with new storage ideas. However, this might be as simple as placing a storage unit over the toilet. Also, if you don’t use your tub, consider replacing it with a new glass-enclosed shower stall.

There are plenty of ideas for your small bathroom remodeling project that can make your limited space look and feel a lot larger than it is and make it an efficient and inviting and all done without knocking out any walls!

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Wood is making a big appearance in bathroom design trends these days – and we love it!  These styles by TOTO were recently featured on House In Furniture.  We love how they echo the concepts of Japanese Minimalism, adding an air of elegance to the bathroom space.  Check out the photo roundup below, then leave your two cents in the comment box!

I like to hire people to do things for me. Sure, I could shovel the snow off the driveway myself, but there is a company that can do it for me. Sure, I can teach myself how to retile a kitchen floor, but who has the time? Certainly not me!

Ok, I’m coming across as just plain lazy right now, aren’t I? The point is that when there’s a job to be done, you can either do it yourself, or have someone do it for you. And, someone who is professionally trained to maneuver a snow removal truck or tile a kitchen floor is more qualified than me!

Now, let’s say you’re remodeling your bathroom. Some people would rather hire a professional to do it for them (me! me!). Many factors need to be considered when you’re remodeling a bathroom (so many more than you may have imagined). To give you an idea, here’s a shortlist of some things to take into account before you decide to take on a bathroom remodeling project:

Entry door placement; ceiling height, amount of space available; lavatory placement; vanity height; counter space availability; shower size; tub/shower faucets; bathtub size, tub and shower valves; location of grab bars; tub/shower doors; type of flooring; storage; toilet/bidet placement; accessories; electrical wiring; lighting; ventilation; heat, and local bathroom code requirements.

It’s quite a list, and to consider all these things takes time and effort, which is why it’s nice to know there are many professionals out there who can handle the above mentioned aspects of a bathroom remodel.

For the tub area, a bathroom remodeling company like BATH FITTER is ideal for homeowners who want to steer clear from drastic bathroom remodeling measures such as ripping out the existing tub and relocating the plumbing. From measuring the bathtub, to custom making a new tub that fits into the bath area like a glove, to having the work done in one day – when the job of remodeling the bath area is too daunting, knowing there is professional remodeling company that can do these things is comforting. So, since I’d rather hire someone than do it myself, when it’s time to remodel my bathtub, I’m not going to “DIY” – I’m calling BATH FITTER.

Bathroom design can get pretty frustrating when you don’t exactly OWN the bathroom you’d like to make over! Luckily, one of our favorite interior design blogs, Apartment Therapy, recently featured these incredible tips for customizing your rental bathroom.  You’ll have that drab rental looking like an at-home spa in no time!

1. Add Storage: Rental bathrooms usually don’t come with a lot of built-in storage, so small additions like shower caddies and wall-mounted shelves can help. SimpleHuman makes a few different caddies and soap pumps that can be suction-cupped, tension-mounted, or silicone-glued to the wall without damaging your tile. Their products are on the expensive side, but they’re well made and most of them come with 5-year warranties. Plus, their shower caddies are designed not to slip, which is often the problem with cheaper versions.  BATH FITTER also makes a line of accessories that are definitely worth checking out.

2. Dress Your Windows: If you have a bathroom window that needs privacy or overlooks an ugly view, dress it up with curtains or window film.

3. Cover Up Ugly Tile: UK company Mibo makes waterproof Tile Tattoos, heavy-duty stickers that can be used to cover up existing tile patterns. When you move out, you can just peel them off. They’re available at
at 2Jane.com for $16 per set of 6.

4. Use a Tension Rod: The old-fashioned tension rod remains a tried-and-true tool for rental bathrooms where you need to hang a shower curtain without drilling into tile.

5. Change the Lighting: Many rental bathrooms come with ugly, outdated fixtures, and it’s not that hard to update them. Just change out the shades or replace the fixture.

6. Add Distinctive Hooks: In a small space like the bathroom, details matter, and the right hooks can have a big impact on the way the room feels. You could experiment with antique hooks.

7. Decorate with Color and Pattern: Accessories always help when you want to add color without painting or making any huge changes. Try coordinating textiles (bathmats, shower curtains, towels) to create a unified color scheme.

8. Spring for Some Lux Towels: Towels can make such a huge difference in how you feel about your bathroom. You use them so often (usually in the morning when you’re tired and trying to wake up) that good ones are important.

9. Add Freestanding Furniture: If you’ve got the space, a stool, a storage cabinet, or even a chair can make a bathroom feel much homier. Waterproof pieces, like ceramic garden stools, are great because steam and moisture can’t damage them.

10. Fix Up Your Fixtures: If your rental toilet seat is sub-par or the hardware in your bathroom could use an upgrade, consider springing for some new fixtures. Some landlords will even deduct the cost from your rent or split the difference with you. Even if you end up paying from your own pocket, a simple project like replacing a toilet seat costs less than $50.