Not all bathrooms can be lavish spaces with whirlpool tubs and two separate vanities. For some bathrooms, space is at a premium and knocking out walls is not an option, but remodeling must be done. Small bathroom remodeling presents its own complications, but with the right information, a small bathroom-remodeling project can shine.

Before beginning your small bathroom remodeling, design a floor plan that maximizes the room’s useable space. Don’t be afraid to design up by incorporating free-floating cabinets. Use mirrors to stretch a small bathroom’s space, and keep the color scheme simple. Keep a small bathroom bright, fresh, and inviting with coordinated colors and accessories.

Pare down the scale in your bathroom. Big items take up more space in the bathroom and look bulky. Corner sinks are simple and small. These sinks free up visual space below, but don’t provide the counter space and cabinet space that a traditional sink provides. Another option is a pedestal sink. These sinks have a more classic design and are free standing. Wall-mounted sinks save space but do not have counter space. Both types of sinks do not provide storage space underneath. Most home-improvement stores stock smaller sinks, or you can custom order one from a cabinet shop for a price.

A simple way to conserve space is to do away with a tub and just use a shower. Smaller tubs, however, are available, although most cannot handle whirlpool faucets. Any tub less than five feet long will probably spill the water sprayed by the whirlpool faucets.

Pick a toilet that can sit close to the wall to conserve space, and the size of the seat and tank design determine just how much space the toilet will use. Also pay attention to the size of the home’s original toilet. Older homes have toilets with 10 to 14 inches between the wall and the toilet drain, but newer homes typically have 12 inches. The wrong toilet won’t fit. Buying a toilet with a low tank takes up less visual space and compact toilets leave more room, but as with any small bathroom remodeling project, use these suggestions to find a toilet that is both stylish and fits in the room.

Finally, limit what you bring into the bathroom. To save space in a cramped bathroom, for example, it may be best to have a dressing area in a bedroom. Limit the number of accessories — clutter can easily make a small bathroom look smaller.

Planning a small remodeling may take extra planning, but the resulting clean, beautiful, an uncluttered bathroom will be an inviting space.

Bathroom Remodeling Info provides detailed information on bathroom remodeling ideas, costs, plans, and checklists. Bathroom Remodeling Info is the sister site of Kitchen Remodeling Web.

Window coverings are essential in the bathroom – unless you WANT to take a shower and brush your teeth in front of the neighbors. Here are some ideas for private bathroom window coverings to decorate your bathroom.

Elegant and Private Bathroom Window Coverings

Not everyone is lucky enough to have bathroom windows. Those who do, sometimes cover them permanently to keep others from looking in or cold drafts of air from getting in to cause a bather to catch cold. Yet the right-size bathroom window can do wonders in making a small room appear larger or adding light to a room that is somewhat dark due to the way it was built or is currently lighted.

Since every window, and especially those in the bathroom, should be covered to protect privacy and ensure modesty, you may not be sure how to best cover your bathroom windows. Depending on their size and location in the room, you may want to either downplay or emphasize them. There are many ways to accent or de-emphasize your bathroom windows. Use neutral-colored fabric to play down the presence of windows. Or leave them bare except for mini-blinds that mesh with the color scheme of the walls.

One way to highlight them is to place colorful valances over mini-blinds in the same or coordinating shade. A simple valance is inexpensive to purchase, easy to hang, and simple to maintain. You need only vacuum it once every week or two, and wash it every month or two, to keep your window looking clean and neat. The mini-blinds will need to be dusted each week with a feather duster or cloth, and they should be washed every few months to get rid of the dust buildup.

The valances should coordinate with other draperies throughout your home, and with color accents in the bathroom, like the floor tile or carpet.

Another type of popular window covering is a window-length light fabric drapery or curtain. These can be tied back by day, and loosened at night, to admit light and a view as needed. Fabric curtains of this type require a little more care, and you will have to be sure not to wash the fabric in very hot water for fear they will shrink or fade. Café-style curtains are popular over a traditional tension-pull blind or mini-blind setup.

Whichever curtain styles you select, coordinate the design and color shades with other bathroom accessories, like floor rugs, towels and washcloths, and wall colors or wallpaper patterns. The entire ensemble should follow a particular decorating scheme like early American or contemporary to provide a unified flow of décor in your home. It may not be a good idea to have lace curtains with a wilderness wallpaper border near the ceiling. Of course, it’s your home, so you can use the type of curtains that you personally like.

Windows are like the eyes of a room, and like human eyes, they should be adorned to fit the surrounding area so they don’t stand out or draw too much attention. Keep your bathroom windows washed so that when the curtains are open, users can enjoy the view, if possible.

Browse contemporary drapery and curtain fashions by visiting The Curtain Cart

Before beginning any bathroom remodeling, you should create a budget. Pick an amount of money you can reasonably afford, and then check the costs of supplies to estimate what you can do in your remodeling project. It is wise to save about 20 percent of your budget to cover emergencies. They do happen. Keep in mind, too, the costs of professional help from plumbers or electricians. These services cost significantly more than doing the job yourself, so do whatever work you can. You may want to do your own painting, lay your tile, or decorate the new bathroom yourself. The extra work you do will let you be creative and have fun while saving money.

Online sites exist to help you estimate the cost of your bathroom remodeling. The Web sites have several remodeling scenarios to select; for example, adding a bathtub or redoing the walls. The calculators ask you your location, the size of your bathroom, the preparation work needed, and the amount and type of supplies you’ll need. These sites are an easy way to plan your bathroom remodeling costs in minutes.

It also helps to talk with other people, either in person or online, who have remodeled their own bathrooms. They may alert you to great deals, products to avoid or unexpected costs they encountered. You can never do too much research. Check out the national averages of bathroom remodeling costs and get estimates from local contractors. If you are hiring someone to do work in your bathroom, don’t be afraid to purchase the supplies. It may save significant costs.

The costs of supplies add up. A typical sink costs between $60 and $100, but higher-end sinks cost hundreds of dollars. Vinyl flooring is the cheapest, starting at around $3 a foot. Ceramic tile is usually triple the price of vinyl. Basic bathtubs cost a few hundred dollars, and whirlpool tubs thousands. Showers cost between $300 and $2,000. Traditional toilets cost under $200, but smaller or fancier toilets can cost up to $1,500. Paint costs around $50, wallpaper $60, and new accessories can cost anywhere from a few dollars to a hundred dollars. The important thing is to plan properly and shop wisely to keep a bathroom remodeling cost within your budget. You can always add more later on because after one bathroom remodeling experience, you will have the skills to tackle more.

Bathroom Remodeling Info provides detailed information on bathroom remodeling ideas, costs, plans, and checklists. Bathroom Remodeling Info is the sister site of Kitchen Remodeling Web.

Your Master Bathroom is a huge asset in the value of your home — and in your personal space. Take the time to really plan the decor for your master bathroom and you’ll be glad you did.

Design Tips For Your Master Bathroom

When you redecorate your master bedroom, don’t leave the master bath out in the cold! You can add some zing to your bathroom too and create a cohesive theme between the two rooms that will give you a real sweet master suite.

One thing you need to do when redecorating your master bath is to be sure to tie in some of the elements from your bedroom. You don’t have to make it an identical match, but using a common color or theme will really unite the two rooms. If your bedroom has a cottage theme, carry this over into the bathroom by putting out some shells in dishes on the vanity. If your bedroom is more shabby chic with big floral wallpaper, then think about carrying the color of the flowers into the master bath.

One of the big design elements in the bathroom is the hardware. Faucets and spigots, in addition to tubs and toilets are made in a variety of shapes and materials which can be the centerpiece of your design. Open showers are currently popular with the younger upwardly- mobile crowd, and claw-foot bathtubs are almost always considered to be classic and attractive. When selecting hardware and figuring out a floor plan, think about privacy issues and don’t put the toilet and tub too close together.

Another big element in the bathroom is the tiling. The more expensive tiles should have durability, aesthetic value, and a non-porous surface. Make sure your tiles can be easily cleaned and sanitized, and that it is easy to install and does not require special adhesives which can become costly. When choosing tile, think out of the box. You don’t have to use only porcelain tile, consider marble, clay and anything else you see in the store that catches your eye.

Once you have the design down and selected the major elements, focus on decoration accessories to bring out personality and individualism. The bathroom doesn’t have to just be functional and putting interesting items on the walls or shelves is a great way to give the room some character. Don’t be afraid to use your own ideas and put what you want into the room when redecorating your master bathroom.

Lee Dobbins writes for Bedroom Designs And Decorations where you can find more tips on decorating your bedroom.

Colors and themes matter in the ambiance of your bathroom decor.

Bathroom Decor: Improve the Ambiance for Your Private Time

It can be hard to relax in the tub when your bathroom is in disarray. Sure, shower curtains serve a practical function by keeping water off the floor, but shower curtains are also essential to the design, motif, and the general “feel” of your bathroom. The shower curtain you have will likely stand out more than anything else in your bathroom—so choose your shower curtains wisely. They can make it or break it, as they say.

Shower curtains and bathroom accessories can help you create that perfect, relaxing bathroom you desire. A bathroom can be like a small vacation. A shower or bath is not only meant to cleanse you, but should also refresh you, and be a tranquil experience.

In college I showered every morning in the dorms—sharing one bathroom with three other girls. Plain, off-white shower curtains, shampoo bottles everywhere, and messes from who knows who that would be cleaned up who knows when. I would try to take a bath and relax there, but I couldn’t seem to relieve tension that way. Then I visited home and took a bath in my parents’ bathroom in the master bedroom of their house. Ahhhhh … that’s what I needed – some real relaxation. So, what is the difference?

My parents’ master bathroom has a pale yellow motif. Yellow towels, yellow washcloths, yellow soap dispensers by the sink and yellow bath mats. There is a yellow soap dish, and even the soap in it is yellow. There are two lemongrass-scented candles on either side of the bathtub. And as you may have guessed, this bathroom always has that lemony smell. The shower curtains are also pale yellow with a translucent glimmer. The walls and tile are white, as is the counter with dual sinks. The point is that it is very nice in there. And it really seems to be the shower curtain that ties it all together. Now maybe yellow, yellow and more yellow may not be the way you want to go, but you get the gist. Needless to say, I did not look forward to returning to my dormitory tub.

There are many aspects that must be taken into consideration when you redesign your bathroom—even the color and condition of your shower curtain rings can make a difference. My parents did not go overboard. In fact, they had the right idea altogether. The whole point is to create a bathroom that is right for you. One that functions not only because it has the proper appliances, toilet, shower/tub and sinks, but part of what makes a bathroom wonderful is the shower curtains, the accessories, and the cleanliness of it.

So you want a change? Well, the best place to start is with shower curtains, there are many different people out there all with many different tastes. Pick the shower curtain that reflects your personal style the best and build from there. If you are unsatisfied with your bathroom now, make a few changes and presto! you have created the perfect bathroom for you.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on Home Decor please visit Shower Curtains.

There are so many choices today when you look for the perfect bath tub. Take your time, though, and choose a bath tub that will fit your bathroom decor — AND your lifestyle.

Bath Tubs & Bathing: which Bath to Choose?

Are you considering the purchase of a new bath tub? Unsure of which type or design to choose from? The bath tub is the largest item that you can place inside your bathroom. Thus, it is important that the bath tub that you will acquire will not clash with your bathroom’s design theme. Listed below are the types of bath tubs that you may want for your home. Read the descriptions regarding each design then decide.

Bath tubs of cast-iron

This kind of bath tub may be very expensive especially the antique ones. It projects an image of classic luxury and elegance. If your old tub is made of cast-iron, it is advisable that you contact first your local bath tub dealer before replacing it with a new one. It might turn out that your old tub may still cost a decent amount of money and it will be a waste to just throw it away. You can actually sell it to second hand stores or even through a garage sale. The popularity of cast-iron tubs is growing and if you opt to keep your old one, you may instead get the services of company to restore your old tub back to its sparkling old self. Some companies will do the restoration at their workplace while others may offer to do a home service. This type of tub is also very heavy, requiring two to three people to lift it up a flight of stairs and requires more time to maintain than ordinary tubs.

Modern bath tubs

The trend in bath tubs today is to make use of materials like steel, plastic, and acryllic to build a bath tub. Modern bath tubs are remarkably like and still very tough and solid. Tubs made from plastic or acrylic can be easily carried by a single person while steel made ones require at least two people to carry it. Tubs made from these materials can be formed into unique shapes and designs as well as matching it with panels, front and rear taps, as well as color themes. White is currently the most popular color for modern bath tubs.

Circular bath tubs

Having a large floor space for your bathroom is important if you want to install a circular tub. Putting one in your bathroom brings about it a certain vibe and display that will truly make your time inside the bathroom worth remembering. Coupling it with an impressive interior design will really put glamour and flair that other people will not be able to resist.

Space saving tubs

There are bath tub designs maximize the space inside your bathroom. This type is usually placed at the side or corner of the room. This is very popular today because of its uniqueness as well as space saving characteristics. The tub is angled in a way inside the bathroom to take as little wall space as possible to make way for shelves or even a towel warmer. Another option is to place a compact shower cubicle alongside the tub is space permits. It comes in different colors, themes, and sizes making customization an easy thing to do.

Regular bath tubs

Regular bath tubs are rectangular in shape and is the most common as well as the most inexpensive type of tub available. It can fit any theme or design of the bath room and different lengths are available depending on the use.

These are the styles and types of bathrooms that you can get to replace your old one or to furnish your new bathroom. Either way, be sure to choose the design that will complement and will be in harmony with your bathroom’s theme as well as the overall design of the house.

Claire Bowes is a successful Webmaster and publisher of bath tubs & bathing. Claire provides more information on her site about jacuzzi bath tubs that you can research at home.

There is a reason why many Hollywood actors keep their awards in their bathrooms — all their guests will visit that room at some point, so why not put the trophies were everyone will see them? But even if you haven’t won any Academy Awards, your guests will be still checking out you bathroom. A well-done bathroom remodeling can impress your guests and boost the value of your home.

Bathroom remodeling can be as simple as new paint and fixtures, or it can be a total renovation and expansion. If you want to begin bathroom remodeling, the first thing you should do is assess your current bathroom.

Think about these questions to make sure you get the most out of your project:

How many people will be using the bathroom?
If a family shares one bathroom it may be a good idea to have a separate area for the toilet and shower so that someone can be showering while another person uses the mirror and vanity.

What is the bathroom’s current condition?
Attacking grimy tile with bleach or industrial tile cleaning solution, polishing the fixtures, and adding brighter lights can put the sparkle back in your bathroom and cost lest than a renovation. But if the bathroom is out-of-date, falling apart or just boring, consider more intense changes.

How much money do you have for the renovation?
Before you begin, think of how much money you can realistically afford. No remodeling project should put you in debt. Once you have a budget, take a trip to your local hardware store to check out prices. Comparison shop and start looking for deals before you start your renovation project. You don’t need to buy everything at once; you can easily wait for store sales to buy the tools you need and store them.

How much work can you do one your own?
If this is your first remodeling project, go easy on yourself. You will need to use this room, so make sure you don’t get yourself into trouble. If your bathroom needs new wiring, plumbing, or even tile, don’t be afraid to ask for professional help. Just make sure you account for it in your budget.

How much space do you have?
If you can knock down walls, be sure to plan ahead. Pocket doors and a shower, not a bathtub, are easy ways of conserving space.

How long will you be using the bathroom?
If you are remodeling to help sell your house, or might be selling soon, it may be best to stick with simple, conservative changes. Make things work and look clean, but don’t add your dream whirlpool tub.

These questions address some of the most basic points of bathroom remodeling. Plan ahead, budget, watch for deals, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember, bathroom modeling should be fun, and the results are all for your enjoyment. Make the most of it.

Bathroom Remodeling Info provides detailed information on bathroom remodeling ideas, costs, plans, and checklists. Bathroom Remodeling Info is the sister site of Kitchen Remodeling Web.

When remodeling your bathroom, start with a checklist. Here’s how to plan your bathroom remodeling project.

A Checklist for Bathroom Remodeling Plans

Careful planning is the key to a successful bathroom-remodeling project. Before you begin any work in the bathroom, create a budget, a floor plan, a list of supplies, a timetable, and important legal considerations. Let’s break it down by subject.

First, create a budget. Determine how much money you can comfortably spend, and save about 20 percent for emergencies. Get estimates for the work that needs professionals, and always include electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, and drywall installation costs in your budget.

Second, design a floor plan. Ask yourself, will you be working with the existing space or will you be adding on or knocking down walls? Check to make sure you will not disturb the electrical wiring, plumbing, or zoning regulations. Next, measure the amount of space you have and draw a floor plan. In drawing the plan, first put in all the items that are fixed. For example, if the toilet must be in one place because of plumbing, it is a fixed item. Experiment with how you like your floor plan, using different arrangements, with different types of cabinetry, shelves, or even walls. You might try pocket doors to save space, and corner sinks, floating sinks, or pedestal sinks to save even more space. L-shaped vanities and alcoves also save space. In addition, corner showers conserve space, and clear glass in showers creates the illusion of even more space. You may want to add windows or mirrors to let in light.

Third, make a list of the supplies you’ll need and make sure they are available when you need them. Some typical supplies include sinks, flooring, wall tile, countertops, lighting, medicine cabinets, showers, bath tubs, cabinets and cabinet handles, toilets, extra storage, faucets, toilet paper holders, paint or wallpaper, chairs, accessories (like storage containers and/or artwork), as well as tools you have or can buy.

Fourth, create a timetable. Talk to experts or people at home improvement stores to plan how much time you’ll need. If you’re hiring contractors, work with them to design a timetable you all can follow.

Plan projects according to the time you have available. Put in a new toilet and sink one weekend, for example, and paint another. You don’t have to do it all at once, so plan sensibly. Don’t paint the walls or install woodwork until the hardware is taken care of — you don’t want to damage work you’ve already done. Above all, be flexible and allow time for the unexpected or even emergencies to happen.

Fifth, keep in mind legal considerations. Get and post a building permit, pay any necessary fees, make sure you, your contractor, and any workers have insurance coverage, and keep children and animals away from the construction area.

By following these checklists, your bathroom remodeling plans will be a snap.

Bathroom Remodeling Info provides detailed information on bathroom remodeling ideas, costs, plans, and checklists. Bathroom Remodeling Info is the sister site of Kitchen Remodeling Web.

The first thing I did was choose some paint. I started out with bare white walls. I chose Kilz brand paint. The color is called “Garden Glove” (a cheerful spring green), and a gallon cost about $15 at Walmart. One gallon was plenty to paint the entire bathroom. Just painting the bathroom gave it whole new look. I also bought a small can of white paint to touch up the paint around the doorways.

Because our master bathroom is not very well lit, we decided to change the light fixture. For only $40 (including bulbs) at Home Depot, we installed a vanity light fixture over the mirror behind the sinks. It only took a few minutes to install, and it looks great. The bathroom is much brighter now than it was before.

To gain some extra storage space, we purchased a white cabinet that stands over the toilet. It has four shelves and a cupboard and cost about $100 at Home Depot. I recently saw that Walmart had some similar cabinets for between $50 and $75.

We have two windows in our bathroom so I thought plants would really brighten up the room. I bought some pretty solid color flower pots from Walmart for a couple of dollars and some matching spring primroses (less than $2 each). I set the pots on top of the new cabinet. The finishing touch will be a couple of ferns to hang above the garden bathtub, in front of the windows.

I love my new bathroom. It looks like a completely different room. Just a few simple changes can update and rejuvenate your bathroom too!

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For easy home decorating ideas for busy moms, visit Frugal Home Decor at http://www.Frugal-Home-Decor.com