Many homeowners who have an older bathroom desire something more modern and appealing; however, a complete renovation may not be practical or affordable. Installing new tile in a bathroom is a project that most homeowners can do themselves and it does not have to be as costly as they may think.

Installing New Bathroom Tile

The most time consuming part of the project must be tackled first, which is the removal of the bathroom fixtures, large and small. This includes the shower stall, vanity, light fixtures, sink and commode. Upon removal of the shower stall, it may be necessary to repair the wall after installing the new shower base. This should be accomplished through the use of water resistant sheet rock. The new shower base should then be installed and the plumbing reconnected.

Preparing the Sub Floor

Removing the existing floor covering is the next step. Depending on the type of floor being removed, it may be necessary to install cement board over the old sub floor, and its surface must be clean before beginning the installation of the new floor. Cement board can be installed over the old flooring, but if one chooses this route, he or she must keep in mind that this will raise the height of the floor by an inch or more, making it necessary to plane the bottom of the bathroom door.

Laying the New Tiles

It is necessary to mark the starting point prior to laying the new tiles, which should be made with a pencil precisely in the middle of the room. Next, one must use a trowel to spread a generous layer of glue on the sub floor. As a general rule, the area covered with glue should be equal in size to the amount one can tile in a half hour or less. This ensures that the glue will not dry out before the tiles are put in place. Grooves should be made in the glue by holding the notched side of the trowel toward the outside of the area where the glue was placed.

One should begin by positioning the first two tiles, which should be installed on either side of the pencil mark. A spacer tile down should then be positioned in the corner where the first two tiles meet, and the tiles should be pressed together firmly in the direction of the spacer and towards the floor at the same time. Completing this step correctly is essential, as this will determine how snugly the tiles fit together. An adequate amount of time should be allowed for this step, as it does little or no good to finish the task quickly, but end up with loose fitting tiles that look sloppy and unattractive. It is also imperative to start in the middle and work outwards to avoid becoming “tiled into a corner.”

When all of the tiles have been installed, the grout should be added. When the grouting has dried, the bathroom fixtures should be carefully reinstalled, and any excess glue or grout should be wiped up with a wet sponge. The tiles should be allowed to set for 48 hours, and the grout should be polished with a damp cloth or according to the directions on the container of sealant.

Tracey Roper is a content contributor for floorwarmers.co.uk, an electric underfloor heating company based in the UK

Looking to spruce up your bathroom space without having to retile or tackle major plumbing projects? Don’t worry! It’s easy to do! There are plenty of ways to give your bathroom a beautiful updated look without breaking the bank. Check out some of these quick tips to revamp your bath on a budget.

14 elegant bathroom designs

Paint

The easiest way to change the whole look of a room is to paint it a different color. The good news is that painting a bathroom is cheap. Small rooms mean less money spent on paint (and less time spent painting)! It’s a good idea to pick up a few swatches and bring them home with you to check out under the lighting conditions in your bathroom. This way you’ll see exactly how the color will turn out in your home. Keep in mind that darker colors absorb more light, making rooms look smaller. If you have a small bathroom already, consider using a lighter color to open up the space

Paint isn’t just for the walls you know. If you bathroom cabinets are looking a little shabby, why not give them a fresh coat of paint too? Neutral cabinetry looks great against bright walls, while bold colored cabinets work best with neutral toned walls.

Organize

Sometimes all the bathroom needs is a little TLC to start looking like new again. Give your bathroom a thorough clean-up. Toss any old medications, makeup, magazines, or whatever is collecting dust and taking storage space. If you share a bathroom with your significant other, consider organizing your bathroom essentials on separate shelves to keep things neat. Getting a couple of baskets or jars to keep makeup, shampoo, or soap in can make all the difference. Also, keeping everything except for hand soap off the counter top will make your bathroom look much neater.

Swap

Instead of running out and buying all new items for your redecorated bathroom, consider recycling items from other rooms of the house. For example, mason jars not only make great containers for jam, they can be used for storing cotton balls, Q-tips or makeup sponges. Have a wine rack that isn’t being used in the kitchen? How about mounting it to the wall and using it to hold rolled towels in the bathroom? You could even use a framed mirror or picture frame as a vanity tray, for a decorative feminine touch.

Accessorize

Once you’ve repainted and tidied up the place, invest in a few inexpensive pieces that will make a world of difference in your bathroom. A new shower curtain that corresponds with your color choice is a good way to go. If you have a light colored fabric curtain already, use fabric dye (up to $3.00 per box!) to save a few bucks. Another way to bring in new color is with your hand towels. Hand towels and wash cloths can be purchased in 4-packs from big box stores like Target, for as little as five dollars.

Finishing Touches

Finally, add a few finishing touches to pull it all together. Changing the cabinet pulls and switch plates to match your new style may seem like a miniscule change, but it will really make the room look finished. These small items are also cheap!

These easy updates are all inexpensive ways to change the look of your bathroom. All you need is a fresh coat of paint, and a little creativity to stretch your budget!

This article was written by Erie Construction. For tips on home remodeling, follow Erie Construction on Twitter today.

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Q:  What color countertop and kind of design for the backsplash will go with medium beige stain cabinets and cream color porcelain tile floor?

A: You have described a natural palate to work with, so there are a number of options to choose from. If you choose to go with a contemporary look, I would suggest warm tones, such as a deep brown countertop, like our Vetro Moretti with Bronzite glass subway tile backsplash. For a more conservative look I would go for a natural tone countertop, such as Bianco Modena with a full 18” backsplash, adding a 6” strip of our Karma 962 ¾” x1 ½” Staggered Glass. This will create a modern twist on a traditional look.

12 most creative bathtubs

Shower and/or bathtub plus a sink and a toilet equal the universal facilities commonly referred to as a bathroom.  How varied can designs really be with these standard functional necessities defining its space?  Depending upon the amount of square footage available there are many interpretations of this familiar space. Let’s take a look at the sleek, angular and uncluttered designs that are starting to grace the most necessary room in the house.

Bathtubs are a thing of beauty and can be displayed (rather than sunken) with pipe exposure to accent.  No need to hide the angular beauty and smooth lines of pipe.  The focus is about the materials incorporated to solicit a tactile sensation.  Minimalist presence helps clear the mind and create an atmosphere of tranquility.  Wood and colorful wallpaper are ways to diversify texture and dimension.

These matching fixtures are offset by the brightly colored, tiled walls contrasted against the charcoal accents and well-placed lighting.  Light is used in this bathroom to create density of dimension.

2012 modern design trends are predicted to have a lot of pure white rooms.  Though this bathroom provides the designer with a lot of space to work with, modern themes allow and even encourage the use of center stage rather than corner and wall hugging facilities.  The opaque use of white space delivers an environment of peace without distractions or darkness.

Built in ledges for artistic space and sharp angles can be a dramatic but functional expression of design in modern bathrooms.  Eliminate wall art and shelving in favor of a complete room motif that draws the eye to the floor to ceiling ambiance of the room.  Using houseplants will also bring a serenity and healthy cleansing atmosphere to the bathroom.

Ultra modern bathroom vanities incorporated into your new house plans will update your home drastically.  A total lack of clutter, angular lines, strong materials and lots of light are the hallmarks of modern bathroom design.

Lisa writes about interior design trends and Austin homes for sale.

The gallery customer picked up the jewelry box, turning it in her hands.

“So, you’ll inlay any Lapis Lazuli initials in the oak?”

“Well”, I said, ”I’ll paint it in faux Lapis.”

She had bit of a distant look on her face.

“So the price is for faux Lapis?” –running her fingers over the design on the box– “How much to do it like this?”

“I’ll be doing it just like that, in any initials you choose.”

The distance turned to confusion. Fostering my own confused look, it started to dawn on me that we had a communication problem.

“But I want real Lapis, like this.”

This is the ultimate compliment for the Trompe L’Oeil (French for ‘to fool the eye’) artist. Absolute conviction that your work is “real,” not painted.

Long story short, I managed to clarify that the entire surface was faux paint: The Lapis Lazuli and the Oak.

Thankfully, I never really get used to this. It’s always a thrill.

Like the guy at the antique car show who kept finding ways to ask me how the “wood” dash board was finished.

“So…you painted the wood? Don’t you mean stained it? Did you carve it or did you have someone else do it?”

“It’s not carved? How did you shape the wood…?”

After a few minutes of this back and forth, I took a key out of my pocket and tapped it on the dash. It rang out like the early American Detroit steel that it is.

He turned a little red, grinned and yelled: “How the hell did you do that!?” He claimed to be an experienced woodworker.

It’s fascinating to me that people often react more strongly to convincing Trompe L’Oeil work than they do to the real thing. Like the jewelry box customer whose attitude went from a blasé “this lapis” to “Oh my God! It’s paint!”

It’s a kind of magic and (sappy or not) the power of magic is enduring because it gives people a wonderful combination of hope and surprise.

My interior projects typically go through a similar process. The customer comes home from work to freshly installed faux crown molding, flooring inlay or wood grained cabinet doors. The reactions vary, but not much.

One lady started crying. I don’t mean damp eyes; I’m saying she was sobbing. And smiling. I assured her everything would be okay and should we proceed with that fireplace mantel she’d mentioned.

But that’s only the jumping off point. The real fun begins when they get to mess with friends and family: “Well, yes Walnut is very expensive but I just had to have it for these French doors (giggle).”

Eventually they share the truth (or not) and in this way, for as long as they’re in the home, own the car…, they get to be the magician.

Thanks to advancements in painting techniques and materials, you can make amazing painted wood grain part of your interior design project and no one will be the wiser. But please, after they’re sufficiently impressed, let them in on the secret.

Does your painter know how to apply perfect wood grain? Would you like to learn breathtakingly realistic faux wood grain for your home, business and craft projects?

Either of those questions can be answered by clicking here for Perfect Wood Grain Mastery, a quick to start and easy to learn step-by-step home study course. It gives painters and crafters the skills to duplicate any wood using easy to find tools and materials.

As a decorative painting professional, Norman Petersen has been making things look like other things since 1994. Today he’s on a mission to teach wood grain super-powers to homeowners, faux finishers, craftspeople, fine artists and custom car painters. Learn more about (you guessed it!) faux wood grain at his blog, perfectwoodgrain.com/blog

For information on buying and selling jewelry and other valuables, check out our friends at:

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You have so many options available to you when remodeling or building a new kitchen.  Probably the most expensive component will be your kitchen cabinets.  So what are some of the cabinet features available to help create a truly unique, new space?

Soft Close: Every time I hear my neighbors cabinets slam I think about this one.  Most higher end cabinets now come with a soft close feature that keeps the cabinet doors and drawers from banging.  Ask your supplier if they come standard.  If not, you will probably want to add them.

Dovetail Drawers: You will find dovetails (interlocking finger-like joints) on the drawers of most quality cabinets.  Most discriminating buyers look for these.  They are a symbol of quality as they hold up better over the long haul as apposed to nails and glue.

Plywood Cabinet Boxes: The first thing we see when looking at cabinets are the pretty doors and drawer fronts.  However, don’t forget to look at the actual cabinet box.  The higher quality cabinets come with plywood rather than particle board.  The particle board will deteriorate over time…especially in moist areas.

Light Rail: This piece of trim goes at the bottom edge of the wall cabinets to hide the undercabinet lights.  You can also add a cabinet skin to cover the bottom unfinished area to provide a custom look.

Crown Molding: You can create a really nice contemporary look with a three piece crown.  It takes a little more material and effort, but adds a tremendous quality look.

Refrigerator Cabinet: Ever try to use the 12″ deep typical standard cabinet above the refrigerator?  It takes some seriously long arms to get to them.  Instead, incorporate a refrigerator cabinet to hide the ugly sides of your unit and provide usable storage above. Just make sure to check with your refrigerator manufacturer on proper space around the unit for ventilation.

Michael Luckado has built, remodeled, and repaired thousands of homes throughout the United States over the past sixteen years.  He founded ArmchairBuilder.com to help people save money and get exactly what they want on their new building projects.

For more great ideas on remodeling your kitchen go to…Armchair Builder.

http://armchairbuilder.com/resources/resourceskitchen-remodel

For many kitchens, the countertop is the main focal point of the room. It’s the first thing that catches your eye when you walk in, and it’s one of the most used areas of the kitchen. There are tons of options when it comes to countertops, and a host of things to look for when choosing one; aesthetics being one. If cool is what you’re looking for, then cool it is. Here are 10 of the coolest countertops you’ve ever seen.

Courtesy www.apartmenttherapy.com

1. This countertop is one of the coolest counter tops made. It’s made from agate, a hard, fine-grained stone. It’s actually a sliced piece of agate that was completely submerged in a resin before being framed in stainless steel. Can you say WOW!

Courtesy www.homeinfurniture.com

2. If you’ve only got a limited amount of countertop area this glass countertop will definitely give it that cool factor you’re looking for. This glass-top countertop can give any kitchen a facelift like no other.

Courtesy www.remarkablekitchens.com

3. The way this countertop blends together the counter and the table is just plain cool. It’s made of granite and it’s a great design that would look great in a country kitchen or a waterfront kitchen. Granite is more affordable than a lot of people think, too, so don’t let the cost of granite countertops scare you away.

Courtesy www.1800recycling.com

4. Now here’s a countertop concept that stretches the imagination when it comes to glass countertops. How about upping the glass countertop wow factor with one that’s made from recycled glass? Talk about a unique countertop. No two are the same, and you can even choose a color. Nice!

Courtesy www.momoge.com

5. Here’s one of the coolest countertops ever designed. It’s made from natural alabaster stone, and it’s partially handmade. But that’s not the coolest part. It’s also got a built-in light which accentuates the alabaster’s natural beauty, and really makes the countertop stand out among everything else in the room.

Courtesy www.homeinfurniture.com

6. Can you say cool? Doesn’t it look like the faucet and sink are floating in a pool of water? This glass countertop is definitely unusual and certainly deserves a place among the top cool countertops.

Courtesy www.wickedcoolconcrete.net

7. Whether you’re an avid cook or you just like to mess around in the kitchen now and then, this is a real unique countertop. It’s made from concrete, and its multipurpose capability is definitely a cool feature.

Courtesy www.colourglass.ie

8. This striking colored glass countertop is another list-topper.  Not only is this one of the coolest contemporary countertops you’ve ever seen, but you can get one in more than 40 different colors! That’s right…40 different color schemes that can accommodate any décor.

Courtesy www.granite-world.tk

9. This natural granite countertop has that super-sleek look that captures the eye when you enter the room. The double-tiered design adds great character, too. It’s just that design flexibility, paired with reasonable granite countertops cost, that makes granite a double-dipper on this list.

Courtesy www.championstonedesign.com

10. Bet you’ve never seen a countertop quite like this one before. That’s because the odd shape makes it a one-of-a-kind work of art, and it rounds out the list of 10 Of The Coolest Countertops Available.

Many baby boomers are now facing decisions about the best way to care for aging parents. While most elderly people wish to stay in their homes, this possibility must be weighed against any safety issues involved. One of the most dangerous rooms in the home is the bathroom, where the majority of slips and falls occur. When an aging parent begins to show signs of needing help when sitting and rising, or if they have been diagnosed with balancing problems, it may be time to consider renovating the bathroom to make it safer for them.

Issues That Need to be Addressed

It is necessary to look at the current bathroom through the eyes of someone who may have joint stiffness, visual perception issues, muscle weakness, and unsteady balance. It is also wise to think ahead to a time when a wheelchair or walker might be needed. The following checklist provides a list of problem areas to be reviewed:

• Is the bathroom equipped with a walk-in tub or shower?

• Are there sturdy handrails beside the commode and bathing areas?

• Is there a seat in the shower or tub for resting?

• Does the shower or tub have a non-slip surface?

• Does the sink allow for wheel chair or walker access?

• Are the light switches and towel racks low enough to access from a seated position?

• Does the faucet have a thermostatic control to prevent scalding?

• Is the flooring completely level in the bathroom and of a type that will not become slippery when wet?

• Are there sharp edges that need to be smoothed or covered with edge guards?

Ways to Save Money

If many of these safety changes have to be made, it will take some time and money, but preventing a loved one from having a bad accident will make all of your efforts worthwhile. The following are ideas for renovating in some areas without straining the family budget:

• Consider reconditioned or second-hand items, but make sure they have been inspected for safety before purchasing.

• Put a list of your needs on Free Cycle in case someone needs to get rid of the very items you need.

• Peruse the sale bins at home improvement stores.

• Check for items at the local salvage store or thrift shop.

• Ask a local agency on aging if any community organizations do projects for the elderly, such as widening doors or installing electrical components.

Before beginning a bathroom renovation project for an elderly family member, it is a great idea to consult friends and co-workers who have completed such a project. They will be able to supply valuable information about the best brands to buy and the best businesses offering good deals. They may also share concerns about items that they wish they had included in the remodeling process. This information could prevent you from making costly mistakes in your own remodeling project.

Rachel Wilcox believes that bathroom adaptations are essential to enable people to continue living safely in their homes as they age. She also thinks adaptations in other areas of the home, such as stair lifts, can make a real difference to the lives of elderly people.

Time spent in the shower should be enjoyable, relaxing and cleansing. In some homes however, showering is a dreaded task for a variety of reasons. A common cause of shower-phobia is the varying temperature – not being able to find the perfect balance between scolding hot and freezing cold. Another is the power of the water flow, a strong flow that beats down on the skin can be incredibly invigorating in the morning. Many showers however, fall short of this expectation and merely provide a feeble flow of water which doesn’t feel as cleansing.

If your showering experience is more of a chore than a pleasure, it’s time to give your bathroom a much needed makeover. If you strive for a luxurious home then the bathroom can be a great place to start. It’s the ultimate place for pampering and relaxation if you design it correctly. Follow these shower tips to ensure you never leave the bathroom deflated after an inadequate showering experience.

Ventilation

Showering can be such a pleasant experience that you just don’t want to get out! The steam that fills the air in your bathroom however, can damage its appearance as it can be the perfect breeding ground for unsightly mould and mildew. In order to enjoy your shower without worrying about the dreaded mildew, you need to ventilate sufficiently.

Extractor fans which can be operated by a switch are one of the most common ventilation supplements to the window. You generally switch them on before you jump in the shower and turn them off when you’ve finished. Some extractor fans continue to run for a set time after being turned off so you can leave the house without worrying about electricity waste. This can be an incredibly convenient ventilation method as leaving the windows open when you leave the house isn’t the best security mechanism.

Shower Heads

Power showers are notorious for wasting copious amounts of water, and with energy bills being high and global warming becoming an increasing concern, it’s seemingly possible to indulge in the perfect shower. Consequently, eco-friendly shower heads are being continually improved and manufactured to simulate the gush of a power shower using less water. This can help you to achieve the ultimate showering experience without adding to the shocking effects of climate change.

Curtain or Screen?

If your shower is situated above the bath you may realise you’ve compromised on the quality of your showering experience because it doesn’t have its own enclosure. Shower curtains are an absolute no-go in luxury bathrooms. They fail to keep the heat in as well as a shower screen or enclosure does and curtains often flap around as the shower spray beats on its surface, which can often result in water spraying all over the floor. Not only can this potentially ruin your bathroom floor, having a shower curtain stuck to your behind whilst showering isn’t the most pleasant experience.

Shower screens can help to restrain the water much more effectively than a shower curtain (plus they don’t stick to your rear!). They’re much easier to maintain too, a simple wipe down can prevent them from deteriorating or gathering mould. Plus, aesthetically they’re much more appealing and often transparent, or at best translucent, creating the illusion of space as light passes through.

Creating the ultimate showering experience can encourage you and your family to practice high standards of personal hygiene. As winter approaches, many people shy away from the thought of a shower and opt for a bath. With a luxurious shower you needn’t be drawn in by the prospect of a bath, you can happily take a shower instead – which is great for both convenience and the environment.

Written by Stephanie Staszko on behalf of Solar Choice solar PV panels who are dedicated to installing solar panels in a bid to combat climate change.

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The bathroom has always been quite a difficult space to decorate, purely because of what it is actually there for. People traditionally took quite a conservative approach to the design elements within bathrooms, which means that they ended up with a room that felt like a guest house. There was also the idea to make the bathroom as luxurious as possible to try and cover up its functions, but this just ended up in sickeningly ornate, busy rooms that seemed to fit in the Roman Empire – you know the type of bathroom, where every open space is covered in a trinket or splash of colour. It seems that the world of artistic design and functional bathrooms could never again meet, but with the return of simple decorating ideas, you can find a balance that will please all of your guests, and encourage you to take the step that your bathroom might need. Here are a few design trends that you could bring in to your bathroom to get the effect that you want.

Wallpaper

Over the last five years wallpaper has come back into the world of design in a big way. Gone are the days of hideous, flat prints – you can now get great customized wallpapers that are bathroom friendly. You now have the choice to create texture, use strips, print out blown up images or mix and match to create an interesting and artistic effect. I suggest that you consult a professional if this sounds good to you. You will need to get the right kind of wallpaper for the wet conditions, and professional installation of artistic wallpaper is a must. The great thing is that you can literally create any atmosphere you want, so consider a fun portrait of an elephant spraying water (if you have children), a calming forest, or an old school newspaper print for interest.

Photographs

I saw a bathroom the other day that absolutely blew me away. One of the walls was covered in stylishly framed photographs of the friends and family of the couple that own the home. At first I thought it was some kind of wall of shame, but in actual fact the photos created a sense of fun. The possibility of distraction is also a useful tool if your bathroom is not the biggest. Try adding one or two tasteful pieces to create interest and add a personal twist.

This guest post was written by freelance writer Victoria.