It wasn’t that long ago that there were really only two choices about the toilet installed when a bathroom was remodeled. Those choices were about color and the shape of the bowl (round or oval). Things are very different today. The toilet has as much decorative importance as the tub or the vanity. Here are some things to consider as you explore the overwhelming number of choices before you.
Space is probably the first (more…)
Being among the top players world-wide in the financial, commercial, entertainment and cultural industries, New York City has become the most densely populated city in the country. With such reputation, the cost of housing soars leaving smaller living spaces a more popular option. Making a home out of these amply-spaced to smaller units is a challenge to many. This includes making important features of the home seem much cozier (more…)
When you start calling around to contractors to get a quote on remodeling your “small bathroom,” you might be surprised by the small number of responses you receive. On the other hand, you might get a large response from contractors who think you have a small, quick project. The key to successfully remodeling a small bathroom is to think creatively and to think primarily about space.
There are enough types (more…)
If you are asking the question, “How do I get a spa shower in a small bathroom?” it seems reasonable to conclude that you are planning either a small bathroom addition or a remodel or a small bathroom. Either way, the short answer is, “Don’t worry – you can make it fit.” Many homeowners who are planning to remodel small bathrooms want a steam shower or a body massage shower. They see photos in magazines and model homes and become frustrated that they can’t have those shower features. You just need to look for design and product information in the right places.
There are basically three ways to get a spa shower in a small bathroom. The first is to work with the shower you have (or want to install) and then retro-fit it to include the features you want. Whether you are doing this yourself, or you are hiring a plumber to do the work, it can be done. The second way to get a spa shower is to buy a pre-fabricated shower model with the features you want and plan your design around it. The third way is to rip out everything in the bathroom and build what you want (or have it built) and make your spa shower the focus of your small bathroom.
If you are remodeling, begin by ripping out a tub/shower combination that is probably installed against three walls at the end of the bathroom. If your small bathroom is the size of many small bathrooms you will not have an option of installing both a spa shower and a tub. If you want a spa shower, you probably already know you don’t want a combination arrangement.
The first option is to retro-fit an existing (or new) shower unit. This will simply mean adding a bar or bars with additional shower heads for the body massage feature. If you want to add chromotherapy features, you will need to add the colored lighting unit. Making an existing shower into a steam shower will require a bit more work. You will almost certainly need to change out the door so you can completely enclose the shower. Depending on the height of your ceilings and the height of the shower surround, you might need to extend the walls to the ceiling. Then you will need to decide how to handle the moisture and the walls. Acrylic, fiberglass or tile are good options. Then install the steam mechanism. Finally, check the light fixture very carefully (if it is in the shower). You will need a fixture that is properly sealed to prevent short circuit and other damage from the moisture. If this is what you are considering, it is probably worth getting an estimate from a plumber before your plans go too far. The difference in the cost of doing this as opposed to one of the other options might be surprisingly small. (more…)
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when remodeling a small bathroom is trying to cram in everything they’d like to put in a big bathroom. The second mistake is choosing fixtures, decorative items, and the like that are too bulky or too ornate. Choosing clean simple lines, without a lot of decoration, will make the space look larger.
One way to approach a small bathroom remodel, then, is to keep it simple. Sometimes less is more; and this is true of small bathrooms. If you are trying to create an elegant and luxurious bathroom don’t forget about understated elegance.
Starting with the big things, here are some tips to help you with your small bathroom remodel:
Choose only a compact shower stall or only a whirlpool or spa tub that is smaller and deeper (this will fit nicely in a corner). Even some of the tub designs now being advertised for seniors would work in a small bathroom.
Choose a pedestal sink or a wall mounted sink. This will leave more floor space and make the room feel bigger.
Choose the most compact toilet you can find. Choose a taller model over a shorter wider style.
Now for decorative items:
* Choose a mirror with no frame or a mirror with a small frame — this will make the room look bigger and the mirror will reflect light farther in the room.
* Cover an entire wall with a mirror — this will create the appearance of a much larger space.
* Use fewer wall-mounted towel rods or rings — choose a ring beside the sink to save space.
* Store extra linens nearby, but put out only a minimum at any one time.
* Place light fixtures where they will reflect light throughout the room.
* If you don’t have a window, consider installing a tube light to bring in sunlight.
* Find creative ways to add storage in walls.
Decorating ideas:
* Choose lighter and brighter colors.
* Use glass block windows or frosted windows instead of curtains — it will make the room look larger.
* Use wallpaper or paint design that draws the eye upward to make the room appear larger — either vertical stripes, vertical designs, or a border at the top of the wall.
* Use small shelves above and under sinks, toilets, etc. to provide storage and decoration.
* Keep color combinations minimalist — no more than two colors.
* Avoid clutter — don’t set decorative items around that are not necessary.
* Add luxuries in ways that do not use more of your space (massaging shower heads, spa tub, radiant floor heating, fogless mirrors, heated towel rods, fragrances, etc.)
In small spaces, simplicity is generally best if you want to create a feeling of spaciousness and elegance. Clean simple lines, lots of light, no clutter, and an eye to the necessary will help you create a very comfortable and luxurious small bathroom remodel.
Copyright 2008 by ABCD Publishing
