HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
onto the mirror, so you can keep up with the latest baseball
scores or check the weather before going out.
Slate and marble tile are always elegant options for
bathrooms, but one of the latest trends in baths are porcelain
tiles that mimic wood. These tiles come in sizes up to 48” and
can be laid to look like natural woodgrain, without the worry
of water damage. The woodgrain appearance really warms up
the bathroom.
And speaking of warm – your toilet can be warm too.
Homeowners can opt for a “throne” with a retractable base
that comes out and heats your feet as well as the seat of the
toilet. And new touchless flushing helps prevent the spread of
germs among your family, along with a bidet, which ensures a
much cleaner experience.
You spend so much time in your bathroom every day. You
owe it to yourself to make it a more enjoyable place. And,
according to HGTV.com, bath remodels often offer a return
on investment of more than 100%!
THE GREAT ESCAPE –
YOUR BATHROOM
Though your bathroom may not spring to mind as the place to
hold your next cocktail party, with the right accoutrements, your
bath can be a great place to hang out and enjoy life. And if you
live with family members, it may be the only place in your house
where you can truly be alone for a bit.
Besides just being a place to “get ready” to meet the day, it’s
also a relaxing space to recharge your batteries after a long week
at work. Hydrotherapy is one of the best ways to relieve stress
and help tired, overworked muscles. With tons of specialized
showerheads, you can have everything from the sprinkle of a
gentle rain to an invigorating massage to bring your body back
to center. And a nice relaxing bath in a soaker tub can make the
world go away for a while.
If a homeowner is just updating and not moving plumbing,
heating ducts and electricity, the makeover can start at around
$10,000. The choices for today’s bath are incredibly enticing.
Many homeowners are opting for larger showers that will not
only get you clean, but can also bathe you in LED lighting that
changes colors to suit your mood. You can also enjoy your
favorite music in the shower to either calm you down after a
stressful day, or pep you up for the daily routine.
Vanities and bath cabinetry have also arrived in the 21st
century. Vanities are no longer empty-shell cabinets that open to
a cavernous interior with little customization. Current options
for drawers and cabinets include specialized areas for storing
your blow dryer neatly away and stackable storage options
for makeup. And while you’re standing in front of that vanity
applying your makeup, you can watch TV in the mirror! New
technology allows your favorite TV program to be projected
KITCHEN CUISINE
Whether your cooking style is Chicken Cordon Bleu, or just
some great Pad Thai take-out from the corner restaurant, you
need a place to prepare your meals that’s fun, organized and
feels like home.
Even in today’s hectic lifestyle, you’ll probably spend a
significant amount of time each day in your kitchen.
Though it’s a significant investment to update your kitchen,
it’s a worthwhile endeavor from both a personal standpoint
and a financial one. And like bathrooms, HGTV.com estimates
that a kitchen remodel can offer returns that are upwards of
100% on the resale of your house.
You can give your kitchen a whole new look in any style
from ultra‑contemporary to French country. Your designer
and builder can assist you with computer-aided design (CAD)
to help you envision your dream.
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CHARTIERS VALLEY ❘
SPRING 2020
29