Beautify your Bath

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cl_thatyank

iVillage Member

Registered: 09-05-2003

Beautify your Bath

12	Sun, 05-18-2008 - 11:49am

from http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_real_estate_selling/article/0,1801,HGTV_3165_5419597,00.html

Of all the rooms in your house, the bathroom is the workhorse. There is lots of wear and tear, so you want to keep it functioning well and make good looking upgrades along the way.

Focus on your faucet. Bathrooms are not utilitarian anymore. People like to feel relaxed, like they are in a spa.

Drop-sinks are old news, people want the under-mount sinks.

Go granite or marble with your countertops. If you are toying with the granite idea, your bathroom counter is most likely smaller than your kitchen counter and less expensive. This is a great place to start your first granite project.

Nix the overhead lighting in favor of wall mounts to add warmth and value to your bathroom. Make sure that around your mirror you have even lighting with no side shadows.

Heated floors attract buyers like bees to honey.

Upgrade your bath area. With an 85% return, install a shower with body sprays and stone surround tile. If you are not selling right away, you will feel like you are in a Zen garden every time you step into your bathroom.

Keep it clean. Dirt and grime can become embedded in bathroom surfaces very quickly. Freshen it up with new grout.

Co-CL for "The Stitcher's Niche" and CL for "Remodel & Renovate"

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Stitchery WIPs: "Bath 5¢", "Walking to Town", a selection of 8 San Man snowman charts, 2 sets of curtain tie-backs using a DMC freebie chart and the DMC linen threads, a Kooler Design Studio chart form JanLynn called "Needlework Shop", "Tsunami Charity Sampler" from the fall 2007 Sampler & Needlework Quarterly, and "Autumn Leaves" from the December 2006 New Stitches

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cl_thatyank

iVillage Member

Registered: 09-05-2003

In reply to: cl_thatyank

Beautify your Bath

Wed, 05-28-2008 - 8:53am

http://www.kitchenbathideas.com/howdoi/bathroomwallcoverings_1.html?esrc=nwkbi48

HOW TO CHOOSE BATHROOM WALLCOVERINGS

The quickest way to transform the look of a bath is to change the walls. Whatever surface you choose, remember that a bathroom wallcovering must stand up to heat, moisture, and frequent cleaning. Mixing and matching materials for their strengths in different areas works well, especially if the bathroom is divided into compartments.

Paint
Paint is the least expensive covering for walls and ceilings, and it’s the most easily changed for cosmetic makeovers. Gloss and semigloss finishes work best in bathrooms, because they repel water and clean easily. Glossier paints exaggerate all the lumps and bumps on a wall, however, so they must be applied to a flat, smooth surface. If you want to cover a tile, glass, or porcelain surface, use an epoxy paint.

Wallcoverings
Wallpaper and vinyl coatings come in many colors, patterns, and textures. Some have a prepasted coating that needs only to be dampened to adhere to the wall. In a bathroom, it’s best to limit their use to the walls; don’t ask for trouble by papering the ceiling of this naturally humid room. All bath wallcoverings should resist moisture and hold up to frequent scrubbing. Ordinary wallpaper is not the answer. Vinyl coverings (particularly vinyl laminated to fabric) withstand bathroom conditions much better. Products labeled “scrubbable” will tolerate more abrasion than “washable” ones.

Wood
Wood adds a natural warmth that complements many interior design schemes. Any wood wallcoverings in a bathroom—whether solid or plywood-backed veneers—must be coated with urethane or another water-resistant coating.

Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is attractive and durable. It won’t fade or stain, it cleans easily, and it is fully waterproof when installed correctly. Ceramic tile is also expensive, but its advantages make it well worth considering for at least some areas in a bathroom. Wall tiles commonly are 4 or 6 inches square, but many other sizes and shapes are available. Just be sure to use only wall tile for walls and floor tile for floors. The two are made and finished differently.

Glass Block
Glass block is popular because of its sleek modern look and its ability to transmit light while preserving privacy. It can be used for both walls and windows. Glass block is very expensive compared with other materials. It also is a tough job for amateurs, even with mortarless “do-it-yourself” systems. For professional results, hire a mason.

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cl_thatyank

iVillage Member

Registered: 09-05-2003

In reply to: cl_thatyank

Beautify your Bath

Sat, 05-31-2008 - 12:42pm

from http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Not-Your-Everyday-Sink-3321.html

Not Your Everyday Sink
Here's a collection of sinks that will get your attention. One of the most striking is the amber sink lit from below. Rachiele http://www.rachiele.com/gemstonesinks.htm of Florida builds custom sinks out of semi-precious gemstones such as turquoise and jasper. They do beautiful work and were recently profiled on HGTV. Their products can only be found in selected luxury kitchen dealers, but you can contact the company directly at 1-800-881-9044.

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cl_thatyank

iVillage Member

Registered: 09-05-2003

In reply to: cl_thatyank

Beautify your Bath

Mon, 06-09-2008 - 7:34am

from http://www.handyamerican.com/articles-tips-imv-bathroom-kitchen.asp

Bathroom renovations especially prove high performers. On average 102% return on investment for minor bathroom remodeling, according to a report publicized at the Home and Garden Show at the New York State Fair Grounds, Spring of 2007. of a home’s chance of making a quick sale.

...

Modern, well designed bathrooms are ... big selling point; where quantity and quality both count. Homes that have two or three bathrooms with quality fixtures sell faster than homes with only one bathroom. Needless to say, a luxurious master bathroom adjoining the master bedroom is even more impressive.

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When you can’t afford a complete remodel, give the room a facelift by updating key room elements. Even something as simple as bleaching grout, re-caulking around tubs and sinks, and repainting walls can make a huge difference.

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Bathroom Remodeling Tips:
Add a bathroom skylight – an impressive element that increases natural lighting, modernizes room design, and is aesthetically pleasing. A vented skylight will increase air circulation.

Replace flooring with bathroom flooring tile - peel and stick tile, for instance, is a quick, cost-effective solution.

Update existing fixtures – including shower tub, toilet, vanity, medicine cabinet, and lighting.

Add a Jacuzzi whirlpool bath or hot tub – attractive bathroom features more apt to appeal to potential buyers. And bring a better return on investment than a “lifestyle project,” such as a separate Jacuzzi or sauna room.

Install a heated bathroom floor – high on the list of bathroom extras that impress potential buyers.

Get rid of any mold, mildew – replace damaged or broken tiles. If needed, replace old tile grouting, and replace caulking around tubs and showers.

DIY master bathroom remodel – incorporating a master bathroom decorating theme with updated features; either luxurious or romantic –both proven show stoppers.

If you have the space, add another bathroom – homes with more than one bathroom are always more appealing to potential buyers. Recoup for an averaged sized full bath located near bedrooms, in a house with 1 or 1 ½ baths, can be as high as 169%. Depending upon the area in which you live.

Utilize unused space in corners – install corner shelving and cabinetry.

Add a vaulted ceiling – increasing the bathroom’s aesthetic appeal; making the bathroom appear more spacious than it really is.

Build a new master bathroom – a nice selling point with a high expected investment return, if you live in the right area. The more elaborate the better. For instance, consider a master bathroom floor plan that includes a private dressing area, makeup vanity, and a double shower with dual shower head.

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cl_thatyank

iVillage Member

Registered: 09-05-2003

In reply to: cl_thatyank

Beautify your Bath

Fri, 06-13-2008 - 11:46am

Complete DIY Bathroom Makeover Guide

We'll show you how to do everything from replacing a showerhead to tearing out the works and starting from scratch.

• Video: 5 tips for budgeting a bathroom remodel

• How
to destroy your old bathroom

• Can you have a toilet with no plumbing?