Bathroom Renovations:

Bathroom Renovations: Top Tips for Crafting Your Dream Space

Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

Introduction

Ready to renovate your bathroom? Whether you’re starting from scratch or just giving it a little refresh, we’ve got you covered. From fixtures to finishes, these tips will help you create your dream bathroom space—no matter what your budget is.

  1. Start by assessing your needs.

Before you do anything else, take some time to think about what you want from your bathroom renovation. Do you need more storage space? A bigger shower? A vanity for getting ready in the morning? Once you know what you want, it’ll be easier to hone in on the specific details.

  1. Decide on your budget.

This is obviously a key consideration when it comes to any renovation project. But when it comes to the bathroom, it’s especially important to be realistic about how much you’re willing to spend. Don’t forget to factor in things like labor costs and materials (don’t forget those tiles!).

  1. Choose the right fixtures.

Your fixtures are one of the first things people will notice in your bathroom, so it’s important to choose wisely. Go for something that’s both stylish and functional, and be sure to pick a finish that will stand up well to moisture (or consider opting for a finish that’s easy to clean).

Establish Your Budget

Bathroom renovations can be expensive, so it’s important to establish a budget before you start planning. How much can you afford to spend? Make sure to include everything from the cost of materials and labor to permits and licenses.

Once you have a budget in mind, you can start planning your dream space. Do you want to keep the same layout, or experiment with something new? How about the style: modern, traditional or somewhere in between? And finally, don’t forget the details. Think about the finishes you want, the type of fixtures and how much storage space you’ll need.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start planning your perfect bathroom renovation.

Choose a Focal Point

When it comes time to renovate your bathroom, it’s important to choose a focal point. This is the one spot in the room that will be the star of the show, and everything else should revolve around it.

There are a few different things you can choose as your focal point: a beautiful vanity, a stunning tub, an elegant shower stall, or a stunning backsplash. Once you’ve chosen your focal point, everything else should be designed to complement it.

Don’t be afraid to use color and pattern to add some personality to your bathroom. Just make sure that everything still coheses well together. You don’t want your focal point to be lost in a swirl of color and pattern.

Incorporate a LED Mirror

Adding an LED mirror can take your bathroom from dull to dazzling in mere moments. The illuminated mirrors bring life to your bathroom, providing a luxurious look and feel that both you and your guests can enjoy. What’s more, the fact that these led mirrors use energy-efficient lights makes them a great option for homeowners looking to be a bit more eco-friendly when decorating their space.

When selecting the right LED mirror for your bathroom, consider what style you want to go with—whether that’s traditional or modern. You’ll also need to ensure you measure the space correctly so the mirror will fit properly; then it’s just a matter of choosing the right wall mount or frame, depending on your needs and budget.

Once you have all of this in place, all that’s left is to make sure it’s securely attached before turning on the switch and witnessing just how much of an impact one LED light can make!

Consider Innovative Storage Solutions

If you’re short on space, consider innovative ways to store your bathroom items. If your plan allows for it, consider installing open shelving, hanging baskets, and floating shelves. These all make great storage solutions and can help keep the countertops clutter-free.

Alternatively, if your bathroom doesn’t have a vanity or medicine cabinet, why not invest in a beautiful LED mirror? These mirrors are designed with integrated lights that can create a modern yet stylish ambiance in any bathroom space. Plus, they’re also great for hiding toiletries and medicine. So that way, you don’t need a separate medicine cabinet taking up valuable space in the room.

Invest in Quality Materials

When it comes to bathroom renovation, investing in quality materials is key. You want a material that’s going to stand the test of time, but you also want one that looks good and works well with the design of your bathroom, don’t worry; there are plenty of materials available such as tile, wood, or even stone for countertops and floors—all of which can add a touch of luxury and durability to your bathroom space. So take some time to look into different options before making a final decision! 

Conclusion

So there you have it! Follow our top tips and you’ll be well on your way to having the bathroom of your dreams. Remember to think about who will be using the space and what their needs are, as this will help inform your decisions. And most importantly, have fun with it! This is your chance to create a space that truly reflects your personality and style.

 

14 Unique Ways to Transform Your Space

New Year, New Home: 14 Unique Ways to Transform Your Space

You’ve taken down the tinsel and the tree for another holiday season. How does your home make you feel without all the glitz and glamour of your seasonal decor? Are you getting the vibes you want, or is your inner Chip or Joanna screaming to get out?

 

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to tackle your dream projects and transform any less-than-desirable spaces in your home. You’re stuck inside anyway, so why not take advantage? Perhaps you already have a few things you want to tackle, but if not, this list will give you a great place to start. Even better, each project will change the room’s look without breaking your budget.

 

1.  Paint the Front Door

Your front door is often the first thing someone will notice when driving by your house. It’s what welcomes your friends and family inside and what greets you each day when you come home. A fresh coat of paint that complements your current colors can give your entire facade a facelift.

 

2.  Add Outdoor Lighting

Nothing adds casual elegance and luxury to the exterior of your home quite like accent lighting. As they say, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it.” Use solar lights or brighter LEDs to draw the eye to your house’s best features.

 

3.  Change Out Hardware

Installing new cabinets or even refinishing can be a long and expensive undertaking. Why not spruce up your bathrooms and kitchen with a minor upgrade instead? Changing out the hardware will significantly impact the look and feel of your space without breaking your budget. You can even play around with different metal tones like gold, brass or matte black.

 

4.  Do a Declutter

Decluttering your house is free and might have the biggest impact of any of these projects. The amount of time it takes to complete will depend on the current state of your home. Are your counters a total mess? Do you have a secret closet where you keep all your junk tucked away? Is your basement bursting with old mementos?

Take a few days to a few weeks to tackle those areas you’ve been putting off and get extra stuff out of your home.

 

5.  Hide Cords

We love our electronics, but just about everything comes with unsightly cords. One here and there isn’t so bad, but get a few devices together and the visual clutter becomes overwhelming. Luckily, you can purchase simple cord covers to disguise the mess. You could also drill holes in the wall to hide mounted TV wires.

 

6.  Put Your Garage to Better Use

Whether you store your cars or junk in the garage, odds are you could be putting it to better use. This part of the home is notoriously underinsulated — the cold air constantly seeping in can hike up your heating bills, ruin your possessions and make it difficult to spend any amount of time there. Adding insulation and repairing or replacing your garage door would give you a more usable room.

7.  Bring Nature Indoors

Bring the freshness and beauty of the outdoors in. Houseplants and flowers add a sense of completeness to any room. You’ll also breathe easier thanks to the presence of nature’s air purifiers. Add a touch of class by repotting your new darlings from their basic black plastic containers into something that better reflects your style.

8.  Rearrange the Space

Sometimes all you need to refresh a room is to move things around. A little rearranging or massive overhaul costs you nothing and can completely change the look and feel of your space. Feel free to move furniture, artwork, rugs, lighting and anything else that isn’t nailed down. Play around until you find an arrangement that feels right.

9.  Enhance the Mood With Lighting

Stark white lights are useful when cooking or working on a hobby. However, those bright beams aren’t suitable for every activity, especially when you want to cozy in with a good book or movie.

 

Add a little ambiance to any room by installing dimmer switches for a relatively low cost. This will allow you to turn the brightness up and down as your needs change. A more expensive but exceedingly customizable option is to swap out your regular lightbulbs for smart versions. Then you can change the color, brightness and warmth of any light.

 

10.      Replace Standard Lights

If you’re living in a cookie-cutter home, odds are you have the infamous boob lights in most rooms — you know the ones. While they technically do the job, they aren’t doing your home’s aesthetic any favors. Find some lights that are more to your taste to create an instant improvement.

 

11.      Raise the Rods

Your curtain placement can make or break the final appearance of your room. Placing the rod too close to the window frame visibly shrinks the size of the entire space. Raise the curtains closer to the ceiling, a minimum of 2 inches above the top of the frame, to make your walls appear taller and the room bigger.

Add to the optical illusion with a rod long enough to extend several inches beyond the side of the frame. Your windows will look wider and your curtains will have a place to sit when open.

 

12.      Embrace Peel and Stick

Peel-and-stick renovation options aren’t only for renters — they can be a budget-friendly option for any homeowner. The possibilities are endless, and if you don’t like it after a while, you can pull it off and try something else. Floor tiles, backsplashes and wallpaper are some of the most popular types.

 

13.      Add an Architectural Wall

Any wall can stand out when adding 3D architectural features. Lumber is more expensive than it used to be, but thankfully you don’t need much to make a grand impact. Try laying the boards in an asymmetrical style or opt for more traditional wainscoting. Whatever you choose, your new focal point is sure to wow.

 

14.      Change the Ceiling Color

Does your home feature traditional white ceilings? If so, you’re missing out on extreme design potential. Flip the typical paint job on its head by making your walls a light neutral and your ceiling bolder.. Color lovers could go even further by skipping neutrals altogether.

 

Spruce Over Splurge

When the new year gives you the itch to renovate, try one or a few of these small-scale, big-impact projects. Otherwise, you could get stuck in costly and time-consuming work. You don’t have to break the bank to transform your space into something that better reflects your personality.

Renovations For Small Spaces

Best Home Renovations For Small Spaces

Renovating and updating a space can be exciting for many homeowners. Those living in smaller houses or condos may be especially interested in refreshing their place, especially if it makes the most of their tight quarters. Luckily, there are many excellent home renovations for small spaces. Whether you’re remodeling for a growing family or just making extra room, here are four great renovation tips for smaller homes.  

Create an Open Floor Plan 

Many older homes section off significant parts of the living space – a living room, a dining room, and a kitchen behind yet another door. Renovators updating small spaces may be amazed to find how much larger the area would feel by simply taking down some of these walls to create an open floor plan. It can seem like magic, considering only a negligible amount of space is added by taking down walls. But adding better sightlines, new natural light, and better ventilation go a long way toward making a relatively tight space feel bright and airy. Open floor plans can also make homes feel larger by allowing owners and guests to more easily use space that otherwise might have been wasted – for example, a small, closed-off formal dining room that’s now a usable part of a living/dining/kitchen open plan.

Those switching to an open floor plan shouldn’t forget to keep practical issues in mind. These include the placement and availability of electrical outlets and HVAC ducts. Even more significant, some walls may be load-bearing, meaning they can’t simply be removed without risking the structural integrity of the building. They’ll need to be replaced with columns or other features that can hold the weight of the wall handles. Unfortunately, these can also break up space both visually and physically. 

Built-In Storage 

Storage can be hard to find in every home, and small spaces offer additional unique challenges. One simple, stylish, and efficient solution is built-in storage. Storage can come in various styles for different spaces and needs, from the floor-to-ceiling laundry room or mudroom cabinets to built-in living or bedroom shelves that are perfect for storing everything from books to art. Owners may need to get creative, repurposing areas under stairs, tall and narrow spaces, and other unusual solutions like burrowing into walls.

Anyone living in a townhome or a condo will know the value of vertical storage space. Building cabinets or other storage higher on a wall, or elevating a feature like the washing machine and adding drawers underneath. There’s an almost overwhelming amount of options out there, so those with the ability to consult with a professional may find it’s worth their money to provide out-of-the-ordinary solutions that can provide dramatic amounts of new space. More storage can help keep all stuff in its proper place, keeping otherwise small spaces as uncluttered and open as possible. 

While built-in storage is an attractive and permanent solution to add space to small homes, it can also get quite expensive. This is especially true if custom cabinets or other features are involved or require lots of skilled labor. 

Add a Reading Nook to Unused Spaces 

During the height of the pandemic, many of those living in small homes discovered just how many spaces had to serve multiple functions – meals and Zoom meetings at the dinner table, TV shows and helping with homework on the couch, and so on. Adding a small reading nook can transform an unused area into a functional space. It can be as simple as a comfy chair near a window and a small bookshelf or involve a variety of accessible additional features that give a luxury feel. For example, a stylish movable partition can provide some extra privacy. Plants can also bring a combination of beautiful sights and delightful smells to the nook, and additional lighting can change the ambiance from that of the room it’s a part of. Finally, owners shouldn’t forget a few elements of their personality and style to make their nook all their own. In just a few hours for a modest budget, the kind of transformation that can be carried out here is incredible. 

Make the Most of a Small Kitchen

For many folks, the kitchen can make or break a home. Fortunately, there are countless ways to refresh and reorganize a kitchen to feel roomier without adding additional space. For one, certain design principles like the “golden triangle” (which suggests the locations of the refrigerator, stove, and sink should form a triangle within the kitchen) can improve usability by re-arranging current features. This is another case where those who can afford a designer may want to call one in.

Harkening back to our tip about built-in storage, owners can also create or modify a variety of cabinets to free up precious counter and prep space. In some cases, much more space can be squeezed out of the same cabinet simply by changing the interior shelving style, adding another level, or a pull-out or rotating system. Open shelving can help provide storage space without blocking sightlines and visually cluttering the kitchen. Those looking to replace their appliances can squeeze more space out of their kitchen by opting for smaller, more efficient models when shopping. Kitchens vary widely, so owners should consider the particulars of their own space, which might offer a unique feature or potential space. 

Small Space Home Renovations: Easy and Effective

Home renovations aren’t just for those with sprawling mansions or rambling fixer-uppers. Those living in small homes can try these four simple and effective strategies to optimize their space. Within days (or sometimes hours), owners will enjoy a refreshed, roomier-feeling home that can dramatically improve their lives. 

 

The Best Outdoor Renovations

The Best Outdoor Renovations For Every Season

Whether you live on the beach or in a busy city, a relaxing outdoor space is one of the highest-value renovations for your home. Regardless of the time of year, there are plenty of fantastic outdoor living space ideas you can enjoy during every season. From spring and summer to fall and winter, read on to discover some fantastic ways to improve your outdoor living space to help you get the most enjoyment possible from the great outdoors.

Summer: Design Ideas to Keep Your Cool

Summer is an ideal time of year to get outside, so look for designs to help keep you relaxed and comfortable during the season. Here are a few ideas to help you spruce up your backyard for the summer season.

Does your home have a water feature? If so, designing around it is a great start for your summer renovation plans. Looking for alfresco luxury at your waterfront home? Build a large patio with an amazing water view. If it’s properly enclosed, you can add TVs, a cooking space, and even a fireplace. You can also consider installing a backyard pool to keep you and your guests nice and cool.

A gorgeous gazebo or pergola can provide shade in the summer, perfect for lounging with a glass of lemonade on sunny afternoons. Be sure to invest in comfortable, weather-resistant patio furniture like benches, large sofas with colorful cushions, sturdy dining tables, or a nice bar with matching barstools. This way, your gazebo can stand up to the summer sun, winter frost, or any other weather. 

Just like inside the house, property lighting is a must. Use solar-powered lighting to illuminate walkways, the garden, and your patio for energy-saving light when the sun goes down.

Fall: Make a Space for Tailgates & Thanksgiving

Autumn is when football games and family gatherings get into full swing. Consider remodeling your outdoor space to help create a comfortable, inviting space for tailgate parties, holiday gatherings, and your big Thanksgiving meal.

Design an outdoor kitchen area with a full-sized grill, stove, and extra storage so you can cook and relax while enjoying a delicious meal outdoors. Nearby, you can build a fire pit so everyone can gather and relax as the temperatures drop. You can dig a hole and build one directly in the ground to burn some wood or purchase a standalone fire pit that runs on propane or natural gas. Finally, outfit the surrounding area for alfresco dining. To create the perfect outdoor dining space for autumn, layer many textures on your outdoor tables and chairs. Cozy throw blankets and decorative pillows bring festive flair and additional warmth. If you don’t want to use a fire pit, consider adding some patio heaters to your outdoor space to help keep your guests nice and warm.

Autumn is an excellent time of year for gardening and provides a perfect opportunity to enhance your landscape. Plant some fall vegetables, dress up your porch or patio with mums and pumpkins, or start a fall compost pile so you’ll have plenty of healthy fertilizer for the spring planting season.

Winter: Ski Chalet Updates for Your Backyard

Just because the temperatures dive in the winter doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful backyard space. It’s easy to design a comfy and cozy outdoor area for wintertime enjoyment.

Start by plant some evergreens for gorgeous year-round color. You can add species like boxwood, juniper, or holly to give your garden or to landscape some variety and provide plants that will remain healthy and thrive every season, even when temperatures drop.

Winter is a perfect time to enjoy your hot tub. Make this part of your backyard more appealing by adding some pavers around it and enhancing the space with lots of lighting since it gets darker much earlier during the winter months.

If you want to go all out, consider building your sauna. It’s a great way to get warm, relax sore and tired muscles, and meditate outside without getting cold.

Winter is a good time of year to focus on storage. If you have a lot of patio furniture and outdoor décor to put away, ensure that you have ample space to protect it from freezing temperatures.

Spring: Give Your Yard a New Start

Spring is a season of renewal, so focus on how to give your yard a fresh, new start. The spring season is also perfect for home maintenance to improve your curb appeal and keep your home from aging too quickly.

Consider doing major home upgrades like installing new vinyl siding or some new windows to make your home look fresh and new. Spring is also a perfect time to inspect your roof for damage and to replace any broken or missing shingles. It’s also an excellent time to clean your gutters and ensure everything is intact.

Do some outdoor spring cleaning by painting or staining your fence and power washing your walkway, driveway, and patio to make it look clean and new.

Then, turn your attention to the garden. This season is ideal for weeding, trimming, and adding a fresh layer of mulch to the garden. It’s also a great time to add more color to your yard by planting beautiful flowers and shrubbery. Add colorful components to your outdoor space with a brand-new indoor/outdoor area rug, some colorful pillows on patio furniture, and lively painted planters to hold a variety of potted tropical plants.

Spring is the most popular season for home selling. If you want to stand out from the competition, you’ll need to make a great first impression. Boost your home’s curb appeal by installing new porch lights or a new mailbox.

Enhance Your Outdoor Space for Every Season

Whether it’s the beauty and warmth of spring and summer, the changing colors of fall, or the cooler temperatures of winter, there are plenty of ways to design an outdoor space that suits every season. Keep these tips in mind and try them to get the most out of your outdoor space. Even if you don’t have room for a pool, a hot tub, or a full-sized gazebo, you can quickly spruce up your exterior with new furniture, plants, and décor. No matter where you live or what type of home you live in, these ideas will help you design the ultimate outdoor oasis.

Perfect Design for Your Home

Ways to Pick the Perfect Design for Your Home

Your home’s design reflects your personality, desires, and aspirations. Being picky about your interior (as well as the exterior) speaks volumes about your desire to enjoy the comfort of your home entirely. With each new year, new suggestions, styles, and ideas arise. Since we’ve just sailed into 2023, let’s discuss efficient ways to pick the perfect design for your home.

Find motivation in the right motives

You can find ideas for your home’s look and feel everywhere. First, check out some of the most influential interior design papers. Then, get online to peruse some:

  • blogs
  • social media
  • home design sites

All the above can be especially fruitful in the first days of a new year. There are special editions for remodeling before holidays all over the place! But if they don’t inspire you, go for a walk and see what you can find! Inspiration for your home’s design is everywhere, from historic structures and art institutions to botanical gardens and even certain hotels.

 

Finding inspiration to pick the perfect design for your home can be as simple as reading a magazine.

Your desires and aspirations should be a focal point

Once you soak all that new information in your surroundings, it’s time to classify them. The main thing you should be focused on is – you. And your family, of course, if you live with them. Your home design should be a perfect frame for your everyday life. So, think about where you want to be. What kind of interior will inspire you to be the best version of yourself? What kind of design will be practical in your case? If you spend a lot of time on your porch, you might consider making it a focal point of these improvements.

What works for influencers might not work for you

Sometimes, we all get caught up in the sea of those perfect Instagram interiors that we forget to even think that it might not work for us just the same. Yes, all-white may work for Kim Kardashian and her army of babysitters. But will you be able to preserve those white walls around your children just the same? Remember that there are many other ways to express your minimalistic nature (if that’s what you’re going for). Just keep digging until you find your perfect match, and make sure your vision corresponds to the picture of your everyday life.

Think outside of the box

All over the internet, you can find the exact definition of every style in interior design. Experts consultants at royalmovinco.com, however, advise that you disregard such pigeonholing. Your affinity for the farmhouse, rustic, or mid-century modern aesthetic does not imply that all of your furnishings, wall colors, and flooring materials need to be strictly in keeping with that aesthetic.

Your comfort is a top priority

Keep in mind that you’re the one who will spend your days and nights at this place. You don’t have to confine yourself to a particular design genre. It must only be comfortable for you! It’s possible to create a stunning dwelling by blending styles or paying little heed to the distinctions between them.

Rustic style with a modern twist can make an interesting alternative vibe. Don’t be afraid to mix things up – you can make a new course in design that others will follow. What makes you happy should be the guiding principle for your new home’s aesthetic.

Talk to the professional designers

It’s not simple to pick the perfect design for your home. Seeing your house take shape is exciting and fulfilling, but making all the necessary choices may be challenging without someone to consult. When in doubt, you should trust the experts who deal with this daily.

Professional custom home designers can ask the right questions to help you identify your preferred design aesthetic and pair you with the proper interior design solutions to make your house a home. Professional advice is invaluable when undertaking a task as significant and crucial as designing your new house.

An experienced designer will know how to make your dreams come true.

Take all parts of the process into consideration

Making your residence a perfect home may require dealing with massive new furniture or many appliances. In that case, it might be a good idea to consider labor-only moving services so they can deal with heavy lifting and give you space to deal with other parts of the process. While they transport your furniture, you can invest energy into figuring out where all that needs to be.

Don’t run away from DIY solutions

Okay, some of the things that make interior design look expensive and amazing must be done by professionals. In those cases, it’s inevitable to invest some money in it. However, you can often achieve unique looks by investing a little time and creativity. You can follow some of the hottest trends in remodeling and not go broke after it! So, before spending a fortune on interior design elements, surf the internet for some DIY solutions and decide whether those are reasonable solutions and if you can execute the idea.

 

Sometimes, the best solution is taking matters into your own hands.

Is it possible to pick the perfect design for your home?

As with everything in life, perfection is tough to achieve. Especially if you live with many people in one place, different tastes can collide, and someone might be unsatisfied with something. But the interior and exterior design perfection are all about balancing and compromise. And often, those compromises we make can become our favorite part of our home sweet homes. The best rule of thumb is to work with the right professionals. Also, to pick the perfect design for your home, you must communicate with those who share that space. You’ll only achieve the right balance, and you’ll all be satisfied with the outcome.