Tag: bathroom

Tips for Maximizing A Small Bathroom

small-bathroom-decorating-ideas

If you have a small bathroom, try these tips for maximizing your space:

  • Brighten it up.  A space that is light and bright always seems larger, and light actually improves functionality, so adding both recessed and task lighting to your bathroom will help maximize your space.  Task lighting around the mirror and over the shower are particularly important.
  • Utilize your medicine cabinet.  Choosing a medicine cabinet that is flush with the wall will offer just enough storage for essentials and open up the space at the same time.  Choosing a deeper medicine cabinet might store more, but it also protrudes into the room and takes up space.
  • Wall mount your sink.  A wall mounted sink can be stylish and take up far less space than traditional sinks.  If you don’t like the look of a wall mounted sink, choose a pedestal sink over a full vanity for greater space efficiency.
  • Get rid of the tub.  Unless you absolutely need a tub, consider getting rid of it and opting for a walk-in shower instead.  You can build a comfortably sized shower in fraction of the space that a tub takes up, and in addition to giving the room more space, the convenience of comfort of this type of shower is often underestimated.
  • Use your corners.  Corner sinks can make the most of your space, adding both form and function without taking up too much space.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.

3 Bathroom Storage Solutions You Can Do Yourself

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Everyone needs more storage in their bathroom.  Take advantage of these handy, do-it-yourself ideas to create more in yours:

1.  Hidden Toothbrush Holder.  Cut notches in your medicine cabinet shelf for storing toothbrushes and they will be kept vertical and out of the way.

2.  Install a Glass Shelf.  Installing a shelf in the shower is a great way to get the clutter of bottles, etc. under control.  There are many options, but a tempered safety glass shelf won’t break up the visual line of the shower either, keeping things crisp, clean, and clutter free.

3.  Corral Cords.  Installing PVC piping on the inside of your vanity door to store curling irons and their cords – you need 5” lengths of 2” diameter piping for the curling irons and 3” pieces of 1 ½” diameter piping fo the cords.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Find Space In Your Bathroom!

small-bathroom-towel-racks-pictures

If your bathroom is seriously lacking in storage, consider these options:

A true space saver:  Hang a decorative hook next to the sink, fill a beautiful bucket with your toiletries and then hang the bucket from the hook.  Voila!  Instant storage, and since you can get creative with the finishes of both the hook and the bucket there are a million different options for how this can look!

Pretend you’re in a hotel:  Install a towel rack above the tub, over the toilet, or next to the sink – wherever you need to keep towels handy.  Be sure the rack includes both shelves and hooks for maximum storage.

Hang shelves:  Most people severely underutilize the wall space in their bathrooms.  Make the most of yours by hanging shelves to open up many more storage options!  Narrow shelves along a wall or the perimeter will add architectural interest as well as offer storage.  Hanging shelves on a narrow or oddly shaped wall can offer an instant “closet” without any of the remodeling effort or cost!  A small shelf directly above the sink will add the perfect place to stow away often used toiletries.  There are many other ways to utilize shelving in your bathroom as well, so be creative!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Make Your Bathroom Bigger!

toxmystery_bathroom

If your home has a small bathroom, but you are constantly dreaming of renovating and making something a bit more spacious, then this is the post for you!  Here are a few easy tricks to make a small bathroom seem larger!

Replace the cabinets under your sink with a vanity.  Although it won’t give you as much hidden storage, utilizing baskets or open shelving under the vanity sink will provide storage while making the room feel more open.  A pedestal sink is also a great option for opening up floor space and giving the illusion of square footage!

Create a focal point.  Change out the existing lighting for a beautiful chandelier.  Switch some of the tiles out for colorful tiles or mosaics.  You could even pull several tiles from the same area to create a mosaic mural or redo a whole wall in beautiful glass tiles.  Replace your existing “boring” sinks with an eye catching bowl and faucet.  There are many ways to create a focal point in the bathroom, and no matter which one you choose, drawing attention to a gorgeous feature will definitely draw attention away from the fact that you are in a cramped space.  Just be cautious not to overdo it… you just want one focal point.  Too many will just make the space feel busy and even more cramped, and that is not the feeling you’re going for!

Creative storage.  Adding a tall, skinny cabinet behind the toilet or a pedestal sink can add storage to your space without adding bulk.  Alternatively, cutting some recessed shelving in between wall studs can make the most of unused space and won’t take up even an inch of floor space!

Create an illusion.  By trading your shower curtain for clear glass doors, you will create an illusion of space.  Hanging a larger mirror is also a great way to give the illusion of space, just be sure to hang it so that it reflects one of your bath’s assets, or if you want to be really daring, hang two mirrors across from each other!  Alternatively, using light colors throughout the whole room and allowing as much natural light into the space as possible will also give the illusion of space.

Replace your door.  Trading out a standard door for a sliding pocket door opens enough floor space to make it worth the switch!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.

Update Your Bathroom On A Budget

Jacuzzi-Pedestal-Sink

Everyone spends time in the bathroom every day, so shouldn’t it be a room that you enjoy?  If you’ve been dreaming of updating your bathroom, but you don’t have a huge budget, consider these tips.

Go white to save green!  Sticking to traditional white features such as sinks, tubs, and toilets will save you a ton of money because they are more readily available than their colorful counterparts.

Change out your hardware.  If you don’t have the budget to replace cabinets, give them a low-cost face lift with new hardware.  For a more dramatic impact you can paint or otherwise refinish cabinetry and then replace the hardware!

Organize your cabinets.  Adding pullout shelves to cabinets will maximize your storage space and ease the frustration you feel when you can’t find what you’re looking for!

Go for style.  Keep most of what already exists, but change out a few key pieces to add style and drama to your space.  For example, replace your faucets and/or showerhead with a lovely new piece or switch out existing lighting for a dramatic chandelier.

Change the color.  Painting is a fairly inexpensive weekend project.  Follow-up by replacing hand towels and adding colorful accents such as vases, candles, and soaps.

Save on tile.  If you love a specific tile that is far too expensive for you to afford, consider using a more affordable alternative (or keeping your existing tile!) and using the tile you love for a border or randomly placing a few here and there to create an interesting pattern.

Pinpoint your complaint.  Sometimes changing just one aspect of a room will make you feel like you’re in a whole new space, so determine what it is that really bothers you about your space.  For example, if your sink is in good condition, but the vanity bothers you, would replacing just the counter do the trick?  Could you keep all of your features and just replace the floor?  Keep the tub but replace the shower head and faucet?  Specifically identifying problems and addressing them individually will save you a ton of cash!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Best Bathroom Upgrades For Your Money

corstone-bathroom-sink-anderson-90

According to several surveys updating a tired bathroom is the single best project to undertake before selling your home.  But all updates are not considered equal… some updates have a better return on investment than others.  If you can’t afford an entire room make-over you definitely want to replace the sink and faucet.  This sets the tone for the rest of the room, and although it can be costly, it also returns the entire investment plus some upon sale.  After the sink and faucet, changing out the counters and vanity for something function but stylish and replacing the flooring both offer a good return on investment.  If you still have some room in the budget, replacing your current toilet with a water saving model and replacing a worn tub/shower with something is also a good idea, but if you can’t do it all these are the two areas you will want to skip for sure.  It is often said that buyers make offers based on the kitchen and bathrooms, so if you have the budget for a project, making your bathroom a buyer’s dream before you sell is well worth it!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

Five Bathroom Fixes On A Budget

toxmystery_bathroom

 

If you’re looking to add value to your bathroom without doing a total remodel, consider some (or all!) of these ideas:

1.  A new sink.  A new sink is a great way to add both form and function to your bathroom.  Sinks can be stylish, whimsical, luxurious, and more.  And there are plenty of affordable options.  Be sure to pay attention to the faucets and handles too… not only do they update your look, those details add value.

2.  Light it up.  Updating your lighting can give your room a whole new feel.  For the bathroom there are many options including task lighting, recessed lighting, and track lighting.  Be sure to consider the function and ambiance that you’re going for.

3.  Update the floor.  Porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tiles add both value and design to your bathroom.  Using simple designs instead of detailed ones to save even more money.

4.  Shower yourself.  Installing a luxurious shower head will add instant value to your room.  A rain head is a simple update that buyers love.

5.  Give your cabinets some love.  If it’s not in your budget to replace your cabinets, refacing them by replacing just the doors and drawers can give your room a whole new look and a lot of value.  Of course, if that’s not in your budget either, giving your cabinets some TLC in the way of cleaning and a facelift can work wonders too.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.

Thursday Three: 3 Quick Fixes For Your Bathroom

If you’re looking to give your bathroom a quick face lift, try these three relatively inexpensive updates

If you’re looking to give your bathroom a quick face lift, try these three relatively inexpensive updates:

1.  Hang a medicine cabinet.  If you choose a cabinet that can mount directly on a wall, this project should take less than an hour!  You can choose a cabinet that suits your style, use a stud finder and a drill to hang it and voila, your bathroom has some new personality.

2.  Replace your showerhead.  A new showerhead can make your existing shower feel like a spa.  There are many models on the market.  A low flow model can save you money on your water bill, and as far as style, water flow, and price range, the choices are virtually endless, so you can pick the one that’s perfect for you.

3.  Change the sink.  Changing your sink is a bit more time consuming, but if done correctly can be relatively painless.  Choose a model that gives your bathroom the look you’re going for, but be sure it fits your needs as far as storage, rim room, and practicality as well as style.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.

5 Ways To Maximize A Small Bathroom

If your home has a small bathroom, but you are constantly dreaming of renovating and making something a bit more spacious, then this is the post for you! Here are a few easy tricks to make a small bathroom seem larger!

If your home has a small bathroom, but you are constantly dreaming of renovating and making something a bit more spacious, then this is the post for you!  Here are a few easy tricks to make a small bathroom seem larger!

Replace the cabinets under your sink with a vanity.  Although it won’t give you as much hidden storage, utilizing baskets or open shelving under the vanity sink will provide storage while making the room feel more open.  A pedestal sink is also a great option for opening up floor space and giving the illusion of square footage!

Create a focal point.  Change out the existing lighting for a beautiful chandelier.  Switch some of the tiles out for colorful tiles or mosaics.  You could even pull several tiles from the same area to create a mosaic mural or redo a whole wall in beautiful glass tiles.  Replace your existing “boring” sinks with an eye catching bowl and faucet.  There are many ways to create a focal point in the bathroom, and no matter which one you choose, drawing attention to a gorgeous feature will definitely draw attention away from the fact that you are in a cramped space.  Just be cautious not to overdo it… you just want one focal point.  Too many will just make the space feel busy and even more cramped, and that is not the feeling you’re going for!

Creative storage.  Adding a tall, skinny cabinet behind the toilet or a pedestal sink can add storage to your space without adding bulk.  Alternatively, cutting some recessed shelving in between wall studs can make the most of unused space and won’t take up even an inch of floor space!

Create an illusion.  By trading your shower curtain for clear glass doors, you will create an illusion of space.  Hanging a larger mirror is also a great way to give the illusion of space, just be sure to hang it so that it reflects one of your bath’s assets, or if you want to be really daring, hang two mirrors across from each other!  Alternatively, using light colors throughout the whole room and allowing as much natural light into the space as possible will also give the illusion of space.

Replace your door.  Trading out a standard door for a sliding pocket door opens enough floor space to make it worth the switch!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434!

Thursday Three: 3 Creative Bathroom Storage Solutions

A true space saver: Hang a decorative hook next to the sink, fill a beautiful bucket with your toiletries and then hang the bucket from the hook. Voila! Instant storage, and since you can get creative with the finishes of both the hook and the bucket there are a million different options for how this can look!

A true space saver:  Hang a decorative hook next to the sink, fill a beautiful bucket with your toiletries and then hang the bucket from the hook.  Voila!  Instant storage, and since you can get creative with the finishes of both the hook and the bucket there are a million different options for how this can look!

Pretend you’re in a hotel:  Install a towel rack above the tub, over the toilet, or next to the sink – wherever you need to keep towels handy.  Be sure the rack includes both shelves and hooks for maximum storage.

Hang shelves:  Most people severely underutilize the wall space in their bathrooms.  Make the most of yours by hanging shelves to open up many more storage options!  Narrow shelves along a wall or the perimeter will add architectural interest as well as offer storage.  Hanging shelves on a narrow or oddly shaped wall can offer an instant “closet” without any of the remodeling effort or cost!  A small shelf directly above the sink will add the perfect place to stow away often used toiletries.  There are many other ways to utilize shelving in your bathroom as well, so be creative!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Splurges For Your Bathroom

Yesterday I suggested some ideas for remodeling your bathroom on a budget. Today I’m focusing on the best splurges to make if you’re planning a bathroom upgrade and have some money to spend!

Yesterday I suggested some ideas for remodeling your bathroom on a budget.  Today I’m focusing on the best splurges to make if you’re planning a bathroom upgrade and have some money to spend!

Heated flooring – add this luxurious benefit to any bath and your feet will thank you!

Water resistant entertainment – a sound system or television specially designed for bathroom installation might interest you if you want to enjoy your time in the bathroom a little more!

Go for luxury – adding a fireplace gives the feel of a luxury suite every day. Mmmm!!!

A double vanity – many people consider this a “must have,” but if you don’t, a spacious double vanity should definitely be added to your list.

A fancy shower – many “dream” bathrooms contain beautiful tubs that their owners rarely use.  If you’re more of a shower person, invest in your shower instead.  Adding dual showerheads, a body spray, and/or a bench can take your shower to a whole new level of luxury!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Update Your Bathroom On A Budget

It’s bathroom week here on the Cooper Realty blog! Everyone spends time in the bathroom every day, so shouldn’t it be a room that you enjoy? If you’ve been dreaming of updating your bathroom, but you don’t have a huge budget, consider these tips.

It’s bathroom week here on the Cooper Realty blog!  Everyone spends time in the bathroom every day, so shouldn’t it be a room that you enjoy?  If you’ve been dreaming of updating your bathroom, but you don’t have a huge budget, consider these tips.

Go white to save green!  Sticking to traditional white features such as sinks, tubs, and toilets will save you a ton of money because they are more readily available than their colorful counterparts.

Change out your hardware.  If you don’t have the budget to replace cabinets, give them a low-cost face lift with new hardware.  For a more dramatic impact you can paint or otherwise refinish cabinetry and then replace the hardware!

Organize your cabinets.  Adding pullout shelves to cabinets will maximize your storage space and ease the frustration you feel when you can’t find what you’re looking for!

Go for style.  Keep most of what already exists, but change out a few key pieces to add style and drama to your space.  For example, replace your faucets and/or showerhead with a lovely new piece or switch out existing lighting for a dramatic chandelier.

Change the color.  Painting is a fairly inexpensive weekend project.  Follow-up by replacing hand towels and adding colorful accents such as vases, candles, and soaps.

Save on tile.  If you love a specific tile that is far too expensive for you to afford, consider using a more affordable alternative (or keeping your existing tile!) and using the tile you love for a border or randomly placing a few here and there to create an interesting pattern.

Pinpoint your complaint.  Sometimes changing just one aspect of a room will make you feel like you’re in a whole new space, so determine what it is that really bothers you about your space.  For example, if your sink is in good condition, but the vanity bothers you, would replacing just the counter do the trick?  Could you keep all of your features and just replace the floor?  Keep the tub but replace the shower head and faucet?  Specifically identifying problems and addressing them individually will save you a ton of cash!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!