# Monday, March 08, 2010
Take the Bathroom Remodel Quiz:
  • Do you take a shower, quickly dry and exit the bathroom?
  • Are you thinking that you've grown and changed in the last 10 years - and your   bathroom needs to catch up with your style?
  • Do you drool over every HGTV bathroom remodel show?
  • Have you been making a new year's resolution to remodel your bathroom since 2007?
  • Do you close the door and hope none of your guests need to use the bathroom when they visit?
  • Have you started a subscription to Consumer Reports to just read up on bathroom remodel products?
  • Have you made the decision to stay in your home, but only if you can update the bathrooms?
  • Do you google "BATHROOM - HELP!"?
  • Do you toss and turn in the middle of the night thinking about your bathroom remodel to do list?
  • Do you wake up well rested in the morning having dreamt of relaxing in a beautiful new spa bath?

    If you answered "yes" to any of these questions - guess what -
    You are ready to remodel your bath!
Enjoy these "before" and "after" photos and be inspired!

  
  • In the "before" photo, note the ceiling height is only 7' and it has a soffit below which houses the light fixtures making you really feel like you might bump your head.

  • Wallcovering with an all-over print covers all the walls enclosing the space and the tub has a fabric shower curtain further enclosing the space.

  • The only light in the space is the fluorescent over the vanity - the worst kind of light for makeup and shaving and, of course, no light gets through the shower curtain to the tub area.

These "after" photos show the dramatic transformation!

    
Try these bathroom remodel "tricks" to open up your space.
  • Work on the lighting: Remove the existing soffit and add more balanced light throughout - add downlights over the sink for accent and ambiant light; add sconces on all sides of the mirrors (ideal location for make-up and shaving); add a downlight over the tub (for bathing and accenting the tile work on the wall); and finally add light under the vanity that sits 9" off the floor on decorative legs (further opens up the space by adding more light at the floor level). And remember - each set of lights must be on their own dimmer for multiple flexibility.

  • Install frameless shower doors in lieu of a shower curtain - perfect for bathroom remodels. This adds more openess to the room since this area is no longer blocked with a solid curtain and it allows the tile design in the tub area to become a work of art in the room.

  • Make the ceiling appear higher: the mirrors are large and go up to the maximum height possible - this pushes the ceiling up because it draws your eye up to the maximum height. Also, note the frames on the mirrors are large scale and add boldness to the room so it no longer feels small. (Don't make the mistake of putting small things in small rooms - that will just make the room feel smaller.)

  • Paint the walls and ceiling light tones. The solid color paint helps open up the room and makes it feel less cluttered without the busy wallcovering. Three color tones are used in this room which helps define the space, adds interest and sets off some of the deeper color tones in the gold sinks and counter. A medium gold was selected for under the tile chairrail and then a lighter tone on the upper walls and finally a pale cream for the ceiling. 
      
    Always remember that there are unlimited possibilities -
You don't need to have a HUGE space to make a make a
HUGE difference!

Are you ready for your Bathroom Remodel?

I'm happy to discuss your bathroom remodel possibilities -
call or send any questions you may have to barbara@barbarakrai.com .

 
Click on these links or scroll down for my Lighting Series: get practical lighting tips and interior design ideas that you can use to enhance your home decor.

Action Step #1: Switch Your Switches
Action Step #2: Light Your Life with Lamps and Lights
Lighting Series Intro: Lighting Interior Design Ideas - Lift Your Spirits with Light
Action Step #3: Accentuate with Accent Lights - Coming Next


Please write with your comments or questions and let me know how I can best help you with interior design ideas for lighting solutions that will lift your spirits and create a positive impact in your life. barbara@barbarakrai.com

Barbara Krai Interior Design - Serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Oldsmar, Dunedin, Odessa, Safety Harbor, Lutz, Avila, Cheval, New Port Richey, Bradenton, Lakeland and all surrounding Tampa Bay Beaches and regional areas along the West Coast of Florida.

Monday, March 08, 2010 9:49:02 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  #    Comments [0]  |