Virginia Kitchen Floors Are Going Green

Posted on December 4, 2013 by KitchenLove

Virginia Kitchen Floors Are Going Green Selecting design elements for a new kitchen, whether it’s the renovation of an existing kitchen or a ground-up new construction, requires you to make a variety of decisions. From the finish on custom cabinetry to faucets and lighting fixtures, you have the opportunity to combine trendy elements with your own unique, personal style. While you’re looking for the perfect appliance finish and wall treatments, be sure that you don’t neglect the foundation of the room. The right flooring choice can turn an array of seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive and trendy design, a fact to which your Virginia kitchen design specialist can attest.

You want an aesthetically pleasing kitchen, and one that’s warm and welcoming to friends and family. You also want a kitchen that’s fashionable and on-trend, not dated or bland. If there’s one design trend that’s only picking up more steam with every passing year, it’s eco-friendly elements in home design. Being kind to the earth never goes out of style, and kitchen flooring materials are no exception. One of the hottest elements you can integrate into your overall design is a running theme of green, earth-conscious decorating. These are some of the hottest and most fashion-forward kitchen flooring materials, each of which is low-impact and stylish.

Going Green

Look for products made from recycled materials, like glass tiles and recycled stone agglomerate. Cork is another favorite, as it’s a rapidly renewable resource that’s naturally hypoallergenic, and resistant to mold and pests. Cork flooring is made from tree bark, which can be harvested repeatedly without killing the tree. It’s also a great option if your kitchen tends to be a noisy space, as it’s capable of absorbing ambient sound and acting as a natural noise barrier.

When you think “green,” linoleum may not be the first flooring material that comes to mind. While synthetic flooring made to mimic linoleum may be far from eco-friendly, real linoleum is actually an all-natural material made from linseed oil, cork dusts, ground limestone and tree resins. Just be sure that you’re selecting real linoleum made from recyclable and renewable ingredients, and you’re on the right track.

Consider Look-Alike Materials

There are some materials that, while they’re attractive and appealing, are just too expensive to work with some budgets or require a tremendous amount of energy to manufacture, ship and install. This is where look-alike materials come in handy, as they allow you to build the kitchen of your dreams without breaking the bank or taxing the environment. Porcelain tiles, for instance, can be fabricated to mimic stone and marble for a more cost-effective, greener alternative. Glazed and stained concrete are also fashionable choices, which can be designed to mimic more expensive flooring at a fraction of the cost.

Wood is Making a Comeback

When it comes to flooring, few materials are as timeless and perennially popular as wood. While trees do have to be harvested through logging in order to create wooden floors, there are options which will allow you to bring the classic elegance of wooden floors into your kitchen with minimal environmental impact. Make sure that you look for reclaimed and salvaged wood flooring, or that purchased flooring is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Some wooden floor treatments also contain formaldehyde, so verify that your top pick is free of this potentially dangerous chemical.

After your new kitchen floors have been installed and the project is finished, make the effort to keep them green with environmentally-friendly cleaning products with a low level of volatile organic compounds. Not only will your kitchen be a beautiful, inviting place, but also a healthy one for your family that doesn’t contribute heavily to further damage to the environment.

Kitchen Design Styles: Farmhouse Modern

Posted on December 2, 2013 by KitchenLove

The relaxed, classic feel of a farmhouse kitchen has timeless appeal. Today’s farmhouse kitchen comes with all the modern conveniences and a touch of current design to make it feel up-to-the-minute and stylish without edging into faddish or overly trendy territory. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel and considering the farmhouse modern style, your Virginia kitchen design specialist can answer any questions and make sure you end up with a warm, family-friendly kitchen where you’ll make as many great meals as you do great memories.

Cabinetry

The farmhouse modern trend is all about timeless lines, classic elements and a vintage feel. Farmhouse modern kitchens are comfortable, warm and inviting, not fussy or overly fancy. This extends to cabinetry, which may be a mix of no-frills Shaker and clean modern, with hardware to reflect a casual, country vibe. White cabinets, black counter tops and freestanding storage pieces with a black finish are textbook farmhouse modern cabinetry elements. Upper cabinets can feature glass fronts, open fronts or a mixture of the two. Because countertops and flooring the farmhouse modern kitchen tend to be dark, it’s smart to opt for a sparkling white cabinetry finish. Creamy beiges or off-whites may be appealing on paper, but they won’t provide the same sharp contrast that has become part of the farmhouse modern trademark. Freestanding storage pieces and built-in cabinetry alike tend to feature a furniture-like feel, so consider molding and footed pieces to complete the look.

Lighting

Because this eclectic style is a hearty mix of classic, casual and contemporary, you’ll have a fair amount of leeway when it comes to choosing lighting fixtures. Vintage inspired fixtures are a popular choice, as are schoolhouse-style fixtures. One thing you will want to play up and take advantage of, however, is any existing natural light. Sunny, airy lighting gives farmhouse modern kitchens a warm, open feeling that simply can’t be replicated by artificial light. Be sure you integrate plenty of task lighting into work areas, too. Farmhouse kitchens are all about efficiency and functionality, even if you don’t have to sacrifice style to reach that goal.

Appliances

Opting for vintage-inspired appliances with retro lines is tempting with a farmhouse modern design, and can work beautifully because there is such a marriage between vintage and contemporary in this style. However, you can also spring for stainless steel appliances to tie together the look. Mixing these modern appliances with a host of rustic, down-home elements makes for a visually interesting and inviting space. Apron sinks are one of the most quintessentially “farmhouse modern” functional pieces with stylish flair. Apron sinks are so on-trend right now, it’s not uncommon to find them integrated into completely contemporary and eclectic kitchen designs. Their deep design allows them to accommodate all manner of pots and dishes, so you never have to worry about a too-cramped sink affecting your kitchen’s level of efficiency.

Elements and Accents

Subway tiles in white or light-colored hues are a popular choice for backsplashes in the farmhouse modern kitchen, along with crystal drawer pulls and cabinet knobs. Classic dishware and vintage decorative touches make a big statement when they’re displayed in open-fronted cabinets or shelves, so don’t be afraid to make functional pieces do double-duty as kitchen décor. Open floor plans leading into informal, relaxed dining rooms or breakfast nooks are common, as well.

If you feel that the farmhouse modern kitchen design is the perfect fit for your home and personal preferences, discuss your options with a Virginia kitchen design specialist. Together, you can build a functional and comfortable space where vintage charm meets modern flair.

Is It Time to Remodel Your Kitchen?

Posted on November 29, 2013 by KitchenLove

Remodeling a kitchen can be a lengthy process, which is one of the reasons why so many homeowners put off their renovations. Still, there are times when it’s simply no longer feasible to procrastinate. Executing the perfect kitchen remodeling project doesn’t have to take forever, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Working closely with a Virginia kitchen design specialist can help you to determine when it’s time to start the process, and to make it run as smoothly as possible. Before you put off contacting a professional kitchen design and remodeling specialist, consider these signs that it’s time to get the renovation ball rolling.

The Kitchen is Inefficient

One of the most common complaints about kitchen designs is that they’re simply not efficient. A well-designed kitchen can be one of the most popular gathering points in your home, but not if the traffic flow makes it difficult for more than one person to move comfortably. Inefficient placement of appliances, a lack of workspace or storage can make your kitchen difficult to navigate and an unpleasant space in which to work. Rather than chasing everyone in the family out of the kitchen to make it easier to prepare dinner, take a moment to consider renovation for greater efficiency. An inviting, open space where cooking and gathering together as a family is enjoyable is a huge return on your remodeling investment.

Space is Wasted

There are a wide array of ways in which kitchen space can be wasted, and most of them can be easily remedied through renovations. False fronts on prefabricated cabinetry, for instance, effectively rob you of storage space you could be using. Tip-out trays for cleaning tools, pull-outs for spices and cookware, and lazy Susan installations in corner cabinets can utilize that wasted space, allowing you to organize more efficiently. Frequently bemoaning the lack of usable space in your kitchen could be a sign it’s time to consider making the necessary upgrades to boost performance.

You Don’t Have Enough Storage

You may have been happy with the amount of storage in your kitchen when you first moved in, but find yourself struggling to find a place for everything now. As you add to your collection of utensils and kitchen tools, it’s not uncommon to find that you no longer have enough space. When the number of utensils and cookware starts outgrowing the amount of available space, renovating and updating your kitchen may be the only feasible solution.

Your Family is Growing

The kitchen that once seemed spacious and efficient can quickly become cramped and disorganized when you start adding to the family. From childproofing solutions to breakfast nooks, there are plenty of additions whose necessity only become apparent when children come into the picture. If your family has grown and your kitchen can no longer accommodate everyone comfortably, remodeling may be the most rational solution.

There Are Obvious Signs of Disrepair

Even the most carefully kept kitchens are subject to the wear and tear accompanying normal, everyday use. When your space starts looking more run-down than lived-in, though, it’s probably time to start thinking about making repairs and upgrades to restore its appearance. This is especially true if you’re planning to list your home with a real estate agent, as a decrepit kitchen can dramatically reduce your home’s resale value.

Don’t let your kitchen woes hold you back from enjoying a high quality of life at home, just think remodel. With a bit of planning and patience, you can have the comfortable, efficient kitchen you’ve been dreaming of.

Designing for Resale: Kitchen Edition

Posted on November 25, 2013 by KitchenLove

If there’s only one room you can afford to renovate before listing your home on the market, that room should be the kitchen. Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, and a kitchen in poor repair can make selling yours next to impossible. Whether you’re dealing with a sorely outdated design scheme or aging appliances and general disrepair, updating your kitchen is one investment that can pay off in spades in terms of sale price.

Look for Mass Appeal

When you set out to design a kitchen that will sell your home, it’s wise to focus on elements with wide appeal. Keeping in mind that you’re designing a room to attract prospective buyers, not create your dream kitchen, puts budgeting and style decisions into perspective. You may be dreaming of a kitchen with bright colors and your own unique style, but that’s a dream best saved for your next home. When it’s time to sell, you should work with your Virginia kitchen design specialist to create an inviting space in which your potential buyers are able to envision themselves.

Neutral palettes may not be your cup of tea, but they’re also unobtrusive and easy to live with for most people. Think of a neutral palette as something akin to a blank canvas for your prospective buyers. It lends a finished, clean look to the space, one which allows viewers to envision the space after they’ve put their own stamp on the room. You can’t play to the individual style and preferences of everyone who comes through your door, but you can make push towards mass appeal by keeping things neutral.

Pay Attention to Appliances

Many buyers won’t even consider purchasing a home if the kitchen appliances aren’t included with sale, so don’t purchase your dream oven or refrigerator and plan to take it with you. Select energy efficient appliance upgrades that will appeal to buyers, especially if your existing appliances don’t match or are older, less efficient models. All-in-one stove/microwave units are badly dated, so try to shy away from this old trend or replace existing units. Stainless steel is the perennial favorite of real estate agents, but other finishes may be a better fit in your particular space. Your Virginia kitchen design expert can help you to select the perfect appliances for your home during a resale remodeling project.

Counters Are Tops!

Low-maintenance counter tops that are capable of withstanding daily wear and tear are essential. Today’s home buyers tend to gravitate towards grout-free, solid-surface counter tops that are easy to clean. White laminate is notorious for becoming easily stained, so you may want to reconsider a plan that includes using it for counter tops. Poured concrete, granite and quartz are all popular choices among buyers, as are eco-friendly options constructed from recycled glass.

Spice Up Your Fixtures and Floors

Opting for new faucets and fixtures can give your kitchen the sparkling, brand-new “wow” factor that truly catches the eye of potential buyers. This is one area where you can make a relatively small investment, and still see a substantial return.

Floors are another area that warrant a bit of attention. Kitchens are, by nature, high-traffic areas. Kitchen floors are subjected to plenty of wear and tear, something that can be immediately off-putting to a prospective buyer. The last thing you want is for viewers to look at dingy, scuffed floors and see an expense they’ll have to immediately tackle. Upgrade flooring that looks damaged or has just seen better days.

Today’s housing market is tight, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sell your home for a profit. Working with a kitchen design expert and experienced contractors to renovate your kitchen is one way to ensure that you walk away with a tidy sum in your pocket.

4 Practical Tips for Virginia Kitchen Design

Posted on November 21, 2013 by KitchenLove

Browsing online pin boards and home improvement sites gives you a wealth of inspiration for your kitchen design. What these magazine-ready kitchen shots may not show you, however, is that they’re not entirely practical. When you’re planning a kitchen remodeling project, it’s important to work with your Virginia kitchen design specialist to ensure that the room is as functional as it is fashionable.

Budget Wisely

One of the most important aspects of planning your kitchen remodeling project is working out a feasible budget. When you know how much money you have to work with, you’ll be able to more effectively plan the new changes and upgrades. Make sure that you strike a balance between form and function, so that your budget goes as far as possible. If you need a walk-in pantry and more cabinet space, you may be forced to forgo the beautiful wood-burning pizza oven you saw in a magazine. Your kitchen is a gathering place for your guests and family members, but it’s also a place where you’ll prepare the food you serve to them. Striking the balance between style and practicality is important, and having a clear idea of where each and every dollar will be spent makes a real difference in the project as a whole.

Make Lists

Making lists is a great way to break down kitchen remodeling wants and needs. Determine which upgrades and changes are crucial, and which ones you’d simply like to integrate. Getting your priorities in line well before you actually begin the process of remodeling allows you to get a clear picture of the finished project. You’ll know what to expect, and an idea of the project’s scope. Having this list will also make it much easier for you and your Virginia kitchen design expert to work out the ideal renovation plan.

Consider the Layout

Does one of your chief complaints about your existing kitchen relate to an inefficient layout? If so, you know the pain of working in a functional space that isn’t all that functional. Think about what works in your kitchen now, and what doesn’t in order to make clear, informed decisions about any changes you’d like to see. You’ll need easy access to food, appliances and all of your utensils, as well as plenty of room for movement. This is another area where a design specialist can be of great value, as they’ll be able to help you strike the delicate balance between “practical” and “aesthetically pleasing.”

Don’t Skimp on Storage

There are myriad kitchen storage options on the market that are both stylish and spacious, making quick work of keeping all your essentials at your fingertips without clutter or resorting to unsightly solutions. When you’re working out renovation details, make sure you keep storage near the top of your list. You want a place for all of your small appliances, gadgets and utensils; one that’s within quick reach but not in the way when they’re not needed. Shelving, specialized cabinetry and free-standing pieces can all provide a wealth of storage, along with a big payoff in the style department. Discuss your storage needs with your design expert and contractors to ensure that storage takes high priority, rather than relegated to afterthought status.

Designing a kitchen that’s as functional as it is fabulous doesn’t have to be a chore. Working with a professional will give you access to tried and true design techniques, along with clever tricks of the trade that can make all the difference. Look for multi-purpose pieces capable of doing dual-duty to get the most bang for your remodeling buck, freeing up space while providing effortless style.

Cooking Up Some Style: On-Trend Kitchen Remodels

Posted on November 18, 2013 by KitchenLove

Striking a balance between “trendy” and “classic” is a challenge, especially when it comes to kitchen design. No one wants to completely redo a dated kitchen every few years because they hit the high points of every passing fad. Still, you want a look that reflects your on-trend ideas and sense of style. Fortunately, there are ways to make sure that your kitchen remodel stays on top of all the hottest Virginia kitchen design trends, without creating a look that dates itself within a few years.

Consider Color Carefully

Color trends come and go fairly quickly, so it’s important to play it smart when you start choosing colors. Updating your kitchen in the future can be as easy as applying a new coat of paint to the walls, especially if you’ve given some forethought to the color choices in anchor pieces like appliances and cabinetry. Opting for classic white or natural wood cabinetry allows you to change the wall colors with minimal effort and expense if you find yourself ready for a kitchen face lift in the future. Stainless steel appliances are also a smart choice, as stainless is something akin to the “new neutral.” Rather than being tempted into a fire-engine red refrigerator or a kitschy, colorful stove, keep it simple with stainless steel. Instead, apply those pops of color to the walls and accessories that are easily switched out in order to accommodate an updated palette later.

Splurge on Lighting

If there’s one design element that can make or break your new kitchen, it’s lighting. Boring light fixtures contribute nothing to the overall aesthetic appeal of a room, and can actually diminish the return on your improvement investment. Take the time to carefully choose a lighting scheme that not only brightens your kitchen, but also brings in an element of excitement. The right fixtures can truly become a focal point of the room, so make a point of working with your Virginia kitchen design specialist to choose lighting schemes and fixtures that boost the room’s appeal. It’s easy to consider your lighting fixtures an afterthought, something only to be updated at the end of a project with whatever money remains in the budget. By deliberately setting aside a portion of your budget for lighting updates and design, you’re guaranteeing that this crucial part of your new design won’t be overlooked.

Create a Destination Kitchen

Above all, you want a kitchen that’s functional and practical. It’s important to remember, though, that you don’t have to sacrifice function to create a gorgeous destination room. Kitchens are a natural gathering point in the home. Party guests and family members alike tend to gravitate towards this essential space, so why not create a room that’s both inviting and practical? Don’t skimp on the crucial elements that make your kitchen a practical space, but don’t focus solely on utility. Look for ways to accommodate guests and create a retreat for your family so that your kitchen truly becomes a welcoming oasis. Even small kitchens can be an inviting space, so don’t ignore the value of seating and other warm, comforting elements that play to the needs and desires of visitors and family members. With a destination kitchen, you can cook up as many great memories as you do great meals.

Take the time to work with your Virginia kitchen design specialist in order to come up with a renovation plan that suits all your wants and needs. You’ll find it easier than you may have imagined to create a space that’s both on-trend and timeless, one that’s as welcoming as it is functional.

Designing Bathrooms for New Construction

Posted on November 15, 2013 by KitchenLove

Building a new home from the ground up is an exciting experience. You’re able build completely to your specifications, choosing the fittings and details that perfectly reflect your tastes. Building a brand new home also gives you the opportunity to create an ideal bathroom space, rather than working to improve an existing one. Whether you’re in the process of building an entire home or simply building an addition to your existing home that includes a bathroom, there are some things you should consider before the building process begins.

Think Green

The focus on going green and making a positive impact on the environment extends beyond reducing household waste. Today’s new constructions and plumbing fixtures are available in more earth-friendly options. Work with your designer and contractors to choose greener options. Not only will these high-efficiency fixtures help to save the environment, but also to pay for themselves by reducing resource use and monthly utility bills. Going green is a great way to save some green, so don’t be frightened by the initial investment.

Make Plumbing Placement a Priority

If you’ve ever remodeled an existing bathroom, you know that moving plumbing fixtures is the quickest way to go over-budget. Moving your toilet from one wall to another, changing the placement of a sink or moving a shower seems simple enough on the surface, but it’s actually very expensive. When you work with your architect or designer to plot out bathroom fixture placements, do so with an eye towards the future. You will, at some point, want to remodel and update your new bathroom. When that day arrives, the last thing you’ll want is to commit to budget-busting plumbing adjustments. Think carefully about where you want each fixture to be placed, and how to maximize space efficiency.

Keep Hot Water in Mind

Your relaxing new bathroom won’t be much of an oasis if you’re forced to take cold showers every morning. While you’re in the process of designing your brand new home or adding on to your existing space, think about a tankless water heater conversion. Because the system heats water on demand, you’ll never have to worry about depleting the store within a water heater tank. They also use less energy and are far more efficient than tank systems.

While you’re on the subject of hot water, take time to think about just how much havoc steam and moisture can wreak upon your new space. Hot water generates steam, which means that your bathroom can become as muggy as a rainforest after a long shower. If you don’t want to fight against mold and mildew growth, make sure that you’re installing plenty of ventilation. Work with your designer and contractors to ensure the inclusion of ample ventilation. Otherwise, your brand new bathroom can become a new home for mold spores.

Go for the Gold with Extras

If you have room in the budget for a few fancy extras, now is the time to start deciding which ones you’d like to include. If you want heated floors installed in your new bathroom, that decision should be made before construction begins. The last thing you want to do is deplete a budget by tearing out a finished floor due to a last-minute change of mind. If you’re interested in heated towel bars, the inclusion of a bidet or a jetted shower system, discuss these options with your designer. Making sure that you, your contractor and the designer are all on the same page is essential. Keep lines of communication open, and you’ll find the process of building your new bathroom to be a rewarding and exciting one.

Avoiding Common Bathroom Design Mistakes

Posted on October 31, 2013 by KitchenLove

Thanks to a complete remodel or the construction of a new space, you’re finally in the position to design the bathroom of your dreams. This is an exciting time in the life of any homeowner, especially if you’ve been living with a bathroom that’s less than ideal. This excitement can carry you through the stress of a building or remodeling period, but it can also cause you to make some decisions that you’ll later regret. Before your enthusiasm for redesigning a bathroom trumps your better judgment, consider some of these common bathroom design mistakes.

Flooring Faux Pas

You want a new bathroom to emanate a vibe of cleanliness. Sparkle and shine are great qualities for fixtures and faucets, but may not be the best when you’re talking about flooring. Polished stone and high gloss tile might look great for the first few years of use, but they often wear unevenly. Every scratch or ding in the shiny finish will be immediately visible, which means that maintenance is a bit more complicated than it would be with other flooring options. High-shine floors also tend to be slippery floors, which means that they’re inherently unsafe. Bathroom falls can be very serious, and they’re more common than most people realize.

Tumbled stone and smaller tiles with lots of grout joints provide more traction, which means you’re less likely to slip and fall than you would be with high-gloss surfaces. Wood floors are beautiful, but the proper waterproofing measures will make wood a much more expensive option. All bets are off when it comes to carpet, too. The moisture in your bathroom will make for a nasty situation under carpet pads, and using fabric floor coverings around the toilet is just asking for trouble.

Skipping the Storage

When you’re designing a brand new bathroom, you want your personal style and tastes to be reflected by the overall feel of the room. Try to keep in mind that even a bathroom fit for the pages of a magazine spread still needs to be functional. Your gorgeous, on-trend bathroom may look great when it’s first completed, but it won’t have the same impact after a few months of use if every spare inch of space is cluttered with personal products.

Pedestal sinks, for instance, are wonderful when it comes to making a smaller bathroom seem more spacious. Because they eat up less of the valuable floor space, the room automatically seems a bit bigger. That all flies out the window if the floor under your sink is cluttered with bottles of shampoo and cans of shaving cream. Even if you choose free-standing pharmacy cabinets and recessed wall shelves, make sure there’s room for all your functional items. You won’t want to leave them scattered across the room, and you won’t want to revisit your college days by storing them in a caddy in the bedroom.

Lack of Lighting

When you’re taking a long bath after a difficult day, you’ll want dim and relaxing lighting. When you’re trying to shave or apply makeup, though, that dim lighting can be a bit of an inconvenience. Consider multi-profile lighting schemes, and look for ways to integrate as much natural light as possible. Today’s bathrooms are more than utilitarian spaces designed for quick use. You’ll unwind after a long day in a soothing bath and get motivated for an exciting day during your morning ablutions. Making sure that there’s a lighting scheme for both of these scenarios ensures your ability to maximize your enjoyment of the brand new bathroom you’ve designed.

Working closely with a designer and a contractor can help you to avoid some of these very common mistakes. With a bit of forethought and plenty of planning, you’ll be able to make the bathroom of your dreams a very feasible reality.

Riding the Wave of the Future with a High-Tech Toilet

Posted on October 28, 2013 by KitchenLove

Remodeling your bathroom is the perfect opportunity to bring in some of today’s high-tech features while updating the look and feel of the space. When it comes to technological innovation in the bathroom, the toilet is enjoying something of a cultural revolution. With the exception of a few changes to reduce water consumption, very little about the overall design of a toilet has changed in the last few decades. With today’s new crop of technologically advanced, high-end toilets, that stagnation is something of the past.

Toilets as Art

Since the toilet tanks moved down and flush handles took the place of pull-chains, toilets have looked more or less the same. Fashionable colors have come and gone, but the shape and design of most toilets has changed very little. That is, until recently. Today’s high-end toilets have become something akin to standalone works of art. Sleek, minimalist designs with hard angles and straight lines are taking the place of curved bowls. Wall-hung units remove the tank from the equation altogether, creating a space-saving design that frees up valuable square footage in bathrooms, which tend to be the smallest rooms in the house. The toilets coming off the assembly line today bear very little resemblance to their forebears, and are all the more impressive for these changes.

The Sound of Music

Whether you’re just looking to lend a festive air to your calls of nature or just eager to mask embarrassing bathroom sounds, there are toilets on the modern market that bear a second look. These toilets come complete with MP3 player docking stations and radios, allowing you to listen to your favorite tunes or catch up on the news while you spend necessary time in the bathroom. Forget about the old-fashioned magazine rack next to the commode; today’s toilets are all about providing entertainment.

Put an End to the Toilet Seat Wars

Any household that contains two members of the opposite sex is familiar with the age-old battle over the position of a toilet seat. By choosing one of the automatic toilets that are all the rage in high-tech bathroom designs, you can put the fight to bed once and for all. These toilet seats and lids will automatically raise and lower themselves, so there’s no reason to squabble with a forgetful spouse. While a new toilet may not put an end to all of your domestic disputes, one of these automatic models will give you one less thing to squabble over.

Dual-Duty Toilets

Bidets never quite took off in the United States, at least not for the average homeowner. There are several reasons why bidets haven’t enjoyed much Stateside use, but there’s no doubt that sacrificing premium bathroom space for a second seat is a deal-breaker for many. By combining the traditional toilet with a bidet, advanced toilets allow you to take advantage of all the benefits of a bidet without being forced to install a separate feature in your bathroom. These bidets also tend to feature warm water jets, air drying features and deodorizers to ensure that you’re squeaky clean and comfortable.

Secret Solutions

If you’d rather create a bathroom design that doesn’t feature a prominent, obvious toilet, one of today’s concealable models may be the answer to your prayers. With the lid closed and plumbing concealed behind the wall, these toilets look more like benches or shelving than a functional plumbing feature. Just be sure to warn guests, or they may find themselves confused by your high-end commode when they visit the water closet.

Designing a Bathroom That Sells Your Home

Posted on October 24, 2013 by KitchenLove

Virginia’s housing market remains strong, with plenty of competition among sellers. When preparing your home for a future sale, it’s important to focus on the areas that will actually sell your home. These crucial spaces include kitchens and bathrooms. When it comes to winning or losing a sale on your home, these areas will often be the deciding factor.

Don’t Get Personal

Renovating your bathroom for the express purpose of selling your home is a bit different from redesigning a bathroom in a home you have no plans of leaving. When you renovate a bathroom in your home for the purpose of making it more suited to your individual tastes and preference, the sky really is the limit. Experimenting with colors and design trends can be great fun, and are effective ways of making a space feel intimate and uniquely “you.” Personal touches make those bathrooms more inviting to both you and your guests, as they reflect your style. Renovating a room for the purpose of boosting a home’s selling power, however, means that you need to aim for a scheme with broad appeal. You may love the idea of candy-apple-red glass tiles and blue accents, but that doesn’t mean that everyone who looks at your home will.

A bathroom that’s designed to sell may not offer much in the way of personality, but it does give prospective buyers the ability to imagine putting their own spin on this integral part of the home. Instead of splashing the walls with your favorite bright hue, keep the palette neutral so that potential buyers can envision themselves in the space. Most people can live with a neutral bathroom that’s thoughtfully designed, but will shy away from a home that needs immediate changes in order to correct eccentric style choices.

Maximize Square Footage

Even a small powder room needs to feel as spacious as possible. Cramped, crowded spaces can give buyers second thoughts, especially in master bathrooms. Remodeling your bathroom with the intent to sell should focus on maximizing the spacious feel of the room. Replace large vanities with drawers and cabinets for pedestal sinks to show more floor space. Instead of large and somewhat dated whirlpool tubs with lots of space-wasting decking, opt for sleek bathtubs that don’t eat up all of the available room. Frameless shower doors, which are an on-trend design element anyway, feel less clunky than traditional doors with aluminum frames and frosted glass. Even fittings that lend the illusion of space are a better choice than fixtures that make the room feel crowded. When you’re remodeling a bathroom before listing your home, sleek and minimalist is often the way to go.

Cut the Clutter

Removing a vanity in favor of a pedestal sink means that you’ll need to find a new home for all the odds and ends that fill those drawers and cabinets. Crowding every available surface with bits of clutter sends the message to prospective buyers that there is a lack of storage space in your bathroom, even if that’s not quite the case. Think vertically by integrating shelving and cubbies into the walls of your new bathroom. Boost the sparkle factor of your bathroom by investing in spot-resistant fixtures that radiate a feeling of cleanliness. Choose tile or stone flooring that’s clean and modern, rather than a dated vinyl or laminate.

With a bit of effort and forethought, you can turn even the most problematic bathroom into one that makes prospective buyers eager to submit their offer.