5 Trends in Bathroom Remodeling
A bathroom remodel or renovation is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value. It also adds functionality and a fresh look to your home.
However, many homeowners confuse the terms ‘remodel’ and ‘renovation.’ A professional will tell you that these two projects are quite different. Contact Jacksonville Bathroom Remodeling today!
Crushed glass countertops are a fairly new design option rapidly gaining popularity among homeowners. They are a beautiful and unique way to add color and flair to your kitchen. They can be encased in concrete or made from a strong, durable, clear acrylic material. Either choice is tough and offers a great alternative to traditional granite or marble. They are eco-friendly and usually made from up to 80% recycled glass, making them an excellent choice for those seeking to make their home greener.
The crushed glass can be colored in several ways to match the kitchen’s design style. This allows them to fit into a variety of modern and eclectic designs. They are also very durable and easy to keep clean, although they require special care. If they are encased in concrete, they should be sealed a few times per year, similar to the needs of stone countertops. If they are crafted from an acrylic base, acidic foods (like tomatoes) are left on the counter, or harsh cleaners may mar the countertop’s surface.
These countertops are more expensive than other countertop options but tend to cost less than granite, quartz, or marble. This makes them a more economical option for creating a more unique and eye-catching kitchen. Because they are very different from other countertop materials, it is important to consult with a professional who understands the benefits and drawbacks of this design element. One of Sims-Lohman’s design experts can help you decide whether these countertops are the right choice for your home.
Cabinets are a critical component of bathroom design, and there are several options for choosing the best cabinets for your space. You can choose various materials and styles to customize your bathroom cabinets, such as wood species, finish, veneers, paint, or stain. Many cabinets can also be customized to fit your home’s unique layout. This customization can help improve functionality in multipurpose rooms like mudrooms and laundry rooms or around obstacles such as appliances that are not standard sizes.
When deciding on cabinetry for your bathroom remodel, starting with some online research is helpful. Houzz and Pinterest are great tools to help you clarify your vision for the project, and they can also be beneficial for understanding the differences between different cabinet types and finishes. It’s also important to consider your budget and timeline. Cabinet lead times are long, and it’s wise to plan accordingly.
Local cabinet makers know New York design trends and can offer a wide variety of options for your space. They are also in the know regarding cabinet finishes and special inserts that can increase storage. If you have a specific vision for your remodeling project, working with a local cabinet maker can be the best way to achieve it.
Another consideration when choosing cabinetry is the depth of your cabinets. Typically, wall cabinets are 12 inches deep, but custom-depth cabinets can be tailored to your needs and maximize storage in your home’s unique layout. They can also help to eliminate awkward spaces and create focal points in your kitchen or bathroom. This option can be great for multipurpose rooms or bathrooms with large appliances.
Glass shower doors are both practical and a beautiful addition to any bathroom. They ensure that water stays inside the shower, and they also help to keep your flooring cleaner. They are available in various styles to suit any decor and can be tinted or opaque to match your preferences.
Traditional clear glass is timeless and matches any decor, but keeping it clean can be challenging because spots, fingerprints, and smudges are more noticeable. For more privacy, you can choose frosted glass. This type of glass is manufactured by etching one side using acid or sandblasting, creating a translucent appearance. This texture also helps to hide smudges and dirt.
Other glass options include patterned doors, adding an interesting design element to your bathroom. However, choose a neutral pattern so it doesn’t quickly become outdated. Also, patterned doors can make small bathrooms feel cramped.
Framed and frameless options are both available. The difference is that framed doors have an aluminum or composite frame surrounding the glass panels. The frameless style offers a sleek and modern look and is popular because it allows you to showcase your beautiful tile work, intricate tile patterns, and gleaming hardware. Frameless doors are also easier to clean, as they don’t have the seals that can develop soap scum buildup over time.
Another option for your glass shower doors is curved glass. This is popular in corner stand-alone showers and provides a stylish concave appearance. You can even find bi-fold doors with panels that fold inward to allow you to enter the shower. These are a good option for smaller bathrooms and are more budget-friendly than other shower doors.
Tile flooring is a great option for homeowners looking for a clean and elegant look that is easy to maintain. It is moisture-resistant and can withstand heavy foot traffic without showing wear.
It is hypoallergenic and doesn’t trap allergens like dust mites and pet dander, contributing to improved air quality and a healthier living environment. Additionally, it doesn’t produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate the lungs and cause other health issues.
There are many types of tile, each with unique qualities and benefits. For example, ceramic tiles are glazed with liquid glass, which makes them stain-resistant. This is especially beneficial in high-traffic areas and households with children or pets. Porcelain tiles are even more durable, fired at a higher temperature to create a harder and denser material. This makes them ideal for kitchens, laundry rooms, outdoor patios, and showers.
Natural stone tile is also available, with each type of stone containing its unique characteristics. For instance, marble is a highly desirable material for flooring due to its durability and elegance. It is also known for its natural variations in color, which can add an upscale touch to any bathroom remodel.
Another great feature of tile is its versatility, as it can be installed in various patterns and textures. For example, you can choose herringbone, offset, stacked, or a randomized pattern to create a custom look. Tile comes in various colors and sizes, including non-square shapes such as diamonds and hexagons. This allows you to create a truly personalized design for your bathroom.
LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are small semiconductor chips that emit light when current passes through them. This creates an electric field that makes electrons glow and produce light (electro-luminescence). LED bulbs are often compared to incandescent and fluorescent bulbs regarding energy use, lifespan, and color temperature. LEDs have a lower initial cost than traditional bulbs and typically pay for themselves over time in energy savings and longevity.
LED lights come in various shapes, sizes, and colors to complement different decor styles. They also have many functions, including dimmability and daylight shut-off features. Many of these lights come in special packaging to protect them during shipping. The first step in choosing an LED bulb is determining how much light you need. This is measured in lumens, with higher numbers indicating brighter bulbs. You can find an LED bulb’s light at a given drive current by looking at its efficacy ratio, which tells you how many lumens it produces per watt of power consumed.
High-quality LED bulbs are usually rated at 70-100 lumens/watt, whereas incandescent bulbs consume 15/watt, and CFLs use about 50lu/watt. Once you know how much light you need, you can select the LED and driver that will best fit your fixture.
LEDs can be wired in series or parallel circuits, so make sure you understand the wiring configuration of your fixture before selecting a driver. Another important consideration is an LED’s forward voltage rating, which is its ability to conduct current in the correct direction. Most drivers are designed to work with an LED’s forward voltage. However, if you need to pair a driver with an LED with a different forward voltage rating, a simple rectifier, and capacitive current limiter can achieve the proper output.
