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Bathroom tips

Top Tips For Creating The Perfect Bathroom Space

Top Tips For Creating The Perfect Bathroom Space

by Columbus Bath Design |February 28, 2023 |0 Comments | Bathroom Design, Bathroom Maintenance, Bathroom Remodeling, Bathroom tips

Does your bathroom make you frown and grumble every day when you take a shower? It might be time to tackle a bathroom renovation. At Columbus Bath Design, we offer complete design and installation services for the great Findlay, OH area.

Before you start ripping out your old dingy tiles, take a moment to review our top tips for creating a bathroom that will provide comfort and a relaxing retreat for many years in the future.

Who will use the new bathroom?

First, create a picture of who will make the most use of the new space. The kids won’t need an extra large vanity, but they will need a tub. Think about towel rungs positioned at a height where everyone can reach.

How big is the bathroom?

You won’t be able to squeeze a full bathroom under the front stairs. The average square footage for a half bath or powder room is between 16 and 20 sq. ft. A full bath typically requires about 36 to 40 sq. ft. A space in between may be able to fit in a small shower.

A Floorplan that Leaves Room for Doors, Knees, and Elbows

Plot out the location of each fixture. You need about 30 inches from the center of the toilet seat to the side of the vanity or tub. Remember to leave at least two feet in front of the toilet for space to stand up and turn around.

How is the door opening? Will it block the closet or another fixture? A sliding door can be a good option.

One Sink or Two for the Vanity

Is this bathroom designed as an en suite to the main bedroom? Are you always fighting over the mirror in the morning? A dual-sink vanity with a wide mirror can solve that problem. But remember to add shelves and drawers to store your toiletries, too.

Selecting a Walk-in Shower, Soaking Tub, or a Traditional Combo

Roomy walk-in showers are rapidly replacing the old shower/tub combination in many contemporary homes. If you never take long soaks on Saturday afternoons, a shower means you never have to step over the high rim of an unwanted bathtub. In an expansive bathroom, you might be able to fit a soaking tub along with the separate shower.

Lights for Bathing, Checking Your Hair, and Safer Nighttime Visits

When upgrading a bathroom first built in 1970 or earlier, take a good look at the existing lighting plan and make upgrades. There should be an exhaust fan with a light in the shower enclosure. An overhead light with a wall switch makes it easy for everyone to see. Pendant or mirror lights help you to put on your makeup. Motion-activated under-cabinet lights provide a soft glow for midnight trips.

Introducing Natural Sunlight without a Window

If at all possible, include a window or sun-tube in your bathroom plans. Natural sunlight includes ultraviolet rays that kill mold spores and help to dry out the room between visits. A window also offers a chance to bring in fresh air during the warm season.

Soft Vinyl Flooring for Small Toes

There is no need to settle for cold ceramic or stone floors anymore. Today’s luxury vinyl plank flooring is water-resistant, easy to install, long-lasting, and is soft and warm underfoot. Better yet, it is available in a huge variety of looks including wood grain, stone look-alike, and colorful tile patterns. You can even add underfloor radiant heat with a vinyl floor.

Choosing Neutral Tiles, Fixtures, and Floors

It might be tempting to select fixtures or flooring that use the latest bold designer color, but remember that the majority of bathrooms are around for 18 years before they get a major renovation. The sink, toilet, and bath are likely to stick around for another 20 years after that. By using traditional white or off-white for the big pieces, home decor trends can come and go without demanding another bathroom renovation.

Pops of Color Come with Your Linens and Accessories

How do you brighten up the bathroom design if you ordered neutral finishes? Turn to window curtains, bath mats, towels, and countertop storage to introduce style and color. Hang a plant and a picture. Wall paint colors are also easily updated. Don’t worry, your neutral palette will not look boring or ordinary once you go shopping.

Is a One-Day Bathroom Refresh What You Really Need?

If your current bathroom floor plan actually functions well, but you are frustrated with leaking faucets, a toilet that never shuts off, and a cracked or chipped tub, a one-day bathroom renovation may be the answer to your prayers. The fixtures can be updated or replaced, a fresh floor laid, and the old tiles brightened up without ripping out the walls and the plumbing.

This approach can save you thousands and weeks, turning the imposing project into a one-day wonder.

Give the Pros a Call to Kickstart Your Bathroom Update Today

Would you like to learn more about the benefits of a one-day bathroom renovation compared to a traditional approach? Contact us at Columbus Bath Design and discuss all the options to find the approach that best fits your timeline, budget, and expectations. We look forward to working with you.

5 Tips to Make your Bathroom Look Bigger

5 Tips to Make your Bathroom Look Bigger

by Columbus Bath Design |November 15, 2022 |0 Comments | Bathroom tips | ,

Not everyone is blessed with a bathroom large enough to host a hot tub party. However, there are ways to make your compact bathroom look bigger without changing how it works. Better yet, all of these tips can be incorporated into your bathroom renovation plan when you work with Columbus Bath Design. Some of our tips can be used without upgrading your fixtures or redoing the tile.

Tip 1: Bigger Mirrors Double the Visual Size of the Bathroom

Even the smallest powder room will benefit from a beautiful big mirror. The bigger the mirror, the more dramatic the visual trick. Your eye will see twice the space in the reflective surface.

Instead of choosing a medicine chest, opt for a mirror that covers the entire wall behind the vanity. More than one person can put on their makeup, and you enjoy the added benefit of such a spacious look. Better yet, mirrors never require painting–just wipe away the dust!

At the same time, too much mirror can be overboard. Avoid covering a wall floor to ceiling with a mirror. Your guests may not like seeing themselves while using the facilities.

Tip 2: Single-Color Decor Creates an Open Concept Look

In any room, a sharp contrast will always draw the eye to bolder colors. Use a monochrome design for your small bathroom and watch it suddenly look bigger! Avoid bold geometric tiles, dramatic colors, and sharp angles. Light gray and white for all of your fixtures, flooring, and walls will help to create a spacious illusion. Select towels and rugs that are just a shade darker than your main color to add depth without crowding the room.

Also, reduce clutter on counters and shelving. Opt for drawers that maintain clean lines while hiding all the bits and bobs. And take out the hanging plant.

Tip 3: A Glass Shower Door Eliminates Obstacles

In a typical three or four-piece bathroom, the shower curtain or frosted shower door creates a visual wall. This makes the room look and feel even smaller.

Change it out with a clear glass door, and now you will see the entire room at a glance. If you want to keep the frosted door for privacy, connect the overhead shower light to the light switch. Every time somebody enters the bathroom, the light helps to expand the feel of the space.

For a truly epic walk-in shower, use glass as one wall instead of tile. You will feel like dancing as the glass connects the shower area to the rest of the spa suite.

Tip 4: Let the Sunshine In with Windows

Expand the horizon in your bathroom with a window next to the tub or shower. Natural sunlight tricks your mind into thinking you are in the great outdoors. With the curtains pulled back, you can see beyond the four walls of the bathroom which gives you the feeling of freedom.

You don’t need a full-size window to take advantage of this illusion. Even a high-mounted window over the top of the shower enclosure introduces that healthy sunlight into the space.

When no window is possible, use full-spectrum light bulbs in all your fixtures. The bright and warm wavelength is both relaxing and invigorating while illuminating every corner.

Tip 5: Floating Vanities Trick the Eyes

If you are always squeezing past the vanity, switching it out for a pedestal sink is a quick way to restore traffic patterns in a small bathroom. But when you simply need a visual trick to make the room feel bigger, look at a floating vanity.

Instead of having a cabinet that runs all the way to the floor, a floating vanity mounts to the wall and leaves open space underneath it. Your pipes are hidden, you still have space to put down the hair dryer, and many of these pieces include drawers for storage. Meanwhile, the room looks are feels roomier as less space is taken up by bulky furniture.

Bonus Tip: Enclosed Storage Conceals the Clutter

The over-the-toilet storage shelf is a masterpiece of optimizing space. However, the bottles, baskets, and towels that stuff it’s shelves actually make the bathroom feel even smaller. Opt for a unit that has small cupboard doors that conceal all your clutter.

A visitor to the bathroom will only see the clean, flat planes of the cabinets instead of being distracted by the collection of spa soaps. In our minds clutter is equated with “not enough room for all the stuff.” When things are stored, we perceive the room as spacious.

Do you have a tiny bathroom in need of updating and rescuing? We are happy to help at Columbus Bath Design in Lewis Center, OH. Whether you need a one-day renovation or a complete custom redo, our experts are available to assist with every step of the process. Give us a call today to schedule your first consultation.

Mistakes People Make When They Buy Shower Heads

by Columbus Bath Design |April 5, 2022 |0 Comments | Bathroom Accessories, Bathroom tips | ,

You want a new shower head. It should have a handheld unit and give you a vigorous hot shower complete with pulsing jets. It seems the easiest thing to do is to stop by the hardware store and pick up the first box on the shelf. But for many people, that impulsive purchase ends up in sheer frustration. Learn how to avoid the same mistakes others make when searching for the ultimate shower head.

The Low-Flow Shower Head Delivers a Disappointing ExperienceShower Head

One of the most common mistakes made by homeowners when replacing an old shower head, is installing a low-flow water-saving unit when their house has poor water pressure.

If you have pressure of less than 45 psi, further reducing the amount of water pushed through the shower head just results in an anemic stream. You may end up taking a longer shower because you feel that you can’t rinse off due to the lack of pressure. Ultimately, the low-flow shower head did not solve the underlying problem, and now you are spending even more cash on water due to extended shower time.

The real solution may be working with a plumber to add a pump to increase water pressure rather than repeated attempts to find the perfect shower head.

Purchased an Appealing Rain Shower Head to Replace a Wall-Mount

You had dreams of standing under a gentle rainfall under the shiny new shower head you saw at the home improvement store. But when you got home, it turns out that the shower head demands a ceiling mount installation. Your existing shower head is fixed to the wall above the tub spout.

This mistake demands more than just a visit from the plumber. You will need to have the ceiling opened up to run a new supply pipe to reach the new shower head.

The Shower Panel Box Said Installation was Simple

Another popular shower concept is the wall of body jets that also includes a handheld shower head and mixing valve. Called a shower panel, the entire kit is sold in a single box with instructions that sound really easy. But is it?

If you are upgrading an older shower and tub valves in your mid-century home, it is possible that the hot and cold supply pipes have soldered connections. Now you are faced with cutting copper and adding new threaded connections. This isn’t quite the plug-n-play installation that you expected. Soon, you are calling your handyman or just throwing the whole thing in the closet.

The Handheld Shower Head is Too Tall for the Whole Family to Use

You found a great deal on a replacement handheld shower head. However, once it was in place, you realized that you have to be six-foot-tall to reach the handle. It was a great idea, but the wrong product. When you head back to the store, suddenly you realize that you might want a separate shower head and handheld unit. Which one will fit your current configuration without knocking down walls? This was just another time-consuming mistake.

The New Shower Head Finish Doesn’t Match the Rest of the Bathroom

The display looked like brushed nickel. The box said brushed nickel. However, the new shower head definitely looks different from the rest of the faucets and finishes in your custom ensuite. Do you have to replace all the tap handles? Or should you spend another week trying to find a shower head from the same manufacturer?

Showering was Easier Before the New Shower Head Arrived

The product description online included tempting settings such as pulse, power jet, massage, gentle rain, and wide-angle. The new shower head has been in place for a couple of weeks. You still spend several minutes every day trying to figure out which combination of buttons and levers gives you the shower experience that you want.

Taking a shower should not be this difficult! Now you are going to spend more money in search of the perfect shower head. What a waste!

It Wasn’t the Shower Head that was Broken

The old shower head dripped even after you turned off the water. It would sputter and spit. There were strange bangs and gurgling sounds coming from behind the wall. While a new shower head certainly looked better than the chipped fixture caked in scale, it didn’t get rid of the problems.

What you really needed was a plumber to replace the mixing valve and the corroded copper pipes behind the wall. Wasted time and effort.

Work with the Shower Experts and Avoid Costly Mistakes

Get the right upgrade for your shower the first time! Give us a call at Columbus Bath Design, and we will help you find the rain shower, jetted body spray, or handheld shower head you need for the ultimate bathing experience. Contact us to schedule your in-home consultation today.

 

Getting Your Bathroom Ready for Back to School

by Columbus Bath Design |September 18, 2020 |0 Comments | Bathroom tips

As the fall approaches and kids are gearing up for school, it is important to think about how they get ready to approach their day. Many things need to be done before heading to class, things like picking the perfect outfit, putting supplies together, and packing the perfect lunch. But how do you get your kids up and moving on time? A well-organized bathroom can make the transition from sleepy time to school time a little more efficient.

Whether school is virtual or in-person, creating a space that facilitates your kids having a regular morning routine is critical in setting the foundation for their day, allowing them to get ready quickly and efficiently to start school with the right attitude and focus.

The experts at Columbus Bath Design are very experienced in designing bathrooms that are perfect for the needs of children. We understand the critical importance of the morning routine in getting the kids up and out the door as efficiently as possible! Contact us to see how we can help you create the perfect space to start your kids’ day.

What can I do to make my kid’s bathroom back to school ready?

The first thing to do when getting your kid’s bathroom back to school ready is to evaluate your needs. For instance, if you have more than one child who share a bathroom, consider installing a double vanity or two sinks. By allowing all the kids to get ready at the same time you can save yourself both time and hassle.

If your kids are still small, you can store a step stool under a wall-mounted sink or even a pop-out step under the vanity. The key principle to any good bathroom design for kids is to keep it fun, and what kid doesn’t like climbing on things?

Drawers or baskets are a good way to keep toiletries organized and out of sight. It can be part of the morning ritual to make sure that items are put away properly. Also important is making sure that towel bars or hooks are easily reachable by little people. There is a 100% chance that towels will end up on the floor if kids can’t reach the towel bar! Along the same lines, installing an adjustable showerhead that can be lowered for small children is a good idea, with the added benefit that it can be raised as your children grow, allowing the bathroom to grow with them.

Safety is also an important concern. Small feet slip easily on large, smooth tiles. It’s wise to install smaller tiles because the added grout lines also serve to provide a better grip. Other safety features to consider may include drain and faucet covers to help keep smaller kids from injuring themselves or accidentally burning themselves with hot water.

What are some tips for organizing a bathroom shared by more than one kid?

The key to organizing a bathroom shared by multiple children is to make sure that every kid has their things and areas clearly marked. One great way to do this is to establish a color-coding system. Each kid has their color, and it carries through all parts of the bathroom. For example, one child could have a red towel and all of their things are stored in red baskets or bins, while another child could have a blue towel, and all of their things are in the blue tubs. This keeps things organized and clean, while at the same time helps to prevent aggravating arguments.

During the design stage, it’s wise to include ideas from each kid. For instance, one can be assigned the task of picking hardware style, while another could be in charge of picking out the light switch plate.

By keeping the space fun and organized, your morning routines will be much easier and efficient.

Can my kids help with bathroom design?

The answer is a resounding yes! Encouraging your kids to participate in the bathroom design helps give them a sense of ownership. They’ll feel more comfortable taking care of their morning routine by themselves, and they can also give you a better idea of how they use the various elements in the bathroom.

Including them in color and décor theme decisions encourages creativity and involving them as appropriate in painting and organizing can be a fun family project. Even the simplest ideas from your kids go a long way. Including your children in planning can help them become more self-sufficient and increase their confidence. They will be more likely to be excited about their morning routine when they feel a sense of ownership over their space.

How do I get started putting together the perfect bathroom space for my kids?

That’s the easy part! Give us a call at Columbus Bath Design. We’ll evaluate your needs, and help you engage your kids in the design process. We look forward to helping you create the perfect space!

Bathroom Organization Tips

by Columbus Bath Design |August 21, 2020 |1 Comments | Bathroom Maintenance, Bathroom tips

Let’s face it, your bathroom is one of the most difficult spaces in your home to organize. Finding a place to put all of the necessary items and their backups can be a little tricky. Bathrooms are often given less space than needed, which makes the problem even worse.

The design experts at Columbus Bath Design can help you create a storage system in your bathroom that will help solve the problem, but in the meantime, there are some simple things you can do to keep your bathroom functional yet tidy at the same time.

1. Keep your medicine cabinet organized

Try to reserve your medicine cabinet as a repository of the things you use most regularly. This may mean you need to discard any outdated medicines and relocate backup products to another spot. Despite its name, the medicine cabinet is better used to store your grooming supplies as opposed to medicines.

2. Labeled storage bins to the rescue

Consider keeping like items in labeled storage bins underneath the sink or in your linen closet. If you need something, you can grab the whole container for easy access. Then, when you’ve finished you can put the whole bin back, keeping the area neat and clean. This is most useful for those items like medicines and first aid that you don’t need to use every day, but still want to have close at hand.

3. Control your hair products

Things like sprays, curlers, gels, combs, and hair dryers take up a lot of real estate in your bathroom. They are easily and quickly organized by placing them in a plastic tub under the sink. Don’t forget to check the tub regularly – you may not need that extra strong, super strength gel you got when you had the spiked hair. You can donate extra products to a charity.

4. Be creative with your towels

Sometimes towel racks are in exactly the wrong place, sometimes they are too small to handle all of your family’s towels. Think about where in your bathroom it makes the most sense to have towels, and install some hooks. They are inexpensive and easy to mount, you’ll be shocked how big a difference they can make.

5. The great makeup divide

It’s easy to let the drawers in your bathroom become catchalls for all kinds of different things that inevitably get jumbled together. Try adding an expandable cosmetic drawer organizer to find a place for all your necessities. Different sized compartments will organize blush, lipstick, and eye shadow. Keeping them in their compartments means that you’ll never have to dig around in the drawer to find what you’re looking for.

6. Shower caddy considerations

Take a critical look at your shower caddy to make sure that it’s doing its job right. Shower caddies that are either too big or too small can be more of a nuisance than a help. No need to settle – there are many different shower caddy options, from corner caddies, to over the shower head and suction shelves. If you still don’t have enough space, really think about what shower products you use on a daily basis. Things you use less often can be put in a bin under the sink, ready for when you need them, but not taking up valuable space in the shower.

7. Reclaim the air rights over your toilet

There can often be a ton of unused space above your toilet, just waiting for the right organizational solution. There are some great racks and cabinets designed to fit over your toilet that is perfect for storing extra toilet paper, towels, and toiletries. It’s best to use a design that has close-able doors so that you can keep things from falling out and moisture from getting in.

8. Hang things over the doors

Another great idea is to hang hooks on your cabinet doors to keep the bulky yet frequently used items out of the way. This is a perfect solution for things like hairdryers and curling irons. No need to waste drawer or counter space, plus they are ready to go when you need them, and easily stored when not in use.

9. Function can still be stylish

For things that you plan to leave on the counter, consider investing in some stylish containers like apothecary jars. This will add some style to your bathroom while still providing functionality. Things like cotton swabs, bath salts, and soaps look fantastic in clear glass containers. An added benefit is when guests visit, they can easily find the things they need without having to snoop in your cabinets!

10. Call a design expert!

In the end, the best way to organize your bathroom is to have a professional design expert from Columbus Bath Design help you create the perfect space. We’ll assess your needs, design a solution, and have it perfectly, professionally installed in no time. Every bathroom is different, and every family has different needs. We know what works, and we can’t wait to help you create your perfect bathroom oasis.

Bathroom Organization Tips

by Columbus Bath Design |August 21, 2020 |2 Comments | Bathroom tips

Let’s face it, your bathroom is one of the most difficult spaces in your home to organize. Finding a place to put all of the necessary items and their backups can be a little tricky. Bathrooms are often given less space than needed, which makes the problem even worse.

The design experts at Columbus Bath Design can help you create a storage system in your bathroom that will help solve the problem, but in the meantime, there are some simple things you can do to keep your bathroom functional yet tidy at the same time.

Keep your medicine cabinet organized

Try to reserve your medicine cabinet as a repository of the things you use most regularly. This may mean you need to discard any outdated medicines and relocate backup products to another spot. Despite its name, the medicine cabinet is better used to store your grooming supplies as opposed to medicines.

Labeled storage bins to the rescue

Consider keeping like items in labeled storage bins underneath the sink or in your linen closet. If you need something, you can grab the whole container for easy access. Then, when you’ve finished you can put the whole bin back, keeping the area neat and clean. This is most useful for those items like medicines and first aid that you don’t need to use every day, but still want to have close at hand.

Control your hair products

Things like sprays, curlers, gels, combs, and hair dryers take up a lot of real estate in your bathroom. They are easily and quickly organized by placing them in a plastic tub under the sink. Don’t forget to check the tub regularly – you may not need that extra strong, super strength gel you got when you had the spiked hair. You can donate extra products to a charity.

Be creative with your towels

Sometimes towel racks are in exactly the wrong place, sometimes they are too small to handle all of your family’s towels. Think about where in your bathroom it makes the most sense to have towels, and install some hooks. They are inexpensive and easy to mount, you’ll be shocked how big a difference they can make.

The great makeup divide

It’s easy to let the drawers in your bathroom become catchalls for all kinds of different things that inevitably get jumbled together. Try adding an expandable cosmetic drawer organizer to find a place for all your necessities. Different sized compartments will organize blush, lipstick, and eye shadow. Keeping them in their compartments means that you’ll never have to dig around in the drawer to find what you’re looking for.

Shower caddy considerations

Take a critical look at your shower caddy to make sure that it’s doing its job right. Shower caddies that are either too big or too small can be more of a nuisance than a help. No need to settle – there are many different shower caddy options, from corner caddies, to over the showerhead and suction shelves. If you still don’t have enough space, really think about what shower products you use on a daily basis. Things you use less often can be put in a bin under the sink, ready for when you need them, but not taking up valuable space in the shower.

Reclaim the air rights over your toilet

There can often be a ton of unused space above your toilet, just waiting for the right organizational solution. There are some great racks and cabinets designed to fit over your toilet that is perfect for storing extra toilet paper, towels, and toiletries. It’s best to use a design that has closable doors so that you can keep things from falling out and moisture from getting in.

Hang things over the doors

Another great idea is to hang hooks on your cabinet doors to keep the bulky yet frequently used items out of the way. This is a perfect solution for things like hairdryers and curling irons. No need to waste drawer or counter space, plus they are ready to go when you need them, and easily stored when not in use.

Function can still be stylish

For things that you plan to leave on the counter, consider investing in some stylish containers like apothecary jars. This will add some style to your bathroom while still providing functionality. Things like cotton swabs, bath salts, and soaps look fantastic in clear glass containers. An added benefit is when guests visit, they can easily find the things they need without having to snoop in your cabinets!

Call a design expert!

In the end, the best way to organize your bathroom is to have a professional design expert from Columbus Bath Design help you create the perfect space. We’ll assess your needs, design a solution, and have it perfectly, professionally installed in no time. Every bathroom is different, and every family has different needs. We know what works, and we can’t wait to help you create your perfect bathroom oasis.

Best Paints and Colors For Your Bathroom

by Columbus Bath Design |June 29, 2018 |11 Comments | Bathroom Accessories, Bathroom Design, Bathroom Maintenance, Bathroom Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling Tips, Bathroom tips | , , , , , ,

Bathrooms can make a huge impact on the overall aesthetic of your home. Many people have outdated bathrooms because of the common misconceptions surrounding the ease and cost of remodeling a bathroom. One quick way to spruce your bathroom up without a full remodel is to reconsider your color scheme.

Looking at Paint Samples

It can be hard to determine a good color because typically the bathroom receives the least amount of natural light in the home. It is important to get samples and paint cards to test the color before applying it to the walls. The exact colors you see in photos or magazines can be a good option to use as samples because this is generally how they will actually look under the hue of artificial light. Even colors that seem neutral can have vibrant undertones, so it’s important to test your paint cards and look at it them different times of the day before deciding.

Picking a Color Scheme

You can pick your colors based on a variety of factors. Think about what look you are going for- is it tranquil and serene? Bold and colorful? Trendy and stylish? You want to pick something that will last over a long period of time as you don’t want to have to repaint any time soon. Soft and neutral colors like light gray and sage greens will provide a relaxing and spa-like feel, and you can also pair neutrals with pops of other colors through accessories and decorations. With neutrals, you can change these accent colors out whenever you want as opposed to repainting the whole powder room. Whites and creams give bathrooms a very clean, high-end feel and pair well with marbles and white trim. Bright colors like blues, greens, and oranges, provide a punch of color and personality to a smaller space and can be toned down with white and neutral accents.

Finding a Flow

You also want to choose samples that match things in the room that you will not be remodeling, for instance, the flooring. For a cohesive feel throughout the whole powder room, it’s important to make sure all of the colors flow and there’s consistency throughout the theme of the powder room, with the colors, the flooring, the tub, the vanity, and countertops. Your powder room will look more complete and high end if it all flows together, and paints can be a great way to tie it all together.

Paint Type

Although when you walk into a home improvement store there are always a variety of wall colors to choose from, another important decision you need to make is type is what type of paint to use. One of the best paint options is semi-gloss. The texture gives it a shiny and sealed finish. This is ideal for bathrooms as it repels moisture and will prevent mold and mildew from developing. Typically all paints at the glossier end of the spectrum will resist mold and mildew well. 

Repainting your bathroom is a great way to get a fresh new look. It’s an inexpensive way to update your space if you’re not ready for a full remodel. If you have questions about paint colors or remodeling your bathroom in general, give Columbus Bath Design a call today.

 

Ways to Brighten Up A Dark Bathroom

by Columbus Bath Design |June 22, 2018 |5 Comments | Bathroom Design, Bathroom Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling Tips, Bathroom tips | , , , , , , , ,

Your bathroom can be a source of comfort in your home. It is a great place to sit down for a long, hot soak at the end of a long day. To keep the calming and inviting vibe of your bathroom, it is important to find the perfect lighting scheme. Fortunately, today’s homeowners have more options than ever before when it comes to turning any bathroom into a light-filled retreat. A few simple steps are all it takes to create an elegant and modern space:

Painting the Room

One of the best ways to brighten up the bath is by painting it. Paint is easy to use and easy to apply. Think about warm and sunny colors. Shades of yellow and peach are a good choice in a room with less light. Neutral shades like white and grey are always a good choice as well. White is easy to keep clean and exudes light. Make sure to choose paint that is easy to wipe clean. Good choices are high gloss and flat types of paint as they will add additional light.

Consider Your Lighting Options

Natural light is ideal whenever possible. If you have a window in the room, consider the use of frosted glass for privacy that still allows in light. As the sun goes down, artificial lighting is essential. Look for lighting that has a soft and warm feel. A single overhead feature is a good choice. This can be supplemented with other forms of lighting. A lit vanity is a useful thing to help occupants with morning rituals such as putting on makeup and attending to their hair.

The Right Accessories

Another area to think about are the right kind of accessories. Accessories offer yet more opportunity to bring in light. Use mirrors to add additional color and make the room seem bigger. Other surfaces can also be mirrored as well. Think about using a garbage pail in the room along with large metal cabinet fixtures. A set of shiny metal shelving is an ideal option that allows for practical storage. Keep stored linens and shower curtains to lighter colors such as white or pastel shades for an even brighter feel.

Flooring Possibilities

Flooring is another area that can be used bring in more light. Marble flooring is easy to clean and comes in shades of warm white and brown. Marble can also be used for the sink and the shower and bath area. Tiles are another excellent bath flooring choice. Tiles will not be harmed by water or humidity. Consider using tiles in shades of white or lighter colors along the floor and along the walls. Add personality with the use of a custom-made mosaic.

Overall, careful consideration of your bath decor scheme can yield pleasingly warm results. The experts at Columbus Bath Design can help perfect your lighting scheme and more. Contact us today to make your dream bathroom a reality.

 

Organization And Storage Ideas for Small Bathrooms

by Columbus Bath Design |June 8, 2018 |2 Comments | Bathroom Accessories, Bathroom Design, Bathroom Remodeling Tips, Bathroom tips, homeowners | , , , , , , , ,

A small bathroom presents special challenges when it comes to storage. You need to find a place for small things like toilet paper, makeup, and razors while offering enough room for towels and other bulky items. Fortunately, with a few simple organizational tricks, you can find ways to fit those items into even the smallest bathrooms.

Shelving

Place a shelf right above the sink. You have a few items that you use at least once a day. Things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair brushes, razors, tweezers, etc. A small shelf above the sink and below the mirror is a perfect place to store these commonly used items.

Add a cabinet or shelves above the toilet. If there is one space that you need to use in a bathroom, it is the area above the toilet. Half the wall from the top of the toilet to the ceiling is available for a cabinet, open shelves, or towel racks.

Replace a mirror with one that has shelves included. A few decades ago, medicine cabinets were standard in most homes. These sturdy mirrors had shelves behind a mirrored door. Now, many homes have flat mirrors. The good news is that you can replace these flat mirrors with modern stylish ones that include the shelving.

Get Creative!

Use spice racks and hanging baskets. The wall space around your sink and tub is ideal for storing smaller items, so they are handy to find, but not cluttering the sink or tub surround. Spice racks and hanging baskets allow you to maximize your vertical storage and keep your space organized.

Put hooks on the wall. Another way to maximize your vertical storage is with hooks. Towels, brushes, robes, and bags are just a few things you can hang off a hook. With removable plastic hooks available, no surface is off limits for these handy items.

Utilize All Of Your Space

Don’t forget the back of the door. Walk into your bathroom and close the door. Look at the back of the door. There is a major blank slate available there. Hooks, racks and hanging baskets will give you the stockpile space you need.

Use the area above the door. If you look up above your bathroom door, you will see a dead space, perfect for storing extra towels and toilet paper. A simple open shelf is easy to install and will get things up and out of the way. You can go as plain or as fancy as you want with the shelf and hardware choice.

Maximize your under sink cache. If you have a sink cabinet, you need to ensure you are using all the space available. Plastic drawers and adjustable shelves can give you precious space for seldom-used items that you still need to access on occasion.

These simple organization ideas will help you maximize your bathroom potential. If your small bathroom just still isn’t doing the trick, the experts at Columbus Bath Design can help you remodel a brand new bathroom. Give us a call today!

 

Spring Cleaning Tips from Columbus Bath Design

by Columbus Bath Design |May 25, 2018 |18 Comments | Bathroom Maintenance, Bathroom tips, Cleaning tips, homeowners, Tips for the Home | , , , , , , , , ,

Can A Bathroom Be Spring Cleaned? You Bet!

Spring cleaning usually involves clearing closets, cabinets, and storage areas on unwanted clutter. We wash windows, refinish floors, and prep the windows and doors for warm weather. What about the bathroom? Some bathrooms have no windows, which means mold and mildew growing over the long winter. Because of this, it is important to deep clean bathrooms as well!

Supplies

Spring Cleaning Tips

Just working with a can of scrubbing bubbles and a sponge might not cut it. Here are the supplies we recommend you pick up for this endeavor:

  • Microfiber cloths
  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Seventh Generation cleaning liquids (these are all natural with no harmful chemicals)
  • Dusting cloths
  • Swiffer mop or microfiber mop
  • Lemon juice
  • Olive oil or coconut oil
  • Spray bottle with water

Cabinets

Many bathrooms have wooden cabinets. To dust and clean them, mix in a small jar one half cup lemon juice to two cups olive or coconut oil. Shake until well mixed, then dust your wood cabinets. It’s a natural alternative to cleaning chemicals and will make the wood glow.

Glass and Mirrors

Some people mix dish liquid with vinegar and water to wash glass and mirrors. However, the dish liquid isn’t really necessary. Lemon juice or vinegar and water will clean most everything.

Close the glass shower door after you’ve turned on the hot water. Allow the steam to build up, and then shut the shower off. On the glass shower walls, apply a paste of baking soda and vinegar. Let sit for a few minutes, then wipe off. Spray with water. Wipe down with microfiber cloths to prevent mildew.

Floor and Wall Tiles

Close the shower door again with hot water running for steam. Use either the Seventh Generation cleaners or a mixture of vinegar, lemon, and water. Apply the cleaner to the tile walls and floors, then close the door. In a few minutes, shut off the shower. With a Swiffer or a microfiber mop, remove the moisture from the ceiling.

Wipe off the tile walls and floors. If not all dirt was removed from the grout, apply a paste of vinegar and baking soda. Scrub with a toothbrush. If it still won’t come clean, then a professional formula should be applied.

Tips For Deep Cleaning the Bathroom

Now the windows, mirrors, walls and floors are clean, it’s time to deep clean the sink and toilet. One of the best tips we’ve seen for cleaning the toilet and sink is to sprinkle in baking soda. After a few minutes, pour in vinegar. It will sizzle and bubble. When it’s finished bubbling, rinse it. It will shine like new!

Faucets and Shower Heads

Next you’ll need plastic sandwich baggies and rubber bands. In the baggie, mix vinegar, baking soda, and water. Wrap the faucets and shower head with the baggie. Let them sit for a couple of hours or overnight. Then, remove them and wipe them down. Your faucets and shower head will shine!

These simple tips and tricks should be all the cleaning you need to make your bathroom shine like new. If your bathroom needs more than just a little freshening up this spring season, give Columbus Bath Design a call to get started on your dream bathroom!