The Right Bathroom Vanity-How To Select

Whether your taste is traditional, modern or somewhere in between, your bathroom vanity should offer both style and function as the central focal point of your bathroom. Examine different materials and style options and play around with color combinations to find the most luxurious possibilities for your new bathroom vanity.

Consider this when shopping for a bathroom vanity:

What size vanity do you need? Know your bathroom measurements to help you pick bathroom vanity cabinets and bathroom furniture to fit your dimensions.

• What�s the final look you�re trying to achieve? Classic or traditional bathroom furniture features dark, rich wood vanities while modern bathroom vanities might be wall mounted or �floated.�
• Where does your water come from? Bathroom sink vanities need to be close to a water source, so it�s important to know this before making your selection.
• What�s your budget? Knowing your budget will help you determine if you can opt for custom-made bathroom furniture or a pre-made unit. Having an idea of what you want to spend will also help determine which brands to shop.
• What about hardware? Knobs and drawer pulls will accent the style of your bathroom vanity. The hardware you pick can change the entire look and feel of your bathroom furniture.

Choosing the Right Vanity

Small bathrooms present storage, decorating, and design challenges. Choose a vanity for your small bathroom that suits your style. Use these tips to find the right small-bathroom vanity to overcome the challenges and create a stylish small bathroom that's perfect for you.

With space at a premium in a small bathroom, give careful consideration to the vanity you choose. Although there's no right or wrong choice, certain features and aesthetics will be right for you. Check out the benefits and challenges of these types of vanities that are suitable for small bathrooms.

Cabinet-Style Vanity

The cabinet-style vanity is a classic, common style of bathroom vanity. Although its solid shape takes up the most space, its built-in drawers and concealed compartments provide generous storage in one place.

If you are considering stock or semicustom cabinetry, study the measurements closely to make sure the cabinetry fits and won't overwhelm the space visually. When budget allows, custom cabinetry is ideal because it can be designed and built to fit your unique space and its storage needs.

Seek out vanity cabinets that are specifically designed and scaled for smaller spaces, such as apartments. Because their intended use is for small bathrooms, their proportions are already suited to the room's size constraints.

Vanity cabinets designed to look like legged furniture (or pieces of furniture converted into bathroom vanities) blend open design that is visually appealing in a small bath with storage capacity for a tight space.

Smart Idea for a small bathroom to Optimise Your Bathroom space

If you have a small bathroom don't worry, we've got plenty of small bathroom ideas for you. No matter how compact your room, we have a chic design to fit your needs

A small bathroom can be stylish, practical and, with the right know-how, space-efficient. Make a small bathroom look infinitely bigger with neutral colours that run along the floor, up the walls and even continue onto the bath and loo. This will create a feeling of never ending space, rather than breaking up the bathroom into separate areas, which can make the room feel boxed in

Alternatively, add depth to a narrow bathroom with a feature wall. One block colour or exposed bricks work well. Don�t be afraid to try dark colours. They will add an elegant and opulent touch to a small bathroom. Bathroom storage is also essential for keeping clutter at bay.

Consider adding a skylight, if possible, to open up your bathroom and create a light and airy space. White furnishings will help to bounce light around the room, meaning you can inject personality with a few interesting accessories. Lighting is key. Include task lighting next to mirrors and dimmable options in alcoves or behind a bath to create drama and mood. Make sure all light fittings have the correct IP rating for safe use in wet areas.

 Bathroom with roll-top bath and patterned floor tilesBathroom with roll-top bath and patterned floor tiles

The best Majestic wines this festive seasonThe best Majestic wines this festive season

There�s no need to keep a small bathroom plain and minimalist. If you love vintage style, then go for it. Clever storage will stop everything from feeling cluttered and maintain a feeling of space and sophistication.

On the other end of the decorating spectrum are hotel-style bathrooms. Choose a chic black and white bathroom peppered with soft grey for a fresh and modern take on monochrome. Alternatively, a wet room could really open up a small bathroom and create a feeling of luxury and spa

Paper a cloakroom

One of the best ways to disguise a small bathroom is to create interest and a striking wallpaper is ideal for this. If you have a bath or shower in the room (rather than it being a cloakroom), make sure you buy one that�s made specifically for bathrooms, which will cope with the damp, warm conditions

Go for mobile and multifunctional furniture

A limited footprint shouldn�t impact on your creative flair. If your bathroom is verging on the small side, consider using freestanding furniture that you can move around at a moment�s notice. Going for freestanding storage and seating allows you to move your scheme around whenever you like and, unlike fitted bathroom units, you can take freestanding pieces with you when it�s time to move out.

Trick the eye

The amount of space you have and what the eye perceives aren�t necessarily the same thing. Play with the boundaries of perception by tiling the side of your bath and the wall with the same design � it makes it hard to distinguish where each begins, thereby making your space feel larger. Marble is particularly effective here, as it looks almost like one huge sheet and the individual tiles aren�t very obvious.

Tiered wire storage keeps luxuriously packaged lotions and practical wash bags on show and easy to grab. If space is limited, you can tote the stand from bedroom to bathroom when needed.

Work in wall-hung units

Floating fittings visually max the space, as more of the floor can be seen, and make cleaning a breeze. You can always use the area underneath to store toiletries in pretty wicker baskets. A palette of off-whites and tonal greys will make your bathroom feel large and airy, while wall integrated taps keep the look minimal and well-finished.

Use the same tiles on the floor and walls

A clever trick to making a small bathroom look bigger is to use the same tiles on the walls and the floor. Not only does the natural stone in this family bathroom add a spa-style touch, but the continuous run of tiles creates a spacious feel, along with the wall-hung fixtures that save on floor area. If natural stone feels too neutral, you can easily pep it up with strong colour pops with your towels, storage and accessories � an on-budget way to add personality to your bathroom.

Furnish to scale

Large items of furniture can dwarf a small room so always buy pieces that suit the scale of your space. In a small bathroom, stick to the basics of a vanity unit and storage rack that you can either hang on the wall or rest on the edge of a bath. But that doesn�t mean that you can�t pack on the personality. Paint a vanity unit in your favourite colour and opt for patterned tiles on the floor. 

Make over your Bathroom With Cheap Cost

A bathroom makeover is an easy way to spruce up your home. But before you start taking measurements for a brand-new Jacuzzi, you should take the time to plan out your bathroom remodel step-by-step so you know exactly what you�re getting into.

Curious about how to remodel your bathroom? Take a look at our step-by-step guide below to figure out the best way to tackle your bathroom remodel.

 Bathroom Demolition

This is the fun part. This is one of the few domestic activities where its totally okay to take a sledgehammer and start putting holes in your home. Tired of that old particleboard cabinet that never closes properly? Time to make kindling. Sick of that lime green tiling in the shower? Its putrid existence is at an end! Its not only fun, but stress-relieving; as long as you notified your significant other beforehand.

Bathroom Demolition Breakdown:

Start by draining and removing the toilet, as to avoid any unpleasant spills.

Next, cover up the bathtub and start removing the tile down to the studs. This is necessary in order to rework the plumbing to fit your new shower/tub design.

Remove the insulation from your walls where necessary. Do not use a hammer on insulation, instead use a reciprocating saw to cut out the panels. A safety mask, gloves, and goggles are a necessity.

Finally, remove cabinets, vanities, mirrors, floor tiles, and any other features you plan to replace.

One of the best bathroom remodeling tips anyone can give is to rent a dumpster for the bathroom demo. Without one you�ll be stuck with several hundred pounds of what used to be a fully furnished bathroom.

 Installing the Shower

After you�ve demolished your bathroom, its time to draw a bath. On a blueprint. You�ll want to pick a shower pan or tub basin that fits your new decor, as well as the space where your current tub sits. In terms of shapes, you generally have three choices:

Rectangular

Square

Pentangle (base with one corner cut off)

The base you choose will determine the layout of your bathroom, so be sure to measure out your chosen base and account for the rest of the features in your bathroom (including the location of the door). You could also consider installing a combination shower and bath tub if you have the space.

At this point, you should also be fixing the drains of your tub to make sure they line up with your new shower/tub. This process should also include replacing your shower subfloor if there is any sign of rotting wood or water damage.

 Make Adjustments for New Fixtures & Features

After you�ve picked out your new vanity and cabinets, you�ll need to make adjustments in order to accommodate their new dimensions. For the most part, that means moving your GFCI�s and other power outlets so that they line up with your new vanity and cabinets. After all, you don�t want to have to reach down next to the toilet in order to plug in your hair dryer. You should also adjust your plumbing if your new sink requires modifications or alterations to the existing pipework.

 Lay Down Your New Floor Tiles

Use reference lines to keep your tiles straight and neat. 

A bathroom makeover is not complete without some fancy new floor tiles. After you�ve made the appropriate  adjustments to your electrical and plumbing, its time to lay down some fresh tile. But before you start grinding away with the grouting, be sure to establish vertical reference using mason�s chalk lines that run perpendicular (90-degree angle) from the wall with the longest continuous line. This will allow you to keep your tiles in a straight line, avoiding the dreaded crooked tiling job.

Check out our previous post on laying tiles in a bathroom for more top tiling tips.

Hang Drywall & Get Painting

Now your bathroom makeover is starting to take shape. The next step is to hang your new drywall. This can be a laborious process as you have to custom fit new drywall to fit around your new vanities and room layout. But once you start nailing up the boards you should be able to start moving briskly. Important tips here include:

799px-Cement_Board

Cement board isn�t waterproof, but it is resistant to moisture and dries quickly.

Use drywall mud and tape to cover seams and fill in gaps.

Use cement board instead of drywall for the shower/tub wall.

Coat the cement board with Redgard or another waterproofing membrane to guard against water damage.

After you�ve put your walls back together you can start adding some color to your bathroom. It is best to use paint with a semi-gloss finish that is mold and mildew resistant.

And while you�re working on your walls, now is the time to start re-tiling your shower and tub area. Here�s a few handy tips to follow when tiling your bathroom shower.

 Install the Vanity and Other Niceties

Now we�re cooking! After you�ve taken care of the walls and finished installing any new lights, its time to install your fancy new vanity and all the other accoutrements befitting a bathroom.

The first thing you want to install is the vanity, including the sink and faucet. Once you have the drain hooked up to the faucet, you can move on to the other essentials such as the mirror, cabinets, and the trim around the shower or tub.

Finishing Touches

Now your bathroom actually resembles a bathroom, except for one thing: the toilet. In reality, you can install the toilet earlier in the process, but leaving it as the last item to install helps avoid chipping it while working on other areas of the bathroom. If you aren�t quite sure how to install a toilet, Lowe�s has a great guide you can follow.

Create a Minimalist Bathroom For your Apartment

How wonderful it would be to have a bathroom with simple lines, gleaming white surfaces, not a toiletry in sight�ahh�

Seem out of reach? Don�t despair! You can achieve a similar �clean and serene� look in your own home�even if designer Italian fixtures aren�t in the budget.

Just follow these ten tips for creating a minimalist bathroom, and you�ll have a space that soothes your soul while you brush your teeth.

The basics:

1. Empty all the (moveable) contents out of the bathroom. Yes, really. You�ll be surprised how many things you�ll find that don�t really need to be there: that moisturizer that made you break out, the hotel samples you brought home from your last vacation, the curling iron you haven�t used in a decade.

2. Go through your daily routine, and put back only those items you use on an everyday basis. If you don�t touch it at least once a day, it doesn�t belong in your bathroom. Keep those seldom-used items in a box in your linen closet instead.

3. Create ample storage. Make sure you have enough storage to keep all items hidden (preferably behind opaque, mirrored, or frosted doors), even if this means adding a cabinet to the space. It�s important that everything have a place.

4. Keep surfaces clear. If you follow only one tip in this article, make it this one. Clear surfaces are the key to a minimalist bathroom. Do whatever�s necessary to keep your hairbrush, deodorant, razor, eye shadow, and other sundries off the countertop.

5. Keep it clean. Basic cleanliness goes a long way towards making your space more serene. Give surfaces a quick wipe down once a day to maintain that spotless look.

The extras: (if you want to go a step beyond�)

6. Paint the walls white (or a very light color). White walls make a small space feel larger and airier, and create a sense of uniformity. To achieve a minimalist look, you want the walls to �disappear;� the less obtrusive you can make them, the better.

7. Replace old-fashioned fixtures with modern ones. This doesn�t mean you have to spend big money on a designer faucet. Simple, streamlined fixtures can be obtained at reasonable prices from home improvement centers like Lowe�s and Home Depot.

8. Replace the shower curtain with a glass or acrylic door. If this isn�t an option, choose a simple clear or white curtain.

9. Use white towels for a luxurious, spa look. Nothing will ruin your minimalist look faster than a hodgepodge of mismatched towels.

10. Accessorize with one decorative item like a single candle, orchid, or glass bowl of pebbles.

Bathroom Remodeling Idea

Bathroom remodel ideas on a budget,In 2018, modern and minimal continue to be the preferred design choice � but what�s really making today�s look so unique are the personalized touches of texture, color, accents, amenities and accessories. Whether you�re undergoing a renovation or are looking for some decor inspiration, we�ve compiled a list of today�s trends to give your bathroom style a boost.

If you�re preparing for an upcoming bathroom remodel, here�s your inspiration.

Porcelain Wood Tile

For a unique twist on the traditional tile look, try porcelain wood tile. With several colors and plank sizes to pick from, you can achieve any type of style, from contemporary to rustic. Another benefit is that porcelain will last much longer than real wood, is resistant to water, and requires only light maintenance and care.

Freestanding Tubs

Whether you choose a rustic clawfoot bathtub or a modern spa-treatment bathtub, choose a  freestanding style and you�ll be right in line with today�s bathroom trends. While you need ample space for this type of bathtub, if you can figure out how to squeeze it in, you�ll be hitting your design stride.

Hands-Free Faucet Fixtures

Small bathroom remodel ideas,While usually reserved for commercial purposes, a hands-free faucet is a good way to reduce water waste at your residence. It�s simple to update your faucets by installing low-flow aerators on your new or existing faucets. This will cut back your water bill and makes washing up a breeze.

Forget Marble, Use Quartz or Porcelain

While marble may be the perceived pinnacle of luxury, you can achieve the same look at a fraction of the material cost by installing quartz or porcelain instead. Additionally, quartz and porcelain are stain-resistant and do not need to be sealed, saving you money on costly fixes down the road.

Darker Colors are In

Dark colors for your bathroom are in this year, and for good reason � they create a sense of relaxation and elegance. While black and gray may seem dull at first glance, these trendy bathroom colors come in a variety of shades and hues, presenting an almost endless amount of combinations that create a luxurious atmosphere.

Accent Furniture

While the bathroom may not be the first place you�d consider placing a fancy chair or ottoman, you may want to consider it for an added dose of coziness. It makes a perfect perch for painting your nails or waiting for the shower to warm up in the morning.

Smart Showers

Showers are making technological advances that are keeping up with the needs of the modern family. You can find showers with functions such as remembering your ideal water pressure and water temperature to built-in entertainment systems, complete with audio and even an LCD screen.

Freestanding Vanities

Freestanding vanities give your bathroom the personality it�s missing. They offer an escape from the traditional, boring bathroom cabinets and can be versatile style-wise. Search around resale shops or second-hand stores and you can find some vintage freestanding treasures.

White on White Never Goes Out of Style

The classic, clean, white-on-white bathroom will never go out of style! While some may consider an all-white color scheme boring, you can always spice it up with accents of color in the form of furniture, fixtures or decorations. With this style, you can even play with different tones of white, from eggshell to cream, to create a striking, monochromatic design.

Incorporating Natural Materials

Wood, metal, stone and ceramics are making a comeback in bathroom design a huge way. Try mixing in natural materials into your overall scheme to add a timeless feel to your bathroom. While most remodelers will stick to traditional tile, try something fresh and innovative with more natural materials.

Mixing it up with Textures

Texture is being incorporated to create interest, especially in monochromatic color schemes like the white-on-white style mentioned before. This includes textured wallpaper, tiles, glass and metals. Get creative by combining different textures, from fish scale shower tile to mosaic backsplash, there�s no limit to the unique patterns you can come up with!

Pamper Yourself with Heated Bathroom Floors

There�s nothing quite as nice as a heated bathroom floor on a cold morning. While a bit more expensive than traditional flooring, it�s a luxury that�s well worth it. Plus, it is easy to install, adds more value to your home and you can adjust energy settings to make the system as efficient as possible.

Unimposing Cabinets

While the bathroom trends of today include bold textures and tile patterns, unique materials and accent furniture, you�ll want to balance out the look with minimalist cabinet shapes. Clean cabinets with simple handles and knobs will keep your space from becoming too overbearing.

Water-saving Faucets

With the introduction of the government�s WaterSense label, similar to Energy Star, bathroom fixture manufacturers are getting smart about reducing faucet water waste. Pay a little more upfront for these and you�ll save big on your water bill in the years to come.

Low-Flow Toilets

In addition to water-saving faucets, low-flow toilets provide the benefit of saving money on your water bill. Try out a dual-flush toilet, which offers two different flushing options, allowing you to control your water waste and cut back on your water bill.

Round Mirrors

Mirrors come in all shapes and sizes, but today�s trends are showing round mirrors as the clear winner. Whether you�re trying to achieve a glamorous or rustic look, you can make the space much more superior with a round mirror rather it�s lackluster rectangle counterpart.

Quirky Light Fixtures

The bathroom always seems like the last place to put something out of the ordinary. Why is that so? In 2017, give your bathroom the lighting makeover it�s been needing with a quirky fixture that brings your entire space together. Whether it�s a glamorous chandelier, a hanging globe light or a modern pendent, light fixtures are the perfect way to bring personality into your design scheme.

Integrated Sound System

Listening to music is the perfect way to start your day. Today, it�s fairly easy to integrate a wired or bluetooth sound system on your ceilings and walls � you can even buy a showerhead that has music streaming capabilities. If music is part of your daily routine, ask your local hardware store or remodeling contractor about the many bathroom sound system options available.

Honeycomb Tile

If you could define 2017 as a shape, it probably would be honeycomb. Remodelers are going for the unique, hexagon pattern in their tiled flooring and walls, creating a stunningly bold look. Keep things interesting by choosing a multi-colored pattern that captivates.

Long, Narrow Subway Tile

If honeycomb isn�t your first choice, another tile type that fits into the atypical shape trend of today are long, narrow subway tiles. Instead of the classic, thicker style, today�s updated take on subway tiles are sleek and contemporary, offering a wide array of colors and textures as well.

Keeping it Safe

For those remodelers designing with safety in mind, there are plenty of trends that apply to your situation. The most popular amenities for the bathroom for safety and comfort include: shower seats, smart shower lighting and no-threshold showers. Emerging amenities include smart toilets and toilet seats, voice assistance in the shower, easy maintenance features, and heated tiles.

Best of Luck with Your Bathroom Remodel!

Now that you have some inspiration, you can get your bathroom remodel started with confidence! Just follow the above tips and you�ll create the space that you�ve been dreaming of.

Whether you�re taking on a full home renovation or just trying to give your bathroom an updated look, the trends of today include a mix of natural materials, bold patterns and textures, clean lines, simple color schemes and modern technology. In 2018, go with an overall modern and minimal look to ensure your bathroom style is in-line with today�s trends!

Best Farmhouse Style into Your Home

If you�ve always dreamt of farmhouse living, there are a few things you can do to bring the country to your home, no matter where you live. The farmhouse style has been rising in popularity over the past few years, as homeowners strive to implement a simpler and more rustic look into their home layout and decor. If you want to incorporate the comfortable, cozy and laid-back farmhouse style into your home�s design, here are a few ideas that you can try.

Here are five ways to bring the farmhouse style into your home.

What Is Farmhouse Style?

The farmhouse style brings homeowners a feeling of comfort and charm, without too much fuss. To achieve the farmhouse look, try incorporating salvaged elements like reclaimed wood, vintage furniture and antique decor into your home�s layout. With this style, you�ll want to sit back and enjoy the warmth of a cozy and uncluttered space.

Sliding Barn Doors

The sliding barn door has become very popular over the past few years, as more and more homeowners adopt the farmhouse style. These big, rustic-looking doors can add a touch of the country to any room in your home. They come in a variety of styles, from traditional stained wood to more industrial types of metals.

Shiplap Walls

To surround yourself in the farmhouse style, add shiplap boards to your walls. You can either leave it unfinished for a more authentic look, or paint it your favorite color for a more modern, yet still rustic feel.

Farmhouse Kitchen: Sinks & Stoves

If you�re going for the farmhouse style, the kitchen is a great place to start. Farmhouse sinks, or apron-front sinks, will give your kitchen, bathroom or utility room will let you experience country living. Install a vintage-inspired stove, such as the LG Black Stainless Steel ovens.

Country-Style Dining Table

To achieve a true country look, a farm table is essential. With a rustic table, you can gather with family and friends to share meals, conversations, celebrations and more. Decorate the table with a vintage checkered tablecloth or placemats for that extra dose of farmhouse style.

Farmhouse Style Decor

With the farmhouse style, use of accessories should be kept to a minimum. Accessories are an important element, but try as hard as possible to avoid overdoing it by squeezing in far too many for the space. A few well-placed accessories that are spaced apart are all you need to complete the look.

Extra Tips to Achieve the Farmhouse Look

Use color to your advantage: Use your favorite colors to accent the important design elements, but try to keep your overall color scheme neutral.

Use various textures to add interest: To give your layout some depth, mix various materials like wood, metal, fabrics, canvas. You can also try out different patterns with things like upholstery fabric, floors, ceilings and walls. Since the farmhouse look calls for a neutral color scheme, textures will help add interest to the space.

Get creative with the details: Use mixed metals for light fixtures, stair railings and other hardware. Keep in mind that it�s generally advised to use no more than three types of metals per room.

Best of Luck with Your Project

If you want to feel like you�re living in the beautiful countryside, consider changing the walls, doors, decor or sinks to communicate a more rustic feel. With these farmhouse style ideas incorporated into your home design, you can live the country lifestyle!

Great Ideas For Tiny Bathrooms lets check

You've found the house or apartment of your dreams... except for the bathroom.

It's tiny.

Like, so tiny that it's basically a closet with an awkwardly-fitting toilet and barely enough space to wash your hands.

Should you give up your dream home just because of a small bathroom? Definitely not. With a few thoughtful modifications and improvements, tiny bathrooms can be functional and even practical. You don't need a ton of space if all you need to to shower, pee and wash your hands.

So, faced with a small bathroom but not sure if you can handle it? Here are some ideas to make it better and maybe convince you that tiny bathrooms aren't so bad after all.

So, what are some amazing things you can do with a small bathroom? Here are some ideas.

Get a toilet-sink combo

Coming all the way from Japan where space is at a big premium, the toilet-sink combo is an amazing space and water-saver. 

You can buy a full toilet-sink combo and replace the toilet you already have, or change the cover of your toilet with something like the Sink Positive, which you can easily install by yourself.

Save space and save water all in one. This means you don't have to waste any wall area on a pedestal sink or a small vanity, and can actually have more space to sit and stretch your legs.

Turn your tiny bathroom in a wet room

What if you could pee and shower in the same space? Or, pee while you shower, while sitting on the toilet?

Well, if you transform your tiny bathroom into a wet room that includes your toilet within the showering space, you totally can.

Depending on how the current bathroom is set up, you might have to tile it up for water use, add a drain in the floor and a little ledge to keep water out of the rest of your home, but overall this isn't too difficult to manage. 

Here's my favourite affordable handheld shower head too---just in case you need one of those as well.

Use height to your advantage

A tiny bathroom still comes with walls---so use height to your advantage by storing items high up instead of close to the floor.

Put common, often-used items within reach, and stuff you use more rarely higher up, on shelves. If you're worried about hitting your head on hard bins, you can always hang soft mesh, plastic and fabric organizers for the things you use the most.

Different-sized pockets will hold on to most items, including your hair dryer! And you don't need to hang it on the door either---hammer a nail in the wall and put your organizer somewhere practical for you.

Switch to a narrow sink

You don't need a ton of space to wash your hands---sometimes just a little area is enough.

If you absolutely want a sink that's separate from, say, the toilet (see above), you can opt for a narrow sink instead of a full-sized one. 

For more floor space, you can purchase a floating sink with a small cabinet space underneath to hide the pipes. Otherwise, a traditional but narrow-sized sink will do the trick, as long as you get the narrow vanity to go with it.

Find a tiny tub that fits

Although you need some space for a tub, you certainly don't need a palatial bathroom to fit one in. With the right process, you can find a tub that'll fit into your bathroom, and nice spa tubs at that.

If you have a weirdly shaped bathroom, like in an attic or under an eave, you can place the tub under it to save space. All you need is to bend a little when you get it, but otherwise it means making the best use of the space you have! 

In a tiny bathroom, every inch counts. So if you find yourself severely lacking for space, even the few inches that come with a tankless (or hidden tank) toilet can make all the difference.

Removing the tank factor from your toilet makes your toilet sleeker, less noticeable, and definitely less prominent. Whether you chose a tankless model, or one whose tank is hidden in the wall, you'll have a few more inches for your legs when you sit, and extra space for whatever else you need to do in the bathroom.

Remember that tankless toilets still need access to plumbing, so you can't just change its position in the bathroom easily. Sometimes installing a tankless toilet comes with some extra expenses, but if you really want that extra space, it might be worth it!

Beautiful Bathrooms With Subway Tile

Subway Tile: Always Classic, Always Trendy

Subway tile is a rectangular, brick-like, usually polished ceramic tile that reminds you of subway stations. Adorning kitchens, bathrooms and powder rooms, it comes in many colors (although it's usually white) and fits all kinds of styles, from traditional to contemporary.

And the best thing about subway tile? It's always fashionable. Like the little black dress, subway tile is the best choice if you want your bathroom to look great and retain its decor value through the years.

Ready to be inspired by today's best subway tile patterns? Here are some of our favorite designs.

White Subway Tile With Dark Grout

Our first example is a traditional, classic white subway tile with contrasting, dark grout, by Spivey Architects via Houzz. This beautiful bathroom features a full subway tile wall in the shower, as well as a half-wall as backsplash behind the door. If you want to avoid the boring all-white effect, choose a darker grout, as in this bathroom, for contrast and visual interest.

Bathroom With Variegated Marble Subway Tile

The subway style doesn't always have to come in boring, uniform ceramic. This subway-cut marble tile features gold and gray veining, perfect for effortless color and movement. This bathroom by Carriage Lane Designs shows that a classic subway pattern can use different stones for surprising effects.

Bathroom With Black And White Subway Tile

Few things are more minimal than black and white—and few things are as classic as subway tile. Fitting the two together—a white subway tile on the walls and a black subway tile on the floors—makes this bathroom, by Castle Building & Remodeling via Houzz, a really interesting take on modern design. The polished finish works great to illuminate the space, which would otherwise be rather dark.

Stacked Subway Tile And Wood Vanity

Here's another example of the minimal, modern effect of a stacked subway tile pattern, by Design*Sponge. In this case, the round mirror breaks up the rectangular repetition, and the natural wood vanity adds some warmth. The tile here is more subtle than #9 above because it's not beveled, and it does have a slightly less heavy feel.

Best Technique and Easy Tips How to Make Your Hardwood Floors Shiny

Detil image

Hardwood floors are beautiful, durable, and add a lot of value to a home. And, yet, many people are scared of them because they have a reputation of being high maintenance. One of the biggest complaints people have is that their once shiny hardwood floor has become dull and dingy.

There are a few different reasons why hardwood may lose its shine. Most of the time, a simple fix or change in your routine will take care of the issue.

Hardwood is great and if you take care of it properly, it will shine for years.

Does the Floor Need to Be Refinished?

The finish on hardwood floors does not last forever. It is possible that your floors need to be refinished. You can extend the life of a floor finish by making a no shoe policy, clipping pet nails, and using furniture protectors. Even with these precautions, a hardwood floor will eventually need to be refinished.

If droplets of water bead up on the most worn parts of your floor, then your finish is likely intact. If, however, droplets of water soak into the floor, turning it white or gray, your finish needs some attention.

Wax Buildup

If you regularly use wax on your floor, it may need to be stripped off. Over time, waxing actually dulls the finish of your floor. Waxing should only be done twice a year, but a lot of people end up doing it more often.

The solution is to find a commercial product that can help you remove the wax buildup from your floor.

Once you get that job done, stick to the two waxings a year rule.

Are You Mopping a Dirty Floor?

Another common cause for dull hardwood is mopping a dirty floor. You may not do it intentionally or think that you're sweeping correctly, but it can be an issue.

Before you attempt to use any wet mop, the floor needs to be thoroughly swept or vacuumed.

Leaving dirt and particles on the floor to be mixed and shuffled around with a wet mop will leave streaks, scratches, and residue on the floor. If you decide to sweep, use a dust mop rather than a broom to avoid scratching the surface.

Using the Right Product

There are a lot of products that market themselves as hardwood floor cleaners. Unfortunately, many of them simply don't measure up. You may need to search out the appropriate cleaner for the exact type of flooring you have.

A good place to start is finding out what the floor manufacturer recommends. Be warned that they may suggest their own product. It will, however, give you a good idea of the type of product you should be looking at.

You are not doomed to buy expensive hardwood floor cleaner for the rest of your life. However, it may take a little experimenting to find a cleaner that leaves the wood the way you want it to look.

Using Too Much Cleaner?

Knowing how much of any cleaner to use is an important skill. It's tempting to add a lot of it, thinking it will help you get that desired shine. In most cases, this doesn't work out well at all. Remember that more soap does not equal a cleaner surface.

Floor cleaner is rarely used liberally.

Instead, it is used in small amounts. This is especially important for hardwood floors that can become damaged if they get too wet. Use products and water sparingly and wipe up spills right away. Protect the floors, and they will keep their beauty.

Are You Buffing Your Hardwood Floors Dry?

One other trick that can help restore shine to your hardwood floors is to buff them after mopping. Some swear by clean cloth diapers to buff her floors to shine. Others use microfiber cloths or flat mop heads to get the job done.

Failing to buff a drying floor is begging for streaks that will keep your floor from looking shiny. Take the time to buff the floor dry and enjoy the shine.