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| February
17th - 19th
Show Times
Fri, Feb. 17th
Noon - 9 pm
Sat, Feb. 18th
10 am - 9 pm
Sun, Feb. 19th
10 am - 5 pm
Location
Seagate Convention Centre
Downtown Toledo, OH
Tickets
Adults $8 • Seniors $7
Discount tickets available at Toledo area Andersons
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Remodeling Your Bath
Whether you’re planning to sell your home, or just want a new look, remodeling the bathroom can give you a good return on your investment. But first, decide on a budget, then make a plan that considers your taste and lifestyle.
Recent trends have shown that people are spending a large amount of their remodeling dollars on the master bathroom. Extra luxuries, such as waterfall showerheads and slate walls, are showing up in older homes. Enlarged shower and bathing spaces are great features for personal pampering. Updating fixtures also increases the value of the remodel project.
Updating the Tub Surround and Ceramic Tile
Updating your tub and bathroom tiles can involve either installing a new tub surround or new tiles, or it can be as easy as reglazing your existing bath, shower enclosure or tile.
Installing a tub surround is an easy way to upgrade your bath and save your walls from water damage. For the experienced do-it-yourselfer, the project can be completed in a couple of hours. For beginners, it may take a little longer.
Tub surrounds come in all shapes, sizes, colors and configurations. Select the one most appropriate for your room and gather your materials and tools before beginning.
Another way to change the look of your tub and its surround is to have it reglazed. According to Robert Gayler of Bath Magic, Inc., reglazing can make old tubs, tiles and sinks look up-to-date and great at a fraction of the cost of replacement and in much less time. He explains that the finish they use is strong, durable and easy to care for — no need for scrubbing with harsh cleansers.
“If your sink, tub or tiles are in good shape, you may just want to update the color,” he says. “Bath Magic can match the current colors offered by American Standard and Kohler, the top two leading bathroom fixture manufacturers.”
Find a Faucet to Suit Your Fancy
There are numerous faucet styles to choose from — such as wall-mount or deck-mount, widespread or center-set, and single handle or cross lever — and the options for personalizing your bath are endless.
Center-set faucets have the spout and hot and cold handles combined on a single base unit, while widespread models have the spout and hot and cold handles all mounted separately. Both are designed to fit most three-hole sinks and come in a wide array of styles.
Deck-mounted faucets are installed at the same level as the sink and are available in center-set and widespread models. Those with a higher arching, elongated spout have made a splash in the bath in recent years. The high arc faucets offer more room to wash your hands, get a drink of water, or even wash your hair. Some manufacturers offer complementary accessories, such as towel bar and ring, paper holder and tank lever for a coordinated look.
Wall-mounted faucets are gaining in popularity, because they free up needed counter space and make cleaning around the sink easier. However, they require special installations behind the wall and cannot easily replace an existing deck-mounted faucet. They are often paired with a beautifully designed vessel sink to make a dramatic decorating statement.
Handles are another consideration: choose between single and two-handle faucets. Single handle faucets can be easier to use and more convenient, particularly for children or individuals who may have difficulty turning a lever. Two-handle faucets offer a broader variety of design options and are more prevalent in powder rooms and master baths. Plus, you get more choices of handle styles, which include lever, cross or knob.
Aside from the style, you need to consider what finish you want your faucets and fixtures to have. There’s such a broad array of designer finishes. Along with the traditional brass and classic chrome, you’ll find oil rubbed bronze, copper, polished, brushed and satin nickel, and more.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match finishes. Polished brass light fixtures, hardware, towel bars, shower doors, and faucets can add ambiance to any elegant bathroom, while brushed nickel light fixtures, hardware and towel bars combined with satin nickel shower doors and faucets can make for a sleek, contemporary look. If metal isn’t your style, try looking at various shades of baked-on enamel. You’re sure to find a wide range of colors to suit any décor.
Use The Latest Faux Techniques And Colors For Your Bathroom Walls
Using the latest faux techniques and colors such as watery blues and pale greens will help turn your bathroom into a haven for relaxation. Faux techniques are easy to accomplish and give an entirely new feel to the bath.
Puffy clouds floating across a crisp blue sky on a beautiful spring day has the power to make you feel refreshed. With the cloud sponging technique of faux finish, you can have that same feeling every time you enter the bathroom.
Another sponging technique that will make a wall really stand out is called frottage. It involves three different colors being applied and then, after being blended together, torn shapes of newspaper are smoothed onto the wall and then peeled off. If you add a translucent metallic finish, you’ll achieve a wonderful shimmer.
For a soft, sophisticated look, use the travertine marble. Other finishes to consider are granite, a diagonal blend or cabana stripe. Instructions, materials, and supplies are available at any paint or do-it-yourself store.
Concentrate On Flooring
The bathrooms in many new homes boast ceramic flooring and countertops. The rule of thumb is to use larger tiles in small spaces to give the illusion of space. Laminates, both wood and ceramic, are gaining in popularity, especially for the do-it-yourselfer. They’re not as expensive and reasonably easy to install.
There is a wide range of flooring options for your remodeled bathroom. Keep in mind that you may wish to have the same material for the vanity countertops, or at least blend. Probably, the most luxurious flooring for your bathroom would be heated tile. It’s available with most all ceramic, slate, granite and stone tiles.
As you look at all your options, don’t forget to look beyond color and consider also the texture and tile dimensions. Usually, using larger tiles in smaller spaces gives the illusion of a bigger room. Wood gives a warm feel to the bathroom. Warm up marble, slate and ceramic tile bathrooms with sumptuous rugs and mats. Whether you choose natural stone, real hardwoods or laminates or linoleum, think about their durability and usage.
When it comes to remodeling your bathroom, every aspect offers endless choices. Do-it-yourselfers can find plenty of help at the local DIY store. For those who prefer to let others do it, talk to your contractor.
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