Create a Stunning Master Bathroom

Create a Stunning Master BathroomIf you are planning to remodel your master bathroom, make a thorough inventory of your bathroom’s layout and décor. From there you can determine your budget, whether you need to add more space, relocate a wall or small addition, and what items to replace, tub, shower, vanity, countertops, ect. Your master bathroom could be starved for natural light as well. Adding 2’x 2’or 2’x 4’ skylights and a few 1’ x1’ bullet windows can make a world of difference.

If you have decided to renovate your entire master bathroom, then your shower is a good beginning. Enhance your master shower by adding some custom features like dual temperature controls, body sprays, a rain dome or a steamer can turn your master shower into your own private spa. Once you have experienced these features in your shower you will find it to be a wonderful way to begin and end every day.

When you are researching for new master shower fixtures, try to find some of the less expensive brands on the market, such as Moen & Delta, they will offer you the same benefits as the more expensive brands and allow you to budget for additional items you may want, such as a frameless shower enclosure with a pivot transom.

Consider incorporating some convenient features in your shower, like installing a bench, built-in shampoo niches and tiling the ceiling to giving your shower a finished, custom look. The use of glass block as a partition wall is a great way to add natural light and privacy to your shower, as well as giving your master bathroom a touch of sophistication

When selecting a new décor for your master bathroom, tile selections for your bathroom floor can be your biggest challenge. There are many different types, styles and sizes, so choose your colors, patterns, as well as your grout color that will create a smooth transition throughout your entire bathroom. If your master bathroom is tight on space or narrow, consider rectangular or elongated diamond shapes, running the length of the room, will give you a stunning design, and keep your bathroom from looking too busy.

Travertine, polished limestone and marble are still a very popular tile because of their soft and neutral tones. Arranged in a rectangular, square, or brick pattern and a tight grout line, is a very attractive style you may want to consider. Give your master bathroom a little pizzazz by adding small polished stones, mosaic or glass tile as an accent. Creating medallions, using different shades or finishes is an excellent way to bring your cabinet, countertop and paint colors together. A tile wainscot is also becoming very popular with many homeowners, incorporating your floor designs onto to your walls and carrying that pattern throughout your shower walls, tub surround & deck.

Be sure to finalize your tile design by arranging your patterns, including your grout color and width, on the bathroom floor and shower area. This will give you a good visualization of your project, determine where the short “cuts” in your tile will be, and allow you time to consider any changes you may want to make. Remember to seal your new grout and upgrade your shower floor pan and walls with the latest “water proof” underlayment and sub-strait systems such as: Kerdi Board or Tile Ready®.  Both of these shower pan systems are perfect for steam and sauna applications. This will insure against leaking, mold, mildew and provide a lasting job for years to come. If you are going to re-tile your bathroom floor over a wood sub-floor, you should also nail down new Hardi-Backer Baord® before tiling. This will give you a solid and level surface with which to work.

If you are considering updating your tub, many manufactures are offering new and exciting products. You can replace your outdated built-in garden tub with a more efficient and modern design such as the ones offered by Moen or Jacuzzi. A new tub style may also allow you to redesign your tub deck, creating a more spacious feel in your master bathroom. A claw foot soaker is another great option, eliminating the need for a tub deck altogether, and giving your bathroom a roomy, elegant décor.

Your vanity and countertop is also a very important feature of your master bathroom. With many different combinations, it allows you to showcase your vanity as a beautiful enhancement to your bathroom’s décor. You can maximize your wall space with a traditional built-in and dressing table combination, or vanities separated by a linen cabinet, (doors below & open shelves above) will give you a, his and hers look, as well as offering you additional storage and countless decorating ideas. Many home owners are stepping away from the norm and looking towards traditional or antique furniture to convert into vanities. If your counter space permits, tall & slender glass front cologne cabinets on top of the counter will create a marvelous custom look.

Compliment the look of your vanity with a marble, engineered quartz or unmistakable granite countertop. Add a little flair with a custom chiseled or wide bull nose edge. Finalize your design with a unique vessel or porcelain sink and reduced version of your tile design as your backsplash. Make sure to select your sinks and faucets at the same time, this will ensure each will work beautifully together on your new countertop.

Complete your remodeling project with new lighting. Recessed lights placed around the perimeter in a soffit, and a few wall sconces separating your portrait mirrors, you will have created a stunning master bathroom.

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Remodeling bathrooms is very popular with Todays’ home owners, turning their ho hum bathroom into something warm and inviting.You should first determine whether you want to do some upgrading because of wear and tear or a whole new decor is your goal.

If you are considering a total renovation of your bathroom, and space is your motivation, consider an expansion of a few feet, either by moving a wall or a small addition. This will give your bathroom a more open and relaxing feel that you are looking for. If expansion is not an option, there are still many other creative ideas that you can do to give bathroom a lot of sparkle.

If your bathroom is small or narrow, consider elongated diamonds or narrow rectangle shapes, running the length of the floor, will make your bathroom appear more spacious. Installing small ¾” or 1” (ceramic or stone) tile on the floor , is also another way to give your bath a beautiful beginning.

Upgrade your bathroom with a tile wainscot, sprinkle in some well placed tile accents can help enhance your cabinet or counter top colors. When creating your tile designs, first assemble some samples in your bathroom. This will ensure the colors, patterns and overall design you have selected will be the right fit for your bathroom. Remember to use a sub-strait such as; Hardi-Backer Board® over any wood sub-floor for a uniformed level surface for tiling. You should also always seal the grout in your bathroom or (any room) to add strength, durability and ease of cleaning.

If you are going to install a new bathroom floor then you should consider replacing the vanity as well. With so many different styles, sizes and shades of vanities on the market today, your options are endless. Open toe kick and a skirt sink can give bathroom a beautiful, distinctive charm. When purchasing a new vanity, make sure that it doesn’t overwhelm the space in your bathroom and it has plenty of drawer space. Highlight your bathroom remodel with a new “solid surface” counter top such as; granite, quartz or polished limestone.

Having selected your counter top, a new sink is the next item to consider. Today’s sinks come in many different styles, price and materials: hand chiseled stone, hammered copper, vessel and porcelain to name just a few. When choosing your sink, consider the type of install your looking for; self rimming or under-mount. You should select the type of faucet you want as well, to ensure everything will fit comfortably on your counter top.

Replacing the toilet can also be a challenge. With so many colors, styles and tank combinations it can be little confusing. Make sure that the style you choose, it doesn’t protrude into your bathroom and if you have a water closet, that the toilet allows the door swing free. Before purchasing, you should consider a raised or taller toilet 17” +, one that is flapper-less, quiet and most of all, efficient. When you are installing your toilet on a tile floor, to prevent rocking, use your tile grout around the base. Make sure you stuff it thoroughly with your finger, let set a few minutes, then sponge off excess for a smooth finish, let dry & cure.

To complete your bathroom remodel, you will need to decide whether to preserve or replace your bathtub. If your bathtub is in relatively good shape you may want to keep it and retile the surround or deck. If your goal is to replace it, then make sure of your bathrooms space, and your overall design before you make your decision. There are several bathtub styles to choose from; the old world charm of a claw-foot soaker or the more traditional Jacuzzi, either way they will make an excellent centerpiece to your bathroom.

If your bathroom remodel involves replacing the shower or bathtub surround, make sure to re-tile the surround to the ceiling, this will give your bathroom remodel a more professional appearance. Remember to always replace your shower walls and pan with a “water-proof” sub-strait and underlayment such as: Kerdi Board or Tile Ready®. In addition, you might want to upgrade your shower valve as well and purchase a popular brand to ensure replacement parts are always readily available when needed.

Never overlook the importance of light in your bathroom remodel. Brighten your bathroom with natural light, by installing a larger window or skylight. Recessed or track lighting, wall sconces in lieu of a light bar, frame-less glass enclosure & medicine cabinet, or portrait mirrors, is an excellent way to accentuate your bathroom’s appearance.