Author: ION

  • Give Your Basement a Facelift

    Give Your Basement a Facelift

    Many homeowners don’t pay much attention to the basement. It is one of the most useless areas in the home. Basements are often damp, lacks proper ventilation and a breeding ground for pest, mold, and germs. For this reason, most people don’t go to their basement more often. But do you know you can transform this dark, abandoned space into something useful? Yes, you can convert it into a comfortable part of your home. Wondering how you can get this going? It’s simple. Give your basement a complete makeover.

    Prior to undertaking the home improvement project, you should inspect your basement for cracks or weak wall surfaces. The presence of these conditions indicates water damage and it should be fixed without further delay. If you decide not to waterproof your basement before renovating, then get ready to deal with dampness, moisture and mold growth.

    Many handy homeowners can perform this task themselves while others hire a skilled professional to help with a thorough, finely executed job. Preventing moisture and dampness should be your number one priority. Not only will water damage destroy your properties it can also result in poor health due to bad air quality.

    There are several benefits to finishing a basement. If you are looking for additional living space in the home, the basement fits perfectly into that role. You can convert the useless space underneath your home into an attractive place. Here is a list of ideas for you

    • Study room
    • Gym
    • Additional kitchen
    • Playroom
    • Sport bar
    • Home office
    • Party room

    Another incredible benefit of finishing a basement is that it increases the value of a home. Today, many buyers prefer buying a home with an already finished basement. Buyers are willing and ready to pay the asking price for a property with a finished basement compared to one with a dilapidated basement. Increase your chance of getting more value for money by investing in this home renovation project. Of course, painting the exterior of your home as well as replacing the windows and doors will definitely add to the value of a home but you can get more if you have a beautifully designed, fully furnished basement

    Adding a Basement Kitchen

    While some states allow the homeowner to add a kitchen to their basement, others don’t. To this end, it is important to check with your state laws to know if you can add an extra kitchen. The first step in setting up a basement kitchen is planning. You need to consider all your options and see if it fits properly into the design. Check for the right place to set up appliances such as dishwasher, design a proper fire exit and adequate ventilation of cooking fumes. More importantly, make sure the plumbing system is in good condition.

    Other factors to consider include lighting, flooring, and other fixtures. Adding an extra kitchen to your basement doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many contractors out there providing homeowners with affordable basement finishing service. Equally impressive is the fact that they can redesign your basement according to your budget. So no budget is too small for your basement renovation.

    Author NameDarshan Shah

    Author  Bio : 

     

     
    Darshan Shah is a young serial entrepreneur, digital marketer and blogger. He’s enthusiastic about creating blogs and writes creative content for the readers. He loves to help people to grow their business worldwide through his digital marketing knowledge.
  • How to Choose the Best Curtain Pole

    How to Choose the Best Curtain Pole

    One of the most interesting processes in a home renovation is choosing décor, especially permanent things like a curtain rod. You have to pick something that is of proper size and the perfect color to match the rest of your home. This is an important decision because you might use the curtain rods for several years, so your decision must be guided by a number of factors including changes you intend to make in the future. If you are getting started with your renovation, here are things you should consider picking the best curtain pole.

    Choosing the right size

    The first thing you need to do is measure the size of your windows to know the size of rods that can fit. Although there are adjustable rods that might be forgiving, in case you get the wrong measurements, you might still need to know the widths of your windows on each casing. While doing the calculations you should add about 5 inches to your dimensions if you would like the curtains to cover a bigger area of the wall. This is very important, especially if you are going to choose tension rods. The right diameter should be at least one inch (2.5 cm) as thin rods look cheap and might bow due to the weight exerted by the drapes if heavy.

    Consider the type of curtains you will have

    It’s also important to look at the type of curtains you will be using. If you are going for heavy drapes, you should choose sturdy rods, preferably wrought iron rods that will not bow when put under pressure by the fabric. If you will want to layer with window treatments, you should go for double curtain poles. And don’t forget if you need curtains for your bathroom you should pick tension curtain rods as they can hang lightweight curtains. To get matching quality, you should visit the best place to buy curtain poles in your area even if your budget is not very high. The reason is that many cheap offers might not stand the test of time as far as quality is concerned.

    Choosing color

    Color is an important aesthetic property that you should also include in your criteria while looking to buy a curtain pole. For a designer look with the curtain rods, you might want to consider a rod that offers tones of dark furniture within your room. This pulls space together and helps to create a pleasing contrast, which acts like an eyeliner. Remember that in case you choose wood rods you should do periodic turning to prevent them from bowing out of shape. It’s more pleasing to go with a metal rod that comes with a bronze finish if your choice is a brown-toned rod. Another thing you could do is to choose a rod the same color as your drapes to achieve a matchy-matchy look. However, if you prefer your curtains to disappear instead of being visible as a design element, you could pick up rods with the wall color.

    Spice up your living room with decorative curtain poles

    Don’t just go out and buy curtain poles to hold curtains, but also factor in décor. There are different types of poles that will add the esthetic aspect that are perfect for the living room. Choose curtain poles with round finals if you want a classic look, or you could go for double curtain rods if you would like to achieve elegant spirals that can make your home to have a polished look. There are also decorative curtains that come with carved flowers or leaves, so depending on the design aspect of your living room, you can spice things up with this simple fix.

    Pick finals

    Finals make your curtain poles stand out and could help to unify the décor in your room. Select a final with matching qualities as the formality of the room. For instance, crystal finals would not look in place if used on a sun porch, so ensure to be keen while selecting these materials. You might even go thematic if you are decorating a kids room for example. Finals are available in a variety of materials, including glass, wood, metal, and resin to name a few. Ensure to choose one that fits with the décor of your room by adding a material already featured in the room.

    Buying the best curtain pole is not the most challenging thing you could do for your home. It only requires knowledge about your home and the outcome you want to achieve. To choose a perfectly matching curtain rod, consider the size of your windows and also add some decorative features like finals that can make the setting more interesting. Choose the perfect color to match with décor in your room and also ensure the poles are strong enough to carry the weight of the curtains.

  • Best Tiles Suitable For Your Home

    Best Tiles Suitable For Your Home

    It’s easy to think that you can install the tiles you want in your home, whether it’s your kitchen or bathroom or in an entryway. However, it takes more than choosing and watching helpful videos online to know how to install tiles properly. Consider a few reasons why it’s always good to choose the type of tiles for your home carefully.

    The following tips will guide you in making the right choice.

    1. Slip Resistance

    Slippery floors are very dangerous especially if your home has children, elderly and disabled people. When choosing tiles, make sure you go for tiles that are slip resistant. A bathroom is the most affected part of your house and that is where most accidents tend to happen. You can choose to have pebbles, mosaic or ceramic tiles for your bathroom. Make sure the source of your tiles is reliable. This will ensure the safety of your floors or walls. Your kitchen too will need tiles that safe since there are a lot of activities that involve water and soaps in there that can make you slide and fall.

    2. Quality

    This measures the materials’ ability to withstand foot traffic and scratches. Tiles that are weak in texture break off easily. It may also be dangerous especially if they are to be put on the wall in a house with children around. You will need tiles that show resistance to wear caused by movement of surfaces or materials in contact with them. You should check the tiles before work begins to ensure that they meet the highest standards.

    3. Color

    Just like everything in life, colors evolve with time and you need to choose a shade that is right for your home. Make sure that the colors create a suitable backdrop from which to decorate the rest of the space. As much as other things like soft furnishings, furniture, and décor play a vital role in creating a good ambiance, the choice of tile shade you make does as well. If your house is painted in different shades, you can go for tiles of the same plain color not to give your home a busy look. You can ask a professional to choose colors for you if you are not sure of what works best with your other home decors.

    4. Water Absorption

    Tiles that have low water absorption have higher mechanical strength. It is important to purchase and fire tiles at high temperatures for this make them less water absorbent. Tiles that absorb water easily do not last long and you will need to keep replacing or repairing them. Go for tiles that are waterproof. You can ask your contractor or the tile company to identify for you the tiles that are water resistant.

    5. Chemical and Stain Resistance

    Installing tiles that are stain resistance is hygienic for they are easy to clean. Ceramic tiles are known to resist stains because of their glazed surface. This means that you do not have to scrub hard to get off food particles that stick on the walls of your kitchen or have to fight for space with pests that come to feast on those particles. You just wipe your kitchen walls after cooking and you are good to go.it is also important to put tiles that can withstand the heat that comes from the kitchen heat without bending or cracking. These tiles should be strong enough and they should not expand or contract during temperature changes.

    6. Durability

    You will need to go for tiles that will give value to your money. Tiles installed on driveways are supposed to be those that can withstand heavy and frequent use by vehicles. Low-quality tiles will crack and contribute to tear and wear of your car tires. This also applies to the tiles for your bathroom walls. They should be able to endure frequent splashing of water. Do not go for tiles that fall off within a short period after they are installed.

    The interior and exterior part of your house needs a good finishing. Tiles are a modern way of flooring or walling and they give your home an attractive appearance. Choosing the right tiles for your home is important for it reduces the work of maintenance and cleaning. The wrong choice of tiles can cost you a lot in keeping them in good shape and you may end up not liking the appearance of your home. It is also important to maintain your tiles after installing them. Avoid leaks of water pipes behind the tiling and make sure the outdoor tiled space has a good water drainage in case of rains.

  • How to Design a Practical Laundry Room

    How to Design a Practical Laundry Room

    While there is nothing glamorous about doing laundry, it’s a chore that everyone has to tackle. For those who live in a busy household with children, then the amount of laundry that builds up can be rather staggering at the best of times. Even if you’re just living on your own, it’s ideal to have an organised space where you can do your laundry in an efficient and productive manner.

    With that in mind, here are a number of tips you can use that will help you to design a laundry room that is practical and functional, allowing you to get your laundry done with as little hassle as possible.

    Make Sure You’re Washing Machine and Dryer are in Good Working Order

    Before you even jump into the design portion of the laundry, it’s a good idea to examine the current state of your washing machine and dryer. It’s best to ensure that they are in good working condition before you go ahead and put the space together. If repairs need to be done, it will be much easier for AEG repair specialists to access the washing machine and dryer if they aren’t yet set up in their new permanent spot.

    Give the Layout Plenty of Thought

    Now you want to start thinking about the layout. Try to envision how you want to use the space, and how you will move around the room. Will your laundry machine and dryer be side-by-side or are they a stackable unit? Do you want to have room for storage? Do you need a place to hang clothes? What about a folding centre? The answers to these questions will help you to determine what layout makes the most sense for you and your needs.

    Look for Inspiration and Design Ideas

    A laundry room isn’t usually the kind of space that people swap design tips on, so you may not necessarily have much of an idea in your head to start with. Doing a little research online, picking up some design magazines, and even checking store showrooms can help to spark ideas.

    Keep the Colour Palette Neutral

    Of course, the colour you pick for the laundry room is a personal choice you need to make. In general, it’s the kind of room that most people like to keep fairly neutral and bright. You want the space to feel lively, bright, clean, and welcoming rather than dark and closed in. That doesn’t mean you have to pick a “boring colour”; just keep it bright and neutral. You can always add a few pops of colour with décor if you like.

    Add Cupboards and Counters

    Because most people tend to be working on a few loads of laundry at a time, it can be very helpful to have storage and worktop space. You can always add upper cabinets, such as kitchen cupboards, to save on floor space and then add a length of worktop under them. The worktop can act as the perfect place for folding items as they are cleaned. You can even increase the storage space by adding shelves or cupboards below. All this storage means you won’t be dealing with clutter.

    Choose a Space with a Door

    The final design tip is to try to pick a location in the house that either has a door to close the room off or a room you can add a door to. When you’re running the washing machine and dryer it can get pretty noisy, so it can be nice to close that noise off. Just ensure that you have proper venting to the outdoors.

    A practical and functional laundry room allows you to get your chores done as quickly and painlessly as possible.

     

  • Remodelling Ideas for a Small Kitchen

    Remodelling Ideas for a Small Kitchen

    Having a modern day kitchen that is equally appealing as well as amazing is one of the greatest desires every homeowner has with his small kitchen. If you believe in the fact that your smaller and messy kitchen can never look extravagant, it is high time to let go of that false notion as we are here to let your kitchen dreams come true with our unique style inspiration to give your tiny kitchen a wonderful look.

    A modern kitchen should be a combination of two things- style and ample space to keep every chore in check. For it to reach its full potential, you need to remodel your counter space, the cabinet designs and there are a  plethora of options just for that.

    Here are some of the conscientious remodelling ideas for a small kitchen:

    1. An Effective Use of Empty Spaces

    While reconstructing a small kitchen, you first need to understand its underpinning, its foundation strategically. We know for a fact that small kitchens don’t usually have empty spaces but you are missing the point here. If you have an empty space between the ceiling and your cabinets, then it is also a space for storage. Be smart and get your kitchen very nice and beautiful wicker baskets that you can put in that space and fill it up with the things less used. It will take the load off from the counters and you can use them effectively for your meal preps. Make sure the baskets are according to the size of the empty space and are precisely nice. If we are planning to remodel, let’s start with making the kitchen space beautiful too. Several construction companies in Sydney offers you a customized form of wicker baskets that goes with your kitchens to give it an amazing look.

     

    1. Claustrophobic Much?

    Compact kitchens with so many wide and long cabinets make it look like a closet and who likes to see the tools just lying everywhere making it messy? So if you are actually going to remodel, that too in the small space, consider opening it up. It is one of the best advice we have given to our customers who are looking for remodelling ideas for a small kitchen. You can trade the large cabinets with upper shelves of same colours and use them for storage. Magnetic belts for storing the metal tools and using pot racks will give it an overall airy look that can actually look big despite being in a little pace. You can use nice wallpapers or colours for shelves which are actually breezy and looks like spring.

    1. Colour Combinations

    Colour combinations play an important role while redesigning something. For an instance, all the kitchen shelves and cupboards put together in a contrast combination of red, pink, yellow and blue is not a treat for eyes in any way. So many loud colours in so little space are going to mess things up even without the cooking happening. So in order to have a fresh feel, have lighter colour shelves and cupboards. You can use contrast colours for the kitchenware which will eventually give the kitchen an idea of a whole lot of space and you can work effortlessly.  

    1. Deceptive Effects

    There is something called a negative effect that is illustrated in the books of modern kitchen redesigning. It is basically using transparent objects or glasses in the kitchen to give an overall spacious look. It is the best way to expand your kitchen without actually expanding it literally. For instance, you can make use of glass doors if you have a kitchen room that will give it a visual of ample space. Using glass cabinets to store the tools and kitchenware is also a way to expand the kitchen metaphorically. Moreover, it allows you to find your things easily and will give the kitchen a modern and shiny look.

    1. Subway Tiles

    The spacious look is the main purpose of remodelling your kitchen and you cannot go wrong with the subway tiles. They are an amazing alternative of storing things neatly and gives the kitchen an overall spacious look. Glossy subway tile where you can put your cutlery and fruits basket to show and have a nice meal prep and eat there only is like a dream come true for the houses with tiniest kitchens. It gives the kitchen a modern-day look even without actual large space.

    1. Cohesiveness

    Sometimes uncontrollable clutter makes the kitchen looks tinier than it actually is. So it is advised while remodelling to use shelves of the same colour and a contrast cutlery or kitchenware to give an overall organised look. You can use the same colour for all the kitchen utensils or told so as to keep them organised eventually in the ascending order. More is the organization internally, more is the faux space you can actually portray.

    1. Lighting

    Designing a well lit kitchen is one of the amazing remodelling ideas for a small kitchen. Lighting up anything doesn’t only give it a bright and polished look but also gives a faux spacious effect with the shadows. When remodelling, try to use ample lighting for the kitchen. Such as the subway tile where you can actually eat should have a bouquet of yellow lights or lamps or even a chandelier hanging from it to give the room a wider look. The lights from the cabinets and the base should have a contrast effect so as to create shadows which will give your kitchen the idea of a longer kitchen rather than narrower. Subtle glowing colours are a treat for the eyes.

    1. Do It Yourself

    DIY sounds rather bland but to actually think of it when you are remodelling is something I can totally agree with. To start with, let’s get you a bigger kitchen with some DIY idea. For an instance, you can use some wooden shelves the adjacent empty wall of your kitchen and use it to store kitchen tools that you don’t usually use. For example, they can be used to store those cake stand, wooden cutlery you actually decided to buy out of nowhere, stylish cups and mugs. All these can take the mess off your kitchen and add up to the home design. Secondly you can create a multi-utility shelf that can have all the to go things you need in your kitchen such as your water bottle, protein powders your to go coffee mugs, your scarfs, umbrella etc. you can also try your hand with a DIY pantry to store those treats you like so very much and use often.

  • How to sell your house in NYC

    How to sell your house in NYC

    New York is a tough crowd to please. Placing your house on the New York market will be tough. The competition is fierce and you need to step up your game. But, don’t be afraid. There are ways you can move your way to the top in real estate. Here is what you can do.

    1. Clean, clean, clean…

    This is essential if you want to make your house representable. You don’t want to be showing the customers rooms full of dust and spider webs. Take out everything you don’t need and declutter. Throw away, recycle or donate things. Also, focus on cleaning your storage place because it might be a big thing you your customers. You don’t want to make your first impression bad, you won’t get another one.

    1. Increase the value

    By increasing the value of your home, you’ll attract more buyers. How to do that? Well, renovating is key. You don’t have to do major changes. You can go for small changes that will make a lot of difference. Fix the things first that are old. If you need a new sink, get one. If you need new windows, go for it. Also, a great idea is renovating the patio to give your home value even more. Everybody likes a good patio to relax.

    1. Inform thy neighbor

    Whether you like your neighbors or not, inform them of selling your house. They have to be kept in the loop on any buyers start asking questions. Wouldn’t you want to know what kind of neighbors will you end up with when you’re buying a new home? Especially, in NYC and with 8,500,000 people, you have to find the right crowd to fit in. That’s why it’s smart to inform your neighbors on upcoming guests. They might make their place looking nice as well.

    1. Millennials are the best buyers

    There are more and more millennials entering the market right now. More and more young adults are coming to NYC to work or to study. That’s why it’s important to give them a good offer and you will sell your house like hot cakes. What they might be looking for is the points of interest around your house. Tell them which coffee houses, stores, restaurants etc. are in the surrounding areas. Also, since millennials are obsessed with technology. Try installing solar panels for ensuring them that will save some coins on bills.

    1. Repaint Your Walls

    Painting your house will be a lifesaver when you’re trying to sell your house on the NY market. Adding a fresh coat of paint to your walls will make the buyer want your house even more. Painting your walls will be good for the aesthetics and the overall condition. Your walls have been through a lot. You don’t want to send your house with your kids’ fingerprints on it or oil prints from the cooking incident you had. Let the buyers put their own history on the walls.

    Hire a remodeling company that will help you with upgrading your apartment.

    1. Video advertising

    Take advantage of digital marketing and record a video tour of your home. Post it online to reach more people. Recording a video will increase your chances of selling. Also, the customers will get a preview of the house without leaving the door. If your property is massive, try filming the video with a drone. It will show your house and also the area around it.

    1. Make them an offer they can’t refuse

    Nobody can turn down a good offer. Do research on what your competitors offer and adjust your offer accordingly. If you want to make sure you hit bullseye, consult with a realtor. Make sure you don’t scare the customers with high and unrealistic prices. You want to make sales but you don’t want to overdo it.

    1. Stage Your Home

    You don’t have to stage your rooms if you already have the furniture. But, if you already moved to another place and you rooms are empty, stage your home or hire someone do it for you. Make sure your rooms are designed nicely. Your customers will have more insight on what the place will look like as soon as they move in their own furniture. Visuals are extremely important when it comes to houses in NYC.

    For some Basement Remodeling, click on the link.

    1. Schedule an open house

    Open houses are a great option when you’re planning to sell your house. It gives the buyers opportunity to see the place up front and make them feel welcomed. Online ads are great but for some they can be distant. Leave a big sign or post an ad to attract more buyers. For the right buyer, you might close a deal after the first open house. Before you start your open house, make sure your house is clean and presentable.

    Either way, don’t sell your house in bad shape. You have to make your house attractive. Follow these steps and you might sell your house to the highest bidder. Good luck!

  • 6 things you can do to make your home look bigger

    6 things you can do to make your home look bigger

    According to a survey, less than 32% of the Americans are satisfied with the size of their current homes, they either want a smaller place or a bigger one.

    It might be surprising to some, but smaller homes are also in demand as they are easy to maintain and afford. However, most people are on a lookout for bigger homes as cluttered spaces look unattractive.

    While you might not necessarily be able to increase the space you have, you can take steps to at least make your home look bigger than it actually is.

    To help you in this regard we have compiled a list of six things you can do to make your home look bigger.

    1.    Rearrange Your Furniture To Make it Easier to Move Around

    Many houses have too much furniture stuffed in one room. This can make the room look cluttered and small. Moreover, poor arrangement of furniture can also make it difficult to move around from one corner to the other.

    If your room is too difficult to move around, and you have to stumble over things on your way to the next room, then consider rearranging your furniture.

    Try to do that in a way that it doesn’t block the entryways or the way points from one corner to the other. Moreover, get rid of things that you do not need. A lot of us like to accumulate things for no reason.

    If you have furniture that is of no use consider getting rid of it. You can sell it online for a good price or just hold a garage sale.

    1.    Buy Furniture With Thinner Legs

    If you’re moving to a new place then consider investing in new furniture with thinner legs.

    Thinner legged furniture creates an illusion that there is more room available there then there actually is.

    1.    Buy Furniture That is Low and Long

    If your apartment or room has a lower ceiling, it can make a room look small. You can make it appear bigger by investing in furniture that is lower and elongated.

    Such furniture can create an illusion that your ceilings are higher and your room is wider. Scandinavian furniture is one of the best options available as not only is it short and long, it also has skinny legs.

    1.    Use More Light In The Room

    Proper lighting is of huge importance. It does not only make the room look neater, it can also make it look bigger.

    Go for light colors as dark colors absorb light which can make a look appear smaller. Rather go for light colors such as white and off-white. You can also pick light shades of green and blue.

    1.    Declutter Your Counters And Floor From Unused items

    It’s not just big things like furniture that can make your room look less spacious, little items like toaster in the kitchen or floor lamps can also make it look untidy and full. Plus, they take floor space which can be a killer.

    Hiding these items in storage since you don’t use them every day can significantly help make your room more spacious. You can also get cabinets to store such items. They can built in the kitchen, bathroom and other corners as well.

    Just get in touch with a good company to help you with this. It is an investment but one that can provide you with many benefits. They will not only keep your home neat, but will also help sell it quicker and at a good rate. However, make sure to get in touch with a company that is affordable and works with a reliable ringlock scaffolding supplier so that your work is done in a safe manner.

    1.    Use a Mirror

    One of another recommendations the interior designers give is to use a mirror to make a room look bigger.

    More trick you into thinking that your room extends more than it actually does. However, the most important thing here is to place the mirror in the right manner.

    They do not only help make a room look bigger, but they can also be used to reflect light which can brighten the room and reduce the use of bulbs.

    Even though these tricks won’t make your room physically bigger but they will certainly give it an illusion of being one.

  • How to Update a Bathroom

    How to Update a Bathroom

    Add Finishing Touches or Redo Major Fixtures for a Fabulous Change

    A Rain Showerhead, Stock Xchng

    Find here some great tips for how to give new life to your bathroom, whether you are looking for a small fix or starting from scratch.

    • Change out the towel bars. Make it the jewelry in your bathroom. Try a different metal, such as brushed nickel, and look for interesting shapes.
    • Change the color. Paint the walls, or if the walls are tile, paint the ceiling a light shade. Another way to change the color is with different rugs and towels. Avoid brown in bathrooms! Colors that work well are sandy hues, peach tones, and light blues.
    • Replace the showerhead. Try an environmentally friendly low flow showerhead. Some upgraded showerhead options are the “rain” style or one with adjustable massager that removes from the wall and can be used by hand. If installing a new bathroom, invest in multiple showerheads and body sprays. To add mood, try the Hansacolourshower, which uses LED lights to change the color of the water spray.

    • Include a place to rest. Find some room to add a chair, whether it be a simple wooden stool or a chaise longue. Adding seating allows you to put in another dash of color in rooms that are normally stark white.
    • Install furniture-grade cabinetry. You can upgrade your old cabinetry with new, richer stain and moldings and trim. If building new or remodeling, you can buy a new piece or have one specially made to match other furniture in your home. Cabinetry that looks like a bureau makes a classy statement.

    • Choose a vessel sink. Vessel sinks are the perfect option to go with furniture-grade cabinetry. Depending on the style of bowl sink you choose, you can make the bathroom look modern or antique. In an antique look, the cabinet looks like a dresser with a ceramic bowl on top, mimicking the look of turn-of-the-century bathrooms. WIth a modern look, the cabinetry is smooth or chunky and the vessel sink can be made of metal, stone or glass and sport different shapes, such as square.

    • Replace boring light fixtures. While you may still need task lighting and a fan, there’s no reason not to add spice to the bathroom with lights between the tiles in the floors or with a sparkly chandelier over the bath tub. Don’t forget to integrate romantic candlelight.
    • Incorporate other water features. Bathrooms are equipped to deal with moisture, so add a waterfall feature to a sitting area or that flows into the tub. If you can’t go all the way with a waterfall, replace staid fixtures with new faucets from which the water will cascade out like falls.

    • Build in fireplaces and TVs. If you are really going to get the most out of your bathroom and make it a place where you spend time, lounging in the tub, you will want some creature comforts, such as a fireplace and large-screen TV.

    • Incorporate some luxuries. Try a refrigerated medicine cabinet for storing cosmetics and medication, or warming drawers or heated towel racks so you don’t catch a chill when it’s time to dry off. Heated tile flooring or separate climate control for the bathroom are also excellent options. If you have the space, create his-and-her bathroom areas to keep you both moving in the morning.