Tag Archives: modern home

Tips for Planning a Bathroom Update

Do you want to improve the aesthetics of your bathroom? Before you disrupt your household with the hassle of a remodel, make sure you’re prepared. Familiarize yourself with this cost and ROI overview to help guide the planning process.

What Does This Type of Remodel Cost?
The first step to organizing a bathroom remodeling project is setting a budget. Understanding the potential costs involved can help you decide whether you’re working on a complete overhaul or focusing your resources on a few select changes.

Homeowners who make bathroom updates usually hope to recover at least a portion of their investment. An upscale bathroom remodel is among the projects that see the largest percentages of value increase year over year. But a high-end revamp can cost tens of thousands. If you’re working with a more modest budget, going with simple changes like updates to light fixtures, sinks, toilets and the like can refresh your space for significantly less.

What Should You Change?
When planning bathroom renovations, it’s always smart to fix what’s broken first, especially since replacement projects see larger returns (74 percent) than remodeling ones (63.7 percent).

Once you’ve tackled any necessary replacements, make investment-savvy design selections that add value for you and your family. Trade out the garden tub for an expansive shower, add granite countertops or upgrade the vanity, ventilation or lighting. Finding what most benefits your family can lead to greater satisfaction years after the project’s completion.

With budgeting sense and some design know-how, you’ll have the confidence you need to initiate a successful bathroom remodel.


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Featured Image Credit: “Gray Marble Bathroom” by Paintzen © 2016 (CC BY 2.0)

Turn Your Master Bedroom Into a Sanctuary

Since we spend about a third of our lives sleeping, we should place high importance on the look and feel of the master bedroom. Follow these tips to transform one of the most important rooms of your home into a relaxing sanctuary.

What to Bring In

  • Neutral Colors — Light, neutral hues like creams, taupes, grays and blues provide a tranquil atmosphere. Use soft, coordinating colors for your bedding and walls.
  • Soft Lighting — Overhead lighting can sometimes be harsh or too concentrated. Create a soothing mood with soft, balanced lighting throughout the room. Add lamps to brighten dark corners and illuminate each side of the bed.
  • Window Treatments — A sense of privacy is essential to any sanctuary. Window treatments offer coverage from the outside world and can be a beautiful design element. If outside lighting disrupts your sleep, consider blackout curtains.

What to Take Out

  • Outdated Bedding — A relaxing bedroom begins with a comfortable bed. Most experts recommend replacing your mattress every eight years. Pillows should be replaced every two to three years or every six months if you have asthma or allergies.
  • Excess Furniture — Get back to basics by paring down your bedroom to just the essentials. Most people require little more than a bed frame, a couple of matching nightstands and a dresser or chest of drawers. Anything more can quickly become clutter.
  • Unnecessary Electronics — From more sleep to better family relationships, there are numerous benefits of having a technology-free bedroom. Reserve your master bedroom for rest and relaxation, and keep electronics out.

Make over your master bedroom into a serene space you look forward to at the end of a long day. These tips can help you get started.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: “Europa-House-2-Bed-Master-bedroom-10” by Living Rooms London © 2013 (CC BY 2.0)