The bathroom is a place where people spend a considerable amount of time each day, so it makes sense that many would be willing to put a lot of thought and effort into making this space not only practical, but a visual masterpiece to be marvelled at during every visit.

Whether you’re looking for practicality, aesthetics, or somewhere in-between, there are a few design choices you should consider before putting your plan into action.

Tiling, Panels or Cladding?

One of the essential design choices that is going to determine the style of your bathroom is how you want to decorate your walls.

Tiles are a popular choice, giving you the freedom to use a variation of colours to create a vibrant atmosphere that is sure to be a guaranteed eye-catcher. Even if you would prefer a more consistent colour scheme to your walls, bathroom tiles can create a startling impression.

The possible downside of this particular style is how expensive it can be, with the cost being higher if you have a larger space to work with. Cladding on the other hand can be a great cost-savvy alternative if you’re still searching for a great look. The benefit of cladding panels is that you still have a great variety of styles and colours to choose from to make your space truly personalised to your taste.

Wall panels also have the added bonus of being much easier to keep clean and looking great. It’s as simple as wiping down the panels on occasion to prevent any permanent damage from dirt or grime, rather than the special treatment you would have to give your wall tiles if you want your space looking its best.

With no grouting needed, these panels are just as practical as they are stylish. You should definitely consider wall cladding as a valid option if you feel the visual appeal of tiling is outweighed by their cost and high-maintenance.

Your option to use either cladding or panels is not limited to walls either. Keeping in mind that both can be very useful for reducing condensation as well as mould growth, and with bathroom ceilings being a prime target for mould and discolouration, you may be interested to know that you can use either one to keep your ceiling looking clean and mould-free for much longer.

Laying Down the Floor

Another important design choice to consider when remodelling your bathroom is what kind of floor you’d prefer. This can be quite a deal-breaker in terms of maintaining the overall style of your space.

What you need to consider first is the practical nature of your flooring. In other words, are you interested in any waterproof or underfloor heating qualities to complement your design? If the answer is yes, then you will have to compare the cost of these additional features with what your budget allows for.

If you can afford to fit your bathroom with these desirable features, then you can then begin to compare styles of flooring to see which one is going to contribute the most to the design of your space.

Being able to introduce waterproof flooring and underfloor heating is going to be a great investment of your time and money in the long term, reducing any slip hazards or unwanted moisture from wreaking havoc in your bathroom. Not only is there a practical and comfort aspect of installing underfloor heating, but it can also be a smart choice if you’re looking working with a small space, as the area usually reserved for a radiator is no longer necessary.

Consider your Options

Making the most of the space in your bathroom is not the easiest decision, especially when there are many choices in regards to utilities which define both the style and use of the space.

If you’re interested in looking at this investment long-term, you may want to consider installing a wet room rather than your standard shower cubicle or bath tub. While this does require a little more space than your other options, the end result is a space that is considerably easier to clean, more accessible, and adds more value to your home if you ever come to sell in the future.

With all of these options available to you, we hope you will now have a much smoother process in making your bathroom design an achievable goal that will continue to be visually pleasing and practical for your every need.

If you require any assistance in finding the right materials to complement the design you have in mind, then feel free to contact our team at DBS Bathrooms and see if there is anything that we can do to help.

Whether you’re moving into your first apartment, or simply need an interior makeover, there are many ways to create a chic space without spending a fortune. Why waste money on extravagant purchases when you can get a stylish home for less? Here are six tips for decorating on a budget:

Get Rid of Clutter

That’s right. Begin with a blank canvas. That’s easy to do when you’re moving into to your first place, a bit harder when you’ve got an apartment full of stuff that, together, doesn’t make much sense. Resist the urge to buy things simply to fill the space, and get rid of anything you’d rather replace. Also, be patient! It takes time to get to know your space, and grow into it; oftentimes that perfect piece will find you, rather than you finding it.

Renvision the Space

Once you’ve gotten rid of anything you’d rather do without, it’s easy to begin swapping around existing pieces. Simply moving something to another room, or another spot, can make a huge difference in flow. Flip the floor plan and don’t get stumped by color (you can paint over things later!).  Shopping at home can be your most inexpensive resource.

Head to the Flea Market

Flea markets are full of awesome finds. If you’d rather not have an apartment that seems like an IKEA display, the flea market offers wonderful, unique options. Find an old chair, ottoman or sofa and recover it (same thing if you’ve already got IKEA furniture). Choosing your own fabric adds flair and individuality to any piece, and you can even find fabric at the flea market as well, not to mention silver and crystal! Choose a color scheme for each room and choose fabrics based on the palate. Check out which flea markets are on in your area.

Paint and wallpaper

It’s amazing how far a little paint or wallpaper can go to transform a room or piece of furniture. Paint over an old wooden desk or dresser and it suddenly becomes a trendy, modern piece. Keeping in mind your color palate, wipe down an existing piece, remove the hardware, and paint over it in a fresh color. Likewise, removable wallpaper is the perfect way to add color or texture to a room with overcommitting because it’s simple to apply and remove. Check out Etsy’s designs, or browse through Tempaper and Chasing Paper. You can also use tile stickers, which fit onto existing tile, to quickly update a bathroom or kitchen.

Create your own artwork

Finding, and affording, artwork is definitely challenging. But rather than buy a print or mass produced piece of art, why not make your own, original art by channeling your inner Jackson Pollock? Buy a canvas already stretched (they come in a multitude of sizes) and get to work! Amazon sells large pre-stretched canvases for around $20. Acrylic paints dry fast, are inexpensive, and easy to work with. Cover the canvas with gesso before starting to paint, and use it to create texture. There are many tutorials online offering tips on how to create modern art. You can also give a humble piece of art the appearance of a masterwork with oversize matting and framing.

Go Green

Plants bring life to rooms, and oxygen! Simply find a decorative vase or basket for the base and you’ll immediately, and easily, make a drab corner stunning. Choose cacti and african violets for shelf space or consoles, and larger plants such as Areca palms for those empty corners. A visit to your local garden center will fill you with ideas and inspiration.

Whether you are using supplements to improve your physique or just prevent disease, they can start to add up around the house. Bottles of capsules and powders can get pretty messy and overwhelming at times. For people that maintain a certain level of organization throughout their home, supplements strewn about the bathroom or kitchen can seem stressful.

Organizing a supplement cabinet isn’t a difficult task, but it does take some investment of your time. Given that my boyfriend and I have been living in a 230 square foot apartment together for the past few months, we have figured out what must be organized and how to do it.

Hopefully with some of the tools that we have learned, you will have a much easier experience organizing your supplement cabinets. Use these rules and you’ll be able to organize thoroughly.

Organize Your Supplements: Step by Step

Step #1: Be clear with what you need

Most supplements are magic pills and don’t really do much good anyway. If you have even a hint that this might be the case, get rid of it! There is no space to waste on supplements that don’t actually work. There are dozens of good quality supplements like bacopa monnieri with plenty of evidence. If you don’t find solid evidence for the supplement, don’t keep it.

The second part to this step is to get rid of the things that you never use. Are there supplements that work, but you just never use? Don’t keep them on the shelves. Studies show that most consumers of supplements just allow the products to sit on their shelves unconsumed. Don’t do this or it will waste space.

Step #2: Organize based on usage

Some people like to keep their supplements organized in a cabinet based on the size or other aesthetic factors, but this is more of a pain than anything. If you organize the supplements based on how often you use them, it will be far easier. Make sure the most-used supplements are easiest to access and the less used options are behind.

Step #3: Use weekly supplement boxes

Another trick we use in my tiny home is small supplement boxes that elderly people usually have for prescription drugs. Once a week, I can take all the supplements out of the counter and lay out the pills for each day.

The reason this is so effective is because taking supplements in and out of a cabinet will create disorganization over time. Slowly things will move out of place and eventually it will be a mess again. Using the weekly supplement boxes can make a big difference instead.

Step #4: Consolidate as much as possible

Even though my partner loves nootropics and finds his favorite phenylpiracetam on sale doesn’t mean he needs to buy as much of it as he can! The little bit of savings that we find through buying in bulk doesn’t offer much when compared to the headache of trying to organize everything.

Try to consolidate by getting only one bottle at a time and finishing that as you need. Otherwise, you’ll be pulling out your hair trying to organize your supplements!

Are you tired of the same windows you’ve been using for the past one decade? Actually, there’s something you can do about it. Besides proper housing being one of the basic needs for every human, you also need a maximally comfortable home. You should never underestimate the importance of good aeration in your home too. Good windows can help you achieve better aeration regardless of the weather conditions. If you’re also in house flipping business you should be well aware of good windows replacement services. Flipping involves purchasing, upgrading and reselling of properties. In such a situation, you might come across some market viable properties that require serious replacement of windows. Additionally, persons in the real estate business might frequently need window replacement depending on the client’s needs and so on. Window replacement is of paramount importance for all housing needs. Let’s take a look at some windows options when it comes to replacement. For the record, some window replacement companies can deliver high quality windows Markham and Oakville too.

Casement windows

This is one of the best window styles for your home.  They are hinged at the side and almost similar to the picture windows but have their unique properties. They are perfect in hot climatic conditions as they offer natural ventilation. Unlike many windows that open halfway this casement windows can open completely. They direct breezes into the building as they can be hinged to open outward. With the window handles at the base of the windows, they are perfect at places that cannot be reached easily especially if installed at the top of sinks or furniture. They come in a variety of styles ranging from top down grill, prairie grill, French and other type without grills.

Awning windows

Awning windows are a good option when thinking of bringing out an attractive look and yet practical at the same time. They are perfect for different weather conditions especially for dumpy areas that require frequent aeration. They can remain open during rainy or snowing seasons as the water runs along the panes dripping off at the bottom. They are vast and can be made to match the rest of the home exteriors with the variety of materials that can be used ranging from wood, Aluminum and even vinyl. Not forgetting, it is one of the most cost effective method that can be used and hence affordable for any exterior plan style you wish for. Awning windows can be installed higher than any type of window therefore a good choice for bathrooms and bedrooms because of security and privacy.

Slider windows

The slider windows consist of two sections, one which slides open and closed, while the other remains stationary. Many home owners prefer the slider window because they are an affordable option and very easy to install. They are easy to operate and provide an option of either single or double sliders. The simple design creates space and ensures efficient air flow thus an excellent option for smaller room spaces. They are easy to clean and give a clear view from inside their home without any obstructed. They do not have complex parts like other windows and even a small kid can open the window without assistance. Look out for the best, standardized and customized windows at Oakville windows.

Bay and bow windows

This type of window is not only functional, but also brings about an aesthetic look from the interior and exterior. Bay and bow windows have more than one opening section. This makes them a better option than others as it allows in light yet ensuring efficient air flow into the interior spaces. This style has made a major comeback as it is attractive and also creates an additional seating space. With the windows protruding outwards, the windows are able to create extra space into the room. This extra space is a perfect place for reading or having some quiet time meditating. This type of window is versatile and can be installed in any room including bedrooms, study rooms and even kitchen.

The bathroom is the most used and visited room of the house. Since you are spending so much time in it, making sure it is comfortable and convenient is a must. However, if you are renting your home in Coon Rapids, MN, there is a good chance you don’t want to invest a lot of money into renovations since the property is not yours. The good news is, there are a number of affordable upgrades you can make to the bathroom that will make it more user friendly.

Change the shower curtain

One of the fastest and most affordable ways to update the look of your bathroom is to purchase or sew a new shower curtain. This will instantly change the “vibe” of the space, which can be a huge improvement in many situations.

Add some mirrors

If your bathroom is cramped and dim with no window to let in natural light, you can improve the lighting by adding a few mirrors. The mirrors will bounce the light around the room, helping it to feel bigger and better lit.

Add some paint

Most landlords won’t have an issue with you painting a space, especially if the room really needs it. There are some who may even offer to pay for the supplies. Painting the space is a great way to provide an instant facelift to any bathroom, regardless of its size or current condition.

Add a New Sink

While the investment in a new sink may be a bit higher than the cost of the other renovation options, it may be well-worth it in the long run. After all, if your current sink is ugly, gross or broken, buying a new one makes sense. The best part is, there are more options than ever before for sinks, including a stone vessel sink, which can transform the entire look of your bathroom space.

Don’t jump into a project without knowing the entire cost first. This may result in you having a case of buyer’s remorse. You may also spend too much and since this is just a rental house, this is likely something you would want to avoid.

When you are renting a home, you have to be mindful of what you do and don’t do and you also have to protect yourself. This means purchasing renter’s insurance. Learn more about renter’s insurance and how important it is by contacting the professionals from Pinnacle Insurance Agency today.

Installing a wood floor in your home is an investment. Additionally, it is a beautiful addition to your space that can actually increase your homes overall value.  If you wish to maintain the beauty and aesthetic appeal of the flooring that you install, proper care is essential.

The fact is however, that many people do not know that some everyday habits may be causing substantial and permanent damage to their wood flooring. Having to pay for hardwood floor refinishing San Diego is expensive, which is why you need to take the time to ensure you keep your floors damage free. If you wish to maintain the beauty and long-lasting life of your wood floor, you should work to avoid the seven most common mistakes that can cause this damage.

The seven things that you do that can ruin your floor include:

Number 1: Leaving the floor unprotected.

You should place rugs or mats at each entry to your home, or room, where you have hardwood. This will work to catch and grit or dirt that can affect your flooring like sandpaper, leaving scratches and marks on the surface.

Number 2: Not sweeping the floor regularly.

It is important to purchase a soft bristle, good quality broom to use on your wood floor. This will pick up the dust, dirt and other particles that accumulate on the floor and prevent them from leaving scratches and damaging the floor.

Number 3: Using harmful chemicals or cleaners.

It is important to follow the care instructions given by installers and only use suggested cleaners. There are some chemicals and cleaners that can significantly damage your floor and that should be avoided.

Number 4: Waxing a floor with a urethane finish.

This is considered a hard finish, and wax will accumulate and cause the floor to appear discolored and old.

Number 5: Allowing water to stand on your wood flooring.

Water should not be used to clean any type of wood floor. If water is allowed to stand on your wood flooring it can cause your floor to splinter, crack or buckle. If water is necessary to clean the surface, you should only use a damp mop for cleaning purpose.

Number 6: Not hiring a professional for extensive work.

If your floor does have damage, it is important to hire someone who knows how to properly fix it. This will ensure that the integrity of the floor is maintained, while fixing the damage that is present.

Number 7: Sliding furniture across the floor.

If you have to slide furniture, you should purchase protectors to put beneath the legs. However, it is advised that if you must move something across the floor, you pick it up and avoid sliding it at all. This will ensure that no damage results.

Remember, since you are investing money to have a wood floor installed, you should care for it properly and avoid doing the seven things here that can cause substantial and permanent damage to the surface. This will help to increase the longevity of the floor and allow it to maintain its original beauty and appeal.