Author: Astoria

Bathrooms are must-haves of every house. While they might look small in size, they are very complicated inside. This is the very reason washrooms are expensive to redesign or remodel. They need thorough maintenance as an issue in one system can affect the whole space. To manage it well and minimize the expenses, people often look into the option of getting a jack and jill bathroom made. If you think you might be interested in this idea, then here is all you need to know; 

What Is a Jack and Jill Bathroom?

A jack and jill bathroom is the one which is shared between the two rooms. It had doors and locks on both sides. So if one goes into the toilet from one side, they need to make sure that both the doors are locked, and other ones manage the time accordingly. It can have separate sinks, but the toilet and shower area is the same for everyone. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of the Jack and Jill Bathroom?

Jack and Jill bathrooms are excellent options if you have space issues in the house. We can’t live without toilets, but we can not give them a lot of space, yet we need them to have all the things we need. So a solution to all these problems is a jack and jill bathroom. 

Another reason behind getting one made is it saves money. You only have to put money into making one bathroom rather than two. You can double up on the amenities if you want. You can have two sinks, mirrors, or closets to make it easier for multiple people to use the space simultaneously. So you can use better and good quality things and materials in this one. 

If you have a big family, then it is beneficial. One person can brush the teeth or use the toilet while the other person takes a shower. Since the shower has a door, it ensures privacy. 

It is easy to access. If your rooms have a bathroom directly attached to them, you do not have to go all the way to some other space to use it. This becomes easier for older parents and small kids. 

One of the issues with jack and jill washrooms is managing time. For example, two people have to take a bath simultaneously; then you need to decide who is going first and who is going second. This can be a bit of trouble if there is an urgent meeting or so. 

Another issue is if there is something wrong in the bathroom, and it needs to get fixed, then all the users of that bathroom have to suffer. You need to ensure its maintenance to avoid any such issue later. 

Jack and Jill bathrooms are a perfect option for those who live with a big family and have less space in the house. They give you the chance to invest in better quality material and make the most out of it. If you plan to get one, make sure you hire the right home remodeling contractor to help you get the best results. You can find one by doing some market research. Ask people around for some good reviews, check the contractor’s experience and their previous work samples. Compare the services and price ranges. Once you find the right one, choose them, and make sure you understand the contract’s terms and conditions before signing it with them. Good luck and happy remodeling!

A garage is an extension of your house. You have it to keep your car safe and secure, but it serves many other purposes. When you have a lot of stuff to fit in your house, you might keep some in the garage, or you are too busy cleaning the home that you often end up ignoring the garage. So if you are guilty of doing that, then let’s do something better this time. Here are some of the ways to remodel and reorganize your garage so that it looks all neat and clean;

Clear the Clutter 

The rule of thumb before you redesign or reorganize any space is to clear all the clutter. You might not remember what you have kept in there. So take a day or two out. Take out all the stuff you have saved inside there. Sort them out. Keep what you like and throw the useless stuff. Try to recycle and reuse as many things as possible. Once you get rid of all the waste, you can start designing the look of the space. 

A bonus tip here is to label everything you plan to keep. Be it the old documents, tools, or something else, put a label on them so that you do not have to struggle a lot when finding these things. 

Utilize the Space Properly 

If you have a small garage space but a lot of things to put, utilize the space smartly. Don’t just rely on the floor for storage; use the walls too. You can install some cabinets or shelves to put some stuff up there, and it will look organized also. 

Install Bike Racks 

Your garage is not just for the car but also for all the bikes you own. Be it one bike or more, them lying around on the floor just make the space very congested. So it is better to install bike racks so that you can use the base and available space for other stuff. It will give an elegant look to the area as well. 

Flooring 

Choosing the right floor for the garage is a must. It is not only to ensure smooth parking for the car but for other activities too. For example, the right floor will be easier to clean and maintain. It is more durable. You can go for a concrete floor coating, which resists any stains and damage from the chemicals used in cars or other purposes. Also, be mindful of the seasons. A concrete floor is useful when you want to avoid any falls or slips caused due to rain or snow. 

The Walls

The garage should be looked at as a part of the house, which is infrequent use. You not only park your vehicle but also store other stuff there too. So if the weather conditions are extreme, you might not want to go there. This is why you should have a sound exhaust system there to ensure it’s cooling in summers. For winters, insulated walls are the best options; apart from that, paint the walls with some good colors to create a good mood for space. 

A garage is an extension of your house. It also requires maintenance to stay in good shape. So it is better to get it designed so that it is easier to maintain and clean. To help you in this regard, hiring the best home remodeling contractor would be a perfect choice. You can look around for various options, compare their experience, find some good reviews, and hire the best one out of the lot. So hurry up and start work! Happy remodeling!

One does not have to be a fitness freak to join a gym or have one at home. It is essential for all to stay fit and healthy to avoid many diseases and complications in life. Fitness has become even more critical this year. We all have mostly stayed home to keep safe from the virus. When you stay home, it is highly likely that you do not have any physical activity on a daily basis, and you are consuming a lot of food. This means that you must have gained some weight, which needs to be worked upon. Since the virus’s fear is real, gyms are mostly close, and you might not get a chance to join them soon. So to make things easier, you can make a small home gym. Here is a small guide on how to create a home gym 

Choosing the Right Space

To make a small gym at home, the first thing is to find the right place. You can either make it a part of your bedroom or find a tiny area near the hall or a small room; it depends on where you find it easy and comfortable. Find a place with the least distractions and less interference from the family members so that you can easily do your workout without any disturbances. It is also nice to wake up to some natural light and do some yoga or gym as it makes you feel better. So keep these things in mind when choosing a room. 

Machines 

For a gym at home, you do not have to buy all those fancy and giant machines you see at your gym. You can start with simple and basic ones. A typical machine that you find in a lot of households is a treadmill. It is a good workout. You can get a stationary bike, too, if you want a rigorous muscle workout. You can get one or two of them, get started with them, and then buy new ones accordingly. 

Some Essentials 

It is not very important to have big machines in your home. If you do not have space or can’t afford these machines, some essentials can help you. For example, you can start with some yoga or meditation. For that, you will need an exercise mat. It will make the floor comfortable for you to sit and lie down. 

Other basics include resistance bands, dumbbells, a stability ball, and a jump rope. These few things can help you do some exercises as a warm-up or even intense ones. Also, make sure that you do not put a lot of pressure on your body all at once. Plan a workout with a professional to avoid any injuries later. 

Designing the Space

After choosing a corner or room in the house to make into a gym, get the basics and any machine if you can. Once you have all these things, you should start designing the room. It is better to place a mirror in the room to see if you are doing the exercise the right way. Some good lighting or natural lighting will be of big help. If you want to make it a fun space, then add some decorations and be creative. 

With the sedentary lifestyle we have, it is essential to have a fitness routine. Gyms might be closed, but that doesn’t mean you can do it at home. You can have a small gym at home. Find a corner or a room in the house. Get it renovated or remodeled if needed, and start the planning right now. Start the new year with some useful exercises and have a happy fit new year! Happy gyming!  

Bathrooms are the must-haves of every house. We all had a good time there. This is why it also has to be a properly designed space. Bathrooms might be of small sizes, but they have a lot going on. Be it the lighting, plumbing, water supply, toilet, electric wires, and whatnot. It is essential to get it designed nicely so that things do not mess up later. So if you plan to get your bathroom remodeled anytime soon, then here is how to remodel the bathroom like an expert;

Choosing the Right Color 

The importance of choosing the right color for any room is always ignored. We don’t realize how much the color impacts the mood and the look of the house. For example, light or neutral shades make the space look more spacious, and dark colors make it all cozy and sometimes dramatic. So when choosing the color for the bathroom, be very mindful. Whatever color you choose, it should complement the tiles you put and other furniture there. 

Mirror on the Wall 

If you always use the mirror before you step out of the house, you are not alone. We all love seeing ourselves in the mirror, especially when getting ready. So make sure that you have a big size mirror placed in the bathroom. It will not only help you but add some glamor to the bathroom as well. You can look for different shapes, styles, and sizes in the mirror.

Utilizing the Space 

Not everyone has big room-sized bathrooms. This is the reason why you have to be very smart when utilizing the space. A bonus tip is to use the walls. If you do not have room for any cabinets to place under the vanity, use the walls to fix them. If you want to decorate it, you can do that there. You can fix hangers behind the doors or on the walls. There are different sizes, shapes, and styles available as per your needs. You can also put some shelves up there on the wall and keep the shampoos, soaps, and other stuff over there. 

Exhaust 

An essential thing is the exhaust system of the bathrooms. Bathrooms are the place where water is present all the time. You might take a bath and not dry the area, or you might have some pipelines in there that can leak, which means the presence of moisture over there. This moisture can prove to be very bad for everything else present in the house. It is so because moisture encourages the formation of mold. Mold can ruin things for you. So make sure that you have a sound exhaust system that helps you dry the bathroom out. Apart from its usefulness, you can place a good exhaust fan that improves the bathroom’s overall look.  

Bathrooms are must-haves, and we all spend a reasonable amount of time there. This is the reason why they should be designed as per the needs and level of comfort. It should be a very well designed space that makes you feel relaxed and has everything easy to use and maintain. Since it is a very complicated space in terms of its overall design, you must invest in some good quality material that is durable, easy to use, maintain, and affordable. To help and guide you further, you can hire the right remodeling contractor for more services. Don’t waste time in planning; get the best contractor available, and start the redesigning process now! Happy shopping!  

One of the best things about growing up with your siblings is to share a room with them. From pillow fights to decorating together, we all miss this when we are no longer living together. Two siblings might share the room, but they are different individuals with different needs. To cater to them, it is essential to design their space accordingly. So if you are someone who has two kids living in the same room, here are some tips on how to design a bedroom for the siblings; 

The Bunk Bed 

One of the first thoughts when deciding upon a bed for the siblings is getting a bunk bed. They not only save space, but they are fun too. The siblings can talk to each other or share their stories while trying to sleep. It is an excellent way to let them bond and do something naughty with each other. Apart from that, bunk beds leave space for other furniture pieces. You can get cupboards or study tables for the kids. The bunk beds can be designed in a fun and exciting way too. So you have space for other stuff and some creativity also. So now, decide who is going to sleep on the top?

Storage 

Two or more siblings means more clothes, books, toys, and other stuff. This surely means that you need more space for storage. Not everyone has a big size bedroom to adjust it all, so you need to be smart when it comes to storage. There are a few ways to deal with this issue. One way is to have beds with an inbuilt storage area. This way, the space utilized by beds will be efficient in its use. Another way to maximize space is by getting rolling cabinets that can be fit under the beds. You can also have multipurpose use of furniture. Not just the floors, you can use the walls for hanging some clothes or accessories. You can get shelves for the walls to keep the toys, books and other stuff too. So, in short, you need to be very smart in terms of utilizing the available space. 

Designing 

Every space in the house is designed according to the activities performed there and the involved age group. This is why the bedroom for parents is more decent and has lighter tones while the one for kids is always colorful and something fun. If you have a boy and a girl, then you need to be mindful of both. You should design the room so that half of it is there for the boy and half of it will suit the girl. Be it choosing their favorite colors, accessories, or the things they need regularly, you need to cater to their needs. 

Getting Creative 

The young minds are curious and filled with the urge to be creative. So it would be best if you did not stop the creative juices from flowing. When designing the space for the kids, let them give their creative input. If they want to try some DIY, then let them do it for fun! 

When designing any space, it is essential to understand what it will be used for and who will use it. This helps you create as per the needs and the resources available. So to get the best room designed for your kids or siblings, hire the right remodeling contractor and achieve the best results possible. So what are you waiting for? Start the search now!

Designing a bathroom is not as easy as it looks. It is a small place which has a lot of things fixed in it, and at the same time, it has to look good too. Over the years, there has been a change in design trends. Talking specifically about the shower area, some bathrooms have doors for walk-in showers, and some don’t. Whatever the choice is, the aim is to give it a classy and elegant look. So if you are planning to get your bathroom designed from scratch or remodel it completely, then here are the pros and cons of doorless walk-in showers;  

Why Should You Opt for Doorless Walk-in Showers?

The size of the bathroom varies from house to house. Some like it big, and others have to compromise on the size. Anyways, having doorless walk-in showers makes your bathroom more spacious. When there is a door for the shower area, it blocks the view for the rest of the space, and hence it looks very congested or small. 

Another point that favors doorless walk-in showers is that you don’t need to think about the door that you will be placing. When you have a door for the shower area, you need to make sure it looks perfect with the design, and it is all well coordinated. So you can save some brains and money here.  

If you plan to sell your house anytime soon, there will be purchasers that want to make changes to the bathrooms as per their needs. If you have doorless walk-in showers, it will be easier for them to remodel because the design is universal and simple. Otherwise, they have to work extra to get the bathroom made accordingly. 

Having a door for the shower also causes the accumulation of moisture in the shower area. Since space is enclosed with moisture in it, there is a possible growth of bacteria or fungus. 

Apart from all of these pros, you also get to design your bathroom more beautifully. Because you don’t have any door to block the shower area’s view, you need to make sure it looks good when you enter the space. So you can choose the shower heads and other stuff that looks aesthetic. 

Why Should You Not Opt for Doorless Walk-in Showers?

Doorless walk-in showers have their cons, too, that might convince you to get doors. 

Having doorless walk-in showers means that there will be an evident lack of privacy. So if you want privacy in there, you will have to look for a shower area door. 

If you think you are the only one who doesn’t like taking showers in winters, then you are not alone. The cold air that enters the washroom when taking a bath is the worst thing. So if you have a door in the shower area, you are saved. 

It might be surprising, but doorless walk-in showers are more expensive than the ones with doors. It is so because the design needs to look aesthetic and elegant because now you can see the whole bathroom from the entrance. 

If you thought designing a bathroom is easy, you might have to rethink because it clearly isn’t. These are some of the pros and cons of having a doorless walk-in shower. Ensure that you look at the list, see what suits you better, and go ahead with the implementation process. Don’t forget to hire the right remodeling contractor that helps you achieve the best results possible. Happy remodeling!

Bathrooms are the must-haves of every place. You can not live without them. We all spend a fair amount of time daily in the washroom. It is a place to get refreshed, and hence it should be designed accordingly. Bathrooms have different sizes depending on the area you have in the house, but whatever size they are, bathrooms are complicated in terms of their design. It is a small space where you get the plumbing, electrical work, and other stuff done altogether. So it is essential to get it done right; otherwise, it can be very messed up. So to help you more, here are some tips to make your bathroom look perfect; 

The Floor 

The floor of the bathroom is very important. They are exposed to water for a reasonable amount of time than any other floor. You don’t want to enter the bathroom with the fear of getting slipped on the floor. To ensure safety and the stylish look of the space, investing in some stone or ceramic tiles are the best option. This way, your bathroom will look excellent as well as slip-resistant. You can choose any color, but the best one would be to select shades of neutrals. This way, the floor won’t be the main center of attention and yet cover it all. Also, make sure that the tiles are fixed adequately with enough material inside them to not come out in a short period. 

Lighting 

Lighting is the key to let space shine. No matter how well-designed your space is, if you can’t see it, you won’t be able to make the most out of it. And since it is the washroom where you need to see yourself in the mirror, it is even more critical to get the lighting right. If you have a small restroom, it might look very dark and congested. So good lighting can help you by making it look spacious and bright. Also, if the bathroom is located in a way that ensures your privacy, then don’t ignore the possibility of making the most out of natural lighting. 

The Sink 

Apart from the toilet, another very important element in the bathroom is the sink. The sink usually takes up a lot of space if it comes with a countertop. So when choosing one, make sure that you choose it wisely, keeping in mind the area it will occupy and the look it will give to the room. You can choose to have a sink without a countertop or one with some cabinets to make smarter use of space. Whatever you choose, just make sure that you use good quality material that can stay in good shape and color after good use and some fair amount of time. 

Keeping it Decent

Bathrooms are must-haves in the house, but that doesn’t mean that you put in a lot of amount on them. They should be easy to use and comfortable but at the same time not too fancy. This is specifically important if you plan to change the house soon. If so, then look at it through a purchaser’s eye. If there is already so much work done in the washroom, it will be high maintenance, too much to pay for, and not easy to get it redesigned. So keeping it simple will make things easier for both parties. Apart from that, keeping it simple means that it is easier to use and accessible for everyone, be it the older one or differently-abled. 

A bathroom might look small, but it is indeed a very complicated space to design. Make sure that you hire the right remodeling contractor to help you achieve the best results. 

Furniture is a very essential and fundamental part of the house. Good furniture designs can completely change the look of the home. This is the reason why you should invest in some cool designs and also maintain them. If you plan to buy a house or renovate it anytime soon, then you have an excellent chance to elevate your style by getting some stylish furniture pieces. In case you want some help in choosing, here are some furniture pieces that give a contemporary look to your house; 

Sofas and Couches 

Sofas and couches add a prominent element of royalty and style to your space. They fill up space in the living room where the whole family comes together and wants to sit comfortably while enjoying their time together. There are so many designs, sizes, and colors out there available in sofas that you can choose from. Be it English, Camelback, chesterfield, recliner, or bridge water sofas; you have many ranges to decide from. If you want more space in the house and less furniture, then a sleeper sofa comes to the rescue. They can be converted into beds very easily. So look at your home and see which sofa suits the decor.

Dining Table 

A dining table is a place for all the conversations for the family. It is where everyone comes together after a hectic day at work or school and shares the stories. To make sure that everyone is feeling comfortable and happy at the same time, it is essential to have a lovely dining table that accommodates everyone pretty well. A big and fancy dining table is the focal point of the house. So make sure that you invest in some good designs as well as quality. 

Floating Shelves 

Floating shelves are very much in trend these days. They give a very contemporary look to the house. Having such shelves allow you to be creative and add some glamour to the home. Try looking for some fun decorations or showpieces that you can put on these shelves. This way you can decorate the house without taking up a lot of space too. 

Tables 

We all have so many things in the house that need to be kept in place. The best way to put things where they should be is by getting some tables for the home. An even better way to do so is by getting multipurpose tables for the house; you can use them as bedside tables, use them to do some work, put some coffee by your side, or even some showpieces. So look around for such tables that can make the house look more organized and well-kept as well. 

Artwork 

Nothing can give your house a more aesthetic and personal touch as any artwork does. Walk into the room, and you see a beautiful painting showing the efforts and creativity of an artist; this can be very pleasant as well as encouraging. Having paintings around the house describes your personality and your taste. This way, you make your home look more aesthetic and play your part in saving and conserving the art of an artist. 

Lamps 

Lighting makes a big difference. No matter how beautiful your room is, it fails to impress if it is not well lit. Lighting and that too in the form of beautiful lamps can add so much value to your house. You can keep some lamps near sofas, beds or at some table. It will enhance the features of the place.Decorating your house is not that difficult. Small changes but quality ones will enhance the beauty of it like anything. So if you are in a mood to make your house look good, contact a remodeling contractor, get your home renovated and add these fantastic stylish pieces to the house. Happy shopping!

No matter how fancy or well designed your house is, it will all fail to impress if there is no adequate lighting to let it shine. Lighting is essential as it completely transforms the look of the space. Specifically talking about your kitchen, lighting is necessary. Be it to enhance the beautiful cabinets you have installed or your cooking, good lighting will always help. Lighting might sound expensive due to the lost energy; however, with the innovations in the field, LED lighting has made things better. So if you have remodeled your kitchen with beautiful cabinets, here are some lighting ideas for you; 

What to Look for in Lights?

Before you delve into the options you have in under-cabinet lighting ideas for the kitchen, it is essential to understand what you are precisely looking for in them. First is the wiring. There are usually two options: hardwiring, directly connected to the existing wiring of the house, and a plugin, which draws power from a direct source like the wall’s sockets. Usually, plugins are preferred as they are more professional, and the former needs a professional for setup. Another thing to look for is dimming capability. You might not always want a very bright space, so it is better to have lights that give you the option to make them dim or bright. Also, when buying lights, make sure that you look into how energy efficient these bulbs are to make a decision accordingly. 

Lightbars

If you don’t want any fancy lights but want to ensure that the place is uniformly and brightly lit, you should get light bars. Lightbars can be placed right under the cabinets throughout the kitchen. This way, you can perform your tasks properly. These light bars can also be easily connected, and you can control them from one switch only. So it’s easy, convenient, functional, and works well for you. 

Tape/strip Lights 

Tape/strip lights are very much in trend these days because they are affordable, light up space well, and look neat. They can be cut into different sizes as per your need. You can place them anywhere, and they will enhance the design of your kitchen. They are straightforward to use and look neat as well. 

Round Lights 

If you want any specific area to be all bright while others are not, then a round bulb should be your go-to. They give a dramatic look to the place. They are easy to install and come in halogen or xenon bulbs. If you plan to light up the whole space with them, then you might have to install quite a few of them. An issue that occurs with them is that they might heat up quickly, so you need to be careful about that. 

Led Strips/Bulbs 

LED bulbs are very common these days as they not only brighten up your space well but are also energy saving. This makes them a top choice when it comes to lighting. They last longer, are of good quality and affordable too. They come in different sizes. You can get strips like tape lights or bulky bulbs. It all depends on what type of space you want to install them in. Just keep one thing in mind that you try them out before finalizing them. Since they are LED, make sure that the light’s color goes well with your kitchen setup. 

Lighting is essential. It brightens up space and makes it look so much better with all the features enhanced. If you are getting your kitchen remodeled and getting some cool cabinets, make sure to get some good under-cabinet lights for it. Happy shopping! 

Home renovations are a very crucial task. It would be best if you were very specific when it comes to remodeling your house. It is so because you need to have enough money to start a remodeling project at home. The second is that if you do not have enough money, you might have to look into the option of getting loans. The third is to get the right remodeling contractor. Apart from all these an essential thing to decide upon is which renovations should be done and which should not. Some renovations can affect your return on investment positively, while some affect it negatively. If you are not aware of the negative ones, here is a list of such few renovations you can avoid; 

Customization 

We all love designing our houses in a way that reflect our personalities and comfort zone. You can and should do that, but only if you plan to live in that house for a reasonable amount of time. For example, many people like having a hobby room or maybe a small home-based office for themselves. It is good to have that if you know that you will be staying in the house for some good time. If you plan to sell your home anytime soon after getting it remodeled, it is better not to get any customized design done to your house as everyone has their preferences. Keep it all simple and do things that are sought in the market when buying a home. This will help you spend money on better things. 

Swimming Pool 

Pools are all fun as long as you do not have to look after their maintenance yourself. Yes, that’s where it fails to impress your potential purchasers. Pools make your house look luxurious and fancy, but there is a lot of things to be taken care of when you have a pool in the house. Be it ensuring your children’s safety, getting insurance if there is an unfortunate incident or the waste of water for some; it is a lot to handle at times. So having a pool or investing in a pool right before selling your house is not an excellent choice to make. So be very mindful before you look into this option. 

Removing the Bathtub 

The idea of having a walk-in shower and a big bathroom looks cool to you but not to everyone else, especially to the people that have small babies at home. A big mistake that people often make when remodeling their bathrooms is removing their bathtub, thinking that a bigger washroom is better. However, considering many people like having bathtubs in their bathrooms, it is better to let the tub be so that the potential customers do not get disappointed about it. 

All About the Walls 

Who doesn’t love doing some DIYs that make your house look pretty? You might not like your wall color or find it dull or boring, so you end up painting it on your own. However, what you want, or like doesn’t necessarily mean that the purchasers also like it. Because of these DIY painted walls, the purchaser might have to think about repainting and looking into possible expenses in this regard, so they might, in return, end up not be buying your house. Not just DIY but too much wallpaper or texture on the walls and ceilings can be a big no-no for other people. So to avoid all these possible rejections, it is better to keep it all neutral and basic. 
Home renovations require a reasonable sum of money. This is why you should think a lot before getting any work done so that you do not regret it later. Some of the renovations that can affect your ROI are mentioned above. Do check them out and avoid getting such things done to save money in the long run!