Adding up the costs for a bathroom remodeling project

Before beginning any bathroom remodeling, you should create a budget. Pick an amount of money you can reasonably afford, and then check the costs of supplies to estimate what you can do in your remodeling project. It is wise to save about 20 percent of your budget to cover emergencies. They do happen. Keep in mind, too, the costs of professional help from plumbers or electricians. These services cost significantly more than doing the job yourself, so do whatever work you can. You may want to do your own painting, lay your tile, or decorate the new bathroom yourself. The extra work you do will let you be creative and have fun while saving money.

Online sites exist to help you estimate the cost of your bathroom remodeling. The Web sites have several remodeling scenarios to select; for example, adding a bathtub or redoing the walls. The calculators ask you your location, the size of your bathroom, the preparation work needed, and the amount and type of supplies you'll need. These sites are an easy way to plan your bathroom remodeling costs in minutes.

It also helps to talk with other people, either in person or online, who have remodeled their own bathrooms. They may alert you to great deals, products to avoid or unexpected costs they encountered. You can never do too much research. Check out the national averages of bathroom remodeling costs and get estimates from local contractors. If you are hiring someone to do work in your bathroom, don't be afraid to purchase the supplies. It may save significant costs.

The costs of supplies add up. A typical sink costs between $60 and $100, but higher-end sinks cost hundreds of dollars. Vinyl flooring is the cheapest, starting at around $3 a foot. Ceramic tile is usually triple the price of vinyl. Basic bathtubs cost a few hundred dollars, and whirlpool tubs thousands. Showers cost between $300 and $2,000. Traditional toilets cost under $200, but smaller or fancier toilets can cost up to $1,500. Paint costs around $50, wallpaper $60, and new accessories can cost anywhere from a few dollars to a hundred dollars. The important thing is to plan properly and shop wisely to keep a bathroom remodeling cost within your budget. You can always add more later on because after one bathroom remodeling experience, you will have the skills to tackle more.

What about faux finishes for you kitchen cabinets?

Faux finished cabinets are finding a welcome home in today's kitchens. From the most timeworn distressed looks to high-end lacquered finishes, a decorative painter can add just the right touch from his artist's pallet to create the exact design and style most appropriate for your dream kitchen.

As we all know so very well, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It's our source of comfort and joy. Whether we're preparing a meal for our loved ones or just hanging out with our friends, the kitchen is the place everyone loves to be the best. And these days, the makeup of our kitchen environs is getting the attention it deserves.

Older kitchens are being remodeled and expanded. The kitchens in new homes are bigger than ever and are more accessible, too. Everything that goes into making a perfect space is being included -- professional cooking equipment, granite countertops, sophisticated lighting, and especially important is stunningly beautiful cabinetry.

Giving the kitchen a particular feel can be easily achieved through decorative painting on the cabinets -- whether the look is farmhouse French, Swedish country, or even slick contemporary.

A sophisticated and experienced faux finisher has at his command many finishes and materials that can fit the needs of the interior designer, homebuilder and homeowner. He is able to provide information on the best colors and most suitable techniques, plus bring unique artistic insights to the job.

Some of the faux effects that are popular in kitchens these days include one or a combination of the following:

• Dry-brushing
• Stippling
• Stains and paints
• Ragged glazes
• Metallic finishes
• Antique distressed finishes

Pricing for the finishes depends upon the level of complexity and the material used to get that “just right” look. If your kitchen cabinetry is freshly painted, then a simple dry-brushed finish may be all you need, and is usually inexpensive. However, the more steps that are involved in a process, the more the price goes up. A knowledgeable faux finisher can work within your budget while giving you the best possible look to complete your dreams.

I encourage you to contact an experienced professional faux finisher for a free consultation when you are ready to begin your kitchen project. Discuss your ideas with a faux finish expert -- look at colors, styles, techniques and samples. Then develop the perfect combination for your dream kitchen. Ask detailed questions, get references, ask to see photos, and if possible go to a kitchen the faux finisher has completed to check out his quality and level of competence. Make your heart of the home as perfect as you deserve.

Perfect fillers for your pillows and comforters

There is a range of choices for pillow and comforter fillers, from the traditional to the most high tech. Which is desired will depend on individual circumstances, of course. But those choices are always made more wisely when informed by a little knowledge.

Filling issues divide neatly into two closely related categories: material and geometry. But far from being a strenuous exercise in chemistry or math, learning about the different types can be fun and useful to anyone seeking the best in bedding.

Baffling and down used in comforters are a good illustration of the relationship between material and geometry. Natural goose down is often used in fine bed coverings. But it helps if the down is pocketed in tiny cells. That helps prevent it moving around and keeps it from being crushed so quickly.

Baffling is one very common way to do that.

Fabric 'walls' are sewn into the form of cells stuffed with down. That keeps the down from shifting or bunching, leading to less warmth and ruining the visual appeal of a good comforter. It allows the down to maximize loft, the ability of the down to fill the empty space.

The degree to which it can do that is known as the fill power, a number that ranges between 500-800. Anything greater than 625 is considered superior. The higher the number, in general, the greater the ability to insulate well and the greater the comfort or cushioning.

Sometimes, though, even cotton, wool or synthetic fibers can do a very good job both in pillows and comforters. When used in this way, it's called batting and having good batting is key to any comfortable, long lasting bedding. Good batting makes good bedding.

But which kind of cotton is used often makes the difference between so-so and superior. There's a reason, for example, that Egyptian cotton is so highly prized and praised. It has the longest staple - the length of an individual fiber - of any cotton in the world. As such, it provides the best strength and hence durability, along with the highest comfort.

Goose down is another popular filling for either application. Apart from the geometry we talked about above, the material itself has its own internal geometry and chemical properties that make it ideal for filling. It traps air within the feather that provides excellent natural insulation. That, combined with the 'walls' that form the space the air is trapped in, gives it staying power, as well.

Still, even modern materials like polyester and polyurethane can do a great job when they're well made. They have high strength and retain their resiliency for a long time. They shed water well and don't mildew.

So when you look for a quality pillow or comforter to complement and complete that bed set, don't neglect to investigate the filling. You don't have to be a scientist to appreciate what it can offer.

Garage doors that look good and function well

The new generation of garage doors is reasonably priced, safe and easy to install and they are no longer a convenience for only a select few. You should consider changing your garage door if it is too old or if it has an old motor or pulley system.

The garage doors can be selected by the type of the chain system they use: screw-drive system, chain drive system or computer controlled system. The screw drive system has a mechanism that moves the length of a steel rod; it is a lifting mechanism that is mounted in your garage ceiling. The chain drive system is made of a chain that moves the door along a pair of tracks; this is the most common and affordable system but also has the disadvantage of being extremely noisy. The computer drive mechanism doesn’t use any screws or chains; the system’s body is mounted above the door.

The speed and the type of power are other factors used in selecting a new garage door. A faster door means a more expensive one, but this feature reduces the waiting time on your driveway. Even though it opens quickly, a door usually closes pretty slow for safety. The power of the motor is important in choosing a door because it has to have enough power to raise the door; a large motor is likely to last longer. Also the quietness of the motor should be another decision factor.

Enhanced security features can be found in a newer generation door that uses random codes. A new random code is generated each time the remote control is used to open the garage door. This security code prevents you from opening another garage and vice versa. The remote control may be found in several models with a different number of buttons. A multiple button remote control is the best choice for someone who has several garages. The fixed controller is mounted on the wall either inside or outside, near the garage door and it allows the garage door to open without a remote controller. The keypad allows to close the door for a specific period of time and it provides enough time to exit the garage without running.

Safety features are present on every garage door. These features prevent the door from crushing objects or people by reversing the direction if it hits something. This safety feature is triggered by an electronic beam and it is mandated by law. A computer-controlled mechanism can detect or compensate for varying conditions, for example if the door is coming in contact with an obstruction or is closing too fast.

What about some cool floor lamps for your home?

A floor lamp is a great addition to a home. These lamps are great for lighting a small area or a large area. They add a distinct look to a room. They come in many styles and designs. Many are able to be matched to your furniture, curtains, or other accessories. Floor lamps are a great design feature in a room as well as a necessary feature in providing light.

Floor lamps come in different styles and shapes. Most are tall, like 6 feet or taller and have an open faced feature at the top to allow light to filter towards the ceiling. This allows the light to spread out in a soft, but effective way and illuminate an area. These lamps can also be halogen floor lamps which are much more cost effective and energy saving.


The designs of floor lamps vary. You can find a multitude of styles, colors, and features available in these lamps. Floor lamps can have an added texture as well. A decorative lamp shade or glass globe with etched or stenciled designs can be a great touch to a room. You can find contemporary floor lamps and elegant floor lamps, You can find stylish and sleek or funky and wide looks in floor lamps. There is an unlimited amount of choice available to you. And, to find these floor lamps you don't have to look far. Many discount department stores carry them. Or, to find a bigger selection try, your local home improvement store. You can also find lighting specialty stores with a huge supply there. Lastly, you can find many to choose from online.Floor lamps are an easy, inexpensive way to add to your room. They create a area to work in, to read in, or light an entire room. Floor lamps are accessories in a room as well. They add to the room in light quantity and in the style and feel that they offer as well. Floor lamps are a great addition to a room.

A touch of elegance for your home with stained glass

If there is one way to throw a new light on your home, it's through the stained glass you put in your windows. Whether you want to enhance old windows by replacing some of the panes, or are complementing the new Pella windows you've installed, stained glass can lend an air of grace and quiet elegance to a room.

Where and how you incorporate stained glass into a window treatment depends a great deal on the style of windows you have, and what you want to spend to achieve that multi-colored glow.

In an older home that has wood framed windows with six or nine panes, it's possible to take out the upper row of glass, and replace those panes with new ones cut from older stained glass that can be salvaged from yard sales, flea markets and auctions.

New stained glass that is handmade, can be quite costly due to the craftsmanship that goes into it. That's why cutting old panels of stained glass is a cost-effective alternative, that can give you several panes from one sheet. Even if the glass has small cracks or separations in the colored sections, they are easily repaired.

If you have installed a Pella casement window in your kitchen, a semi-circle of stained glass framed and set into the wall over top, will add jewel tones to the warmth of morning sunlight. Or you might choose to replace the entire bathroom window with stained glass, making it a decorative way to preserve your privacy.

The old and the new can come together in harmony. Take a look at your home and consider whether you'd like to warm up the house with stained glass, or combine it with the sophistication of new Pella windows. It's a pairing guaranteed to create a unique new look.

A fireplace for a cozy time during the cold winter days

Installing a fireplace in a home is a big decision. Installing a fireplace is as difficult as it is necessary to find the right location, ventilation, and safety aspects. Therefore, it will more than likely be installed by a professional. All this can add up to a large expense. There are also many things to consider when choosing which fireplace is the right model and design for the home it will go into.

Fireplaces are great for cold winter nights. They add a dimension to the home and a sense of style. Maybe the thought of warm hot chocolate on a snowy winter day is a motivating factor in purchasing a fireplace? Adding a fireplace mantel above to store precious items to show off is also a consideration? To find the right fireplace, consider several options.

The first option to choose when looking into purchasing a fireplace is which type it will be. Gas fireplaces allow for one choice. Another choice is an electric fireplace. Each offers mostly the same features, except the obvious difference. Which of these is best for the home is a choice the homeowner will need to make. Consider the safety aspects as well as the functionality of each.

Assuming that a fireplace inside the home is out of the question, there is still another option. An outdoor fireplace is ideal in this situation. They are becoming more and more popular and can even be found in the average home improvement store. Outdoor fireplaces come in many styles and sizes. These are great options in communities where an open fire is not permitted.

Fireplaces can add a lot to a home including value. It is important though to remember safety is key and having it professionally installed is probably the best choice. The fireplace can be a great place to spend a winter night. Consider adding one to the home as an investment in the home and in the quality of life.

How about making your own roman shades for that unique touch?

Roman shades are a simple and elegant window treatment to block the sun or prying neighbors. Nicer than plain plastic shades, but less expensive than ornate window shades, Roman shades provide the perfect start to a beginning home decorator.

Roman shades can be purchased from home improvement or department stores, or they can be custom made by in interior designer. The cheapest way to decorate your home with Roman shades is to make them yourself. Get ready to refresh your math skills!

To make Roman shades, first measure the window you’d like to put them in. Measure the height and width of the window from inside its frame. Or, if you want the shade to cover more than the window, measure the height and width of the surface the shade will cover. Your shade will probably need to be between 45 and 54 inches wide.

Before you shop for your fabric, you’ll need to calculate the number of dowels and the amount of fabric you’ll need. To figure out how many dowels you will need, divide the window height by six to nine inches, which will be the space between each dowel fold. You’ll need to find a number that goes evenly into your window height. For example, if your window height is 64 inches, divide by six. You’ll then need eight dowels for eight pleats. Each dowel needs 1.5 inches, so multiplied by eight, you’ll need an extra 12 inches of fabric. You’ll also need an extra six inches of fabric to mount the shade, meaning you’ll need 18 extra inches for this example. Add this to your window height to get your final height. Add two inches of fabric to your window width. Now you have the size of the fabric you need. Whew!

Next, the fun part: selecting the fabric of your shade. Shades without busy patterns are the easiest to work with because you won’t need to make sure the pattern blends seamlessly with each fold. If your window gets southern light, consider picking a near-shear fabric. This will produce a warm, soothing light in your room. Take a picture or your room, fabric swatches of your furniture, and a paint sample of your room when you shop. You don’t want to finish making your Roman shade to discover it clashes with the rest of your room!

While you are out buying your fabric, buy the rest of your supplies:

• Drapery-lining fabric. You’ll need an extra 0.25 inches to cover the mounting board.
• Blind cord
• Window cleat
• Quarter-inch diameter window dowels, 0.25 inches smaller than the window width
• A wooden mounting board, 0.25 inches smaller than the window width that’s 1x2 inches.
• Half-inch diameter shade rings
• Screw eyes
• Staple gun
• Chalk or air-soluble marker
• Yardstick

The easiest way to make a shade uses lots of pictures and few words. Find instructions at a home improvement store or for free online to make your own Roman shade. Find patterns that make the type of Roman shade you want, whether it is flat, pleated, or with a sunburst. You’ll probably need a sewing machine to make the Roman shade quickly, especially to attach the lining to the fabric. With patience you can make your own Roman shade.

Every bedroom deserves a closet organizer!

Luckily for those with limited closet space, or who just like to keep everything in its place, there are 1,001 closet organizer units and styles.

Modular units are perpetually popular, and for good reason. They come in a style that are stackable and are simple vertical walls with horizontal surfaces. They also come in drawer styles that provide space for shirts, socks and other small items.

Some systems can be special ordered to fill your exact space with every kind of organizer known to man. Built-in shelfs, adjustable racks, movable rods and every other arrangement imaginable can be had in a few clicks.

Woods are an ever popular selection. Oak, cherry, walnut and virtually every other species used for furniture is available for the asking. They can be ordered finished or unfinished if you have a special stain or just enjoy doing it yourself.

Plastic, metal and composite materials are also easy to find in any color or design you could wish for. Plain black or checkerboard, solid red or with an elaborate design, they're all here. Even temporary cardboard closet dresser drawer units can be ordered.

Specialized shoe organizers are very handy. Some styles hang from a sturdy hanger and offer pockets that will accommodate any style or size. Others mount on the closet wall or back side of the door. Slippers, evening shoes, flip-flops, running shoes... anything you can put on your feet can all be housed conveniently. That frees up space on the closet floor.

If you have a little floor space, a floor model shoe organizer filled with racks to accommodate your footwear is easy to find. You can order stackable or stand alone units. Some use metal prongs that flip out to hold the shoes at an angle. Others have a series of wooden pegs from which the shoe hangs for easy access and maximum style. Still others provide cloth no-scuff pockets in a variety of sizes or just small cubbyholes.

Wine racks are even starting to become part of the closet organizer. Closets are often cool all day and all night and they provide a great place to keep that special vintage until it's ready. Modular units with X-shaped inserts make an easy-to-use and expandable option.

Garment storage limitations can be solved in a jiffy. Everything from clear, vinyl to ultra-high end leather garment storage bags are available.

Need something to hang those dozen ties from? No problem. Looking for something to accommodate a dozen belts? Equally easy. One hanger with a swivel head and prongs or hooks can store a dozen easily. Some are even battery driven so you can hang belts or ties on a miniature dry-cleaner type movable assembly. Press the button and your favorite item rotates around for easy access.

Hangers, shelf dividers and a hundred different types of accessory hoop are there for the asking. Need a hanger with four hooks for belts or jewelry? Easy. Need something to store a hundred pairs of socks or stockings? Click, click. What could be easier? And you thought you were going to have to knock out a wall to get a bigger closet.

Have you thought about installing that jacuzzi?

Jacuzzi's are a great recreational and health benefit for a home. Having some idea what type and what uses you will have for it, are keys to purchasing the right one for you.

There's nothing like going to a hotel and finding out you are in the jacuzzi suites! Of course, many people request this when traveling. Jacuzzis can take away a lot of stress and worry just in a few minutes time. Jacuzzi tubs can be added to your home as well giving you a great place to unwind after a long day. A jacuzzi tub is normally larger then the average bathtub and requires a lot more knowledge to install. Obviously, the wiring and power to the jacuzzi is important and should be handled by a professional.So, where to start? Start by knowing what you can afford and how much room is available to you. Jacuzzi's come in many different shapes and also in different qualities. Some often fit the corner of a bathroom as opposed to along a single wall like most bathtubs. This can give you added space in a small bathroom. Finding the right jacuzzi isn't all that hard. Most major home improvement stores will have a selection to start to look at. If, you are not satisfied with the selection there or would like more options, check into specialty stores for more choices. Often times, these places will also offer installation as well. Beware of the extra costs for installation though. Home improvement stores also offer jacuzzi parts if the need arises as well. But, make sure to keep your warranty and guarantees safe since these parts will undoubtedly be expensive if they are not covered by your policy.

Jacuzzi's aren't just found in your local jacuzzi spas anymore. Jacuzzi's have long been known for the way the relax and help us unwind. Having one at home will not only help you unwind from a long day, but it gives you an extra measure of privacy not found in jacuzzi spas. While this investment can be costly, it can have great long term benefits for the owner. It is an investment in your home as well as your health. And the process is not that difficult in finding one that suits your needs.

Utilizing the little space in your small bathroom

In bathroom terms at least, bigger doesn't have to be better – It’s all just a case of making the most of the modest proportions you’re presented with! And what's more, designing a bathroom that’s small on space usage but big on style and functionality should be a lot more fun.

The following is a guide to maximizing a modest bathroom using three simple principles…

1 - Make it seem bigger

A great way of tackling a bathroom with limited dimensions is by creating the illusion of space. First and foremost, aim to color your walls in lighter shades such as whites, creams and pastels, thereby avoiding the darker colors that dramatically reduce the sense of space inside a small room.

Good lighting is also a vital tool in expanding the look of your bathroom. By illuminating areas that are prone to shadows with strong directional lights you’ll find that the room opens up even further.

Finally, attempt to generate a feeling of space through the clever use of mirrors, which positioned correctly can literally make a room appear to double in size. For maximum effect, adorn the back wall of the room with one or more large mirrors, or a number of smaller mirrored tiles.

2 - Utilize hidden or difficult spaces

Time to get creative and think outside the box; can you utilize space that isn’t immediately visible? Start at the bottom by identifying any available low-level spaces - under bath storage is a great way to keep towels and toiletries out of sight for a start. If you’re struggling to free up low-level space, wall hung ceramic ware can provide vital extra ground room.

Then it’s time to target the high-level spaces – stylish hooks and hangers can effectively replace the need for bulky closets, whilst a large ladder style heated towel rail can happily accommodate all necessary towels and dressing gowns.

Don’t just give up on the difficult or unusual spaces your bathroom may present to you. Corner fitting WCs and basins can squeeze in to the tightest of spots, whilst short projection bathroom furniture and ceramic ware options should also prove equally economic with space.

3 - Get multifunctional

If space is really at a premium, try selecting bathroom fittings and fixtures that serve more than one purpose. Choosing a combined shower bath will allow you the option of relaxed bathing or rapid and refreshing showering without occupying the amount of space otherwise needed. Then there’s the dual functionality of the heated towel rail, working as both a radiator and a storage feature, or bathroom cabinets that provide shelf space, lighting and mirrors.

Finally, look to combine individual bathroom items to create harmonious multifunctional bathroom features. An inset ceramic basin can be housed on top of a short projection vanity unit to create a stylish washstand with ample low-level storage.

When your kitchen cabinets need a makeover...

While remodeling your kitchen, install only the essential cabinets, so you can spend on quality rather than quantity. Look for durability, and specify plywood panels rather than particleboard.

Laminate is economical but still can look classy in a patterned finish or trimmed with wood edging. You should put your money into the hardest-working and most permanent features of the kitchen, especially the cabinets and countertops.

There are two basic cabinet styles: European-style (frameless) and face-framed cabinets. Either can be ordered from custom or semi-custom cabinet-makers or from stock supplies. Each style has a variety of door, wood and finish options.

Some cabinet hardware features simulated finishes or surfaces that look and perform like the real thing. Brass-plated knobs can substitute for solid brass, and some plastic pulls mimic the look of solid surfacing.

Installing cabinets in a remodeled kitchen require some basic finish carpentry skills. Before starting any installation, it's a good idea to mark some level and plumbing reference lines on the walls so everything lines up properly. Most stock cabinet layouts won't fit perfectly within a given wall space, but cabinetmakers provide narrow filler pieces to fill in the gaps between cabinets.

The most efficient way to start installation is with the wall cabinets, since the base cabinets would get in your way if they were already in. It is better to put the corner units in first, squaring them and moving toward the center of the wall where you have more leeway for making adjustments.

If your budget is tight and you want to give a new look to your kitchen cabinet, you have the option of re-facing, which involves replacing or veneering the parts of the cabinet that are visible all the time. Therefore, the cabinet boxes -- called the cases -- stay in their current layout, but get a new finish with veneer. Other parts, such as drawer fronts and cabinet doors, get completely replaced.

Keep your bedroom allergen-free and stay healthy

There are several related areas to cover when trying to keep the level of bedroom allergens low. Few homes can hope to keep a completely allergen-free home, but it's possible to push it below the threshold of most sensitive persons.

Common dust is one of the common problems. Dust itself is not an irritant to the immune system of most people. But it often carries things that are: dust mites and their waste products. Dust mites aren't usually toxic, but their waste gets into the nose and eyes and causes chemical reactions. The body generates histamines and other immune system products, leading to the running nose and the itchy eyes.

Vacuuming at least twice per week with a good machine that has a HEPA filter and allergy-free bag or container is a good start. Keeping the dust level low keeps the dust mite population under control. Clean any add-on, removable filters at least once per month. Replace units at least once every three months or according to directions.

As dust rises through the air and moves through beams of sunlight one can judge how thick it is. Anything that is more than a few dozen particles calls for a unit that can remove them from the air electro-statically. Keep their use to moderate levels, however, since they generate ozone that can irritate lungs in too high concentration.

If the bedroom has hardwood or linoleum or stone floors rather than carpet, the job is that much easier. Follow up a vacuuming with a wipe down that contains compounds safe for you. That will vary with the specific type of allergen to which an individual is sensitive.

Bedding is another area of concentration. Since the face is often close to and/or on the sheets and comforter the possibility of picking up allergens is ever present. Dust mite waste is one source. They feed on dead skin cells we shed. Using removable pillow covers will help reduce the build up and exposure.

Some blankets or sheets are coated with allergen-destroying compounds. Look for those. But also keep a 'nose' out for any synthetic treatments that produce a skin rash or itchy eyes. It's unusual but not unknown for cotton sheet treatments to carry a compound to which a certain percentage are sensitive.

Curtains or drapes or blinds are another place to look for sources of allergens. Dust is present here too, as are any other airborne materials that can cause a reaction. Cigarette or cigar smoke easily finds its way onto these surfaces.

Compounds in the smoke readily stick to the curtains or blinds where they can come into close proximity to your nose and eyes. When you touch them, those compounds can be transferred to the skin. Even if your skin isn't sensitive, those chemicals or biological substances can make their way to the eyes, nose or mouth through later contact.

Clean them with a wet sponge, but make sure they dry fairly rapidly. A wet curtain, like a towel that is left in the hamper, can provide a medium for mold. Wash in the washer with hot water, at least 130F/54C to make sure all the spores are killed. Then dry at high heat.

For an extra level of protection, go over surfaces with a mild bleach solution (1 cup bleach, 1 gallon water), to keep them free of organisms that can cause problems.

Adding jazz to your kitchen with the right accessories

Just like a nice outfit, your kitchen can benefit from accessories! If you are thinking about redecorating but don’t have a lot of dough to put into your kitchen, try simply adding some accessories in a matching theme or color and see how it transforms the room!

Now before you rush out to the store, you should probably decide what sort of theme you are going for. Do you want the look of old Italy? How about a cottage theme? Why not try a country style kitchen? You will want to buy different accessories depending on the theme you choose.

If you can’t quite put your finger on exactly what you want, look in magazines and decorating books or surf the internet to get a flavor of the accessories you would like to see in your kitchen. Once you have found a style you like, you can purchase accessories close to those you see in the magazine or book. Color choices, of course, should compliment the main color in the room.

Sometimes, you can just rearrange the accessories you already have to create a whole different look. It is recommended to group your accessories in odd numbers rather than even numbers. Different heights and textures are also attractive.

Hanging artwork or decorative plates, trays or other wall art in your kitchen can really add to the ambiance, but did you know that most people do not know how to hang wall décor properly? The rule of thumb is that a picture of piece of wall decor should be hung so that the middle of the piece is at eye level. Art work should be placed no more than seven to ten inches above a table. Grouping wall decor in geometric shapes such as rectangles, triangles or circles adds interest.

Baker’s racks or open cupboards are too cluttered in most kitchens. If you are using it to store cookbooks, vary the heights of books with the tallest in the middle and avoid putting small books next to tall books. Removing the dust covers can often make the books look more appealing. You can also decorate the shelves with candles, family pictures, fancy bowls, baskets or pantry boxes in odd number groupings of 1, 3 or 5 pieces. Place a plant on the top shelf for balance.

Certain accessories can give your kitchen a gourmet feel. Hanging copper pots and pans from a wire rack attached to the ceiling can add warmth and color. Don't be afraid to hang plants from any bare ceiling corner to give a lived in feeling to a plain kitchen. Growing herbs in a decorative container on the windowsill can be a great way to add interest and improve your cooking. Accessorize your counter tops with canisters or cooking utensils. A large bowl of fruit on the kitchen table can be fresh or artificial.

Once you have decided on the look you want, don’t feel like you have to run out and buy everything that day. Take your time and shop around for those perfect pieces. Try antique stores, consignment shops or flea markets for ideas. Accessories can make or break the look of your kitchen so be creative and trust your instincts!

Selecting the right mattress - The size guide

The standard mattress width and length dimensions are given in the table below:

Standard Mattress Dimensions

Name - Width - Length
Twin - 38 inches - 75 inches
Full - 54 inches - 75 inches
Queen - 60 inches - 80 inches
King - 76 inches - 80 inches

When choosing a mattress anyone will, naturally, consider the space they have available or want to fill. But some aspects of choosing a mattress size go beyond that utilitarian guideline.

Buyers will want to keep in mind, for example, that a certain amount of extra length and width is required for a comfortable sleep. That's obvious common sense, but it's often neglected when making a purchase.

One of the common complaints or requests of couples, for example, is that a mattress should not collapse or dip much in the middle of two sleepers. That causes them to tend to roll together. A pleasant effect part time, it's not desired all the time.

Coil strength and number are only part of the solution to that goal. It's essential that the mattress simply be wide enough to provide a large enough space for that goal to be met. A set of coils, no matter how high quality, can only do so much when there are only so many of them to support you.

The aspect of length brings in new considerations. No one will be comfortable having their feet extend beyond the end of the bed. That's obvious. But even when the bed is just long enough, it's not really long enough, not for full comfort. In order to allow for movement in the night an extra foot of length is required.

That same foot, or more, may be needed to accommodate the need for good heel or ankle support. Depending on the design a mattress may provide more or less support at the edge. Some have a steel wire wrapped in foam around the perimeter to keep the edge from collapsing when sitting on the mattress.

That same wire plays a part in keeping the feet and lower leg well-supported when they're near the edge. The longer the mattress the less the edge plays a role.

Cost is a factor, too, not surprisingly. Even apart from the fact that larger mattresses are more expensive, they require larger sheets, comforter and bedspread. All those are more costly and they have to be replaced much more frequently than the mattress.

Cost or effort of maintenance can be a factor, as well. When a larger mattress needs to be cleaned there is more of it to clean. That takes longer or costs more. Moving a larger mattress - whether for relocation, remodeling or just vacuuming - is, clearly, more difficult. That effort is only occasional under normal circumstances, but it's a factor to be weighed.

At the end of the day, selection is a personal choice. Individual circumstances will determine for each person whether large or small is best for him or her. Keeping in mind some of these guidelines will help inform that choice.

Getting organized at your dining space

An organized dining room adds extra comfort to a home. If you’re like me, sometimes it’s the only organized room in the house! Let’s take a quick look around. Do you eat in here often or is it only for guests? If you don’t use it often, you may just have some simple organizing and dusting to do.

1. Are there papers on your table? Is this table a collection spot for things you want out of your way and then forget about? If so, take the bite out of the Law of Flat Surfaces! Use the “laundry basket” method we talked about in the family room here: if there are things that don’t belong in this room, put them in baskets and take those baskets to the appropriate rooms.

2. Do you have a china cabinet or other means of storing fine dishes? If so, how does the cabinet look? If it’s stuffed to the gills, start by taking a hard look at what you have, how many place settings you have, and how many you need. If you want a guideline, take one from the line in “Sleepless in Seattle”: “12 is too many, 8 is too few. 10 is just right.” How many creamers, sugar bowls, and teacups do you have? Are they collecting dust and never getting used? Pare down and give them a quick dusting with your duster. When you open the doors to your cabinet, do you grit your teeth and wonder what’s going to jump out and kill itself at your feet? Consider giving your surplus to a newly-married couple that can use it, or donate it to a women’s shelter or other worthy charity. Dust down (or use furniture polish — whatever is applicable here) the front of your cabinet.

3. What about your lighting source? Dusty? Grab your duster—hit the table, the chairs (rungs and bottom of the table, too!), and the lighting source. You don’t have to take it down and scrub it clean—just dust it, and if necessary, shake the dead bugs from it.

4. As the final step, run the vacuum in here—not the edges, just the “middles” where you walk. Move the chairs but not the table—don’t even think about pulling out the china cabinet! If there are things behind there, they’re small and no one else is going to see them.

Congratulations—your dining room is done! Happily, it’s often one of the easiest rooms to keep looking nice and neat!

Chandeliers add sparkle and the aura of grandness in your home

If you want to add extra spark to rooms, consider adding chandeliers to the rooms. Chandeliers offer added elegance and charm as well as light. There are many to choose from and these can be custom made as well. A popular choice is the crystal chandelier. This beautiful piece of art is a great piece to add to a home.

If you are in the market for a chandelier, you will want to shop around to find the right one to fit your home, not only in size and shape, but in style and charm as well. There are so many choices, choices like the crystal chandeliers that sparkle and even the candle chandeliers that glow. Finding the right fit for a chandelier in your home is important depending on the function of the room, the size and color of the room, and the style of the home. Finding the right one, therefore, will take some work, but it can be done.

One option when looking for the proper chandelier for your home is to travel to home improvement stores that are so numerous these days. Often times they will have a wide selection available that you can purchase and take home that day. If you do not find what you are looking for there, try specialty stores. Items can often be ordered if not in stock. Some allow the customer to design their own to a point.

Obliviously, these may need to be ordered and will take some time to receive. Yet another option is finding the proper chandelier from home using the Internet. With so many online retailers at your finger tips, you cannot have a better chance to find the right chandler. Many of these places also offer chandelier shades and even chandelier parts just in case. Having as many options as possible will give you a great opportunity to find just the right one for your home.

Take the time to find the best chandelier for your home. Consider where it will be and the room’s purpose. Also consider your tastes and the style of your home. Of course you will be limited by a budget, perhaps, but taking time to look in all the possible places (online, home improvement store, and specialty stores) will give you many options.

Simplify your life by organizing your home storage

Be delighted with yourself — committing to organize your home is the first step in actually doing it! The Linen Closet will need attending to eventually so let’s go there now.

If you have excess laundry to deal with, you probably have a linen closet that is less than user-friendly. Once you have clean towels, rags, and other linens to put away, you won’t do it if their destination is less-than-appealing.

So let’s organize it! This is the first place where you’ll have to be brutally honest with yourself about what you keep and what you get rid of. When I say, “get rid of,” I don’t necessarily mean it ends up in the trash—if it’s towels, bedding, etc., that are in bad condition, your local animal shelter would be grateful for your donation. They always need things for the dogs and cats to lay on in their runs and crates, and your cast-offs in this area will be eagerly accepted.

Take stock of what you have for shelves. Do you have wooden or wire shelves? Do you have problems with things “falling through” if you have wire shelves? If so, you don’t have to worry and go buy scrap wood to line the shelves with—a simple piece of shelf-lining (you know, that bumpy green stuff that comes in rolls) will lie nicely and prevent small things from falling through. If necessary, put some of that down.

Now take a look and see what you’ve got in terms of extra bedding.

How many beds in your home? You should have a minimum of 1 extra bedding-set for each bed, a maximum of 2. Think about it before you start to write me and tell me why you need 6 sets of bedding for each bed—if you have small children who have nighttime accidents (or get the stomach flu in the middle of the night), you might have to change sheets in the morning (or the middle of the night if it’s barf!), and you’ll have some clean ones to put on. You’ll put the dirty ones in the washer and get the machine started on that task. Then you’ll swap things to the dryer. You’ll still have clean sheets on the bed and if you’ve got 2 extra sets, another clean one in the linen closet.

So now with that argument won, go through your bedding. Do you have mis-matched pieces? If so, put them in the donation pile. Do you have twin pieces mixed in with king pieces? If so, separate them in two piles. Make sure everything is folded (I’ll give you a pass on the fitted sheets—those are impossible to fold neatly!). Now set aside one or two shelves for your bedding. Make sure that the bedding for the queen bed is not piled up with the stuff for the crib or twin bed. You can fold the stuff in squares or fold it in to long rectangles and then roll it. Either way is acceptable—it just depends on how much space you’ve got.

Now we move on to towels and other things in your linen closet…

3. Take stock of your towels, washcloths, and other terrycloth things. Do you have towels that are holey or bleach-stained? Do you have towels that aren’t very absorbent from using too much fabric softener? Do you have towels that don’t match your current bathroom décor? Donate them. Keep only that which matches your décor (unless you turn it in to a rag), and only that which wouldn’t embarrass you to put out for guests when they visit. That should pare down your towel collection to a more manageable number.

I can’t tell you an exact number that is appropriate here—that depends on how many members are in your family. What I can suggest is 2 towels per person—one that’s currently hanging in the bathroom and one clean one that can be conscripted into service when the current one is in the wash. Do you have washcloths? One for every-other day of the week would be appropriate—many people don’t use them anymore, in this age of scrubbies, poufs, and other facial cleansing methods.

Do you have a rag-pile (or kitchen-towel pile) in your linen closet? If so, fold those and put them on a shelf that’s easy to access. You’ll use those most frequently, so make them easy to reach and use. Again, sort through and see what’s in reasonable condition and put the rest in the pile for the animal shelter.

What other things are in your linen closet? Do you have table linens there? If so, do you know what’s there? Are they neat enough that when you need them you don’t have to go digging and put the iron on “fry it silly” to get the wrinkles out? If any of the above is true, pull them out, wash, sort, keep only the best, and fold (or press) them quickly and put them away.

Finally, if you have other miscellaneous things (doilies, candlesticks, etc.) in your linen closet, set a shelf aside for those things. If you don’t have a full shelf to ascribe to them, use a shelf that’s only half-full of other items. Again, sort through and keep only what you’re in love with—anything else can be donated to a charity-resale shop, given to siblings, or sold on eBay.

Don’t keep things “just in case” great-aunt Mildred comes by—she won’t, and if she does, she probably won’t remember what it was. Remember, you’re organizing your home so that it’s not just a house of stuff for your family. That’s much more important than not offending a distant relative!

Congratulations—you’ve won the battle with your linen closet. Isn’t it such a nice feeling to open up a closet and not be in danger of the falling towel zone?

Outlining your living spaces with rugs

Area rugs are one of the easiest and most effective methods of altering a room's interior - the perfect accessory to really set off your home’s beauty. An area rug will not only bring comfort, grace & romance to your home, but are even beautiful to look at and wonderful to walk and lie on. Besides, area rugs help to insulate your home and reduce noise, especially on hard flooring like tiles and wood.

Area rugs allow a room’s purpose to be defined. Specific areas can be divided and identified just by placing a rug in the center of that space. For example, in a very open plan apartment or a studio apartment where your living, eating and sleeping spaces are all located within the same four walls, a few well-placed area rugs can immediately define each area as a separate room, thereby giving you a greater feeling of room identity with obvious boundaries determining exactly where one area stops and another one begins.

The benefits of using an area rug rather than a fitted carpet are quite obvious; they look great on all kinds of flooring, can easily be moved around to accommodate new furniture and new interior design themes besides permitting you the luxury of changing the color scheme or design of your house or apartment on a regular basis. What is more, should you move to a new house or apartment, the rugs can simply be rolled up and transported over to your new place!

Mix-n-match

The weaving of area rugs has evolved over the years to produce exciting styles, textures and designs to mix-n-match with your decor. Area rugs made with wool are thought to be much more durable than those made with alternative materials. The complicated, geometric designs that often feature in round area rugs, often necessitate that the furniture should be placed symmetrically around them. And if you are planning a traditionally themed interior, don’t hesitate to look at contemporary area rugs. Many of the latest rug designs work equally well alongside classic and antique furniture as with stylish, cool, crisp contemporary interiors. And if a low budget is your dilemma, despair not. For today, it is relatively easy to find a good quality discount area rug. Finally, whoever coined the alliteration – smug as a bug in a rug… must have definitely done so curled up in front of the open fire on a cold winter’s night, relaxing on a beautifully soft and fluffy shaggy area rug!

A complete makeover for your garage

One of the most commonly encountered questions when thinking about converting your garage for a new use is the warmth of the floor. Whether you are choosing to convert your garage into a spacious home office or to convert it into a gym room, you have to take into consideration some improvements for your floor.

Since the garage has a concrete and uninsulated floor you should focus on making it warmer and more resilient. Furring up the floor with wood and plywood can accomplish both tasks. As a warning, you should use pressure-treated wood or protect the wood which is in contact with the concrete by placing a layer of felt paper between the wood and the concrete.

First of all measure and determine how much you want to raise the floor. All garage floors have some amount of slope from the back wall to the wall with the garage door in it to allow the water runoff. To achieve a level floor you will have to adjust the joists, for this if you are placing the joists perpendicular to the slope in the floor each of them would have to be ripped down or shimmed up and if the joists are parallel to the slope, you can rip them on a taper or use shims to level them.

Ok, you finished remodeling the floors, now it’s time to examine your walls. You might be surprised to find out that your walls are not even with the foundation they sit on. They may be set back from the foundation or maybe overhang it in other areas. Only one step will solve these problems: selecting a lumber size that is deep enough to extend the framing past the concrete. By notching each end of the furring strip and attaching one strip to the face of each wall stud will result in an even wall that completely hides the foundation. Also it will be deep enough for the R-21 wall insulation, this type of insulation being the most common code requirement.

When remodeling the walls and the floor several obstructions may appear. Obstructions like pipes, ducts, wires and other impediments to smooth walls may exist. For small obstructions such as wires or small pipes you could adjust the furring strips enough to accommodate them. The solution for larger obstructions is to box around them. If the obstruction is a water heater or something that you will need access to, you can frame it in and enclose it on three sides and then provide a removable access panel for the fourth side.

A building permit may be required for a garage make over. Of course all the methods presented here are purely theoretical and only for guidance. All garages are different and some adjustments to the used methods or materials may be required in order to accommodate to your garage.

The special place of style, comfort and relaxation - your bedroom

There are more options today for furniture, bedding, organizers and accents than even a billionaire could install in one lifetime. Oh, happy day!

Bedroom furniture sets can readily be found in American Colonial, Swedish Modern, High Tech, Romantic and a hundred other styles. Four posters are ever popular. Canopies are coming back. Brass headboards are all the rage. Any style imaginable is just a few clicks away.

Tommy Hilfiger Bohemian Luxe Bedding

Oak is still popular, of course. But Cherry, Teak and a half-dozen other woods are hanging right in there. Precision manufactured or hand made, finished or unfinished, they're all just perfect for someone. Fittings and frames are more secure than ever. Gone are the days of split, pressboard bed frame parts.

Bedding has gone to an even wider selection.

Bedspreads and comforters are now available in as many colors as your computer screen can display. Vivid scarlet or subtle sea green are two low key choices. Dazzling arrays of geometrical designs are another option. A soothing forest scene for you or a Biff! Bam! Pow! comic book set for the kids are only two of the hundreds of possibilities.

An equally impressive variety of materials can be easily found today, as well. Egyptian cotton is a long-standing favorite. But modern synthetics are outstanding, too. Dacron or polyester was once the low-cost choice, coming in limited styles. Today, even the finest bedding sets may be made of a blend of synthetic fibers.

Sheets and bedspreads are not only more stylish and comfortable, they're safer. Coated with compounds to keep them allergen-free, they offer a better night's sleep for the millions who are sensitive. They last longer while remaining ultra comfortable, thanks to contemporary chemistry. Fire-resistance has gone to the ultimate lengths.

Bio-resistant, wear-protectant and almost completely fire safe... What more could you ask to add safety to a practical, stylish choice?

Those same features are found in mattresses today, as well. Inner coil mattresses are still the most popular option. But memory foam provides an excellent alternative. Whichever you prefer, you'll find a range of prices, sizes and comfort levels to suit any space and taste. With only a little research, you'll easily find a comfortable, long-lasting mattress to accommodate the most demanding needs.

Don't forget about those bedroom accents, either. Rugs in every conceivable style are just a few clicks away. Shelves, wall hangings, lighting fixtures and more provide even the most crazed shopper with a lifetime of choices. Even fireplaces in the bedroom are available in a range of sizes. What's old is new again.

Closet organizers are a near-must these days. With more shoes, suits, shirts and more an organizer helps you keep it all, well, organized. Wire shelf dividers, shoe organizers, tie and belt racks, garment bags and a whole lot more are modular, stylish and come in dozens of designs.

It's a cliché to point out that we spend a third of our lives in the bedroom. Add reading, lounging and other activities to the list, and the number is actually often much higher. Make that special room of the house a place of style and comfort.

Now if you could only add hours to the day to look through all the choices!

Stylish bedrooms using simple guidelines

Selecting bedding involves weighing a host of factors: style, comfort, durability, cost and... oh, did I mention style? There are a dozen or more attributes to look at to get just the right sheets, blanket, comforter or bedspreads, and pillowcases. Not to mention the half dozen more attributes to cover if you want a good bedskirt. And who doesn't? But some are more important than others. And, unless you adhere to the Amish point of view (which is not bad - they're pretty stylish, too), plain is not the way to go.

But what style? With so many options how do you choose?

Think: integrated.

Getting bedding is like selecting any other feature of the house or wardrobe. Some things go together and others clash. Come to think of it, that applies to mates, too, but that's another topic. Like food and drink, some enhance one another, others in combination ruin the experience when they would fine separately. 'Peanut butter and onions' doesn't work for most palettes.

Some lucky few have an innate sense of what works well together. But you don't have to be a designer to take advantage of that ability. Good taste is a possibility open to anyone.

Consider color first. But don't just think of a color in isolation or look at a color fabric patch. Consider it in the context of the total design. Red can leap out or sit quietly in the background, depending on shade and how it's used in the whole ensemble. But yellow will never take a back seat, unless it's used vary sparingly in the form of thin lines or small dots.

Look at pattern. There's a reason those old-style TV test patterns from the '50s make you dizzy. It's essentially the same reason that a set of parallel smooth arcs creates a sense of peace. The brain is just wired that way. Whether your personal taste runs to expressionist splashes of random splotches of color, or you prefer a regular checked pattern, it will strike the eye a certain way. Regular is regular for everyone, random is the same the world over.

Now expand those two to encompass all the elements of bedding: sheets, bedspread or comforter, pillow cases and more. Unless you want to relive your teen years, or the times in college when you were happy to inherit items from twelve different sources, put things together that go together. Even a seemingly eclectic collection of patterns and colors has a central theme: it's eclectic!

Fortunately, much of that work has already been done for you. Vendors usually offer matched sets of pillow cases, sheets and more to fit any taste. Select according to how it fits the rest of your bedroom and you're on your way. Have Colonial-style furniture? Focus on the simple patterns and warm colors of New England. Going for the Asian look? Seek out those bright reds and greens with contrasting black that define this stylish option.

Now, enjoy

Top tips for tidy homes

You’ve got so much tidying to do, so little time. So what’s a person to do? You can either lower your standards and just ignore the mess, or you can think smart and keep your house tidy with little effort.

Unfortunately there is no way to avoid housework. But you can keep your house clean and sparkling in less than 30 minutes a day, if you just get organized.

The very first thing you need to do is gather all your cleaning supplies and place them in one spot, organized neatly. I do mean “all” your cleaning supplies, the glass cleaner, the furniture polish, the wax, the cleaner, the dusting cloth – all of it! Next organize it in groups that make sense as to how you would use it. So if you’re going to do the windows you just have to grab all your window supplies, or if your cleaning the bathroom, you’d grab all the bathroom supplies. Use the old KISS formula – “Keep It Simple Stupid.” Don’t make extra work for yourself.

Next place a clothes basket in every room where dirty clothes might land. Then train your household members to drop their dirty clothes in the hamper, and not on the floor. If it’s in their room, it should be as easy to use as the floor. If you’ve got kids, get creative, with a hamper that’s their favorite cartoon character or action figure. Make it fun!

Assign duties to other members of your house. Kids, even younger ones, can be good helpers. Give them tasks that they are capable of completing. As an incentive you can reward them. You can take them to a matinee or give them a treat if they complete their chores. If they get an allowance make them work for it. No kids, then you’re on your own, unless you have a modern day husband who participates in the household chores.

Be logical in your cleaning. There are two strategies that work well. With the first, you do a thorough cleaning once or twice a week. You choose a task, then start at one end of the house and move completely through the house until that task is done. Then start your next task. You’ll save valuable time by not jumping from one task to the other.

The second strategy is favored by working woman and men, because it takes less than 30 minutes every day, and you don’t have to look forward to cleaning house on your days off. With this strategy you do one room at a time, and set time limits as to how much time you’ll spend in each room.. So lets say the kitchen gets 8 minutes, Bathroom gets 5, bedrooms get 5 each, and on and on, depending on how many rooms you have. You can adjust the 30 minutes up or down, but it should never be more than 45 minutes.

In the kitchen, wipe down the stove, fridge and dispose of any food that needs to be tossed. Wipe down the counter tops and the sink. Empty the dishwasher. Sweep the floor and give it a quick mopping.

In the bathroom pick up dirty laundry and toss in the hamper, wipe down the tub, shower, and sink. Clean the toilet last. Mop the floor if it needs it.

Bedrooms just need the beds made, dirty laundry picked up, and clothes put away. A quick dusting and vacuuming every third day is sufficient.

Tidy the living room, pickup books and “stuff” that are lying around. Wipe off tables. Dusting and vacuuming every second or third day is sufficient.

By doing laundry amongst other activities, you’ll save yourself more time. Throw a load in while you’re watching TV or making super. Fit it into other activities, so you’re not faced with ten loads at the end of the week.

Get organized and cleaning your house will become a breeze. You’ll have less stress worrying about it and more free time to enjoy the things you like to do!

Getting a steal when shopping for your bathroom vanity mirror

Discount bathroom vanities can be found in many places, some more unusual than others. You first must decide what discount means to you and how far your budget will stretch.

Buying used from an individual is often the cheapest way to acquire a discount vanity, but the possibilities are endless. Large sellers of bathroom supplies often have popular clearance sales. These sales can be found in the newspaper, over the Internet or in the pages of home improvement magazines. It’s also worth looking for a less expensive bathroom vanity at larger chain stores that sell home improvement items. There is often a wide selection of complete bathroom vanities. Most of these vanity sets include a simple mirror, often attached to the vanity, a sink/top combination and a basic wood veneer finished cabinet, and some will include plumbing supplies as well. Almost all of these kinds of unites require assembly, so if you are not handy, you may want to pay the extra cost to have it done at the store.

It is also possible to piece together discount bathroom vanities separately. With a clear design concept and a realistic budget, anyone can shop successfully for a bathroom vanity mirror, lights, sink, top and cabinet. The least expensive option can often be to purchase used bathroom vanities from demolition companies, or from a company warehouse that specializes in used fixtures for the home and office. Used sinks, mirrors and cabinets are sometimes sold separately.

Just remember when assembling a bathroom vanity yourself that everything has to match. Bringing a picture of those items you have already purchased and their basic measurements is helpful when shopping for additional pieces. If you live near a manufacturer occasionally, you can go to the factory or warehouse and get a deal on discontinued models, seconds or damaged goods, but these opportunities are usually not advertised and will take more effort on the part of the homeowner. Finding the discount bathroom vanity is easy and can be a lot of fun so let your imagination be your guide and explore.

Remodeling a small bathroom space - Making good on useful space

Not all bathrooms can be lavish spaces with whirlpool tubs and two separate vanities. For some bathrooms, space is at a premium and knocking out walls is not an option, but remodeling must be done. Small bathroom remodeling presents its own complications, but with the right information, a small bathroom-remodeling project can shine.

Before beginning your small bathroom remodeling, design a floor plan that maximizes the room's useable space. Don't be afraid to design up by incorporating free-floating cabinets. Use mirrors to stretch a small bathroom's space, and keep the color scheme simple. Keep a small bathroom bright, fresh, and inviting with coordinated colors and accessories.

Pare down the scale in your bathroom. Big items take up more space in the bathroom and look bulky. Corner sinks are simple and small. These sinks free up visual space below, but don't provide the counter space and cabinet space that a traditional sink provides. Another option is a pedestal sink. These sinks have a more classic design and are free standing. Wall-mounted sinks save space but do not have counter space. Both types of sinks do not provide storage space underneath. Most home-improvement stores stock smaller sinks, or you can custom order one from a cabinet shop for a price.

A simple way to conserve space is to do away with a tub and just use a shower. Smaller tubs, however, are available, although most cannot handle whirlpool faucets. Any tub less than five feet long will probably spill the water sprayed by the whirlpool faucets.

Pick a toilet that can sit close to the wall to conserve space, and the size of the seat and tank design determine just how much space the toilet will use. Also pay attention to the size of the home's original toilet. Older homes have toilets with 10 to 14 inches between the wall and the toilet drain, but newer homes typically have 12 inches. The wrong toilet won't fit. Buying a toilet with a low tank takes up less visual space and compact toilets leave more room, but as with any small bathroom remodeling project, use these suggestions to find a toilet that is both stylish and fits in the room.

Finally, limit what you bring into the bathroom. To save space in a cramped bathroom, for example, it may be best to have a dressing area in a bedroom. Limit the number of accessories -- clutter can easily make a small bathroom look smaller.

Planning a small remodeling may take extra planning, but the resulting clean, beautiful, an uncluttered bathroom will be an inviting space.