Countertop Faqs

1. What type of countertop should I choose for my kitchen?

There are many types of countertops to choose from that offer endless color choices and a variety of textures.  When making a decision, you should consider factors such as how you plan to use your countertop, what expectations you have for the durability and maintenance of the countertop, and your budget.  

2. What factors determine the price of a countertop?

Quality and type of material

Difficulty of installation

Edge treatment material and design

Backsplash material and design  

3. What is the range of countertop prices?

Countertops are usually priced by the square foot. Prices can range from $5 per square foot for some laminates and $300 per square foot for top of the line granite countertops.

4. How long can I expect my countertops to last?

The lifetime of a countertop material varies based on several factors. Some surfaces such as laminate can scratch, other surfaces such as granite need periodic resealing, and many surfaces can be damaged by heat.  

5. What manufacturers produce countertops?

Some of the manufacturers involved in producing countertops are Avonite, Cambria Quartz, DuPont Corian, DuPont Zodiaq, Formica, Nevamar, Silestone, Swanstone, Wilsonart, and many more.  

6. Which types of countertop products can I find on the market?

The types of countertops available include laminate, solid surface, engineered stone, granite, marble, soapstone, concrete, and many more.

1. Why choose Laminate?

Laminate is a low cost option that is easy to clean and requires little maintenance. Laminate is also offered in an endless amount of colors and designs.    

2. Why choose Solid Surface?

Solid surface countertops have a clean and uniform appearance. These surfaces are very durable and most scratches can be sanded out.  Solid surfaces can also be custom fit to a unique countertop shape.  

3. Why choose Engineered Stone?

Engineered stone countertops have gained much popularity in recent years due to its strength, variety of choices, and exceptionally low maintenance needs. These are the most durable surfaces, are resistant to stains and heat damage, and have no need for sealing.       

4. Why choose Granite?

Granite is a beautiful stone that has a unique look and feel. Granite countertops are durable and heat resistant, and are available in almost 200 variations.       

5. Why choose Marble?

Marble is an elegant natural stone with a warm and soft appearance. Marble is ideal for low-traffic countertops and has unique veining patterns.       

6. Why choose Soapstone?

Soapstone has a one of a kind feel, found in rich and deep colors. These countertops require little maintenance and are naturally heat resistant.    

7. Why choose Concrete?

Concrete countertops are strong, heat and scratch resistant, and uniquely textured. These countertops are ideal for unusually shaped countertops because they can be worked into a variety of shapes.         

8. How can I add a personal touch to my countertop product?

Several countertop products can be designed and decorated to meet your personal style. Tiles, shells, and other objects can be set into concrete surfaces.  Solid surfaces can be formed into nontraditional shapes. Laminate is offered in an endless amount of colors and natural stone such as granite and marble are unique because no two pieces are the same.          

9. Which countertop product requires the least amount of maintenance?

Engineered stone is currently in the lead for needing the least amount of maintenance. These surfaces are the most durable surface material, are resistant to stains and acid damage, heat resistant, and do not need sealing or resealing. Engineered stone is made up by a majority of quartz which is the fourth hardest material behind diamond, topaz and sapphire.          

10. What can I do if I like an expensive countertop material, but can’t afford the price tag?

There are many options to overcome this problem. Several less expensive surface materials can be created to imitate more expensive options such as granite and marble. For example, laminate can replicate the look of granite and solid surface while natural stone surfaces can be found in less expensive forms that are less thick or are softer minerals.

1. What products are produced by Avonite Surfaces and what benefits do they offer?

Avonite Surfaces produces solid surface products. These products are hygienic and non-porous, and scratches can easily be repaired with sand paper.  Avonite’s pattern allows for complete design flexibility and comes with a ten-year limited warranty.  

2. How should I care for Avonite Surfaces?

When using these countertops, you should always use a hot pad or trivet and a cutting board, because like all solid surfaces they can expand with heat and be scratched. If needed, Avonite can be buffed back to its original shine with a high gloss countertop.  

3. What is Cambria?

Cambria is a natural quartz surface product.  It is one of the hardest countertop surfaces, does not absorb stains, and requires very little maintenance.  Cambria can be used for a variety of surfaces including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, desk tops and fireplace surrounds. Cambria offers a 10-year limited warranty on its products.  

4. What is Corian® and should I protect and maintain my Corian® countertops?

Corian® is a brand name for a solid surfacing material created by DuPont™. Corian® offers a wide variety of looks because it can be cut, routed, drilled, sculpted or bent.  Corian® is stain and heat resistant and never requires sealing. These surfaces can be cleaned with soapy water or an ammonia-based cleaner for day-to-day care.  

5. What are DuPont™ Zodiaq® quartz surfaces?

These surfaces are made of 93% quartz and come in more than 30 colors. Zodiaq® surfaces are very durable, nonporous and chemical-resistant.  They do not require sealants or waxes and can be easily cleaned with a nonabrasive cleaner.  

6. Can Zodiaq® and Corian® be used together?

Yes. The two materials can be inlaid into the other, either along the edges or on the surfaces. They can each be combined with other materials as well, such as chrome, stainless steal, glass or brass.  

7. What products does Formica offer?

Formica Corporation is a global company that offers many types of surfacing materials such as laminate, stone, and solid surfaces. Formica’s products are easy to maintain and can imitate the appearance of more expensive materials.

John Ehrenreich
http://www.articlesbase.com/remodeling-articles/countertop-faqs-495668.html

Grooming Bathroom Accessories

Are you married and often find it a hassle for you and your mate to share the same mirror? Do you find your self in the bathroom at the same time, getting ready for work as your mate? If so, then you may want to consider grooming mirrors to accommodate you and your mate. How do I find grooming mirrors? You can find grooming mirrors at any department store, general stores, etc. Ultimately you can go online and find a wide array of grooming mirrors. How do I choose grooming mirrors? It depends on your style. IF you prefer swivel lit tilted mirrors for personal use, then you might enjoy Nova series. The mirrors mount on the wall, which provides you space and accessibility. You can use the mirrors while standing. The mirrors will clear clutter from your countertops. The mirrors are great as well, since you can purchase non-fog mirrors, which means if your mate steps out of the shower you can continue grooming without worrying about steam. The mirrors are attractive. When you put on make up or shave, in common mirrors you may miss areas. In public, you are unaware of the faults. With Nova lit mirrors and non-fog units, you can relax, since you can put on your makeup or shave without worrying about missing spots. The elegant mirrors include the single/dual arm series, which provide you versatile features, such as the slide modes. You can adjust the mirror to any height you choose. Nova has included a magnifier into its non-fog mirrors, which are also free of image distortion. How do I choose size? The mirrors are around 10 inches in diameter. Still, the mirrors offer you shadow-free, incandescent, and well-rounded lighting to groom. The mirrors are stylish. The rims and arms are made of brass. Trimming is also made of brass. The trim, rims, arms, etc is complimented as well by polished chrome, or you can choose brush nickel finishing.

How do I choose colors?
It depends on your style. The mirror mentioned in this article includes the almond and white houses. Again, you can choose brass finish, chrome, nickel, etc.

How does the mirror light up?
The mirror runs from a standard 110 to 120-voltage battery. How do I find mirrors that do not use batteries? The mirrors operate from batteries, yet you can remove the power supply extension and install the unit by hard-wiring it to your electric outlet. How much do the mirrors cost?
It depends where you shop. Online you can find the mirrors from very cheap and up. You may shop other areas online and find bargains. Look for coupons, since it will save you money.

What if I prefer another style? You can choose the Pedestal Lit Vanity Mirrors, or other mirrors of choice. You have a wide array of choices. How much do the Vanity mirrors cost? It depends where you shop, however quality will play a big part. You have a choice of solid brass, brush nickel with white house, clear coat/white, and the polished chromes. Can I hardwire the Vanity mirrors?
You will need to shop around for mirrors that allow you to hardwire them. Grooming mirrors, such as the Vanities made by Nova does not always sell hardwired mirrors. How do the mirrors look?
It depends on your choice, however you can choose the light pedals, which are made of brass. The coating is protected. You also have the option of choosing clear coat finish, aluminum House with pure brass and so forth. The gold trimming is my favorite, but it is up to you.

John Pawlett
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/grooming-bathroom-accessories-88930.html

Bathroom Accessories and Toilet Brush Caddies

Toilet brush caddies make up nice bathroom accessories. The caddies are idea, since if you just leave the toilet brush lying in the floor it dirties up your room. In addition, if you do not clean brushes after using them in the toilet, it can build up residue and leave a foul smell. As you can see, toilet brush caddies are nice necessities.

How to choose toilet brush caddies?
Musa, Chateau, Home, Outline, Wind, and Freestanding make a nice selection of toilet brush caddies. If you are searching to accomplish organic embellishments, you may like the crystal glass selections. The glass wear is sometimes structured with pure brass and wood wenges. Musa just created the latest wall-mounting caddies. You will find the latest chrome polish styles and the satin nickels.

How do I choose a caddy to match my bathroom? The caddies made by Musa, i.e. most designs are crafted to fit any modern bathroom. The items are shipped from foreign legions, i.e. Italy. The items are basic, yet it will bring a classy style to your modern bathroom.

The toilet caddies come with accessories. Few companies sell with the item, wood wenges trims, tumblers, soap dish, and other holders. Most items sold by Musa are made of purely cut brass. Clear crystal glass is gorgeous and will fit any room. I mentioned that the caddies are designed for most modern bathrooms, yet the item will match nearly any style in Victorian rooms, regal baths, country style, and more. You may not want to choose the item to install in child baths, unless the children are older.How do I choose other bathroom items that go with the caddy?
You have a list of items to select, including the glass corner and vanity shelves, tissue holders, robe hooks, towel bars, soap dish, tumblers, and so on.

How do I choose items designed by Chateau?
I am not partial to silver, yet Chateau made the latest brush caddies that attracts the eye. The latest brush caddy is polished in both chrome and brass. You will find a variety of matching hooks as well, which include polished brass, chrome, combo, and the brush nickel. If you choose the combination of gold and chrome, try mixing it with the chrome and brass polished hooks.

You can also mix the brass/chrome caddies with towel bars, designer mirrors, robe hooks, glass holders, and more. The item comes from Sweden, which the country’s crafters has proven faithful in designing elegant bathroom accessories.

If you intend to purchase the chrome/brass caddies, you may want to purchase a gold bath tissue holder, and a vanity glass shelf. The combination will make your guest think you are living high on the hog. If you do not like the glass vanities, then consider the decor mirrors that light up and mount on your wall. Freestanding has a nice selection of brush caddies also. The gold are nice, yet in images it stands out loudly. I am a gold fan, i.e. I like gold tones, shades, colors, etc, yet the color in this instance is a bit disturbing to the eye. In this instance, you may want to consider the Oil Rub Bronze-Plate designed with steel. As I look at the image, I feel that the brush caddy would look nice in an antique atmosphere.

I love the wind so I had to check out the images designed by Wind Collections. The brush caddies are nice if you like chrome with spurts of gold. One of the bathroom accessories you want to consider with this series is the shower corner baskets.

John Pawlett
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/bathroom-accessories-and-toilet-brush-caddies-88921.html

Bathroom Remodeling ~ Elegant Bathtubs ~ Classic Accessories

The Internet is a perfectly good resource to do all your shopping, whether you are interested in a simple tub or you want accessories for the bathroom, such as faucets and sinks. By searching the web a little bit, you will definitely find a virtual store that specialized in high-end bathtubs and offers them at attractive prices. You can find and easily purchase a Claw Foot bath tub but also plenty of other bathtubs with a modern design and Asian influences.

There is no better time to start bathroom remodeling than the present. And we all know that the bathtub is one of the most important elements in the room. One can choose between Clawfoot, free standing or deep soak bathtubs. There are also contemporary styles which can offer a very attractive look to your bathroom. Each product is presented in detail, being offered at wholesale prices. After all, what more could you wish for?

If you desire the renovation project of your bathroom to be a success, then you should definitely consider European style bathrooms. These are absolutely splendid and you are also offered elegant faucets as must-have accessories. There are many people who prefer Claw Foot bathtubs, considering them as practical and elegant at the same time. If you are planning to turn your home into a modern residence, then a Clawfoot bath tub can bring the elegance you were looking for in the bathroom. Soaking in such a bathtub will no longer be a dream, but a genuine reality and one that you can indulge yourself in whenever you feel like it.

Bathtubs come with a water overflow and they are often presented with integrated faucets. However, if you only desire to purchase bathroom vanities or plumbing fixtures, you should know that the offer is diverse in this area as well. The prices are cheap and you won’t believe how many great choices you have. Just take your time and browse through all the offers presented in front of your eyes. Return to bathtubs to get a more general idea of the modern concept that a bathtub represents.

No matter how you put it, the Internet offers the greatest shopping experience possible. One can find free standing bathtubs presented at unbelievable prices, not to mention numerous other elegant and modern choices. Accessories are presented as well for prospective customers and new products are being added to the shopping portal on a regular basis. Remodeling takes a lot of courage and this is especially valid whereas bathrooms are concerned. If you can have a wonderful bathroom with a contemporary bathtub and elegant faucets, why go with the obvious choice? Put your style in every room of the House, especially in one of the most important – the bathroom!

Kinhom
http://www.articlesbase.com/bath-showers-articles/bathroom-remodeling-elegant-bathtubs-classic-accessories-732358.html

You Can Do It Yourself! Tackling Diy Bathroom Plumbing

Do it yourself. A generational catch phrase born from the crop of reality-based television programming that has captured an audience with extravagant remodels accomplished over a weekend and elaborate decorating on a budget. Do it yourself – or DIY – always existed as concept – budget-conscious homeowners pulling up their sleeves to tackle a project armed with tools and the ability to think on their feet. But the phrase do it yourself has produced a whole new harvest of weekend warriors filled with newfound confidence and eager to experience the self-satisfaction of a job well done.

Nothing seems to urge on do-it-yourselfers like a DIY bathroom plumbing project. The evidence lays in the community of homeowners who have dug in their heels, refusing to shell out hard earned dollars to a plumber simply to rectify a leaky faucet. The DIY bathroom plumbing project runs the gamut from drippy faucets and running commodes to noisy nozzles and flooding floors. But even more diverse are the extended projects that result from this initial foray into DIY-land. Suddenly, a DIY bathroom plumbing project becomes a full-blown remodel – vanities replaced; showers re-tiled; original floors swapped for their newer counterparts.

For those who have strapped on their tool belt and begun their journey into their DIY bathroom plumbing project, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is imperative that before beginning any repairs of sinks, toilets, and showers to turn off the water to that location. Nothing ends a DIY bathroom plumbing project quicker than a surprise flood. Further, any project involving electricity should be handled with extreme caution. Just as you turned off the water – turn off the electric power in the bathroom before tackling any projects.

Secondly, be sure that you have the appropriate parts to complete the DIY bathroom plumbing project. Parts that don’t fit will elongate the project and can easily end with disastrous results.

Finally, do your homework. Be sure to research the DIY bathroom plumbing project prior to starting. The Internet can be an enormous source of information as can your local HOME IMPROVEMENT store. And remember, you may be doing it yourself, but that doesn’t mean you can’t call in a professional if you get in over your head. Sometimes a pro can actually wind up saving you money in the end.

If you are well-researched, organized, and on your toes, your DIY bathroom plumbing project can pay dividends. Not only will you have the bathroom you want, but you’ll have the unrivalled satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself.

Michelle Bery
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/you-can-do-it-yourself-tackling-diy-bathroom-plumbing-86012.html

The Luxury Of Bathroom Suites

Nothing quite equals the feeling of extravagance that comes with a luxurious bathroom. Designed to pamper its owner and create a respite from the outside world, a well-appointed bathroom ideally includes all the elements that mean the most to the homeowner. There’s nothing quite as enjoyable as a bathroom done to your specifications; and there’s no easier way to outfit bathrooms than by choosing from among bathroom suites; equal parts comfort and elegance and able to set the tone for your entire bathroom.

Bathroom suites are complete bathroom sets that are available for purchase together; they most often include the toilet, sink and vanity, and bathtub/shower. Bathroom suites come in a variety of styles and colors and can be installed all at once in an effort to create a cohesive room. Whether you’re looking to create a contemporary feel with sleek lines and marble topped sink vanities, or a traditional feel with a pedestal sink and wood vanity, a well chosen bathroom suite can enhance the theme of your bathroom.

You can find bathroom suites for order at most HOME IMPROVEMENT stores; knowledgeable employees can help you find the style that best suits your bathroom design. Bring all of your ideas to the table including colors, textures, and accessories, so that whoever is helping you can get an accurate idea of what you have in mind.

Professional installation of your bathroom suite – while somewhat pricey – can be more than worth the expense, as a professional will ensure that the installation is completed with plumbing and electrical specifications in mind. Of course, there are those enthusiastic do-it-yourselfers who will confidently tackle the installation of their bathroom suite, but most people would be happy to step aside and let the professionals handle the work.

Of course in this day and age of the Internet, it is also possible to shop for and purchase bathroom suites online where you can have them shipped straight to your door for installation by you or a professional skilled in renovation and plumbing. Again, if you choose to handle the installation yourself, you must be sure that you account for all plumbing and electrical considerations.

The prices of bathroom suites – like any other furniture – vary according to brand and quality of material. But you’ll often find that there’s frequent clearance prices on expensive items in which you are interested. It’s important to shop around and compare prices; just as with anything else, different retailers offer different prices. Visit some reputable websites to learn all you can about bathroom suites and the prices you should expect.

Outfitting your bathroom to reflect your style and feature contemporary upgrades will have enormous impact seen in a number of different ways; an upgraded bathroom will hold significant value should you ever choose to sell your home; and, in the meantime, these upgrades will keep you comfortable and happy as you enjoy your space. Bathroom suites offer a convenient and comprehensive way to transform your bathroom – from floor to ceiling and everything in between.

Riley Hendersen
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/the-luxury-of-bathroom-suites-122525.html

The Power Of A Bathroom Rug

Part of successfully decorating a bathroom to meet your needs is including those elements that reflect your very personal style. When it comes to bathrooms, there are high-end renovations such as those that require construction – including the replacement of vanities, toilets, tiles, bathtubs, and showers. But many homeowners may be surprised by how more aesthetic – and far less expensive – changes, such as towels, artwork, shower curtain, and a bathroom rug, will go a long way towards transforming the look of your bathroom.

A bathroom rug because of its versatility and affordability is one of the easiest accessories to use in the transformation of a bathroom. Rugs of this kind come in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures; one can be always be found to complement the style of your bathroom.

For many, the purchase of a bathroom rug is the very last thing they do in the renovation of a bathroom; but if you are working within a restricted budget, keep in mind that it can be one of the only things you do in the renovation of your bathroom. Not much carries as much visual impact as this small item.

There are many ways in which to integrate a bathroom rug into your overall bathroom design. You may have a unified theme in your bathroom – floral, Asian, seaside, or any number of children’s themes for a child’s bathroom – that can be accented with a similarly themed rug; you may wish to complement the overall tone of the room – Victorian, country, traditional, eclectic, and antique – with a well chosen bathroom rug.

A warmly colored bathroom with ceramic tile may be best complemented by a soft, warm colored rug; a contemporary designed bathroom may benefit from a strong colored bathroom rug that’s less plush and more textured. The prices also vary greatly so keep budget in mind when searching for your ideal bathroom rug; but in many cases, you can find a beautiful and complementary bathroom rug for under $50.

In addition to form, the bathroom rug provides its own share of function as well. A rug can provide warmth on an otherwise chilly floor; there’s nothing worse than stepping out of a shower onto a cold, hard floor. A bathroom rug also provides protection for the floor or carpet underneath it – sheltering it from water damage.

Another added convenience of a bathroom rug is its availability. Rugs can be found in any number of retail stores, HOME IMPROVEMENT stores, and even online for the ease of shopping right from your home and having your merchandise shipped straight to your door.

A bathroom is a very personal space; that which offers refuge and comfort in a world where we are rarely left in peace. But in order to maximize the power and effect your bathroom space can have in your life, its decor must reflect the style that is unique you. Don’t hold back when it comes to adding your personal touches to your bathroom – including the addition of a bathroom rug. The result will be a room that reveals your style to visitors and envelops you in comfort and familiarity.

Riley Hendersen
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/the-power-of-a-bathroom-rug-123750.html

Luxury Bathroom Remodeling

When people think about changing their home interiors they typically turn to wallpaper and furnishings to add new life to odd spaces in the home. When they think about changing their bathrooms, however, they immediately think of what comfortable and beautiful things they can add that will improve their quality of life.

Through online bathroom remodeling websites, owners of Homes can have a wide assortment of choices that they can pick from to ornament and decorate their home in the height of fashion, or in a unique style that is very unusual that makes the resale value of their home go through the roof.

Many homeowners trust the construction of their new bathrooms to building contractors with years of experience in completing their decorating designs, but it is the homeowner who will have the final word on what furnishings will be placed in these newly remodeled bathrooms before they are done.

The size of the bathroom space will determine the number of unique furnishings that can be fitted with style and grace, and those furnishings must be capable of enduring moist climates for long periods of time with no wear or tear from the experience. Any odd piece of furniture simply won’t do for a luxurious bathroom arrangement, and that is why there are online remodeling sites that feature fine wood grains that are made specifically for bathroom use.

Any home decor can be duplicated to provide matching bathroom fixtures and furnishings that continue the decorative style that a homeowner worked hard to create. There are European styles of bathroom furnishings to choose from that can add a distinctive style to any bathroom in the home. There are other bathroom furnishings that resemble antique furnishings of long ago, but these antiquated styles are updated with the latest curved faucets and drain systems that homeowners find very delightful.

Some of these bathroom vanities have table stands and others features chests that offer additional storage space. Each bathroom has its own sense of style and character and homeowners will be able to quickly identify that style tempo in the multiple offerings they find at online bathroom remodeling websites.

The online bathroom remodel websites provide homeowners to view furnishings in specific price ranges and homeowners quickly realize how much fun they can have trading off one feature for another for very little difference in price. These minute price differences might afford homeowners rare luxuries such as a whirlpool spa or a heated steam room if they are stingy enough to scrimp on price here and there.

It does not matter if your bathroom furnishings style is traditional, contemporary, antique, hand painted or hand carved. There is an online bathroom remodel website that will have the bathroom furnishings and fixtures that you need to make your bathroom the prettiest place in the world that you can go in and relax.

The value of the home will be enhanced by these beautiful furnishings and fixtures and homeowners will certainly be proud of their stylish showrooms when the construction phase is complete. These stylish bathroom remodeling projects will be enjoyed for many years and provide homeowners with many fond memories of how they were created.

Jim Brown
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/luxury-bathroom-remodeling-140510.html

Bathroom Furnishings

There are luxurious bathroom arrangements that can be installed during a bathroom remodel project. These choices might include basins that are surfaced with smooth stone or ornamented with curved facets that feature handles made of durable brass. All of these splendid choices will offer major resale opportunities when the home dwellers place their abodes on the open Real Estate market.

The bathroom remodel project might include the addition of whirlpools or air tubs that will not only enhance the value of the home, but give the occupants a relaxation area in the home that visitors will seldom get to visit, much less intrude on their tranquil space. These bathroom themes might even include such pampering features as a steam unit or sauna or a bidet for the lady of the House.

When people think of remodeling their home, they want to enhance the creature comforts inside their home first, and deal with outdoor repairs last. The inside of the home directly affects the lives of their family and homeowners want to make sure that every creature comfort they can afford to make is provided.

There are many exotic features that can be added during a bathroom remodel that will make the resting area so inviting. With towel warmers in place, the weary homeowner will seek refuge in this comfortable space to unwind from a difficult day at work, and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and vigor that he has not felt in a very long time.

The homeowners can have a lot of fun selecting bathroom vanities and cabinets that will give them added space that they have need for a long time. The exquisite wood grains and wood coloring choices are so varied that they spend many hours experimenting with each one. From light to dark wood, or somewhere in between, there are bathroom vanities made to fit each of person individual character and lifestyle.

People can choose to browse by brand and are amazed at the number of quality brands that are offered on Internet shopping sites that specialize in bathroom remodel furniture and fixtures. With brand names like Ambella Home, Regatta and RonBow, it is hard to choose a specific one.

Online bathroom remodel sites are easy to use and allow homeowners access to these fine bathroom furnishings 24-hours a day, which certainly helps people with very busy work schedules or families with children that need to be transported to many locations throughout the day and night. The online access is ready when they are ready to shop, and certain websites offer 24-hour customer service help too.

Any bathroom can be easily remodeled to add variety and style to homes that were built over 30 years ago. These outdated areas can be brought up to speed in record time, even if the shape of these older rooms may be unique and might require bathroom furnishings that are uniquely shaped or require a certain height be met in order to meet the curve in a particular part of the room.

Homeowners should carefully measure their bathrooms to determine the size of their bathroom furnishings before they start to shop. There are many dimension offerings to be found in online bathroom remodel sites that have bathroom furnishings that range from under 30 inches to those that are 45 inches in height or more.

Linda Polansky
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-articles/bathroom-furnishings-132065.html

The Bathroom: Retrospective View

In the development of the modern bathroom and bathroom vanities there is therefore no precedent in the tradition of the house, and in the average modern dwelling it will be well that the suggestion of spotless cleanliness and practical efficiency should be its salient characteristics.

The floor and lower part of the walls of tiles, the bath and basin of white enamel with no pipes enclosed, with no dark corners to harbour dust and dirt, and the art of the bathroom as expressed in useless and dirt-concealing patterns rigorously excluded—such a scheme will, perhaps, represent the best that is possible for the average household. Under stricter economic conditions the floor will perhaps be covered with a plain linoleum, a cork carpet, and whitewash take the place of the tiled surface of the wall.

The bathroom vanity should be so placed that the plumbing is reduced to a minimum, and the whole system is as simple and compact as possible, free from possible damage by frost, and capable of repair in all its parts without interference with the structure of the house. The quality of mystery has its artistic value in the house, but in the matter of plumbing it will probably only be appreciated by the plumber.

In connection with the bathroom and a bathroom vanities inside in the small house it is generally possible to arrange a linen closet, which contains the hot-water cylinder, which serves the double purpose of keeping the linen dry and the bathroom warm. In a slightly larger House in addition to this general bathroom there may be a bath and basin fitted up in the master’s dressing-room, and fitted wash- stands with hot and cold water in the bedrooms help materially to reduce the labour of the house.

The housemaid’s closet with its slop sink and space for pails and brooms, is also an important feature in the house. In larger houses each bedroom or suite of bedrooms will be provided with its separate bathroom, and here it will often be admissible to indulge in a bath-room which may possess some of the beauties of the classic baths. In the house for an art-lover illustrated a scheme for a bathroom is shown in which a circular central bath lined with mosaic is surrounded by a marble pavement. The bathroom itself is octagonal in form, each angle being formed by a column, between which niches in the walls give spaces for special baths. The roof of blue mosaic represents a mimic firmament, from the centre of which showers descend at will.

The whole of this interior represents an arrangement of broad slabs of marble, of which the most prominent is the green Irish Connemara, which, with its deep tones of varied green, seems to suggest the still depths of some mountain pool. To complete the colour scheme one must imagine the deep green tones of this marble relieved by the brightness of the silver fittings and the opalescent tints of the Norwegian midnight sun marble which appears to contain all the hues of a sunset.

Alex Moiseev
http://www.articlesbase.com/bath-showers-articles/the-bathroom-retrospective-view-727126.html