From the Floors Up

Should I Remodel the Laundry Room?

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For a room that is always in use, laundry rooms tend to be an afterthought when it comes to decorating or remodeling. Most homeowners don’t take the time to design or decorate the laundry room. After all, these utility spaces are often awkwardly shaped and small. Since we tend to spend a lot of time in them, it is time to show it some special attention! Remodeling the laundry room is a great way to improve function, make it look better and feel nicer so that spending more time in there is more enjoyable. Are you ready to do laundry in style? Here are some features you should think about when remodeling the laundry room:

Function

Often, we do more than just wash clothes in this space. Laundry rooms are usually used to store cleaning supplies, random goods, and they sometimes double as a mudroom. While planning out how you want to remodel the room, make sure you design a space that is able to handle a variety of activities. You might want to implement more storage nooks and shelvings or switch out the flooring for something that is easier to maintain.  

Do have a proper place to wash the dog? When remodeling the laundry room, consider adding a pet washing station since there’s already plumbing in this room. Why not take the steps to make your life easier?

Make Laundry Day Easier 

When remodeling the laundry room, you will definitely want to consider how you do laundry. Yes, the way you wash, dry and fold are important factors because the new design should make these activities more manageable to complete. If you have a large family and you tend to do laundry a few days out the week, implementing individual hampers or baskets might be more efficient. If you prefer to fold clothes in the laundry room, adding in extra countertop space would be ideal.  Mounting a television in the laundry room could also make laundry days go by much faster.  

Investing in New Appliances 

Tired of the clunky washer and dryer that just does not work like they once did? If you have decided to switch out your old appliances, you will have to determine what kind of washer and dryer you want. Stacked appliances can save on space, but you might need a stool to reach the controls. Front-loading machines allow you to expand countertop space over them.  Many of today’s appliances are manufactured in bold hues which are great for adding style or brightening the laundry room. If you’re planning on moving the appliances out, this is a great time to also replace the floors.

Decorating

Decorating the laundry room does not have to be expensive. Experiment with color, and personalize the area with rugs, artwork, and signs and photos. Use decorative or colorful tile on the walls to add a pop of color.

Three Bathroom Problems Solved

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Do you feel you like you barely have room to move around in your bathroom? If you are tired of bumping into the sink every time you hang up a towel, it may be time you employ techniques that enable you to increase your sense of space. From smart storage solutions to visually enhancing your space, you can turn a small, awkward bathroom into something comfortable and chic with just a bit of planning.

Problem # 1: Lack of Storage

Is your bathroom vanity cluttered with products? Does it seem like there is no place to store extra towels, toiletries and cleaning supplies? We understand that there is nothing like a clean, streamlined bathroom, but finding space to store those extra items can seem impossible.

The Solution

Steal space from territory that has not been used in the bathroom. This can be the blank walls next to your vanity mirror, the area above your toilet, or corners that go unused. You can even consider adding a shampoo niche inside your shower so that you can keep soap and shampoo off the countertops and floors. Also, be sure to use baskets to keep small toiletries and items neat and organized. Lastly, do not forget about the space behind the toilet. Perhaps, you can add some style and storage with a beautiful shelving system or cabinet.

Problem # 2: Tiny Blueprint

Are you adding a master bath to your bedroom but find that there is little room to add in a toilet and sink? Do not worry this is a common problem that several homeowners will face.

The Solution

Try expanding the sense of floor space by keeping everything off the floor. Opt for a floating toilet and sink. By suspending these items, it will help make the room feel much bigger. Additionally, keep furniture to a minimum. Furniture and bulky items can create an overwhelming atmosphere. Opt for lightweight, smaller pieces to create a sense of balance in your small space.

Problem # 3: No Room for Separate Shower Stall

Do you want a separate shower enclosure but there is no room? If your home has one main bathroom, you may find that keeping the bathtub is necessary.

The Solution

You can turn that small space between the bathtub and the sink into a shower stall by installing tile or other wet-room flooring. Use a frameless shower stall to avoid making a visual interruption, or you can do something traditional by combining the bathtub and shower. You might think that a small bathroom would require the use of smaller tiles, but often the opposite is true. The less visual interruptions or lines that your eye has to dissect, the larger the room will feel. Work with your flooring professional to determine the best size tile for your space. You might be surprised!

Tips for Clearing Clutter

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If your New Year’s resolution is to get more organized and clear out the clutter in your home, then you came to the right place!

Getting rid of clutter can be very freeing! Find out how to get rid of clutter the easy way. The best way to cut ties with things you have been holding on to is to ask yourself a few of questions about the item in question.

Do I have the space available to keep storing this item? If the answer is no, then toss or donate the item. Space is so valuable and you always seem to need more of it. If you could store other things, which you use on a regular basis, clear out this space and put it to good use. Your closet is a great place to start with this one!

Do I have another item that serves the same or similar purpose? If yes, then you need to consider which item is more practical. Also, consider which item is easier to store and takes up the least amount of space.

Am I holding on to this broken item with intentions to fix it? If yes, then you need to consider if it is worth saving. Ask yourself: “Can I fix this in the next two weeks?”  “Do I currently have the resources to fix it?” if your answer is no to either question then you should let the item go.

Have I used this in the last year? If you have been able to go about your day-to-day life without using this particular thing for a year, then chances are you do not need it. You may want to consider tossing it even if you have only used the item once or twice during the past year.

Have I been keeping this for sentimental reasons? We can become attached to things easily. Just by looking at an item can create a sense of nostalgia and we are leery of losing those feelings forever. Keep smaller sentimental things that can be put into a scrapbook or a small box. Take a photo of other items and create an album of photos of those things instead!

Why am I keeping this item? If you’re keeping something in case the person that gave it to you comes over, let that thought go. If you’re keeping it because you don’t have enough items to make it worth a trip to the donation place, simply find more things to declutter!

Keep this list of questions so you can de-clutter throughout the year. This list will help you keep the important items and cut ties with the rest!

A great step in sticking with your New Year’s resolution is to try to throw away or donate one trash bag worth of items each week. When you do this for a full year, you’ll find that the only things left in your home are things you really love and appreciate.

5 Remodeling Projects To Take On Before the Holiday

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Is your list of home improvement projects piling up? If you plan on hosting guests in your home during the holiday season you no doubt want it to look its best. Since it can be a huge challenge to get everything done in the nick of time, we’ve created a list of home improvement priorities you’ll need to focus on in order to get your house ready for visitors.

Below are five home improvement projects that will make a huge difference in your holiday season and for years to come.

  1. Get New Floors: Now is a great time to get new floors! New flooring can change the entire look and feel of your home. Many flooring retailers offer financing programs that can help you get the floors you really want before the holiday. When you get new floors it also provides great timing for changing furniture layouts, cleaning out drawers and cabinets – all good things to do before the end of the year.
  2. Upgrade Your Kitchen: Since there will be a lot of food preparation during the holidays you’ll want to ensure that your kitchen is both functional and stylish. Now is the time to invest in a new backsplash. Be sure to select a pattern that best represents your personality or that will be a timeless choice for resale, depending on your plans for your home.
  3. Install A New Stair Runner: Do your stairs look old and tired? Chances are your staircase is in the middle of your home where everyone can see it. Stairs get so much traffic it’s expected that after a while, they begin to look used, worn and even dirty despite regular cleaning efforts. Before your guests arrive, wouldn’t it feel great to update your stairs with a new runner or new carpet? There are numerous style options when it comes to choosing a stair runner. Will you choose a pattern? Or something with color?
  4. Make Over the Fireplace: Who doesn’t love to gather around the fireplace during the holidays? Give your fireplace a modern look by making an update. You can update the existing tile or stone that you already have. You can add more tile or stone by running it all the way to the ceiling creating a dramatic focal point for the room. You can add or update a mantle and change the look entirely!
  5. Create A Focal Point in the Room: Why not do something to wow your guests a little and create something that you can enjoy the rest of the year and for upcoming years? Do this by adding a focal point to the room. A focal point could be painting an accent wall a bold color or even a beautiful painting. You can mix prints as well as layer different shades within the same hue.

Give yourself the gift of something new for your home this year! You’ll be glad you did!

Bathroom Remodel Advice

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Completing a bathroom remodel can be exciting but can also be a little more complicated than you imagined. If you are not sure about what to focus on when remodeling your bath, you came to the right place! Here is our expert advice on beginning a bathroom remodel:

Flooring

Making sure you consider a flooring material that is water-resistant, scratch resistant and stain-resistant. Water is always going to be an issue in a bathroom when you are dealing with a shower, tub or sink. Make sure you install a durable choice like tile or luxury vinyl to ensure your floors stay protected from water. Natural Stone can also be a good choice if properly sealed. If you love the look of hardwood, but want a flooring choice that’s easier to maintain, consider luxury vinyl flooring. If you choose a surface like tile, don’t forget about areas like the tub splash, sink splash or the entire wall behind the mirror. These are great areas to add a decorative tile to give the room more personality and design.

Storage

Clutter can ruin a functional space, so take this opportunity to install as much storage space as you need to keep things tidy. If there was too much storage prior to your remodel, try sleeker shelving that will still get the job done. If you are working with a spare bathroom that doesnt’ get much use, you can skip the bulky cabinets and go with a more minimal look through open shelves or baskets. These will still hold the necessities for guests while taking up less square footage in the room. The more items guests can see, the more comfortable they will feel using them.

Fixtures

An attractive set of fixtures can amp up the style in your bathroom. To save space in a small spare bathroom, install a pedestal sink with just enough room for overnight guests to fit their travel kits. A claw-foot tub also makes a beautiful statement. For the master bath, try a vessel sink or an undermount sink to create a more unique look. The master can forgo a bathtub and have a beautiful stand-up shower with tile from top to bottom and be enclosed with clear glass doors to keep the room looking spacious.

Lighting

Most bathroom lighting fixtures are set above where you would be standing to look in the mirror. This casts shadows downwards and is not the most optimal use of light for getting ready in the morning. Try adjusting the lighting to eye level on each side of the mirror. In doing so, it will help cast the right lighting for makeup application as well as a morning shave.

Ask for Help

Finally, do not be afraid to ask for assistance if there are parts of this remodel that confuse you. It is better to ask for help prior to installation so you can prevent purchasing materials for the space that don’t serve your needs!

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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