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Get the most from the materials you choose for your toilet, vanity, tile and more They say that big dreams happen in small places. Nowhere is this more accurate than in the bathroom. While you are in there contemplating how you will take over the world (or your own small piece of it), make your surroundings as pleasing and inspiring as possible with the right bathroom finishes. Bathrooms get a bad rap. They are often thought of as the small, smelly place in your home that is best avoided until absolutely necessary. However, you can change that reputation. Since you have to be in there anyway, you might as well make your bathroom the relaxing, welcoming place it was always meant to be by choosing beautiful finishes for your toilet, tile, countertops and vanity. Factors to consider when choosing bathroom finishes Budget – it’s best to decide what you want to spend ahead of time. That way, you will be less likely to select finishes and changes that you can’t afford. When you do that, even a little, a $10,000 project will quickly become a $20,000 budget-busting nightmare. Function – you don’t want faucets that are difficult for older hands to turn or drawers that are too easy for little ones to get into. Make sure the finishes and hardware you select work for your lifestyle, home and the people who live there. It’s also important to think long term. What looks great today might be impractical tomorrow. For instance, what works now for a young couple could be unrealistic for a home with the small children they will soon have. Style – look at the rest of your home. Is it contemporary and modern or sophisticated and elegant? Do you usually choose antique accessories or is your vibe more funky and fun? Whatever it is, your bathroom should match. This is especially true for a master bathroom. Layout – some updates cannot be accomplished without a complete re-do of your bathroom. For example, you may not want to choose tile that doesn’t match your flooring. If you do, you might find yourself needing to make significant changes, which will blow your budget and lead to biting off more than you can chew. Types – will you choose brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze? Polished chrome or stainless steel? Is decorative ceramic or matte black more to your taste? Of course, gold is also an option. There are so many different kinds of finishes that you could get a headache just thinking about it. It may be best to think about the overall look you want, amount of cleaning required and how it coordinates with the rest of the bathroom. For example, brushed metal finishes are better for hiding fingerprints and water marks. Why – there is no what or when if there is no why. Are you getting ready to put your home on the market? Do you just want to create a bathroom retreat? The reasons you are updating your bathroom will determine most of the other decisions, such as selecting the right finishes and which items to renovate. 7 Small ways you can give your bathroom a big transformation Faucets There is an astonishing array of faucet styles and finishes to choose from. You can keep it simple or look for special features such as interactivity or water conservation. Before making a decision, you need to know where your current faucet openings are and, if they don’t match your new choice be prepared to purchase a whole new sink or tub. Shower heads What’s better than a hot, soothing shower to help you unwind? Or perhaps a strong, invigorating shower to wake you up and get you ready to face whatever the day has in store. You can choose the right size or kind of spray you want. The type of showerhead you choose should reflect your lifestyle and preferences. Toilet Some people think all toilets are the same. That may have been true in the past but today; there is an almost endless selection. You can find toilets designed to increase comfort with heated seats, different kinds of flushes, and even models that glow in the dark so you can find it at night. Cabinets The importance of cabinetry is not just for the kitchen anymore. Choices for bathroom cabinets usually come in four categories: custom, semi-custom, stock and ready-to-assemble. You can get them framed, frameless or freestanding. They come with a wide range of drawer styles and decorative elements. Wood choices may come in plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard materials as well as laminate. Some of the finishes available include stained, glazed, antiqued and distressed. Since a lot happens in your bathroom, make sure the finishes you pick can endure heat, wetness and the wear and stress your household will inflict upon it. It’s the little things that really make a big impression so look for ornamental components which reflect your overall style, such as elevated or flushed, squared or rounded. Sinks Gone are the days of the traditional, one-dimensional bathroom sink. Of course, you can still find that if that’s your style. However, you might change your mind when you discover the many varieties on the market right now. The most common materials are vitreous china and enameled cast iron. Others that are gaining in popularity include glass, enameled steel, stone and acrylic. You can also choose bronze and copper options. Paint To really create the right mood in your bathroom, go with a change in paint color. This is a great way to highlight your new finishes by making sure everything is coordinated. Even just updating the trim, door or any wooden finishes can make a world of difference. Choose the right contracting company to help you Since bathrooms are small, many people see changing finishes as a DIY project, but it doesn’t have to be. If you don’t have the skills or don’t have time to do it right, you should leave it to the experts, like Tandem Contracting. From basic home improvements to full renovations, we can help you create the bathroom and home of your dreams.

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